Masseria AuraTerrae in Polignano a Mare welcomes back its guests from 19 March, with the introduction of new astro-tourism, food and wine experiences.

Creative paper modelling workshops

Alongside workshops dedicated to clay working and wicker weaving, AuraTerrae is offering a new workshop on Putignano papier-mâché, an ancient art form that is part of the Apulian tradition. Under the guidance of master craftsmen guests will learn paper modelling techniques, colour decoration and finishing in a creative and meditative experience. The workshop ends with a glass of wine in a relaxed atmosphere and the pleasure of having learned something new.

Astro-tourism and wine tastings

One of the new offerings for the 2026 season is the astro-tourism experience. Given the farm's privileged location far from light pollution, this allows guests to discover the starry sky with the naked eye and through a telescope, guided by an expert. To promote its wine production in spring the farm offers the AuraTerrae Wine Tasting experience: guided tours led by an expert sommelier, walking the rows of vines and tasting the house wines in a selected location.

There are 22 rooms, some with hot tubs

Masseria AuraTerrae is in the province of Bari, on a hill with 180° views of the sea and the coastline stretching from Mola di Bari to Monopoli. The 22 rooms have king beds and are all different: six with a Turkish bath, three with a fireplace and four boasting an outdoor hot tub. With two infinity pools with views and an outdoor panoramic barrel sauna, AuraTerrae is a scattered hotel set on 24 hectares, built with local limestone and eco-friendly materials and defines itself as a “zero-emission” property.

Puglia’s ancient masserie have become hotels and event venues

Originally built as small self-sufficient villages, masserie are ancient rural dwellings typical of Puglia. These characteristic farmsteads have been used since the Middle Ages as centres of agricultural production and livestock farming, and are often surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. Today, many masserie are charming accommodation options, restaurants and event venues. For information: https://www.masseriaauraterrae.com/en

Roseto degli Abruzzi in Abruzzo, is preparing to host the 2026 edition of Transumare Fest, a festival of electronic, pop and rock music on the Abruzzo coast.  

Music but also side events

The three-day event, one of the most eagerly-awaited for the summer season will take place from 20 to 22 August in a location, on Roseto degli Abruzzi’s Lungomare Trento seaside promenade. The inclusive and sustainable project includes a programme of side events that will be published a few weeks before the festival. The programme will also feature the well-known musical group I Cani, who will perform at the Fonte dell'Olmo Stadium om 1 August.

A journey beyond a summer festival

Transumare nello Spazio is an extension of Transumare Fest, a format designed to bring music on a cultural journey that goes beyond the temporal boundaries of the summer festival, crossing seasons, places and communities.

Transhumance was linked to flocks of cattle

Transhumance was the practice of moving flocks in autumn from the cool mountain pastures of Abruzzo to the warmer ones of the Tavoliere delle Puglie, while in summer the journey was reversed, and they returned to the mountains of Abruzzo. In the concept of the Abruzzo festival, therefore, Transumare comes from the fusion of the word Mare, meaning sea and symbol of the town of Roseto degli Abruzzi, with the Latin prefix Trans which expresses the idea of going beyond.

A Blue flag and a Green Flag 

Roseto degli Abruzzi is on the Adriatic coast, in the province of Teramo. In addition to the Blue Flag, awarded for the quality and cleanliness of its waters, it also holds a Green Flag for the best child-friendly beaches.
For information: www.transumarefest.com

The 30th edition of Dolomiti Ski Jazz is coming to the the snow-capped peaks of northern Italy.

Jazz artists from all over the world

Ten days of music from 6 to 15 March in the most evocative locations in the Fassa, Fiemme and Cembra valleys, at the end of the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics and during the Paralympics.  The final Olympic events with cross-country skiing and biathlon challenges at the Stadio del Fondo in Tesero, mountain huts, pubs and theatres in the UNESCO Dolomites will provide a breathtaking backdrop for performances by jazz artists from all over the world.

