In Ganzirri, on the northern coast of Messina, an extraordinary maritime tradition comes back to life through Xiphias, the historical re-enactment of the ancient swordfish hunt. Held during the last week of July on Lago Grande, this evocative event celebrates the enduring bond between the people of the Strait and the sea, bringing visitors face to face with a ritual that has shaped the identity of local fishing communities for centuries.

The art of the hunt

Unlike modern fishing techniques, the ancient swordfish hunt was a dramatic pursuit in which the animal could fight back and, at times, even wound its hunters. Originally, the operation involved two boats: the feluca da posta, used to spot the fish, and the luntro, a small rowing boat manned by four oarsmen and a harpooner, known as the lanzaturi. From an elevated lookout, the antinneri would identify the swordfish and shout directions to the crew below, guiding them through the chase. By the late 1950s, these two vessels had evolved into the modern feluca, equipped with a tall mast and a long gangway from which the harpooner could strike.

The men who keep the memory alive

At the heart of Xiphias are veteran fishermen whose knowledge and experience bring this disappearing chase back to life. Using harpooners, lookouts, rowers the sailors preserve not only the hunt itself, but also the language, skills and maritime craftsmanship that once surrounded it, from boatbuilding and caulking to the making of oars. 

A living heritage on the shores of Ganzirri

Dating back to the 1980s, the event offers audiences an intimate encounter with this remarkable heritage. Spectators on land can follow the different stages of the simulated hunt at close range, as traditional boats pursue a replica swordfish. Rowing competitions, parades of lateen-sailed vessels and races between traditional four-oared boats add to the celebrations. Organized with the involvement of the Municipality of Messina, Pro Loco Capo Peloro, local fishermen and the Parish of St Nicholas of Ganzirri, Xiphias safeguards a distinctive part of Sicilian maritime culture.

Discover the spirit of the strait

For travellers seeking an authentic encounter with Sicily, Xiphias is an invitation to experience Messina beyond its most familiar landmarks. Visit Ganzirri during the final week of July to witness theancient maritime ritual brought back to life by local fishermen. Then, around the tables of the local trattorias, freshly prepared swordfish dishes celebrate the flavours of the Strait.

Bagnoli del Trigno is a hidden gem in inland Molise, a little village seemingly perched in the clouds. 

An Upper and a Lower town

Set at 660 metres above sea level, it rises dramatically from the surrounding landscape, offering visitors an authentic glimpse of rural Italy far from the crowds of the country’s major tourist destinations. With houses clinging dramatically to rocky cliffs, narrow streets and sweeping views across the countryside, Bagnoli del Trigno is a striking blend of medieval architecture and nature. The village is divided into two distinct historic districts: the Terra di Sotto (lower town) and the Terra di Sopra (upper town), connected by steep stairways, stone passages and winding lanes that reveal the character of this remarkable hilltop settlement.

A church built against the rockface

One of its most distinctive landmarks is the Church of San Silvestro, spectacularly built against the rockface. Its unusual position, together with the surrounding stone houses, makes it one of the village’s most memorable sights. Exploring Bagnoli on foot is the best way to appreciate its atmosphere, discovering hidden corners, old stonework and panoramic views at every turn.

Handmade pasta and aromatic white wine

The local cuisine reflects the rustic flavours of inland Molise, with handmade pasta, hearty pulse soups, local cheeses and traditional lamb and pork dishes. Look out for cavatelli, one of the region’s best-known handmade pastas, often served with a rich tomato sauce. The surrounding countryside also produces excellent extra-virgin olive oil. Wine lovers can discover some of Molise’s distinctive regional varieties, including Tintilia del Molise, an expressive red wine with dark-fruit notes, as well as the crisp and aromatic Biferno white. Together, these flavours offer a taste of a largely undiscovered corner of central-southern Italy.

Caserta’s Royal Palace

Although Molise, like Calabria, has no UNESCO World Heritage site of its own, a major cultural landmark is within easy reach. Around an hour and a half away by car lies the magnificent Royal Palace of Caserta, with its spectacular park, the Vanvitelli Aqueduct and the San Leucio Complex. Built from 1752 for the Bourbon kings, the vast palace contains more than 1,200 rooms and is surrounded by monumental gardens and fountains. Today, it offers a fascinating glimpse into Italy’s royal past, and can easily be incorporated into a day trip from Bagnoli del Trigno or combined with an overnight stay in the area.

Winter and the snow season, start early with the Alpine vistas of the Val Senales.

Popular from autumn through winter

The Alpin Arena Senales has already reopened with the first runs on the glacier, marking the start of oneof the longest ski seasons in the Alps. Situated above Maso Corto, the ski area combines the glacial environment with the slopes and lifts that extend around the resort. But it is the glacier itself that makes this early start to the season possible and transforms Val Senales, from the very start of autumn, into a destination popular with snow enthusiasts.

For skiers, families and mountain enthusiasts

In September and October, the destination is dominated by training sessions for competitive skiing and as autumn progresses the range of activities gradually expands, opening up to skiers choosing Val Senales for a skiing holiday. Among the new features this season is the provision of full artificial snow cover on the slopes in the Hintereis area and the Teufelsegg runs, while the entire ski area will open on 28 November with the valley once again welcome skiers, families and mountain enthusiasts.

