The 5 Pillars of Planning a Destination Wedding in Italy

BY  Ankita Feb 21, 2024

Italian cuisine is a hit in the United States; if you don't believe me, take a walk in Bensonhurst and Bay Ridge in Brooklyn, where you'll get more than a taste of the food, but experience the culture as well. Short of trekking through Italy, there are limited ways in which you can experience the magic of the country. One of those ways is through food. You could trawl through all the Italian restaurants and bistros in your neighborhood, or you could just cook some traditional dishes at home. Read on to learn more about Italian cuisine and some of its key ingredients. Popular Italian Dishes There are foods we have embraced and enjoy so much that we forget they originated from Italy. Here are a few examples of some that have become staple dishes. Pizza Pizza is the most famous Italian food, and it has won the world over; I mean, who doesn't love pizza? You can top your pizza with almost anything, but did you know the earliest pizzas were topped with garlic, lard, and salt? Lasagne Lasagne was initially reserved for special occasions during the Middle Ages; nowadays, we enjoy it as a filling meal with a salad or bread. Tiramisu This iconic Italian dessert means "pick me up" or “cheer me up” in Italian, understandably so. The sweet, fluffy, and light dessert that melts in your mouth will definitely lift your spirits. Cooking The Italian Way At the core of Italian cooking is the emphasis on fresh ingredients; most people buy packaged pasta and use canned tomatoes and condiments. Authentic Italian cooking requires fresh ingredients. While some may see Italian dishes as unhealthy because of their high-carb content, the opposite is true. Let's look at the key ingredients used in Italian cooking Pasta There are more than 350 different shapes of pasta; it also comes in various forms, such as dried, fresh, or dumpling pasta. Each kind is suitable for a different dish, such as Penne for Penne Arrabbiata and lasagne sheets for lasagne. It's easy to see why pasta is a multi-million dollar business in Italy. It's versatile and works with meat, vegetables, and even dessert (vermicelli) dishes. It doesn't need a lot of flavoring either; you just need to add a sauce and some cheese, and you are good to go. Pasta is an excellent source of carbohydrates; it's filling and affordable. If you are watching calories, you may opt for the whole-grain variety. Read Also: Exploring The Allure Of Holiday Getaways In Italy Olive Oil Olive trees are grown across Italy, with some of the best coming from Liguria and Tuscany, so it's no surprise that most Italian dishes call for olive oil. The oil is high in monounsaturated fatty acids, which can help lower your cholesterol levels. It also has excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. So, what's the difference between virgin olive oil and extra virgin oil? Simply put, extra virgin oil goes through less processing and thus retains more of its natural antioxidants and vitamins. Virgin olive oil also has a higher free acidity rating (0.8 - 2.0) than extra virgin olive oil ( less than 0.8). For authentic Italian olive oils, check out Dolceterra (visit website). Tomatoes Even though tomatoes are not native to Italy, they are firmly at the center of Italian cooking. There are different uses for different kinds of tomatoes; cherry tomatoes are great for salads or stuffing, like in a Caprese stuffed mozzarella, while plum tomatoes make the best sauces. Using tomatoes is not just one of the easiest ways to flavor food; think of spaghetti bolognese. Tomatoes are also known to ease inflammation and boost your immune system; they taste great, too. It's also an excellent preservative. Tuscan cooking is based on limiting food wastage; in historical times, leftover meats were cooked with tomato to preserve them and give them more flavor. And, what is a pizza without a tomato sauce base? We can see why tomatoes have become so central to Italian cuisine. Basil Basil is a flavorful African and Asian herb that comes in different varieties. It is very popular in pasta sauces; hence, we associate it with Italian cooking. Most tomato sauce recipes call for fresh basil, and it is also used in pesto. Basil oil can be used as part of a bread dip or to flavor vegetables. Basil vinegar is excellent in salads as well. Fresh basil is the most flavorful, so it's better to use it. Basil works well with other herbs, such as rosemary, oregano, and dill; this is also applicable in planting. You can plant basil alongside dill, cilantro, and chives. The great thing about basil is that it's easy to grow and doesn't need much