grammichele

Sicily’s unique hexagonal town: history, sundials and Baroque streets

Grammichele, in the heart of the province of Catania, is well known for its mesmerizing geometric grid from above. The surprise is heightened when you discover it's not a contemporary whim, but the result of a 17th-century reconstruction guided by a rigorous urban planning vision. With just over twelve thousand inhabitants, the town center boasts baroque squares, scenic churches, and a museum that recounts the origins of this urban enterprise. Here, then, are what to see in Grammichele, the hexagonal city.
Negotiable prices Italy

20 houses for sale in Italy with negotiable prices

Can you negotiate house prices in Italy in 2026? Absolutely — and for international buyers, it's one of the most important tools at your disposal. Negotiating property prices in Italy has long been standard practice, and the tradition continues this year.
blue flags Piedmont

Blue Flags in Piedmont 2026: top lakeside beaches

The four 2026 Blue Flags—Gozzano, Cannobio, Verbania, and Cannero Riviera—confirm the Piedmont lakes' position among Northern Italy's top-quality seaside destinations. The recognition is not limited to water cleanliness, but also to a complex system of environmental management, services, and sustainability.
15 villages to see in Italy

10 Italian villages to see before the crowds arrive

The warm season is just around the corner, and the countdown to Italy’s most popular destinations has already begun. Yet there is another side to the country: small villages that still preserve their scents, views and atmosphere, capable of surprising even in high season, if you arrive just a little earlier than everyone else. Here are ten villages chosen for summer, set between the sea, lakes and mountains, linked by a common thread: authenticity, striking scenery and a welcoming spirit that encourages you to slow down.
holidays in Sicily

Holidays in Sicily: best time to go to the beach and avoid the heat

Sicily remains one of Italy’s favourite summer destinations, thanks to its sweeping beaches, hilltop villages and dramatic scenery, but also because of its climate. Rising temperatures linked to climate change are reshaping Mediterranean summers, and each month now brings slightly different conditions.
A visit to Pratola Peligna, the Abruzzo village where you can buy a house for just €1.

A visit to Pratola Peligna, the €1-house village in Abruzzo

Pratola Peligna is a small municipality in Abruzzo, in the province of L’Aquila, which, like many other Italian villages, has renewed its €1 house project. In this Abruzzese village, things are going so well that in a short time both the local administration and residents are beginning to see the hoped-for results. As early as April 2023, idealista/news visited the small Abruzzo town and spoke with the local authorities to report on what was happening after the launch of the €1 house scheme. A few years on, the success of the initiative shows no sign of slowing down.
cheap property with a pool Italy

Property with a pool in Italy from €35,000

There’s one detail that completely shifts how a home feels: water catching the light, a private space where summer doesn’t depend on the calendar, and a feature that quietly lifts the property’s market position.A property with a pool in Italy from €35,000 is no longer a rare niche find.
Food and Wine Itinerary in Italy

Eat, sip, repeat: a food and wine itinerary across Italy

Some trips are all about art galleries and architecture. Others revolve around switching off and soaking up the scenery. This time, though, it’s all about a proper food and wine itinerary in Italy. Here are five must-try first courses, each tied to a destination that deserves time on your itinerary. Start planning your food and wine trip to Italy and settle in for something memorable.
One-euro homes in Sicily, the project also conquers the village of Troina.

€1 houses in Troina: Sicily’s plan to restore Medieval quarter

The number of €1 houses in Sicily continues to grow. After Gangi, Sambuca di Sicilia, and Delia, the scheme has now reached the village of Troina, in the former provincial district of Enna. The initiative has previously been featured by CNN. The aim is to renovate and bring new residents into the historic centre’s housing stock. As explained on the official website, “through the ‘€1 Houses’ project, unoccupied properties are transferred at the symbolic price of one euro in order to revitalise and repopulate the ancient quarters of the medieval village.”
paths overlooking the sea

10 sea‑view trails in Italy: most beautiful coastal walks

Along cliffs, lighthouses and ancient mule tracks, Italy is home to spectacular walks overlooking the sea, with postcard views and, often, specific rules to follow. In some cases, tickets or advance bookings are required; in others, it’s best to set off during the cooler hours of the day and carry plenty of water. Here’s a selection of 10 coastal routes and sea‑view trails in Italy, with essential information on difficulty, walking times and access.
Italy’s Best Free Beaches

6 of Italy’s best free beaches, according to The Guardian

A recent Guardian feature picked out six of the best natural and free beaches in Italy, highlighting stretches of coastline that remain open to all despite the dominance of private beach clubs. The selection spans the Adriatic, Tyrrhenian and Mediterranean, focusing on protected parks, volcanic
festival 2026

Music festivals for summer 2026

From the I-Days in Milan to open-air gigs in Puglia’s parks, and on to the international buzz of Florence and Lucca, summer in Italy is once again one of the best times of year to catch live music.So which music festivals are taking place in Italy in summer 2026?
Blue Flags 2026 in Sicily

All 16 Blue Flag beaches in Sicily 2026: where to find the cleanest waters

Each year, the Blue Flag award becomes a valuable guide for those planning their vacation and wanting to know which beaches in Sicily have the Blue Flag. The criteria also evaluate purification, safety, accessibility, waste management, and environmental stewardship. Here is the list of all the 2026 Blue Flags in Sicily, including the awarded locations, what's new compared to last year, and the beaches to keep an eye on.
Sardinia blue flags

All 52 Blue Flag beaches in Sardinia for 2026

With 49 Blue Flag beaches for 2025, Sardinia remains one of the most sought-after destinations in the Mediterranean. This prestigious award recognises not only the quality of the water but also the commitment to environmental sustainability and high-quality tourist services.
Milan Pride 2026

Milan Pride 2026: dates, parade route, and events

Milan Pride 2026 runs from Saturday 21 June to Saturday 28 June 2026, with the main parade taking place on Saturday 27 June 2026.Milano Pride is the city’s annual late‑June celebration of LGBTQ+ communities and allies.