"the most recognizable boot"! Italian island sardinia

You can find out how the powers that be relax in this most picturesque corner of nature, whether Vladimir Putin accepted a gift from Silvio Berlusconi and much, much more - you can find out here.

Sardinia- one of the largest islands in the Mediterranean, located 250 km west of the mainland of Italy, is the second largest after Sicily.

The island is washed by the Tyrrhenian and Mediterranean seas. The area of ​​Sardinia is 240,000 sq. km, population 1.7 million people. The capital of the island is the city of Cagliari. Airports are located in the cities of Cagliari, Olbia and Algiero.

Climate- mild, marine subtropical, the average air temperature in the winter months does not fall below + 10 ° C, and in the summer months the air warms up to 30 ° C. In July-August, the average sea temperature reaches 24-25°C.
On average, Sardinia has 150 sunny days per year.

Ball island discovered by the Phoenicians, then subordinated to Carthage, and in 238 - to Rome. Subsequently, Sardinia fell under the rule of Spain, later - Austria and, finally, in 1720, became part of the Sardinian kingdom. In general, the locals of Sardinia consider themselves not Italians at all, but a separate nation, Sardinians. For that matter, they are rather Catalan. The Catalans ruled here for a long time and left an extensive offspring and inheritance

For the curious: there are not many attractions in Sardinia, there are ruins of fortresses and amphitheaters of the ancient Greeks and Genoese, several interesting cathedrals and churches. But only here you can see traces of a powerful ancient civilization - unique fortresses and watchtowers built of giant stones in the form of truncated cones - the so-called "nuraghes" that have been standing here for more than 25 centuries. The mystery of the origin of "nuraghe" has not yet been solved. In Sardinia, the remains of necropolises, amphitheaters and fortresses of Pisa and Genoa are also preserved.

As it were; the island of Sardinia is a relic land that rose from the bottom of the sea 600 million years ago, even before the European mainland was formed, the island did not lose its original beauty.

The name of the island of Sardinia does not come from the name of a fish.

Where the name of this Italian island came from, today hardly anyone knows for sure. There are several versions. According to one of the legends, in prehistoric times, the nephew of Hercules named Sardus entered this land. His descendants began to be called Sardis, from whom the name of the island came. According to another version, the ancient Greeks called the island "Ikhnuza", (human footprint) "Sardo", and the Romans "Sandalion", obviously meaning that it resembles a sandal in shape. Contrary to popular belief, the name of the island of Sardinia does not come from the name of the sardine fish, do not try to express this assumption to the locals, they will be very offended. Sardis have been insisting on a different version for centuries: as if it was here that the Lord stepped foot into the primordial ocean and left his mark. The shape of the island really resembles a human footprint, a sandal. This is perhaps the most beautiful version of the emergence of Sardinia - we will dwell on it.

City of millionaires - Porto - Cervo. Ladies and gentlemen who have not small means always spend part of their summer holidays in Italy, on the island of Sardinia, on its northeastern coast, romantically called the Costa Smeralda. Its capital is Porto Cervo, with an area of ​​​​only one and a half square kilometers, where there are 30 boutiques and many restaurants, two banks, a pier where parking a yacht costs 500 Euros per day. In general, financial tycoons, industrial magnates, famous politicians, world show business stars and all those who can easily pay from 2,000 Euros and more per room per day come to Porto Cervo

The atmosphere of luxury. I caught the atmosphere of abundance and wealth in the air of Porto - Cervo. But wealth is not "antler", ostentatious, but self-evident. Millionaires walk with their wives, pocket dogs in snow-white suits among the decorative luxury of Sardinian houses, inhaling clean sea air, mixed with the smell of mountain lavender.

True, there is nowhere to go especially in the city except for the boutiques of thirty well-known brands

D&G, Prada, you can't list them all. Personally, I prefer Gucci, give me, I think, I’ll go and look at my handbag. I come in, dear salesman-security guard, bored me with his eyes, trying to recognize - for the sake of idle curiosity, madam came in or a really potential buyer. I gently touched the handbags, stroked the skin, opened the clasps and put them on the shelf with a sweet smile, telling the security guard, I’ll go now to the “darling”, I’ll take 15,000 euros from him for a reticule. And you, they say, save this one copy while I walk, so that some other idle madam does not lay eyes on my little thing. And with a feeling of full confidence that I will definitely return for this handbag, even if not today, but the next time I sailed out of the boutique.

Near the Chervo 5 * hotel, where I lived, in the very heart of the “city of millionaires”, the latest Ferrari brand with an open engine stood peacefully, some other outlandish cars can be seen assembled to order. Sitting in a restaurant drinking a real cappuccino, looking at the most beautiful view of the lagoon, I breathed in the fresh pine air mixed with jasmine. And somehow I felt calm in my soul, comfortable, apparently I caught my atmosphere of wealth ...

The history of the promotion of the place of "gathering" of millionaires.

40 years ago, the Arab Sheikh Aga Khan Karim IV was forced to moor on the virgin coast of Sardinia due to the breakdown of the yacht. Olive trees grew along the northern coast, and mountains were visible through them. The sea was emerald green and white sand crunched underfoot. By the way, the sand in these places is special, half consisting of granite dust. The wind blows this dust out of the granite mountains and scatters it along the shore, so the sand becomes white, heavy, elastic, does not stick or clog.

So Aga Khan Karim IV decided create a resort on the northern coast for the richest. Money for such a large-scale project, wisely, the Aga Khan convinced future vacationers to invest. As a result, on an almost deserted coast, where there were only rare fishing villages, a unique town of its kind grew up - hotels stretching for 55 km and luxurious villas for sale. And a lot of money was drawn to the island from all over the world, they went - for peace, sunburn, solitude.
Moreover, the latter sold real estate only to their own - not just to the rich, but to the rich with a reputation. The place was given a name- Costa Smeralda

The village of millionaires was worth it. All buildings were built by winners of international architectural competitions in real Sardinian style - white walls, stone floors and arches. To this were added golf courses, helipads and parking for mega yachts, resort complexes and fashionable restaurants - in a word, everything you need for a comfortable stay in the middle of virgin nature.

Costa Smeralda is not Sardinia, but a protected reserve of big wallets.

Here it is forbidden for the servants to discuss the moral foundations of the guests and their marital status. As for private villas, as the Aga Khan wished, tidy sums are a necessary condition for their acquisition, but far from sufficient. The local public values ​​​​peace very much and allows only those whom they consider equal into their world.

Villa Putin

The legend of our president's villa on the Costa Smeralda is full of secrets and contradictions. Nearby residents unequivocally claim that when Putin visited Berlusconi in Sardinia last September, he gave him one of his nine island villas. And each of the volunteer informants, with a joyful smile on his face, pointed with his finger at the dazzling white building, sprawled along the slope of the stone ridge near the coast, I also saw it. Truth accepted a generous gift from V.V. or not, history is silent

If you want to spend your holidays in a luxury reserve, then go to the Costa Smeralda

Luxury resort Forte Village Resort- located in the South of Sardinia, it is also considered one of the elite resorts in the world. The complex consists of 8 hotels of various categories, located on an area of ​​25 hectares, 15 hectares of which are pine groves and tropical gardens. The resort is located 45 km from the capital of the island - the city of Cagliari and reproduces the atmosphere of a typical Italian village with a main square, streets, lanes, residential buildings, shops, bars and restaurants.

Prices here are lower than in the Costa Smeralda, but for those who want to have a cool rest, there are both presidential and royal rooms at 7,000 Euros per day. You can rent a villa for a week for 15,000 Euros or a hotel room from 1,000 Euros per person. By the way, our people love, as the representatives of the hotel said, to stay here for another week. An oasis of calm and comfort, immersed in a tropical park, stretches along the sea. You can come to the resort with the whole family and stay in a bungalow with a sports ground and a swimming pool, for children there is a mini club with its own children's restaurant and an individual menu. For active vacationers, there are 12 tennis courts, a golf course, go-karting, and even an ice rink. True, I was surprised by the picture of decorously walking flamingos in the resort, which arrive from Africa and live peacefully in the resort.

Thalassotherapy Center - Thaermae del Forte Village.

