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If you want to live forever, live in this town...

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If you want to live forever, live in this town...

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Alan Maisel, a cardiologist and professor at the University of California at San Diego, had long believed a moderate diet, exercise and refraining from smoking were the keys to a long and healthy life. So the first time he went on vacation to Acciaroli - a small village on the southern end of Italy's Amalfi Coast - in August 2012, he got a bit of a shock.

"I was at the beach, and I saw all these leathernecked, tanned people in their 90s and 100s who looked nine months pregnant and were smoking cigarettes," the doctor tells The Post.

Intrigued, he began asking questions, and soon found out that the town was home to an extraordinary number of elders. The mayor bragged that they had more 100-year-old residents than any other place in the world.

"Things didn't seem to add up: [They were] smoking and fat, but so relaxed and unstressed ... At first, I asked if it was the Mediterranean diet, but they do that all over Italy."

Had Maisel stumbled upon the Fountain of Youth? Acciaroli has a population of only 2,000, yet the village boasts some 300 elders who have reached the age of 100 - and about 20 percent of those centenarians have reached 110. Furthermore, the area has low rates of Alzheimer's and heart disease - despite a diet filled with cigarettes and wine.

Now Maisel and researchers at UC San Diego have teamed up with the Sapienza University of Rome to figure out why Acciaroli's residents live so long.

"This place has never been studied before," says Maisel. "It's never been infiltrated or expatriated, so we're planning on looking at their gene pool, doing blood tests, observing their habits - seeing what's what."

While the study just launched in March, Maisel has already gleaned some clues from the village's elders and their way of life. One secret: "Everybody eats rosemary - they all grow it, they use it as a garnish, they use it in oils," says Maisel. The herb, which home cooks use to garnish pastas and marinate seafood, has long been linked to preventing diseases such as Alzheimer's and improving brain function and memory. It releases a chemical compound that's shown to increase blood flow to the brain and head, boosting concentration.

Another diet staple that improves their health? Anchovies, which appear in almost every meal in Acciaroli. Like sardines and mackerel, the oily fish is full of antioxidants, keeps cholesterol down, "smoothes out" the arteries and cuts down on inflammation, which, Maisel says, is "helpful in the aging process."

It also helps that these Italians happen to live in an almost magical, untouched utopia. "There isn't a lot of industry here, so the air they breathe is unpolluted," says Maisel, adding that many studies have shown that people who live in polluted places tend to live shorter lives than those who get to breathe in fresh air.

Plus, the gorgeous weather - mild temperatures, Mediterranean breezes and lots of sunshine - means that villagers here spend lots of time outdoors and keeping their bodies, if not exactly trim, then pretty spry.

"There's the beach and these hilly mountains, so there's a lot of activity," says Maisel, "even if they don't take exercise classes or swim laps or do yoga."

Researchers for the study plan to collect blood samples and distribute questionnaires to the group over the next six months to see what role genes play in keeping these folks alive. Maisel hopes to start a university-run longevity clinic in the area to see how they can put their findings into action.
But even more important than genes and anchovies is that village residents both young and old don't sweat the small stuff.

"They sit around a lot and drink coffee, which turns into wine in the evening," says the doctor. "It's a stress-free life. There's a joie de vivre."

Tips from the world's oldest residents

Want to imitate that Acciaroli lifestyle - and live into your triple digits? Here are three ways you can add years and boost health.

Breathe some fresh air: You won't find that Mediterranean breeze in NYC, but it's always good to spend time outdoors. "New York has some of the [most pristine] parks in the world," Maisel says.

Avoid stress: Stress wipes out your immune system. "It eats at your brain cells," says Maisel. Decompress by opting for an evening stroll or a yoga class after a hectic day at the office.

Eat good food: The Mediterranean diet is touted for a reason. Maisel recommends eating veggies and other plants, such as rosemary [below], which makes an appearance at nearly every Acciaroli meal.

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If you want to live forever, move to this Italian town

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Alan Maisel, a cardiologist and professor at the University of California at San Diego, had long believed a moderate diet, exercise and refraining from smoking were the keys to a long and healthy l...

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I don't know where you all are in the world right now, but most of my friends and family are coming off the end of the #PolarVortex which pretty much turned most of North America into a popsicle this past week.

Is it rude of me to say I went to the beach? Twice.

If it makes you feel any better, the weather in Wellington is generally shit, and I really don't think we are going to have a proper summer. It is never NOT windy here. I hate it! I'm still cleaning sand out of my ears from the beach!

Going from summer in Europe to a New Zealand "summer" (a phrase I use lightly since I'm convinced summer doesn't exist in this part of the world) has been strange. It feels like only yesterday I was sweating my clothes off in southern Italy and Greece. Can I go back?

Sigh, I miss Europe sometimes. Back to Italy!

Maybe I'm wrong (please tell me if I am) but after spending some time in southern Italy, I've realized a few things, the first and foremost being that it doesn't get the attention it deserves. Rome, Florence, Venice, and all those great cities and regions of the north get heaps of love from us foreigners, and for good reason, they rock. But what about the south?

Always the champion for the underdog, any chance I have to visit a place that I feel is being overlooked, I jump at.

