Inhoudsopgave van April/May 2026 - Italia magazine

Welcome to the latest issue of Italia! magazine, which comes to you as the first welcome signs of spring are appearing here. Always a hopeful time of year. I hope you are inspired by nature’s energy as much as I am. It’s a delight to be able to look forward and present yet another packed issue with even more pages, features and imagery to inspire your passion for Italy. We have journeyed the length and breadth of il bel paese in this issue, but we start our journey on a boat in the Venetian Lagoon. This is the best place to begin if you want to understand what Venice is all about. There is plenty of inspiration if you want to get off the beaten track this year – Italy…

NEST IN MILAN www.nemihotelmilano.com Located in one of Milan’s most authentic neighbourhoods, surrounded by historic shops, local markets, artisan workshops, fashion showrooms, design studios and art galleries, NEMI Hotel Milano aims to be an oasis of tranquillity in the heart of the city. HERITAGE GETAWAY IN PUGLIA www.preferredhotels.com/hotels/italy/masseria-san-domenico Surrounded by ancient olive groves and offering sweeping views from the Adriatic Sea to the scenic countryside, the 40-room Masseria San Domenico blends historical charm with modern elegance on the coast of Puglia. BRESCIA’S WINGED VICTORY www.bresciamusei.com In 2026, Brescia marks 200 years since the discovery of its iconic symbol, the Winged Victory. Unearthed in 1826 and now housed in the ancient Capitolium of Brixia, this 1st-century AD bronze statue is considered one of the finest surviving masterpieces of Roman art.…

Ciao… Whether you’re planning your 2026 Italian adventure or simply dreaming of Venice from your sofa, Italia! magazine is your ultimate guide. From secret travel destination to authentic seasonal recipes – and everything in between – we bring la dolce vita to you. Try a subscription with our special spring offer and get your next 3 issues for just £10. With a subscription, you are guaranteed expert guides, stunning photography and culinary inspiration delivered direct to your door every other month! A presto! TRY 3 ISSUES FOR JUST £10 Why subscribe? Try 3 issues for just £10 Get every issue delivered direct to your door Simple and risk-free – cancel anytime Scan this QR code to access this special offer NEVER MISS AN ISSUE Start your subscription today! ptiion to day! SUBSCRIBE ONLINE: italytravelandlife.com/mag…

Few regions epitomise the Italian gioia di vivere – joy of living – like Tuscany, with its famous wineries and food culture. Tens of millions of international visitors flock here annually, many oenophiles among them making a beeline for Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino. Lately though, the Etruscan coast has firmly established itself on the viticulture map with wines such as Sassicaia, produced in the area of Bolgheri. Equally, there is much more to Tuscan cuisine than bistecca alla fiorentina. FOLLOW THE TRAIL In fact, to discover some of Tuscany’s finest food and wine experiences, simply follow the Etruscan Coast Wine and Olive Oil Trail. Spanning more than 150 kilometres along the Tyrrhenian coast and Elba Island in the provinces of Livorno and Pisa, it joins up the wineries and…

Just as it does in sheltered regions of Britain, the mimosa tree (Acacia dealbata) blooms early in Italy, filling streets and parks with its fragrant, fluffy flowers in early spring – making it an ideal symbol of International Women’s Day on the 8th of March. Its association with the Italian Festa della Donna dates back to 1946, when it was chosen by the Union of Italian Women (UDI) in preference to the established French symbols of violets and lilies-of-the-valley. Nilde Iotti (see page 98) was involved, though primary credit for the innovation is attributed to her Communist Party colleague Teresa Mattei – who just so happens to be the subject of next issue’s Italia! Women.…

Some of the world’s greatest chocolate producers are to be found in Italy, and with Italian chocolate taking a firm foothold in the luxury market, many more names are coming to prominence. Gianduiotto, with its blend of hazelnuts, cocoa and sugar, is perhaps the most famous of Italian chocolates, produced with pride in Piedmont, and we have found other sublime chocolate confectioners too from around the country. With authentic quality, remember less is more, and when it comes to an indulgent chocolate experience, it’s worth that extra premium to ensure an unparalleled satisfaction. Whether you feel like treating yourself or you need inspiration for a special gift, read on to find out more about these Italian chocolates. EDITOR’S CHOICE LEONE CIOCCOLATINI AL PISTACCHIO From Sous Chef www.souschef.co.uk Price £23.99 for 150g Leone has…

Even if you’ve never been to Tuscany, you’ll be familiar with its rolling vine-striped hills and honeyed stone farmhouses When it comes to travel and product advertising, Tuscany often serves as visual shorthand for Italy. The region’s rural landscapes and historic cities have become classic images. Even if you’ve never been to Tuscany, you’ll be familiar with its rolling vine-striped hills and honeyed stone farmhouses, its leaning tower, its Renaissance cathedrals and romantic alleyways. Perhaps less familiar to you are the region’s bright seaside resorts and wild stretches of empty sand, or its leafy highlands strewn with old villages and castles. Tuscany is a large region with a lot to offer. And this is true of its property options as well as its geography. Some of Italy’s highest-priced rural homes…