Forte Village Resort is a beautiful summer resort in Sardinia, however, its main attraction is the thalassotherapy center Thaermae del Forte Village. In the tropical garden, in the open air, there are six therapeutic pools and bungalows where massages and other medical procedures are performed.

Ivisited there, in two visits, received great pleasure from taking healing baths, the surrounding greenery, the atmosphere. My body soared in pools with a high concentration of seasalt and oils, and the starved skin thanked me for the rejuvenating nourishment with aloe and mint oils, for its softness and velvety. Muscles and joints thanked for the effect of complete relaxation, after which I wanted to sleep, sleep and sleep ... Fall asleep in the fresh air near the pool or on a sunbed by the sea under the rustle tropical plants and incoming seax waves.

Massages in Thaermae del Forte Village

The masseurs offer many different types of massages: classic, sports massage, shiatsu, four-hand massage, Ayurvedic oil massage, Thai and Swedish massage, massage with salt and aloe. Well-being massage This is a Swedish massage in which light is used and uplifting. Lymphatic drainage and gommage massages (four hands, and in a cabin filled with steam). Massages that go well with thalassotherapy and help: release energy, improve blood circulation, relax muscles, improve digestion, restore the nervous system. There are programs for women, including those for pregnant women. This is the standard procedure

Dance in weightlessness

As a local highlight V Thaermaedel ForteVillageserves thalasso massage.

In a bath with a saturated salt solution, that is, in conditions of almost weightlessness, a specially trained massage therapist manipulates the patient's body, gently cradling him, singing mantras. The effect of this procedure is that such a state and behavior brings the patient back to memories of the safety that was in the mother's womb. My colleague decided to try this effect at a cost of 150 Euros per hour. When I went into the pool I saw a wonderful couple. I was struck by the tenderness of a man who carefully held his woman in his arms, smoothly circling her on the water, as if in a slow dance.

Her body hovered in weightlessness, he was carefulbut gave it various forms and poses. “What a happy woman,” I rejoiced for the bathers, “how tenderly, paternally he treats her… After long “pas” in the water, the woman opened her eyes at the touch of his hands. They slowly floated past me, about to leave the pool. “How this woman looks like my compatriot,” I thought. And oh God! Imagine my astonishment when thishappy madam was my compatriot.I just didn't recognize her! A lady rejuvenated by 10 years floated out of the pool, enthusiastic and happy! Many, they say, cry from such memories.

It was in Thaermae del Forte Village that the famous "sea oil" was invented. This is a concentrated pomace from sea water with all the algae, plankton and other organic matter floating in it. It is she who gives the resulting substance the notorious oiliness. In addition to organic substances, sea oil contains salts and all those elements in a highly concentrated form.periodic tables that make the sea healing. All together it has a pronounced drainage effect, relieves edema, including post-traumatic ones, promotes muscle relaxation in case of muscle injuries, dystrophies and atrophies, and also helps with skin diseases.

6 healing pools in Thaermae del Forte Village

1 pool. The chemical composition of its supersaturated solution of magnesium chloride.

The water temperature is 35 C. Enter the pool slowly, without sudden movements, so as not to splash your face and eyes, because. high salt concentration can cause burning sensation. This pool is unique in the world and is used for Thaermae del Forte Village Thalassotherapy and relaxation treatments. Magnesium salt makes the water warm and has a thalasso-therapeutic effect of relieving tension. The density of water is higher than in the Dead Sea and the impact occurs at the maximum level.

You need to stay in it for no more than 10 minutes. Each pool has a sign with recommendations. Procedure - six pools are sequential, pools must be entered in a certain order andbe in each for a certain amount of time.

2 pool. Its chemical composition is already hyper saturated magnesium chloride solution plus 10% extract solution Aloe Vera and mint. The properties of aloe were known as early as 1500 BC. the Egyptians and Chinese used it to heal wounds, ulcers, skin and intestinal diseases.

This warm 35 C hot oil bath soaked my whole body, the skin instantly became soft and velvety.

3 pool with hot sea water, where evaporated sea salt is additionally added - the concentration is higher than in the Dead Sea. My favorite pool. Although the sign says stay 10 minutes, even 40 minutes seemed to me ma lo, so it was warm, light and comfortable. It is in this basin that the transformation It is rejuvenation and relaxation. high I water temperature promotes vasodilating action and causes psychological relaxation.

Then - three pools with sea water, from warm to cold. In each there are hydro massagers, and you need to engage in them sequentially and by the minute, as it is indicated at the entrance to the pool. Everything is elementary and the effect is amazing.

4 pool has several hydromassage devices. It uses a combination of four factors: water, gas mixture, pressure and movement. It can be considered as a complex increase in cellular tone.

5 pool has a lower temperature of 28-25C, so a contrast effect occurs here, which causes vasoconstriction, being a tonic gymnastics for them.

Gas bubbles spread more evenly throughout the body, moderately stimulating the skincover that makes the body firm and the skin supple.

6 pool with sea water, the water temperature in it is already 25 - 20C. This is where the cycle ends vascular gymnastics. The pool has all types of hydromassage, its considerable size makes it possible to carry out any type of physical exercise here, including swimming against currents.

Thus, the passage of all these waterprocedures help to improve metabolism, treat nervous disorders, stress and everything from which immediatelygotta get rid of...

I enjoyed these baths immensely and slept soundly, soundly.

Sardinian cuisine, like culture in general, has been influenced by both Italy and Spain. Here you can easily find all the main Italian dishes: a variety of antipasti, pastas, pizzas, many meat dishes, chicken and, of course, fish, the choice of which in Sardinia is simply huge.

They fed us, thanks to the organizers, "for slaughter", each brought a couple of extra pounds to Russia, but it was worth it. Some of the names of the dishes were dizzy, and tasting them delighted all the organs of smell, touch, taste and hearing, because it was impossible to silently eat these culinary masterpieces.

What was worth only "Souffle tiepido al parmigiano" cheese soufflé with mushrooms, "Rissotto al rosmarino e brut ..." - resotto with goat cheese, as well as a breathtaking dessert with a long beautiful name, I'm not too lazy to write it in Italian "Piccolo tiramisu al mascarpone con cacao amaro e frutto della passione”, which means tiramisu with “chocolate pasta” and all the fruit goodies. I tasted all this splendor in the restaurant of the Le Palme hotel in Costa Smeralda. I expressed my delight about the delicious menu to General Director Maurizio Paterlini, who immediately settled down to me with fatherly feelings, invited me to watch the Milan-Manchester football match, which is beyond respect for the person, in this case mine. I gladly agreed, because unlike many men, I love football. So, the two of us went into a spacious hall with antique Italian furniture, where waiters in white liveries set the table especially for the two of us. A minute after my appearance in the hall, the player of the Milan team, a Brazilian named Kaka, scored the third goal for the British.

"It's in your honor! - Maurizio shouted, You are a queen, a sorceress ... he could not calm down. “It was nice that my presence, in his opinion, influenced the outcome of the match in favor of the Milan team, especially in a dry 3-0. The merry evening continued with a glass of wonderful local drink "Myrtle".

Sardinian alcoholic drinks.

In Italy, fine wine, both white and red, as well as the local grappa vodka. Sardinian cuisine, like culture in general, has been influenced by both Italy and Spain. Here you can easily find all the main Italian dishes: a variety of antipasti, pastas, pizzas, many meat dishes, chicken and, of course, fish, not to mention seafood, the choice of which is rich in Sardinia. The national dish is roast pig and lobster.

The main attraction of Sardinia- the fabulous beauty of the island and the sea, of extraordinary purity and transparency. Secluded coves, granite red rocks, mysterious karst caves, cork oak groves, wonderful beaches with white sand and the sea, sea, sea…

Do you know that the foot of the Almighty still set foot on the sinful earth? And it happened not just anywhere, but in Italy. At least, the Italians are sure of this, whose favorite summer holiday destination has been the island of Sardinia for more than one century. It was here, according to legend, that the waves of the primordial ocean washed the divine feet...

