If you’re looking for a short break in Italy, consider a trip to a few of these picturesque Italian towns. From Venice, take the ferry to Burano and see the coloured buildings. Before re-painting, residents of Burano must first apply for permission. While you’re there, try to visit the town at night, when the lights make it feel magical. For more information, read our Italy travel guide.
Burano
A visit to Burano is not complete without seeing the colorful houses. The houses have different colored facades and the best way to appreciate them is to stroll the streets of Burano town center and see the row of colorful homes that flank the canal. A house in particular is particularly impressive, the Casa di Bepi, which is painted with an array of different colors. It is located in the center of town on the Corte del Pistor.
To reach Burano, you can use the Vaporetto water bus line 12. You can also take the vaporetti to Murano and Torcello, the two islands connected to Burano by a bridge. The entire trip from Venice to Burano takes about 42 minutes. There are ferries leaving every 20-30 minutes throughout the day. The journey to Burano is not too difficult – you will only need to pay about EUR15 for the ferry tickets.
Bolzano
When it comes to European cities, Italy’s two largest are Rome and Milan. Both have an appealing blend of Italian and central European culture. Bolzano, for example, is smaller than Rome, but it still has plenty of attractions for tourists to discover. The region around Bolzano is undergoing financial turmoil, and the government is holding onto EUR105 million in tax proceeds from 2012 while asking for twice as much from locals in return. Political scandal hasn’t spared Bolzano either – a provincial councillor was recently embroiled in an expenses scandal. But, Spagnolli says, “Italian towns are very attractive to tourists.”
The German name of the capital of South Tyrol, the German language-speaking region of Italy, is “Bolzano.” The city is home to the famous iceman Otzi, and is the largest city in the region. Bolzano’s population is just over 100,000, and includes the surrounding metropolitan area. The population is primarily German-speaking, with over 62% of its inhabitants speaking the Austro-Bavarian dialect of German.
Terrazza Santo Stefano
If you’re a fan of fine Italian cuisine, you’ll definitely enjoy a trip to Terrazza Santo Stefano in Polignano a Mare, Apulia, Italy. The outdoor terrace of this restaurant is filled with a mix of modern and traditional Italian dining. The restaurant is surrounded by large glass windows and features two distinct seating areas. The “Bacaro” bar features high-top tables and custom-made seating, while the main restaurant’s outdoor area is furnished with traditional bistro-style tables and director’s chairs.
The imposing Villa La Terrazza, a luxury property in the midst of the countryside, offers an amazing view of the nearby port. The property offers free parking and features a balcony overlooking the city. Pets are welcome. The property also welcomes people of any age, but it cannot be booked for hen or stag parties. However, it’s well-equipped for families and groups. It also has a cable satellite TV, a sofa set, and a bathroom with a bathtub and a bidet.
Monterosso al Mare
If you’re looking for a romantic getaway or an active way to spend your day, Monterosso al Mare may be just what you’re looking for. This town and comune are located in the province of La Spezia in the Italian region of Liguria. Located at the southern tip of the Cinque Terre, Monterosso al Mare is just a short distance from the famous fishing village of Riomaggiore.
Monterosso al Mare is a resort style village with a small historic centre and modern extension along the seafront. This village claims to have the best beaches in the Cinque Terre, and draws many Italian lido lovers as well as international vacationers. The town is less intimate than the other Cinque Terre villages, but still possesses a distinct character and charm. There are two main areas of the town: the Fegina and the central center.
Portofino
If you’ve ever dreamed of being surrounded by the glamour and sophistication of the Hollywood crowd, then Portofino, Italy, is the place to be. The seaside town, located on the Italian Riviera, is a picturesque spot with pastel houses lining the streets. The town’s old-world charm is preserved despite the popularity of luxury designer brands. In fact, this quaint town is a must-see on any guided tour of the country.
Located in the Liguria region of Italy, Portofino is located about 20 miles east of Genoa. It is within easy driving distance of the Cinque Terre and Santa Margherita. Parking is not easy and can cost six euros per hour. If you arrive by car, you should consider arranging transportation before you go. Take advantage of public transportation and hire a cab or rental car to get around the city.
Riomaggiore
If you’re in the mood for a good dinner, consider heading to one of the town’s restaurants. Most of the town’s restaurants specialize in seafood, and most offer scenic views and outdoor seating. They also offer a wide variety of dishes and wine. There’s a great choice of seafood restaurants in Riomaggiore, so you’ll be hard-pressed to go wrong. Read on to learn more about these options.
The town of Riomaggiore is located between two steep, terraced hills that slope down to the sea. It is a charming, ancient village with beautifully painted houses arranged vertically. Wandering the narrow streets and alleyways is a delight in the varied shades of light and shadow. The views are spectacular, and this is the best way to enjoy them. But don’t forget to head up the cliffs for a better view!