Fav Reads On Italy This Week: Mar 21

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: Positano

This week’s roundup includes tips on the stunning area of Val d’Orcia, top beaches in Sardinia, heartbreaking news of iconic institutions closing down, interviews with locals and more.

Culture and Travel

Bulgari’s Spanish Steps donation a €1.5m ‘gift’ to the people of Rome by The Guardian – Italy is endowed with so amazing cultural treasures and due to budget cuts, the government has struggled to maintain the preservation of these monuments. The Prime Minister, Renzi, has called on the private sector to help in funding these projects. Bulgari stepped up.

Sardinian does well in in Tripadvisor beach list by Ansamed – I’ve have my eyes set on Sardinia for our summer travel plans and here are more reasons (as if I needed more) to head there.

Positano is just perfect: Lazy days and looking out for celebrities in an Italian icon by Mail Online – Positano is our home away from Rome so I am biased when I say I love spending time there. Don’t take my word for it, read this “Show and Tell” on Positano and you’ll see why visitors fall in love with this place. So when is the best time to visit? I would say late June just before visitors flock to the town.

Venice ordered to allow big cruise ships back into lagoon by The Telegraph – Definitely a victory for the cruise industry and there will surely be heated debates on this issue.

Thieves pry off ancient fresco from Pompeii walls by Yahoo! News – Pompeii has been experiencing shocking setbacks, first with walls collapsing and now news of thieves scrapping off a fresco.

Italy travel: Tuscany’s Val d’Orcia has beauty, fine wine and dining by LA Times – While you be awed by incredible photos of this breathtaking region, you will be speechless when you see it in person. A must-visit!

Tips from the Locals: Capri by Kate Spade – Annie a.k.a Scooter Maven is a good friend and I’m so excited to read her tips on Capri. Looking for more insider tips? Here’s a post on 8 Favorite Things To Do in Capri.

Food and Drinks

Last orders for tiramisu! Italian restaurant that invented famous dessert closes due lack of tourism by Mail Online – Heartbreaking to read of stories like these of iconic institutions closing down. In Rome, this is happening too to Caffè della Pace as reported by The Telegraph.

Florence antique market and where to eat a good panino by Juls’ Kitchen – What a perfect combination! If you are looking to do some shopping and then grab a sandwich in Florence, you’ll love this post.

Eating Italy: Food in Venice – Interview with Monica Cesarato by Food Lover’s Odyssey – Wonderful to learn more about Monica and when in Venice, make sure you get in touch with her. She will reveal insider tips on Venice and ensure you experience the city like a local.

Life in Italy

Locals I Love – Valentina Dainelli by Girl in Florence – Love this series where Georgette gets to pick the minds of locals. This week she takes on a 100% Tuscan.

Knowing Novello by Living in the Langhe – I always enjoy reading about lesser-known towns and this one is in the shadows of one of the most renowned places in Italy. It has now made my bucket list.

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