Snow and autumn colours: the charm of autumn

The early start to the season also bring one of Val Senales’ most fascinating contrasts: the chance to encounter snow at high altitude while in the valley’s woods, autumn is still displaying all its hues. Skiing on the glacier and, just a few hours later, strolling amongst the golden hues of the autumn foliage is an experience that perfectly illustrates the region’s diversity. In winter, of course, white takes over and transforms the valley into an ideal setting for snow sports.

Maso Corto for skiers and walkers

Maso Corto is one of the key landmarks of the Alpin Arena Senales and the ideal starting point for exploring the higher altitudes. Here, skiers and walkers will find an environment entirely dedicated to the mountains, with accommodation, dining options and lifts that allow you to reach the high-altitude ski areas quickly. It is also the heart of the events organized to celebrate the new season. From 19 to 21 November, three days of music and après-ski are on the programme.

From the slopes to the thermal baths

Val Senales also offers the chance to combine sporting activities with relaxation. For those wishing to treat themselves to a break after a day on the snow, the combined ticket with the Naturno Thermal Baths is back. This package allows you to move from the slopes to the warm waters and saunas, creating a day that alternates between physical activity and wellbeing. It’s an offering that sees the mountains not only as a place for sport, but also as a place of regeneration.

For families and sports enthusiasts

The Alpin Arena Senales also offers weekly deals tailored to families, young people and sports enthusiasts, with the aim of making a skiing holiday accessible to a wide range of visitors. The historic mountain huts and high-altitude restaurants allow you to discover another side of the mountains, with traditional dishes, local flavours and panoramic terraces overlooking the peaks.

FH55 Hotels has rebranded, combining tradition and innovation.

Rather than marking a break with the past, this is the natural evolution of a family history built on excellence in hospitality.

FH55 Hotels projects charming luxury

Founded over 70 years ago by Dino Innocenti, FH55 Hotels has, over time, built its identity on its ability to combine tradition and innovation. The new positioning reinforces this ethos, defining FH55 Hotels as a group of luxury city hotels that project a sense of “charming luxury”: a discreet and accessible form of luxury, far removed from ostentation. The destinations - Florence, Rome and Fiesole - thus become an integral part of the experience, thanks to properties situated in historic and iconic settings.

"The sense of belonging to a shared identity"

"This rebranding is an important milestone in the history of FH55 Hotels, as it allows us to give a new shape to an identity rooted in over seventy years of Italian hospitality. We didn’t simply want to change a logo, but to convey more clearly who we are today and, above all, where we want to go. We have chosen to highlight what makes us recognizable - our history, our locations, and our focus on people and our guests - integrating this with a contemporary style and an increasingly international vision of luxury. Each of our hotels will continue to have its own personality, but the sense of belonging to a shared identity, with common values and standards, will be even stronger,” says Claudio Catani, vice president operations FH55 Hotels.

The rebranding preserves each hotel’s unique identity

The new brand architecture model preserves each hotel’s unique identity linked to its destination, the property’s character and the experience it offers in a shared strategic and values-based framework. This allows the group to present itself with a more recognisable voice but at the same time highlights the unique character of FH55’s hospitality: from the Grand Hotel Palatino in the heart of Rome to the Hotel Villa Fiesole and from the Grand Hotel Mediterraneo to the Hotel Calzaiuoli in Florence.

The new logo and its colours 

The FH55 logo becomes the group’s primary identifying feature with the new colour palette revolving around two specific colours: FH55 dark brown and FH55 beige, alongside accent colours for the individual properties (green, light blue and earth tones), which allow each hotel’s personality to shine through whilst maintaining a unified visual language.  

Rome’s historic Imperial Fora are set for a major transformation, with a series of projects aimed at giving pedestrians greater access to one of the Eternal City’s most important archaeological areas.

Considering removing vehicles altogether

Under the new traffic plan only two central lanes will remain for public transport. However, the long-term goal could be even more ambitious. According to Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri, once the new Metro C station at Piazza Venezia opens, currently expected in 2032–33 the city could consider removing vehicles from the area altogether. [The "2032-33" date is open to a wide range of interpretations, the other day when I mentioned it to a taxi driver, he laughed and said "more like 2050." Ed.]

Bonding the ancient ruins with the modern city

The current project will already significantly increase pedestrian space. Four lanes will be returned to pedestrians, while the existing difference in height between the road and pavements will be removed. Gualtieri said the redesigned Via dei Fori Imperiali road will create a stronger relationship between the ancient ruins and the modern city. Rather than viewing the monuments from a car as a distant backdrop, visitors will be able to move through the archaeological landscape and better understand the different layers of Rome’s history.

Improvements in adjacent areas

Several other improvements are expected to be completed by the end of this year or during the first months of 2027. New terraces overlooking the Roman Forum are due to open in January, together with a new bridge connecting the Monti neighbourhood with the Mamertine Prison, passing alongside the Forum of Caesar. The transformation of Via dei Cerchi is already complete, including a new cycle and pedestrian path, and the low wall along the road will soon be removed, creating a direct connection between the Circus Maximus and the Palatine Hill.

