The fastest and easiest way to explore the pearls of the Mediterranean by sea is with the Ferryhopper app.   

Europe’s leading ferry and hydrofoil booking platform

Ferryhopper Europe’s leading ferry and hydrofoil booking platform, explores the pearls of the Mediterranean, and is simple, immediate and customizable. This simple, fast app brings together in a single interface hundreds of services in Italy, Greece, Spain and more and among the destinations suggested by the app, Italy remains the undisputed protagonist from Sardinia to the Tuscan Archipelago and the Tremiti Islands in Puglia. 

The Ferryhopper app is in 15 languages

On the Ferryhopper website which is in 15 languages, users can buy tickets in just a few clicks, saving time and money thanks to an innovative algorithm that compares prices and itineraries in real time among 160 ferry operators. With more than 3,000 itineraries available in as many as 33 countries, Ferryhopper offers a secure and reliable payment system, allowing users to book tickets from different shipping companies in one go. By 2025 further growth is expected through geographic expansion into emerging markets such as Turkey, Asia and Mexico. Ferryhopper is the first OTA ferry plugin on ChatGPT and aims to become the world's largest online ferry travel agency.   

Sardinia 2025: music, anature and authenticity

Beyond the glamour of the Costa Smeralda lies a little-known but deeply authentic Sardinia. It is the Sardinia of the forests of Montiferru, of stone villages overlooking hot springs, of Mandrolisai with its ancient vineyards and wine cellars. With Ferryhopper, it is possible to reach strategic ports such as Olbia, Cagliari or Golfo Aranci, and continue by car or bicycle to discover the authentic hinterland, a paradise of slow tourism. There is also the Sardinia of festivals, with Time in Jazz in Berchidda, dancing at dawn on the beaches of the north with Musica sulle Bocche, and vibrating to the notes of the Red Valley Festival in Olbia.

The Tuscan Archipelago: islands, nature reserves and hidden treasures

Maritime Tusany is also the island of Elba, which is easily reached from Piombino where you can snorkel in the turquoise waters of Fetovaia, or visit Villa San Martino, the former home of Napoleon in exile. Further afield there is Pianosa an untouched gem: a former penal colony, now a protected reserve, it can only be visited with authorized guides. North from Livorno you set sail for Capraia, a wild and fascinating island where you can dive into secret coves that can only be reached by sea. On the southern side, Porto Santo Stefano is the perfect base for exploring he island of Giglio, with its medieval village, and crystal-clear sea at Campese. And from here set off for Giannutri, an ideal destination for those who love archaeology and diving. All these connections can be booked in just a few clicks with Ferryhopper,.

Sailing from Tuscany to Corsica, Sardinia and Sicily

The ports of Livorno and Piombino are not only gateways to the Tuscan islands, but real hubs for seaside holidays on a larger scale. From Livorno you can reach Corsica (Bastia) in just four hours, and Olbia and the Golfo Aranci are ideal for those who want to avoid the plane and leave with their car in tow. There are three weekly connections to Palermo in Sicily: a 20-hour night crossing that becomes a trip down memory lane thanks to Ferryhopper.

The Tremiti: small islands, big emotions

The Tremiti Islands are a corner of paradise with a remote charm and easily reached with Ferryhopper: from Termoli in less than an hour, or from Vieste, Rodi Garganico and Peschici in the summer months, it is possible to enjoy short getaways. The Tremiti Islands are perfect for families, thanks to the absence of cars and the protected beaches.  With Ferryhopper, booking in  advance or at the last minute, you get your tickets electronically, avoiding queues, and making any changes to your reservation easy and secure.  For information: https://www.ferryhopper.com/it/

Enjoy Barocco promotes Baroque wonders, Inspector Montalbano magic, and five must-see towns in south-eastern Sicily

The five Baroque towns are deliciously marketable

Enjoy Barocco-Sicilian Experience is a fascinating journey into the heart of south-eastern Sicily, an ambitious project, promoted by the DMO Enjoy Barocco with the support of GAL Terra Barocco. Uniting five Baroque towns - Ragusa, Modica, Scicli, Ispica and Santa Croce Camerina - it celebrates the common identity and specific uniqueness of each of these must-see locations.  From 21 to 25 July the DMO opened the doors of their artistic, natural and lifestyle heritage to a group of Italian media, and also organized a B2B workshop for international buyers, sharing stories of the towns through guided tours and meetings with local tourism providers. Set against a rich backdrop of Sicilian colours, history, and landscapes, the Terra Barocco tourism brand is Sicily at its most theatrical and deliciously marketable.