To understand the logic of the "powerful of this world", going to the island of Sardinia, on the one hand, is simple, but on the other, it is impossible. Are there many beautiful places on the planet? Yes, and you can pick up something more powdery! But the one who once sets foot on the island will understand everything without further ado. To say that Sardinia has clean air, clear turquoise water, magnificent natural landscapes and excellent service in hotels is like saying nothing. Sardinia is a fairy tale! The smells of the salty sea, eucalyptus, rosemary and grass burned by the sun's rays give rise to a truly intoxicating air. It seems that they can not only breathe, it is so tasty that it is worth drinking and eating.

Almost every corner of our planet has its own legend, but once on the island of Sardinia, you readily believe in the veracity of the local legend. And it tells how the second largest piece of land in the Mediterranean got its shape and name. The legend indicates that the “sandal” of Sardinia (the shape of the island is very reminiscent of this wardrobe item) is nothing but the footprint of the Lord God in the ocean. And the beauty of Sardinia does not allow to doubt its veracity: paradise oases of typical Mediterranean vegetation, granite rocks, mysterious caves and amazing corals. It becomes clear why millionaires go to Italy and not to the Emirates. Here you will not find ostentatious luxury that overshadows the original beauty, but you will find a place of unity with nature, not devoid of the usual comfort.

Sardinia island. A bit of history

For many centuries, the island of Sardinia has been a coveted place for many conquerors. Their traces continue to be found today by archaeologists: ancient and medieval buildings, objects used in everyday life and works of art.
Well, the most famous archaeological finds are nuraghi- stone settlements, the construction of which the tribes began in the Bronze Age in the middle of the 2nd millennium BC. The turmoil and civil strife of those times did not give rest: the entire island population was divided into warring clans, and each tribe simply needed powerful protection from its neighbors. It was then that twenty-meter truncated pyramids, called wells, resembling wells, appeared. These "wells" directed to heaven were built from stone blocks, the length of the sides of which reached 3-4 meters. Despite the fact that no mortar fixed the "bricks" standing on top of each other, more than 8,000 ruins of nuraghe survived not only in a condition suitable for tourists to see, but also in a form that allows them to imagine their former greatness.

It is clear that the sights of Sardinia do not end with stone settlements. The so-called "road of death" is associated with them other visiting cards of the island - "graves (tombs) of giants." In these long crypts, fenced off from the east by a group of vertical stones, the inhabitants of the Nuraghe buried their dead. And the stone ridge was the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead. At the very base of the central stele there is a small opening leading to the afterlife. The burial rite could be performed only on the territory of the dead, and a special road, approaching from the end of the grave, made it possible not to cross the borders of the dead with living tribesmen.

Of course, looking "Tombs of the Giants", our contemporaries are a little wild to hear about the burial customs of those times. These were not just mass graves in the usual sense for us. The dead were carried along the "road of death", laid in a grave and covered with a stone slab. If the place ran out, the dead were simply tamped down, and a new row of the dead occupied the vacated space.

Already in the 7th century BC. The Phoenicians organized their numerous colonies in Sardinia: the cities of Bitia, Nora, Tharros and Sulch were built. In 535 BC. the island "departed" to Carthage. But these hosts did not stay here for long. In 238 BC. hired workers, slaves and Libyans raised an anti-Carthaginian uprising, thanks to which Rome captured Sardinia. The Vandals occupied the island in the 5th century, and already in the 6th century, in the Carthaginian struggle against the barbarians, Belisarius returned it to Byzantium.

Once in 1326 under the rule of the Aragonese dynasty, the island of Sardinia eventually became part of Spain. The military actions of Austria "for the Spanish inheritance" led to the capture of the island in 1708 and the consolidation of its ownership by the Rastatt Treaty of 1714 to the Austrians. And in 1720, Sardinia was given to the Savoy dynasty by the Treaty of London, as a result of which, together with Savoy, it was included in the Kingdom of Sardinia, which later became part of the united Italy.

Cities and provinces of Sardinia

Cagliari

Almost immediately after the founding by the Phoenicians in the 7th - 6th centuries BC. the largest island city of Cagliari has become and to this day remains a kind of "gate" of Sardinia. It is located off the coast of Campidano Bay in the very south of the lowland of the same name and stretches along nine limestone hills. The picturesque Mount Urpina catches the eye with its beauty, and the hill of San Michele with the castle of the Middle Ages and Cape St. Elia are even listed as Natural Monuments of Europe.

The frequent change of "owners" on the island gave rise to a large number of attractions from different eras. Thus, the Phoenician-Punic period left its bright mark in the form of necropolises on the slopes of the hills of Tuvixeddu; the Romans hollowed out an amphitheater right in the limestone mountain; the Pisans erected a cathedral; and representatives of the Savoy dynasty once lived in the Royal Palace. It was the Pisans who fortified the Castello hill in the 13th century and organized its offshoots. The Castello quarter of the same name is still a symbol of Cagliari today, and its Sardinian name Casteddu testifies to the identification of the entire city with the Castello quarter. The banner of Cagliari depicts two 14th-century towers of Saint Pancrazio and Elefante, built by the Pisans in order to protect themselves from the Aragonese.

Historical streets and quarters abound with architectural monuments. It is worth visiting the Bastion of St. Remi in the very quarter of Castello, the Cathedral of Santa Maria, which is the cathedral, the Baroque church of San Michele, the Gothic church of St. Giacomo and the archaeological complex located underground of Sant Eulania nella Marina.

In addition, it is the town of Cagliari that is the venue for the most massive folk festival on the island of Sant Efisio. The most important annual event on the island thanks to the colorful procession of locals in national costumes and the Campionaria fair far beyond the borders of Sardinia.

Tavolara

The small island of Tavolara, or, to be precise, just a rock 5 km long and 1 km wide, northwest of Sardinia existed in ancient times.
But the first mention of the kingdom of the same name refers only to 1833. The story of the king of Piedmont and Sardinia, Charles Albert, who made a sea voyage in the vicinity of his own possessions, has survived to this day. Sailing past Tavolara, he became interested in the island. Learning that the rock is uninhabited, but wild goats are found on it, the king decided to go ashore and hunt. But he had not managed to get around even half of the island, when a tall, poorly dressed man came out to meet him, who, nevertheless, behaved very confidently.

- Who you are? the giant asked.

- King of Sardinia, and you? Carl Albert chuckled. Taking the hunter's rebuke for a joke, the stranger answered in his tone:

“And I am the king of Tavolara. My name is Giuseppe Bertoleone. Welcome to my domain!

Perhaps if Giuseppe had answered differently and bowed down before the king, there would be no kingdom today. But Charles Albert, admiring the self-confidence of the stranger, recognized him as the sole supreme ruler of the island. Since then, the Bertoleone family has grown greatly. Different things were said about the sources of their income: either they found a treasure buried by pirates, or they themselves did not disdain robbery ... It is known for certain that “in the name of the king” the Tavolars simply “confiscated” the cargo of all ships that crashed off the coast of the island. But the royal family continued to get poorer and, in the end, sold part of it. To date, the royal family owns only the Punta Canone scythe.

Gallura

Northeast of the island of Sardinia is the province of Gallura, famous for its granite rocks. For more than one millennium, the most persistent sculptor in the world, the wind, has been creating his masterpieces here: erosion has turned impenetrable rocks into a real exhibition of sculptural compositions. There is also a natural colonnade, and a bird's nest on the rocks, and monsters with sharp noses looking at the sky. And the most famous stone figure is the rock of Capo d'Orso, which looks like a bear. She gave the name to the cape and, being a symbol of the whole province, attracts tourists to the top.

The magnificent cape of Capo Teste is the northernmost point of the province of Gallura. Dancing contours of bizarre coastal cliffs cut through the sparkling sea surface ... True, initially all this beauty had a purely practical purpose for the inhabitants of Sardinia. Here, not only granite was mined, but they also lived right in the tafoni depressions formed in the rocks.

Sardinia island. About the resort

Emerald clear sea, mild subtropical climate, streams, mountains, sandy beaches and fabulous beauty - it seems that nature has done everything so that the tired human body finds the best place to relax. The swimming season lasts from May almost to November, and the average temperature ranges from 23 to 31 degrees. Even in comparison with the very favorable climatic conditions for vacationers in continental Italy, the Mediterranean climate of the island of Sardinia benefits a lot. The breath of Africa is brought to the south of Sardinia by the warm wind of Libecco and the hot Shiroko, and the freshness of the French coast is carried by the cool wind of the Mistral.