Creating a pedestrian archaeological experience 

Nearby work on Via di San Teodoro has also been completed. What was previously an open-air car park has been transformed into a public space with trees, benches and a small square. From January 2027 the uphill and downhill approaches to the Capitoline Hill will also be cleared of cars and redesigned, further expanding pedestrian areas around the historic centre. Another important project concerns the Torre dei Conti, a medieval tower near the Imperial Fora. Work was halted following the collapse of part of the structure, which tragically killed a construction worker last November. Once it is redeveloped, the tower is expected to become a small exhibition space focused on the medieval history of central Rome. These projects are a broader plan to transform the Fora from being a traffic-dominated environment to a more accessible archaeological and pedestrian experience.

ItaliAbsolutely has rapidly established itself as an essential information platform for the international tourism industry, as a vital resource for understanding and effectively promoting Italy as a tourism destination.Establishing direct contact with international travel agents and tour operators is crucial for matching foreign demand with Italian supply. Attending B2B travel exhibitions, both in Italy and abroad, is a significant opportunity to achieve this goal.With its print and online channels, as well as fam trips organized for foreign buyers in Italy, italiAbsolutely promotes lesser known but highly appealing products and attractions to the international distribution network. This allows Italian travel service providers to connect with international buyers, supporting the joint creation of outstanding travel packages.

The participation of Travel Open Day S.r.l., the company that owns the Travel Quotidiano and ItaliAbsolutely trademarks, in BIT 2026, TTG Travel Experience 2026 and the forthcoming 2026 edition of World Travel Market  is made possible by a grant of €15,240.00 awarded for each trade fair by the Lazio Region under the 2026 SME Internationalisation Voucher scheme, pursuant to Determination No. G13369 of 15 October 2025. The scheme forms part of the Lazio Regional ERDF Programme 2021–2027 and supports the participation of SMEs based in the region in international trade fairs, thereby facilitating access to foreign markets and promoting their internationalisation. Through its participation in these events, Travel Open Day S.r.l. promotes its publications and makes a tangible contribution to keeping market participants informed and up to date on developments and trends in international tourism. These trade fairs provide a valuable forum for establishing new business relationships and entering into agreements aimed at supporting the promotion of international tourism.

easyJet will introduce four new international routes to Italy from spring 2027.

Bringing Europe closer to Italy 

The new flights will be between Birmingham and Milan Malpensa, Edinburgh and Rome Fiumicino, Reykjavik and Naples, and Berlin Brandenburg and Rimini. The first (almost) new route will be available from 29 March 2027, when the Birmingham–Milan route will resume flights to Malpensa, following a brief one-season hiatus, with two weekly flights, every Monday and Friday.

Flights for an Icelandic summer

Next, from 2 June 2027, the airline will launch the new route between Reykjavik and Naples, operating up to three times weekly during the peak summer period. For travellers seeking an alternative to the Mediterranean heat, the new route opens the door to a different kind of summer, amidst Iceland’s cooler temperatures and stunning landscapes.

All flights are already on sale

From 30 March 2027, Edinburgh will be connected to Rome Fiumicino with two weekly flights, operating every Tuesday and Saturday. Finally, from 16 April 2027, the new route between Berlin Brandenburg and Rimini will commence, with two weekly flights, every Monday and Friday. All flights are already on sale through the airline’s distribution channels.

There is a Japanese practice called Shinrin-Yoku, or forest bathing, a unique experience to be discovered in Calabria.

There are only forty places in the world for forest bathing

In the Bosco Archiforo woodland in Serra San Bruno, one of the region’s most evocative and unspoiled spots, in the Serre Regional Park, as you make your way past streams and rocks, amongst monumental beech trees and majestic silver firs, your mind will calm down thanks to the tranquillity of this woodland. You’ll breathe in the scents and essential oils released by the trees, which have positive effects on the respiratory system and your hormonal balance. This is how to experience forest bathing, because the Bosco Archiforo wood in Serra San Bruno is one of the forty places in the world where you can practice Shinrin-Yoku.

The Sila is a mountainous plateau

Another interesting part of Calabria is the Sila mountainous plateau between the provinces of Cosenza, Catanzaro and Crotone. Its terrain reaches high altitudes, with Mount Botte Donato at 1,928m, being the plateau’s highest peak. The Sila is divided into three areas: Sila Greca, Sila Grande and Sila Piccola. With vast forests, mainly consisting of Laricio pine, beech and silver fir, the main lakes are Lake Cecita, which the largest in the Sila, Lake Arvo and Lake Ampollino. These habitats are home to numerous animal species, including the wolf, roe deer, red deer and wildcat.

Hiking in summer and skiing in winter

The Sila is one of Calabria’s most important and distinctive natural areas and a significant part of the area is protected by the Sila National Park, established in 2002. The area is visited both in summer, for hiking and outdoor activities, and in winter, thanks to the ski resorts of Camigliatello Silano and Lorica.