As with all of Italy, Palermo has an extremely extensive history. Palermo was previously ruled by the Byzantine Empire, then later ruled by Arabs as they established the Emirate of Sicily. This created a unique blend of Byzantine, Arab, and Spanish influence. Obviously, many empires sought after Sicily and it makes sense because it has a prime location in the Mediterranean Ocean, especially for economic strength. Throughout history, mankind has repeatedly abused Sicily while ignoring its dense history, and World War II continued that trend. In 1942 and 1943, Palermo was heavily bombed and captured by Allied forces and it remains one of the only cities in Italy that weren’t heavily protected from the war. Italy didn’t care for Sicily, they welcomed allied troops into that land because they don’t view Sicilians as Italians, a view which is strongly upheld today. Because of this immense history, Palermo is one of the most unique places I’ve ever visited and it is one of the great hidden gems of Italy. Also, keep in mind that Palermo is one of the cheapest places you will visit throughout your travels in Italy.

Sights & Attractions of Palermo, Sicily

Cattedrale de Palermo

The Cathedral of Palermo is one of the most complex churches throughout all of Italy. The church was first built back in 1185 on the area of an old Byzantine basilica. The renovations develop from left to right when you enter the Cathedral of Palermo from the main entrance. You can see the Gothic entrance with a mosaic of Madonna, towers from the Renaissance, as well as the Neoclassical dome. The architectural progression is as impressive inside as it is outside. There are stunning mosaics dating back to when the Cathedral was first built. Admission to the church itself is free but if you would like to visit the tombs, treasury, crypt, and terraces then it will cost 7 Euro. Look here for more information about the Cathedral of Palermo.

Palazzo Normanni & Cappella Palatina

The Palazzo Normanni (Norman Palace), also known as the Royal Palace of Palermo is the oldest royal residence in Europe and still serves as the seat of the Sicilian Regional Assembly. While the palace isn’t stunning from the outside, there are plenty of interior exhibits to explore. Inside, there are numerous exhibition spaces containing rotating galleries, numerous collections of artwork, Royal Apartments, and the infamous Palatine Chapel. This area is covered in luminous gold-colored mosaics with intricate details. You may sit in one of the viewing areas and sit in awe of the Muqarnas ceiling, influenced by Islamic architectural styles. Additionally, the Norman Palace in Sicily is relatively inexpensive to visit. Prices vary depending on the day, Friday – Monday will cost 8.50 Euro to visit, then Tuesday – Thursday will cost 7 Euro. Make sure you do not go on a Sunday if you would like to see the Palatine Chapel! You can visit the official website here to learn more about the Palazzo Normanni (Norman Palace).

Quattro Canti

The main square of Palermo, Quattro Canti, literally translates to “Four Songs”. The Piazza is located at the intersection of two main streets in Palermo and each corner, with its’ respective sculpture, is meant to represent different districts of the city. Quattro Canti almost always has people or a performer in it and I highly recommend walking through as many times during your stay in Palermo.

Teatro Massimo

The Teatro Massimo or Massimo Theater is one of the largest opera houses in Italy! When first built in 1897, it was the fourth largest in Europe, only behind some of the most famous opera houses in the world. If you’re a big movie fan, the final scenes of The Godfather III were filmed in the Teatro Massimo. The theater holds great cultural significance and is built n central Palermo. If you don’t have the opportunity to purchase tickets to a show, then you could also book a guided tour. You can purchase these at the visitor’s office inside in advance and tours start every half hour. Tickets will cost 8 Euros for an adult ticket. For more information about Teatro Massimo or Massimo Theater in Palermo, Sicily, visit their official website here.

Catacombe dei Cappuccini

The Catacombe dei Cappuccini or Capuchin Catacombs are one of the hidden gems in all of Europe. I can guarantee that this is one of the creepiest and surreal places you will ever visit. The Catacombs are located at an old church about a mile walk from the Quattro Canti (Center of Palermo). Once you pass Palazzo Normanni, you have largely left the “touristy” area of Palermo so try to better explore this part while you’re here. The story is that the Capuchin friars were established at this church in Santa Maria della Pace in 1534. They created a mass grave for deceased friars, underneath the altar in old ancient caves. By 1597, the grave had filled up quickly (remember people didn’t use to live so long), so they made another cemetery. When digging up the old bodies from the mass grave, ALL of the bodies had been naturally mummified and significantly recognizable. Capuchins believed this to be an act of God, so they decided to hang up the bodies on the wall to adore them. The first body in this new grave is still hung with a sign to commemorate the event (October 16th, 1599). By 1783 the catacombs became infamous, everyone wanted to be buried there. The church began to accept burial to most people, especially the rich and famous. In 1880, the Catacombe dei Cappuccini were officially closed. The final burial was one of two exceptions, a 2-year-old named Rosalia Lombardo, who died of the Spanish Flu, was mummified and encased in a glass box. If you visit the Capuchin Catacombs today, she will look as if she passed yesterday, despite being over 100 years old. I cannot emphasize enough if you visit Sicily at all, you must go to Palermo and visit the Catacombe dei Cappuccini for only 3 Euros. For more information regarding the Catacombe dei Cappuccini or Capuchin Catacombs, visit their official website here.

3 – Day Itinerary for Palermo, Sicily

Where to Eat in Palermo, Sicily

Buatta Cucina Popolana

Recommended by the Michelin Guide for good reason, Buatta Cucina Popolana provides an amazing dining experience at a reasonable price. Buatta Cucina Popolano is also centrally located on the historic via Vittorio Emanuele. If you are staying in central Palermo, Buatta Cucina Popolano will certainly be a stone’s throw away. They provide a rotating seasonal menu consisting of regional Sicilian cuisine. Make sure to take the server’s recommendation for wine and end dinner with an amazing cannolo! Find out more about Buatta Cucina Poplano in Palermo, Sicily, including their rotating menu, here.

