Blessed with incredible landscapes, lively squares, small coves and narrow cobblestone streets, the Island of Capri has a lot to offer. The main tourist attractions of the island are situated around the towns of Capri and Anacapri.

I must confess that I didn’t have enough time to visit the entire island, but I enjoyed the most beautiful and interesting places in the town of Capri and its surroundings.

First of all, in order to get to this island I took the ferry from Castellammare di Stabia, a small and quiet village situated very close to Pompei. You can also get to the Island of Capri if you take the ferry from Naples, Sorrento or Amalfi, but it depends on the place where you will stay during your trip.

I started my adventure in the commercial harbor of the island and I was impressed by the lively atmosphere I felt there. This is a great place in case you want to admire the Tyrrhenian Sea in all its splendor.

Marina Grande Beach which is the main beach of the island is situated near this harbor. After exploring the beauty of the island, spending a few hours on this lovely beach might be exactly what you need. As far as I’m concerned, the moments of relaxation I spent on the sand of Marina Grande were simply perfect, especially after I had tried to visit as many places as possible.

After you visit the harbor you have two options to get to the town of Capri. The first option is to take the cableway. The second option is to walk and this is the perfect opportunity to admire a few narrow cobblestone streets embellished with a multitude of colored flowers.

Walking down the lovely streets of Capri and letting yourself charmed by the wonderful sights is indeed a mandatory condition in case you want to enjoy the authentic atmosphere of the island.

Besides admiring the scenery, you can also enjoy yourself and visit the multitude of luxury shops which turn the island into an exclusive destination.

When it comes to luxury and fashion, La Piazzetta can be considered an important landmark. Vittorio Emanuele Street and Camerelle Street are just a few examples which offer a little bit of the flavor of luxury. The prices are really high, but at least you experience the feeling of admiring so many luxury goods in just one place.

Piazza Umberto, as La Piazzetta is called, has a really special charm and its vibrant atmosphere makes you experience a unique feeling. Situated in the heart of the town, this square is considered one of the little theaters of the world, thanks to all the events and festivals which take place here. La Piazzetta is the place where you can admire a really beautiful panorama.

In case you want to enjoy this view while having a drink, be prepared to pay almost triple at the terraces situated in the panoramic points.

Piazza Umberto also shelters the old Clock Tower, the rustic Chiesa di San Stefano and Centro Caprense Ignazio Cerio, which is considered to be a museum.

Not far from the town center, you will find the famous Giardini di Augusto (Augusto Gardens), an extremely beautiful place where you can admire breathtaking panoramas. As the name suggests, these gardens were founded by Emperor Augustus and they display a variety of flowers and statues.

At one end of the gardens there is a place called Belvedere of Punta Cannone, which offers an incredible view over the Faraglioni. This is the name of three limestone rocks which seem to rise from the sea.

The icing on the cake is the famous Via Krupp, a path which leads to the sea. In case you decide to follow the path of Via Krupp, you will have the chance to admire the greenish water of Marina Piccola Beach.

La Certosa di San Giacomo is another place situated in the same area. Considered the finest remaining example of Caprese architecture, this picturesque monastery shelters a school, a library, a museum and an exhibition area.

Situated among steep cliffs, carved grottoes and high rocky peaks, Arco Naturale (The Natural Arch) is definitely a place you should not miss during your trip to Capri. In order to get to this place, you should follow the path which leads to Pian della Noci and Via Matermania. Once you reach these streets it will be easier to find your way to the Natural Arch. This 20 meter-high imposing arch blends with the blue sea in a harmonious way and creates an incredibly beautiful scenery.

There are a few grottoes which I would have liked to visit, especially Grotta Azzuro, but I didn’t have the chance because all the boat tours were canceled due to the turbulent sea. Maybe next time I will have this chance. Who knows?

Overall, the entire experience in Capri was a great one and I spent very beautiful moments there. All things considered, make sure you will enjoy your own experience in Capri because words and pictures are not enough to portray the entire essence of this place.

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A visit to this archaeological site seems to be a mysterious return in time. In order to have a great experience there, I thought the following tips could be useful:

1.The history of the ancient city of Pompeii is really interesting and tumultuous. Before you visit this site, try to read a few books or articles about this place because this way you will better understand the history behind the ruins. I also recommend the movie “Pompeii”, which presents the story of the ancient city in a very emotional way.

