May 21, 2026
Sardinia’s Ogliastra is a region for exploring ghost towns, and discovering art and ancient traditions.
The truest and most unspoiled side of Sardinia
In Ogliastra, the sea is not just a seaside destination, but a profound experience: a continuous dialogue between water and rock, between silence and wind. A place where every swim, every excursion and every glance towards the horizon reveals the truest and most unspoiled side of Sardinia.
Villages that preserve the deepest soul of Sardinia
Far from the most famous beaches, Ogliastra reveals an intimate and surprising soul with villages suspended in time. With stone streets, murals, ancient churches and stories of resilience these villages reveal the most authentic Sardinia. In the heart of Ogliastra, among imposing mountains and silent valleys, there are villages that preserve the deepest soul of Sardinia intact. Here, time seems to slow down, leaving room for ancient stories, centuries-old traditions and a strong sense of belonging that is reflected in the daily gestures and hospitality of the inhabitants.
A ghost village abandoned after floods
Gairo Vecchio is perhaps one of the most evocative places in the area. A ghost village abandoned after the floods of the 1950s, today it is an open-air museum. The stone houses, deserted streets and silent shops tell a story of loss but also of resilience. Walking among its ruins means coming into contact with the collective memory of a community that has been able to rebuild itself elsewhere, without forgetting its roots.
A meaningful culinary legacy
Tortolì, on the other hand, is a harmonious balance between urban life and tradition. A lively Ogliastra town, it retains a deep connection with local culture in its markets, artisan shops and typical cuisine. Here, carasau bread, cheeses and local produce tell the story of a simple but meaningful culinary legacy which is a direct expression of the local area.
Birthplace of Maria Lai
Ulassai is unique in Sardinia: a village that has transformed art into a language of identity. Surrounded by spectacular rock formations that dominate the landscape, the village is known for being the birthplace of Maria Lai. Her most famous work, Legarsi alla montagna (Tying Yourself to the Mountain), marked a fundamental moment in the history of Italian contemporary art, involving the entire community in a symbolic gesture of union and memory. Today, Ulassai is an open-air museum, where artistic installations constantly interact with nature. The village’s Su Marmuri Cave, one of the most impressive in Europe, fascinates with its majestic surroundings and millennial formations, while the Lequarci waterfalls, in the rainiest periods, offer a natural spectacle of rare intensity.
Authentic Sardinia staying at the Arbatax Park Resort & Spa
Baunei, in addition to its famous coastline, retains a strong mountain village identity. Pastoral traditions, popular festivals and a deep connection with the land tell the story of an authentic Sardinia, made up of handed-down customs and an unbreakable bond with nature. Strategically located in relation to these towns the Arbatax Park Resort & Spa allows visitors to explore the villages of Ogliastra with ease, a starting point to discover the villages of Ogliastra, on an intimate journey, made up of encounters, silence and shared stories.
Published in Cities & Regions
Following the huge success of the 2026 edition, which attracted over 200,000 visitors, CioccolaTò is set to return to the heart of Turin from Wednesday 10 to Sunday 14 February 2027.
Dedicated exclusively to chocolate producers and artisans
The event, now a must-visit for chocolate lovers in Italy and beyond, once again takes place in the exceptional setting of Piazza Vittorio Veneto, one of the city’s most iconic locations, overlooking the picturesque River Po. The large exhibition area will be dedicated exclusively to chocolate producers and artisans. At CioccolaTò, in fact, space is given only to those who truly produce chocolate, guaranteeing quality, authenticity and a transparent supply chain.
For the first time CioccolaTò will host a foreign country: Belgium
Alongside the stands the public will be able to immerse themselves in a packed programme of events taking place across the city. from guided tastings and workshops to talks and conferences. The main new feature of the 2027 edition is its international expansion: for the first time in its history, CioccolaTò will host a foreign country, Belgium. Renowned worldwide for its chocolate-making tradition, Belgium will have a dedicated exhibition space in Piazza Vittorio Veneto, offering visitors the opportunity to discover new interpretations and techniques related to cocoa.
ph credits: Serena Bascone
The first day will only be for industry professionals
The 10 February opening day of the five-day event will be entirely dedicated to industry professionals and business-to-business meetings. The link with the Valentine’s Day period remains another distinctive feature. At a particularly significant time of year for the chocolate market, Turin presents itself as th Italian capital of the sector, offering an experience that combines taste and a romantic atmosphere.
