Rising from the sea around a huge bay, extending into the hills like an amphitheater, the view from Castello Sant' Elmo on the Vomero reveals a fantastic panorama of houses, the port, and the Gulf. The old town in this Campanian city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring imposing fortresses, stately churches, monasteries, grand squares, palaces, and a labyrinth of winding streets.

Unaware of your approach to Ponza's port, one might mistake it for a theatrical backdrop. This idyllic town on the hilly island resembles an amphitheater, with its harbor acting as a stage adorned with pastel-colored houses. Ponza offers a haven of romantic seclusion, featuring hidden picturesque beaches nestled within bays surrounded by rugged cliffs, accessible only by boat. Fortunately, the secret of this enchanting place remains well-preserved, making it an insider's gem for Romans and Neapolitans who choose it for weekend getaways.

Climbing the rigging, untying ropes, and setting sails – today is all about sailing. It's time to lean back, relax in a deck chair, and witness the passionate crew hoisting the sails by hand.

Lipari is a tranquil little spot, the largest of the Aeolian Islands, boasting a cultural heritage spanning over 6,000 years. From the first glance, one can observe its volcanic legacy, with rock formations resembling sculptures. The entire group of islands holds UNESCO World Heritage status. The Aeolian Museum rests on the castle hill, housing an impressive collection of prehistoric and ancient artifacts from this volcanic archipelago. The southern Italian way of life in this little port is remarkably infectious.

The old town and port of Trapani rest on a picturesque crescent-shaped headland at the foot of Monte Erice. Many little treasures await discovery while browsing the beautiful town center. Fine black and red coral jewelry production has thrived here for the last 1,000 years. The mountain town of Erice stands as an architectural gem, tucked away in a picturesque hilltop setting overlooking the countryside and the sea, defiantly protected by a wall, preserving its splendid medieval atmosphere.

The city of Porto Empedocle on Sicily's sun-soaked southwestern coast lies only six kilometers from Agrigento — serving as an ideal base for exploring the legendary archaeological sites. Spanning 1,300 hectares, Agrigento's Valley of the Temples boasts ten impressive Doric temples, three sanctuaries, a necropolis, statues, mosaics, and fortifications. These excellently preserved ruins of the ancient city have held UNESCO World Heritage status since 1997. If a respite is needed after visiting the Hera, Concordia, and Demeter temples, tranquility can be found in the fragrant Garden of Kolymbethra, surrounded by lemon trees and rosemary.

The municipal area of Syracuse features relics from cultural history spanning more than three millennia. In ancient times, this city was the most powerful in the known world, renowned for its splendor. Ortigia Island, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, marked the inception of Syracuse as an ancient city. The central cathedral, grand palaces adorning the Piazza, and inviting wide promenades define the old town. The archaeological park vividly resurrects Greek and Roman history. Syracuse exudes the charm of southern Italy, with laundry hanging outside the windows.

Goethe wrote, "Know the land where lemon trees bloom, oranges glow..." Sicily and the picturesque Baroque town of Catania, nestled at the foot of Mount Etna, served as inspirations during travels around Italy. In the fertile volcanic soil surrounding Catania, orange and lemon trees vie for brilliance, tempting one to savor the coastline with its splendid sandy beaches and striking rock formations. The town witnessed destruction due to a volcanic eruption and earthquake in the 17th century, leading to the emergence of an 18th-century Roman Baroque masterpiece, now designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.