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Salento is one of the most authentic parts of Italy with its olive groves, crystal clear sea, quiet and pristine rocky beaches, majestic balconies, elegant Baroque façades, Roman ruins, and old towns. Here are a few reasons why you should travel there and explore its paradisiacal natural landscapes and experience its ancient history, timeless beaut...

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One of the best things about traveling to Italy has got to be the food. Every region is steeped in a unique culinary tradition with a focus on high-quality ingredients and surprisingly simple but very flavorful dishes that make for top-tier comfort food — especially when it comes to pasta. But who knows pasta better than an Italian grandma (or "non...

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Italy’s southern region of Puglia has been branded as a hidden gem for those looking to escape the busy tourist crowds of places like Santorini and Mykonos. Michael Donovan, a travel expert and the co-founder of staynewengland.com, told the Express that Puglia is a great alternative for travellers looking for an authentic experience without the ove...

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The Castle of Trani, perched along the Adriatic coast in Apulia, is a historical marvel. Built by Emperor Frederick II in the 13th century, this fortress has been witness to centuries of history, intrigue, and legend. One tale stands out, capturing the imagination of visitors and locals alike: the legend of Armida, a mysterious and beautiful figure...

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On September 19th, 2023, my partner Michael and I departed from Boston to Rome for a three-month trip to Europe. How did we get to this point in our lives where we could drop all responsibility and go? I call this our “semester abroad”. If the college kids do it, why can’t two adults in their early 60’s? We planned and embarked on an amazing journe...

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Matera is known for its stone-carved architecture and unique cultural heritage, but this isn’t why the town has made the front pages of Italian newspapers in recent times.  After its stint as the European Capital of Culture in 2019, Matera received plenty of national and international attention, especially thanks to its Sassi. Even before that, its...

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At the end of September 2024, I accompanied a group of The Perfect Loaf readers through southern Italy’s olive tree and cobblestone-lined streets. Though I’ve been to Italy many times to visit family, it was my first trip as a tourist and a guide of sorts, and if I’m being honest, I wasn’t really sure what to expect. Would the conversation flow? Is...

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The discovery of a 17,000-year-old skeleton in Grotta delle Mura, near Monopoli in Puglia, offered new insights into the genetic history of early human populations in southern Italy. The child, who died at just 16 months of age, is one of the most significant archaeological finds in recent years, particularly because their genome is the oldest ever...

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Puglia offers a sunlit escape in southern Italy, unspoilt by the bustling crowds found elsewhere. Situated in the heel of Italy’s iconic boot shape, this region is an inviting alternative for those longing to bask in the mild autumn climate. Its charming allure lies in its olive groves and pristine beaches and its ability to offer a quieter, more e...

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It’s not easy to carry a basilica on your shoulders, but, despite the summer heat, these men aren’t breaking a sweat. Carved into the honey-hued exterior of the Basilica di Santa Croce, the stone figures kneel in a line from one side of the wall to the other, seemingly supporting the upper facade with their bare hands. Above them, the building is s...

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