I just got a taste for southern Italy this summer, and it wasn't enough. I am already thinking about when I might be able to go back to explore and dig deeper.

Has a place ever affected you that way?

While staying in nearby Salerno, one of the day trips I was most excited to make was out to Positano. Can anyone hanker a guess as to why? Go on.

If you thought Under the Tuscan Sun, you would be absolutely correct!

I actually first visited Positano in 2008 while traveling around the Amalfi Coast, and yes, for the same reason. Here is why Diane Lane spontaneously has a love affair with Marcello, where she drinks limoncello on the beach with him and finds a kitten to take home. It's like fate really, until she finds out he was already seeing someone else.

Ugh, men.

Anyways, there's no denying it, the Amalfi Coast is stunning, and when I visited before it was a very wet spring, so I was thrilled to go back in July.

Little did I know the rest of the world would also be there.

Crowds aside, getting to walk down the streets I remember so fondly from 5 years ago was a beautiful feeling.
Have you ever gone back to a place you loved after a good chunk of time has passed? Have you ever gone to a place you saw in a movie?
Brindisi was my first solid introduction to southern Italy this summer, and it was fabulous. A week of exploring olive groves and harbors, getting lost on the crumbling old side streets in the hot sun, trying local dishes and hanging out in the markets, it couldn't have been more local and more special.

Brindisi has that charm of old-school traditional Italy that sometimes feels lost in the more touristic cities. Here is a place where tradition is only just beginning to collide with modernity, where shopkeepers know your name and the food is local and fresh.

Emma, the powerhouse behind Brindisi is My Destination, helped introduce me to so many of the things that makes Brindisi special, from the budding interest in ecotourism, to the sailing and maritime culture to the wine, of course. But I think one of the things I loved the most about this little corner of Italy are all of the old farmhouses-turned-B&B's and beautiful rural masserias.

Getting to wine, dine and stay at Tenuta Moreno outside Brindisi was a dream come true in many ways. A hop, skip and jump aways outside Brindisi, down some dirt farm roads winding through olive groves that have probably been there since Roman times, you'll eventually stumble on the massive Tenuta Moreno.

Here is the perfect example of historic colliding with modernity. Exploring the beautiful stone corridors that lead to gorgeous gardens and swimming pools. The property is vast and the kitchens are divine. I was blown away by the depth and precision of the meals offered.

I have conflicting feelings for Italy. On the one hand, I love how old-school, traditional, and rustic certain places can be. Nothing gets me more exciting than visiting a place with real old-world charm. But the flipside? Sometimes I get extremely annoyed with how behind the times places in Italy can be. No functioning website? Or the worst, wait for it, no wifi. *gasp*

You just can't win. Unless you're in Brindisi.

At Tenuta Moreno, I was lucky enough to hang out with the owner who really gets it, and the idea of having an innovative property. Clad in a very nice Italian suit (as if you could expect something less after all) we rode bicycles together around the property as he pointed out the gardens where the food is produced for the kitchens on site, or the best part, the new chicken coops he's built so that they will have fresh eggs every day.

Here is a place where the top person truly cares about making a better, sustainable, green hotel, and is passionate about change and productivity. IN ITALY OF ALL PLACES. Here is a place that really cares about keeping it local, sustainable farming and having a hotel that can supply itself - how often do you find that?

I couldn't help but smile to myself as we cycled back to the main building, me in my jean shorts and tank top, and him in his suit. What a pair.

The white city of Ostuni near Brindisi was also one of the biggest surprises for me last summer. I really wasn't expecting to be as wowed as I was. Living in Andalucía in southern Spain for a year, I had no shortage of picturesque white towns surrounding me. Hell, I even worked in one, in Espejo, near Córdoba, complete with castle on the top.

But Ostuni embodies just about everything I loved about Italy. A beautiful old quarter packed with narrow streets you can spend ages getting lost in, rusty wrought-iron balconies juxtaposed with overflowing flower pots adding a splash of color here and there to the bleached white town.

After spending hours exploring the town under the bright sun, it was perfect to relax in the shade of the main square sipping beer with new friends.

Don't you just want to explore this place?

After a month of nonstop travel, I was in need of some down town and to hang out with friends. Through a friend of a friend, I ended up in Salerno for a few days. Just what I needed.

Tucked in on the beach at La Isla Resort, I was lucky enough to explore the area with locals, and really get an idea of what makes this area of Italy tick. After all of the hustle and bustle of the popular Amalfi Coast, getting to Salerno felt like I was coming back to the real Italy.

For me, there are times when I want to be a tourist, relish in taking photos, buying postcards and enjoy being the token foreigner. But there are other times I want to put my camera down and experience a place for itself, observe what it must be like to live there, wonder at cultural differences.

Can you guess which one I went for in Salerno?

With my camera tucked away and my mind focused on food and making new friends, I enjoyed my few days in Salerno. From eating proper Italian pizza with Italians at La Basculla, to visiting a buffalo farm and eating decadent buffalo ice-cream (holy shit, how have I not tried this before?!) at Tenuta Vannulo to sitting on the beach and watching the sun set, I forgot about all trying to analyze a place and just enjoyed being there.

This is something I need to do more often. Oh, and buffalo ice-cream.

