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La Bella Vita is our regular look at the real culture of Italy – from language to cuisine, manners to art. This newsletter is published weekly and you can receive it directly to your inbox, by going to newsletter preferences in ‘My Account’ or following the instructions in the newsletter box below.
One of the best things about living in Italy – or making repeat visits – is the chance to get off the well-worn tourist track and discover lesser-known gems.
But in a country with more than 5,500 small towns and villages, some of which are far more picturesque than others, it can be hard to know where to start.
From a mediaeval hill town featured in Dante’s Divine Comedy to a star-shaped UNESCO World Heritage citadel, we picked nine must-visit towns to visit in Italy – three for each part of the country.
9 must-visit towns in Italy you’ve probably never heard of
Christmas may seem like a long time away, but many of Italy’s mercatini di Natale will get underway by the end of this month.
Though it may not be the first country that comes to mind when thinking of winter cosiness, Italy tends to go all out for the holidays, producing markets that often rival those of neighbouring Switzerland and Austria.
Whether you like sipping on mulled wine surrounded by snow-capped mountains, feasting on pretzels while marvelling at light shows, or simply soaking up the festive atmosphere, we rounded up seven of the best markets you can stop by this winter.
Italy’s Christmas markets: where and when to visit 2024
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At this time of year, as the days get shorter and chillier, Italian cuisine takes on a much heartier character.
One dish providing all the warmth and nourishment you’ll need over the cold months is Lombardy’s pizzoccheri: tagliatelle-like pasta made with a mixture of buckwheat and wheat flour, and served with butter, cheese, cabbage, potatoes and garlic.
Besides being a scrumptious seasonal treat, pizzoccheri are also very easy to prepare at home, which makes them an ideal recipe for anyone looking to impress family or guests with an Italian winter classic.
Here’s a quick guide on how to prepare them, as well as some curious facts about the origins of the dish.
Italy’s regional dishes: How to make traditional pizzoccheri
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Is there an aspect of the Italian way of life you’d like to see us write more about on The Local? Please email us at [email protected].