Gran Paradiso National Park in Italy lives up to its name — it's a massive, wild paradise. The 174,445-acre park comprises five glacial valleys, which are home to 168 animal species, 1,124 plant species, 59 glaciers, and 183 lakes. Italy's very first national park, it was created in 1922 to protect the alpine ibex, a majestic mountain goat recogniz...
READ MOREIn Italian gastronomy, few spices hold a candle to the appeal and history of saffron. Known as oro rosso, or red gold, this spice made a special place for itself not only in the kitchens but also in the cultural and economic fabric of Italy. Derived from the crocus sativus flower, saffron belongs to the Iridaceae family and is distinguished by its...
READ MOREThe most beautiful villages in Italy are a series of municipalities under 15,000 inhabitants, all chosen for their splendor and distinctiveness. The goal of the initiative is to tell a different Italy, bringing hitherto considered marginal villages out of isolation. In the last few days, 7 new municipalities have entered the rankings: there are now...
READ MOREThe Christmas markets that take place in Abruzzo turn this region into a magical place, offering unforgettable experiences linked to local culture and traditions. They are an opportunity to do some shopping and enjoy local delicacies in a special atmosphere: the landscape offers unmissable scenery, ranging from the Adriatic coastline to the inland...
READ MOREDecember is the month that opens the door to the Christmas season, one of the most beautiful times of the year to spend in Italy due to its wide variety of offerings from north to south, including Christmas markets and lights, visits to ancient villages and medieval castles, and of course the sunny landscapes and crystal-clear waters of southern It...
READ MOREAlba Fucens, ancient Roman city at the base of Monte Velino (Province of L’Aquila), is an archaeological jewel that one should most definitely explore. In fact, the ruins that emerged from excavations initiated by Fernand De Visscher in 1949 (continued throughout the 20th Century and recently taken up again) are truly remarkable. Given that the cit...
READ MOREWe’ve often found that the most beautiful villages in Italy are small, off-the-beaten-track towns that we never heard of, ones we find serendipitously or are told about by friends. These diminutive destinations tend to be more authentic and far less touristed. And, as a rule, the residents are more likely to welcome visitors more warmly than the de...
READ MORERenowned for its commitment to environmental sustainability, Abruzzo has earned a well-deserved reputation as one of the greenest regions in Europe. This picturesque locale is primarily characterized by its undulating and mountainous terrain, which covers an impressive 99% of its land. Notable among these natural wonders is the majestic Gran Sasso...
READ MORESaffron tourism is the holiday of choice for a growing number of people fascinated by the small purple autumn crocus that grows in Italy. The trick is to catch the flower just before it opens in order to preserve the three to five orange-red stigmas that must be dried to obtain the precious spice that adds taste to many dishes including saffron ris...
READ MOREAbruzzo is one of those regions that has accustomed us to extraordinary marvels, real gems set in a wonderful natural landscape like brilliant light points outlining the profile of a precious jewel; a metaphor that describes Italian beauty very well, isn’t it? Today we return to this fantastic land, destination Villalago: discover with us what to s...
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