The most international edition to date
Promoted by the Turin Chamber of Commerce and the City of Turin, and organized by Turismo Torino e Provincia with the support of the Piedmont Region, the event also benefits from the contribution of major foundations and the collaboration of leading trade associations. With this in mind, the 2027 edition promises to be the most international yet, set to consolidate Turin’s role on the European chocolate scene and attract visitors from all over the world. For informatiom: cioccola.to.it
Published in Food&Wine
The first edition of the walk along the Via Lauretana from Siena to Cortona concluded with impressive figures and appealed to all ages.
Slow tourisn and local discovery
Nearly 200 participants covered the approximately 120 kilometres of the ancient route over two weekends in April, passing through seven municipalities in the picturesque Crete Senesi and Valdichiana. An experience that successfully combined slow tourism, exploration of the local area and a sense of community. Promoted by DMO Lauretana ETS, the event confirmed the growing interest in sustainable and accessible forms of travel.
A free walk with a qualified guide
One of the most appreciated aspects was that the event was free of charge, which did not compromise the quality of the experience. Walkers were accompanied by a qualified guide throughout the entire route, ensuring safety and constant support. Participants could choose whether to cover the entire route or just a few stages, tailoring the experience to their own needs.
Encouraging train and bus travel
The focus on sustainability was also particularly significant. The organizers encouraged the use of the train to reach the starting points and provided a bus service for the return journey, reducing the environmental impact and demonstrating how mobility and tourism can coexist in a virtuous way. The warm welcome, consisting of refreshments, smiles and genuine encounters, transformed every stage into a moment of human connection.
A trial run for future similar projects
Alongside its media success, the walk also had significant technical value. It allowed the DMO’s organizational effectiveness to be tested, the condition of the route to be assessed, and useful information to be gathered for its future development. This first edition is not an end in itself, but the start of a broader journey. The aim is to consolidate and expand the project, involving more and more local organisations and building a system capable of promoting the area in a sustainable way. A journey that, step by step, continues to grow.
DMO Via Lauretana
Published in On the road
TERRAE by Agritravel Expo 2026 at the Bergamo Promoberg Exhibition Centre will explore slow tourism through sustainability, innovation, wellbeing and immersive experiences.
Slow tourism is a strategic pillar of Italian tourism
From 20 to 22 November 2026, the Bergamo Promoberg Exhibition Centre will host the 11th edition of TERRAE by Agritravel Expo, the international fair dedicated to sustainable tourism and slow travel. An event that proposes a new way of experiencing destinations: more conscious, authentic and focused on the quality of the experience. Slow tourism has now established itself as one of the strategic pillars of Italian tourism. According to the Italian tourist board ENIT, the sector has an impact exceeding €230 billion, with slow tourism representing a concrete response to new needs and the challenges of sustainability, promoting the enhancement of lesser-known regions and local communities.
The non-hotel sector is outperforming traditional hotels
Driving this growth is also the boom in the non-hotel sector with farm stays, B&Bs and holiday homes outperforming traditional hotels. Villages and small towns are thus becoming key players in a widespread form of tourism, capable of integrating hospitality, culture and local identity. Cultural tourism also continues to dominate travel motivations, increasingly involving destinations off the beaten track.
TERRAE blends sustainability, innovation and tradition
TERRAE interprets this transformation through a structured exhibition programme that blends sustainability, innovation and tradition. Among the emerging trends, regenerative tourism stands out as an evolution of the concept of sustainability, while wellness tourism is growing; an opportunity to slow down, recharge and rediscover balance, also through experiences linked to nature, meditation and digital detox. In response to overtourism, travellers are increasingly seeking authentic and engaging activities, and this has given rise to new niches such as Hushed Hobbies – slow, contemplative activities like birdwatching – and Star Bathing, dedicated to observing the night sky in natural settings.
