Table of Contents
This is a collaborative post.
For travellers from young to old, Italy has been renowned for its culinary scene, for decades. Even the fussiest young palettes can’t resist the fresh cheese of a margarita pizza or the perfectly al dente pasta dish. Slow travel is a phenomenon taking the internet by storm, as it’s established a refreshing way to see places, at a more relaxed pace. If embarking on a multi-country trip, slow travel sees tourists spend more time in one place than the typical ‘travel life’ promotes. Swap a three-night city break in a Rome hostel, to a two-week Bed & Breakfast stay. Utilise the longer period for day trips, lie-ins, and culinary diversity. Slow travel is perfect for a more relaxed way to see the world.
Here are some of my top picks for slow travel in Italy; taste your way through the areas and seize the quintessence of the European must-visit.
Campania
The southern region of Campania is home to some of the country’s more relaxed cities and hugely popular south coastline villages and towns. For a slow travel experience here, travellers can immerse in the colourful coastline and quieter cities more leisurely. Within the region, lies the birthplace of pizza; a pizza in Naples is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Whether it’s the classics of a margarita or a trial of something more unique like sweet figs on soft pizza dough, the city’s significance to one of the world’s favourite dishes makes it a must for a visit. Amble your way around various pizzerias in the city and pick out your most rated to note for your next visit.
Spend more time on one of the most picturesque coastlines across Earth. The Amalfi Coast within Campania has a myriad of things to do and places to eat. Spend days strolling the streets and picking out the most quintessential eateries and trattorias for daytime snacking and evening dining. For adults, the coastline is an icon for limoncello production, thanks to large, fragrant lemon growth. If alcohol doesn’t entice, these lemons are also used across a vast range of dishes here. From zest grated on savoury delights to sweet lemony desserts, a lemon-flavoured dish is a must-try during slower travel.
Sorrento
Whilst spending weeks on the Amalfi Coastline, the town of Sorrento is just a short journey away and is a haven worth adding to a relaxed itinerary. Overlooking the Bay of Naples, Sorrento’s town has things for everyone, from dramatic coastlines and sublime beaches to spend days lazing out on, to the rich history and a vibrant culinary scene. Synonymous with the lemon motif, the town is a haven for limoncello sipping at evening dining spots overlooking the crystal-clear waters below. As mentioned, these infamous lemon icons are also used across sweet treats along the whole coastline. A local Sorrentine dessert is known as ‘Lemon Delight’ and features a delicately soaked sponge cake, in lemon syrup and filled with lemon cream. Sunshine in a pudding!
Consider gourmet tours in Italy, for the most influential foodie trip. With a local guide or expert on hand, travellers are far more likely to experience the most authentic pizzerias and sweet treat parlours. Pick tours featuring a cooking class in the lemon capital, to gain the essence of traditional Italy and how the beloved foodie scene came to be.
Puglia
Bordering the Campania region is the area of Puglia, stretching along the Adriatic Sea. The greenery here provides a relaxing environment to pair hand-in-hand with slower travel, for a perfect escape from everyday chaos. Spend days hiking up pristine rolling hills and take in the hilltop panoramas of the Italian landscape. See ornate farming communities across valleys and a lesser-known kind of lifestyle of the country.
The Puglian foodie scene brings traditional Italian flavours, alongside its unique flair. The region focuses on the use of fresh, local ingredients to symbolise its agricultural heritage. For a local pasta favourite, try orecchiette con cime di rapa, which translates to ‘little ears’ to describe the distinct shape of the used pasta. The dish is filled with greens and vegetables to represent the use of fresh, seasonal ingredients. The capital of the region, Bari, is known for its staple Focaccia Barese which is sold in most bakeries across the town. The signature soft dough is typically topped with fresh tomatoes, olives and herb greenery, as well as sea salt and oil drizzle to boost the rich, renowned flavour.
Sicily
For a slow island escape, the Sicilian gem is just off ‘the boot’ of Italy, in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea. Home to a deep history influenced by an array of civilizations, the island pays homage to the heritage of Italian culture, blended with its own charisma and fascination. Explore local food markets full of colour, freshly grown produce and local delicacies. These are located in bustling towns like the capital, Palermo. Sicily is known for its iconic pastries like the cannoli, where ricotta cheese is made sweet and sugary surrounded by soft layers of golden pastry.
Why not try local holiday rentals in Sicily for a private hub, perfect for relaxing in on a longer stay? Whether the locals have inspired you to cook with Sicilian produce, or you just fancy a private pool for splashing in, the offerings are endless with villa stays.
Piedmont
Up North of Italy, lies the region of Piedmont, known for high-quality food and wine production. The area is bordered by France, giving it a range of culinary influences from traditional Italy to Mediterranean-influenced marvels. Known for its Alps landscape, embark on active days climbing up, before evenings of charcuterie boards, containing local hazelnut cheese and truffle oils galore. The truffle significance of the area spans across a range of dishes, with it sprinkled on risottos and pastas. It’s known as a luxury ingredient and the region even hosts a festival to celebrate its growth. Head to robust red wine regions to learn about the production of one of the world’s most mature drinks.
Summary
For slow travel lovers, Italy’s plethora of activities to do and food to discover makes it the perfect destination for long wanders and postcard-perfect retreats. For groups, solos or families, the Italian culinary scene is one to be delved into and loved. Italy, awaits.