Things to Do in Italy

The House Museum of Soap (Casa Museo del Sapone), created by an artisan soap company in their estate’s historic Sicilian farmhouse, is dedicated to the history and science of soap-making. You can view old presses and agricultural tools, see demonstrations, and even make your own soap during the guided tour.

Surrounded by olive groves in the countryside outside of Sciacca, the House Museum of Soap sits next to the workshops where Saponi e Saponi make their artisan soaps and natural cosmetics from their estate’s extra-virgin olive oil. The 19th-century building that houses the museum was carefully renovated to preserve its original stonework and high ceilings. Then in 2015, the family who owns the company turned the farmhouse into a museum that traces the history of soap dating back to 2800 BC. The museum is open only for guided tours, so you must book ahead to visit; tours of the museum make for a fun day trip from Agrigento and include a workshop where you can make your own soap. 

The House Museum of Soap is located in Contrada Cartabubbo, a country hamlet near Sciacca in the Agrigento area of southwest Sicily. There is no public transportation to the museum, so the best way to visit is by driving or joining a guided tour that includes transportation.

The museum is open year-round. Visits are by prebooked guided tours only, so there are no set hours.

If you would like to explore Sciacca further, consider visiting the Museo del Giocattolo Sciacca, a small but excellent toy museum in the center of town.

With its lively piazzas, Gothic monuments, and well-preserved city walls, the historic center of Siena is one of Italy’s most impressive medieval cityscapes.  A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995, the old town is an open-air museum of striking historical architecture, including the Piazza del Campo and the Gothic cathedral.

The heart of Siena’s historic center is Piazza del Campo, home to the famous Palio horse races and landmarks such as the medieval Palazzo Pubblico (town hall), Fontana Gaia fountain, and Torre del Mangia tower. Nearby, the marble-fronted Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption (Cattedrale Metropolitana di Santa Maria Assunta, or Duomo di Siena) is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and one of Siena’s most impressive sights. Additional highlights include the Fort of Santa Barbara (Fortezza di Santa Barbara) and Palazzo Salimbeni palace.

Siena’s historic center is best explored on foot as part of a walking tour, and the town is a popular stop on day trips to the Chianti region of Tuscany from Florence and Rome. Tours often include either the city of Pisa or the picturesque villages of San Gimignano, Monteriggioni, and Castellina. Full-day sightseeing itineraries generally include a stop for lunch and wine tasting.

Siena is about 90 minutes directly south of Florence by car or train. The most convenient way to visit is by joining a small-group or private tour that includes transportation so you can also explore nearby Tuscan villages.

Home to one of the most famous and popular medieval festivals in Italy, Siena is either a destination to visit or to avoid during the annual Palio, held in July and August. The town offers little shade so is best explored in spring or fall when the temperatures are milder.

One of the most raucous historical festivals in Italy, the Palio di Siena focuses around a bareback horse race held in Piazza del Campo each year on July 2 and again on August 16. Ten horses and riders representing 10 of the 17 contrade, or historical town districts, race along a track through the screaming crowds for honor and glory. The celebrations also include pageants, banquets, and religious events.

The ancient facade of Hadrian’s Temple, fronted by 11 carved stone Corinthian columns—each looming almost 50 feet (15 meters) high—serves as the dramatic focal point of Rome’s Piazza di Pietra. One of the city’s most pleasant squares, the piazza is lined with fashionable cafés overlooking the ancient Roman columns.

Built by Emperor Antoninus Pius, Emperor Hadrian’s adopted son, the Temple of Hadrian  (Tempio di Adriano) dates back to AD 145 and once overlooked the Field of Mars (Campus Martius). Today, all that’s left of the magnificent temple’s original 38 columns are the 11 that form part of Rome’s 17th-century papal palace—now the Borsa building, housing the stock exchange. Italian architect Carlo Fontana integrated the ancient columns into the palace’s north wall, where they remain a striking reminder of Rome’s glorious past.

Many walking tours of Rome’s ancient sites include Hadrian’s Temple along with attractions like the Pantheon and the Church of Santa Maria on Via del Corso (Santa Maria in Via Lata, or Basilica di Santa Maria in Via Lata). Joining a Rome highlights Segway tour is a fun way to explore these and other attractions, including the Trevi Fountain and Trajan’s Column; consider an evening Segway tour to see the monuments beautifully lit.