N. Gumilyov

Italy (ital. Italy ), Italian Republic(ital. Repubblica Italiana ) - a state in southern Europe, in the Mediterranean. It occupies the Apennine Peninsula, the Padan Plain, the southern slopes of the Alps, the islands of Sicily, Sardinia, etc. On land, Italy is bordered to the northwest, Switzerland to the north, and Slovenia to the northeast.

On the territory of Italy there are 2 mini-states: the Vatican (Stato della Città del Vaticano) and the Republic of San Marino (Serenissima Repubblica di San Marino).

"most recognizable shoe "!

The country belongs to the coast of 5 seas: Ligurian, Tyrrhenian, Mediterranean, Ionian and Adriatic. There are two large chains of mountains in Italy: the Alps and the Apennines. Mount Vesuvius is located in the vicinity of Naples - the only active volcano on the European mainland. The boot-shaped mainland points west towards the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. On the island of Sicily is one of the largest volcanoes in the world - Etna.

Welcome to Italy - Benvenuti!

Italy has more masterpieces of art per square kilometer than any other country in the world. They say that Italy This is a real open-air museum. At every step you will see a huge number of sculptures and monuments, it is impossible not to stop every minute to admire the next work of art. According to UNESCO, almost half of the world's cultural and historical heritage is stored in Italy. Italy is a country with a very rich history, which 2 thousand years ago was the center of the most powerful Ancient Roman Empire in the world. The Latin language, spoken by the ancient Romans, became the basis not only of the Italian language, but also of Spanish, Portuguese, French, Romanian.

Italy so many-sided that the impression of it is constantly changing as you move from one province to another, and then from city to city, from city to town. The very word "Italy", perhaps, has a special magic and fascinates us from childhood. And as soon as we learn about the existence of Italy, the history and culture of which are most closely and harmoniously intertwined with the heritage of the whole world, then there is an irresistible desire at least once in a lifetime to see this beautiful, amazing and unique country in its charm that managed to inspire creativity countless generations of mankind.

Country of tourism, where sunny beaches are washed by the waves of the warm sea, and the mountains of Italy are world famous for their ski slopes ... Big football clubs with crowds of tiffosi fans ... Dozens of coffees, famous Italian cars, famous fashion houses. Italy is associated with coffee, fashion, Ferrari, Monica Bellucci... Here the spirit of the Roman Empire, settled on the ruins of the Coliseum, and the ringing of numerous temples... Bars, modern technologies, family firms, the August holidays for all countries, pizza, wine, tourists, feasts, numerous relatives, discos and pride in Italian style and quality goods " Made in Italy»!...

Italy- This is a fairy tale country. Center of international tourism of world importance.

Arriving here, you can feel that time has stopped or turned back ... What is the dilapidated Coliseum, which absorbed the blood of many gladiators into its walls, or beautiful and majestic Vatican called a state within a state, a small town Pisa with the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, "open air museum" city of contrasts Florence(founded in 59 AD as a small Roman settlement) or Romantic Venice, a city on the water ("the pearl of the Adriatic", where even the stones smell of the sea), famous throughout the world for its canals and bridges. Magical Venice will plunge you into the world of romance and love, wonderful views and gondoliers singing opera arias, and no less beautiful medieval architecture will tell unforgettable stories. This ideal city for lovers and romantics!

Only in Italy can you cross a river over a bridge that was built before the Nativity of Christ, or, going into the first best church, find the work of an artist whose name alone gives you a lot of impressions and feelings.

The most beautiful coastal cities in Italy: Camogli, Manarola, Polignano a Mare, Portofino, Positano, Praiano, Ravello, Sorrento, Cefalu.

A insular Italy is the pinnacle of perfection.
Island Sicily(the largest region in terms of area among the regions of Italy) with luxurious estates and olive groves, spread over almost the entire territory of the island. The largest volcano in Europe is located on Mt. Etna on the island of Sicily. Sicily is an island of contrasts, where the splendor of the royal court, the bustle of big cities and the stinginess of peasant life, rural simplicity coexist. And this is also reflected in the Sicilian cuisine. Thanks to the warm and humid climate, the Sicilian land is very fertile and rich in products that are unique in their kind. For example, the famous cherry tomatoes come from Sicily. They are called on the island (and throughout Italy) after the place where they appeared "Pachino" (the town of Pachino). Red oranges (tarocchi) are another Sicilian exclusive. They have red, "bloody" flesh and the highest content of vitamin C. It is believed that the best oranges in Europe are Sicilian. The island is also famous for nectarines, cactus fruits (fichi d'india) and peaches, as well as medlar. Sicily is world renowned for its olive oil. In ancient times, they even came for him from. The most popular first course in Sicily is pasta alla Norma, named after the famous work of the Italian composer Bellini. Salt is used exclusively from the sea. It is produced in mills that can be found all over the island (the most famous are located near Trapani and are well worth a visit). Seafood in Sicily can be found everywhere. They even come from local tuna, because here it is fatter and juicier than ocean tuna, even if it is grown on special farms. And the list of desserts in Sicily is almost longer than the list of Italian pastas!

The wonderful and unique aroma of the sea air, you clearly feel free in it, the unique sunset and the whisper of the gentle sea - this is, of course, Sardinia. The island of Sardinia will delight you with the pristine nature of golden beaches and gentle sea. This island has not lost its virgin beauty, the rarest representatives of flora and fauna have been preserved on it, truly this is the most wonderful of the islands of Italy!

One of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean Ischia. For centuries, the island has been and remains a paradise for travelers seeking tranquility and an opportunity to restore their health. Ischia is the largest island in the Gulf of Naples (in the Tyrrhenian Sea, 40 km from Naples and 7 km from the mainland). You should definitely visit there: for sightseeing and educational purposes, for health purposes (the most famous thermal parks of Ischia: "Gardens of Eden", "Gardens of Poseidon", "Negombo"), and, of course, for gastronomic purposes (you should taste the "fragrant Iskitan rabbit", seafood dishes, desserts).

The reserve is considered the pearl of the Ligurian coast Cinque Terre - these are 5 Italian villages, which are sheltered by multi-colored spots on the shores of the azure sea in small bays. Entry by private vehicles is strictly prohibited here - only harmless small trains, boats and environmentally friendly buses go here.

Calabria(Italian Calabria, sit. Calabbria, Calavria, lat. Brut (t)ium, Calabria) is an administrative region in southern Italy, separated by the beautiful Strait of Messina from Sicily. The region is divided into 5 provinces: three historical (Reggio Calabria, Cosenza and Catanzaro) and two modern (Crotone and Vibo Valentia). Reggio di Calabria is called the "cape city of the Italian boot", and the poet Gabriele d "Annunzio called the Embankment in the city of Reggio di Calabria "the most beautiful kilometer in Italy." Reggio Calabria has 2 unique features - Fata Morgana and bergamot.

Chianaleia is the most picturesque quarter of Scilla (Scylla), it is unique in its kind and is called the Venice of the South.

Going to Rome, you will plunge into the world of ancient culture and the Catholic faith. People loved Rome, they wrote about Rome, people came to Rome for inspiration... Previously, if you were not in Rome, you were not a person accepted in society. A charming open-air museum, ancient and mysterious Rome tops the list of the most popular (in terms of photographing) Italian cities. Time has no power over Rome. It remains ultra-modern in any age. Beautiful architecture, wonderful fountains, trendy ready-to-wear boutiques, many cozy little restaurants and no less cozy expensive restaurants. Energy is boiling here, and the city, surrounded by monumental ruins, is still more alive than all living things. In addition to foreign celebrities, many Russian writers, artists and composers have visited Rome. The list is long - Turgenev, Dostoevsky, Tchaikovsky, Nekrasov, Bryulovs (both brothers), Gogol (lived 14 years old), Volkonsky... and many, many others.

Dante was born in Italy, Saint Peter is buried here.

The most skilled fashion designers live in Italy and make the most expensive cars.

In Italy, brilliant cinema, sophisticated theater and many, many others.

