Anita has sponsored the France:Simply Irresistible party, but
this year she has expanded it to all of Europe. There are more than fifty bloggers participating…all writing about their favorite aspect of Europe. As you can imagine, there will be some pretty remarkable posts for your reading pleasure…you won’t want to miss any of them!
And, be sure to scroll to the bottom of this post to enter a fabulous giveaway!
my favorite country in the world. However, I wanted to take you off the beaten path a little bit and showcase some parts of Italy with which you may not be familiar…a few of the gorgeous islands scattered around the country which are not regularly visited by American travelers.
Andiamo!
Ischia and Procida:
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Looking for an alternative to Capri or the Amalfi Coast? On the opposite side of the Bay of Naples from Capri sit two gorgeous volcanic islands, Ischia and Procida, both of which have been enchanting travelers since the days of Virgil.
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Ischia is the more visited of the two islands and is known for its thermal baths and spa resorts. The five star spa resort Terme Manzi Hotel and Spa offers a multitude of activities including access to the famous thermal baths.
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The tiny island of Procida, known for it’s pastel homes and lemon groves. is picture perfect. Stay at the tiny 10 room La Casa Sul Mer, where every room has a breathtaking view, for a fraction of what you would pay on the Amalfi Coast.
Both islands can be reached by hydrofoil from Naples.
Ponza:
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Sardegna:
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A paradise for wealthy Europeans, Sardegna (or Sardinia), in the Mediterranean Sea, is actually closer to Africa than Italy. It is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, particularly in the Costa Smeralda area. The turquoise waters and pristine beaches have become a playground for the rich and famous, so unless your pockets are deep, you may want to avoid the high season in August.
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The Maddalena archipelago to the north is unspoiled and a haven for wildlife.
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Giudecca:
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Venice is one of the top tourist destinations in the world, but many travelers never make it to the islands in the Venetian lagoon. Giudecca is just a three minute ferry ride from St. Mark’s Square but feels worlds away from the crowds in Venice.
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Stay at the the iconic Hotel Cipriani, an experience in and of itself, or the Bauer Palladio, with its beautiful private garden.
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Both hotels offer private shuttles to Piazza San Marco allowing you to experience the best of both worlds…Venice AND the quiet island of Giudecca.
Monte Argentario:
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Okay, so Monte Argentario is not actually an island, but a promontory almost completely surrounded by water and only attached to the mainland by a tiny strip of land. Close enough…On the Tuscan coast, this area is easily reached from both Florence and Rome.
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There are two villages on Monte Argentario – Porto Ercole to the south and Porto San Stefano to the north, both molto bello.
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Il Pellicano is the place to stay in Porto Ercole with a two-Michelin starred restaurant and views as far as the eyes can see.
Isole Tremiti:
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An archipelago off the Adriatic coast of Italy near the “spur” in the boot that is Italy, the Tremiti Islands get their name from “tremors” owing to the history of earthquakes in the area. With just 11 three star hotels you will find need to find your luxury in the scenery and crystal coves of these islands. There are no cars on the islands so be prepared to explore on foot or by water taxi.
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With numerous coves and turquoise water, divers love exploring the Tremiti Islands.
As these islands are off the coast of Puglia, combining a trip to both would be a fantastic way to visit two relatively unknown parts of Italy. You can take a ferry from Termoli year round, or several coastal towns in Putglia and Abruzzo in the summer, or a relatively 50 euro helicopter ride from Foggia.
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So, there we have it…an Italian island paradiso for every day of the next week.
Please be sure to head over to Castles Crowns and Cottages and check out everyone else’s posts this week!
And, don’t forget to enter the Sissy Yates Earrings Giveaway:
Wow. Just wow…Italy always takes my breath away and seeing this glorious post reminds me of how many places there that I still want to visit! Just fabulous, great way to start a morning! I will be sure to stop over at Anita's to go no a virtual around the world trip!
Okay, Sandy, my bags are packed and I'm ready to visit all those beautiful Italian islands – stunning!! Thanks for sharing these places – I really need to explore more of Italy!! Cheers
You've transported me to my favourite country…beautiful Italy…Sardinia holds a very special place in my heart. Anita's european bloggers party is great fun!
Sandy!
Thanks to Anita today I can enjoy your pictures and this fantastic Link Party!.
I love the Italian coast, I know many of those fantastic and picturesque places! are always greatly appreciated.
I always like to revel in your photos and your amazing travel tips, I am a traveler and I must preferred, this time to stay home at last! MADRID, come see me, I invite you!
I wish you a great weekend.
Today I am happy to have known
Luisa
personally selected products
Oh Sandy, you are AWESOME! There are so many places just in Italy alone that I have never heard of, and these coastal getaways are splendid! Puglia is a place I must see because those white, conical dwellings are just a mysterious enchantment. The crystal aqua waters however, are calling my name, and thank you dear friend for doing this. You take me away daily, but today, you have allowed me to know that I can come back during the week to linger with you. Now, I feel like some Italian seafood….go figure, I'm always hungry!
