We know it well, as we set off every day of the week to discover postcard-perfect places and views across the Bel Paese: there's so much to see, discover and explore across its more than 302,000 square kilometres, from north to south, east to west, islands included. Today we bring you the guide 'Ferragosto 2024, Volume II', with travel ideas for a short or long—and well-deserved—holiday during the peak week of summer. We'll start out in Lombardy and make our way down to Campania (editor's note: last week we visited another 10 regions).
In Lombardy, besides Lake Como and Milan, you'll find precious gems such as Val Camonica, a valley enriched by its thermal waters (Boario Terme), mountain resorts and unmissable rock carvings that form a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This destination, spanning the provinces of Brescia and Bergamo, offers breathtaking scenery, outdoor activities and accommodation for a trip that's anything but ordinary; nearby, you can also dive into the waters of Lake Iseo.
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Liguria, famous for the Cinque Terre, also offers more affordable alternatives such as the Riviera di Ponente, with Albenga and Alassio, splendid beaches for soaking up a relaxed atmosphere, and much more besides. Brugnato, a small town at the foot of the Apennines, is the hub of the Val di Vara; its historic centre is accessible through the medieval gates Sottana and Soprana, the latter framing the Oratory of San Bernardo. Piazza San Pietro is the heart of the village, home to the parish church of SS. Pietro, Lorenzo e Colombano, built between the 11th and 12th centuries and remodelled in the 1700s.
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The Veneto offers countless activities and experiences to enjoy in every season. The Po Delta area is a lesser-known but captivating destination, with its rich biodiversity and centuries-old lagoons. For lovers of the outdoors, local flavours and historic treasures to admire, we recommend the Monte Grappa area, a UNESCO MAB Biosphere Reserve: from Asolo, the 'city of a hundred horizons', to Arsiè and on to the Feltre area in the province of Belluno. Here you can take part in a huge range of sports, from tandem paragliding to trekking, cycling and much more.
https://www.dolomitiprealpi.it/
Trentino-Alto Adige, with its mountain huts up high, elegant towns like Merano, mountain ranges and crystal-clear lakes, offers plenty of choice for those who love cool air and healthy surroundings. Val di Sole and Val di Non, in the north-western part of the region, are crossed by the River Noce, perfect for anyone wanting an adrenaline-fuelled white-water rafting descent. On the opposite, south-eastern side of Trentino lies the picturesque Valsugana, with villages and trails to discover by bike along the Brenta cycle path, and two Blue Flag alpine lakes, Caldonazzo and Levico, where beaches and crystal-clear waters make you feel as though you're 'at the seaside in the mountains'.
Valle d'Aosta, Italy's smallest region, reveals its most natural side here: Courmayeur and Cervinia are known for winter sports, but in summer they offer trekking, walks and relaxation alongside typical local dishes and, of course, cheeses; the valley's small villages provide a full, old-world experience.
Emilia-Romagna shows itself at its best in the warmer months, thanks to its warm hospitality and delicious cuisine: from the Romagna Riviera — with Rimini, Riccione and Cesenatico among its best-known resorts — to highly cultural destinations such as Ravenna, Parma, Modena, Ferrara and more. There's one gem we've been getting to know closely in recent months: Faenza. Set along the ancient Via Emilia, it's a town that makes for the perfect itinerary for anyone wishing to get hands-on with art (a visit to the MIC, the International Museum of Ceramics, is a must) and wander through squares and alleyways adorned with majolica, alongside numerous summer events.
https://www.romagnafaentina.it/
In Tuscany, beyond the famous Florence, Pisa and Siena, there are hidden gems such as the Maremma and the Chianti hills. The beaches of the Etruscan Coast and the medieval villages inland are ideal for anyone wishing to combine a pure taste experience with an inspiring holiday, blending wellness with great figures from the past. Thermal baths also take centre stage, such as those in Saturnia or Chianciano.
https://www.termechianciano.it/
We continue our tour by arriving in Lazio: besides the capital, this region is always a must-visit. The beaches of Gaeta and Sperlonga boast a rare beauty, but the Lazio hinterland, with the Tuscia Viterbese area and its parks, is also well worth experiencing.
Campania, besides the enchanting Amalfi Coast, is the destination for anyone wanting to experience Neapolitan culture in the alleyways of Naples; there's the Cilento, with its unspoilt beaches and nature parks, and let's not forget those islands with an international holiday spirit: Capri, Ischia and Procida.
https://www.agenziacampaniaturismo.it/
In Molise, one of Italy's perhaps lesser-known regions, you'll find touristically appealing spots such as Termoli, a picturesque coastal town facing the Tremiti Islands. The inland areas too offer distinctive natural landscapes, perfect for anyone seeking a slow-paced holiday; in the province of Isernia – Fornelli – this little village overlooking the Mainarde Mountains is part of the I Borghi più Belli d'Italia (the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy) circuit, its medieval walls encircling it are among the best preserved in the region and feature seven towers, the symbol of the village.
https://www.moliseturismo.net/
With a bit of planning and by choosing the right destinations to suit your 'summer mood', it's possible to enjoy a pleasant Ferragosto in Italy without overspending. Have a wonderful trip and Happy Ferragosto from the editorial team at Una gita fuoriporta!