Cesca Rampley

Culture vulture from London with a passion for all things foodie. I’ve lived abroad for almost 10 years, floating from one magical place to another. I studied literature at university in the eclectic city of Brighton, and since then, I’ve been hooked on keeping up with what to do, see, and, of course, eat. I’m a firm believer in appreciating and learning from local cultures, travelling responsibly, and giving new things a go with an open mind and a healthy dose of curiosity. I try to share useful tips, local insights and a bit of honest know-how, so you can make the most of wherever you find yourself.

Regional and local holidays in Italy 2026: patron saints and city closures

Italy doesn’t just close down for national holidays. Cities and regions also take days off for patron saints, local festivals and a few dates with special status.

Italy's 6 largest lakes: size, scenery and where to go

Italy has more than 1,500 lakes, from tiny Alpine pools to wide basins surrounded by vineyards and medieval villages. Many are swimmable and popular for holidays, weekend escapes and even second homes.

National public holidays in Italy 2026: full calendar and long weekends

If you’re living in Italy, juggling school calendars, or just trying not to book meetings when the entire country has gone to the seaside, having the public holidays in Italy for 2026 in one place is genuinely useful.This rundown focuses on the national public holidays in Italy for this year: exact

Winter in the Dolomites: best towns, ski areas & winter experiences

Winter in the Dolomites feels like stepping into a snow-dusted film set: sharp limestone peaks, pine forests heavy with snow, and villages that look almost too pretty to be real. This corner of northern Italy is only going to be more in the spotlight thanks to the Winter Olympics this year, hav

A large number of people in Italy live near active volcanoes

Living near Italy’s volcanoes: Etna, Vesuvius and island towns

Italy is one of the few countries in Europe where millions of people live in the shadow of active volcanoes. For many residents and foreign buyers, the appeal of living near an Italian volcano is obvious: dramatic landscapes, fertile soil, and, in some areas, more affordable homes.

Underrated museums in Italy worth visiting in 2026

Italy’s big‑name galleries are brilliant, but once you have done the hits, they can feel crowded and predictable.

Things to do in Lecce: Baroque streets, Salento day trips and local food

Often called the “Florence of the South”, Lecce is packed with ornate Baroque churches, golden‑stone palaces and winding alleys that always seem to lead to another little piazza.

Top 10 best museums in Italy to visit in 2026

If 2026 is your big Italy year, lining up the best museums in Italy to visit makes a huge difference to how the trip feels.

Best Italian wine regions to live in: life between the vines

Living in an Italian wine region is very different to popping in for a tasting on holiday. Daily life runs on the rhythm of the vines, with tractors as your morning soundtrack and grape harvests filling the lanes in autumn.

Italian sparkling wine: Prosecco, Franciacorta and best bubbles to try

Italian sparkling wine is a whole world beyond the usual Prosecco on the supermarket shelf. Italians talk about bollicine rather than “bubbly”, and each region has its own idea of what those bubbles should taste like. If you like Champagne‑style richness, there are proper traditional‑method wines.