Archive for June, 2010

Islands in Italy – The most beautiful Italian Islands, Part 2

June 23rd, 2010

The best islands to visit during your holidays in Italy


A few weeks ago I wrote about Volcanic Islands in Italy. It’s time to plan our holidays and this week I would like to present you a small selection of nice Islands which deserve to be visited. I’ve not inserted La Maddalena Island in my list as I’ve profusely written about it in the previous posts…I know I’m a little biased, but what can I do?!

Capri Island
Flickr

Location: Campania, Campania Archipelago
Surface: 10,36 Km2
Inhabitants: About 7,000
Description: Located in the Gulf of Napoli, Capri had been the place that inspired several artists, writers and intellectuals. It is often described as a “magic island”, reach in history and legends. The jagged coast is often fringed with sheer sea cliffs while the lowest part is in the centre of the island.

Elba Island
Flickr

Location: Tuscany, Tuscan Archipelago
Surface: 225 Km2
Inhabitants: About 31,600
Description: It is the third biggest Italian Island after Sicily and Sardinia. Elba Island represents the remaining stretch of land that one time linked Corsica with the peninsula. It is an appreciated touristic resort thanks to its transparent waters and its sandy beaches as well as the naturalistic and archaeological treasures of the inland parts of the island.

San Pietro Island
Flickr

Location: Sardinia, Sulcis Archipelago
Surface: 51 Km2
Inhabitants: About 4,400
Description: San Pietro Island is about 7 Km from the south-western coast of Sardinia. Its main centre is Carloforte, whose inhabitants speak a different language coming from the Ligurian. The coast is mainly rocky apart from the one in front of Carloforte, which on the contrary is flat and sandy.

Tremiti Islands
Flickr

Location: Apulia, Adriatic Archipelago
Surface: 3,13 Km2
Inhabitants: About 500
Description: Tremiti is a small archipelago in the Adriatic Sea but is one of the main touristic centres of the region. It has wild nature and blue sea and is protected from 1982, when it has become marine nature reserve.

Pantelleria Island
Flickr

Location: Sicily, Trapani
Surface: 83 Km2
Inhabitants: About 7,600
Description: Pantelleria is closer to Tunisia then to Italian coast. It is appreciated for the clearness of its waters and for the variety of its landscapes. The coast is reach in small coves and in several kinds of fish that can be easily admired.

Which island you would like to visit in your next holiday? Share your opinion with us!!!

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Palio di Siena Horse Race

June 18th, 2010

2nd July and 16th August: one of the most ancient horse races in the world

Flickr, Dean Ayres

The aim is not to be a touristic attraction, even if many tourists decide to visit the medieval city of Siena during these periods. The Palio di Siena has ancient origins and represents the life of the citizens of Siena in its different features.

Siena is divided in 17 districts called Contrade, each of them having their own name, government, emblems and colours.

For security reasons, the Contrade which can take part to the Palio are only 10. The remaining 7 will have a right to participate the following year, when the others 3 will be drawn. This happens for each of the two editions that usually take place during the year.

Flickr, Dean Ayres

The Palio take normally place twice a year: on 2nd July (Palio of Provenzano) and on 16th August (Palio of Madonna dell’Assunta). It can happen that a 3rd edition is organised in case of special events like the man on the moon or to celebrate the end of the XX century. These special editions are organized between May and September.

4 feast days
Actually, the Palio starts 4 days before the event. 10 horses are selected among 30 available and are then drawn lots and assigned to the Contrade, which start the heats to test the course.

The course is circular and takes place around the main place of the city: Piazza del Campo. To win the Palio, the horse-jockey has to go round the Piazza three times. But if he falls down, don’t worry: the horse can even go on without him and win the race alone!!!

Flickr, Dean Ayres

In fact, the horse is the real protagonist and the winner is celebrated by the Contradaioli (belonging to a Contrada) during the following months. In particularly, a special dinner is organised between September and October in the winning Contrada and a place of honour is reserved for him!

Choose the Piazza to attend the Palio!!!
You can attend the Palio for free in the Piazza together with the citizens of Siena. You have just to be aware that there are no toilets there available and that it could really be a very hot day, so provide a bottle of water with you!!

Flickr, yab994

If you rather prefer a more comfortable location, you can try to find a ticket for the tribune or to buy a place in a balcony or a window overlooking the Piazza. It is not very easy as there is not a central organization so you have to contact private citizens directly.

If you’re looking for an Hotel in Tuscany, please note that many Hotels provide special rates for the Palio. Take advantage of them to visit the fascinating Tuscany!!!