Hadrian’s Temple is located on Piazza di Pietra in Rome’s historic center, between the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain. A number of city buses stop on Via del Corso, just steps from the square.

In the evening, Piazza di Pietra is particularly lively, filled with café tables and lined by the columns of Hadrian’s Temple dramatically lit.

Italy is not the only country that is home to an ancient temple dedicated to Hadrian. In Ephesus, Turkey, another temple was built around AD 138 to honor Emperor Hadrian, who visited the ancient city while in Athens a decade earlier. 

Step into the world of Nobel Prize winner and radio pioneer Guglielmo Marconi at Bologna’s fascinating Guglielmo Marconi Museum. Housed in the imposing Villa Griffone, Marconi’s former home and the site of many of his scientific experiments and discoveries, the museum is devoted to Marconi’s life and works. 

Inside the museum, a series of interactive, multi-media exhibitions allow visitors to discover the physicist’s groundbreaking work in electricity and radio communication, which included early experiments in wireless telegraphy and the first transmission of radio signals across the Atlantic Ocean. Highlights include film clips, a notable collection of historic equipment and scientific instruments (including a working spark gap transmitter), and a recreation of Marconi’s laboratory. Visitors can also stroll the villa grounds and beautiful gardens, where Marconi’s tomb and memorial can be seen.

The ruins of the ancient Roman city of Herculaneum (Ercolano) live in the shadow of their more famous neighbor, Pompeii. But many enthusiasts consider this smaller archaeological site—one of Italy’s most important UNESCO-listed spots—to be equally interesting and engaging. 

Herculaneum, like Pompeii, was buried by the AD 79 eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Unlike Pompeii, however, Herculaneum was preserved rather than destroyed by the blast, so many of the original Roman buildings are still standing—including a few that have an intact second story—giving visitors a more accurate feel for what the city looked like before the eruption. The volcanic ash and mud that covered Herculaneum sealed frescoes and mosaics decorating the homes and baths, protected wooden furniture, and even encased food in household kitchens. Today, the modern city of Ercolano sits above sections of the ancient city that haven’t yet been unearthed.

To fully understand the history and importance of the ruins, it’s best to visit Herculaneum as part of a private tour led by an expert tour guide. Herculaneum is an incredibly popular attraction, so tours including skip-the-line tickets are a must in the busy summer months. As the ruins are located near Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius, all three sights can easily be combined in a single full-day tour.

Herculaneum is located just north of Naples along the Bay of Naples. It’s centrally located for an easy day tour or shore excursion from Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast, Capri, and even Rome.

The archaeological site is almost entirely outdoors, so is best to avoid visiting on the hot days. In summer, visit in early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat.

Where much of Pompeii is off-limits to visitors due to the dangerous instability of the structures, almost all of Herculaneum is open to the public, and you can walk into many of the ancient Roman town’s buildings. The experience is eerie and poignant, as it can feel as though the owners have just stepped out for the moment rather than having died in an volcanic eruption two millennia ago.

One of Taormina’s most spectacular sights is its 2nd-century Greek Theatre (Teatro Greco), which, despite its name, is actually an ancient Roman amphitheater built in the Greek style. Sitting high above the coast, the theater has beautiful views over Taormina, the Sicilian coastline, and Mount Etna.   

The original structure of Taormina’s Greek Theater dates from the 3rd century BC—though it was renovated in brick by the Romans based on the Greek Corinthian design 500 years later—and could once seat over 5,000 spectators. The theater is the second-largest in Sicily (after the Greek Theater in Syracuse), and the stage’s original rear wall and wings are miraculously intact. The theater, which is still used as a venue for concerts and performances, has impeccable acoustics and memorable views. 

Because of its archaeological and historical importance, it's best to visit the Greek Theater with a guide as part of a Taormina sightseeing tour. Many day trips and shore excursions to Taormina depart from Syracuse, Messina, or Catania. You can also combine a tour of Taormina and the Greek Theater with visits to the nearby town of Castelmola and the peak of Mount Etna. 

 

 

The Greek Theater, located just outside the center of Taormina, is an easy walk from the town. Taormina is a popular day trip from the larger Sicilian towns of Messina, Syracuse, and Catania.

 

The open-air theater can get uncomfortably hot under the Sicilian sun in summer, so plan to visit first thing in the morning or in the late afternoon. The Teatro Greco may close earlier than usual on days when performances are scheduled.

