The reinvention of Catania – Sicily’s once crime-ridden second city
In 1787, Goethe wrote: “To have seen Italy without having seen Sicily is not to have seen Italy at all, for Sicily is the clue to everything.” I’d go one step further and claim it’s impossible to really understand what makes the island tick without visiting Catania. Located on the east coast of the island, Catania is Sicily’s second-largest city an...
Caffè Salentino: almond, ice, and the spirit of Puglia in a glass
In the sunny heel of Italy’s boot lies Salento, a stretch of land suspended between sea and stone; famous for its turquoise water, white beaches, and beautifully rugged coastline, this part of southern Puglia has earned the nickname the Caribbean of Italy, and it’s easy to understand why. But beyond its natural beauty, Salento has its own culinary...
72 Hours in Lake Como Taught Me the Joy of Doing Nothing
I feel like we should go to Italy that weekend.” It had become a small tradition in my home to get the hell out of Dodge after important or stressful medical appointments—a welcome distraction from the interminable waiting for results delivered bloodlessly by a no-nonsense nurse. And so, in advance of another tedious interlude that April, I stuck m...
Retirement in Italy: regions where you can live for less
Retiring in Italy on a budget isn’t just a daydream—it’s something a growing number of people are actually doing, and with good reason. Life here has a knack for moving at its own rhythm. Quiet mornings in a sunlit square, fresh produce just around the corner, and a genuine sense of community you don’t always get elsewhere. While the image of Itali...
Cannero Castles reopen after restoration: Lake Maggiore rediscovers its fortress
One of the most fascinating historical icons of Lake Maggiore, suspended between myth and memory, is about to reopen its doors to the public. Indeed, next June 28 marks the official opening of the Castles of Cannero, ancient fortifications dating back to the 15th century located on three rocky islets off the town of Cannobio, in the heart ofPiedmon...
Mille Miglia Returns for the 2025 Edition
The engines are revving once again for the Mille Miglia, often dubbed “the most beautiful race in the world” by none other than Enzo Ferrari. The excitement is palpable among the 420 crews taking part in this unforgettable journey from Brescia to Rome and back — a 1,900-kilometer adventure that offers a once-in-a-lifetime driving experience. Runnin...
NSA Naples, Italian City of Pozzuoli Strengthen Partnership
Leaders from U.S. Naval Support Activity (NSA) Naples and the City of Pozzuoli in Naples, Italy, held a luncheon June 12, 2025, to strengthen partnerships and discuss community support initiatives. The event highlights the ongoing efforts to foster positive relations between NSA Naples' military population and their Italian neighbors.Attended by NS...
Arezzo and its historic workshops: experiencing art in the City of Arts
Nestled in the heart of Tuscany, maybe in its lesser-known yet certainly most authentic side, the extraordinary city of Arezzo is the perfect destination you were seeking for your next trip to discover new places, rich in charm, art and beauty. A trip that can become a true cultural experience thanks to Fondazione Arezzo Intour, the organization th...
Al Pacino Meets Pope Leo XIV, Becoming First Movie Star to Get an Audience With American Pontiff
Hollywood A-lister Al Pacino became the first movie star to meet with Pope Leo XIV. The 85-year-old had an audience with the new American pope, elected after the death of Pope Francis, at the Vatican on Monday. According to reports in Italy, Pacino arrived in Rome by private jet from New York City over the weekend. “We are honored to announce that...
Italian teenager Carlo Acutis to become first millennial saint on September 7
The canonization of Carlo Acutis, the Catholic Church’s first millennial saint, will take place on September 7, Pope Leo XIV has announced. Acutis, an Italian teenager who died from leukemia in 2006, will be declared a saint by Leo at a ceremony in St. Peter’s Square expected to be attended by thousands of young people. Acutis was just 15 when he d...
Here's What Italians Really Think Of Starbucks
With 36 locations as of early 2024, Italy remains one of the European countries with the fewest Starbucks locations — which is surprising for a country that loves coffee. But, as noted in the responses from The Local Italy's Facebook poll, Italy's love for its coffee is precisely why most locals have been hesitant to embrace Starbucks — and it's co...
Pixar returns to Italy with new film Gatto
Marvel isn’t the only studio that can get audiences hyped with an upcoming slate reveal. Pixar just revealed its own at the Annecy Animated Festival, per Variety. While it may not be Iron Man, the animation company has a brand new hero to root for: Nero. Nero is the feline star of Gatto, a brand new Italian-set adventure. From Luca director Enrico...