TERRAE: for the general public and industry professionals
Aimed at both the general public and industry professionals, TERRAE's first day is dedicated to B2B meetings and a packed programme of events open to all: talks, show cooking, installations and experiential activities. With the support of organizations such as Cittaslow International and I Borghi più Belli d’Italia, TERRAE reaffirms its status as a benchmark for slow tourism.
For information:
www.expoterrae.it
Published in MICE & Events
In the heart of Perugia, in the historic rooms of Palazzo Baldeschi, the exhibition "St Francis. Our Contemporary between Art and Spirituality” will run from 18 April to 1 November.
In collaboration with the National Gallery of Umbria
Promoted by the Fondazione Perugia and curated by Costantino D’Orazio, the project celebrates the 800th anniversary of the death of St Francis of Assisi with a fresh and deeply contemporary perspective. Inviting the public to explore the figure of the Saint not only as a historical and religious icon, but as a universal symbol capable of engaging with contemporary sensibilities, the itinerary stems from a collaboration with the National Gallery of Umbria.
Different artistic languages and generations of artists
What makes this exhibition particularly fascinating is its ability to intertwine contemporary art and spirituality, bringing together different artistic languages and generations of artists. The works of leading figures from the 20th century and the early 2000s offer profound and sometimes surprising interpretations of Franciscan values: a harmonious relationship with nature, poverty as an ethical choice, care for the least among us, and the quest for authenticity.
Michelangelo Pistoletto Venere degli stracci ph credits: Archivio Pistoletto Biella
Also works by Chagall, Picasso and Gauguin
Among the artists featured, names such as Alberto Burri stand out, with his humble yet highly symbolic materials; Michelangelo Pistoletto, creator of the famous ‘Venus of the Rags’; and Marina Abramović, who explores the spiritual dimension through the body and presence. Alongside them, figures such as Giuseppe Penone, Maurizio Cattelan and Omar Galliani help to weave a collective narrative, rich in evocative imagery. The exhibition is further enriched by historical works and prestigious loans from institutions such as the MAXXI and the Pinacoteca Nazionale in Bologna, as well as the Custody of the Sacred Convent of Assisi. Particularly significant is the presence of artists such as Marc Chagall, Pablo Picasso and Paul Gauguin, whose graphic works further expand the dialogue between eras and visions.
For information: www.fondazioneperugia.it
Published in MICE & Events
In the heart of north-eastern Piedmont, nature, agricultural tradition and gastronomic culture come together for an authentic Italian agri-food excellence: Baraggia Biellese and Vercellese PDO rice.
A unique type of rice with a PDO recognition
This is the only Italian rice to boast the European Protected Designation of Origin, a recognition not only for the quality of the product, but for its deep connection with the region. The rice is grown in Baraggia, between the provinces of Biella and Vercelli where the soils, pure water from the Alps and day-night temperature variations combine to create a unique natural balance. This gives the grains a particular consistency, excellent cooking properties and an extraordinary ability to absorb flavours.
Rice fields that change colour with the season
The landscape is dominated by rice fields, which transform the area into a natural spectacle throughout the different seasons: mirrors of water in spring, green expanses in summer and golden fields during the harvest. An environment that tells the story of centuries of agricultural history and which today continues to be preserved by companies and producers committed to promoting a controlled and certified supply chain.
ph credits: Donatello Lorenzo
An annual event to promote the DOP rice
To showcase this excellence and bring the public closer to its history, “Riso d'Autore” (Designer Rice) was created, an event promoted by the Consortium for the Protection of Baraggia Biellese and Vercellese DOP Rice. The initiative aims to help consumers navigate the numerous varieties on the market and understand the value of certification that protects not only the product but also the territory that produces it.
