Italy - Must see, must stay, must eat!
Southern Italy, Sicily and Sardinia offer travellers a wealth of contrast. Here we give you the low down on what to see, the best places to stay, and most importantly, what to eat when you’re there...Sicily
Must see
The small island of Lipari, off the north coast of Sicily. Part of the Aeolian archipelago, it has some white beaches from the pumice deposits in the sea, and some black beaches due to the volcanic rock. From Lipari it’s easy to ‘island-hop’ and visit the nearby Vulcuno, Stromboli, Salina et al.
Must stay
The three star Hotel Rocce Azzurre is a charming, family-run hotel, right on the sea’s edge, and even a beach, right next door. The lovely Adriano runs this hotel with a passion and would do almost anything for his guests… he will even sing for them, after dinner! He’s a real character. All of our rooms have wonderful sea-views and balconies. Meander along the narrow, typically Liparese streets that lead to the town and great restaurants and bars that line the seafront. Hire a vespa to explore the island, and go walking and exploring in the hills.
Must eat
Naturally, fish and seafood is a must and difficult to avoid in Lipari! The food here is invariably fantastic and it’s served in all sorts of different ways. The "cernia con radicchio" (bass and chicory) is one of my favourite dishes of all time!
(Recommended restaurant: Al Pirata, Lipari)
Campania
Must see
The Cilento National Park. This comprises not only the beautiful hills, inland, and its medieval hilltowns, but also the coastline too, which has a blue flag for the cleanliness of its water. The lush green hills drop steeply to long, sandy beaches, where you can go scuba-diving and boating. This stretch of coast, south of Naples, and north of Basilicata is little known but is has a bit of everything to offer its visitors.
Must stay
The boutique style Hotel Villa Sirio is chic and elegant and only has 15 guests rooms and an excellent restaurant. They have just finished making a couple of amazing junior suites, too. Right on the sea, and just a few minutes’ walk to the pretty pedestrianised streets of the town, Santa Maria di Castellabate, this is the perfect place to base yourself for the Cilento. We particularly recommend the rooms with sea-view and balcony.
Must eat
Traditional Cilentan cuisine is excellent. The production of wheat and also corn is used in the manufacturing of a type of bread – (dried bread also called “freselle” or “taralli”) which can be eaten, after dipping them in water, and then spreading some salt and oil on them: this is the famous acquasale, (literally, water-salt) a very poor, old Cilento dish - typical food of the local fishermen, which can still be eaten today, accompanied by anchovies and locally grown tomatoes and oregano.
(Recommended restaurant: Ristorante Angiolina in Marina di Pisciotta)
Puglia
Must see
The Itria Vally and its ‘trulli’. The trulli (stone houses with conical shaped roofs) are unique to this area and have to be seen to be believed! They are incredible and dotted around the landscape, amongst the olive trees. The area is full of beautiful hilltop towns with whitewashed mediaeval centres, such as Cisternino, Ostuni and Locorotondo.
Must stay
Trullo Del Pino, near Cisternino is still available for some weeks this summer, and it’s ideal for families as it sleeps up to 6. With views towards Cisternino, it’s in a really tranquil location with large outside patio, barbecue and garden for alfresco dining.
Must eat
Puglia has some of Italy’s best food – the produce is always fresh and delicious and you can eat out cheaply. Try gnumereddi, delicious lamb or goat, flavoured with pecorino, lemon and parsley.
(Recommended restaurant: Bell’Italia, Cisternino)
Sardinia
Must see
Alghero. A very pretty walled Catalan town on Sardinia’s north west coast.
Must stay
The palatial Villa Las Tronas, which sits on its own promontory overlooking the sea, with sea terraces and a lovely pool. They also have a new gym and indoor pool. It is only a five minute walk from the centre of the old town, good restaurants, shops and bars.
Must eat
Sardinia has many of its very own dishes that you would never find on mainland Italy. The most unusual, (and most calorific!) is "Seadas", a bit like a rolled up pancake filled with ricotta and honey. Delicious!
(Recommended restaurant: Al Turigi, Alghero)
For more information and bookings, visit long-travel.co.uk.