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It’s certainly a pretty sight, but certainly not all done just for the aesthetic impression. Every year, in early summer, La Fiorita – the flowering, or bloom – transforms the Piano Grande karst plateau in the Sibillini Mountains National Park into a riot of colour. This isn’t for show though: it is very deliberate low-intensity agriculture – and the main crop here is the lentils. These fields near Castelluccio di Norcia are renowned for their protected IGP lentils, known here as Le Lenticchie di Castelluccio di Norcia PGI, and the other plants are here as their companions. The precise locations of La Fiorita vary from year to year, as the lentils are rotated with cereal crops such as wheat or barley to maintain soil fertility.…

10 reasons to visit this captivating corner of Calabria Sitting pretty on Italy’s Calabrian toe sits southern belle Tropea, which remains delightfully off the tourist map (compared to other coastal beauties such as Amalfi) and is still more popular with holidaying northern Italians than it is with foreign visitors. The town, which won the title of Italy’s Borgo de Borghi (Village of Villages) award in 2021, takes its name from the Greek word tropaia, meaning trophies, and is known as the ‘pearl’ of the Costa degli Dei (Coast of the Gods). Built on granite rocks above a spearmint blue Tyrrhenian Sea, your first glimpse is breath-taking and undoubtedly the town and its fine beaches will be a focus of your stay, but don’t miss striking out into the countryside for…

The word ‘overtourism’ has been the buzzword of the past year or two, and as we come to better understand the sometimes negative impact of tourism – in Italy and elsewhere – there has never been more urgency to get off the beaten track and escape the crowds. This is perhaps especially true in Italy, which welcomed 68 million visitors in 2024, prompting some anti-tourism sentiment in hotspots like Rome and Venice. However, if you stray away from the well-trodden path, you can still find tranquil places that are not saturated by tourism, and are often considerably cheaper too. Here is a guide to ten lesser-known places around Italy – places where you will find a warm welcome and discover a more authentic experience of the country. 1 MENFI, SICILY…

Angel hair timballo Timballo di capelli d’angelo ➤ SERVES 4 ➤ PREPARATION 25 minutes ➤ BAKING 25 minutes There is something magical about a dish made from relatively humble ingredients yet that arrives at the table with such a sense of occasion. This timballo is one of those treasures; a dish that feels like a secret shared between generations. Angel hair pasta, fresh peas, sautéed zucchini (courgettes), and a rich, creamy béchamel, all bound together in a glorious golden bowl, a pasta nest, gently turned upside down, that’s as beautiful as it is comforting. I love how this dish, with an air of nostalgic charm, brings the spirit of old-fashioned cooking into a modern kitchen. A labour of love and a thing of beauty, delicate layers that carry a surprise of flavours, perfect…

INTRODUCTION Tuscany remains the most popular of Italian regions and is loved by tourists and would-be property buyers for many reasons, not least because of its beautiful countryside and cities laden with Renaissance treasures and historic monuments. But while property prices remain high, the allure does not wane, and enthusiastic Italophiles still flock to the idyllic region. The good news is that appealing properties can still be found in abundance and, as Tuscany is a pretty large region, the patient and persistent will find some hidden nuggets that don’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Here we highlight the main areas, and some off-the-beaten-track locations. NORTH OF LUCCA 1 Liguria borders the head of this part of Tuscany while Emilia-Romagna sits at its back. The two dominant areas…

SICILY REVISITED How does it feel to make a return to a much-loved destination after many years? FRIULI MADLY DEEPLY Take a wine tour around this little-known northern region FASCINATING FELINES Meet the historic cats of Rome 48 HOURS IN BASSANO DEL GRAPPA Explore this hidden gem in the Veneto hills PLUS News, views and what’s on, expert advice, recipes and wines, Gazzetta, your photos and more… Want to guarantee your next issue of Italia! and save money? Then turn to page 28 to subscribe DON’T MISS ITALIA! ISSUE 221 – ON SALE 7 MAY…

1 Ischia lies in one of Italy’s most volcanic regions: the Bay of Naples in Campania. The hot waters here have been used for treatment since the 8th century BC. Countless spas and springs now dot the island, soothing arthritis and rheumatism as well as providing luxurious pampering sites for the 2.5 million tourists who visit the island and its spas every year. 2 Abano Terme near Padua sits on a plain in the volcanic Euganean Hills of Veneto, and is brimming with thermal springs and well-being treatments. This modern resort welcomes up to two million visitors a year to enjoy mud, cave and inhalation therapies, among many others. 3 Salsomaggiore Terme is near Parma, in the foothills of the Apennine mountains in Emilia-Romagna. Here, a cluster of spas welcomes…