Mercato Ballaro

As I mentioned earlier, Sicily is one of the most desired lands throughout all of history because of its close proximity to so many different regions. Because of this, Palermo has some of the highest quality fruit and vegetables, all of which you can find at the open-air market named Mercato Ballaro in Palermo. Make sure you stop by one of the numerous vendors to try fresh fruit, vegetables, and authentic Sicilian street food!

Cono & Co

If you are in Italy, you must have gelato, but if you are in Sicily, you must have brioche con gelato. Cono & Co offers this unique ice cream sandwich of a sweet and fluffy brioche bun, filled with your favorite flavor of gelato. It might sound weird, but I promise it’s better than you’d think. Cono & Co is also centrally located on via Maqueda, intersecting with via Vittorio Emanuele. Find more about Cono & Co on their official Facebook page here!

Where to Stay in Palermo, Sicily

Transportation, How to Get Around Palermo, Sicily

The weakest part about Palermo, Sicily, is definitely the public transportation. I provided a map of the transportation services to the left to help. However, it’s for mostly good reason because you will most likely not need to use public transport during your stay. Most attractions/restaurants will be in the center of town. The most reliable train leaves from the airport to Palermo Centrale. Tickets will cost 6 Euro one way, 10 Euro round trip. The train ride from Palermo Airport to Palermo Centrale will take around an hour. For more information about Palermo public transportation and how to get around Palermo, Sicily, visit this website.

Currency in Palermo, Sicily

Palermo uses the Euro and will be cheaper than most places for tourist activities and dinner. A typical dinner for two will most likely cost around 30 Euros without drinks.

The post All-Inclusive Insider Guide to Palermo, Sicily appeared first on Nick's Travel Tips.

Sights & Attractions of Milan, Italy

Duomo di Milano

One of the most beautiful churches in the world, the Duomo di Milano was first constructed in 1386, then finished in 1965. It is impressive how many generations of architects and engineers worked on the construction of the same church. This is one of the main reasons why there are many different styles incorporated into its design. The most notable is the Gothic style with the intricate spires surrounding the exterior of the cathedral. Some criticize the Duomo di Milano because of its illogical order but I think it makes it one of the must-visit churches in Italy. One of the best parts of the Duomo di Milano is that you can purchase a ticket to visit the roof for stunning views of the city. The tickets are relatively cheap and you can buy them at the ticket office nearby or online here. If you do not care too much about walking upstairs and aren’t claustrophobic, you can buy the stairwell ticket for 13 euros. If you’d rather take the lift (which may have longer wait times), you can purchase the lift ticket for 17 euros. More information about tickets and online booking available for the Duomo di Milano available here.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Milan is home to Italy’s oldest shopping mall, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. This landmark is named after the first king of the Kingdom of Italy and it was built in 1877. Here you will find touristy restaurants, cafes, bars, luxury stores, and various craft shops. If you would like to explore a lot of these shops then I recommend going to the Rinascente Milano shopping mall with 8 floors attached to the Galleria. The very top floor has restaurants, two of which have decks that are eye-level to the Duomo.

San Bernardino alle Ossa

You must take a short, but necessary trip to San Bernardino alle Ossa. This church is no more than a five minute walk from the Duomo. I had one of my most memorable experiences in all of my travels here. You may visit for free but there is a recommended donation (please donate!). When you walk into the church, you may sit down and look around, but make sure you visit the small side chapel. It is directly to the right of the entrance when you walk in. Stroll through this ominous hall and you come upon a room where all of the walls are decorated with skulls and bones. In 1210, this room was built to house bones from the cemetary since they ran out of room. They have been here ever since and the feeling is incomparable. After my journey to Palermo, I was reminded of this room when I visited the Catacombe dei Cappuccinni. Make sure you sit here for at least a little while to process this unique place, you might find yourself lost for words once you leave.

Castello Sforzesco

Castello Sforzesco (Sforza Castle in English), is one of the largest citadels still standing in all of Europe. The castle itself is about a 15-minute walk or less from the Duomo and definitely a must-see. When you walk up, you will see a beautiful fountain surrounded by merchants trying to scam you, just walk by and ignore them. Once inside the castle grounds, there are multiple museums and galleries ranging from halls of old instruments to Michelangelo’s last version of the Pieta (Rondanini Pieta). Note, that you may walk the castle grounds for free, but you cannot enter the museums without a ticket. Admission at the Sforza Castle will only cost you 5 euro, so even if you’re somewhat interested in one part of the museum, you should most definitely purchase a ticket. More information about the Sforza Castle and tickets can be purchased online here. Additionally, there is a restaurant on the castle grounds which isn’t too bad if you plan to spend a decent portion of your day there.

Santa Maria delle Grazie & Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper

Santa Maria Delle Grazie is close to the Castello Sforzesco, mostly because it served as the Sforza family burial site. The building was completed in 1497 but much of it was destroyed in 1943 because of bombings from World War II. One of the only walls that survived was the one that held the infamous Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci. Members had put sandbags in front of this wall in preparation for the bombings and potentially saved one of the most valuable artworks to this day. The reason many tourists visit Santa Maria Delle Grazie is to see Last Supper. Unfortunately, I was not able to see this unique, large masterpiece, but I will tell you how you can! It is somewhat expensive in terms of other sights you can see in Italy for 25 Euros. It includes an audio guide app because the typical guides are not available due to the Coronavirus. The typical price is 15 Euros, but I would keep up to date with price changes on this website. You can find all of your information on Santa Maria Delle Grazie and tickets for Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, here.

Pinacoteca di Brera

Located within the Palazzo Brera, The Pinacoteca di Brera is one of the most infamous art galleries in Italy. Synonymous with the Uffizi in Florence, this museum contains many religious works dating from the 15th century. Notable artists include Raphael, Caravaggio, & Giovanni Bellini. Currently, visits to the Pinacoteca di Brera are free! Make sure you plan your visit online on this website and you can also find more details about their gallery here.

