Haven’t yet decided where to go on holidays? Choose an Italian destination and find out what to take along. Whether seaside or mountains, going “green” or making last-minute plans, the important part is knowing what to pack!
GREEN
Suggested destination: Lake Como – Valle di Valassina
For fresh-air lovers, hikers, nature enthusiasts and sporty types. Lake Como is the ideal destination for a vacation combining outdoor activities such as hiking in the nearby Valle di Valassina, challenging workouts and total relaxation. In the summer evenings, the lakeside region turns into a succession of happenings – cocktails in villas and jazz concerts– for which it’s best to leave your shorts and flip-flops at home and change into something definitely more chic. Choose organic cotton t-shirts and jeans, and an eco kit for aperitif being totally loyal to your green policy vacation.
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Worth noting: happy hour and DJ set at Villa del Balbianello (Lenno). On July 22 and 29. On August 5,12, 19. From 6pm to 9pm. The Villa it’s a set of various movies, including the last episode of Star Wars: it can be found in the center of the lake, reachable only by boat.
DOLCE VITA
Suggested destinations: Positano or Taormina
Unforgettable, and a bit old-fashioned, vacations in places like Positano are all about sparkling blue sea, trikinis, and vivid, colorful cover-ups Pucci style, as well as Korean shirts for him. Easy chic look to flaunt up and down the staircases leading from the village to the beach, from where you can look out for the mythical Mermaids – legendary “citizens” of this area in the region of Campania. Taormina in Sicily, instead, is famous for being one of Italy’s most chic “terraces on the sea”. Spectacular examples of Greek and Roman architecture, tropical flowers have made it a sought-out destination for writers like Goethe and Oscar Wilde, designers like Christian Dior, and directors like Michelangelo Antonioni who filmed his 1960s film L’avventura there. What is the one thing all of these famous Italian spots had in common? Just style.
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Worth noting in Positano: On August 15, La Notte dei Saraceni (folkloristic celebration on the beach). Summer concerts in Taormina at the Greek Theater from July 3 to August 23 include performers like Anastacia, Simple Minds, and Michael Bolton.
SMART
Suggested destination: The Salento area of Puglia
The Salento area is located in the Italian region of Puglia, otherwise known as the “heel” of Italy’s boot, as well as the door to the East – as it’s the first place where the sun can be seen rising. It has become one of the most popular destinations, famous for its beachside celebrations and delicious food, its unspoiled natural landscape, hidden caves and endless beaches like Santa Maria di Leuca. Take along an Italian coffee machine to taste the best blends, big bags to bring whatever with you and funny flip flops to dance all night long.
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Discover the photo-book about Italy.
Worth noting: From July 31 to August 2, the Carnevale Aradeino delle Terre Salentine. Costumes, bikinis, and DJ set at Villa Comunale di Aradeo in Lecce. During the carnival festivities there will be make-up artists and papier-mâché mask-makers available to the public.
CULTURALE
Suggested destination: Venice
You’re one of those people won’t give up museums, exhibitions, galleries and performances even on vacation. You love places like Florence or Rome but why not choosing Venice this summer? The whole city is like one open-air museum, set on the water that never loses its allure. For centuries Venice has been the muse for artists, musicians, celebrities – from writers like Thomas Mann to the filmmakers behind the James Bond blockbuster, “Casino Royale”. Of course the summer climate can become almost tropical, but the right clothes will keep you feeling and looking stylish. Hot pants, flat shoes or trainers, sunglasses and a bit of adventurous spirit are required.
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Worth noting: The Venice Biennale, the international art exhibition, with all kinds of satellite events ranging from dance to architecture. Until November 2009.
LAST MINUTE
Suggested destination: Sardinia – Porto Cervo
During his brief stay on the island, English writer D.H. Lawrence wrote in his diary: “This land doesn’t resemble any other place on earth. Sardinia is something else: a fascinating place with wide distances, nothing finished, nothing definite. It’s like freedom itself.” If you’ve waited until the last minute to decide and you’d like something almost exotic, grab a plane or a ferry boat to Sardinia. Remember to pack a “multi-tasking” suitcase, with clothes that will take you from a day out on a sailboat to a night in a club in Porto Cervo (Costa Smeralda), to a hilltop village festival. Bring your travel-buddy, a fully accessorized travel bag to fill with light cotton dresses for her, a pair of smart t-shirts and elegant pants, pic-nic instruments and a book by English chef Jamie Oliver, to discover the exquisite Italian cuisine.
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Take note: the Sedini village fair (Sassari) on August 12 – tasting of local products and a fashion show of traditional costumes. For the jet-setters: The Harem lounge bar in Porto Cervo (Olbia), which is part of the famous Cervo Tennis Club. Poolside drinks and evening entertainment from 6pm to midnight.