 

One of Taormina’s other popular attractions is Isola Bella, a tiny rocky outcrop off the Lido Mazzaro beach that’s connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of sand. This picturesque point, which was gifted to Taormina in 1806 by the King of Sicily, is now a nature reserve.

Among the ruins on the Palatine Hill is a structure that experts believe was built for Emperor Augustus' wife, Livia. It's known as the House of Livia, and is still being excavated.

The House of Livia was probably built in the early 1st century B.C.E., with frescoes added later in that century. Livia made this her primary residence, staying even after the emperor had died, when her son Tiberius became Rome's second emperor. The building's frescoes are wonderfully well-preserved, and feature an ancient trompe l'oeil effect with painted ceilings designed to look like coffers and painted scenes made to look like views through open windows.

In Turin’s Cathedral of San Giovanni Battista, the faithful and curious from across the globe gather to view the Holy Shroud of Turin (Sacra Sindone), one of most famous and controversial religious relics in Italy. This linen cloth is said to have been laid over Jesus’ body after his crucifixion, though its authenticity remains debated.

The 53-square-foot (5-square-meter) Holy Shroud, displayed in a quiet 17th-century chapel designed by Guarino Guarini, architect of the nearby Real Chiesa di San Lorenzo, bears the faded image of a thin, bearded man who appears to have wounds consistent with Biblical tellings of those suffered by Christ at his execution. Historians and scholars have questioned the antique relic’s authenticity—never officially recognized by the Catholic Church—for years, and the Duomo has gone to great lengths to preserve it. The contentious shroud is one of the highlights of Piedmont’s capital city, and a viewing is included in many Turin small-group walking tours along with the Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale), Piazza Castello, and Mole Antonelliana. Because of its age and delicacy, the shroud is stored in a climate-controlled case filled with a special atmospheric mix of argon and oxygen, and is rarely displayed to the public; in its stead, the church shows video footage of the original. The last public showing of the actual Holy Shroud was in 2015.

The Turin Cathedral, or Duomo di Torino, is located in the Piazza Castello district, a short walk from the train station. It’s easy to arrange a Turin day trip from the nearby city of Milan by taking the high-speed train that runs between these two Italian regional capitals.

The Duomo is most crowded when the original Holy Shroud is being displayed to the public, and tickets to these showings must be booked far in advance. Hours are daily from 7am (Sundays from 8am) to 12:30pm and again from 3pm to 7pm.

Most visit the Duomo di Torino primarily to view the Holy Shroud, but the church itself is worth a look. Built at the end of the 15th century, the Renaissance Cathedral is attached to the original bell tower from 1469.

Reopened to the public in 2011 after over 20 years of restoration work, the House of the Vestal Virgins is among the most fascinating of Rome’s ancient ruins. Dating back to the 6th century BC, the 50-room complex stood next to the Temple of Vesta, and was home to the six high priestesses of the Cult of Vesta. The priestesses, virgins chosen from noble Roman families, were tasked with keeping the sacred flame - revered as a symbol of Rome’s eternal life - of the Temple of Vesta alight and each served up to 30 years. 

Today, the sparse ruins merely hint at the once-lavish residence and mostly date back to 64AD, when it was rebuilt after a fire. Visitors can follow the ancient Via Nova from Palatine Hill to the Temple of Vesta, and view the remains of the large atrium, two-story portico and a series of statues the Vestales.

Ischia is often overshadowed by its glamorous neighbor, Capri, but this island in Italy's Bay of Naples offers many delights, including natural hot springs, beautiful scenery, excellent cuisine, and the resort towns of Casamicciola Terme and Lacco Ameno.

Travelers visit the island of Ischia, the largest in the Gulf of Naples, to relax in the thermal spas, explore the 21 miles (34 kilometers) of coastline, hike the peak of Mt. Epomeo, and dine at its waterfront restaurants. You can tour Ischia island by sea on a boat tour that also stops at the tiny island of Procida nearby or by land on a food and wine tasting tour.

Ischia is located off the coast of Campania, and you can take a ferry from Naples, Sorrento, or the Amalfi Coast to the island's main town of Ischia Porto in about an hour, making it an easy day trip.

Ischia can be very crowded in summer between June and September, so spring and fall—when the weather is warm but the crowds have yet to arrive—are the best times to visit.