ph credits: Donatello Lorenzo
An invitation to rediscover authentic Italy
This rice demonstrates that territorial identity, sustainability and certified quality represent the true path for the future of Italian agri-food. For any visitor the journey through rice fields, traditions and flavours is an invitation to rediscover the authentic value of what Italy brings to the table. The accommodation facilities available in the area will more than satisfy even the most demanding traveller, who will also delight in the choice of restaurants serving local specialties…and of course the wonderful local rice dishes. For information: www.risobaraggia.it
Published in Food&Wine
With the acquisition of the former Dolmen Sport Resort in Minervino di Lecce, the Color Holiday group led by Gianluca Scialfa is opening its first property in Puglia.
Color Holiday has ten hotels and holiday villages
The new Color Dolmen Family Village will open in spring, bringing a hospitality formula tailored to families to southern Italy. Color Holiday currently operates around ten hotels and holiday villages in Cesenatico, Milano Marittima, Lido di Savio, Lido di Classe, Bellaria Igea Marina and Riccione, totaling approximately 850 rooms and over 250,000 seasonal guests. The move into Puglia marks the start of a new phase of expansion, broadening the geographical reach and strengthening the group’s positioning in the family segment.
"Tailor-made holidays for families"
The Minervino di Lecce resort stands out for its size and potential: 190 units, swimming pools, sports facilities, play areas, a bar and a large restaurant with both indoor and outdoor seating. A true holiday village, designed to offer spacious and functional environments, where nature and comfort coexist in harmony. "For years we have been creating tailor-made holidays for families, and so far we have invested mainly in Romagna. In Salento we found extraordinary natural beauty, a genuine welcome, living traditions and historical roots that truly impressed us," says Luca Scialfa, founder of Color Holiday.
The classic all-inclusive concept with a Romagna twist
The Premium All-Inclusive formula, is an evolution of the classic all-inclusive concept with a Romagna twist. From breakfast until late in the evening, the experience is designed to guarantee a carefree holiday with continuous dining, tasty treats, entertainment, sports activities and entertainment for all ages. The resort is set in a region rich in charm: within easy reach from Lecce’s Baroque architecture to the Adriatic and Ionian coasts, to olive groves and dry-stone walls.
Activities tailored to different age groups
A typical day at the Color Dolmen Family Village promises variety and a carefree atmosphere. You can start with a dip in the pool, followed by sports tournaments or water games for the little ones, whilst the entertainment team organizes activities tailored to different age groups. Meanwhile, parents can enjoy relaxing on sun loungers or in shaded areas, or take part in activities designed specifically for adults, and in the evening there are shows, music and entertainment. For information: www.colordolmenvillage.it
Published in Hospitality
Palazzo di Varignana is an example of how, by blending gender equality and corporate culture, contemporary hospitality can combine the beauty of the territory, well-being and social responsibility.
A certification for gender equality
The Emilian resort recently obtained the UNI/PdR 125:2022 certification for Gender Equality, from the Bureau Veritas, consolidating a corporate path that focuses on inclusion, equity and the enhancement of human capital.
An 18th -century rural castle
Located a few kilometres from Bologna, Palazzo di Varignana dominates the village from which it takes its name. The heart of the resort is Palazzo Bentivoglio, an elegant castle dating back to 1705, restored in 2013 and now surrounded by a refined contemporary stone village. With ornamental gardens, nature trails and areas dedicated to wellness the balance between nature and architecture is complemented by a corporate vision that embraces sustainability in the broadest sense - environmental, economic and social.
A spa and five restaurants
For those who choose Palazzo Varignano, the experience goes beyond a simple stay, thanks to its 4,000 sqm Varsana SPA, outdoor trails, Health & Wellness Retreats and five restaurants showcasing the gastronomic traditions of the Emilia region. At Palazzo di Varignana personal well-being goes hand in hand with social responsibility, and it is an example of how tourism can become not only a travel experience but also a laboratory for organizational culture and social progress. For information: www.palazzodivarignana.com
Published in Hospitality
The Easter Pasquali are handcrafted wooden floats carried in procession through Bormio in the Alta Tellina.