space. Cheese Due to new research and eating trends, dairy products have been getting a bad reputation recently. Despite this, we still love our cheese, and what would a pizza be without mozzarella cheese? Cheese is an integral part of Italian cooking, with several famous cheeses made in the country. Mascarpone for tiramisu, fontina for a fondue and Parmigiano Reggiano for pasta. Cheese adds flavor to the pasta's starchiness and helps bind ingredients together in sauces. It also contributes to the texture of the sauce. You can also serve cheese on its own on a cheese board paired with great wine; while this is not authentically Italian, it does show how versatile cheese is. Most cheeses are an excellent source of calcium, and they also have protein. Wine Wine is fundamental to Italian cuisine and not just for drinking; think of Cioppino, which needs it as a key ingredient. Here are a few tips when pairing wine: Chianti is very compatible with tomato-based sauces. So, it goes well with pizza and creamy tomato pasta. A cabernet-sauvignon elevates the flavor of aged cheeses. Pair a provincial dish with a regional wine. Lastly Italian cuisine is not complicated, and we love it; you can make the most straightforward meal, which will be delicious. Most meals are made with fresh ingredients, which makes them healthier and tastier. You can integrate Italian meals into most eating plans without feeling guilty. Read Also: Common Pitfalls Of Destination Wedding In Italy And How To Avoid Them How Much Time To Spend In Italy Best Places To Visit In Italy

BY  sagnika May 22, 2024

Have you ever visited Italy? Do you have any plans to visit? Let me share with you the top 10 Naples, Italy, beaches where you can have some of the best times of your life. It is one of the most beautiful places in Europe, apart from Venice and Rome, of course! Naples is the third-largest municipality in Italy and has been identified as the third-largest metropolitan region! If you are planning to visit Naples, you also need to know that the city center is one of the historical landmarks of Europe. It is a one of the most beautiful holiday gateways in Italy! It has been identified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Apart from the city's history, there are stunning white sand beaches near the city. It is popular for these beautiful sights, along with activities and adventure. Best Time to Visit Naples I would like to share with you some of the top beaches near Naples that exceed your expectations. Along with these beaches, I would also share what you can do while you visit these beaches in Naples, Italy. If you are wondering when to visit Naples, the best time to visit is the spring season. You can go sightseeing and do other activities. From March until the beginning of June, the weather is dry, pleasant, and comfortable—perfect for tourist activities! Try to avoid visiting Naples between October and November because it is the rainy season. During that time, you might encounter high rainfall, leading to no activities throughout your trip. If you are wondering how much time to spent in Italy, let me tell you that! If you plan to visit Europe, you must visit all these places, including where canals are, space, arts, Greek islands, and Paris. There are several cabs and other transportation to ensure that you travel comfortably. Gaiola Beach This is one of the most popular beaches in Naples; it is very beautiful. It is divided into two parts, and what's more, you can enter it for free. One of the beaches is inside the Gaiola beach; hence, you must show some ID proof or documents to enter. The other beach does not have any such restrictions. It can get very crowded at times, especially during peak hours, so finding a nice spot can become difficult. You can either take a bus or the Metro to the beach. Lido Virgilio If you hate crowds, this beach is for you! It is one of the quietest beaches near Naples, Italy, in the region of Miliscola. Hence, you will enjoy your heart out on these sandy beaches. You can access this beach through the eating area; many consider it perfect for couples! It provides a secluded and intimate experience for enjoying some quiet time together. If you are on a Journey through Italy, go further in this blog to know. The eating area has snack bars and restaurants with delicious salads, sandwiches, and pizzas. Bacoli One of the most stunning beach visuals you will ever see is here! It is quite stunning and is a favourite among tourists and locals. You do not have to be concerned about this place at all because you can access swimming gear, sunbeds, food, and more! The crowd, however, can make it difficult, especially