Have you ever gone off the grid in a place like Salerno?

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, Matera was one of the biggest surprises for me this summer.

Straight out of a movie (The Passion of the Christ by Mel Gibson) Matera is one of best preserved ancient cities and one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world, making walking its narrow cobbled streets feel like you've actually stepped back in time.

Combined with the fact that the rest of the known world has yet to discover the charm and magic surrounded this time-capsule of a city, makes Matera one of my top favorite places in Italy.

From sleeping in a restored Renaissance palace to getting lost in overgrown back alleys and following the cats to trying flower flavored gourmet gelato in the main square, I have nothing but fond memories from Matera, well except for the part where I royally fucked up the public transportation in Puglia and almost didn't arrive.

Selective amnesia, let's forget about that little mess.

All in all, I can't recommend southern Italy enough, and I know next time I head back to Europe, I will be building in time to discover more about this area of the country.
Have you been to southern Italy? Heard of any of these places? Would you like to visit one day?

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Postcards from Southern Italy - Young Adventuress

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Come with me on a visual journey around southern Italy, from Brindisi to Ostuni, Salerno to Positano and finishing up in Matera. Have you been?

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At the risk of sounding like a massive tool, I am going to start off this post with one of my favorite quotes about Italy, you know, because there are so many to chose from.

"A man who has not been in Italy, is always conscious of an inferiority, from his not having seen what it is expected a man should see." -Samuel Johnson

9 out of 10 Americans when polled about their dream trip answered "Italy." (Disclosure - I just made that up). What is behind this anglo-fascination with Italy? Certainly I am guilty of this, losing count around 2009 of just how many times I've journeyed to the boot of Europe. At least 10 now. And there is so much left I want to eat, see, do, and then eat some more.

And did I mention I am going back to Italy again in 3 weeks to speak about travel blogging at TBD-Italy? I just can't stay away!

Is it because Italy has it all? Is it the perfect destination rolled up into one nice, neat elongated package? What is the root of this romantic, mysterious fascination with Italy, and why is Samuel Johnson so spot on - if you haven't been to Italy, you haven't been anywhere. Be embarrassed.

Do Italians realize just how idolized their country is by the rest of the world?

To say that Italy is magnificent is a massive understatement, and there is a very good reason why the Big 3 - Rome, Florence and Venice - are worshipped by not only Americans, but the world. They rock. They are beautiful. They are cultural, historical, and every other iterative adjective you could possibly come up with. Italy has earned its fame.

Florence is no exception, in fact, it's the king of Italy. I have never heard more Americans abroad in one place than I have in Florence. My fellow countrymen (and I) are attracted to this great Tuscan capital like moths to a flame.

I first stepped foot in Florence in January 2008, where I spent a week taking in all the art, eating all the pasta and getting kicked out the museums. I knocked off pretty much every single touristic Florentine site from my bucketlist and then some. I did it all - or did it do me?

Florence is popular for a reason - it's spectacular. Of course the downside is that everyone and their mother turns up during peak travel times to this neck of the Italian woods.

You see, Florence in the summer turns into an amusement park. I'm not even exaggerating. There are so many tourists, it can be difficult to walk down the street in the old part of the city, and the lines for the major sites and attractions can be daunting. For me, this was a good thing because it forced me to see a different side of Florence.

Too. Many. People. ACK!

This time around, I wanted to take it easy in Florence. My travel style has evolved over the years, and now I try to take things slow, especially in places I've already been. Knowing myself, the last thing I wanted to do was wait around in massive crowds and lines, sweating my face off to pay to see something I've seen before.

I have crowd-phobia but I still love Florence.

With some careful maneuvering around the jam-packed parts of town, I was able to discover the local, overlooked and quiet side of Florence, which for me was the best part.

Here's my guide to a different side of Florence, away from the massive crowds, away from the cheesy stereotypes. These are places I loved and enjoyed and I hope one day you do too (you know, because life is incomplete without a trip to Italy)

Reflecting back on my chilly week-long January trip to Florence when I was 19, oddly enough it turns out that one of my favorite places I visited was the Pitti Palace and gardens. This time around, I made sure to go back and spend time exploring the maze-like gardens. The Pitti Palace has different tickets you can buy, so I opted for the Boboli Gardens-only one, and whizzed on by pass the crowds straight into the sprawling green space behind the palace.

Similar to Versailles, I've found most tourists don't bother walking more than 5 minutes or so from the palace itself, leaving the Boboli Gardens people-free - just how I like it! With Florence is as crazy-busy as it is in July, these gardens were a welcome respite from the general mayhem and mass of people around town.

Now for the best kept secret in Florence, are you ready for it? Just past the Boboli Gardens, if you keep on wandering for long enough, you might find the entrance to the Bardini Gardens. Only recently opened, this green space is completely unknown to tourists. I reckon I saw maybe 5 people the whole time I was exploring them, and 2 were park employees!

This small Renaissance garden is perched up high enough, when you just walk in you get great views of the city. This was my favorite find of the trip and I spent a good hour just sitting on one of the benches overlooking the city, reading and writing. If you need a break from the crowds in a beautiful place, head here. Just don't tell anyone! This has to be our secret!