3 Day Itinerary for Milan, Italy

Day 1 in Milan, Italy: Duomo di Milano, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, & San Bernadino alle Ossa

Day 2 in Milan, Italy: Castello Sforzesco & Santa Maria delle Grazie

Day 3 in Milan, Italy: Pinacoteca di Brera & Navigli District

Where to Eat in Milan, Italy

Near Duomo di Milano – Panzerotti Luini

One of the most famous places in all of Milan, Panzerotti Luini serves up amazing panzerotti for a quick street food lunch. Panzerotti are essentially mini calzones, they are made of dough, fried or baked, stuffed with savory or sweet fillings. At 2.50 Euro each, I recommend getting at least one savory and one sweet to try. Make sure to go here early in your trip, because you will definitely want to visit again.

Navigli District – Posto di Conversazione

The Navigli District in Milan is a beautiful area full of canals and a bustling nightlife. Go here for an aperitive after your long day of exploring Milan, then have dinner at Posto di Conversazione. This restaurant prepares fresh pasta and has some of the best in Milan. Make sure to call before and see if you can make reservations as it’s often booked.

TheLab – Burgers

TheLab is a little out of the way if you’re staying in the center of Milan, but it is well worth the trip. This burger place experiments with your tastebuds with unique burger combinations by using amazing local ingredients from northern Italy. This is a small place so make sure you make reservations before. TheLab is the perfect place for someone wanting something different, or a taste of home.

Where to Stay in Milan, Italy

The map to the left labels all of the areas of Milan. During my stay, I was in an Airbnb in the “Duomo Zone” or Zone 1. It is relatively easy and inexpensive to find a place to stay in this area. I was able to stay in a private room, for two nights, for $227 USD. I highly recommend staying in this central location, especially if you are only staying for a few nights.

Transportation: How to Get Around Milan Italy

Since Milan is one of the most expansive cities in Italy, it has excellent infrastructure. This means that Milan has a great metro, tram, and bus systems available throughout the city. You can buy several different passes including single tickets, 24 hours, and 48 hour passes. This public transport passes cost 2 Euro for single-use, 4.50 Euro for 24 hours, and 8.25 Euro for 48 hours. For more information regarding transportation in Milan, Italy, you can go here.

Currency used in Milan, Italy

Milan uses the Euro and will be about the average price for tourist activities and dinner. A typical dinner for two will most likely cost around 35 euros or $40 USD.

The post Sights & Attractions -Your All-Inclusive Insider Guide to Milan, Italy appeared first on Nick's Travel Tips.

Lake Como was my favorite place that I ever visited, so I strongly recommend to visit if you have the opportunity. In Lake Como, I chose to stay in Varenna, so for this post, I will be talking mostly about recommendations for Varenna. I believe that Varenna was the best option for my stay on Lake Como for cost and location. Lake Como is part of Northern Italy in Lombardy. The Lake is formed by glacial runoff from the Alps. Because of its beauty, Lake Como has always been a place for a luxury vacation, with homes owned here by people like George Clooney. John Legend and Chrissy Teigen have also been here multiple times and got married here. Scenes from Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones, were filmed in Lake Como. The views from each town within Como are so different and all beautiful, so I recommend visiting at least one of these small towns through the ferry. The best way to get to Lake Como is by train from Milan. The ride will take between 40-60 minutes depending on your ticket and cost around 7 euro each way depending on the time and speed of the train. One of the reasons I chose Varenna was because it was a stop on this train, which made it easy to get to but it still had the small-town charm.

Sights & Attractions in Lake Como & Varenna

Castello di Vezio

I would go to Castello di Vezio every day if I had the time during my stay in Varenna. The view from the castle is breathtaking. You’re allowed to wander about the old grounds as if it were a park. There are two different ways to get up to the castle, depending on where you’re staying. I was staying on the northern side of town, so I took a path that began between the buildings of Albergo Ristorante Montecodeno and La Casa di Lucia. This path is steep but very well developed, it is a long, wide slope with loose rocks. You will reach a small neighborhood once you’re at the top and there is also a place for water on the way from this path to Castello di Vezio. The other path is on the Southern side, by Villa Monastero (this trail is smaller and more grown in, but less steep). This path begins at the Cimitero di Varenna. Once you get up to the top, you will reach a refreshment station at the Castello di Vezio, where there is a bathroom, small snacks, sandwiches, and drinks right next to the ticket office. Purchase tickets for 3 euro each and walk down a gravel path that was ready to reveal the most beautiful view. There are plenty of benches to sit everywhere, so make sure you sit down and rest your feet after the walk up the mountain. If you walk to your left, you will go up to where the birds of prey are located and shown off at the Castello di Vezio. It is seemingly unethical since the birds are chained down and not allowed to fly far. Although, it is amazing to be allowed to see some of these huge hawks and owls so close up. Continue up the hill to the original standing tower, you can walk across the drawbridge and go up the tower to find another amazing view, probably the highest point you will be during your stay at Lake Como. Also, this entire time there is no staff in Castello di Vezio, it is largely unsupervised, walk around and explore at your own risk. If you continue downwards to the left of the birds, you will stumble upon the bunker that the Italians made to watch out for a German invasion from Switzerland during World War 1. This bunker at Castello di Vezio is completely preserved, down to the stench and cold feeling of the bunker. It transports you to another time and is such a weird but interesting addition to this beautiful Castle.

Villa Monastero

Villa Monastero in Varenna is one of the most popular attractions. It has a beautiful botanical garden which provides many different picturesque scenes since there are multiple paths. It will cost you 8 euro each to visit the Villa Monastero Botanical Gardens in Varenna. The ticket office is on the side of the Villa closer to the middle of town, near the parking garage. More information, including a brochure for the Villa Monastero in Varenna on Lake Como can be found here.

