Ryanair is investing in Calabria’s airports by adding Boeing B737-800s at Reggio Calabria and  Lamezia Terme.

New routes to all three Calabrian airports.

It is also introducing new routes in all three of Calabria’s airports - Lamezia Terme, Crotone and Reggio Calabria. The airline will therefore have four based aircraft, 50% growth (up to one million passengers), 15 new routes to the region and support for over 1,200 jobs.

A total of eleven new routes

The winter sees Ryanair launch 11 new routes: 7 to Reggio Calabria from London Stansted, Brussels Charleroi, Milan Malpensa, Pisa, Frankfurt Hahn, Katowice and Paris Beauvais; 2 to Lamezia from Tirana and Brussels Charleroi and 2 to Crotone from Treviso and Turin. In addition, for summer 2025 Ryanair will introduce a further 4 new routes to Lamezia Terme from Trieste, Madrid, Wroclaw and Bucharest.

Growth is thanks to the removal of the municipal surtax 

"This strategic move, following regional president Occhiuto's far-sighted decision to abolish the municipal surtax in Calabria, allows us to rapidly increase our capacity in the region," said Ryanair CEO Eddie Wilson. "The winter 2024 operation to Calabria will result in 82% growth over last winter, with three based aircraft and a total investment of $300 million. In addition, we plan to base another aircraft in Lamezia Terme for summer 2025, bringing the total number of aircraft based in the region to four and increasing our total investment to $400 million. This will lead to 50% growth next year for the region, supporting over 1,200 jobs and contributing to economic growth, improving tourism, connectivity and offering lower fares for both citizens and visitors.”

“We could offer an additional 3 million seats a year for Sicily” 

“Ryanair is now calling on all the Italian regions to eliminate this regressive tax. In particular Sicily and Sardinia should follow the positive example of Calabria and revolutionìze their connectivity by eliminating the tax. Ryanair could offer an additional 3 million seats per year for Sicily and 2 million for Sardinia by transforming connectivity on an annual basis, as we have done in Trieste and now in Calabria."

Improving accessibility and internal mobility

"In view of the next winter season, there will be an extraordinary increase in connections to and from Calabria with many European and Italian cities,- added the region's president. -This represents just the right gratification for the efforts we have been making for the past two and a half years to increase tourist flows in our region. Our commitment is linked to improving accessibility and internal mobility services, as demonstrated by the agreement reached just a few weeks ago with the car services company Uber.”

Turning medieval music into “pop” music, and making it known to all. 

Assisi will host 20 different medieval musical events

Using a place where the Middle Ages is still alive in alleyways and squares, vibrating like the strings of a harp played by passionate and expert hands. This is the aim of DeMusicAssisi, the first medieval music festival scheduled for Umbria, and one of the few in Italy, which will be held in Assisi from 15 to 20 August. 

Admission is free to all the concerts and events 

The Festival - promoted by the Municipality of Assisi, with the artistic direction of the Accademia d'Arti Antiche Resonars – was launched last year, attracting a vast and transversal audience. Not only enthusiasts of medieval music, but also many who were not so familiar with it, as well as tourists who discovered how “pop” and fascinating ancient music can be. It was a success well beyond expectations, and it led to this second edition which has even more events and concerts than the first time - all with free admission.

Assisi

Flash mobs and medieval music DJ sets

DeMusicAssisi 2024 takes place entirely in the historic centre of Assisi, with over 20 different events in evocative locations. A temporal journey through musical repertoires composed between the 13th and 15th centuries, it will feature musicological conferences, meetings with historians, didactics, workshops, touring shows and even flash mobs and medieval music DJ sets. The happening also includes an exhibition dedicated to antique instruments and the art of the lute-makers who, in attendance, will answer questions from the public.

Devotional music features in this 2nd edition

The theme of this second edition is the "Laud", or devotional music which is linked to the medieval movement of the Confraternities, and to the celebrations for the Franciscan centenaries 2023-2026.  The Festival will feature educational activities aimed at the historical-musical reconstruction of the performance of the Lauds, recounting the liturgical, "popular," and transversal aspects of medieval devotion, through the cultured compositions of religious origin. 

Assisi will become a world capital of medieval music 

From Gregorian chant to the performance of the Lauds in Latin and the vernacular, from monody to Italian and English polyphony, the journey will conclude with a trip to the Middle Eastern philosophy of the time of St Francis and St Clare. Artists from all over the world will participate in this exciting second edition of the Festival which is becoming increasingly international, with musicians and researchers from England, France, Switzerland, Italy, Syria, Austria, the United States and Belgium. Turning Assisi into a sort of world capital of medieval music.

After years of unsuccessful attempts, work on the expansion of the Four Seasons in Florence finally seems to be taking concrete shape. 