with the increasing pollution in the water. You also need to consider accommodations; however, the ones that are close to the beach can be expensive if you have already set a budget. You can use the train to reach this beach! If you travel by road, you will face excessive traffic, so it is better if you can just travel via the train to any beach north of Naples. Spiaggia Dei Pescatori Do you know what Spiaggia Dei Pescatori means? It means the "fisherman's beach," where you will find several pieces of fishing equipment and many fishing boats. A few years back, it was not so popular, but now it has become an important beach near Naples. It is one of the most popular beaches in Italy today, and several restaurants serve some of the best seafood, including lobster, crab, and fish! Lido Enea The beach Lido Enea is categorized as one of the best among the beaches near Naples, Italy. There are four sections of the beach, including a kids kids' play area, umbrellas, deck chairs, and director's chairs. If you are traveling with your kids, it is an ideal place to go, especially with so many offers on rides and fun games. You will also get several discounts and deals in various eateries in this area. Other areas are perfect for couples, including Amaca, Baldacchino, and Buddha. You can use hammocks, canopy beds, and pagodas in this area, which are designed to make you fall in love with it. Maronti Beach Situated 55 kilometers from Naples, Maroti Beach is one of the most extensive beaches in the area. It is a sandy beach covered by turquoise blue water! You can visit the beach via taxi or bus. You should include this place in your itinerary if you are looking for a sandy beach with turquoise blue water. Yes, you will have to walk a bit to reach the natural springs called Cavascura when it comes to this beach's attraction. What's more, you can enjoy picturesque views of Sant'Angelo town. What's more, you can visit any area you like; both paid and free areas are available. Leranto Bay Beach This beach is popular for its beautiful bay, which you can access by the seaside with several variations of the clear blue water, which is quite crystal in its look. It will make your day and give you some peaceful time as the place is relatively quiet. To reach this beach, you must drive for about one hour and forty minutes from Naples, Italy. It is like a hidden paradise with several varieties of natural elements, which will make your holiday much more beautiful. Arienzo Beach One of the best beaches in Naples, Arienzo Beach is beautiful and interesting, with a view to die for! Have you heard the name Amalfi? There are several beaches in Naples, namely Praiano, Amalfi, and Positano, which are some of the most beautiful in the world. This beach is still unexplored by many tourists, so it is not yet crowded. There are three hundred steps on this beach, and after that, there is a sandy white beach right in front. Apparently, throughout this whole region, there are several beaches with the same pattern of steps before white sand touches your feet. You will also find bathing facilities here, so there is complete privacy. Marina Grande Beach If you have kids, this is the beach you should go to! Situated very close to the Amalfi coast, it has a dark sandy area along with crystal blue waters. What's more, it is a perfect place for tourists as there are several water activities to choose from. You can also access the kids' area, discotheques, restaurants, and kids the area. Some islands, the islands of the Punta Campanella Sea reserve, are situated very close to it. Fornillo Beach If you want peace, this is the beach for you! The beach is considered a pearl, especially with its serene, composed ambiance. If you are with your partner, you can go for a romantic stroll. The beach is ravishing, especially with its nighttime entertainment, such as band performances and organized DJ nights. Furthermore, it is a perfect place to soak in the sun and the sand, creating a beautiful landscape. Finishing Off… In short, when I shared some of the best beaches in Naples, Italy, you are looking forward to planning, which will help you make the perfect itinerary to visit these beaches.   The beauty of these beaches combines sugar-like sand with splendid views across the horizon! When you visit these beaches in Naples, you will have the time of your life enjoying some of the coolest water sports available.    Comment on which beach is your favourite and why!  Learn More Also: 10 Facts That Will Make You Fall In Love With Italy How Many Days In Venice Do You Really Need To Complete Your Trip? Top 10 Most Romantic Restaurants In Rome For The Perfect Date Ever!