“Concerts of the highest calibre”

“The challenge is to offer concerts that satisfy connoisseurs while also appealing to the less experienced. The concerts in the mountain huts can engage and fascinate a wide audience, while the evening events in the theatres offer the chance to enjoy concerts of the highest calibre thanks to the big names on the bill,” says Enrico Tommasini, artistic director of the festival. The festival begins with two events: on Friday 6 March, Evi Mair Olympus Band will perform at midday on the slopes of Ciampedie di Vigo, while in the evening, the Nuovo Teatro di Cembra will host Simone Alessandrini with his group Storytellers, one of the most influential bands on the Italian jazz scene.

Soloists and jazz groups

Among the many events on the calendar the quartet led by saxophonist Pietro Tonolo and drummer Giovanni Giorgi will be at the Palafiemme in Cavalese, followed by the New York trio that brings together three of the most acclaimed names of the moment, Logan Richardson, Harish Raghavan and Jeff Thain Watts. Also on the programme is singer-songwriter Patrizia Laquidara at the Teatro Marmolada in Canazei on 8 March, while Castello di Fiemme will host Hard Bop, a genre typical of the 1950s and 1960s, with the international quintet led by Joe Magnarelli & Kirk MacDonald.

Italian and international artists

For thirty years, Dolomiti Ski Jazz has been the most important jazz music event in the region. What makes it unique is the exceptional Italian and international music on offer in pubs, theatres, squares and on the ski slopes: open-air stages set against the backdrop of the Dolomite landscape. Most of the events are free to attend, while the evening shows, hosted by local theatres and auditoriums, are subject to a charge. For tickets and information: https://www.vivaticket.com/it/tour/dolomiti-ski-jazz-2026/4117

Collina Luxury Relais launches “L'Essenza del Benessere” (The Essence of Wellbeing), 3 or 5-night deluxe alpine retreats.

An integrated programme for a limited number of guests

The Collina Luxury Relais in Clusone, in the province of Bergamo and about an hour and a half from Milan, is offering an exclusive mental and physical rebalancing programme from 23 to 27 March, based on four key areas: conscious nutrition, psychological mindset, movement and spa treatments. Collina Luxury Relais redefines the concept of luxury in terms of time and self-care, adopting a scientific and personalised approach supervised by a multidisciplinary team that will accompany a limited number of guests through an integrated programme.

Pilates and Forest Bathing 

Nutritional wellbeing will be taken care of by a nutritionist biologist who will follow guests with one-to-one check-ups and a tailored nutrition plan, while a psychologist will  offer mindfulness sessions aimed at strengthening deep motivation and inner listening. Physical reactivation will be entrusted to a team of experts and will include yoga, philosophical insights and Pilates. Completing the holistic offering, the Forest Bathing experience represents an opportunity for sensory reconnection with the surrounding nature.

All-inclusive and use of the spa

Starting from £980 per person per day, the stay can be for three or five nights. The experience is all-inclusive and includes accommodation in a single room and full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner and a final brunch). All specialist consultations with nutritionists and psychologists, clinical and holistic treatments and a packed calendar of activities (yoga, Forest Bathing, cooking classes, mindset sessions) are included. The retreat also includes unlimited access to the My Purity Spa and a daily personalised massage for each guest.

ph credits: Beppe Raso

Rooms, suites and chalets 

The Collina Luxury Relais is perfectly integrated into the natural surroundings, with 12 rooms and suites built in wood, five chalets in the park and an exclusive Rooftop Suite. In addition to the wellness experience at the My Purity Spa, the Beides restaurant completes the offer with a gourmet menu that combines local ingredients with refined touches of international cuisine. For information: www.collinarelais.com

Spending Easter in the Puglia region means enjoying popular Easter traditions.