2.The archaeological site covers an area of 66 hectares and it shelters the ruins of a lot of buildings, houses and gardens. Taking into account the large area you have to visit, make sure you have almost a day to spend there, in order to have enough time to admire the entire site.

3.The Pompeii Excavations is an open air museum and if you visit it in summer, take into account the fact that there will be just a few places where you can shelter from the burning sun. On this note, you will need water, sunscreen and a hat or a scarf. You should also wear comfortable shoes because almost all the streets are cobbled and you’ll have to walk a long distance.

4.The ticket price is 11 euros, excepting the first Sunday of every month, when the entrance is free of charge. This will help you save a small amount of money, in case you are in the area at the beginning of the month.

5.Marina Gate, Exedra Square and Amphitheatre Square are the three entrances you can use to get to the ruins. You can find ticket offices at each entrance and this is a good tip to avoid standing in line. If it’s not very crowded, my advice is to choose Marina Gate because this way you will start your visit with the Forum and its lively square.

6.Take a map with you in case you don’t want to get lost through the ruins. If you are a technology lover, it’s good to know that you can download an application on your phone which will provide you with all the necessary information. Another option is to choose an organized tour with a professional guide. These guided tours can be requested only if you enter the site using Marina Gate or Exedra Square.

7.The ruins of the ancient Pompeii are a feast for the eyes. Make sure you will not miss the area of the Forum with its temples and basilicas, the old Amphitheater, the controversial brothel Lupanar, the richest houses and properties and the beautiful gardens. In my opinion, the most touching place is the Gardens of the Fugitives, a sad area which reveals the petrified bodies of 13 victims. An embracing family who were waiting for the end, a baker who was taking the bread out of the oven and a few painters who were painting a wall are just a few examples.

8.There are a few restrictions inside the archaeological site of Pompeii, which you should keep in mind. Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the excavations, but you can use one of the few smoking areas specially arranged for the tourists. In case you are going to take luggage with you, you should know that there are not allowed handbags, backpacks, suitcases or any type of luggage which exceeds the dimensions of 30x30x15 centimeters. Another restriction is that big pets are not allowed inside the site. Animals must wear a leash in case they enter the site.

9.A few buildings might be closed during your visit. It’s important to know that some of the buildings are open during the first part of the day and others during the second part. This is why I advise you to spend an entire day there.

10.Near the Forum you can find a restaurant and a first aid service. There are also picnic areas near Amphitheater Square and Casina dell’Aquila. There will be no problem to rest and have a snack .

All things considered, there is only one thing left to do. Plan your trip to the ancient city of Pompeii and enjoy it to the fullest!

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I must confess that I really wanted to visit the ruins of this city which was entirely destroyed by the volcano, since I saw the movie “Pompeii” and this year my desire came true. Even if the movie depicts the story in a different way, the idea is the same and the entire city was simply wiped off the face of the earth.

The ancient Pompeii is situated at about 30 meters above sea level, in the valley of the River Sarno, near Mount Vesuvius. The origin of the city is still a mystery. It is believed that it was built by a mixed population of Etruscans and Greeks.

Conquered by the Samnites in the 4^th century BC, the city was highly urbanized during this period. After the Samnite period, Pompeii joined the political organization of the Romans, as an ally in 90-89 BC.

After it was conquered by the troops of Lucius Cornelius Sulla, Pompeii became a Roman colony in 80 BC, receiving the new name of Cornelia Veneria Pompeianorum. As a colony, the city went through a period of prosperity, being constantly rebuilt and modernized.

The city was partially destroyed in 62 AD, when a violent earthquake shook the entire area, but it was reconstructed shortly after the incident.

I’m sure that this brief history of Pompeii helped you understand how this ancient city used to be.

Reality is different nowadays and once you enter Marina Gate you will only see ruins in front of your eyes. These ruins are all that’s left from the bygone era of the city of Pompeii.

The city was rediscovered at the end of the 16^th century and after a long period of explorations it was turned into a large archaeological site which covers an area of 66 hectares.

The site shelters an exceptional collection of architectural objects, sculptures, paintings and mosaics. The ruins are now divided into neighborhoods (regiones) and blocks (insulae) and taking into account the large area you have to cover, you’ll definitely need an entire day.

