South Italian Travel

Being a wine/food/travel writer means eating out often. These are places in Italy that I have especially liked.

If you're visiting Italy, have a car, and see a poster for a town fair, by all means go eat dinner -- you'll see a side of life most do not, and the food will be well worth it.

A number of years ago, Elisabetta and I went to Puglia for a vacation. It's a beautiful area, and virtually unknown to those living in the rest of Italy.

A virtual tour of fortresses in a wild land. In English.

The Gargano Peninsula (the lump that sticks out above the heel of the boot) is an unexplored wilderness, quite beautiful. This site is under development and in Italian for now, but interesting.

One of the world's most famous (and important) archaeology museums. All sorts of information, in Italian alas.

It's easy to forget that Sardegna, the wild island off to the west of the Peninsula, is Italy and not simply different. Claudio De Tesi has put together an impressive site with a huge number of photos and all sorts of travel tips. Neat!

One of Italy's most savage parks, with information on getting there and accommodations too.

Another spectacular national park, with lodging suggestions and lots of other advice.

For when you've had enough of exploring nature in Abruzzo. Includes hotel info too.

The official site of the City of Pompei, which is more than just the ruins. In Italian & English. Takes a few to many clicks to get places, but the results are well worth it.

White mountains of sea salt, gathered in the age-old way in Sicily. Looks fun & interesting, and they also have other suggestions for things to see in the area.

An image map of the region, which leads to maps of the provinces in turn linked to detailed information on the various towns and cities, including festivals, patron saints' days and more. An excellent place to start planning a trip!

A different kind of exploration in the Abruzzo.

Quite interesting, with Pliny's account of the eruption, historic curiosities, Vesuvius-related artwork and more. The text is in Italian but the images are universal and quite nice.

A day trip through Vulture (Basilicata) to explore fortress towns and try the wines

A spectacular Sicilian town that is especially nice in spring and fall, though I certainly wouldn't turn down a visit in summer either.

A spectacular Sicilian town that is especially nice in spring and fall, though I certainly wouldn't turn down a visit in summer either.