Piazza San Giorgio (Saint George’s Square)

St. George’s Square in Varenna is the center of Varenna, focused around the main church, St. George’s Church. This church was built between 1250 and 1300. It’s small and ominous on the inside but worth the quick visit. In other parts of the square, you will find multiple shops and restaurants. Be aware that these restaurants will be slightly more touristy than most, I recommend wandering through the small streets of Varenna and finding the restaurants hidden along the way. As a quick side note, the tall mountain behind the church is where Castello di Vezio is located for a frame of reference. You can find more information about the Piazza San Giorgio (Saint George’s Square) in Varenna, Lake Como, here.

Passeggiata degli Innamorati di Varenna (Walk of Lovers)

The Walk of Lovers in Varenna is one of the best things to do in town, it has breathtaking views along the water and takes you from the port for the ferry to the center of Varenna. It is beautifully constructed and there are benches along the way. At the little beach in this picture, there are a couple of gelato shops and restaurants. I strongly recommend stopping to grab a drink or gelato and sit down to enjoy the views around you at least a couple of times during your stay.

Bellagio

Bellagio is the other most popular small town to stay in on Lake Como. In my opinion, I believe Bellagio is less charming than Varenna. There are many more upscale restaurants and large, luxurious hotels than Varenna. Although, I do believe you must visit Bellagio. It is larger than Varenna, so there’s a lot to walk around and see. You can take a ferry to/from Bellagio and Varenna for 9.20 euro each round trip (4.60 euro each one way), take note that this is without a car. You will buy these tickets at the ticket office right outside the ferry stop. Make sure to keep an eye out on the schedule and if your ferry hasn’t arrived on time, make sure you ask about it, sometimes they can be late/early. More information on the ferry can be found here.

3 – Day Itinerary for Lake Como & Varenna

Day 1: Varenna & Castello di Vezio

As a warning for this itinerary for Lake Como – Varenna, the plans will be very loose since the best times I had in Bellagio and Varenna happened because I was walking around and stumbled upon something cool. For your first day in Varenna, it would be perfect to see everything that this amazing location has to offer, an important part of that is Castello di Vezio. This is a very loose itinerary since the Castello di Vezio trip will probably take you around 3-4 hours for your first time going up, so you will still have plenty of time left in your day in Varenna. If you can, pack a lunch or snack to eat once you get to the top of Castello di Vezio, or you could buy food there as well. Admire the views before walking back down to the center of town. Here, you can grab a drink by the water, check out the Walk of Lovers, and figure out a plan for dinner.

Day 2: Bellagio

For a day trip to Bellagio from Varenna, I strongly recommend you wake up early and get going. Take one of the earlier ferries from the port in Varenna, right near the beginning of the Walk of Lovers. Once you are in Bellagio, I recommend walking north, past the nice hotels, and going to a popular outlook. You will be at the base of the “Y” formation that Lake Como forms and you will have beautiful views. It’s called Punta Spartivento, there is a restaurant there if you need a snack or drink. Once you sat down here for a little while you should take a walk through town and explore, just take the same way back and walk up the stairs from the water. If you’d like to explore past the town you can visit the nearby fishing village in Bellagio. Walk down to the Scalotta per Pescallo (a stone stairway leading down to the ocean) to get to a part of Bellagio that tourists don’t usually see. It will be quiet and quaint, with a harbor full of fishing boats and more views. I did not find much to do in Bellagio except for walk around the shops and eat in restaurants. As a warning, most restaurants WILL NOT let you sit down just for a drink in Bellagio. While you are in Bellagio, you should buy some Bellagio silk and touristic items, this is the time to buy them. Get an earlier dinner to make sure that you catch the ferry, then go relax by the water near the ferry stop.

Day 3: Varenna, Villa Monastero, & Walk of Lovers

This last day in Varenna is mostly what you want to make of it. I recommend seeing the Villa Monastero and its botanical gardens on this relaxed day. You should explore every street in Varenna and take a break wherever you find it interesting. On this day, you could also go back up to Castello di Vezio or hike the trails that are up the hill from Varenna.

Where to Eat in Lake Como – Varenna & Bellagio

Il Cavatappi – Varenna

A wonderful small restaurant with an almost fine dining experience. I went here for an Easter dinner during my stay. Here, I had one of the best wines and meals I’ve ever had. Make sure you make a reservation here since tables are limited.

VarennaMonamour – Varenna

Slightly more casual than Il Cavatappi, VarennaMonamour is near that small beach at the end of the Walk of Lovers, up the alley from Caffe Varenna. It has a couple of outdoor seats and much more indoor seating. They have an amazing seafood selection and handmade traditional pasta dishes.

Caffe Varenna for a Drink – Varenna

Caffe Varenna is one of the more touristy restaurants since it is directly on the water. It is at the end of the Walk of Lovers if you start from the ferry port. I recommend stopping here for a drink or a pizza at least once to enjoy the view.

Antico Pozzo Ristorante – Bellagio

In peak season, it is extremely difficult to find a decent restaurant in Bellagio, Antico Pozzo Ristorante was one of the few I found that balanced their size and quality of food. The service was ok, but you cannot complain when you get great seafood risotto and cheap house wine. The outdoor seating is also a great touch.

Ristorante Bilacus – Bellagio

If you’re lucky, you will try to have a meal at Ristorante Bilacus in their outdoor area. They have a beautiful garden outside and they serve great food. Although, expect smaller portion sizes, I recommend the risotto for a filling meal.

Torre del Borgo For a Drink – Bellagio

Let me remind you that there will be a lot of walking in Bellagio, which doesn’t combine well with restaurants that don’t allow you to sit down and just have a drink. Torre del Borgo is an extremely casual restaurant with paninis and pizza in the Piazza della Chiesa. This place was a sanctuary for me for over an hour. All I had to do was order cheap, chilled house wine and relax in the square. It was a relief to have a place serve us a drink without needing to order food.

