EssentialItaly

Our Favourite Restaurants in Italy

We were discussing our best meals in Italy the other day in the office, and it turned into a bit a heated affair. There were just too many on the table, but we decided we could only choose one restaurant per region. Eventually we narrowed it down, and are all in agreement that this list brings back some spectacular dining experiences for us all. The deciding factors were often the company we were in, the great service we received, and of course the wonderful food, and these places stand out as our most memorable evenings. We’re sure that you have your own special corner of Italy that you would love to return to – or maybe do, year-after-year. Please do let us know your own personal list.

PUGLIA

Maddelena Helen and Sarah put this sea-front restaurant top of their list of places to dine in Puglia. The sea laps gently at your feet and the delicious dishes and wine flow freely (as you can see from the picture).

 

TUSCANY

Osteria del Teatro located in the medieval town of Cortona, this is home-from-home for Ian. The owner – Emiliano – never fails to deliver great food and amazing service in a spectacular location. In the summer months the terrace is definitely the best place to book a table.

 

SICILY

Il Consiglio di Sicilia - Donnalucata. A recent find for us. Genuine Sicilian home-cooking, with a great atmosphere and super service.

 

SARDINIA

Locanda Sant’Andrea  a recent addtion to the Essential Italy hotel family. This charming hotel in San Panteleo is home to a great restaurant which serves local delicacies and all with a smile.

 

Let us know what has been your most memorable dining experience whilst in Italy – we have tried MANY, but are always on the hunt for the next jewel-in-the-crown.

Buon appetito!

 

Be Pampered in Puglia

Want to be pampered this summer? Look no further than the Canne Bianche Beach Hotel and Spa.

The first thing to note is the hotel’s enviable position as it sits gracefully on the white sand beach of the Torre Canne bay. The sea itself forms part of the garden scenery as waves gently meander in front of palm trees, lawned greens, dainty little flower pots, mellow stone paving and the hotel's beach front swimming pool.

The outer space merges elegantly with the interior as floor-to-ceiling glass windows and fresh white decor give a light and airy feel throughout. Chic clay and stone coloured soft furnishings embellish the lobby, accessorised with intricately decorated wall lights and soft candles. The stylish pale decor continues into the bedrooms, themselves beautifully fashioned in understated chic.

The staff are friendly, cheerful and attentive. The hotel prides itself on offering the services of a four star hotel but with the friendly atmosphere and personal service that one experiences in boutique hotels and upmarket guest houses.

The newly opened luxury spa with Turkish bath and sauna occupies most of the lower floor. Thoughtfully designed ambient lighting is used to charming effect as soft wall lights, candles and sunken lamps create a diffused glow to instantly calm and relax. A full range of wellness treatments are on offer, including specialised massages, osteopathy and beauty treatments.  For romantics a ‘couples massage’ aimed at rediscovering the sweetness and vitality of couple harmony is also on the menu.

On the ground floor the Gambero Rosso restaurant offers the finest in Pugliese dining. In keeping with the rest of the hotel, the restaurant is encased in a large expanse of glass windows offering breathtaking views of the gardens and seafront. The food from the A La Carte menu is cooked to perfection with light bites and special requests made to order. The waiters are attentive and friendly and offer a host of knowledge on the dishes and ingredients being served.

One would be hard pushed to find a better place to relax this summer than the Canne Bianche Beach Hotel. The combination of beach front location, chic decor, friendly staff, wellness centre and top class restaurant make Canne Bianche one of the best beach front hotels in Puglia.

 

Spring in Sardinia

The sun is out and spring is definitely in the air. The months of April and May in Sardinia are usually stunning and this year is no disappointment that’s for sure. The winter has been a relatively mild one with a lot of rain ensuring that the spring is the greenest time of year on this beautiful island. The Mediterranean vegetation is at its best with a huge array of different bushes and shrubs just bursting into bloom to say nothing about the wild flowers along the roadside and in the hedgerows.

The vibrant pink cacti are just beginning to add a splash of colour to the scenery – locally they are called “Buongiorno” as they open to greet the day in the early morning sunshine and close again at night time.

The amazing mimosa trees are so full of blossom that often the branches reach the ground with the weight – these bright blooms are often used to celebrate “Ladies Day” on 8 March! 

The cisto grows wild – white flowers are dotted around the countryside in abundance for all of April and May -  from afar they look like large snowflakes.

The bright bottle-brush plant is at its’ best at this time of year – the brushes are fat and a beautiful shade of red adding a real splash of colour to the gardens.

Wild lavender grow anywhere that there is a sunny spot so loads of this softly coloured wonderfully scented bush – pick some and dry it upside down in the sun and then use to make your cupboards and drawers smell like spring all year round.

Lemons are a very important fruit in Sardinia – without them the delicious and rather alcoholic liqueur could not be produced. There is an abundant supply with lemon trees giving fruit 4 times a year. There is nothing to compare with the fragrance of a freshly picked lemon!