Religion, historical heritage and popular traditions

These are experience steeped in identity, where religion intertwines with the region's historical heritage and popular traditions. Holy Week is one of the most culturally appealing times of the year, with rituals involving villages and towns throughout the region.

Ancient regional rituals

The celebrations begin with the processions on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, including ancient rituals such as the mystery of the hooded barefoot figures, the weeping of the mourners and the funeral marches performed by the town bands. Regardless of personal faith, these events offer an opportunity to learn about the most authentic traditions of the area and the passion with which the locals experience these spiritual events.

Gargano marks Good Friday with a procession

In the Gargano, overlooking the Adriatic Sea in the province of Foggia, the songs of the Passion enliven Vico del Gargano, while in San Marco in Lamis, Good Friday is marked by the procession of the Virgin and the representations of the Living Passion of Christ in Troia and Ginosa, towards Basilicata, further expand the offering.

Barletta, Molfetta and Bari also celebrate

Following the incense route, we arrive at Barletta, historically a strategic port towards the East. The town is the destination of the Good Friday procession that reaches the Romanesque Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore. Heading down towards Bari, on the night between Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, Molfetta hosts a parade of five wooden statues of the Sorrowful Mysteries, which pass through the town centre accompanied by funeral marches.

Holy Saturday in Gallipoli is particularly heartfelt

The Holy Saturday celebration in Gallipoli is particularly heartfelt, when one of the most evocative processions overlooking the Ionian Sea takes place. The statue of the Madonna, seated at the foot of the cross, the Desolata, is accompanied through the city centre until it meets the golden urn that holds the Dead Christ.

A 15-hour procession

The highlight remains the Nazzicata in Taranto, strategically located between the Salento peninsula and Basilicata: a procession of the Mysteries lasting about 15 hours, involving the brothers with their faces covered and barefoot, marching to the notes of the funeral march.

Visit Italy presents Luminous Destinations, a new initiative launched together with the Tourism Observatory Report, for ten Italian sustainable destinations.

A change of perspective

The choice has fallen on these ten destinations considered more balanced, conscious and sustainable models of tourism. “With Luminous Destinations, we want to shine a light on areas that demonstrate that tourism can create value without distorting the places themselves. It is not an automatic response to overtourism, nor is it a list of ready-made alternatives. It is a change of perspective. If the well-being of communities grows, so does the quality of the experience for travellers,” explains Ruben Santopietro, CEO and founder of the Visit Italy cultural platform.

From the Alps to the port of Genoa

The selection of the ten destinations is based on a combination of tourism data analysis, the observation of travel behaviour, and an evaluation of local policies. In northern Italy, Livigno in Lombardy is an Alpine destination that promotes sustainability, mobility and responsible hospitality while Genoa, the capital of Liguria, is an example of a layered and authentic city, with its port, culture and historic districts.

History, art and slow tourism

In central Italy, Viterbo, in Lazio, stands out as one of the best-preserved medieval centres in Europe, with a strong historical and thermal identity. Arezzo, in Tuscany, ranks as a city of art and manufacturing, combining Renaissance heritage with living artisan traditions, while the Marche town of Cingoli is known as the “balcony of the Marche.” a symbol of slow tourism and quality of life.

Spirituality, music and crafts

Among the islands, the towns of Monreale in Sicily, with its art, spirituality and landscape surrounding the UNESCO World Heritage Cathedral, and Borutta, in the Sardinian hinterland, are destinations with archaeology, spirituality and rural landscapes. Oratino is a medieval village in Molise that protects its intangible sculptural and musical heritage, while Gerace, in Calabria, is an example of tourism linked to history, craftsmanship and the Aspromonte area. In Basilicata, Castelsaraceno is an Apennine village that promotes nature, engineering and landscapes.

Tourists exceeded 479 million in 2025

In 2025 tourist numbers in Italy exceeded 479 million, positioning Italy among the best performers in Europe. At the same time, Italy has the highest level of tourist saturation on the continent. Foreign arrivals now account for over 55% of total tourist flows, and they are staying longer and spending more: the average stay now 3.6 nights and the average expenditure per traveller of €930, for a total expenditure of over €60 billion. 