Dictionary of necessary Italian words (phrasebook):

"Cosa Nostra" (if anyone did not already know) - translated from Italian "Our business".
Loto is destiny.
"Nano" - dwarf, dwarf (here's the prefix "nano" for you).
"Basta!" - enough!
"Lana" - wool.
"Arcobaleno" is "rainbow" (which is mentioned in the Russian comedy series "Kitchen").
But "I don't understand" in Italian is "non-capisco".

Italian proverbs and sayings

Drink water like a bull and wine like a king.

Beautiful clothes, what a letter of recommendation.

There is nothing new that hasn't happened before.

The good that happens to us is written in the sand, and the bad is carved in stone.

Quotes about Italy

"Here is my opinion! Whoever was in Italy, say "forgive" to other lands. Whoever was in heaven will not want to land. In a word, Europe, in comparison with Italy, is like a cloudy day compared to a sunny day." ( N.V. Gogol)

"Italy is a luxurious country! The soul groans and yearns for it. It is all paradise, full of joy, and luxurious love springs in it ..." ( N.V. Gogol)

“Oh, Italy! Whose hand will tear me out of here? What a sky! What a day! Summer is not summer, spring is not spring, but better than spring and summer, which are in other parts of the world. What kind of air! , I look - I don’t look enough. In my soul there is heaven and paradise ... I have never been so cheerful, so satisfied with life. " ( N.V. Gogol)

"Italian food has only one drawback: after 5-6 days you are already hungry again." ( George Miller)

"In Italy, the Lord God himself goes on vacation in August." ( Garcia Marquez)

"You can take the whole world for yourself, but leave Italy to me." ( GiuseppeVerdi)

"To make love, it is not necessary to speak the same language. But still it is better if the language you do not understand is Italian." ( Madonna)

Favorite travel routes in Italy pass through famous ones. It is also popular on large islands such as (Sicilia) and (Sardegna). But no less interesting is acquaintance with the islands of this country, which are not so actively developed by tourists and offer a meeting with pristine nature and natural flow. Clean air and water, a small number of vacationers - these are the secrets of a comfortable stay on the islands of Italy.

Let's get acquainted with the islands of Italy, moving along the geographical map from north to south.

The northernmost in the Ligurian Sea (Mare Ligusticum) 3 islands:

1. Palmaria (Palmaria);
2. Tino (Tino);
3. Tinetto.

These islands are located near the city (Porto Venere) and are part of the protected areas of Portovenere, which has been under the protection of UNESCO since 1997. Palmaria is famous for its luxurious beach, located in a cozy sandy bay, which can be reached from the city of Portovenere.

Tino is an island that is known as the shelter of Saint Venerio (San Venerio), who lived here at the end of the 6th - beginning of the 7th centuries. When he died in 630, a temple was built on the burial site, and later, in the 11th century, a monastery appeared here. Now you can admire the ruins of this ancient monastery. However, Saint Venus is still honored as the protector of the island of Tino.

Tinetto

Tinetto is the smallest of the islands of this group, almost devoid of vegetation, but attracting gulls, which form nests and breed here.

The attraction of this deserted islet, devoid of green spaces, is the ruins of ancient buildings associated with the administration of religious rites: the ruins of a chapel of the 6th century, a church of the 11th century. At the southern tip of the island is an old two-meter statue of Stella Maris.

Tinetto Island can be reached by private boat from Portovenere. Groups of tourists are not brought here so as not to disturb the seagulls during the nesting period.

Gallinara

Gallinara is an island that in the 4th century served as a shelter for Saint Martin of Tours (San Martin di Torino), who fled from persecution. The island has beautiful rocky shores, lush vegetation, it is surrounded by the purest water. This place is interesting for its religious history and surviving buildings: the ruins of a monastery, a 16th-century tower and a small Gothic church. The island is included in the protected areas, serving as a nesting place for herring gulls.

Get to Gallinara from the city of Albenga (Albenga).

Bergeggi is an island-reserve that rises above the sea expanses with a limestone peak. Despite its small size, it is known for the ruins of ancient fortifications and churches.

Bergegi is located near the city of the same name, a developed center of tourism and recreation.

Tuscan archipelago

The Tuscan archipelago (Arcipelago toscano) includes small islands (Gorgona, Montecristo, etc.), on which no one lives, but which can be visited as part of an excursion group. Along their coasts there are convenient places for diving.

Comfortable hotels await on Elba and Giglio and others.

Elbe

Giannutri

Giannutri (Isola di Giannutri) is a nature reserve that has preserved the pristine nature, giving shelter to colonies of gulls. The island is very picturesque, it attracts with mountain peaks, sandy beaches, grottoes in coastal rocks. Here you can see the ruins of an ancient Roman villa built before our era.

Get to Giannutri from the city of San Stefano.

Pontine Islands

The Pontine Islands (Isole Pontine), which are part of the region (Lazio), are located in the Tyrrhenian Sea (mare Tirreno).

• Among them is Santo Stefano, striking with impregnable rocks of the former volcano, lush vegetation, transparent sea, it attracts tourists who love secluded relaxation, and you can get here from Ventotene on a rented boat.
• Zannone - island reserve, famous for migrating birds and rare plants (holm oak).
• Gavi is an island with a single house on top of a mountain. To walk along the wild island paths, you can rent a boat on the island of Ponza. It is beautiful here, but there are no comfortable places for swimming.

(Ponza) is a mountain-covered island that used to be an active volcano. It is surrounded by reefs, underwater grottoes, so diving enthusiasts tend to come here.

Chiaia di luna, surrounded by cliffs, invites you to a classic beach holiday. Also on the island, tourists are waiting for mud baths, luxury hotels, cafes and restaurants.

• How to get there: there is a ferry service to the island of Ponza from the city of Anzio.

Ventotene

Ventotene is an island that is an extinct volcano, sung in ancient Greek myths about Odysseus, who was called from these shores by sweet-voiced sirens. It also attracted noble ancient Romans, who built several rich villas here.

Off the coast of Ventotene there are picturesque places for diving. There are flocks of dolphins near the island, and infrequently whales.

Motor boats from the city of Formia go to Ventotena.

The volcanic past of Palmarola (Palmarola) makes it very unusual in terms of relief: the island is decorated with rocky spurs, reefs, deep and surface caves.

You will have to go to a secluded uninhabited island on a private boat to relax on the beaches with the purest sand.

Capri

Flegrin archipelago (Isole Flegree)

(Ischia) - a very fashionable resort in (Golfo di Napoli), offering not only a beach holiday, but also hydrotherapy and mud therapy.

To explore the island, you will have to ride from Naples or Pozzuoli (Pozzuol) on a boat. The visiting card of these places is three extinct volcanoes, an ancient medieval Aragonese castle (Castello aragonese), thermal parks with springs that spew streams of hot steam, a botanical garden.

Wine lovers can taste the famous and refined Epomeo white wine here.

Procida

Procida is a small fishing island with a large number of locals, attracting travelers with its old fortress Marina Corricella, the remains of extinct volcano craters, beautiful vegetation.

Gourmets should definitely try the artichoke dishes and the limoncello drink, made from a special local variety of very large lemons.

Tourists are brought to Procida from Naples or from the banks of Ischia.

Islands of Sardinia

Alicudi and Ustica

The islands of Alicudi and Ustica are the tops of extinct volcanoes, it is interesting to see them from the sea by boat. It is also fun to make the ascent to the highest point of Alicudi by hiring guides with mules. Ustica impresses with its indented coasts, caves and coves, and is also actively explored by diving enthusiasts.

Aegadian Islands (Isole Egadi)

(Favignana) is an island on which the inhabited fortified city of the Middle Ages is located and traces of the extraction of building stone - the local tufa - are still preserved. It is interesting to travel around the island of Favignana by boat - this is how you can see the ancient caves and grottoes from the outside and from the inside.

Marettimo Island, with its grottoes covered with stalactites and stalagmites, is also the most interesting to view from the sea, and for diving specialists it is a real paradise.

Levanzo is a rocky museum island that attracts history buffs. Rock inscriptions and drawings of the 10th century BC have been preserved here, on which it is easy to recognize episodes of hunting and catching tuna.