Also I have way too many photos from here, but I just couldn't help it -forgive me!
Florence Food Tour with Walks of Italy
It's no secret, I am not a fan of organized walking tours. However, this is a constant struggle when I'm on the road because as much as I hate trotting around like ducklings with large groups of strangers, I equally want to learn as much as possible about wherever I am - and most of the time the cheapest/easiest/quickest way is to join a tour.

And my favorite kind of tour is a food tour - surprise, surprise, I know you must be shocked. After years on the road, I've finally come to the realization that the best way to get to know a new culture and place is through the food. Smell it. Taste it. Eat it. Repeat.

As soon as I discovered there was a Florence Food Tour offered by Walks of Italy, I signed up. What a perfect way to get to know a different side of the city. Plus, all the noms! Winning.

Now everyone raves about the food in Italy, and with good reason - it's fabulous. However, for the foodies in all of us (and for Italians) most cities and regions in Italy have their own cuisine and typical dishes, and it's important to broaden our minds past the concept of "Italian dining." There is so much more to food around Italy than pasta and pizza. I wanted to learn how the locals eat!

This of course means that Florence has its own culinary traditions, rooted in not exactly what you might expect - peasant food. Dishes that use weird types of meat used to be the norm and even now can be found on street stalls - simple food that used all parts of the animal. We all tried lampredotto, a dish made from cow's stomach which is typical in Florence, and you know what? It wasn't half bad. As long as you didn't think about it too long, that is.

Forget the pasta. Forget the pizza. Beef. Wine. Olive oil. Bread - these are the staples of the Florentine diet. Hearty and simple, just how I like it.

I was so excited when I realized the tour only had 4 people on it, including the guide. Convening on the steps of Santa Croce, we headed away from the crowds into the food heart of Florence: Sant'Ambrogio. If you want to see the real side of Florence, this is where you go.

Eagerly follow our guide, we began to eat our way through the city. We started at a wine shop, clustered around a table learning about the local wine and olive oil tradition. After living in Spain for years, I realized I was very biased and didn't know that much about the Italian traditions, so I eagerly perked up and tried to remember everything I was learning while drinking heady red Tuscan wines - a bit counterproductive, right?

My favorite part of the tour was the market in Sant'Ambrogio. Picking our way among the stalls, we nibbled on fresh figs, were awed by the incredible selection of fresh food, before making our way inside and trying ALL the cured meat and cheese in Florence!

I don't know about you guys, but I can't say no to food, especially cheese and especially when it's starting at me in the face.

By the end of the tour I was feeling especially fat and lethargic, not to mention I really was beginning to regret wearing tight denim Daisy Dukes. What was I thinking? On a food tour?

All needing a pick-me-up, we stopped into the most charming cafe I'd seen in ages - Caffè Cibrèo owned by the man, the myth, the legend, the famous Florentine chef Fabio Picchi.

Sipping a quick espresso at the bar, we admired the beautiful carved woodwork and elegant red velvet chairs, old-fashioned and retro, this was my kind of place! Suddenly, a big guy with the most impressive mustache this side of the Atlantic came into my vision.

"Is that HIM?" I squealed, "is that Fabio??"

Thanks to some quick thinking by our suave guide, I was able to meet the genius behind these famous Florentine restaurants and cafes - I even had a total fangirl moment and got a picture with him. He was such a character! If only HONY was in Florence that day...

LOOK AT THAT MUSTACHE!

No food tour in Italy would be incomplete without gelato as the finale. Am I right or am I right?

This tour was everything I could have wanted and more. From eating my way through the truly "local" part of Florence to making friends with a famous chef to drinking morning wine, I couldn't have been happier. Correction: I would have been happier wearing leggings. Take note ladies!

La Specola - the weirdest museum in Florence

On my first day in Florence, and spectacularly annoyed with all the crowds of tourists in all the places, I quickly polled in on my Facebook page for some tips of 0ff-the-beaten-track things to do in Florence. Little did I know how much you all would throw me off the the beaten path.

Cue La Specola, the weirdest museum in Florence, and quite possibly the whole world, also known as the Museum of Zoology and Natural History. 18th century natural history that is. After hearing several of you guys rave about it, I was intrigued. I like weird, Victorian, historical and science museums, so this seemed like my kind of place.

Just past the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens, I walked by the entrance twice before I finally found it. That should have been some indication of what I was getting myself into. Without a soul in sight, I wandered around this palace for a solid 10 minutes before I finally found the ticket counter. No one was more surprised than the attendant.

Basically La Specola is a museum filled with natural curiosities from 300 years ago, which in my books is pretty damn awesome. It is the oldest scientific museum in Europe. An odd combination of Renaissance palace, euro university and a museum in dire need of renovation, this place was so fascinating, I spent a good part of my afternoon inside.

The first part of the museum is filled with stuffed animals, think zoology not Toys'R'Us. Wandering from room to room filled with glass cases of strange creatures with strange looks frozen on their stuffed faces, I was surprised by vast amount of wildlife from around the world was procured in Italy so long ago.

My favorite dead animal in the museum had to be the hippo, which according to the placard was a 17th century Medici pet who lived in the Boboli Gardens. Hey, I was just there!

