The cheapest European cities to spend a weekend in

There's a special moment at the end of a good Italian meal, when you're full and happy but not quite ready to leave the table. This is often when a small glass of something sweet and aromatic appears. In Italy, dessert wine isn't just an afterthought; it’s a cherished part of the dining culture. Getting to know the best Italian dessert wines opens up a whole new side to the country's incredible food and drink scene.

Food is central to Italian life, and there's no better way to dive into that world than by visiting a local food festival. In Italy, these are often called a sagra, and they're fantastic, community-run events celebrating a specific local ingredient. Each season brings a new reason to celebrate, be it wild mushrooms in autumn or fresh artichokes in spring, giving you a real taste of regional life through Italy's food festivals.

Each late summer, the island of the Venice Lido transforms, swapping its quiet seaside charm for the international buzz of the Venice International Film Festival. As the world's oldest film festival, established in 1932, it holds a unique place in the cinematic calendar, acting as a key platform where major Oscar contenders are first revealed alongside groundbreaking works from global auteurs. The upcoming 82nd edition in 2025 continues this long-standing tradition, preparing to welcome a host o

When you think of the most popular dessert in Italy, it's easy for tiramisù and gelato to steal the show. But Italy has a deep love for chocolate, and its dolci often showcase it in a way that’s wonderfully rich and not overly sweet. It's the intense flavour of the cocoa that really shines, making for some pretty unforgettable cakes, puddings and biscuits.

Udine is located in Italy's north-eastern corner and is one of those wonderfully authentic cities that often fly under the radar. Expect handsome Venetian squares and a laid-back pace of life, all nestled between the Alps and the Adriatic. It's a proper local hub rather than a tourist trap, a place with a distinct character all of its own.

Udine is one of those understated places, full of elegant Venetian architecture and quiet, cobbled squares, but without the tourist crush you get elsewhere. It's tucked away in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, a region in Italy's far northeast that borders both Austria and Slovenia. Living in Udine offers a rhythm that’s both relaxing and refined, revolving around its historic cafés and traditional osterie. It’s a city that values quality, from its food to its friendships.

Located in the Emilia-Romagna region, Bologna is a city of real substance. With a population of just under 400,000, it feels lively and important without the intense tourist crowds you might find in Florence or Rome. The city is famously known by three nicknames that perfectly capture its spirit: La Dotta (the Learned), for its ancient university; La Grassa (the Fat), a nod to its status as Italy’s undisputed food capital; and La Rossa (the Red), for its beautiful terracotta-tiled roofs. This