Badia Valley, Roero, and the coast of southern Tuscany received a special mention from The Guardian
The British newspapers The Guardian paid homage to three Italian holiday destinations. They are very different one from the other and they offer very diverse opportunities to tourists. However, they all have in common two characteristics: their pristine beauty is breathtaking and they are ideal for a relaxing break.
According to the author of the piece, Liz Boulter, Mountain lovers that want to enjoy the holiday of their dreams should head to the Badia Valley in South Tyrol. The spectacular Dolomites are a popular destination for those who enjoy winter sports. But this beautiful valley has much to offer during the summer too. From “dreamy walking and cycling routes, including in two natural parks,” to “cute villages (that) offer the added interest of an insight into little-known Ladin culture.” A highlight is also the farmhouses and restaurants offering takeaway baskets to enjoy picnics in the mountains.
Those who prefer an enchanting hilly countryside will love the Roero area in Piedmont.
Located in the province of Cuneo it offers “a rolling landscape of vineyards, orchards, and woods”. Here, gorges up to 100 meters deep carved by the River Tanaro canyons, the ‘rocche,’ make an interesting twist to the view. The wonderful vineyards are so charming that visitors find it difficult to let go of them. And now they won’t have to, as it is even possible to camp among the vineyards. In the area there is also the lovely yet unassuming town of Bra, where the Slow Food Movement started.
Being a peninsula has its advantages and one of them is the length of the coastline. Italy boasts virtually all kinds of shores, from cliffs to sandy beaches. Some locations are very famous, however, there is one stretch of coastline that is less-known but not less beautiful than others. This is in southern Tuscany, near the city of Grosseto. Here lies the wild and splendid Maremma natural park with its miles of soft sandy beaches. There is also the former fishing village of Castiglione della Pescaia, a jewel-like village perched on a characteristic Tuscan promontory.
Ilona Catani Scarlett