You can get to the islands of Favignana, Levanzo and Marettimo by boat from (Trapani) in Sicily.

The Pelagie Islands (Isole Pelagie) are islands in the very south of Italy, characterized by a climate close to North African. From the tops of this archipelago, the shores of Africa are visible. It is interesting to go to the island of Linosa and see the craters of three extinct volcanoes and sunbathe on the beach of Cala di Pozzolana, Cala di Ponente with rare black sand. You can get to Linosa by boat from Porto Empedocle in Sicily.

Another island of the archipelago is immersed in greenery (Pantelleria), on which the Montagna Grande nature reserve is located. Be sure to visit the lake "Mirror of Venus" in the crater of an extinct volcano, which attracts thousands of birds of different species in spring.

The island is famous for its local wines (Passato di Pantelleria, Muscat, etc.). Pantelleria can be reached by plane from Palermo, as well as by ferry.

Island Italy is a whole world that attracts a variety of categories of tourists. Diving and yacht trips, gastronomic pleasures, swimming, sightseeing, walks among lush vegetation - all this leaves an unforgettable experience and invites you to travel again and again.

↘️🇮🇹 USEFUL ARTICLES AND SITES 🇮🇹↙️ SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS

If you still only dream of spending the rest of your life on some desert island, lying on the beach in pleasant idleness and listening only to the sound of the surf, try to at least partially realize your dream, even if only for a short summer vacation, and even if this island is not completely uninhabited ...

We will not talk about such giants, by island standards, as well as, but we will pay attention to small and medium-sized islands that surround the Apennine Peninsula in large numbers, islands that are sometimes little known, but no less attractive even for the most spoiled tourists.

Palmaria. The island of Palmaria is separated from the medieval fortress of Portovenere by a narrow sea strait and can be reached by ferry or private boat. A wide bay with a convenient beach welcomes tourists who have arrived on the island.

Palmaria Island. Photo caicologno.blogspot.com

Tino. This island is famous for the fact that for many years until his death in 630, Saint Venerius, who is the patron saint of the Gulf of Spice, lived here as a hermit. On the north coast of the island, you can find the remains of an 11th-century monastery built on the ruins of a 7th-century temple built on the very spot where the saint died.

Tinetto. The smallest of the three islands, it is located south of Tino Island and is virtually devoid of vegetation. And there are traces of the presence of an ancient religious community.

Gallinara. On this island, which is part of the province of Savona, Saint Martin of Tours, who fled from Milan in 360, once hid from the persecution of the Arians. Currently, the island is a natural reserve. Herring gulls chose its rocky coast as their home, forming here one of the largest colonies of the Tyrrhenian Sea. You can get to the island from the city of Albenga on Alimar boats.

Bergegi. The islet is located opposite the village of the same name in the province of Savona. The island is a regional nature reserve and is a cone-shaped limestone rock 53 meters high. There is little vegetation here, but there is plenty of historical and archaeological evidence of the past: on the top of the island you can find the remains of military and religious buildings from different eras.

Islands of the Tuscan archipelago

Islands of the Tuscan archipelago. Photoco. wikipedia. org

Elbe. The largest island of the archipelago with an area of ​​223.5 sq. km and the most visited by tourists. On its coast, 147 km long, steep cliffs alternate with small sandy beaches. The highest point of the island, Monte Capanne, rises 1018 meters above sea level. From the grapes grown on, Procanico, Sangioveto, Rosatico, Aleatico, Muscat wines are obtained. The sea surrounding the island is teeming with fish of almost every species found in the Mediterranean.

Once this island belonged to the Etruscans, who mined iron ore here, then to the Romans, who founded a naval base here. In the Middle Ages, they fought for Elba, and, and even later, the Spaniards, French, British and Neapolitans. In 1814-1815 the island was the place of Napoleon's exile.

View of the Elbe from above. Photo elbamagica.in

The main city of Elba is Portoferraio, where the house where Napoleon lived has been preserved. Here is the main port of the island, from which to the Tuscan city of Piombino - about one hour of sailing, with the help of Toremar and Moby Lines.

On the way to the islands of the Tuscan archipelago. Photo navalmaroc.blogspot.com

Other settlements of the island: Capoliveri (with a wine-growing center and a very convenient coast for swimming), Lacuna (a quiet resort town on the south coast of the island), Marciana Marina (a wine-growing and resort center on the north coast, also known for archaeological excavations), Marina di Campo (a resort area on the south coast, equipped with a small airport), Porto Azzurro (a resort place, also famous for its Portolongone fortress, built in 1603), Procchio (a small bathing center on the shores of the bay of the same name on the north side of the island), Rio Marina ( a town located on a bend of the northeast coast, the center of iron ore deposits, where there is also a small museum of minerals).

Coast of the Elbe near Marina di Campo. Photo carreradelalatlantico.com

Giglio. The second largest island of the Tuscan archipelago is crossed by numerous paths that were once used by muleteers, and now by tourists who prefer to walk to the most beautiful places on the island. Walking tours around the island do not exceed four hours (round trip), and for those who are very tired, there is also a bus service.

The island has one of the best preserved medieval castles - Giglio Castello, surrounded by restaurants with local cuisine, but its cellars, which store the traditional local wine Ansonica, are especially famous.

Giglio Campese is the main tourist center of the island with a gorgeous sandy beach. From here you can enjoy breathtaking sunsets, which in summer come after 9 pm. In addition, this place is very popular with surfers and scuba divers.

Giglio Island. Photo tourinmaremma.com

The port of Giglio receives the ferries of the companies Toremar and Maregiglio, which connect the island with the port of Santo Stefano in the province. Built by the Romans, over the course of 18 centuries, the port remains virtually unchanged.

The infamous island of Giglio was brought by the recently sunk cruise ship Costa Concordia not far from its shores.

Capraia. The third largest island of the Tuscan archipelago is almost 8 km long, with a surface of about 20 sq. km. The island, famous for its rich flora, has been part of the Tuscan Archipelago National Nature Reserve since 1996. The island has everything you need for a carefree life of a tourist: a post office, a butcher shop, a fish shop, a bakery shop, a grocery store, a market, restaurants, pizzerias, bars, a gas station for cars and motor boats, and St. Nicholas Church. You can get to the island from Livorno with the help of Toremar.

Giannutri. The southernmost of the islands of the Tuscan archipelago, 500 meters wide and 5 kilometers long, spartan simple, Giannutri is the perfect holiday destination for those looking for peace and quiet. The 11 kilometers of rugged and rocky coastline are interrupted by only two beaches in the northeast and northwest of the island. The beauty and serenity of its bays can also be appreciated from the sea, sailing here on the Maregiglio ferries from Porto Santo Stefano to.

Other islands of the Tuscan archipelago: Gorgona, Montecristo, Pianosa, Formica di Grosseto - small, uninhabited, they are all different from each other, but all are part of the national reserve. Excursions (including scuba diving) are organized to these islands from the islands of Giglio and Elba and the Tuscan coast.

Gorgon Island at sunset. Photo panoramio.com

Pontine Islands (Isole Pontine)

The islands of Ponza, Ventotene, Santo Stefano, Palmarola, Zannone, Gavi form an archipelago in the Tyrrhenian Sea and belong to the region.

Ponza. This island, the largest of the islands of the archipelago, with an area of ​​7.5 kilometers has a mountainous terrain with the highest point of 280 meters above sea level. Its rugged and rocky beaches are composed of kaolin and tuff, confirming the island's volcanic origin. The presence of underwater reefs and grottoes attracts a large number of connoisseurs of scuba diving here, while lovers of ordinary water procedures prefer the famous Chiaia di Luna beach, surrounded by a ridge of pointed reefs and located in the southwest of the island.

Island of Ponza. photo infoponza it

There are many balneological centers, hotels, restaurants, night bars, and diving schools. Ponza can be reached from the town (province): by high-speed ferry Caremar, the journey takes 1 hour 45 minutes, by Vetor hydrofoil - 1 hour 10 minutes.

to the Pontine Islands. Photo mondoviaggiblog com

Ventotene. This island, which is a nature reserve, brings together rich nature, history and legends. It was here that Ulysses resisted the singing of the sirens during his travels, and here in the era villas were built for noble people.

