Puglia - Milan - Amalfi
(the actual round trip was Milan - Rome - Napels - Amalfi - Napels - Milan)
Since I have seen the TV series Gevoel voor Tumor (Sense of Tumour) I always wanted to go to Puglia. And what was I close when I travelled through Italy (not Western Europe for the Friends lovers) a while ago. I actually went there for a first date, but it did not go as I wanted it to go, because she was really backpacking across Italy for a month and was not sure yet where we could meet at that time. We ended up meeting in Napels instead. Even though we were 1 day a part from each other at Amalfi. That would have been a better first meeting in my opinion. Although the date went well, so maybe location does not matter in the end after all ;)
Anyway, on this page I will share some charming pictures of Puglia, Milan and Amalfi. During that time I went from Milan - Rome - Napels - Amalfi - Napels - Milan. Not all pictures are included. I have decided not to put design week, Quadrilateral della moda and another vibrant neighbourhood on the website for example. Within Italy I have travelled by train and by plane. The application that I have used for trains was Trainline this time. Not Omio as I have mentioned before on the website. This app was more convenient for Italy in my opinion.
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Puglia
Why would you want to go to Puglia? Or visit Castel del Monte, as seen here above?
Out of my own experience I can say that red wine from Puglia tastes well. The region produces 4 DOCG wines and also has other beautiful wines to choose out of. But here are others reasons why you should visit:
1. Stunning coastline: Puglia boasts some of Italy’s most beautiful beaches and coastline, with crystal-clear waters and picturesque coastal towns like Polignano a Mare and Otranto.
2. Charming towns: Puglia is dotted with charming, historic towns known for their unique architecture, such as Alberobello with its iconic trulli houses, and Matera, famous for its ancient cave dwellings.
3. Delicious cuisine: Puglian cuisine is renowned for its fresh seafood, olive oil, and farm-fresh produce. Don’t miss trying local specialties like orecchiette pasta, burrata cheese, and taralli snacks.
4. Rich history: Puglia is steeped in history, with traces of ancient civilizations such as the Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines visible in its architecture and archaeological sites.
5. Authentic experiences: Puglia offers visitors the chance to experience authentic Italian culture and way of life, away from the crowds of more touristy regions. Explore local markets, participate in cooking classes, or simply relax and enjoy the laid-back pace of life.
Enough reasons to go there, who knows in the future what will happen!
Milan
Milan is really one of my favourite cities in the world.
Milan is famous for several reasons:
1. Fashion: Milan is one of the world’s fashion capitals, renowned for its high-end fashion houses, luxury boutiques, and stylish locals. It hosts prestigious fashion events like Milan Fashion Week, attracting designers, models, and fashion enthusiasts from around the globe.
2. Design: Milan is synonymous with innovative design, from sleek furniture and interior decor to cutting-edge architecture. The city is home to renowned design studios, museums like the Triennale di Milano, and events such as the Salone del Mobile, the largest furniture fair in the world.
3. Art and culture: Milan boasts impressive cultural institutions, including the iconic La Scala opera house, the Brera Art Gallery, and Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, The Last Supper, housed in the Santa Maria delle Grazie church.
4. Business and finance: Milan is Italy’s economic powerhouse, serving as the country’s financial hub and home to the Italian Stock Exchange. It hosts numerous international corporations and business events, contributing to its dynamic and cosmopolitan atmosphere.
5. Cuisine: Milanese cuisine is renowned for its sophistication and diversity, featuring iconic dishes such as risotto alla Milanese (saffron risotto), osso buco (braised veal shanks), and panettone (traditional Christmas cake). The city also boasts a vibrant dining scene, with Michelin-starred restaurants and cozy trattorias serving up delicious Italian fare. Overall, Milan offers visitors a rich tapestry of fashion, design, art, business, and culinary delights, making it a must-visit destination in Italy.
As there are too many pictures to share about Milan. I have chosen for only a selected few, with regards to food and vibrant neighbourhood.
Navigli neighbourhood
There are several reasons to visit the Navigli neighbourhood in Milan:
1. Canal Atmosphere: Navigli is famous for its picturesque canals, which give the area a unique atmosphere reminiscent of Venice. You can take a leisurely stroll along the canal banks, enjoy the sight of the water reflections, and even take a boat tour to explore further.
2. Nightlife: Navigli comes alive at night, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike who are looking for a vibrant nightlife scene. The area is dotted with bars, cafes, and restaurants offering everything from cocktails to live music, creating a lively and enjoyable atmosphere.
3. Street Markets: Navigli hosts various street markets, especially on weekends, where you can find a diverse range of goods including antiques, artwork, clothing, and more. Browsing these markets is a fun way to spend a leisurely afternoon and perhaps find some unique souvenirs or treasures.
4. Aperitivo: Navigli is famous for its aperitivo culture, where many bars offer a buffet of appetizers with the purchase of a drink during the early evening hours. It’s a great way to unwind after a day of sightseeing while sampling delicious Italian snacks and soaking in the local atmosphere.
5. Art and Culture: Navigli is also home to various art galleries, studios, and cultural spaces, making it a hub for artistic expression and creativity. You can explore contemporary art exhibitions, attend cultural events, or simply admire the street art and murals scattered throughout the neighborhood. Overall, Navigli offers a vibrant and eclectic experience, blending history, culture, and modernity in a charming canal-side setting, making it a must-visit destination in Milan.
El Brellin (Navigli area)
'Lombard tradition comes to life in the exclusive setting of the Vicolo dei Lavandai. A timeless glimpse of old Milan.'
Overall, El Brellin is a recommended destination for anyone seeking to indulge in authentic Milanese cuisine in a charming canal-side setting. Whether you’re a food enthusiast, a traveler exploring Milan, or a local resident, El Brellin offers a delightful dining experience that captures the essence of traditional Italian hospitality.
Two gems in the business area that are worth showing: The Bosco Verticale and Ratanà restaurant. If you are in the area, definitely consider to go there for a pleasant lunch or dinner!
**More about Milan later on maybe**
Amalfi
People go to Amalfi for its stunning coastline, picturesque villages, rich history, delicious cuisine, and romantic ambiance. It offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea, charming narrow streets, and historic sites such as the Cathedral of Saint Andrew. Additionally, visitors can explore nearby attractions like Positano, Ravello, and the island of Capri, making it a popular destination for tourists seeking beauty, relaxation, and cultural experiences.
Alright, now to the real reason why you should visit Amalfi. That is of course to get an ice cream of Andrea Pansa! What else would you like to have on a sunny afternoon in Amalfi? Right!
Another recommendation once travelling to Amalfi is: Hotel Marina Riviera! Let the pictures speak for themselves.
How to get to Amalfi though? It really depends from where you are coming from. At first I wanted to hire a helicopter to go to Amalfi. But I was just a few hours too late.... Wouldn't that have been an amazing entrance?
In my case I took the train from Napoli to Salerno. This was 25 euros. From Salerno I wanted to take a taxi, but it was quite busy at the moment. I was lucky that I could share one with another couple, which saved me 50 euro in the end. And an awful bus drive (although that costs only a few euros). The way back there was a bus coming my direction and went to Salerno, so I took it. Saved me 100 euros, as I wanted to spend my money elsewhere. The train back from Salerno to Napoli was only 5 euros. This was because it was a different kind of train and it was the last one as well. This was around 22:00h. Take that into account as well!
If you want some more information on how to get around at Amalfi and how to get there: https://www.positano.com/en/e/how-to-get-around
Also, if you want to see Positano of course! There is still a battle going on between Positano and Amalfi. SO you can check for yourself which of the two is more to your preference.