BY  Sibashree Aug 18, 2025

The best pasta! Ruins that tell century-old stories! Winding cobble streets that exude the perfect dark academia vibe! The most luxurious villas and accommodations! And sprezzatura, or the quintessential Italian sophistication! All these things and more await you in Italy, and Italy never ceases to amaze you, as Mary Shelley said, “The Name of Italy has magic in its very syllables.”  So, it is no wonder that tourism in Italy is still going strong in 2025, and going by the predictions and data of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), Italy is all set to host WTTC’s 25th Global Summit from 28th-30th September, 2025, and break all tourism records.  WTTC is confident that: Tourism in Italy will contribute € 237.4 billion to the Italian economy in 2025. It will support 3.2 million jobs in 2025, and the number is 100000 more than in 2024.  From Daniela Santanchè, the Minister of Tourism in Italy, to Julia Simpson, the president and CEO of WTTC, everyone is proud and confident about the scenario. Julia Simpson has even mentioned, “Italy is back at the top of travellers’ wish lists and for good reason. From the timeless beauty of Rome to the elegance of its coastlines, and countryside, Italy offers a unique experience steeped in history, culture, and exquisite luxury.” However, overtourism still remains a concern, leading to visa rejections. So, in case you cannot visit Italy right now, you can always explore the countries near Italy. With Italy at the heart of southern Europe, you can prepare for a greater European adventure by visiting the neighboring countries. Let’s tour and travel to France, Switzerland, Croatia, and other beautiful countries.  What Are 5 Countries Near Italy? What Are The Enclaved Microstates? I will begin this section with a brief of the countries in Italy in a table format, and then discuss the borders and why you will love visiting these countries. The five countries near Italy are 1. France, 2. Switzerland, 3. Austria, 4. Slovenia and 5. Croatia. The two enclaved microstates are San Marino and the Vatican City.  Countries Near ItalyBorder TypeBorder LengthPopular Entry PointsWhy Visit?FranceLand515 kmVentimigliaMont Blanc Tunnel• French Cuisine• Art and Museums• French Sophistication and Fashion• French Wine• The Beauty of Southern France, including the French Riviera and ProvenceSwitzerlandLand740 kmChiasso Simplon Pass• Lakes• Scenic Train Rides• Alpine Beauty• Swiss Chocolates• The 13th Happiest Country in the World**AustriaLand430 kmBrenner Pass• The 17th Happiest Country in the World**• Baroque Cities• Classical Music• The Land of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart• Alpine Villages• Operas• Winter SportsSloveniaLand200 kmNear TriesteNova Gorica• Greenest Capital• Underground Wonders• Affordable DestinationCroatiaMaritime600 kmEastern Adriatic• Medieval Towns• Beautiful Coastlines• Dubrovnik’s Old TownSan MarinoEnclaved microstateN/AN/A• The Oldest Republic in the World• Built in 301 AD• Mount Titano• Guaita, Cesta, and Montale Towers• Unique Cultural Identity, even during the Italian Unification Movement in the 1800s• Tax-Free Shopping• A Country with No National DebtVatican CityEnclaved microstateN/AN/A• Home to the Pope• The Administrative and Spiritual Center of the Roman Catholic Church• The Vatican Museums• St. Peter's Basilica• The Sistine Chapel ** (Source: The World Happiness Report 2024) 1. France – The Most Visited Country In The World  1.4 billion!  Yes, that’s the number the World Tourism Barometer from UN Tourism has quoted for the number of international travelers to France in 2024.  The Summer 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games have been two major factors behind the tourism boom, and France 24 has mentioned that France witnessed a year-on-year tourism growth of 12%.  However, France exudes a timeless appeal. The Eiffel Tower, luxurious tourism in Provence, the best wine and cheese! France is about all of these and even more!  Furthermore, the French-Italian border passes through the majestic Alps. It is one of the most breathtaking train rides or scenic drives in Europe.  Why Visit France? Imagine yourself sitting in the balcony of a posh château in Nice or a luxury villa in Provence and sipping the best rosé wine. And of course, the glamor of the French Riviera!  French never ceases to amaze you. Moreover, Paris, the French Capital itself, offers iconic landmarks and the perfect French romance.  