The Four Seasons Florence has 114 rooms

According to a report in the Italian daily newspaper La Repubblica, Cugimi the company that owns the 116-room five-star hotel, has begun work, through Cugimi Matteotti srl, on Palazzo Salleac. This is a building that used to house a scientific high school and is located in Viale Matteotti 7.

Adding a new wing?

The building file describes a "building merger and change of use from office to hospitality with modest structural and plant works." The two buildings could be connected through the Gherardesca garden which is inside the Four Seasons and borders the courtyard of the former high school. However, it is not clear whether when the work is completed, the new building will be an additional entrance to the main building, or whether it will be a separate hotel location. Cugimi is part of the Constellation Hotels Holding Ltd Soc. Anonyme group, which in turn is owned by Qatari capital.

The haute cuisine restaurant RAW in HABITA79 M Gallery in Pompeii is a fine dining experience for customers seeking elegant dishes in an open-air, intimate and breathtaking location with views of Pompeii and Vesuvius.

Intimate, because there are only eight tables for a total of 16 covers, and breathtaking because, located on a panoramic terrace, RAW enjoys unparalleled views of Pompeii and the Campania region, over which the sinuous figure of Mount Vesuvius looms.

Authentic raw materials for three different menus

Chef Roberto Lepre who helms the kitchen refined his technique in Italy and abroad, transporting his culinary philosophy to HABITA79 where he proposes two culinary journeys: Materia and Essence.  When combined these two menus become the third RAW menu called Fusione.  Lepre's culinary credo is summed up in the formula “I rework the essential, the authenticity and genuineness of the raw materials in my creations.”

Passionate gastronomic journeys 

Chef Lepre’s cuisine is simple to the eye, masking the use of elaborate techniques and with meticulous attention to detail, enhancing the raw materials and their essence. And the surrounding landscape becomes the ideal setting for these fine dining gastronomic journeys that are as thoughtful in presentation as they are passionate to the taste. 

Clever combinations and luscious desserts 

There is no shortage of vegetarian items, such as Pan e Puparol, a savoury millefeuille in which the colours and flavours of yellow, green and red peppers combine with layers of typical “cafone” bread. Ending with the desserts, ranging from Sei Agrumi that enhances the typical citrus fruits of southern Italy, to more international dishes such as “Inspired by a Sacher.”   

Italy, renowned the world over for its rich cultural heritage and exquisite cuisine, has a coastline that stretches over 7,500 kilometers, offering an unparalleled variety of beach experiences, from the dramatic cliffs of Sicily to the crystal-clear waters of Sardinia, and from the many enchanting islands that dot the Tyrrhenian and Adriatic Seas, to much more besides. 

Picture yourself on the sun-kissed beaches of Sicily, and while you’re there why not indulge in culinary delights such as fresh seafood and local favourites like rice arancini and sweet ricotta cannoli? Sicily isn't just an island; it's an experience waiting to be savored.

Sardinia, often described as having the "world's most beautiful waters," is Italy second largest island and has Caribbean-like beaches and emerald seas. It also has luxurious resorts, charming family-run hotels, and a wide choice of alternative accommodations, world-class cuisine and quality shopping. A great option is Santa Maria di Pula’s Hotel Flamingo, a 4-star with a pool which is set in an eucalyptus wood, and is within easy reach of Cagliari and its international airport.

The chance to explore sun and sea holidays in Italy also means discovering smaller islands like Lampedusa with its translucent waters and marine reserve which is a haven for snorkelers and divers while Pantelleria – which also lies below Sicily - is known for its volcanic landscapes and therapeutic hot springs. Tiny Giglio and Elba lie off the Tyrrhenian coast not far from Rome and have a wide selection of idyllic spots for sunbathing and swimming. And on the Adriatic Coast there are the Tremiti, five tiny sun-drenched islands, just over an hour by ferry from the Apulian coast. 

But the queen of them all is Capri, the epitome of Mediterranean glamour and natural beauty. Nestled in the Bay of Naples this island has dramatic cliffs, lush gardens, chic boutiques and an inimitable café lifestyle. Many visitors take boats to the secluded beaches and sea caves that dot the coastline, but who can argue with days spent lazily lounging in the sun and taking in the dazzling colours of the Mediterranean Sea?  Just a short ferry ride from Capri lies Ischia which is renowned for its volcanic landscapes, therapeutic thermal springs and spa hotels and resorts, set against a backdrop of lush greenery and sun-drenched beaches.

The Adriatic coast is fabled for its golden sandy beach lidos, from Lignano Sabbiadoro and Jesolo to Ravenna and Rimini, while the many resort towns on the coasts of Apulia, Basilicata and Calabria appeal to nature lovers and are popular with campers and glampers, with glamping now one of the fastest-growing trends for summer and beach holidays. And on the heel of Italy, the 4-star Nicolaus Prime Il Gabbiano in Marina di Pulsano, less than an hour from Taranto, is just 50 metres from the sea which boasts natural underwater springs. 