GAL Terra Barocca promotes the Enjoy Barocco brand

Right now the Terra Barocco area is riding a wave of success. Behind the growth (+31% visitors in 2024 and a further +10% so far this year) is the coordinated work of the stakeholders, and the promotional force of the Enjoy Barocco brand. Marco Platania, director of the Enjoy Barocco Tourism Observatory, offered the media delegates a clear and passionate perspective on the vision driving the project, adding that that an unexpected catalyst has been the immense popularity of the Inspector Montalbano TV series. This has given once-sleepy towns movie-set dazzle, bringing visitors in to visit the film sites and enjoy the local culture, architecture, beaches and seaside vibes. In nearby Scicli they can tour the real-life set of Montalbano’s “police station,” housed in the town hall, now a popular go-to spot for Instagrammers.  Another popular haunt for Montalbano fans is the Punta Secca house with the famous balcony on the beach in Santa Croce Camerina where Inspector Montalbano used to take his morning espresso. From the nearby little marina, next to the 16^thcentury Torre di Mezza tower and the 1859 lighthouse it is possible to set off for excursions along the coast.   

The Sanbartolomeo Casa & Putia has four charming rooms

Looking out over the Mediterranean to the Tunisian coastline, the Terra Barocco area, which is also one of the island’s most productive agricultural regions, can be defined by the flamboyant contours and flourishes of Sicily’s late Baroque style, which is perfectly preserved. This architectural and artistic splendor is the result of a natural disaster that devastated the area in 1693 when a cataclysmic earthquake flattened the entire region, forcing an almost total rebuild. Today the town of Scicli is a jewel box of late Baroque artistry with sites like the Church of Sant’Ignazio which boasts a statue of a Madonna which is perhaps the only one in the world depicting the Virgin Mary as a sword-wielding warrior on a white horse.  The little town also has small hotels of charm like the Sanbartolomeo Casa & Putia, which has four rooms with Sicilian ceramics and period furniture. Here guests breakfast on a panoramic terrace overlooking the handsome three-tiered façade of the Church of San Bartolomeo and the rocky ravine where, up to the 1930s, locals still lived in the caves that dot the steep canyon walls. 

Gourmet chocolate and the Terradamare Resort & Spa Hilton Tapestry

Modica is famous for its heritage chocolate, and the artisanal shop Sabadì offers gourmet variations infused with everything from sea salt to Sichuan pepper to tobacco. It organizes tastings and guided tours that include the first chocolate-ageing cellar in the world. The town’s appeal goes well beyond chocolate to sites like the San Giorgio Cathedral with its theatrical stairway which can also be visited on the Grand Tour electric train which offers 60-minute city tours. Modica’s first lady mayor, Maria Monisteri, says they are betting on a year-round tourism model by expanding cultural events and promoting sport and cycle tourism. A recent welcome addition to the local scene is the Terradamare Resort & Spa in Marina di Modica. A member of the Hilton Tapestry collection it has 42 rooms and three suites, the latter with large terraces and Jacuzzis. It also has a meeting area, the extensive Ciatu Spa with a range of relaxation facilities, a private beach, and the ‘A Truvatura Restaurant which specializes in prime local seafood and wines.