Tour And Travel Blog Bucket List Moments In France Drive along the Côte d’Azur, stopping in Monaco, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez. Visit Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe. Spend a weekend in Paris, exploring the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and quaint street cafés. UNESCO World Heritage Sites In France Canal du Midi, etc.  Palace of Versailles Our Lady of Chartres Cathedral Cathédrale Notre-Dame d'Amiens Mont Saint-Michel 2. Switzerland – The Land Of Eternal Ice And Romance Have you experienced the flamboyance of Italy? It’s time to experience the charm of Switzerland, amidst ice and pristine lakes, mountain villages, and beautiful mountains.  Furthermore, blessed with the majestic Alps, Switzerland is a year-round destination, and once you explore the Switzerland Tourism official website, you will notice that the tourism attractions are as vivid as they can get.  Why Visit Switzerland? Hop on a train from Milan and be in the snow-capped town of Zermatt or the luxury hub of Zurich in just a few hours. Furthermore, Switzerland has the Matterhorn, a pyramid-shaped silhouette, and the most photographed mountain in the world. Also, Switzerland allows you to participate in adventure sports in Interlaken and the Bernese Oberland.  However, beyond every major attraction, it is the sustainable approach in Swiss tourism that wins me over every time.  The country has: A total of 20 national parks The designation as the water castle of Europe, with 6% of the fresh water reserve of the European continent 11,000 trains plying daily on SBB’s network, carrying 1.1 million passengers every day, ensuring sustainable travel even to the remote locations in Switzerland Focus on recycling Switzerland is one of the European countries that has the “lowest concentrations of particulate matter.” Tour And Travel Blog Bucket List Moments In Switzerland Take the Glacier Express for a panoramic train ride through the Alps. Explore Lake Geneva and enjoy wine tasting in the Lavaux Vineyards. Ski or hike in the Jungfrau region. UNESCO World Heritage Sites In Switzerland Aletsch Glacier Convent of St. John Müstair Bellinzona Bern Jungfrau, etc.  3. Austria: The Land Of History, Culture And Alpine Scenery Austria is one of the most peaceful countries in the world. It has Vienna and Salzburg and many other world-class cities, and at the same time, it is the homeland of Strauss and Mozart.  It is also the birthplace of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. Even today, Austria remains one of the cultural hotspots of Europe, thanks to its distinct coffee culture and the Salzburg Festival.  Furthermore, the Baroque and Romanesque architectural marvels of Austria add a unique visual appeal. Once again being dominated by the Alps, Austria is a favorite destination for winter sports.  Why Visit Austria? Along with the tourism attractions and the cultural extravaganza, Austria impresses us with its quality of life. The signature Austrian cleanliness, a well-developed and reasonable public transportation system, a strong legal system, and a low crime rate make Austria a safe tourist destination, even for solo female travelers.  Tour And Travel Blog Bucket List Moments In Austria Visit Vienna’s grand Schönbrunn Palace and enjoy a classical concert. Explore the storybook town of Hallstatt. Ski in the Tyrol region. Hike through the Austrian Alps in summer. UNESCO World Heritage Sites In Austria Welterbe Semmeringbahn (Info-Zentrum) Vienna Wachau Salzburg Schönbrunn Palace Graz, etc.  4. Slovenia: A Country With A Green Capital Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, is one of the greenest capitals in Europe. Further, it has iconic historical landmarks such as Ljubljana Castle.  Furthermore, Slovenia has Lake Bohinj, the largest natural lake in Slovenia and one of the most popular tourist destinations.  Also, Slovenia promotes an active tourism culture with activities such as cycling, water sports, and hiking.  Why Visit Slovenia? Austrian cleanliness Croatian coastal vibes Italian warmth  Slovenia offers you all of these. Furthermore, Slovenia celebrates sustainable travel practices. The country has a national Green Scheme, and it is using technology to a great extent to make the travel scenario more eco-friendly and inclusive.  For example, the National Intelligence System for Tourism follows a data-driven approach to manage tourist inflow, avoid overtourism, and minimize the impact on the environment.  Furthermore, to balance visitor demands and environmental benefits, the hospitality sector in Austria follows eco-friendly practices. So, it is no wonder that Slovenia, one of the closest countries near Italy, is called the Green Country.  