May 22, 2026
Single travel is the fastest-growing travel wave today, and in Italy alone 8.4 million singles are traveling more, spending smarter, and chasing real experiences. Old-school agencies that push couples’ and family holidays need to heed this call to action, as more and more singles demand packages that mean freedom, connection, adventure and experiences.
Speed Vacanze, Italy’s N°1 singles-only tour operator, designs trips for age-matched groups, with exciting activities that range from wellness to culture and from sports to city breaks. Today’s singles, especially over 40, have money to spend and time to travel, but they are no longer interested in traditional city tours, plodding museum visits and pasta classes. They want tailor-made adventures, singles-only cruises, and off-beat experiences that actually mean something.
Sellers of travel need to realize that this singles market is no longer a niche, it is exploding and it is the new mainstream. And smart operators are already cashing in on this €1 billion market because there is no doubt that the future of travel is single. And it’s unstoppable.
Pamela McCourt Francescone
Executive Editor
Published in Editorial
The Terrazza Mediterraneo Italian Bistrot is the new gem of unique culinary excellence of the Hotel Mediterraneo in Sorrento.
Iconic views of the Gulf of Nales and Mount Vesuvius
The Bistrot, opposite the hotel on the panoramic Piazzetta Marinella, has, as its name suggests, an informal style and a menu featuring the best of Italian gastronomic excellence. In addition to the chef's creations, guests can enjoy one of the most iconic views of Italy: the Gulf of Naples with the island of Capri on the horizon and the city of Naples on the blue Mediterranean, while the unmistakable cone of Mount Vesuvius stands like a sentinel. The cuisine is based on classic Italian dishes made with the highest quality ingredients in collaboration with the best Italian producers and is entrusted to chef Alessandro Bisconti, making the new outdoor area of the historic Hotel Mediterraneo a must-visit for guests and non-residents alike. 
Lunch by the pool and a relaxing lounge bar
In addition to the new Bistrot, guests at the Hotel Mediterraneo can start their day with an à la carte breakfast with breathtaking views of the gulf, while delicious summer lunches are served in the Aqua Pool Lounge in the garden beside the pool. In the lobby Oltremare Lounge Bar, guests can relax with an aperitif, sample seafood specialties accompanied by wine or champagne, or simply enjoy a signature cocktail created by barman Arturo Iaccarino.
Innovative takes on traditional fine dining
The fine-dining Vesuvio Panoramic Restaurant is an elegant and romantic venue with views of the Gulf and Mount Vesuvius. The cuisine offered by executive chef Giuseppe Saccone, who is joined this year by chef de cuisine Nicola Celentano, is strongly regional with a selection of seasonal ingredients and a strong focus on homemade pasta and breads. The chefs play with traditional recipes, often innovating them according to their imagination but always respecting their essence. 
Cocktails and champagne on the rooftop Vista Sky Bar
And to top it all off, there is the Vista Sky Bar, the iconic rooftop much appreciated by a sophisticated and cosmopolitan clientele for head bartender Arturo Iaccarino's cocktails and the finest wines and champagnes, accompanied by a carefully selected menu of exquisite dishes from around the world.
Published in Food&Wine
The Basilica of St. Mary Major, the final resting place of Pope Francis, is one of the most important churches in Rome and one of the four major papal basilicas.
Mourners flock to the Basilica in downtown Rome
Located on the Esquiline Hill, which is in downtown Rome, St. Mary Major’s Basilica is close to the central Termini Railway Station and is the largest Catholic church in Rome dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Pope Francis was buried here last Saturday, making him the first pope in over a century not to be buried at St. Peter's Basilica. St Mary Major’s is open daily from 7am to 6.45pm with the last admission at 6pm, but as the crowd flow since Sunday has swelled dramatically, it is recommended to plan any visit accordingly, as waiting times are very much longer than usual.
The funeral was held in St. Peter’s Square
His body was removed to the Basilica after his funeral which took place in St. Peter's Square and was attended by some 250,000 mourners, including global dignitaries such as U.S. President Donald Trump, former President Joe Biden, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Prince William. His tomb in St. Mary Major is marked by a simple Latin inscription, "Franciscus," accompanied by a crucifix in keeping with his request for humility and simplicity in death, which reflect his beliefs in life. 
Stunning mosaics and a piece of the Holy Crib
The Basilica is celebrated for its stunning mosaics, many of which are original from the 5th century, making them some of the oldest Christian art in existence. St. Mary Major also houses important relics, including a piece of the Holy Crib believed to be from the manger where Christ was born. Beneath the main altar lies the tomb of St. Jerome, the great translator of the Bible into Latin.