There are a number of lovely beaches along the coast—the most famous include Sant'Angelo below Serrara Fontana, Maronti Beach near Barano d'Ischia, and Citara near Panza. The imposing 15th-century Aragonese Castle (Castello Aragonese) at Ischia Ponte and the English-style La Mortella Gardens in Forio are also popular attractions. Ischia is also close enough to the coast of southern Italy to offer lovely views along the coastline and over Mt. Vesuvius.

Venice may look like it hasn't changed in hundreds of years, but wander behind St. Mark's Square and you'll find evidence to the contrary – the Hard Rock Cafe Venice.

This is the smallest Hard Rock Cafe in Europe,  and it's located inside an historic Venetian building. One side of the restaurant overlooks a canal and what is typically a large gathering of gondolas – it's near one of the main pick-up points for visitors who want a gondola ride.

It's the place to go in Venice if you're craving classic American food and the only place to get those signature Hard Rock Cafe souvenirs. There's also a “Rock Shop” at the Rialto Bridge, if you just want to go shopping without eating at the restaurant.

The red-brick Guinigi Tower pierces the sky above Lucca’s medieval center, and is particularly notable for its impressive rooftop garden shaded by several ancient holm oaks that date from the early 17th century. Climb the 230 steps inside the tower for views across the historic rooftops of Lucca.

During the Middle Ages, Lucca had more than 200 tower houses inside the city walls, defensive residences where the wealthy families could live and work in safety. Today, only nine remain and the most famous is the Guinigi Tower (Torre Guinigi), built in the 14th century by the powerful family of silk merchants who once ruled the city. This rooftop garden was renovated in the 1980s and can be visited via the internal staircase. From its ramparts, you can make out Lucca’s three concentric rings of historic city walls and other remaining towers, and the green Tuscan hills beyond. 

Lucca is about 90 minutes from Florence, and a popular day trip together with Pisa. You can explore the town center with a walking tour or by bike, hitting on other highlights like Lucca Cathedral, San Michele in Foro church, and Piazza dell’Anfiteatro.

The Guinigi Tower is located in the center of Lucca’s old town, an easy walk from the train station. To reach Lucca, you can take a train or drive from Florence or Pisa.

Lucca holds a popular music festival each summer featuring Italian and international rock and pop artists, and the city has a particularly vibrant atmosphere during the months of July, August, and September.

The historic center of Lucca is encircled by what many consider to be the most beautiful medieval city walls in Italy. The wide top of the walls has been landscaped with shade trees, benches, and biking and walking paths, and is a popular area to stroll and relax for visitors and locals alike.

William Shakespeare put Verona on the map for the English-speaking world, setting his tale of the star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet in this northern Italian city. The Bard’s timeless story has inspired a steady flow of romantics to visit Juliet’s House, or Casa di Giulietta, as Verona’s 13th-century palazzo of the Dal Cappello family is now known. Though Romeo and Juliet were almost certainly figments of Shakespeare’s imagination and the famous balcony where Juliet is said to have gazed down at Romeo was added centuries after the love story was written, the romance of Juliet’s House transcends fact or fiction.

Juliet’s House is among the most popular attractions in the city of Verona, along with Piazza delle Erbe and the Arena di Verona. It’s a common stop on Verona walking tours and is the highlight on private and group themed “Romeo and Juliet” tours. The site includes a small museum with a collection of paintings, prints, and ceramics, as well as Juliet’s balcony overlooking the courtyard, home to a bronze statue of Juliet dating from 2014—a replica of the original from 1969 that now stands in the museum’s atrium.

 

 

Juliet’s House is located on Via Cappello in Verona’s historic center, a relatively compact area that can be visited on a walking tour, by Segway with a local guide, or as part of a hop-on hop-off bus tour. Verona makes an easy day trip from Venice, Milan, and Lake Garda by bus, train, or car.

 

A popular destination year-round, Juliet’s House is particularly crowded around Valentine’s Day. Most tourists visit during the summer months, when the weather is conducive to lingering on the balcony and in the courtyard.

 

About 50,000 letters addressed to Juliet arrive each year in Verona, written by lovelorn from around the globe who are seeking advice from Shakespeare’s romantic heroine. Juliet Club volunteers, known as the “secretaries of Juliet,” take turns responding to these letters, keeping alive the magic and romance of one of the most powerful love stories in history.

Rome has been home to Italy’s most vibrant Jewish community for over 2000 years. The Jewish Museum of Rome records their history in seven ornate rooms displaying precious textiles, manuscripts, and silver, as well as a section dedicated to the Nazi occupation of Rome and tombstones moved from the catacombs beneath the city.