Of course the weirdest part of the museum is the enormous collection of wax anatomical models from the 1700's. Incredibly realistic and lifelike, apparently they were copied from real corpses (shudder) and used to teach medicine in Florence.

However, what I found most fascinating was how the wax models were posed. You would think they would just be displayed on their backs or in whatever position made most sense, right?

Instead they were all displayed lounging about on pillows, propped with their legs delicately resting on what could have been a lounge chair, head flung to the side and fingers delicately resting on their throats, as if they are saying, "oh yes darling, please bring me some more tea and crumpets."

It was creepy. But fascinating, and definitely interesting and unique.
Renting an apartment with Go With Oh
Knowing that I wanted to experience a different side of Florence this time around, and to get as local as possible, I decided instead of a hotel or hostel, I'd rather try renting an apartment instead. Since I almost always travel alone, I opted for a one bedroom Go With Oh loft right in the center of everything. Literally I walked out of my door and I was 30 seconds from the Duomo. I couldn't believe the location!

Staying in an apartment was perfect for me as a solo female traveler, and it let me have the kind of independence and flexibility of cooking at home and feeling like I belong that I always look for on the road.

Of course this meant that I didn't want to leave! In fact, I loved this apartment so much I ended up staying in Florence longer than I meant to!

Right inside the Piazza della Signoria, I was no more than a few minutes walk away from just about all the major attractions, which I enjoyed walking around and exploring on the outside, avoiding the lines on the inside. The best of both worlds really.

There is just something about staying in an apartment instead of a hotel that gives you a different experience; if you're an independent traveler like me, sometimes you just need that.

My morning ritual quickly became wake up and hop across the piazza to a beautiful art-deco style cafe. At first I walked by it glancing in at the magnificent pastries displayed in the windows. Doesn't take much to draw in a girl.

Until now though, when I googled the name to write for this post, did I realize that Caffè Gilli is a Florentine institution, and a tremendously popular cafe. I had no idea at the time. I was sucked in by the beautiful chocolate croissants and bright colors.

Because I wanted only coffee and a pastry, I went inside to pick it out for myself, instead of sitting on the terrace outside. Let me let you in on a big ol' secret - in Italy, have your coffee and pastries standing at the bar, do not sit down. The price difference between table service and bar service, especially at a place like Gilli, is astronomical. I paid € 2,50 for a cappuccino and the best chocolate croissant outside of France every morning I was in Florence. That would have been over € 10 outside sitting.

Reading the reviews online for this place, I realized it has a horrible reputation for its terrace dining and people have been repeatedly ripped off and have left in anger. However, my experience standing inside at the bar (sometimes twice a day) was fabulous. It was never crowded and the people-watching was excellent. Also take note, Italians stand at the bar, foreigners sit for coffee.

If you want to fit in like a local, order your coffee and breakfast at the bar.
Have you ever been to Florence? Do you get sick of crowds traveling and how do you cope? Do you ever try to see a different side of a popular place on the road? Many thanks to Go with Oh and Walks of Italy for hosting me during my time in Florence. Like always, I'm keeping it real - all opinions are my own, like you could expect anything less from me!

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A Different Side of Florence - Young Adventuress

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Alternative things to do in Florence; from sleeping in an apartment to going on a local food tour, check out my guide to a different experience in Florence.

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Fast trains: http://www.italotreno.it/

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Acquista il biglietto del treno online con le nostre offerte. Viaggia con Frecciarossa, Frecciargento e Fracciabianca, alta velocità da centro a centro città.

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Siena is likely Italy's loveliest medieval city, and a trip worth making even if you are in Tuscany for just a few days. Siena's heart is its central piazza known as Il Campo, known worldwide for the famous Palio run here, a horse race run around the piazza two times every summer. Movie audiences worldwide can see Siena and the Palio in the James Bond movie, Quantum of Solace.

Siena is said to have been founded by Senius, son of Remus, one of the two legendary founders of Rome thus Siena's emblem is the she-wolf who suckled Remus and Romulus - you'll find many statues throughout the city. The city sits over three hills with its heart the huge piazza del Campo, where the Roman forum used to be. Rebuilt during the rule of the Council of Nine, a quasi-democratic group from 1287 to 1355, the nine sections of the fan-like brick pavement of the piazza represent the council and symbolizes the Madonna's cloak which shelters Siena.

The Campo is dominated by the red Palazzo Pubblico and its tower, Torre del Mangia. Along with the Duomo of Siena, the Palazzo Pubblico was also built during the same period of rule by the Council of Nine. The civic palace, built between 1297 and 1310, still houses the city's municipal offices much like Palazzo Vecchio in Florence. Its internal courtyard has entrances to the Torre del Mangia and to the Civic Museum. If you feel energetic, a climb up the over 500 steps will reward you with a wonderful view of Siena and its surroundings. The Museum, on the other hand, offers some of the greatest of Sienese paintings. The Sala del Concistoro houses one of Domenico Beccafumi's best works, ceiling frescoes of allegories on the virtues of Siena's medieval government. But it is the Sala del Mappamondo and the Sale della Pace that hold the palaces's highlights: Simone Martini's huge Maestà and Equestrian Portrait of Guidoriccio da Fogliano and Ambrogio Lorenzetti's Allegories of Good and Bad Government, once considered the most important cycle of secular paintings of the Middle Ages.