Where to Stay in Lake Como & Varenna

For Lake Como, you have a choice between many different towns to stay in. Most people choose between Como (the largest city), Menaggio, Bellagio, and Varenna. Como is the easiest to get to, most convenient, but the views and charm aren’t there as much. Menaggio is almost as nice as Varenna and easiest to get to if you’re coming from Switzerland. Bellagio usually requires at least one ferry to get to and has the most tourists and abundant nightlife. Varenna is the smallest of the three and my recommendation. I think it’s the balance of everything. It was easy to do on a budget, easy to get to, more charming than other places on the Lake, and had an assortment of attractions as well as great restaurants. If you’re lucky enough to find an Airbnb here, I believe that is the best for convenience and price. You can cook breakfast and have a nicely located place to rest up.

Transportation: How to get around Lake Como & Varenna

Above is a map of the ferries in Lake Como, notice the Red and Blue make stops at almost every area, they both make trips all the way down to the town of Como. The one that you will most likely take if you are staying between Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio is the yellow triangle. The tickets are around 4.60 euros each one way. This is only the price for passengers on the ferries, which is the best budget option. There are private boats, transport for vehicles, and other types of transportation available for different prices. For more of that information, you can click here.

Currency Used in Lake Como & Varenna

Italy uses the Euro, which is currently exchanged at around $1.10 USD for 1 Euro. So it’s not that much more expensive, but keep in mind that you’re always spending 10% more. Which might not seem like a huge difference but a 40 euro meal turns into a $48 meal. Meals and cost of living in Varenna will be more expensive than other destinations, so keep this in mind while booking your accommodations. I would say an average meal for dinner is around 50 euro including wine.

The post Sights & Attractions – Your All-Inclusive Insider Guide to Lake Como – Varenna appeared first on Nick's Travel Tips.

Sights & Attractions of Sorreto, Capri, & Pompeii

Sorrento

The town of Sorrento is the perfect place to stay for a few days if you want Amalfi Coast views and location without the price. In my opinion, Sorrento is amazing and has a much better charm than many of the Amalfi Coast towns. There are many things to do in town, as well as in the area. Walk around the downtown area to find yourself at the beach, on streets littered with shops, and a piazza with views of Vesuvius.

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Capri

Capri is a must-see if you’re staying in Southern Italy. This island is expensive to stay at, so you’ll likely be taking the ferry from another town you’re visiting. You could choose to do a boat tour as part of that ferry. I’d recommend doing the large boat that brings you around the island, shows you the grottos, then leaves you with free time on the island. These tickets will cost around 50 euro compared to the 30 euro (Round trip) ticket you’d pay for the ferry. Make sure to pack a few snacks, because you will most likely be spending your whole day on the island.

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Monte Solaro

If you have free time on Capri, you must visit the highest point, Monte Solaro. There is a chairlift in Piazza Vittoria in a small town named Anacapri. Now, you can walk here from the main port, it’s all uphill and will take about an hour but it’s a beautiful path. Once in Anacapri there is a chairlift, or you can keep walking. The chairlift will take about 12 minutes and is an individual chairlift. It costs 12 euro round trip, 9 euro one way. Don’t be too worried about heights as the chair leans back so you don’t feel like you’re in danger, besides the views are worth it. If you go up there later in the day, your head will be in the clouds (like in my picture here). There is a small cafe for snacks and refreshments here as well, but I’d recommend bringing some snacks from somewhere else since it is quite expensive.

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Belvedere di Tragara Lookout

One of the lookouts for the iconic Faraglioni, I believe that this one gives you the best views. A good thing to know is that almost every lookout and path on Capri has a sign. If you want to, use google maps and put in Hotel Punta Tragara, the viewpoint is directly next to this hotel.

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Blue Grotto

The Blue Grotto in Capri is one of the most sought out destinations. I never went to the Blue Grotto and I am not going to try to sell its beauty. From everyone I know, I have heard that it is a complete rip off for your time and money. You will have to pay 14 euro per person, wait until a boat becomes available then you will spend a very short amount of time in the crowded grotto (under 5 minutes). My main point is that if you’re only going to have 8 hours on this island, then I think that there are better things to spend your time on.

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Pompeii

I’m not sure how to describe the ruins of Pompeii, but it is a truly surreal experience to walk around this once flourishing city. The best way to get here is the Circumvesuviana train and get off at the Pompeii stop. The entrance is very close to the stop and there will be long lines. Make sure you purchase a ticket from an official Pompeii vendor, there are many people selling knock-off tours and tickets in the area. Like many other things, you can book a private tour if you’d like, but I prefer to do my own walk and go on my own schedule. The tickets will cost 16 euro for the day and there is a luggage deposit available at the Pompeii entrance for free. Since Pompeii is so large, I recommend spending around 3-4 hours here. I used Rick Steve’s Audio guide to help navigate my walk around the ruins of Pompeii.

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Herculanem

While much smaller, Herculanem is much more preserved than Pompeii. If you don’t want to walk too much or spend too much time here, then Herculanem is a good alternative to Pompeii. The tickets will cost 13 euro for the day. You could use an audio guide for here as well since there is so much history in each monument in Herculanem.

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Mount Vesuvius

If you have your whole day planned around visiting Pompeii, I’d recommend making a trip up to Mount Vesuvius while you’re there. There is a ticket office outside of the back entrance of Pompeii (by the old colosseum area) to buy tickets for a shuttle up to Vesuvius. These might be a little pricey at around 22 euro, but they will be your best option for getting up there if you don’t have a car. The service includes entrance to Vesuvius and brings you right to the base where the ticket office is. Be careful on the windy climb up, the paths are wide, but steep and almost all loose rocks/dirt. Although, once you get up there you get to see extraordinary views from on top of the volcano and take a peek inside of Vesuvius. Make sure if you use this shuttle service, that you tell them to drop you off at the Pompeii Circumvesuviana stop!

3 Day Itinerary for Sorrento, Capri & Pompeii

Day 1: Sorrento/Home Base

Explore your home base in Sorrento. Walk around the streets of Sorrento with all of the shops selling every lemon/limoncello product imaginable. Take a walk to the Municipal Villa and walk down the ramp to Via Marina Piccola. There will be several places where you could rent a chair or beach towel and lie down on the piers. You can take a whole day down here if you’d like but I preferred to walk around the town. Walk back up the path after relaxing on the beaches, then take a trip back into town and get lunch. Then visit Villa Fiorentino Park and Museum, which is all free (some time inside might be nice if it’s especially warm outside). Take some time afterward to explore shops, grab a drink somewhere and look for a place to eat dinner.