Most visitors to Venice are drawn first to the grandeur of the historical and commercial heart of the city (San Marco and Rialto), typically postponing excursions to the islands of the lagoon until the end of their stay. However, from a historical and geographical perspective, it’s better to start by visiting the islands, as they provide a deeper understanding of the first settlements and what Venice would have looked like in its earliest days. HEADING SOUTH Just south of the historical heart of Venice lies the island of Giudecca 1, where my dad grew up with his brothers and sisters and where part of our family still lives. Nicknamed Spina Longa (long spine) in ancient times, supposedly due to its fishbone shape, the island remains residential with an authentic feel.…

The name is synonymous with motorcycling glory. Located in Bologna, a city with fabulous porticos, slender towers and unmissable cuisine, Ducati has been manufacturing road bikes and racing machines for decades. Their bikes are seen on highways everywhere and, significantly, at the front of the pack on race circuits around the globe. Names such as Mike Hailwood, Carl Fogarty, Troy Bayliss and Casey Stoner have graced the saddle, along with the more recent two-wheeler heroes Marc Márquez, Francesco Bagnaia, Nicolò Bulega and Alvaro Bautista. Dominant on the track, winning world titles in Superbikes and MotoGP, these superstar racers have championed Ducati as it produces the latest generation of magnificent road machines in the form of the Panigale, Streetfighter, Monster and Multistrada models. That success on the track and road is…

KEY WORDS Useful Italian words and phrases to add to your vocabulary ☐ Un gran numero di turisti Huge numbers of tourists ☐ Immutate per generazioni Unchanged for generations ☐ Un ritmo sempre più rapido An ever-more rapid pace ☐ Argomento di discussione Topic of conversation ☐ Qualche anno prima Some years earlier ☐ Norme e regolamenti Rules and regulations ☐ Una struttura ricettiva An accommodation facility ☐ Deve fornire It must provide ☐ Un punto di accoglienza A reception point ☐ La vita di tutti i giorni Everyday life ☐ In cima a una collina Up a hillside ☐ Le migliori pratiche The best practices ☐ Di anno in anno Year on year ☐ L’anno scorso Last year ☐ Nel centro del paese In the town centre ITALIANO UN…

Like the plot of countless rom-coms, many of us daydream of moving to an idyllic region of Italy and transforming a dilapidated old house into a beautiful home. Before they found their Tuscan farmhouse, this was a dream Daniel Bosshard and Bruna Carvalho had been nurturing for years. Prior to the pandemic, the Swiss-Italian couple was based in Rome and juggled busy careers with bringing up their two children. Whenever they had a spare moment, they scoured rural property listings. Initially, the plan was simply to find a holiday home, but the dream evolved into a complete lifestyle change. “We realised we wanted to spend more time together as a family, enjoying simple pleasures like hiking in nature,” says Bruna. “So we decided to move to the country.” For a…

Casarecce with asparagus pesto and crispy Parma ham Casarecce con pesto di asparagi e crudo croccante ➤ SERVES 2 ➤ PREPARATION 15 minutes ➤ COOKING 10 minutes This is a vibrant dish that captures Italian springtime in every bite, blending fresh asparagus, fragrant basil and toasted pine nuts into a silky homemade pesto. It’s served with Emilia’s casarecce pasta for the perfect twist-and-coat shape, and finished with golden, crunchy Parma ham. • 160g Emilia’s Casarecce• 200g fresh asparagus• 20g grated parmesan• 15g pine nuts• 1 garlic clove, peeled• 10g fresh basil leaves• 2 tbsp lemon juice• 60ml extra-virgin olive oil• 4 slices Parma ham• sea salt and black pepper 1 Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Trim the asparagus, then cook in the boiling water for…

The origins of the Montepulciano d’Abruzzo grape are somewhat obscure. The name Montepulciano is the same as the town in Tuscany, but should not be confused with the Vino Nobile wines there, which are made from the Sangiovese grape. The Abruzzo variety may have originated in Tuscany, but it’s not clear how the connection came about. What is known is that wines made with this grape were drunk by Hannibal’s soldiers millennia ago, so it goes back a long way! Most Montepulciano d’Abruzzo reds are drunk fairly young It thrives on the slopes of hilly Abruzzo, which has extremes in day-to-night-time temperature that favour the variety – 30 degrees C during the day can plummet to just 10 degrees C at the night. Most Montepulciano d’Abruzzo reds are drunk fairly…

Martin Fontayn and Marilyn Peters from Bristol own a two-bedroom house in a rural area a few miles east of Florence. They spend seven or eight weeks at the property every year, visiting in the spring, summer and autumn. When they’re not there, they make the place available for friends or rent it to holiday visitors. What drew them to Tuscany? “We love walking holidays and we’ve taken routes across most parts of central and northern Italy,” Marilyn explains. “Crossing rural landscapes on foot is a wonderful way to see a country! We were especially fond of some of the long walks we’d made in Tuscany and eventually we started talking about buying a house there so we could get to know the region even better. For us, it’s perfect…