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Siena,Italy:Tourist Guide to Siena,Visit Siena Italy with Siena Pass

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Visit Siena, Italy with our travel guide, discover the medieval city of the Palio, the Duomo of Siena, Piazza del Campo, the museums of Siena, Italy

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Some of the most beautiful places in Italy are also some of the most beautiful in the world. In fact, few parts of the world can claim such a range of natural beauty as Italy, from craggy peaks and verdant hills to turquoise waters lined by white-sand beaches. The country is also to some of the best art and architecture you'll ever come across: We're talking about the astonishing cathedrals of Rome, the rainbows of houses flanking the canals in Venice, and the modern masterpieces of Milan. And while no list of the best could possibly begin to cover them all, we've done our best to round up 36 of the most beautiful places in Italy.

The good news? Wherever you choose to visit first, it's sure to be a hit in this country.
This article has been updated since its original publish date.

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No list declaring the "best" of Italy's multitudes of gorgeous sights could begin to cover them all, but we've done our very best to round up 36 of the country's most beautiful places.

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Top 10 Things To Do On Your First-Time Visit To Bologna

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If you’ve never been to Bologna, use this handy guide to make sure you don’t miss some of its top attractions!

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Naples, made famous as the birthplace of pizza, is a gritty city home to a wealth of historical treasures. The medieval Naples Cathedral, the 18th-century Villa Comunale park, and nearby Pompeii make Naples a must-see destination for history buffs and foodies alike.

Naples is the gateway to the south of Italy so you're very likely to come here if you're crisscrossing the country. Its location near Pompeii, Capri, and Sorrento makes it the perfect starting point for exploring the region.

Best of all, it's a foodie city like no other; I ate my weight in pizza during my visit!

This Naples travel guide can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time in this iconic Italian city!

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Naples

1. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Naples

This museum has one of the world's best collections of Greek and Roman artifacts from both the city of Naples and nearby Pompeii. There's ancient jewelry, mosaics, bronzes, sculptures, and a cast of a girl who perished in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. The museum also contains a room that is referred to as the "Secret Cabinet," a collection of 1st-century Roman erotic art from Pompeii and Herculaneum. Admission is 15 EUR.

2. Check out Villa Comunale

King Ferdinand IV designed this strip of seaside land as a park for Bourbon royalty in the 1780s. Except for special events, it was closed to the public until 1869 after the unification of Italy. In addition to beautiful walkways and gardens, there is a vintage aquarium and several ornate fountains lining the 1-kilometer (0.62 miles) promenade.

3. Hike Mount Vesuvius

Mount Vesuvius is the volcano that wiped out Pompeii and Herculaneum in 79 CE, killing thousands of people in the process. The hike is a fairly steep climb, but a short one (it's just 30-60 minutes). At the top, you'll be able to look into the volcano's crater and out across the Bay of Naples. The entry fee is 10 EUR and it must be purchased online in advance. It's easy to get here from Naples by taking the train and then transferring to a shuttle bus.

4. Explore Pompeii

The archaeological site of Pompeii lives up to the hype. Buried under 4-6 meters (13-20 feet) of volcanic ash when Mount Vesuvius erupted, the ancient Roman city was preserved as a snapshot in time. Today, you can wander the expansive, 160-acre UNESCO World Heritage Site with its excavated villas, baths, amphitheater, mosaics, frescoes, and gruesome casts of victims in their final moments. It's a fascinating place, and I spent a whole day here. You can visit the site on your own for 16 EUR, but the best way to make the most of your time is to take a guided tour to get the context of all the buildings and remains.

5. See the Duomo

The Duomo is a 13th-century Gothic cathedral dedicated to the city's patron saint, San Gennaro. The church is decorated with frescoes, reliefs, and mosaics from across the centuries. You can also descend into the crypt to see the archaeological remains of the ancient paleo-Christian church that the cathedral was built on top of. Every year, the Duomo hosts the Festival of San Gennaro, where a vial of the saint's dried blood is taken out of storage in hopes that it will liquefy. Legend states that if the blood does not liquefy, tragedy will befall Naples.

Other Things to See and Do in Naples

1. Take a free walking tour

One of the first things I do in a new destination is to take a free walking tour. It's the best way to see the main highlights and learn about the city from a local guide who can answer all your questions. Free Walking Tour Napoli offers a solid free tour that covers all the main sights. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!

2. Shop at Piazza del Mercato

This market has been Naples' main market square since the 13th century. It sells everything from household goods to fresh produce and handmade souvenirs. During the Christmas season, this place is jam-packed with even more stalls selling festive goods.

3. Watch a show at Teatro San Carlo

Opened in 1737, this is the world's oldest opera house, having survived wars, fires, and revolutions. The inside, with blue upholstery, gold décor, sparkling chandeliers, and almost 1,400 seats gives off a lavish and ornate atmosphere. If you can't catch a show here, at least do a guided tour for 7 EUR.

4. Explore Herculaneum

Herculaneum is the lesser-known cousin of Pompeii. It used to be a fishing village of about 4,000 inhabitants who all befell the same fate as the citizens of Pompeii. The site is also very well preserved and usually has fewer tourists. While I wouldn't skip Pompeii, you should also try to work in a visit here too. Tickets are 11 EUR. If you want to do a guided tour with an archeologist, tours are 45 EUR.