Ragusa and Ispica pile on the Baroque glory

In Ragusa, the duality of the city, between modern Ragusa and historic Ibla, boasts aristocratic palazzi, the ornate San Giorgio Cathedral and the Relais Antica Badia, a boutique hotel in an 18^th-century building with 16 rooms and suites where Baroque elegance meets modern comforts.  Nearby the Donnafugata Castle has gardens with exotic plants and whimsical architectural follies, as well as a collection of evocative period costumes. Local pride also extends to the Ragusano DOP cheese produced by the Progetto Natura Consortium, and the cultivation of sesame just outside the town of Ispica (famous for its carrots) from where Salvatore and Simone Gambuzza export seeds around the world and produce spin-offs like tahini, sesame-covered almonds and cosmetic oils. From June to October it is possible to discover the secrets of its cultivation, and each visit ends with a tasting of sesame-based products. Ispica can wrongly be overlooked, as it missed out on UNESCO status, but it knows how to pile on the Baroque glory, from the votive-laden Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore to the Loggiato del Sinatra. This semi-elliptical loggia designed by the architect Vincenzo Sinatra has 23 arches, and recalls Bernini's colonnade in St. Peter's Square in Rome.

The GAL’s Tourism Observatory provides data for operators

The recent press tour and buyer fam trip came under a project aimed at attracting new flows through storytelling and internationalization. Integral to this development plan is the Tourism Observatory which monitors the destination's performance and provides useful data to operators.  Investments are also going into digital innovation on the portal with the introduction of an AI chatbot to support travellers, a business intelligence dashboard at the service of operators, new thematic podcasts and social media campaigns. 

Florence has cracked down on tuk-tuks with a ban that allows only two routes and eight tourists per ride.

Three-wheeled tuk-tuks have come under a new ban

After months of complaints from locals and preservationists, Florence’s major has decided to officially limit the operation of these three-wheeled vehicles which in increasing numbers zigzag through the city’s narrow Renaissance streets. So in the Tuscany city as of this month tuk-tuks are now restricted to just two itineraries, and are allowed to carry a maximum of eight people per tour.

Too many loudspeakers and neon lights

The decision follows growing frustration among residents and heritage organizations over what they call the "visual and acoustic pollution" caused by these vehicles. Often outfitted with loudspeakers and neon lights, tuk-tuks are very popular with visitors for quick sightseeing tours and because they can access areas that are too narrow to take tourist coaches,  but locals have been far from happy for some time about their proliferation.  

“It's about preserving the soul of our city" 

Now, operators must stick to two pre-approved routes that keep them mostly along the Arno river and away from Florence’s historic center. The new rules also prohibit onboard amplification and limit operating hours to preserve the peace, especially during peak tourist seasons. Florence’s mayor Dario Nardella defended his decision saying, "This isn't about rejecting innovation. It's about preserving the soul of our city." And being a UNESCO heritage site Florence must also balance tourism with its history, as well as with its local life.

Tour operators are not happy with the ban

Of course tour operators have expressed concern, arguing that tuk-tuks offer an eco-friendly, accessible way to explore Florence, but their pleas obviously fell on deaf ears. Anyone planning to visit Florence should be aware that the rules have changed and so is the way visitors will be able to explore Florence. 

The magic of the Tuscan countryside at Belmond’s Castello di Casole in Tuscany.

Celebrating the beauty of slow living

During the summer months every Monday Castello di Casole’s ancient courtyard takes on an open-air party atmosphere, with live show cooking stations, Italian music, local producers, creative artisans and a warm and welcoming atmosphere that celebrates the taste and beauty of slow living. The Castle is in the countryside of Querceto which is in the province of Siena.

Stargazing and a movie screening

After dinner, guests move to the amphitheatre overlooking the rolling hills of the 1300-hectare estate to be enchanted by stargazing sessions guided by expert astro-tour guides or the screening of a cult film under the stars, depending on the evening. From 21 July to 15 September, the magic of the night is kindled with “Dinners under the Stars” combining the castle’s refined cuisine with the fascination of its sky, which has obtained the astro-tourist quality certification “I Cieli più belli d'Italia” (Italy's Most Beautiful Skies). This recognition identifies the best places for observing the Italian night sky, using state-of-the-art telescopes, professional lasers and the passionate narration of expert astro-tourist guides. 