Some 65% of travellers book online

Figures are showing slight signs of a shift away from hit-and-run tourism in favour of longer, higher-value stays. The report also highlights a change in the way people plan their trips. Sixty-five per cent of travellers book online, a percentage that rises to 79% among Gen Z visitors, while artificial intelligence has already entered the decision-making process of one in three tourists.

Easter in the Dolomites is a time to enjoy skiing, walks in the countryside and relaxation. 

Gnollhof - Mystic Place Dolomites Gudon, Chiusa (South Tyrol)

At an altitude of 1,160 metres, in the village of Gudon, the Gnollhof - Mystic Place Dolomites  hotel invites you can ski on the Alpe di Siusi in the morning, while in the afternoon the trails between Villandro, Velturno and the Alpe di Barbiano are once again accessible. With its 54 rooms and suites, Gnollhof – Mystic Place Dolomites  is certified by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council and features a spa with an infinity pool overlooking the valley which perfect for moments of relaxation. “A Special Easter” is the offer from Gnollhof which can be booked for the periods from 29 March to 2 April 2026 or from 6 to 10 April 2026. The promotion starts at €592 per person and includes a 4-night stay with exclusive gourmet board, dedicated to those who love good, authentic cuisine.

ph credits Stefano Pinci

Hotel Vioz – Family Hotel & Apartments Peio Fonti (Val di Sole, Trentino)

In the heart of the Stelvio National Park, a short walk from the Peio 3000 ski lifts (open until 10 April), the Hotel Vioz – Family Hotel & Apartments offers Easter mountain holidays for families. The hotel has a panoramic wellness area, perfect for a relaxing break between walks and skiing. Hotel Vioz offers guided spring excursions and discounted ski passes of up to 30%, as well as ski lessons and equipment hire at reduced rates. With the special spring offer, valid from 21 March to 6 April 2026, you can choose stays of three to seven nights with half board, with prices starting from €693 per person for seven nights. Special attention is given to families, with free accommodation for one child under the age of eight. The stay is enhanced by an Easter dinner and lively themed entertainment.

Montamont©Leitlhof

Naturhotel Leitlhof, San Candido (Val Pusteria, South Tyrol)

In San Candido, in Val Pusteria, the Naturhotel Leitlhof is a model of sustainable hospitality, with a 3,000 sqm wellness centre with indoor and outdoor swimming pools and a large sauna area. The hotel is ideally located for exploring the valley and the surrounding area on excursions to the lakes of Dobbiaco and Braies, along numerous forest trails and the cycle path that connects San Candido to Lienz. The San Candido ski area is open until 12 April, while during the Easter period the village comes alive with family-friendly initiatives, such as the “Easter Egg Hunt” in shop windows (from 14 March to 6 April 2026). The “Dolomiti Spring Days” offer, valid from 15 March to 6 April, offers seven nights for the price of six with half board and there are also special conditions for equipment hire and the ski school.

Far from the tourist crowds of the high season, the mountains of Trentino and South Tyrol come back to life at Easter with events, morning skiing and afternoon walks. 

Easter traditions differ from region to region

Easter in the Italian Alps is an immersion in local traditions linked to the cycles of nature with evenings in South Tyrol lit up by Osterfeuer Easter fires that are ancient symbols of rebirth and protection, while by day the sound of hand-operated wooden Ratschen instruments, replaces that of church bells. In Trentino, on the other hand, Easter is celebrated with processions, re-enactments of the Passion and the blessing of bread, eggs and focaccia. In many villages, the Easter period also coincides with local markets and community festivals that mark the beginning of the warm season. 