5. Watch a film under the stars

Every summer there is an open-air film festival held here called N'ato Cinema. It starts at the beginning of June and then runs every week until the end of July, with screenings of international films and family films. Tickets are just 4.50 EUR.

6. Visit Villa Floridiana

Originally built in 1816 as a gift from King Ferdinand I to his second wife Duchess Lucia Migliaccio, this estate has beautifully manicured gardens, expansive views over Naples Bay, and an ornate fountain filled with turtles. It also houses the National Museum of Ceramics. With over 6,000 pieces in the collection, you'll see everything from Japanese Edo ceramics to European pieces. It's 4 EUR to visit the museum.

7. Tour the Anfiteatro Flavio

This was once the third-largest amphitheater in all of Italy, dating back to 1 CE (only the Roman Colosseum and the amphitheater in Capua are larger). Started under Emperor Vespasian and completed by his son, over 40,000 people used to gather here to watch gladiator matches and other entertainment. Today, you can tour the various fallen columns and learn more about the history of the stadium and its events. Admission is 4 EUR.

8. Visit Museo Nazionale di Capodimonte

This is the Neapolitan National Gallery, a museum featuring work by Baroque and Renaissance artists. Some of the big names here include Giordano, Caravaggio, Bellini, El Greco, and Titian. Works date from the 13th to 18th century. Admission is 12 EUR.

9. Wander through Castelnuovo

Castelnuovo is a large medieval castle that stands out along the coastline. Come here to visit the art museum, which houses a gallery of 17th-19th century Italian paintings, including works from Luigi Crisconio and Carlo Vanvitelli. It's 6 EUR to visit and you will get some great views over Naples and the coast too.

10. Take the Underground Tour

This was my favorite activity in Naples. Located in the city center, you can take an underground tour to explore some of the historic ruins of the city, including ancient reservoirs and the remains of a Roman-era theater. You'll learn about how the city has been built upon and changed over its 2,400-year history. It costs 80 EUR, but it's worth every penny.

For more information on other cities in Italy, check out these guides:

Naples Travel Costs

Hostel prices - A dorm bed in a hostel with 4-6 beds costs 28-35 EUR per night, while a bed in a room with 8-12 beds costs 20-27 EUR per night. Private rooms range from 75-100 EUR per night. Prices don't fluctuate much with the seasons. Hostels usually include free Wi-Fi and some also include free breakfast.

For those traveling with a tent, camping is available outside the city for as little as 10 EUR per night for one person and a basic plot without electricity.

Budget hotel prices - There aren't many two-star budget hotels in Naples. For a three-star budget hotel, prices range from 60-100 EUR per night. Expect basic amenities like free Wi-Fi, AC, TV, and a coffee/tea maker. Some also include free breakfast.

On Airbnb, you can find private rooms for 35-60 EUR per night. Entire apartments cost closer to 100 EUR per night but expect prices to double if you don't book early.

Average cost of food - Italian cuisine is beloved around the world, though every region in Italy offers its own distinct flavor. Tomatoes, pasta, olives, and olive oil form the backbone of most meals, with meat and fish and various cheeses rounding out the menu.

Pizza, popularized here in the 18th century, is a must when you're in Naples. Spaghetti alla puttanesca (spaghetti with capers) and Caprese salad (a fresh salad with tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella) are two other local favorites.

Overall, you can eat very cheaply in Naples. As the birthplace of pizza, there is no shortage of options under 10 EUR. Try Pizzeria Sorbillo (it's famous for a reason). Most casual restaurants offer pizza or pasta dishes for 10 EUR or less.

For other affordable eats, head to just about anywhere along Via dei Tribunali. Chinese takeout is another low-cost option, costing 5-7 EUR for a dish.

If you want to splash out, a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant serving traditional Italian cuisine costs around 25 EUR.

Fast food (thick McDonald's) costs around 8 EUR for a combo meal. Beer is around 3 EUR while a latte/cappuccino costs around 1.50 EUR. Bottled water is less than 1 EUR.

If you're staying somewhere with a kitchen, a week's worth of groceries costs 50-60 EUR. This gets you basic staples like pasta, seasonal produce, and some meat.

Backpacking Naples Suggested Budgets

On a backpacking budget of 60 EUR per day, you can stay in a hostel dorm, cook all your meals, limit your drinking, take public transportation to get around, and do mostly free activities like strolling the parks and taking free walking tours. If you plan on drinking, add 5-10 EUR to your daily budget.

On a mid-range budget of 135 EUR per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb, eat out for most meals, enjoy a few drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around, and do more paid activities like visiting the museums and taking a day trip to Pompeii.

On a "luxury" budget of 230 EUR or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink more, rent a car or take more taxis, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

Use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages - some days you'll spend more, some days you'll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Naples Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Naples isn't as expensive as northern Italian cities like Rome or Florence but it's still easy to blow your budget if you eat out a lot and do lots of activities. Fortunately, there are lots of ways to save here too. Here's how you can save money in Naples:

1. Eat on the cheap - Have a pizza or take a sandwich to go for just a few dollars to help manage your spending. Pizza is the best food in Naples and won't break the bank.