A Moebius tasting and the castle’s signature cocktails

On Monday 4 August the stargazing evening will be made even more special with an introduction to Moebius, an iconic Milanese drink bar conceived by Lorenzo Querci. For the occasion, the Moebius team will also present a selection of three signature cocktails inspired by Tuscan botanicals, in a perfect encounter between contemporary mixology and the spirit of the territory. And there will also be three creations from the bar manager Alessio Onida and his team from Castello di Casole’s Bar Visconti. This is a tribute to nature and to the botanicals of the Castello Gardens, which extend over more than a hectare of land which is certified 100% organic.

Cinema under the Stars 

The season closes on Monday 25 August with an evening that pays tribute to the cinema and Italian slow summer experiences of pure “dolce far niente.2 After a convivial Tuscan dinner in the courtyard, guests will be able to enjoy the screening of William Wyler's iconic Roman Holiday in the amphitheatre. The experience begins on the romantic Terrazzino Visconti, where Moët & Chandon Champagne and popcorn will be served, and continues along an illuminated path to the atmospheric amphitheatre, where a large screen and every comfort await guests. Evenings at Casole Castle are an invitation to be surprised by the authentic beauty of the Tuscan countryside, where history meets the art of hospitality and every detail is designed to create moments to remember, under one of the most beautiful skies in Italy.

The major of Praia a Mare on Cosenza’s coast has imposed a midnight curfew for kids aged 14 and under.

Residents are outraged by nighttime clashes

Nights in the little seaside town on the Tyrrhenian coast of Cosenza in Calabria have become a nightmare for residents who are forced to endure nocturnal shouting and fighting between groups of young people, many under the influence of alcohol and drugs.  Now, the ordinance issued by Praia a Mare’s mayor Antonino De Lorenzo, as reported by the Italian daily Corriere della Sera, prohibits kids under 14 from going out from half past midnight to 7 am. 

Fines, and suspension of minors from public events

The fines for anyone breaking the rule will be €100 for children and €250 for their parents or guardians. And they will increase by 50% in the event of repeat offenders, and can also lead to the suspension of minors from public events organised by the municipality. Local police officers and carabinieri will be in charge of supervision. “It is a due act linked to security problems. Kids are doing damage, too many are riding scooters,” explains mayor Antonino De Lorenzo

“We designed the law to protect 14-year-olds”

Mayor De Lorenzo does concede that he would be ready to revoke the new law if parents do their duty in full. “We designed and implemented the law to protect 14-year-olds who run around at all hours of the night, assaulting their peers and causing damage to beach property. It seems to be their favourite game!”  

The Aman Rosa Alpina in San Cassiano in the Dolomites reopens its doors with 51 rooms and suites. 

“A shared ambition: to honour this timeless legacy”

The property, formerly the Rosa Alpina, remains under the leadership of the Pizzinini family. The reopening “is the realization of a vision that we had been cultivating for years,- says Vlad Doronin, president and ceo of the Aman Group. -I discovered the magic of this property as a guest many years ago and formed a lasting friendship with the Pizzinini family. This initial admiration led to a shared ambition: to honour this timeless legacy while elevating the mountain lodge. With its exceptional location in the heart of the Dolomites, we seized the opportunity to create a place that reflected both the heritage of the region and the essence of Aman. A project that would reflect the brand's core values: elegant and timeless design combined with attentive service and experiences capable of leaving a mark."

“Our mission is to preserve the authenticity and spirit of the region”

“This partnership allows us to celebrate the family legacy and three generations of hospitality, while embracing a future defined by Aman's uncompromising attention to detail and global vision,- say Hugo and Ursula Pizzinini. -Our mission remains the same: to preserve the authenticity and spirit of the region so that guests can continue to experience the beauty of the Dolomites.”