Marching bands and coloured Easter eggs

On Saturday 4 April the historic centre of the village of Chiusa will host the traditional Easter market, with over 55 stalls offering typical products, crafts and gastronomic specialties. The Chiusa marching band will liven up the morning, and the traditional Easter game will involve young and old alike in the game of coloured eggs. The village of San Candido will come alive with family-friendly activities, such as an egg hunt in shop windows (from 14 March to 6 April 2026).

Val di Casies - ph credits: Kamilla

Walking trails and art installations

The Val Casies-Monguelfo- Tesido region in South Tyrol, with its panoramic views of the Dolomites, returns to green and walkable trails in spring. Among the many walks, the Via Lucis stands out as the first meditative trail in South Tyrol. Some seven kilometres long, the trail runs between San Martino and Karbachtal and is marked by 14 artistic installations inspired by the Easter holidays.  There are plenty of attractions to visit in the same area, from Welsperg Castle, the oldest fortified complex in Alta Pusteria located a few minutes' walk from Monguelfo, to the Gothic and Romanesque Church of San Giorgio di Tesido which is one of the oldest in the Val Pusteria valley.

Val Casies ph credits: IDM Südtirol Manuel Kottersteger

Skiing well into spring

In spring you can still ski in numerous resorts in the area including Plan de Corones, open until 19 April, and Drei Zinnen Dolomites and San Candido, open until 12 April. With the Guest Pass – Gsiesertal-Welsberg-Taisten Card, free for guests of selected establishments, it is possible to use public transport throughout South Tyrol and enjoy discounts on spring activities. For information: www.gsieser-tal.com

The Aosta Valley amazes visitors with its great variety of natural environments and biodiversity, and is worth exploring all summer.

Some of Western Europe’s highest peaks

Hosting around 2,000 different species of plants and trees out of a total of 5,600 varieties catalogued for the entire Italian flora, the valley, bordering Switzerland to the north and France to the west, has some of the highest peaks in the Alps, such as the Matterhorn, Mount Rosa, Gran Paradiso and Mont Blanc, which, at 4,810 metres, is the highest mountain in Western Europe.

The Mont Avic Natural Park

Among the largest parks in the Aosta Valley, the Mont Avic Natural Park, established in 1989, covers over 7,300 hectares between Champdepraz, Champorcher and Fénis. It is home to lakes, peat bogs and marshes, as well as the largest forest of mountain pine in the whole of the Aosta Valley. Its protected area borders that of the Gran Paradiso National Park. Among the picturesque walks that can be taken in the Gran Paradiso area, in Cogne, the Bosco di Sylvenoire welcomes visitors for a peaceful stroll among larch and silver fir trees. Located in Valnontey, a hamlet in the municipality of Cogne, the Paradisia Alpine Garden offers three free guided tours a day at 10.30 a.m., 2.30 p.m. and 4.30 p.m. 

Fascinating micro eco-systems 

In addition to its large parks, the Aosta Valley is home to several nature reserves, fascinating micro-ecosystems established in the 1990s to protect rare and delicate biotopes. The Mont Mars nature reserve, near Fontainemore, on the border with Piedmont, is the largest example of this. With woods, rocky walls and glacial lakes up to 2,600 metres above sea level, it can also boast numerous natural species, forests of larch trees and blueberry and rhododendron bushes, as well as an equally rich and varied fauna. In Gressan, the Côte de Gargantua Nature Reserve is an example of steppe nature, with its arid slopes exposed to the sun and rare aromatic plants.  

Monumental age-old trees

Thirty-three per cent of the region's surface area is covered by forests, almost all of which are located in the small municipalities of the Aosta Valley, where nature and communities coexist in harmony. Here, the discovery of the region's natural heritage continues with monumental trees such as the 500-year-old larch in Bionaz, nicknamed brenva foula (“crazy larch”), the two centuries-old plane trees in Donnas, growing side by side along Via Roma, and the almost 500-year-old lime tree that reigns in Piazza dei SS. Pietro e Orso in Aosta.