Pope Francis visited the Basilica before and after every journey
Since the beginning of his pontificate in 2013, Pope Francis made it a personal tradition to visit the Basilica before and after his apostolic journeys, praying before the famous Salus Populi Romani icon of the Virgin Mary, protectress of Romans. The ancient and revered Basilica has always been a symbol of Marian devotion and an essential site for Catholic pilgrims who come here from all over the world.
Published in Leisure
This week, all eyes are on Rome as in these weeks, more than ever, the city stands at the very center of global attention.
St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel will close
The Eternal City finds itself in a moment of deep spiritual solemnity with the passing of Pope Francis coinciding with the Holy Jubilee Year. Since Tuesday, the Pope has been lying in state beneath the majestic dome of St. Peter’s Basilica. A steady stream of mourners has filled the square, to silently file past the coffin. This Saturday the Pope’s funeral mass will be celebrated in St. Peter’s Square, followed by interment at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, in Rome‘s central Esquilino district. The Vatican will then enter the Novendiales, a sacred nine-day period of mourning. Visitors should note that during this time, the Basilica and the Vatican Museums — including the Sistine Chapel — will experience closures which still have to be announced.
Air travel could suffer flights adjustments
The impact will be felt beyond the Vatican walls. Increased foot traffic, tighter security, and temporary road closures are already making transit through central Rome more complex, particularly around the Vatican City and the Esquilino. Air travelers should anticipate possible delays, as dignitaries arrive and airspace may be more congested, so be prepared for flight adjustments both at Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino (FCO) and Ciampino (CIA) airports.
Monuments, restaurants, hotels and shops will be open
Despite these unique circumstances, much of Rome carries on. Popular landmarks like the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and Spanish Steps will continue to welcome the world, albeit with larger-than-usual crowds and a slightly more watchful pace. Shops, restaurants, hotels and museums will be open for business as usual, although the heavier traffic will mean extra time on the move. Then, fom May 6 to 18 - days during which the 135 Cardinals who will elect the new Pope will gather in the Sistine Chapel for the Conclave ceremony - the Foro Italico will play host to one of tennis’s most popular tournaments, drawing fans from around the world for the Italian Open.
Published in Leisure
Italy never ceases to amaze, and the discovery of a grand villa and bath complex in Pompeii once again shines lights on its extraordinary archaeological heritage.
Cities destroyed by volcanic ash in 79AD
In the heart of the Campania region, on the UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site of Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Torre Annunziata, another chapter in the story of ancient Rome is being unearthed beneath the volcanic ash that destroyed these ancient towns in the explosion of the nearby volcano Mount Vesuvius in the year 79 AD.
Not yet open to the public
Thanks to ongoing archaeological work championed by Italy’s Ministry of Culture, the latest discovery is a luxurious private villa, believed to have belonged to Aulus Rustius Verus, a prominent political figure in Pompeii. The initial results of this find were presented last December, although it has not yet been opened to the public. It consists of an expansive bath complex, a grand banqueting hall and opulent decorations, and it would seem that at the time of the eruption, in 79 AD, this lavish home was undergoing renovations.
Photo Jebulon
“Everything was designed to stage a show”
The bath complex is one of the largest private bathing facilities ever found in Pompeii, and it had an advanced plumbing system with separate warm, hot and cold rooms, and a pool large enough for 30 guests. “Everything was designed to stage a “show”, in which the owner was the centre of attention,” says Gabriel Zuchtriegel, director of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii. 
Photo Norbert Nagel
Uncovering life at the time of the Roman Empire
Preserved for centuries beneath layers of ash, the sites of he ancient towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum, and surrounding villas like the Villa of the Mysteries and the Villa of the Papyri continue to offer fresh perspectives into the lives of those who lived at the height of the Roman Empire. Since its inscription as a World Heritage property in 1997, this area has become a touchstone for understanding Roman art, architecture, and the daily life of ancient populations.
For information: https://pompeiisites.org/e-journal-degli-scavi-di-pompei/
Photo EllQrin
Published in Cities & Regions
As Rome prepares for the farewell to Pope Francis, who passed away yesterday, Monday April 21, the city is expected to draw unprecedented numbers of visitors over the next few weeks.
Pope Francis’ funeral will be on Saturday 26 April
The body of Pope Francis, who died at the age of 88 just one day after Easter, will lie in state from tomorrow, Wednesday 23 April, allowing the faithful and curious alike to pay their final respects in St. Peter’s Basilica. The funeral, the Vatican announced yesterday, will be held this Saturday from 10 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square.
