Boundaries sometimes overlap when categorizing Southern Europe as many of the countries listed in this part of the continent are also listed in other broader regions. However, the one unifying factor in this group of sixteen countries that make up this part of Europe in the Mediterranean Sea. Quite predictably, the food and culture are influenced by the climatic conditions of the region, as is the landscape. Visitors head to Greece’s Santorini or Croatia’s coastline in droves to experience first-hand the wonders of the Mediterranean lands. While Spain and Italy are the most industrialized countries in Southern Europe, the rest of the countries in the region rely greatly on agriculture.
Southern Europe too is dipped in history, and the remnants of great civilizations and cultures are visible in the ancient ruins and great monuments. The grand Colosseum of Rome, the Alhambra in Granada, and the San Giovanni Fortress in Montenegro are a testament to the region’s glorious past. Southern Europe’s fascinating present is reflected in the well-heeled cities of Milan and Barcelona and in the gastronomic centers of San Sebastian and Bilbao.
Imagine quiet wooded luxury just 20 minutes from the exciting sights and streets of Florence – that’s how our stay at Villa San Michelle, Florence, was. One of Florence’s most expensive hotels, this hotel, which sits in a former monastery, was the perfect love nest for us. The peaceful wooded hillside location, the magnificent views…
Verona, located almost halfway between Venice and Milan in Northern Italy, is a picturesque city filled with Roman ruins, Renaissance palaces and medieval buildings. Many of which belong to the UNESCO World Heritage and reflect the turbulent history of the city. Verona is known as the city of Romeo and Juliet and for its Roman Arena but there are…
Built on three hills and surrounded by well-preserved walls, Siena is one of the most ancient cities of Italy and one of the few intact Gothic cities in Europe. The Piazza del Campo at the heart of the city along with the Siena Cathedral and its beautiful black and white Italian Romanesque façade are just two…
Bologna is a medieval town located in Emilia Romagna, a region in the north of Italy that is known for its ancient architecture, rich food, and the seaside. Bologna doesn’t have landmarks as grand as Rome’s, picturesque canals as beautiful as Venice’s, or the great artistic wealth flaunted in Florence, but it has its own charm and it…
Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean, located at the tip of Italy. A crossroads of east and west, north and south, the Italian island of Sicily is endlessly enticing to visitors from across the globe. Come see the results of more than two thousand years of ancient Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Norman, and native…
Located in northwest Italy, Turin is the only state in Italy that has a direct connection with true royalty. The first King of Italy, Vittorio Emanuele II of the Savoy dynasty was born here. Today the city is an important cultural and business center. However, when it comes to tourism, Turin is probably one of…
The ancient city of Modena on the south side of the Po Valley in northern Italy is a ‘foodie haven.’ The birthplace of balsamic vinegar and the creative force behind the giant tortellini, the backstreets of the city have little known restaurants which serve up gastronomic delights. Modena is also home to the ‘best restaurant in…
Italy’s leading port is a land of contradictions; its past grandeur sometimes shadowed by its dark side. Once a city of great wealth, the decayed glory of Genoa’s past is sometimes quite astonishing. Grand palaces are tucked away inside small and sometimes scruffy alleyways, surprising the unsuspecting visitor with their grandeur. Genoa was an autonomous…
Catania is the second-largest city of Sicily which is located on the east coast of the Italian southern island. This beautiful place is most popular among all the tourists as it happens to be a perfect place for a holiday. From its enthralling scenic views to an amazing culture and historical background, Catania surely catches…
One of the most visited pilgrimage sites in Umbria, Italy is the medieval town of Assisi, renowned as the birthplace of Saint Francis, who founded the Franciscan order. Assisi dates back to the 7th century as an early Umbrian settlement which was conquered by the Romans four centuries later. Traces of its Roman past are…