BIG HUGS! Anita
Stunning post. I am with you. It is a place I want to visit and experience almost everything. The photos are beautiful and inspire me more to visit soon. Coming over from Anita's CCC.
The giveaway sounds wonderful…I would love a chance to win. Happy week-end.
I have been to a few of those islands and have to say you showed me a few I didNOT know about!GRAZIE!!!
Che BELLO ITALIA…….da VERO!As I read your POST I smiled so MUCH……the waters truly are the clearest I have ever seen in SARDINIA……….our sailboat got beached by the idiot owner and we were rescued by a topless ITALIAN with a dinghy and a rope!She pulled us out as the rest of the beach bathers were holding the boat at bay……..memories.I still have time to make a few more thanks to your POST!Anita sent me…..I think I'm number 26 on her list!You may like my post too FLORENCE!
Sandy thank you so very much for this incredible experience! I am totally enchanted and in love with these islands!
I would adore having the blue earrings by Sissy!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
Europe: Simply Irresistible Party
Wow!!!!
Sandy, I could not take my eyes off these breathtaking photos. I will be back to visit again..
fondly,
Penny
What a beautiful tour of Italy, Sandy It truly is one of the most special places on earth and thanks so much for the stunning visit. Absolutely loved it!
What fun, Sandy! Such a beautiful tour of one of my favorite countries. So much more to explore. I can't wait to go back and feel like I've had a little dolce vita just looking at your gorgeous virtual vacation. Have a lovely weekend! XOXO
Oh that water, the color. I can just feel the coolness. What beautiful places.
I adore Italy and your travelogue is marvelous! This year or next, I'm returning to Italy and am using your post as guide, thank you.
I am absolutely going to pass this along to my college roommate who, like yourself, is a MAJOR Italophile. (I just googled and discovered that this is a real word!) I will be very interested to see how many of these spots she has been to!
Sandy, how I love the idea of an Italian island paradiso for every day of the week! Yes please! I have only stayed in the Hotel Cipriani, but now you have put it in my head that I must visit some of these resorts and rent a villa….ha! Well hope that you will stop by, I also wrote about Italy as part of Anita's lovely party.
xo Mary Jo
Can I come with you please?Everything looks more than tempting,and they seem to be hidden treasures at least I´ve never heard of!!! (I´ve only been in Venice so far in Italy). The pictures you show are out of a dream,really!!!!
Tove 🙂
These photos are breathtaking! I scrolled thru them twice! My favortie earrings are the blue ones. Hope you are having a great weekend, Sandy.
Such fun to island hop with you! I want to go to each and every one. Anita's link parties are always a treat!
Sandy,
Thank you for sharing the lovely photos of Italy! Such a memorable and beautiful place!
Came to you from Anita's link party:)
Thank You for Your visit and commenting.I'm half Italian and since being surrounded by tons of Italian family,I've never been very interested in the country.After seeing Your post and the other bloggers post on Italy I somehow want to gain a taste and appreciation for it.Your photos are lovely and Your tour so interesting.I will come back to savor My heritage even more-Thank You Denise
I've fallen in love with Italy all over again! Love your vibrant images, they actually transport you.
Hi Sandy,
What wonderful photos of Italy and thank you for taking us here.
I do love the pastel coloured houses and the gorgeous blue sea.
It is so nice to sometimes get away to places that are not visited so much – thanks for sharing your lovely post and for visiting my blog.
Enjoy the weekend
Carolyn
Hi Sandy,
Thank you so much for your visit and very kind words..
I just had to come back and take in the view again.. Just beautiful!
fondly,
Penny
What a wonderful secret you have revealed to us. These two look like gems you would definitely not want to miss. Thank you for sharing the beauty of these islands with us.
; )
Nancy
Bonsoir chère Sandy! It is a joy to visit with you again tonight as I just woke up from a nap; I think all this fun virtual touring has given me a jet lag!
The Riviera is the playground of dreams,is it not? Thank you again for participating and sharing your dream with us. HUGS! Anita
Goodness, we have minds that think alike don't we? Fabulous post, Sandy, filled with such good information. And, seriously, I really didn't know about ALL of them so I learned something. Happy weekend, darling !!
OH! Leaving a message right near our beautiful and brilliant hostesss! (Ciao Anita!)
Dear Sandy…this is breathtakingly beautiful!!
I share your love for Italy, and I think I need to split my time between Cotswold cottage, Italian Island, and Paris! :)) haha
How does one choose?
Thank you for this magnificent tour…VIVA ITALIA!
And grazie molto for visiting my post…and your VERY kind words! I appreciate it so much…
Have a fabulous time partying on!
Abbracci,
– Irina
oh lovely I have been to Sardinia ans Sicily for the day as part of a Med cruise loved both,xx Rachel and Speedy
Now i'm ready to go there…
Sandy!
I knew that I would be in for a dream get away when visiting you.
I have always been curious about the islands surrounding Italy. You have revealed so much beauty and adventure in this post!
I hope that Mr D and I have a chance to travel to Italy one day. (His father was born in Trieste.)
I spent two weeks in Italy when I was 17. In Rome, we stayed in a convent near the Vatican. We stayed in a college dormitory in Florence, and a resort in Baveno on to Strasbourg.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful post!
withLove!