Tour companies are monitoring the situation
With a nine-day period of official mourning that began immediately, no major closures have yet been confirmed, but tour companies are monitoring updates closely. Flexibility will be essential to ensure that changes can be made, if and when needed, for visitors already in the city and those arriving in Rome with pre-planned itineraries. Predictions are for an inevitable surge in the number of visitors in key points around the city like St Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums, as well as the city’s other sacred sites as well as in historical sites like the Colosseum and the Roman Forum.
32 million visitors estimated in 2025
With crowds already surging for the 2025 Jubilee Year, the passing of Pope Francis adds a further dimension to what is already an extremely busy period for the city. An estimated 32 million are expected to visit Rome over this Jubilee year, and the Pope’s death will likely increase interest over the coming days in visiting the city’s sacred sites as well as central areas of the city.
Closures to landmarks are possible
While no announcements have been made yet, it is clear that at certain times this week, and into the following weeks when the Conclave to elect the new Pope takes place in the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican, popular sites and landmarks could face closures or crowd management protocols.
A different resting place, a break with tradition
Unlike his predecessors, Pope Francis has requested to be buried not beneath St. Peter’s Basilica, but at the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major, which is a significant departure from tradition. Other major basilicas, such as San Giovanni in Laterano and Saint Paul Outside the Walls, are also expected to draw larger crowds during this time and tour operators are keeping a close eye on the situation.
Published in Leisure
Italy is a big bet for Iberia with up to 44 weekly flights from Madrid to Rome this winter.
3 million seats on routes to Italy from Barajas Airport
This means almost a million seats between Madrid and Rome and a total of almost three million on routes to the ten Italian destinations served by the Barajas hub. With the winter schedule, Iberia is further strengthening its commitment to the Italian market: the airline will operate direct flights to Rome, Milan, Venice, Florence, Bologna, Naples and Turin from Madrid.
44 weekly Madrid-Rome flights
For this the Jubilee 2025 year, Iberia will increase the direct winter frequencies departing from Madrid to the Italian capital, reaching a total of 44 weekly flights, two more than last year. This is a total of 380,000 seats during the winter season.
Also flying to Olbia, Catania and Palermo
For the current summer season, which began on 30 March, Iberia has added five additional weekly flights to Rome, for a total of six and seven daily flights, depending on the day of the week. Iberia will also start operating to the country's summer destinations: Olbia, Catania and Palermo, bringing to ten the number of destinations in Italy.
Published in Transportation
The summer timetable for Salerno Costa d’Amalfi Airport, the first complete timetable for the Campania airport after its opening on 11 July 2024, sees the airport doubling its flights.
Flights from 18 scheduled destinations
Summer 2025 got underway on 30 March with the new flights from Vienna, followed by the introduction of the route from Brussels Charleroi. During the summer the airport will handle a total of 18 scheduled destinations. Of these, 13 are international: Barcelona, Berlin, Brussels Charleroi, Bucharest, Geneva, Lyon, London Gatwick, London Stansted, Marseille, Nantes, Paris Orly, Tirana and Vienna. With 13 international routes compared to seven last summer, Salerno, less than a year after opening, has seen the international segment almost double with connections from seven European capitals (Berlin, Brussels, Bucharest, London, Paris, Tirana, Vienna).
British Airways starts London Gatwick flights on 22 May
The number of airlines operating out of Salerno has also increased, thanks to the arrival of British Airways which, starting on 22 May will offer 3 weekly flights from London Gatwick, and Vueling, which will connect Salerno with Paris and Barcelona starting from 20 June and 3 July respectively. This brings to six the number of carriers offering direct connections: British Airways and the main European low-cost airlines easyJet, Ryanair, Volotea, Vueling and Wizz Air.
“Marketing strategies and improved accessibility will increase passenger traffic”
“This is an extraordinary result for an airport that has been operating for less than a year,- said Roberto Barbieri, CEO of the managing company, Gesac. - Our credibility is a strategic advantage that allows us to act as a valuable link with the airlines, thanks to the integrated management of the Naples and Salerno airports. The considerable expansion of the network, combined with targeted local marketing strategies and improved accessibility to the airport, will lead to an increase in passenger traffic, giving a strong boost to the entire regional tourism sector and opening up new prospects for prestigious destinations that are still little known on international markets.”
Published in Transportation
ITAAirways is now flying in codeshare with LOT Polish Airlines.
An exchange of airline codes
Since 10 April the LO code of the Polish carrier has been added to ITA's domestic flights connecting Rome with ten Italian cities, including Bologna, Bari, Catania, Genoa, Florence, Naples, Palermo, Lamezia Terme and Turin. And ITAAirways is now applying its own AZ code to flights operated by the Polish company from Warsaw to Rome, offering new travel opportunities for passengers travelling between Italy and Poland.
