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Author: Cheryl Brooks

IDYLLIC ISCHIA – CAPRI’S BEAUTIFUL ISLAND NEIGHBOUR

Looking across at Ischia from the Castello Aragonese

Rising from the crystal clear azure waters of il Golfo di Napoli, the island of Ischia has been a sough-after destination by visitors for centuries.  Covered with lemon trees, vineyards and olive groves, Ischia is a beautiful, volcanic island that’s a haven for those seeking a beach holiday off the beaten track, but also for those interested in its vibrant, often violent, history dating back thousands of years.  Here, glamorous hotels mix with more secluded accommodation dotted along its rugged coastline, all juxtaposed with healing hot springs, traditional residential neighbourhoods, religious street parades and zooming Vespas.

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DISCOVER THE MYSTERIOUS ETRUSCAN CIVILISATION AND MORE, AT TARQUINIA

Aerial view of Tarquinia.

The history of Tarquinia is inextricably connected to the history of the Etruscans.  It was here that one of the first settlements of their civilisation arose, made up of a gathering of small groups that clustered together into a complex social structure and formed a city-state.  Although little is visible of the once-great wealth and extent of the ancient city, today Tarquinia is famous for its ancient Etruscan tombs in the widespread necropoli, or cemeteries.  However, Tarquinia offers so much more.  Surrounded by its imposing ancient walls, within the city there are numerous beautiful Romanesque-Gothic churches, a 13th century Palace, and a Baroque priory.  Most surprising of all though are the numerous towers, very similar to those found in San Gimignano to its north.

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THE ISLAND OF ELBA – MORE THAN JUST MEMORIES OF NAPOLEON

The harbour entrance into Portoferrio

Best known for being the place of Napoleon’s exile in 1814, Elba is the biggest island of the Tuscan archipelago and Italy’s third-largest island, after Sardinia and Sicily.  It’s also part of the Arcipelago Toscano National Park.  It has so much to offer:  there are pretty beaches, good diving, charming towns, dramatic historic fortresses and great food.  Lying less than 10 kms from the mainland, it’s easily accessed by a frequent and efficient ferry service from the mainland town of Piombino, as well as its own airport.  Elba is a true natural paradise, with crystal clear turquoise waters, green landscapes and hills, plus beautiful flora and fauna, all surrounded by well-preserved coral reefs.

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THE SPECTACULAR BEAUTY OF ITALY’S CINQUE TERRE

 

Manarola, one of the five towns that comprise the Cinque Terre on Italy’s Ligurian coast.  Photo, Shutterstock

A century ago, the Cinque Terre were simply five fishing villages on an unforgiving, incredibly rugged stretch of the Ligurian coast of northwest Italy.  With modern transport came tourism, and now hordes arrive daily to experience it all:  the startlingly vibrant colour of the Mediterranean, the wildly rugged coastline, scenic hiking tracks and the tiny towns tucked into the dramatically steep valleys.

 

 

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THE HILLTOP CITY OF LAON – MEDIEVAL CAPITAL OF FRANCE

Laon’s enormous cathedral dominates the town.

Situated high above the flat plain of northern Picardy, is the medieval city of Laon, known as the ‘Montagne Couronnée’ (the Crowned City).  It sits isolated atop a 100m high limestone rock, surrounded by the low, flat plains below.  The high town, encircled by 8 kms of walls and formidable gates, is France’s largest protected historic centre.  The town’s crowning glory is the early 12th century Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Laon, visible for kilometres in every direction.  It’s one of the earliest and greatest Gothic monuments in France.

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