The Aman Suite has two guestrooms

The 51 rooms, suites and signature suites are inspired by the beauty of the Dolomites, with a design that enhances the changing light of day. The Aman Suite is the largest in the hotel and includes two rooms with king-size beds, ensuite bathrooms with steam showers (one with bathtub), a dining room for six and a south-facing terrace. For families and groups who desire more comfort and privacy, connecting suites and the option of reserving entire floors for exclusive use are available.

Two restaurants, and Hot Pot and Japanese menus coming soon

Dining options include The Grill which is the heart of the hotel's culinary tradition, offering different cuts of grilled meat, fish and artisanal pizzas; the bright and versatile Heritage Room which welcomes guests for breakfast and can be transformed into a private event space. The Di Vino Room is a wine library, accessible by reservation only, and is ideal for private dinners and expert-led tastings, while the Cigar Lounge offers a curated selection of premium cigars and fine spirits in a discreet ambience. With the arrival of the winter season, Akari, an elegant restaurant with the Shabu Shabu (hot pot) experience and refined Japanese menu accompanied by rare sake selections in a minimalist ambience, will also open.

A mountain retreat for all seasons

The 1,684-square-metre Aman Spa on two levels is designed to immerse guests in the timeless tranquillity of the surrounding peaks. A beauty salon, two medical treatment suites, a Zen Garden, a gym and a yoga studio complete the offer. Beyond the Aman Rosa Alpina’s historic walls lies an extraordinary landscape of towering peaks, deep valleys and natural wonders that make the Aman Rosa Alpina a perfect mountain retreat in every season, offering ever-changing scenery and opportunities for adventure.

A Ski Butler service and Kids and Teens Rooms 

In summer and autumn, guests at the Aman Rosa Alpina can take guided hikes in the nearby nature parks, enjoy mountain-bikes on scenic forest trails, and try their hand at vie ferrate or play golf on the Alta Badia course. In winter San Cassiano becomes the gateway to the Dolomiti Superski, with 1,200 kilometres of groomed slopes and 450 lifts. The Ski Butler service facilitates ski equipment preparation and transfers to the nearby Piz Sorega cable car, while the Ski Lounge has heated boot racks and dedicated areas. Ice climbing, snowshoeing, winter hiking and iceskating activities can also be organized. For indoor relaxation, the hotel offers Kids and Teen Rooms to stimulate creativity and exploration, as well as three private cinema rooms.

Wizz Air will open four new routes to italy from Warsaw-Modlin, the low-cost airline's sixth base in Poland.

New flights from December

The new flights will be to Milan Bergamo, Brindisi, Palermo and Alghero. From 2 December 2025 it will be possible to fly daily between Warsaw and Milan Bergamo, while connections to Brindisi, Palermo and Alghero will launch on 16 December 2025 and 31 March 2026 respectively, with three weekly frequencies on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. All flights will be operated with Airbus A321neo aircraft.

Some 30 direct flights from Poland to Italy

Wizz Air thus consolidates its role as the leading low-cost carrier in Central Europe and also strengthens the network between Poland and Italy, bringing the number of direct flights between the two countries to almost 30. This milestone is part of the airline's broader strategy to offer an increasing number of affordable and convenient travel opportunities to and from Italy, the airline's largest market by number of passengers carried.

“Italy is a strategic market for Wizz Air”

These new routes are part of the broader Customer First Compass initiative, a €14 billion investment over the next three years to support fleet growth, service evolution and passenger experience quality. “Italy is a strategic market for Wizz Air, both in terms of growth potential and passenger demand,- said corporate communications manager Salvatore Gabriele Imperiale. -There are almost 30 routes now connecting Poland and Italy and over 210 routes operated to and from Italian airports. The launch of four new direct flights from Warsaw further strengthens this commitment and is part of a broader expansion plan that includes the opening of our new base in Warsaw-Modlin.” Among the new connections activated by Warsaw-Modlin, Italy stands out as the country with the most routes (thanks to the four new direct flights. In the first seven months of 2025, the Hungarian low-cost carrier operated almost 50,000 flights to and from Italy.