Ventotene is an island of volcanic origin, here you can see everywhere a variety of shades of red tuff, formed from volcanic lava about a million years ago. The 2.9 km long island can be easily explored on foot, enjoying the richness and diversity of its flora and fauna. Fans of deep-sea diving, accompanied by experienced instructors, can sink to the seabed and, perhaps, even meet flocks of dolphins and sperm whales.

Ventotene island. Photoflickr. com

The island of Ventotene can be reached by Caremar and Vetor companies from the city of Formia (province of Latina).

Santo Stefano. Located one mile east of the island of Ventotene, its area is about 29 hectares. This uninhabited islet, also of volcanic origin, can be quickly explored on foot, enjoying enchanting seascapes with azure waters and rugged basalt cliffs. You can get to Santo Stefano by boat from the island of Ventotene.

Islands of Ventotene and Santo Stefano. Photo romacentral.com

Palmarola. The westernmost islet of the archipelago and the most interesting from a geological point of view. It is also of volcanic origin: the colorful landscape of the island is formed by reefs, grottoes, high sea cliffs. Palmarola is an uninhabited island with an area of ​​​​1.3 sq. km, but in summer, lovers of sea bathing flock here on rented boats.

Rocky coast of Palmarola island. Photo flickriver.com

Zannone. The islet with an area of ​​0.9 sq. km is the northernmost of the islands of the archipelago, its highest point is Monte Pellegrino (184 m). The rocky shores of the island are chosen as a resting place for migratory birds. In 1979, Zannone became part of a national nature reserve. The rich flora of the island, including the holm oak that grows here, is under protection.

Gavi. An islet with the highest point of 96 meters, no beaches. It is separated from the island of Ponza by a strait about 130 meters wide. You can get here from Ponza by boat, landing at the pier, from which a path leads to the only house on the island.

This part of the story about island wealth will be dedicated to the world-famous islands of the Campania region and the variety of magnificent islands surrounding Sardinia.

Campania Islands

Island of Capri

Capri is famous for its natural beauties, mild climate, rich vegetation and stunning scenery - all this makes the island attractive to tourists from all over the world. Trapezoidal in shape, made of a huge limestone block, the island is characterized by indented coasts, grottoes and rocks. Monte Solaro is the highest point of the island (589 m above sea level). Nature is one of the richest and most varied in all of Italy. Already in the Paleolithic period, people lived here, then the Greeks chose the island, and later the Romans. Local residents, in addition to organizing the life of tourists visiting the island, are engaged in agriculture and fishing. - Capri, Anacapri, Marina Grande and Marina Piccola.

Holidays on the island of Capri. Photo lacanzonedelmare.com

You can get to Capri in 50 minutes on Alilauro boats, which run several times a day from Naples. In addition, during the summer period, daily connections are maintained with the island from, Amalfi, Positano and Marina del Cantone.

Port of the island of Capri. Photo capriespress.com

Phlegrin Islands: Ischia, Procida, Nizida

Islands of Sicily

(Lipari, Aeolian)

Eolian Islands. Photo aqualadroni.it

Vulcano. The southernmost island of the aphipelago, with an area of ​​21 sq. km, owes its name to an active volcano towering on the island. From time immemorial, the inhabitants of the island have been mining sulfur and alum, growing grapes, figs, and fruit trees on the fertile volcanic land of the island. The measured life of the island was interrupted by a powerful eruption that began on August 3, 1888 and ended only in May 1891. The awakened one covered the entire island with sand and pieces of solidified lava. The remaining inhabitants began to engage in fishing, farming and cattle breeding. Now the crater of the volcano is covered with vineyards, pastures and forests.

The development of tourism here begins in 1949, after the release of the film "Vulcano" with Anna Magnani in the title role, which was filmed on the island. In addition to beautiful beaches, tourists are attracted here by therapeutic mud and hot springs.

Mud treatments on the island of Vulcano. Photo globopix.net

The indented sea coast gives unforgettable views, some of the natural attractions of the coastal zone are, for example, the small bay “Venus Pool” (Piscina di Venere), surrounded by rocks, as well as the “Horse Grotto” (Grotta del Cavallo), under the arches of which you can enter on a small boat.

"Pool of Venus" on the island of Vulcano. Photo qnm.it

You can get to the island in two hours from Milazzo (province of Messina) by the companies Navigazione Generale Italiana and Siremar.

Panarea. The smallest of the Aeolian Islands (3.3 sq.m), calm, far from the bustle of the city, it is even forbidden to use vehicles here: narrow streets, low roofs of houses and bright bougainvilleas, the colors of which contrast with the blinding blue of the sea. Many tourists, conquered by the beauties of Panarea, buy and restore old buildings built exclusively from materials mined on the island. Traditionally, the buildings had rough unpainted walls - so in the old days the inhabitants of the island tried to remain unnoticed by the pirates who raided these areas.

Panarea Island, San Pietro. Photoit. wikipedia. org

Panarea itself and the many small islands surrounding it are frozen volcanic vents - evidence of an active volcanic past. You can moor to the island in the port of San Pietro.

The Siremar and Ustica Lines companies deliver passengers to the island from Milazzo (province of Messina) in two hours.

Salina. The modern name of this island with an area of ​​27 sq. km comes from a salt lake located not far from the southern coast of the island. Salt has always been used here for salting fish and capers. The famous Malvasia wine is also produced on the island. The island is especially appreciated by lovers of scuba diving. The main settlements of the island are Santa Marina and Malfa.

Santa Marina is located at the foot of the dormant volcano Fossa delle Felci and Mount Rivi, on which in the old days the inhabitants of the island tried to hide at the sight of the terrifying ships of the Saracens. The summit of Fossa delle Felci is the highest point of the entire archipelago (968 m above sea level), and its crater is 100 meters deep and 600-700 meters wide. Malfa occupies about a third of the island, about a thousand people live here.

Coast of the island of Salina. Photo eolieprenotazioni.it

The island can be reached from Milazzo (province) by Siremar NGI and Ustica Lines, from Reggio Calabria and Messina by Ustica Lines, from Naples by Siremar.

Stromboli. The island with an area of ​​12.2 square kilometers is located in the northeastern zone of the archipelago and is the most famous of its islands for its volcanic activity. The black giant, rising above the bright blue of the sea, is a young volcano only 100,000 years old, one of the highest in Europe (2,400 meters above the sea floor). The inhabitants of the island have been coexisting with its constant small eruptions for over three thousand years.

As happened with the island of Vulcano, interest in Stromboli skyrocketed after Roberto Rossellini's 1949 film Stromboli, God's Land starring Ingrid Bergman. The island has several small villages located at the foot of the volcano, whose white houses are buried in the greenery of palm, olive and citrus groves. The main settlement is San Vincenzo. In total, about 400 people live on Stromboli.

Stromboli Island. Photo fotografieitalia.it

From Naples, Stromboli can be reached by SNAV, from Milazzo by NGI, Siremar, Ustica Lines.

Lipari. The central and largest island of the archipelago, its area is 37.3 sq. km. In total, about 9,000 local residents live here. On the southeast coast is the capital of the island of the same name - a picturesque town stretching along the coast of two bays. The town of Lipari is famous for its restaurants, cafes, ice cream, souvenir and ceramics shops. Ask the local fishermen to show you the island, and you will feel all the hospitality and cordiality of the locals, as well as their great love for their land. The island has a well-developed public transport network, which can take you to all settlements and the most picturesque places. Those who wish can rent or. The island is also interesting for lovers of archeology, as there is a lot of material evidence of the past.

Lipari Island. Photolipari.com

You can sail to Lipari from Milazzo by Siremar, NGI, Ustica Lines, from Reggio Calabria and by Ustica Lines, from by Siremar.

Filicudi. The island with an area of ​​9.5 square kilometers is the ideal place for those who would like to spend their holidays in peace and quiet, in an environment that has not changed over the centuries. The gentle shores of the island with pebble beaches are surrounded by sea water of the most incredible shades - from green to purple. Filicudi is also of great archaeological interest, many of the evidence of the past found here is kept in the archaeological museum of Lipari.