Sandy, wow! Thank you for this. My David and I are trying to decide where to go on our honeymoon after we visit Norway and my only requirement: warm beach in Italy. I did not know about these gorgeous islands and I am off to finding more about them. Visiting from the link party. 🙂
Now I need one of these island hopping vacations, how gorgeous!! It looks like such fun thank you for the tour and lovely giveaway! See you Wednesday!
Best, Karolyn
Beautiful! Ponza sounds amazing! I am writing a story, placed in the 18th century, that is in Rome. I might just use Ponza for it. Thank you!
Thank-you for sharing so much new(to me) and beautiful about the islands of Italy. This was an amazing treat for me.
Oh Sandy!
It is wonderful to know that while we are away we are so close! thanks to this party Anita! Thank you very much for near my blog, I love your blog lots!!
Xoxo
Luisa : )
Lovely post welcome on Anita's party !!!……nice to met you….love Ria…x !
Oh my! I am mesmerized by the off-the-beaten path options that lie within Italy. I had no idea. You've got me dreaming again! Next trip is definitely without the kids, so any of these would be perfect!!!
Great round up!
xoxo Elizabeth
Beautiful photo's it really gives me a holliday feeling!
groetjes van Marijke
http://www.bij-marijke-thuis.blogspot.nl
A wonderful post! I have bookmarked this in my Travel folder, and someday [ soon] I hope to visit all these places. Thank you for providing us with such a great travelogue!
Hi Sandy!
Thanks for the lovely comment. So happy that you stopped to visit! Your Italian island paridiso is so breathtaking! So many irresistible places to dream about… ♡Dawn
Oh wow, these photos are amazing and how I would love to visit everyone of these islands. Thank you for the tour, off the beaten path to some places I didn't ever know about. You've inspired new dreams here.
Emily
Hello Sandy!
Just adorable trip to Italy….OMG!!!
Absolutely gorgeous places to be there and to enjoy all these prettiness….
Fantastic photos!
THANKYOU so much for your visit and your comment by me:)
Greetings from Holland,
V.
These pictures are dreamy! I loved staying in Lido away from the crouds in Venice. It was so beautiful and beachy. Your pictures and descriptions are amazing. I am missing Italy so bad! xo Nancy
Wow, so much beauty in one post! though i've visited Italy often, i haven't been to the places you describe here, exept for Giudecca. So much to discover still! Ciao amiga, gracie mille pro ta visit , hope you have a super start to your week!
hi sandy, just had to take a look at your post + italy is a favorite of mine + wow you did a wonderful job. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
Takes my breath away.
Thank you for stopping by, Sandy.
Pleasure to participate in Anita's party with you.
Oh, look at all of this Italy beauty! The rock formations caught my eye, they are wonderful. I can see why you chose Italy…..I want to visit there someday too. I got to see parts of it through your post, so thank you.
~Sheri
I really love the pink Mavis design. Your Italy post is outstanding…I had no idea there were so many beautiful places on the water. Normally I see photos of food, restaurants, rivers surrounded by towns, but never shots like these. I hope you'll stop by my England post, if you've not already.
Blessings,
Sarah
These photos are fabulous! Italy is my second favorite place in Europe and it in a pleasure to see a new area.
I have loved exploring Anita's link, what a great party!
I hope that you have a great week!
Good evening Sandy,
I just had to return.. I believe this is one of my favorite posts.
The photo of Procida is my favorite image. Thanks again for the breathtaking post!
Now I need to go back to Italy to see all of the beautiful islands. We traveled out of Rome and enjoyed all we got to see, but there is never enough time…gorgeous post!
sandy dear, How is it that I've just returned from Europe (and the 3 flights to get us home) and I'm already wanting to plan my next trip. These islands have me swooning. I adore Italy but have never done Capri or the southern islands though they are on my list. Gorgeous post and fun to link up with our 'Simply Irresistible' Anita and friends.
xx, Heather
Gorgeous! Every picture was better than the one before. It is exactly those 'off the beaten track' places that are the very best surprises. Oh I would LOVE to visit some of these islands. Who knows?? Bucket list material for sure. 🙂
WOW!!These dear Sandy are breathtaking spectacular pictures!!
I so enjoyed your tour of beautiful Italy! I also think that the pastel homes of Procida are so very pretty.
Many Blessings, Linnie
Sandy-
I literally had to pick my jaw up off the floor. Such amazing beauty all around the world!
love the green earrings…..
pve
I have never been to italy and this makes me yearn to go! The photos show the colors of the coasts to their advantage – so appealing!
What fun it was to finally meet you in person today and thank you for organizing a wonderful lunch!
So wish we could pack our bags (again!) and hop a plane to Italy. We've stayed at Il Pelicano and agree that it is one of the best experiences ever. We'll definitely be adding these places to our bucket list.
xxoo
C + C
Well, I am an off the beaten path kind of girl (I'm also an island girl!), so your absolutely gorgeous post is right up my alley! What stunning photos! I would sit on the rocks in my green earrings to match my green eyes and be quite content, I am sure! 🙂