Located in the lower level of the Great Synagogue of Rome (Tempio Maggiore di Roma)—built in the former Jewish ghetto (Ghetto di Roma) and inaugurated in 1904—the Jewish Museum of Rome (Museo Ebraico di Roma) opened in 1960. A gallery displays marble fragments from the 16th to the 19th centuries that record elements of Roman Jewish life, from the purchase of cemetery plots to the wills of wealthy families. The highlight is the 3D virtual tour through the Jewish ghetto, which re-creates the original streets and buildings from historic prints and artworks.

Rome’s former Jewish ghetto is one of the most storied corners of the city, offering a fascinating glimpse into the culture and history of one of Europe’s oldest Jewish communities. Small-group Jewish ghetto tours generally include a guided tour of the main synagogue, the smaller Spanish Synagogue (Tempio Spagnolo), and the Jewish Museum.

The Jewish Museum is located in the Great Synagogue complex on Lungotevere de' Cenci, just across the Tiber River from Rome’s historic center. Take bus 40 from the Termini train station or walk across Ponte Garibaldi.

As part of the synagogue complex, the Jewish Museum of Rome is closed on Jewish holidays, so be sure to check the calendar before planning a visit.

Rome’s historic Jewish ghetto is now one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in the city, with tiny alleys and squares lined with kosher restaurants, bakeries, and shops.

One of several natural sea caves along Capri's rugged coastline, the Green Grotto (Grotta Verde) is known for the unique green light that filters through the water and reflects onto the walls, creating a striking, dreamy atmosphere inside.

The Green Grotto was used by pirates during the 1500s to launch surprise attacks against passing ships and was known for centuries as the Cave of the Turks. It was dubbed the Green Grotto only after becoming a popular attraction with 19th-century travelers on boat excursions around Capri Island, along with the Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra) and the Faraglioni sea stacks. 

The cave is only accessible by water. Capri boat tours depart from numerous mainland towns, including Positano and Amalfi on the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, and Naples. These full- or half-day boat tours generally include all the sights along the island's coastline, including the Punta Carena Lighthouse, the Natural Arch, and the White Grotto (Grotta Bianca). In lieu of a private boat tour, you can also opt for simple water taxi service from Marina Grande, the main port on Capri.

The Green Grotto is located on the southern coast of Capri just opposite Naples, and can only be reached by sea either as part of a boat tour to Capri or by water taxi from Marina Grande.

The green light inside the grotto is strongest at midday, but this is also when the grotto is most crowded, especially in summer. Boat tours only run from spring through fall, as the waters off Capri are too choppy for a small boat to navigate for much of the winter. 

The Mediterranean island of Capri is quite dramatic by sea, but there are also a number of beautiful places to visit on land. Among the most famous are the glamorous Piazzetta and Via Camerelle, the Gardens of Augustus, Villa San Michele, the town of Anacapri, and the charming Marina Piccola.

 It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by Naples, a vibrant city that often seems about to boil over into chaos. Look past the streets teeming with scooters, vendors, and Neapolitans, however, and you’ll spot signs of the 2,500 years of history that makes its UNESCO-listed historic center one of the most fascinating in Italy.  

Naples’ historic center, or centro storico, is made up of more than 10 distinct neighborhoods that cover the hillsides encircling the Bay of Naples down to the water’s edge. To walk through is to stroll back in time, from the stick-straight Roman roads of the Spaccanapoli and imposing 13th-century Castel Nuovo to the graceful 18th-century Teatro di San Carlo (the oldest opera house in Italy) and 19th-century Piazza Plebiscito. Underneath the city's streets are the remains of both Roman and Greek settlements, and the National Archaeological Museum is home to most of the artifacts removed from the nearby excavations at Pompeii and Herculaneum.

Savor the culture and history of the historic center on a guided walking or Segway tour that includes famous sights like Piazza del Gesù, the Duomo, the Church of Santa Chiara, and Via San Gregorio Armeno. One of Naples’ most characteristic features is its cuisine, and many tours combine sightseeing with tastings of pizza and other local street food. The ruins of Pompeii are just outside the city, so consider a tour that includes combines a visit to this famous archaeological park with the historic center. 

The historic center of Naples is an easy walk from both the city’s port and main train station, and covers much of the downtown along the waterfront. Naples is a major transportation and cruise ship hub, with direct trains from major Italian cities as well as ferries from Salerno and Sorrento.