There are a lot of buildings, houses and gardens which can be admired there, so make sure you will have enough time to enjoy every single corner of this archaeological site. If I had to name a few of them, I would start with the Forum and its lively square which represented the core of their daily life and the focal point of all the main public buildings.

The Temple of Jupiter and the Basilica are two sumptuous edifices which dominate the area of the Forum. You should also admire the Sanctuary of Apollo which is one of the oldest places of worship in Pompeii. When it comes to gardens, three of them are among my favorite ones.

The House of the Menander is a typical example of a high-ranking family property, the House of the Golden Cupids is one of the most elegant with a rare type of garden and the Gardens of the Fugitives is a sad area which reveals the petrified bodies of 13 victims.

Considered one the oldest edifices of the Roman period, the Amphitheater should not be missed.

These are just a few of the buildings, houses and gardens sheltered by the site of Pompeii, but all of them are worth visiting.  It will be an interesting experience to plunge into the history of the ancient city destroyed by the old Vesuvius.

All things considered, make sure you will plan this visit in case you are going on a trip to this part of Italy!

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The image which triggered in me the desire to visit this entire coast was the panorama offered by the small village of Positano.

The village lies on a beautiful mountain and it is in my opinion a very special place because the colored houses of the inhabitants display a breathtaking image.

It is well-known that the most famous view of Positano can be admired from a 300 hundred meter long beach, which is situated right at the foot of the mountain, opposite the archipelago of Li Galli. I am talking about Marina Grande Beach, which is considered the liveliest and the most famous beach in Positano.

A stretch of dark sand and grey pebbles surrounded by a few mountains and washed away by the blue water creates the scenery of this beach. Covered by a few colorful rows of umbrellas and equipped with sunbeds, changing rooms and showers, the beach is really comfortable in case you want to rest and relax. A few restaurants, terraces and bars situated near the beach offer a multitude of options when it comes to food.

Even if Marina Grande Beach is not one of my favorite beaches in the area, I have to admit that it is the place which offers a perfect panorama of the village.  Spiaggia Grande Beach, as it is also called, is very popular among celebrities, so don’t be surprised if next to you there might be a famous person relaxing in the sunrays and enjoying the scenery.

Even if it is really easy to get to the beach by car, there are not enough parking spaces in the area, which is a problem for the tourists. This is why it is unlikely to find a parking place close to the beach, but this might be an advantage. If you park your car on top of the mountain and go down the stairs which lead to Marina Grande, you will have the chance to admire a stunning panorama of the entire beach. Believe me that this panorama is worth the effort!

All things considered, there is no way to plan a visit to the Amalfi Coast without adding Marina Grande Beach to your trip list.

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I just wanted to admire the amazing landscapes created by the perfect union between the sea and the high cliffs and all those famous colorful houses which embellish the entire coastline.

It was a great surprise for me to discover that the lovely territory of the Cinque Terre hides several wonderful small bays and beaches. Monterosso Beach is considered the most beautiful beach in the area and it is also my favorite one.

Situated in the village with the same name, this beach is simply charming thanks to the blend between the fine sand and the clear blue water.

Also known as Fegina Beach, this beach is the only sand-covered beach in the area of the Cinque Terre. The long stretch of sand, embellished with a few stones of various shapes and sizes, together with the picturesque mountain landscape, creates a spectacular scenery.

You should know that Monterosso Beach is pretty crowded especially in summer, because it is the most beautiful and accessible beach in the area.

So, in case you are looking for a quiet beach away from the hustle and bustle of big cities, Monterosso Beach is not a good option. The advantage is that it’s really easy to get to this beach because it is located just in front of the train station.

Monterosso Beach is equipped with deck chairs and umbrellas, which can be rented by the tourists. Whether you choose to try one of the common beach activities or simply rest under the sun rays, both options are perfect in case you want to relax in the middle of a beautiful scenery.

You don’t have to take my words for granted, but you can take a look at the following pictures in order to convince yourself of what I’m talking about.

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This National Park is considered one of the most beautiful coastlines in Italy and for good reason.

The chain of mountains seems to merge with the sea and create an amazing scenery. In the middle of this scenery there are five authentic Italian villages built on five different hills.  Situated very close to each other, these villages shelter beautiful churches, old buildings and impressive fortresses which the tourists can admire while they are going for a walk in their lovely narrow streets.