Day 2: Pompeii & Vesuvius

Take the Circumvesuviana train from the Sorrento or Sant’Angnello stop. Each of these stops has a ticket office where you buy tickets for your destination. The train will take you around half an hour to Pompeii. Once at the Pompeii stop, you will walk past a cafe and tourist shop towards the entrance. Lines can be long, so be prepared to stand and sit in the sun for a while. Like I mentioned earlier, I used Rick Steve’s Audioguide for Pompeii. I found it very helpful since Pompeii is quite large and has lots of history for each section. You can find his audioguide here. Make sure to sit down every now and then in Pompeii to rest, because you will be here for a while and you will be sitting in the Sun. I encourage you to pause Rick Steve’s audio guide whenever you’d like to look more closely at the monuments. Once done with the audioguide, walk down towards the Amphitheater and look around, there is a museum to walk around a little bit. Once finished in that area, you can proceed out of that exit. Once outside of this exit you will see a travel agency next to a pizza shop. Stop into that travel agency and you can buy tickets up to Vesuvius. The buses run about every hour. They will take you up to the mountain, and pick you back up in an hour. Come down and find the people you took the bus with and wait with them for the shuttle. The volcano near the box office can be a mess with all of the people trying to find their shuttles, so make sure to try to stay with your people. Once done, make sure you tell the driver to drop you off at the Pompeii train station to get back home and enjoy dinner back in Sorrento.

Day 3: Capri

From Sorrento, you can book a boat tour to Capri. The one that I took only included a guided tour around the island and ferry ticket, with free time on Capri. Looking back, I wish I had done one of the all-inclusive tours with lunch, bus tickets, and free time built in. I think this ticket is best for the value. Although it depends on what works best for you. Some people want to have free time for themselves at a cheaper price and don’t like the planned itineraries. Either way, the general layout will provide transport to the boat to Capri (a harbor about 15 minutes away), they take you around the island of Capri, showing you all of the various grottos. They also take you under the famous Faraglioni rock formation. Then you will arrive at the island of Capri. From here, you will take a bus or walk up to Anacapri and take a chairlift from there to Monte Solaro. Hang out there for a little by the cafe and then come down to spend some time in Anacapri. You can then take a bus or walk down to Capri, find a place to eat. Then walk over to the Belvedere de Tragara lookout for one last look at the Faraglioni Rock Formation before you depart Capri.

Where to Eat in Sorrento, Capri, & Pompeii

Sorrento: Il Ruttino

A small restaurant in the town of Sant’Agnello near Sorrento, this is right next to Hotel Crawford. If you’re staying in this area, you must go to Il Ruttino. The staff there was exceptionally friendly and I had a woman standing outside encouraging me to eat there every night of my stay. I finally went and didn’t regret it. They have good pizzas and cheap wine, enjoy your meal here in this small town restaurant.

Sorrento: O’Murzill

Another small restaurant, O’Murzill is located on a lowkey street in the middle of Sorrento. Try their local seafood dishes and signature Gnocchi all Sorrentina. They have a great selection of wine and desserts homemade daily. There may be a wait, but the queue is worth it.

Capri: Lo Zodiaco

If you’re in Capri, you at least want an ocean view and central location, right? Lo Zodiaco offers exactly that, located right by the Marina Grande or main port of Capri. This restaurant offers beautiful views and plenty of traditional seafood dishes, and other typical Southern Italian dishes for non-seafood lovers. It is one of the most popular restaurants in Capri due to its location and price, so be ready for a wait if you visit during the busy season.

Pompeii: Stuzzico Ristorante

This restaurant is right outside of the back exit of Pompeii near the Amphitheater. If you have the time, you could sit down and enjoy a reasonably priced meal for such a touristy spot. You could also walk in and get sandwiches to go if you’d like to sit down somewhere else outside or if you’re short on time. This place offers decent Italian fare and is one of the best you can get for being in an area as touristy as Pompeii.

Where to Stay for a Trip to Sorrento, Capri & Pompeii

Sant’Agnello: Hotel Crawford

I think that Hotel Crawford was one of the best deals I found while traveling. It is in Sant’Agnello (a town outside of Sorrento) but is about a 15-minute walk to Sorrento City Centre. As a result this hotel is relatively low cost. It has 4-star accommodation and has a hot tub and roof deck to provide stunning views of Sorrento. The staff there was so helpful. There is a free breakfast with lots of options provided with your stay. The hotel has plenty of options for excursions as well for your convenience.

Public Transport for Sorrento, Capri & Pompeii

The Blue line is the line you will most likely take throughout your trip. It starts off in Naples, where it will be very crowded, keep an eye on your stuff and your pockets on this loud but safe and efficient train. It will be around 4 euro a person to get from Naples to Sorrento. This train will take you about 1 hour and 15 minutes. If you are only traveling to Pompeii then it will take about 40 minutes and cost closer to 3 euro.

Currency in Sorrento, Capri, & Pompeii

Italy uses the Euro, which is currently exchanged at $1.10 for 1 Euro. So it’s not that much more expensive, but keep in mind that you’re always spending 10% more. This might not seem like a huge difference but a 40 euro meal turns into a $48 meal.

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Sights & Attractions of the Canary Islands

Las Palmas

Las Palmas is the capital of Gran Canaria and the largest city in the Canary Islands. There are many things to do in the city depending on the type of trip you want. You can go to the beach of Las Canteras, walk the streets of the old town of Vegueta, as well as visit the Las Palmas Cathedral.