On the eastern seaboard Liguria has Viareggio with its elegant promenade and famous carnival, and Tuscany can boast the Maremma with its buttero cowboys and chic sea resorts like Porto Santo Stefano and Capalbio. The stretch of coast from Civitavecchia to Rome’s Ostia beaches, and on down to Naples with Anzio, Terracina and Gaeta may be less sophisticated, but offers popular resort towns for all tastes and pockets.    

Plan your escape to Italy's coastal wonders and experience the magic of sun, sea, and la Dolce Vita. From family-friendly resorts to romantic getaways Italy offers something for travellers seeking the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure and memories that will last a lifetime.

Marriott's Ac Hotels brand makes its debut in the Eternal City with the new Clodio Roma. 

A renovated building close to many of Rome’s attractions

The hotel is in a completely renovated mid-20th century building in the Prati district, close to Rome’s Olympic stadium and in proximity to some of the Eternal City’s most beautiful attractions, including St. Peter's Basilica, Castel Sant'Angelo and the Vatican Museums. The area is served by excellent public transport links to the city's main tourist attractions.

The hotel has an all-day restaurant service

The Ac Hotel Clodio Roma has 103 rooms and suites. On the ground floor the Ac Lounge is multifunctional and has an outdoor terrace and a bar area. Open all day, it serves typical Italian and Roman cuisine. Every late afternoon, the lounge invites guests to enjoy an exclusive Italian aperitif at the bar.

There are two new additions to the summer network of rail connections operated by FS Treni Turistici Italiani: Rome-Lecce and Milan-Nice. 

Comfortable sleeping carriages and quality restaurant services

The new services to the Salento, with a night train for Lecce, and to the Côte d'Azur, with a daytime Espresso, reply to the growing demands from tourists both in and outside Italy.The Rome-Lecce is an absolute novelty. It will depart on 18 July, offering a new sustainable and quality holiday travel experience to and from Puglia. The train will stop in Caserta and then proceed, without further stops during the night, to Puglia. Here it will stop at Bari Centrale, Polignano a Mare, Monopoli, Fasano, Ostuni, Carovigno, Brindisi and Lecce. The comfort of the sleeping carriages is equal to the quality of the excellent service in the restaurant carriage. Passengers can also bring luggage and sports equipment on board, thanks to a dedicated carriage.

The Espresso Riviera runs from Milan to Nice 

FS Treni Turistici Italiani's other summer novelty is the Espresso Riviera. From 3 August to 1 September, this train departing from Milan will travel to Nice, with stops in Menton and Monaco-Principality of Monte Carlo. In Nice travellers will also be able to take advantage of French trains to continue on to Cannes and Marseille. The international service has been made possible thanks to the availability of the French company SNCF Reseau and the collaboration between FS Treni Turistici Italiani and Trenitalia France, the company of the Italian passenger hub operating in France.

“We offer high levels of comfort and privacy” 

"These new connections," says Luigi Cantamessa, managing director of FS Treni Turistici Italiani, "confirm the great versatility that distinguishes us, and they mark a further step towards an increasingly high-quality and efficient form of tourism. Ours is a different service, with high levels of comfort and privacy, thanks to the exclusive use of the carriages and with a hotellerie- on-wheels. We can cofigure the train composition according to passenger needs. Holidays begin on the train with the large windows allowing passengers to appreciate the beauty of our country and there is the added pleasure of travelling at a different railway speed.”  The two new train services join the Espresso Versilia from Milan to Livorno and the Espresso Cadore connecting Rome with Cortina. 

Cinque Terre: The Via dell’Amore path inauguration on 26 July 

The famous path is a UNESCO heritage site

This famous path will once again be practicable, in all its 900-metre sheer drop to the sea in the unique setting of the Cinque Terre National Park, in just a few days time.  The closing of the Via dell'Amore was for safety and restoration work by the Liguria region, and now its reopening is confirmed for 19 July, with the handing over of the UNESCO heritage path to the municipality of Riomaggiore.

The inaugural ceremony is planned for 26 July 

All the bodies involved, from the Ministry of Tourism, the Region of Liguria with the Cinque Terre National Park, the Province of La Spezia, the municipality of Riomaggiore to the police and the prefecture, are working together to organize, in the days immediately following the handover, most likely 26 July, the inauguration  of the path in the presence of local and national authorities.

“Work never stopped, not even during the pandemic” 

“With the definitive reopening of the Via dell'Amore we are on the verge of achieving a historic result for the whole of Liguria and for the entire country,- said acting commissioner Giacomo Giampedrone. – It has been an unprecedented commitment and we carried out this very complex intervention in about two and a half years, thanks to specialized companies that never suspended work on the path, not even during the pandemic or on public holidays. It is an extraordinary result, and we are proud to be able to give this gem back in a few weeks' time to the residents of Riomaggiore and Manarola, to the people of Liguria, and to tourists from all over the world."