Much of southern Italy can be uncomfortably hot in summer, and Naples is no exception. Try to visit in spring or fall, or schedule your tour to begin in the early morning before the temperatures soar. Naples has a number of annual festivals, but perhaps the most famous is the Festa di San Gennaro (September 19), the feast day of the city’s patron saint that includes eight days of religious processions, markets, and other celebratory festivities.  

Pompeii, a thriving Roman city buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, is among the important archaeological sites in the world. Located just outside the modern city of Naples, this excavated city includes remains of houses, shops, restaurants, temples, and public buildings, many with original frescoes, mosaics, and other decorative features still somewhat intact.  

A trio of rocky spurs looming out from the ocean off the southeast coast of Capri island, the natural landmark known as ‘I Faraglioni’ has become one of the island’s most memorable postcard images. The distinctive rocks, formed over years of coastal erosion, lie just a few meters off land, and tower up to 100 meters above the waters of the Mediterranean, making for a dramatic sight. The rocks are so famous they even have their own names - ‘Stella’ is the closest to shore; ‘Faraglione di Mezzo’ is the central and smallest rock; while ‘Faraglione di Fuori’ or ‘Scopolo’ is the largest and furthest from shore. 

The best way to view the Faraglioni is on a boat tour of the coast, but the rock stacks can also be seen from shore, with great views from La Fontelina and da Luigi beaches. If you do opt for a boat cruise, you’ll have the chance to not only circle the rocks, but sail right through the middle – passing beneath the natural arch of Faraglione di Mezzo. Legend has it that couples that kiss beneath the arch will be bestowed with good luck, so be sure to test out the theory!

The Italian name of Isola Bella contains both a truth and a misnomer: though worthy of being called beautiful, this tiny rocky outcrop along Sicily’s coast near Taormina is not actually an island. Located off the Lido Mazzaro beach on the Mediterranean Sea, Isola Bella is connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of sand that is often covered with water at high tide. The picturesque point was gifted to Taormina in 1806 by the King of Sicily and later purchased by the Scottish Lady Florence Trevelyan—her villa still sits on the highest point—until being taken over by the region of Sicily and made a nature reserve in 1990.

You can walk out to Isola Bella when the strip of beach connecting it to the mainland is not covered by water, but it’s best to visit this "beautiful island" by sea. Boat tours exploring the coastline of Taormina typically include a sail along Capo Taormina and a stop at the Grotta Azzurra sea cave. The craggy coast is a popular destination for snorkeling and diving tours, and full-day tours sometimes include lunch at a seaside restaurant featuring fresh fish and local wine. Other popular day trips or shore excursions that can be combined with a boat trip include a walk through the hilltop village of Castelmola above Taormina; a hike on Mount Etna, the largest volcano in Italy; or a trip to the popular resort town of Giardini Naxos.

Isola Bella is located along the Taormina coast halfway between the cities of Messina and Catania, and can be reached on foot from the mainland at certain times of day, or by boat from any city along the Sicilian coast.

Sicily is most crowded in summer, when Italians flock to its beaches to escape the heat. Late spring and early fall have days that are warm enough to take a swim in the crystalline waters off Isola Bella without the hassle of the summer crowds.

Most excursions to Isola Bella depart from Taormina, so be sure to see some of this beautiful city's most remarkable monuments, including the Ancient Theatre of Taormina, the Cattedrale di Taormina, the Villa Comunale gardens, Corso Umberto, and Piazza IX Aprile.

The capital of Sardinia, Cagliari, sits on the island’s southern coast in the middle of the large bay created by the Gulf of Cagliari - also known as the Golfo degli Angeli, or Gulf of Angels.

The gulf is often busy with ships and ferries - Cagliari is an important port city - but it’s also a recreation hub. Many of the beaches surrounding the gulf are beautiful sandy beaches next to clear water. Sardinia is a haven for outdoor sports, including horseback riding, hiking, and a multitude of water sports.

One of the most recognizable features of the Gulf of Cagliari is the St. Elia Promontory in the middle of the bay near the city of Cagliari itself. It’s known as the Devil’s Saddle for its distinctive carved-out shape, and it’s a popular hiking location. There are some ancient ruins on the promontory, too, including the remains of a huge Punic water tank and Roman cistern.

Other historic sites ring the gulf, including the ancient Roman and pre-Roman ruins at Nora on the western end of the gulf. The ancient theater at the archaeological site is still in use for performances during the summer.