Mainland Italy

Traversing around mainland Italy is an occasion to pamper the senses. Rome’s Colosseum, Milan’s fashion scene, the architecture of Florence, and the romance that exudes from every corner of Venice have forever intrigued and tempted travelers to visit the country. However, those seeking a less touristic holiday are now shifting their attention, buying ferry tickets to mainland Italy and arriving at coastal towns with engrossing characteristics.

A trip around Italy’s coast could very well start in Genoa, situated in the northwest facing the Ligurian Sea. Birthplace of Christopher Columbus, Genoa is a family-friendly destination. Kids love visiting the Aquarium of Genoa and the Bigo Panoramic Lift with its jaw-dropping 360-degree aerial views of the surroundings. Afternoons are best spent exploring the UNESCO World Heritage street Via Garibaldi, famous for its museums. The next stop is Livorno, a city that places you minutes away from Pisa. While sunset views from the checkered Terrazza Mascagni promenade in the center are heart-warming, tasting the local fish stew (called cacciucco) is a flavourful delight that satiates the tastebuds.

In Naples, there is the authentic charm of San Gregorio Armeno street with its shops and a church that opens to the public only for two hours every morning. A stop at Via dei Tribunali for pizzas is obligatory, as is a day tour to Pompeii. Now, one can book ferry tickets to Mainland Italy from various islands or catch a boat from the west coast to the cities along the Adriatic Sea, all by using Ferryscanner. So, once done with Naples, plan a weekend in the underrated Bari, capital of Puglia. Bari’s Old Town is quaint, and you can easily spend hours watching fishermen bring in the day’s catch at Porto Vecchia. As for gourmands, head to Strada delle Orecchiette, the street where local women sit out under the sun and handmake their gnocchi.

Further north, Ancona is quieter but has the divine Cattedrale di San Ciriaco and beautiful Blue Flag accredited beaches such as Portonovo and Numana to impress visitors. The mainland coast then passes through Venice, ending at Trieste, a city bordering Slovenia, displaying prominent Austro-Hungarian influence.