The ancient roots of the island are dedicated to the two-day festival "Filicudi: Myths and Legends", which is held annually in August. During this holiday, a long line of boats sails from the port, decorated with flowers, leaves, multi-colored garlands, which are then brought as a gift to the sea, and at sunset the boats return to the port, lit by torches.

Holidays on the island of Filicudi. Photo hotelisoleolie.com

From Palermo and Cefalu, Filicudi can be reached by Ustica Lines, from Naples by Siremar, from Messina Ustica Lines hydrofoils go here, from Milazzo the companies Siremar, NGI, Ustica Lines also provide communication.

Alicudi. The westernmost island of the archipelago, which has remained aloof from mass tourism and has retained its original charm. It is the top of an extinct volcano, almost round in shape, with an area of ​​5 sq. km. In the past, the inhabitants of the island, known for their physical strength, devoted themselves entirely to fishing and farming. Now most of the locals have switched to serving tourists. Walking around the island is best done accompanied by local residents, it is easy for a beginner to get lost here. To reach the top of Alicudi, it is necessary to hire mules. The most convenient way to see the island from the sea is to travel around it on a boat rented from fishermen.

Pier of Alicudi Island. Photoeolnet.it

From Milazzo, Messina, Reggio Calabria, Naples, Palermo and Cefalu, ships from Siremar, Ustica Lines and NGI run to Alicudi.

Ustica. A small island (8.65 sq. km) is located northwest of the Aeolian Islands and is part of the province of Palermo, from which it is 67 km away. About 1,300 people live in a small village that stretches along the shore of the bay. This islet is the upper part of an underwater volcano and, by the way, the most ancient, in comparison with its neighbors - the Aeolian Islands. Since 1987 it has been a marine reserve.

The most beautiful grottoes and bays are hidden in the rugged banks of Ustica. Local residents live by fishing and tourism, and recently they have begun to actively develop agriculture, growing grapes, vegetables and grains, and above all - lentils. Thanks to clear water and rocky shores, Ustica has become a favorite place for diving enthusiasts.

Diving off the coast of the island of Ustica. Photo ripadvisor.it

You can get to Ustica from Palermo in 2 hours, and in the summer also from Naples by hydrofoil in 4 hours.

Aegadian Islands

The archipelago west of Sicily consists of three large islands (Favignana, Levanzo and Marettimo) and four smaller ones.

Favignana. The southernmost and largest island of the archipelago (19 sq. km). The modern inhabited area of ​​the island was once a small medieval fortress. Numerous drywall walls protect gardens and orchards from strong winds. On small fishing boats, you can see sea grottoes and old caves, in which traces of hand saws used to extract white tuff are still visible today. Almost all the most beautiful places of the island are easy to get around along the asphalt road to the plain on the western side of the island, less inhabited.

Levanzo. The smallest island of the archipelago with an area of ​​5 sq. km. The absence of roads allows guests of the island to make excursions along hiking trails that allow you to go to the western slope of the island to the Genoese grotto, where you can still see rock inscriptions dating back to 9200 BC depicting scenes of hunting and catching tuna. Cala Tramontata is recognized as one of the most impressive places on the island - for the special color of the rocks, the transparency of sea water, and the rich underwater world.

Bay of Cala Tramontata. Photoflickr.com

Marettimo. The shape of the island resembles a rhombus with a perimeter of about 18 km. It is the most mountainous of the Aegadian Islands, its highest peak being Monte Falcone (684 meters above sea level). From each of the heights of Marettimo, amazing views open up, in clear weather from here you can see Pantelleria, the coast of Africa, the Sicilians and Marsala. It is best to explore the island by riding around it on a boat and admiring the Camello grotto with its green transparent sea, the mysterious Bombard grotto, the Presepio grotto, especially beautiful at sunset, when the rays of the setting sun are reflected in its stalactites and stalagmites. Marettimo Island is a paradise for diving enthusiasts.

Grotto of Presepio on the island of Marettimo. Photo raesionline.it

You can get to the islands of Favignana, Levanzo and Marettimo from the port by the shipping companies Siremar and Ustica Lines.

Pelagic Islands

The Pelagie Islands are an archipelago consisting of the islands of Lampedusa, Linosa and Pantelleria - the southernmost islands of Italy.

Lampedusa. The largest of the islands of the archipelago (210 sq. km), is located at a distance of 210 kilometers from Sicily, and only 152 kilometers separate it from Africa. 40 km of coastline is formed by limestone cliffs that form small bays hiding cozy white sand beaches that caress the waves of the crystal clear sea. Once the island was inhabited by Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, for a long time the island remained uninhabited in the face of the fear of incessant pirate raids. The African origin of Lampedusa leaves its mark on its nature, which is very similar to North African. The population is concentrated mainly in the southern part of the island, where the port is also located. Illegal immigrants from Africa and Asia often land on Lampedusa.

The coast of Lampedusa. Photosicilia.cosavedere.net

You can arrive in Lampedusa from Port Empidocle (, Sicily) by Siremar and Ustica Lines or by plane from Palermo, Turin, Milan, Bergamo and Rome.

Linoza. The island is smaller than Lampedusa, both in terms of area and population (about 400 inhabitants). Linosa is 57 km from Lampedusa. This is an island of volcanic origin, as evidenced by three craters: Monte Rosso, Monte Nero and Monte Vulcano, rising above the island to a height of 195 meters. The volcanic origin also explains the predominant gray color of the island, which contrasts with pastel-colored houses. The main occupation of the locals is agriculture; fertile volcanic soils also contribute to a good harvest. Tourists should see the grottoes of Greco, Tramontana, Betlemme, as well as the unique beach of Cala di Pozzolana di Ponente, famous for its black sand.

You can get to Linosa from Port Empidocle by Siremar and Ustica Lines.

Pantelleria. This island of 83 square kilometers, belonging to the province of Trapani, is separated from the African coast by only 70 km. The local population is about 8000 people. The Montagna Grande Nature Reserve is the green heart of the island, with nearly 600 plant species. Ancient paths entwine the entire island, like a web, stretching for tens of kilometers. Lake "Mirror of Venus" of volcanic origin, which is fed by underground springs, becomes a habitat for a huge number of birds in autumn and spring.

Lake "Mirror of Venus" on the island of Pantelleria. Photo tantelleriamonamour.blogspot.it

Guests of the island should definitely take a boat trip along the coast of Pantelleria with its many grottoes, inside which the water shimmers from intense azure to emerald green. The name of the island is associated with the famous sweet wine "Passato di Pantelleria", besides Muscat, Zibibbo and other wines are made here.

You can arrive at Pantelleria by plane from Trapani and, and in the summer also from and, or by sea - on the Siremar-Tirrenia ferries and on the Ustica Lines hydrofoil.

Islands of Puglia

Tremiti Archipelago belongs to the region, is located north of Cape Gargano and includes rocky, sparsely populated islands San Domino- the most inhabited and most visited by tourists, San Nicola- the administrative center of the archipelago, uninhabited Capraia(or Caprara) and somewhat remote from them pianosa.

Tremiti archipelago. Photo vieste.it

According to legend, the mythical Diomedes created the islands, and people settled on them in the prehistoric era. The archipelago belonged to the Greeks, Romans, in the XI century it was chosen by the Benedictine monks from Montecassini to build the monastery of Santa Maria a Mare here, which now towers over the island of San Nicola. After centuries of religious silence, the islands turned into a prison camp at the end of the 18th century, and then the fascist government approved them as a place of exile for prisoners.

The development of the tourist destination here began in the 50s of the last century. Most tourist structures, hotels, B&Bs, restaurants are located on San Domino Island, which is famous for its picturesque sea grottoes and bays. In contrast, the uninhabited Capraia boasts untouched landscapes and, in particular, deep-sea beauties. All the islands of the archipelago are a natural marine reserve as part of the Gargano National Natural Park.

San Domino Island. Photo bluoceanphoto.it

You can sail to the islands from the ports of the Adriatic Sea: from Termoli (province of Campobasso, region of Molise), from Manfredonia (province, region of Apulia), from Ortona (province of Chieti, region) by the companies "Adriatica" and "Navigazione Libera del Golfo".