10 Favorite Reads on Italy this Week: May 9, 2014

Favorite Reads on Italy (FRI) is a weekly roundup published on Fridays featuring interesting articles, fascinating experiences, and handy resources that I’ve come across that week.

Postcard from Italy – Sweeping views of the Umbrian countryside near Todi

This week’s roundup includes updates on the Cinque Terre hiking trails, a handy guide to Umbria, food in Basilicata and more.

Culture and Travel

4 Secret Spots Where You Can Enjoy Italy Like An Italian by Huffington Post – As I live in Rome, the answer to the question is easy. Absolutely to see Rome. Besides heading Pompeii to see amazing ruins, much closer to Rome is Ostia Antica and while there is no place like the Vatican Museums, lesser-known is the Borghese Gallery which boasts masterpieces by Bernini and Caravaggio. Definitely worth a visit!

Cinque Terre Trails, Spring 2014 by About.com Italy Travel – Unfortunately, most of the hiking trails connecting the villages are still closed. As for Via del Amore, there is a chance it will reopen at the end of May. Read more to find out the details.

Vatican library moves into the 21st century by ZDnet –  The Vatican library has begun mass digitising 82,000 historic manuscripts to make them available online.

Archaeology in the garden – a unique museum experience in Florence by ArtTrav – Looking to getaway from the crowds in Florence. Then you’ll love this unique and hidden gem that is only open on Saturdays.

The Vulcanelli di Macalube, Aragona by Lost in Sicilia – Had I known about this place when we visited Sicily a few years back, I would have visited. Well, there’s always a next visit.

Umbria Travel Guide by Telegraph Travel – A lovely article on Umbria! Once you visited Umbria, you’ll be wondering why it ever was in the shadows of Tuscany. And May is one of the best times to visit this amazing region. Here are some detailed posts on Orvieto and Todi, both charming towns in the region.

Food and Drinks

Off eaten path: Italy’s remote Basilicata holds hidden treasure by Orange County Register – Few know about Basilicata and even fewer have been there. This region in southern Italy rewards visitors ” with its hearty and rustically glorious food and incredible wine.”

Trip to Florence: what and where to eat by Tuscanycious – Want to eat well when you are in Florence? Here is a handy article on what to eat and where to eat. You can’t go wrong with these recommendations.

Life in Italy

Hiking to The Sacred Mountain of Manfriana, Calabria by Green Holiday Italy – Few visitors head to Calabria, a region that is bursting with undiscovered gems. If you love the outdoors, you might want to add this to your list of things to do and see in Italy. It’s now on mine.

On Winning at Gallipoli by Driving Like A Maniac – It must be the air in Italy that causes you to not only put up with things that drive you crazy back home but actually love it.

Have you come across any great reads or resources on Italy this week? Share them with us in the comments below.