Tour And Travel Blog Bucket List Moments In Slovenia  Row across the emerald waters of Lake Bled and visit its fairytale island church. Wander around Ljubljana, one of Europe’s greenest capitals. Explore the Postojna or Škocjan caves — massive underground wonders. UNESCO World Heritage Site In Slovenia Škocjan Caves Heritage of Mercury Plitvice Lakes National Park The works of Jože Plečnik in Ljubljana – Human Centred Urban Design 5. Croatia – The Land Of Game of Thrones “The most amazing set where I've shot 'Game of Thrones' is definitely Croatia, in Dubrovnik. It's such a stunning country with lots of good watersports there as well. Just a beautiful, beautiful place.” - Natalie Dormer All GOT fans! Can we not agree with what Margaery Tyrell has to say?  Croatia is perfect not only for those seeking the Sun but also for those interested in history.  It’s where Roman ruins meet Game of Thrones locations and beach days flow easily into lively nights. Why Visit Croatia? Croatia may not make headlines for exceptional tourism booms this year. However, as a Balkan paradise, Croatia, one of the countries near Italy, stands strong with its smart adjustments in seasonal offerings.  Dubrovnik, especially, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a favorite cruising destination thanks to its medieval structures and city walls.  It is trying to avoid the curse of overtourism with a sustainable approach and by promoting active tourism with outdoor activities such as hiking, ATV adventures, and cycling.  Moreover, Dubrovnik does not allow more than 4000 tourists on cruise ships. So, you must visit Croatia to see the fusion of Adriatic charm and sustainable tourism practices.  Tour And Travel Bucket List Moments In Croatia Sail around the Dalmatian coast, stopping at islands like Hvar and Vis. Visit Dubrovnik’s Old Town. Explore Plitvice Lakes National Park, with its cascading waterfalls and scenic trails. UNESCO World Heritage Sites In Croatia Diocletian's Palace Saint James’ Cathedral Euphrasian Basilica Trogir, etc.  6. San Marino: The Oldest Republic In The World San Marino is one of the world’s oldest republics. Nestled entirely within Italy, tourists often skip this microstate, but it’s absolutely worth the detour. Why Visit San Marino? Besides bragging rights ("I visited a whole other country inside Italy!"), San Marino has medieval towers, and views from the mountaintops are stunning, with a pretty, unexpectedly vibrant cultural scene. Tour And Travel Blog Bucket List Moments In San Marino Climb to the top of the Guaita Tower for panoramic views. Stroll the cobbled streets and explore the State Museum. Time your visit with one of the many medieval festivals. UNESCO World Heritage Sites In San Marino The San Marino Historic Centre and Mount Titano is the UNESCO World Heritage Site in San Marino.  7. Vatican City: The Home Of The Pope The Vatican is a country in its own right. While most people associate it with religion, the Vatican is also a cultural treasure chest. Why Visit Vatican City? Whether you’re spiritual or not, the Vatican holds some of the world’s most important art and architecture. And it’s an easy stop during any trip to Rome. Tour And Travel Blog Bucket List Moments In The Vatican City Marvel at the Sistine Chapel ceiling, painted by Michelangelo. Visit St. Peter’s Basilica and climb to the dome. Take a guided tour of the Vatican Museums for a deeper dive into history. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About The Countries Near Italy Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the countries near Italy.  1. Which Countries Near Italy Are The Most Beautiful? All the countries near Italy are beautiful. However, Switzerland is the most beautiful if you solely consider the scenic beauty, thanks to the Alpine grandeur. Furthermore, the Adriatic beauty, Croatia, has the most amazing coastline, and Slovenia looks serene with its lakes. 2. Which Countries Near Italy Have The Most Tourists? France, of course, is the Italian neighbor with the largest number of tourists. It is the most visited country in the world, and in 2024, it welcomed 1.4 billion international tourists. Croatia is another country that has a handsome tourist inflow, with the number of visitors reaching 21.3 million in 2024, according to Xinhua.  3. What Are The Most Peaceful And Less Crowded Coutries Near Italy? Austria and Slovenia are the most peaceful and least crowded countries near Italy. Despite a handsome tourist flow, the sustainable and technology-driven approach of these countries in tourism management helps them offer the most peaceful experience. San Marino is also quite peaceful, provided you avoid the peak seasons and plan a trip in the autumn or spring seasons.