Travel & Hotspots
CROSSING AROUND ITALY
These are the most beautiful places
Yes friends, it's almost over with my obsessive bootland chatter, but now that I'm back, I'm getting all these messages and emails asking where all those sunny Insta-pics were taken. So I'm going to tell you about that. Still looking for an awesome mini-vacay at the last minute of summer? These are the cities/highlights/villages/gelatos you can't miss during a visit to Bella Italia.
Pisa
Why:
Because you just have to see some buildings in real life. And the Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of them. By the way, it's still damn tricky to take the ‘cliché picture’ with that crooked Jack.
What to do:
Most attractions are located around the Campo dei Miracoli, the oldest part of the city. Many tourists hang around here, which means you hardly encounter tourists in the rest of the city. Visiting the Duomo Santa Maria Assunta is definitely a must. Oh, and the best pizza in Pisa (sounds so nice, right) can be found at GUStO al 129. (Via Santa Bibbiana 10).
Instagram-worthy: ***
Lucca
Why:
Because you eat the best ice cream from all of Italy here.
What to do:
In Lucca, you may not have grand monuments that can compete with the Leaning Tower of Pisa, but you do have a lot of lovely winding streets. The Via Fillungo is the main shopping street in Lucca, and they seriously sell beautiful shoes for 8 euros there. Additionally, you MUST (yes, really must, sorry) stop by the ice cream parlor Gelateria Gelaterium. Here you can tap your own ice cream (choose from 16 different flavors) and select from various toppings. At the cash register, your ice cream is weighed, and you pay per 100 grams. I had pistachio ice cream and seriously considered ordering another one right after. Holy moly, how delicious.
Instagram-worthy: ****
Nugola
Why:
Because pink inflatable flamingo looks great here.
What to do:
Nugola is a small village in the Italian municipality of Collesalvetti. Don't expect any spectacle (there's not much to do), but for those who love the Italian mountains, nature, and peace, it's a good idea. Rent a huge villa on a mountain with a pool via Airbnb for a pittance, and you'll be quite happy.
Instagram-worthy: **
Florence
Why:
Forget Milan, forget Rome, Florence is the most beautiful city in Italy. And you can shop like crazy there.
What to do:
What can't you do here is a better question. Every year, more than ten million tourists come to Florence. I was here way too short, but I would love to make a long city trip here for about a week. If you're only in Florence for a few days, you really need to think ahead about what you want to see, because there is truly a shitload of highlights. The Uffizi with the works of Botticelli, the Galleria dell’Accademia with the David, the Palazzo Vecchio, Palazzo Pitti with the Boboli Gardens, and the romantic Ponte Vecchio bridge (where you're no longer allowed to hang love locks, which we secretly did anyway) and we could go on like this for a while. Make sure to take time to stroll through all the streets and taste the atmosphere of the city. There are hundreds of terraces where you can enjoy an ice cream and people-watch.
Instagram-worthy: *****
Siena
Why:
Compared to the (still) mass tourism in Florence, Siena is a breath of fresh air. This town still radiates a medieval atmosphere and is really cozy.
What to do:
First of all, of course, visit Piazza del Campo. This shell-shaped square is the vibrant highlight where you can enjoy a nice glass of wine. Additionally, Siena is a perfect place to get married.
Instagram-worthy: ***
Portovenere
Why:
Because of the beautiful views of the colorful houses
What to do:
Take a walk along the typically colored house blocks, the harbor with luxurious yachts, and the poetic little church that towers above the town. I really felt like I was in a postcard. Take a boat trip or order a delicious seafood platter on the terrace. Oh, and film scenes from The Godfather were shot nearby. Why does that not surprise me at all?
Instagram-worthy: *****!!!!