2. Get the Visitalia Tourist Card Napoli - If you are going to do lots of sightseeing, this tourist card provides discounts on the top museums, tours, and attractions. It's priced to save you money compared to buying separate tickets and includes free public transportation. A one-day pass costs 14.50 EUR, a two-day pass costs 19 EUR, and a three-day pass costs 23.50 EUR. There's even a week-long pass for just 26.80 EUR.

3. Buy wine instead of going to a bar - You can buy a great bottle of wine for just a few euros at the store. It's a lot cheaper than drinking at the bar.

4. Stay with a local - Accommodation is quite expensive in Italy, even in the hostels. Use Couchsurfing to stay with locals who have extra beds and couches for free. It's a great way to save money and connect with locals who can share their tips and advice. Just make sure to send your requests early.

5. Go on a free walking tour - This is a great way to learn the history behind the places you are seeing and to avoid missing any must-see stops. Free Walking Tour Napoli runs regular tours to help you get your bearings and see the main highlights. Just don't forget to tip your tour guide!

6. Bring a water bottle - The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Naples

Looking for an affordable place to stay when you visit? Here are some of my recommended places to stay in Naples:

How to Get Around Naples

Public transportation - When it comes to public transportation in Naples, it's best to get a TIC (Ticket Integrato Campani) ticket, which works on all city metro, bus, and funicular services. A single ticket costs 1.60 EUR and is good for 90 minutes. A one-day pass is 4.50 EUR and a weekly ticket is 15.80 EUR.

The bus isn't the most efficient way to get around Naples, but it's useful for navigating Corso Umberto (the long main commercial street) since there is a designated bus lane.

Naples has a metro, but it doesn't have an extensive network so the bus is usually a better idea.

Train - The Circumvesuviana trains from Napoli Centrale runs to Sorrento for 4.50 EUR, and Herculaneum for 2.20 EUR. Pompeii costs just 2.80 EUR. The Ferrovia Cumana trains run to Pozzuoli for 2.20 EUR.

A great resource to use when planning your trip via train is ItaliaRail.

Taxis - Taxis are not cheap here. Meter rates start from 4.25 EUR and cost 1 EUR per kilometer. Skip the taxis if you can as they add up fast. If you do need a taxi, make sure the driver uses the meter so you don't get ripped off.

Bike rental - Naples is a bike-friendly city and rentals can be found for as little as 10 EUR per day.

Car rental - Cars can be rented for around 30-40 EUR per day for a multi-day rental. However, traffic in Naples is terrible so I'd only rent a car if you're heading out to do some day trips. Additionally, drivers here are on the aggressive side, so I'd only rent a car if you're an experienced driver.

When to Go to Naples

Thanks to its location on the Mediterranean, Naples is warm year-round. The summer months (June-August) are the most popular time to visit but they are also scorching, with temperatures usually above 31°C (88°F). July is also the driest month of the year. Many Italians take their vacations in August, so it gets particularly crowded here then. Expect accommodation to be booked well in advance (and to be more expensive) during this time.

Personally, I think the shoulder seasons are the best time to visit Naples (April-May and September-October). You'll avoid peak tourism season and you'll still have nice weather. Temperatures average around 22°C (72°F) which is much more tolerable.

This is especially a good time to visit Naples if your priority is going to Pompeii or Herculaneum. There will be fewer crowds and you will be a lot more comfortable exploring the ruins in cooler temperatures. There isn't much shade at these sites and very few places to sit and take breaks.

December to February are the coldest months, with daily highs around 8°C (46°F). This isn't the best time to visit, but prices will be a little lower and the crowds are gone.

How to Stay Safe in Naples

Naples is a very safe place to backpack and travel but often gets a bad rap for being a bit grittier than other places in Italy. Pickpocketing is the most common crime you'll encounter here so you need to stay vigilant in crowded areas (especially on public transportation). Always keep your valuables secure and out of reach.

When taking a taxi, always make sure they use the meter so you don't get ripped off.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (don't leave your drink unattended at the bar, don't walk around alone at night intoxicated, etc.).

While scams here are rare, if you're worried about getting ripped off you can read about common travel scams to avoid here.

The Spanish Quarter is a little sketchy at night, so avoid that area after dark or if you're alone.

If you're walking everywhere, stay alert! The traffic in Naples is crazy, and drivers do not respond to traffic lights very well. Be careful when crossing the street.

If you experience an emergency, dial 113 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It's comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I've had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Naples Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

Skyscanner - Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.

Hostelworld - This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.

Booking.com - The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they've always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.

HostelPass - This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It's a great way to save money. They're constantly adding new hostels too. I've always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.

Get Your Guide - Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!

The Man in Seat 61 - This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.

Rome2Rio - This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.

FlixBus - Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.

SafetyWing - Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.

LifeStraw - My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.

Unbound Merino - They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.

Top Travel Credit Cards - Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here's my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

BlaBlaCar - BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It's a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Naples Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I've written on backpacking/traveling Italy and continue planning your trip:

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A comprehensive budget travel guide to Naples with tips on things to do, costs, ways to save money, transportation, and more!