“We are charting a privileged and convenient route between Poland and Italy”
“This partnership is a significant step in ITAAirways‘ growth strategy, increasing connectivity for our passengers, - said Joerg Eberhart, CEO and general manager of the Italian carrier. -With this agreement, as well as further strengthening economic and commercial relations between the two countries. It also enriches the travel experience of LOT passengers, offering them the opportunity to experience the excellence of Made in Italy, of which ITAAirways is a proud ambassador in the world.”
“Making travelling within Italy much easier”
“Signing the codeshare agreement with ITAAirways is a fundamental step in our strategy, which aims at expanding our offer and continuously improving our services, - said Robert Ludera, registered representative and director of LOT Polish Airlines Network Bureau. -Thanks to this collaboration LOT passengers will have access to a vast network of domestic connections in Italy, making travelling within Italy much easier.”
Published in Transportation
The excellence of Rome Fiumicino shines on a global level: the airport has in fact been awarded 5 Skytrax stars and is the 8th best airport in the world.
For the first time in the world’s top ten airports
So for the first time the Roman airport has entered the Top Ten of the world's best airports, directly in eighth place, up four places compared to the previous year and consolidating its role as a reference hub in the entire Mediterranean basin.The high standards and quality of airport services, operational efficiency and the comfort offered to travellers were the elements that, following an in-depth audit by Skytrax, allowed Fiumicino to confirm its place among the 12 hubs worldwide to boast 5 stars, alongside international airports such as Singapore, Doha, and Tokyo.
“Our focus is on innovation and sustainability”
“The confirmation of the five Skytrax stars and the new recognition at Fiumicino airport show once again our constant commitment to guaranteeing quality and excellent services for our passengers, while focusing on innovation and sustainability,- said Marco Troncone, CEO Aeroporti di Roma. -Our goal now is to further develop Leonardo Da Vinci, boosting Rome's role in the global air transport landscape, as well as protecting and consolidating Italy's international competitiveness.”
Universal recognition for Rome Fiumicino
During the award ceremony at the Passenger Terminal Expo 2025 in Fiumicino, in addition to the eighth position in the World's Top 10 Airports of 2025, the following awards were given: Best Airports 2025: 40 to 50 million passengers; Best Airport Southern Europe; Best Airports in Europe 2025 - Second place; World's Best Airport Security Screening 2025 – second place; Best Airport Staff in Europe 2025 – third place; World's Best Airport Dining Experience 2025 – third place; World's Best Airport Immigration Service 2025 – seventh position; World's Best Airport Shopping 2025 – eighth position; World's Best PRM and Accessible Facilities 2025 – ninth position; World's Best Airport Staff 2025 – tenth position; World's Most Family Friendly Airport 2025 – tenth position.
For the first time in the world’s top ten airports
So for the first time the Roman airport has entered the Top Ten of the world's best airports, directly in eighth place, up four places compared to the previous year and consolidating its role as a reference hub in the entire Mediterranean basin.The high standards and quality of airport services, operational efficiency and the comfort offered to travellers were the elements that, following an in-depth audit by Skytrax, allowed Fiumicino to confirm its place among the 12 hubs worldwide to boast 5 stars, alongside international airports such as Singapore, Doha, and Tokyo.
“Our focus is on innovation and sustainability”
“The confirmation of the five Skytrax stars and the new recognition at Fiumicino airport show once again our constant commitment to guaranteeing quality and excellent services for our passengers, while focusing on innovation and sustainability,- said Marco Troncone, CEO Aeroporti di Roma. -Our goal now is to further develop Leonardo Da Vinci, boosting Rome's role in the global air transport landscape, as well as protecting and consolidating Italy's international competitiveness.”
Universal recognition for Rome Fiumicino
During the award ceremony at the Passenger Terminal Expo 2025 in Fiumicino, in addition to the eighth position in the World's Top 10 Airports of 2025, the following awards were given: Best Airports 2025: 40 to 50 million passengers; Best Airport Southern Europe; Best Airports in Europe 2025 - Second place; World's Best Airport Security Screening 2025 – second place; Best Airport Staff in Europe 2025 – third place; World's Best Airport Dining Experience 2025 – third place; World's Best Airport Immigration Service 2025 – seventh position; World's Best Airport Shopping 2025 – eighth position; World's Best PRM and Accessible Facilities 2025 – ninth position; World's Best Airport Staff 2025 – tenth position; World's Most Family Friendly Airport 2025 – tenth position.
Published in Transportation
Latest articles
Latest Video
Castellabate
Castellabate is a charming hilltop town located in southern …
462Castellabate
Castellabate is a charming hilltop town located in southern …
462- Our Partners -
Welcome to Italy
Italian Blue Route
Italian Blue Route