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Hotel of the month – Villa Ducale, Taormina 4*

June 10th, 2010

Time for a romantic holiday? Today’s tip is for YOU!!!

If you’re looking for a romantic accommodation in a dreaming location, Villa Ducale is exactly what you need. It is run with passion by Mr. and Mrs Quartucci, who always try to make their guests stay unforgettable. And they always manage to do it!!!

Location: Taormina, Sicily

Why does it deserve a mention?
Hotel Villa Ducale is an aristocratic Sicilian Villa converted to a charming Hotel just a few years ago. It disposes of 11 double rooms and 6 Suites, all furnished in typical regional style and offering a private panoramic terrace with a stunning view over Taormina.

Taormina itself is a valid reason to visit Sicily. It is one of the most popular Italian touristic resorts, perched on a mountain and overlooking the deep blue sea. Hotel Villa Ducale is located on a hill north of Taormina and allows enjoying both the quietness of the nature and the nearness to the city. You will enjoy your stay in Taormina by partecipating to the many events organized in summer (do not forget the Taormina Film Festival, which will start in a few days) or if you prefer you can just have a walk, relax and explore the surroundings.

The surrounding nature can be enjoyed from the panoramic balcony of each room. All the rooms, refined and comfortable, are furnished in typical Sicilian style.


Customized service and delicious Sicilian food
The owners love making guests feel at home. They organize refined Cocktails at the sunset in the fascinating panoramic terrace, which is also used for breakfast. As there are only 17 rooms, this means that private social evenings are organized exclusively for the guests of Villa Ducale!

The Villa is renowned in Taormina for the tasty buffet breakfast and for the Sicilian specialties served every day: appetizer, canapés hand-made cakes and much more to start the day in the best way!

Another important service offered by the Hotel is the shuttle to reach the private beaches, as well as the free shuttle to reach the centre of Taormina.

For many people, Villa Ducale is the most charming place in Taormina. Do you agree with them?! Share your opinion with us and submit to our RSS to stay updated with the most Charming Hotels around Italy!!!

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Taormina Film Festival 2010

June 3rd, 2010

Italy’s most important summer film event: the Taormina Film Festival

Credits: Flickr, ross.grady

The Ancient Taormina Theatre has been built during the III century B.C. and represents one of the most popular and well-preserved Sicilian monuments. It is the second biggest theatre in Sicily after the one in Siracusa. This wonderful location will be the setting of the 56th edition of the Taormina Film Festival.

Credits: Flickr, Bee721

The Taormina Film Festival will take place from 12th to 18th June. It is an important showcase for national and international film premières. 21 new features had been selected among the most relevant recent productions. They will be shown in the evocative atmosphere of Taormina Theatre unlike the previous edition, when the films had been shown all over Sicily.

In the previous 55th edition France was the guest of honour and this year Spain has received this chance. It will be honoured with the retrospective of 7 Spanish contemporary films and a Spagna Galà will take place in the fascinating Taormina theatre.


The aim is to spread the culture of the country as well as to show that often differences are only apparent.

Taormina Film Festival Prizes and contests
Prizes awarded at the Festival are for example the Golden Tauro for the best film and the Taormina Arte Awards for important personalities of the international film community, which this year will be assigned to the popular Robert De Niro, special guest.


The Festival includes three competitions: “Mediterranean” (for films produced in the Mediterranean area), “Beyond the Mediterranean” (for films produced all around the world) and the “Sicilian Short-Film Competition” in associations with N.I.C.E. (New Italian Cinema Events) of Florence, dedicated to short-films produced in Sicily.

A fusion between the ancient and the modern: the new 3D technology
A great news of this 56th edition of the Taormina Film Festival is the screening of Toy Story 3 in 3D, which will be shown in USA cinemas on June, 18th and in Italy only on July, 7th.

Toy Story will open the Festival on June, 12th with more than 3000 observers equipped with 3D glasses, who will enjoy the toys adventures in a unique background!
Don’t forget that all the premières are free! If you’re in the surroundings in that period, don’t miss it! If not, just take this opportunity to visit Sicily, Taormina and the surroundings by bringing with you one of your favourite italian books for relaxing moments, of course! It’s definitely worth it!!!

Taormina is a very appreciated destination in Sicily, both for its natural and cultural heritage. Just have a look here for selected luxury and charming Hotels in Sicily.

And if you need more information, do not hesitate to contact me and to subscribe to our RSS!!!

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