Bellano - Zairon, CC BY-SA 4.0

The Lake Como village helping young people with mortgages and rent

A village on Lake Como has decided to help young people stay and live there through funding allocated via a public call to people who choose to establish their official residence in Bellano and build a life there. Called “Abitare Bellano”, the initiative is a trial measure set up by the local Comune — municipal council — for 2026. It has a total fund of €100,000 and addresses an issue shared by many small Italian towns. On Lake Como, it takes on a particular form: a picturesque area that is increasingly unaffordable for the people who would genuinely like to make their home there.
where to go on holiday in September

Where to go on holiday in Italy in September: 9 top destinations

September is an ideal month to visit Italy and explore new places and landscapes. With mild weather, fewer tourists and a wide variety of events and festivals taking place across the country, travelling in September is certainly a good idea. If you prefer the coast, the mountains, a city, an island or a budget-friendly destination, there is bound to be a place that suits your holiday. Here, then, is where to go on holiday in Italy in September.
Alassio

Liguria: the sea-view garden with record-breaking blooms

There is no need to travel as far as England to see a genuine English-style garden in Italy. Liguria has one overlooking the sea, with blooms that have few rivals in the country. On the hillside above Alassio, the Gardens of Villa della Pergola combine Mediterranean views with exceptional botanical collections, including iconic wisteria and a record-breaking collection of agapanthus.
School holidays Italy 2024-2025

Italy school holidays 2026–27: national breaks and key dates

Italy’s 2026–27 school year starts in September, although the exact first day differs by region. The earliest published return date is 7 September, while the latest is 17 September 2026.For families with children in Italian schools, the important dates are not limited to the first day of term.
Courmayeur

Inside north-west Italy’s leading prime property markets

There is good news for the north-west’s prime property market. According to the Market Report Italia 2026 by Engel & Völkers Italia, produced in collaboration with Nomisma, the premium segment in this part of the country is maintaining its leading position. Demand is being driven by internationally appealing lake, mountain and urban destinations. Top-end values reflect demand for exclusive homes in prime locations.
Best luxury hotels in Italy 2026

Italy’s luxury hotels shine as Positano ranks second worldwide

Italy has secured a prominent position in a new international luxury-hotel ranking, with properties across the Amalfi Coast, Tuscany, Venice, Lake Como and the Dolomites featuring among the country’s highest-rated stays.The results of La Liste Hotels 2026 highlight Italy’s range of high-end accommod
Villa Azzurra for Sale in La Maddalena

Sardinian sea-view villa for sale near La Maddalena

Set within the established maritime landscape of Villaggio Piras, Villa Azzurra is a single-storey Sardinian residence shaped by sea light, native planting and an unusually close relationship with the coastline.  With views across crystalline water towards Caprera, and white-sand coves a s
Napoli

10 of Italy’s most scenic seafronts: where to stroll with a view

With more than 7,500 km of coastline, Italy has seafront promenades that are far more than simple walks beside the sea. For a sunset stroll or an evening wander, here is a selection of the most scenic seafront promenades in Italy, spanning the country from north to south, along with the features that set each one apart. Some, including Bari and Caorle, still tend to sit outside the usual tourist radar.
secret Abruzzo

10 amazing places to visit in Abruzzo away from the crowds

A castle rising from the rock, a heart-shaped lake, and restaurants perched above the sea: Abruzzo surprises you where you least expect it. In just a few hours, you can travel from the peaks of Gran Sasso to the coves of the Costa dei Trabocchi, passing through pristine medieval villages and parks that preserve rare biodiversity. These are perfect itineraries for those who want to avoid the usual destinations without sacrificing iconic landscapes.
Hiking in Italy 2026

US tourists help drive Italy’s 2026 travel boom

Italy’s summer tourism market is showing stronger demand in 2026, with bookings rising across major cities, lake destinations and mountain resorts, according to data from property-management operator Halldis by Vita.The company reported a 12% year-on-year increase in bookings for June to August 2026
what to see at Lake Ledro

Forget the coast: mountain beaches on the coolest lakes for summer

It's hot, the seaside beaches are crowded, but there's an alternative: real beaches, at high altitude, where the water remains clear and the air is lighter. In Italy and Europe, you'll find sandy lakes, mountain beaches, meadows, and full-service amenities, ideal even for just a weekend getaway.
sea view villas with swimming pool

Sea-view villas with pools at impossible prices: who's selling them?

Private villa, swimming pool, sea view. For most people, those three words suggest a price tag with plenty of zeros, something reserved for buyers with a very large budget. Yet the Italian property market continues to challenge that assumption. Looking for a sea-view villa with a pool starting at €75,000 is not wishful thinking. Real properties are available, provided you know where to look.
An alley in Zungoli

Things to see in Zungoli, Italy’s third most beautiful village in 2026

Zungoli is a small comune in the province of Avellino, with fewer than 1,000 residents. It has earned a place among I Borghi più Belli d’Italia — Italy’s association of its most beautiful villages — and holds the Touring Club Italiano’s Orange Flag award. It only takes a few hours on foot to understand what there is to see in Zungoli: the village has a Norman castle, historic churches and an underground network carved into tuff stone.
Train in the mountains

5 Alpine destinations reachable by train for Gen Z and Millennials

A car-free mountain trip can be surprisingly simple: no traffic, no need to hunt for a seat, and a view that changes with every tunnel. In many Alpine resorts, the train is already the most direct way to reach the heart of the towns and enjoy the cool air, even in August. A real advantage for Gen Z and Millennials seeking flexible, sustainable, and highly free-spirited experiences. Here's where to set your sights for a truly effortless high-altitude getaway.
friuli venezia giulia

Why one Italian region feels like two different worlds

Friuli-Venezia Giulia is an autonomous Italian region. Yet the two names joined by a hyphen point to areas shaped by different histories, languages, landscapes and cultural influences.Friuli occupies the western and central part of the region, while Venezia Giulia sits to the east.