Playa Del Ingles & Maspalomas

Maspalomas is home to two of the best attractions in Gran Canaria. This is where I stayed for the balance of the beach, natural attractions, and nightlife. You can spend the day on the beach then wander into the desert. Although if you are walking along the desert as an American and not used to nude beaches, just be warned that the section of the beach right around the desert has many nudists along the beach. At night you can go to Playa Del Ingles with fun nightlife and a large gay community.

Roque Nublo

A little north of Maspalomas, Roque Nublo is a great hike to take and capture views of Gran Canaria. On a good day, you will be able to see Mount Teide on Tenerife. The hike itself begins from the parking lot below. The hike is a relatively easy, but long loop. It will take around 2 and a half hours, make sure to incorporate breaks as there are many views on the way.

Mount Teide

This volcano is on the most popular island, Tenerife. Mount Teide is the highest point above sea level in Spain. It will be an adventure even to the base of the volcano, but once you’re there, you can take a cable car up to the top. Standing at 24,600 ft, Teide is the fourth tallest volcano in the world. I suggest Mt. Teide and surrounding parks to be a whole day trip and be prepared for the day with snacks and food.

Timanfaya National Park

On the beautiful island of Lanzarote, you must go to see all of the beautiful landscapes and nature. Much of that resides within Timanfaya National Park. The entire park consists of highs and lows of mountains. The large variety of rocks and minerals, as well as shadows, creates lots of color variation in the views of the island.

3 Day Itinerary for the Canary Islands

Day 1: Maspalomas Desert & Playa del Ingles

I believe important for you to stay in the place you’re residing at least for the first night to see what the area around you has to offer. In the morning, make a quick breakfast and go down to the beach. Go back to your rental in the early afternoon to maybe shower then go out to grab lunch and wander into the desert. Pack with plenty of water or grab a frozen cocktail to sip on while you walk through the desert. I walked from Playa De Maspalomas back to my rental in Playa del Ingles, which was a long walk but worth it. After dinner, take a trip to Yumbo Centrum for a little taste of the nightlife.

Day 2: Mount Teide & Tenerife

Since I was staying in Maspalomas, Mount Teide might as well have been on the other side of the world, so I booked my trip through a third party company (Okgrancanaria), to avoid logistical complications. This was the longest day I had during my stay in the Canary Islands but it was worth the trip. The ferry from Las Palmas to Santa Cruz de Tenerife was about 2 hours, so make sure you get up early and leave late to make the most of your day if you’re not staying on Tenerife. If you have a rental car, it would probably be the easiest for this trip, but my travel guide took us to different lookouts of Teide but we never made it up to the summit, unfortunately. Then the last part of our trip was at a little town on Tenerife named La Orotova.

Day 3: Roque Nublo

This day will be a little bit more relaxing, especially since it will be the last day before you leave the Canary Islands after your 3 days stay. Take a bus or your rental car to the parking lot below Roque Nublo and take the hike after an early breakfast. Once finished, return back to Maspalomas and rest on the beach in the afternoon or wander around the various shopping malls. Get a nice dinner and enjoy the last night in this beautiful place when you realize you’ll have to come back.

Where to Eat in the Canary Islands

Tipsy Hammock

Located in Maspalomas right along Playa de Ingles, I went here all but one day during my stay. The environment is lively, outdoors, and fun. It is slightly more expensive than the other places but worth it for the food and amazing drinks they have to offer. They have typical American fare of burgers, sandwiches. Make sure you check their schedule routinely for live music and other performances and get a few large drinks to spend a couple of hours here.

Strandapotheke

A small, German gay bar along Playa de Maspalomas, this place is perfect for a small meal while on this side of the desert. The staff is very friendly and has a great pub environment with amazing currywurst. If it’s hot, treat yourself to one of their pitchers of sangria to brighten up your day.

Mana 264

A Spanish Tapas restaurant near Playa de Ingles, Mana 264 offers many delicious small plates in the comfort of Yumbo Centrum. I suggest getting a few drinks in the area before, getting dinner here, then going back to the bars that you were at earlier in the night. All of their food was delicious and service impeccable, especially compared to other restaurants in the area which scream tourist trap.

Where to Stay in the Canary Islands

I stayed at an Airbnb near Hiperdino Express Hamburgo, a convenience store in the area. The airbnb was perfect for two people. It had a balcony, kitchen, shower, and was part of a larger apartment building like the one seen in the photo. There was also a pool included with the property but I did not use it at all. I strongly recommend weighing your options in the Canary Islands as many places will be more resort-like and thus cost much more money. There are different areas with different price ranges and more cost-effective apartments like the one I stayed in.

Transportation in the Canary Islands

Every island in the Canary Islands has a bus service with stops at the main locations. This is how I got to and from the airport in Gran Canaria. Bus service and schedules vary by the island but here is the link that will direct you to all of them. https://www.angloinfo.com/how-to/spain/canaries/transport/public-transport/buses-in-the-canaries

Pictured here is the bus I used in Gran Canaria. The bus from the airport to Maspalomas takes about an hour and a half, tickets will cost 1.40 euro per trip per person.

Currency used in the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands uses the Euro, which is currently exchanged at $1.10 for 1 Euro. So it’s not that much more expensive, but keep in mind that you’re always spending 10% more. Which might not seem like a huge difference but a 40 euro meal turns into a $48 meal.

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Sights & Attractions in Barcelona, Spain

Sagrada Familia

Possibly the most intricate and unique cathedral in the world, The Sagrada Familia is worth every penny. You need to buy your tickets well ahead of time and make sure you buy them on the website for the cathedral and not from any other third-party sellers. I strongly recommend you buy the ticket with the audioguide (25 euros) since you can spend hours gazing at the beautiful architecture. Keep an eye on the progress of the construction of the church since it is over 100 years old set to be finished by 2026. It’s confusing when you first get there, make sure you take a look at both sides of the cathedral before your entrance time.