The floats have religious themes
Bormio’s Easter is not merely a religious festival, but a collective ritual that has been celebrated for over four centuries. The protagonists of this tradition are the Pasquali, ancient wooden floats with religious themes that each year transform the town’s historic centre into a scene of celebration, colour and shared memory.
ph credits Mattia CancliniBormio has five historic districts
During the winter months, the five historic districts of Bormio - Buglio, Combo, Dossiglio, Dossorovina and Maggiore - creating their floats with groups of young people designing and building the Pasquali, paying attention to every detail from the symbolic concept to the wooden structure, right down to the decorative elements. The work is carried out in the strictest secrecy, as the floats are revealed to the townspeople and visitors only on Easter morning.
Children, horses, donkeys and lambs also participate
Participants proudly wear traditional costumes, carefully prepared in the preceding weeks, and the horses, donkeys and lambs accompanying the procession are festively adorned, helping to create an authentic and evocative atmosphere. Alongside the more elaborate works are the Pasquali made by children, who carry them with pride, proof that this tradition continues to thrive as it is passed down through the generations.
Prizes for the best creations
When the procession reaches the Piazza del Kuerc square a jury assesses the floats, awarding prizes for religious significance, artistic quality and fidelity to tradition. They then remain on display in the square until Easter Monday, allowing visitors and tourists a precious opportunity to discover the most authentic heart of Bormio and this moving Easter tradition.
For information: www.vitesseonline.it
Published in Experiences & Tips
On the wilder side of Mont Blanc, there is a time of year when the mountain seems to experience two seasons at once offering authentic experiences.
As winter moves into spring
At the end of winter, when snow still dominates the high altitudes, the first signs of spring begin to appear in the woods. In La Thuile, this transition becomes one of the most evocative experiences of the Alpine season. In the morning, the air is still crisp and perfect for skiing; in the afternoon, the sun invites you to slow down, treating yourself to a stroll in larch forests or a panoramic stop at high altitude. It is the ideal time for those who like to experience the mountains from a less frenetic and more contemplative perspective.
ph credits Cristina ArgiròThe last ski run of the season
Right up until the end of the ski season, the Espace San Bernardo international ski area continues to offer spectacular runs between Italy and France. And this is one of the most popular times of year for skiers: temperatures are milder, the days are longer and the slopes are less crowded. The snow at high altitude remains in excellent condition in the morning, offering sun-drenched runs with views stretching from the Rutor Glacier to the Mont Blanc massif.
Walks through woods and waterfalls
The surroundings of La Thuile also invite you to explore the mountains at a leisurely pace. Among the most evocative routes are those leading to the Rutor Waterfalls, some of the most spectacular in the Aosta Valley. Outdoor enthusiasts can follow the routes of the La Thuile Infinity Trekking circuit, a network of trails that traverses ancient mountain paths and alpine landscapes steeped in history. At this time of year, some trails are still best tackled with snowshoes or ski skins, whilst others gradually become accessible on foot.
Relaxation with views of the great peaks
In Spring, wellness becomes a natural part of the travel experience and the spas in the village’s hotels offer cozy, panoramic settings and just a few kilometres away are the famous Pré-Saint-Didier thermal baths, one of the most iconic spots in the Alps for enjoying the thermal waters with views of Mont Blanc.
Mountain flavours and seasonal events
Spring is also the perfect time to savour the mountains at the table. The gastronomic traditions of the Aosta Valley are expressed through rich and authentic dishes: from Fontina fondue to polenta, from typical cured meats such as boudin and motzetta to Soca, the traditional soup of La Thuile.
Seasonal events add to the atmosphere, including ski races, cultural events and international competitions such as the famous Tour du Rutor Extrême; perfect opportunities to experience the region authentically at a unique time of year. For information: https://www.lathuile.it/en
Published in Cities & Regions
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