Capri, a beautiful island located in the Tyrrhenian Sea, on the south of Naples has continued to attract people from all works of life to catch a glimpse of its alluring natural endowments, upscale hotels, beautiful landscape, and great shopping. For years, it has been a source of inspiration to notable artists showcasing its designer…
City of Water, City of Bridges, City of Gondole – Venice on the banks of the Adriatic in Northeastern Italy is as heady as it’s mesmerizing. The cluster of 118 islands is peppered with lots of canals, epic grandeur and architecture, an artful lifestyle, and succulent, delectable cuisine. You’d also find it surprising that LGBTQ…
The “Eternal City” Rome might not be as gay-friendly as the other cities in Italy such as Milan, but the number of gay hotels in Rome welcoming gay travelers to the city sure has shot up in the past few years. The “Gay Street” of Via San Giovanni in Laterano is home to most of…
Soul-stirring and high-octane in equal measure, Naples is no less than an Italian masterpiece. Perched on Italy’s southeastern coast overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, the city is the birthplace of everything from iconic food to art. Whether it’s artistic movements like Renaissance or classic comfort food like pizza, Naples has left its mark on the world.…
One of the world’s top fashion capitals, Milan in Italy, also happens to be one of the friendliest cities for gays in the world. Milan’s gay friendliness has led to the presence of some amazing gay friendly hotels and B&Bs in the city. Most of them are close to Porta Venezia, one of Milan’s most…
Enchanting Florence, a.k.a. Firenze straddling the Arno River is rightfully called the cradle of the renaissance. Gourmet Tuscan cuisine aside, the city is a real feast for the eyes. Whether it’s iconic medieval architecture or world-class art, the city’s charm is enduring. Moreover, it has its own share of famous design-oriented gays, helmed by hometown…
Welcome to one of Italy’s top travel cities and a beautiful, unforgettable romantic destination with many attractions. Venice is a small city, extremely concentrated, that is built on 117 small islands and has some 150 canals and 409 bridges (only three of which cross the Grand Canal) in a marshy lagoon in the Adriatic Sea.…
Rome is a popular travel destination in Italy and full of attractions. Today’s Rome is a vibrant and lively city with reminders of its past everywhere. You’ll encounter ancient Roman sites, medieval and Renaissance buildings and fountains, great museums, and beautiful squares. The city is a living museum of history from Roman times to present.…
Polignano a Mare perched on a limestone cliff off the azure waters of the Adriatic is southern Italy’s most enchanting place to enjoy sun and sea. Endowed with a medieval look and feel, the picturesque town exudes a historical charm dating back to Greek and Roman times. Once called “the pearl of Adriatic,” Polignano a…
Palermo is the capital of the Italian autonomous region of Sicily and one of the most important cities in the Mediterranean. It is a vibrant, modern city with its very distinct, almost tangible atmosphere. Its large harbor and international airport makes it a popular tourist destination. Though Palermo was severely damaged in World War II,…
Naples, Italy’s 3rd largest city after Rome and Milan, has a history that stretches back to the Bronze Age, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited places on earth. Waves of invaders once ruled this city and it still bears witness to Greek, Roman, and Spanish influence in its historical city center, one of…
Milan or Milano as the Italians calls it is not only the second-largest city in Italy but the most important one financially speaking. We visited Milan last year, not our first time of course, and we also admire how Milan is Italy’s most modern city but it manages to keep most of its historical past…
Florence is the capital city of Tuscany and one of Italy’s most stunning cities. The city lies on the River Arno surrounded by gentle hills. It is internationally famous for its beautiful historic city center (a Unesco World Heritage Site since 1982) featuring an impressive collection of art galleries, monuments, churches and palaces. In Florence you can…
Rome: The Eternal City. It’s full of history, life, beauty, and a ton of sites to see. But beyond the usual touristic hotspots, this huge city has so much to offer. If you’ve read our article “Top 10 Things To Do In Rome” you’ve got a great list of must-see Roman attractions, but the less…