Park Guell

While it may be somewhat complicated to get to, Park Guell is amazing. It offers beautiful views of the city with cool architecture that makes you feel like you’re in a fantasy world. To get there you have to take the 24 bus which is normal public transport and they run pretty frequently. If you do decide to walk from wherever you are, expect a steep 10 minute uphill walk. Once you get to the ticket office, take a left and walk by the Gaudi House Museum (not worth the money for it, unless you’re really interested), then you will see the main courtyard. Hop into the line about 15-20 minutes before your time and you will be fine. After the paid entrance, you can walk around the rest of the park for free. I recommend going straight up the path up the hill, keep right and you will get to an observation area with benches with more beautiful views of the city.

Gaudi’s Houses

Gaudi’s houses are in various places in Barcelona but they are mostly centrally located. One of the most well-known is pictured here, Casa Mila. I never bought a ticket because I did not think it was worth it (29 euro), with all of the other money you need to spend in Barcelona. Although, all of the houses are certainly worth taking a look at. Casa Batllo is the other most famous one and it’s located down the road from Casa Mila. Take the extra few minutes to venture down Passeig de Gracia to observe these beautiful structures.

Mercado de la Boqueria

A large public market on La Rambla, you will find cheap, delicious lunch here every day. There are fresh juice smoothies for 1 euro (strawberry pictured here). Empanadas, fresh meat, cheeses, fish, and fruit are also all available. There was no problem for me here with a language barrier. Make sure you have cash. Walk around the entire market before buying anything. Then buy as much as you can, especially things you might have never seen or tasted before.

Ciutadella Park

The Arc de Triomf was created as the main access gate for the Barcelona World Fair in 1888. Today, the long walkway leads you to Ciutadella Park. This walk is full of performers and “vendors”. At the end of the walkway, you will cross the street into the first public space of Barcelona. Inside the park, there is a botanical garden, Museum of Natural Sciences of Barcelona (looks like a castle), plenty of statues, and a zoo at the very end. The park is well taken care of, but the trails are all dirt. If there is rain the day before or day of, then make sure you dress accordingly.

National Palace

The National Palace sits upon the bottom of the hill of Montjuic. This area was built for another world exhibition in 1929 after 1888 was such a success. Today, the National Palace holds a museum for Catalan art. The walk up to this building is long and begins from a large roundabout. On some of the parts, there are escalators available. There is a food cart at the top with expensive and bad food if you’re desperate. Try to go here on a nice day so you can see the Magic Fountain in action. As a side note, I never went into the building but I’m sure it would be worth the money if you’re into art and architecture.

Olympic Park at Montjuic

Further up Montjuic, past the National Palace, stands the large grounds which were also built for the 1929 World Fair. These grounds were also used to host the 1992 Summer Olympics. Once you are up the hill there are 3 main parts of these grounds: the right side (pictured here), with views of the city and this alien-like communications tower; the middle with a stadium for track and field; the left side with the soccer stadium. I suggest using Google Maps your entire time here to make sure you’re going where you want. Everything is well maintained on these grounds but unless there’s an event going on, it will feel desolate. This was the coolest part about being here, was having this entire space to yourself. If you wanted to, you could lie down and read a book in the grass too.

Tibidabo

Tibidabo itself is a mountain overlooking Barcelona. At the summit is the church (Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus) pictured here. There is an amusement park adjacent to the church. You can take the Funicular up to the mountain, then take bus111 up to the church or walk up to adore views on your way.

3-day Itinerary for Barcelona

Day 1: Park Guell, Gaudi’s Houses & Sagrada Familia

This will be a busy day, and you can choose which one of your days best suits this activity but these are the main attractions on their side of Barcelona. Also, seeing all of Gaudi’s work in one day lets you compare all of them. Make sure you buy your tickets in advance, have one in the morning and one in the afternoon. I suggest doing Park Guell in the morning, then going to the Sagrada around sunset if possible. The inside of the cathedral is beautiful with light shining through but it’s also different after the sun goes down. Between the two, you can go over to Passeig de Gracia to see Gaudi’s houses and eat. Then go to the Sagrada Familia afterwards.

Day 2: Ciutadella Park, National Palace & Olympic Park at Montjuic

This day doesn’t require you to spend any money! All of these areas are public unless you wanted to go into the National Palace Museum. You can also choose how much time you spend in each of these areas. The park is nice to walk around for a little bit and the arc is cool. Then the zoo is near the park also. Then venture to Montjuic, but make sure you go from the side with the rotary. Then you can walk up to the National Palace on the large steps/escalators up. Sit at the top to rest before walking further up the hill to Olympic Park. There are also several other parks in this area to wander around in if you’d like.

Day 3: Tibidabo

The church here is amazing and the amusement park seems like the perfect way to unwind on the last day of your trip. Start early and take the cable car up the mountain. Both the park and church are open from 11am to 6pm, so decide which one you’d like to do first. If the time’s right, the view of the city will be amazing during sunset.

Where to Eat in Barcelona

Where to Stay in Barcelona

This map to the left labels the neighborhoods of Barcelona. In general, Gotico and the immediate neighborhoods around it, are the best places to stay in Barcelona. It will be easy to navigate transportation from here and you’ll be close to plenty of important landmarks like the Barcelona Cathedral, Saint Jaume Square and Bisbe Irurita Street.

Transportation, How to Get Around Barcelona

Here is a metro map for Barcelona, this doesn’t even include the bus lines. Barcelona is a big city and the attractions aren’t that close, so get familiar with their public transport if you plan on traveling on a budget. You can buy tickets for public transport at any metro stop. I bought the 10 trip ticket, which worked fine for five days between two people. It costs 10,20 Euro which saves money in the long run because a single trip ticket is 2,20 Euro. If you’d like to include airport transport as well, you can buy the Hola Barcelona card, but make sure you buy it through an official partner/site.

Currency used in Barcelona

Barcelona uses the Euro, which is currently exchanged at $1.10 for 1 Euro. So it’s not that much more expensive, but keep in mind that you’re always spending 10% more. Which might not seem like a huge difference but a 40 euro meal turns into a $48 meal.

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