The first of them is Riomaggiore, a small old village which hides an amazing landscape, created by the blend between the colorful buildings and the turbulent sea. Walking down the narrow cobblestone streets, you will discover the Parish Church of Saint Giovanni Battista, the Oratory of Saint Maria Assunta, the Oratory of Saint Rocco and the Fortress.

No matter how you decide to spend your time there, you shouldn’t leave Riomaggiore without admiring the most beautiful panorama of the entire village which can be seen from the other side of the cliff. I was so impressed that I could have spent hours admiring this fabulous view.

With this image in my mind, I started off for the second village, which I expected to be as beautiful as the first one. It was a great surprise for me to realize that Manarola is simply breathtaking and even more beautiful than Riomaggiore.

Words are not enough to describe the perfect union between the sea and the high cliffs. The colorful houses of the village of Manarola seem to literally fall from the steep cliff which shelters them. I must confess that Manarola is my favorite village and that I could have spent entire days admiring its beauty.

In case you want to venture in the small streets of this village, you will have the opportunity to visit the Parish Church of Saint Lorenzo, the Bell Tower, the Fortress and the Bulwark.

Corniglia, which is another small and picturesque Italian village, is situated very close to Manarola. I must say that I didn’t have the chance to visit this village, but this is a strong reason to return to this place in the future. When I do, I will have the opportunity to also visit Corniglia and its Fortifications, the Oratory of Saint Caterina and the Parish Church of Saint Pietro.

Vernazza is bigger than the other villages, but it is as lovely. The most beautiful view of Vernazza can be admired from the beach. There is an artificial path made of stones where the tourists can go for a walk and admire the image of the village.

In case you want to taste the beauty of this village even more, you should know that Vernazza shelters the Parish Church of Saint Margherita di Antiochia, the Fortress, the Belforte and the Towers.

Last but not least, Monterosso al Mare is another lovely village blessed with an incredibly beautiful beach with fine sand and crystal blue water. This is the perfect place to go for a swim and relax after admiring all these beautiful villages.

The village is built in the same architectural style and a walk in its narrow streets will give you the chance to visit its main tourist attractions.

The Parish Church of Saint Giovanni Battista, the Capuchins Monastery and the Saint Francesco Church, the Fortress, the Aurora Tower, the Giant and the Montale’s Villa are the most important ones.

To conclude, the Cinque Terre is the perfect place to visit in case you want to live an unforgettable experience on the shores of Italy. This coastline is a real treasure which should be visited by all of us at least once in a lifetime.

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Situated in southern Italy, in the region of Puglia, Alberobello is a small town, which looks more like a village. What makes this small town really special is its impressive and unique architectural style. I am talking about the trulli style which is a traditional architectural style defined by white buildings made of limestone.

These little houses with conical roofs and thick stone walls were made of big stones without mortar. Alberobello seems to be the setting of a story due to its conical roofs decorated with spires and different elements that have religious, magical and spiritual significance. These pyramid structures are often built as a complex with several roofs.

It is said that these houses were built for the peasants by the Counts of Conversano. They chose this building method because they wanted the houses to look very unstable in order to avoid taxes. If the houses looked unstable they were not taxable. This was a really ingenious idea to fool the system of that time and the marvelous Alberobello is even today a durable settlement.

The capital of the trulli, as it is called, was declared a national monument and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This amazing little town hosts about 1500 buildings. Most of them are located in the most picturesque districts of Alberobello: Rione Monti and Aia Piccola.

The most famous houses that you should definitely not miss are: the Trullo Siamese, the Trullo Sovrano, St. Anthony’s Church and the House of Love.

It will be a real delight to explore and walk among these unique buildings. You should know that the best view over the entire trulli area is seen from the town center, which is a little higher than the area where the most of the trulli houses are situated. If you enter the trulli houses you will discover their simple and beautiful design and if you climb on the rooftops you will admire a beautiful sight.

It is good to know that there are a lot of souvenir shops, restaurants and even trulli hotels in case you want to spend the night in one of the trulli houses, eat local dishes or buy interesting things. If you have enough time to spend there you can also see and find out interesting things in one of the museums of Alberobello: the Museo del Territorio, the Museum of Olive Oil, the Museum of Handicrafts and the Museum of Wine.

If you get to Alberobello make sure you take your time and visit all these wonderful houses because they are one of a kind. Alberobello is definitely one of those places where you can live a truly unique experience.

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