This is just a tiny taste of what you may expect to see and smell in Sardinia at this time of year - soon the poppies and daisies will be everywhere adding even more colour to the vibrant and ever-changing scenery.

And don’t forget the sea  – it seems to shimmer in the spring time with patches of striking turquoise contrasting with deep blue shades and all crystal clear! Just beautiful.

 

Puglia, an Artist’s Paradise

The Puglia region of southern Italy (the heel of the boot) is bordered by the Adriatic Sea to the east, the Ionian Sea to the southeast, the Strait of Òtranto and Gulf of Taranto in the south.

It is a sun-filled visual paradise where a backdrop of endless blue sky sets the scene for a dazzling display of vibrancy, light and colour.

The crystal clear seas sparkle in the mid-day sun, reflecting a delight of turquoise tones, breathtaking blues and iridescent indigos. The golden-white sand glistens gloriously in the sunshine and small fishing villages provide picture-perfect locations.

Ochre Leccese stonework adorns the streets where roadside vendors sell fresh fruits and vegetables in an artist’s palette of cherry reds, vivacious yellows, deep greens and vibrant oranges. White-washed houses with paint-pot coloured shutters boast balconies full of cascading geraniums and bright summer foliage.

Inspirational settings are found in the endless landscapes of fruit orchards, olive trees, vineyards, rolling hills and flat plateaus of the region. The national parks (Gargano, Torre Guaceto and Parco Naturale Regionale) provide a wealth of greenery, wild flowers and stunning views over the peninsula.

For accommodation brimming with creativity and inspiration we recommend Masseria La Rascina. Surrounded by never-ending fields of olive and almond trees, hosts Leonie and Paulo will amaze you with their incredible sense of style, imagination and originality.

The interiors are exclusively designed by Leonie who selects everything from the exquisitely decorated paintwork to the chic soft furnishings. The grounds are awash with an array of gorgeous greens, bright blues and intense terracotta, all set against the dazzling yellow exterior of the building.

Each room has its own unique layout, design and outdoor space. Room Ostuni features large veranda with inspirational evening views to the illuminated white town of Ostuni on the west and the azure waters of Adriatic Sea on the east.

 

Porto Rafael

This special corner of Sardinia holds a lot of memories for many of the residents and visitors that have enjoyed this little piece of heaven over the years. The Spanish founder, Rafael Neville, arrived in the 1960s and fell in love with the colour of the sea, the wonderful Mediterranean vegetation and amazing granite rock formations that are dotted along the coast. With his unique style and flair, a picture postcard sea-level square was designed and built with whitewashed houses encircling the piazza and access straight on to a little sandy beach with a couple of wooden jetties .

A wonderful and flamboyant character, Rafael filled the village with like minded people and his parties were unforgettable and often ran for days!

Such style was lost when he sadly died in the late 90’s but he left the wonderful gift of Porto Rafael to the locals and to those visitors who have been lucky enough to discover it over the last 60 years.

Here he is with one of his closest friends, Lady Maureen. I am off to buy a large hat and some dark glasses!

 

It’s Time to Discover Puglia

Located on the heel of Italy's boot and surrounded by the beautiful blue seas of the Adriatic and Ionian, Puglia offers a truly unique travel experience full of diversity.

Puglia’s crystalline waters, extensive history, excellent cuisine and extraordinary beauty will capture your imagination and leave you with unforgettable memories of south Italy.

This unspoilt region provides a mix of history, culture, fabulous Mediterranean food and wines, beautiful beaches, stunning architecture and a hospitality and warmth that will stay with you long after you leave. 

Puglia is described as a south Italian paradise; white-washed houses, narrow streets, baroque balconies, centuries-old olive groves, palm trees and stunning coastal retreats all form part of the fabulous scenery here. Yet beyond that, Puglia offers so much more.

A sense of modern adventure mixes with ancient cultures: scuba diving, boat tours, water parks, bicycle tours, wine tasting, top class restaurants, designer shops, music festivals, architectural sites, museums and art galleries, nature reserves and turtle watching are just a selection of the activities on offer. 

Of course, relaxation is key in Puglia and there is no better place to experience this than along the region's breathtaking coastline. Presenting some of Italy's most unspoilt beaches, the azure waters of the Adriatic, salt-water lagoons and the dramatic rocky coastline offer a picture-perfect location.

The perfect base to enjoy the region is the 18^th Century Palazzo Guglielmo guest house. Traditional features such as thick exposed walls, stellar vaulted ceilings and polished marble flooring bring a level of luxury that is hard to find elsewhere. Room rates are very reasonably priced and the incredible gardens and pool provide a wonderful oasis in the hot summer sun. 

For those who prefer self catering, the apartments below are located in a quiet country setting near the baroque city of Lecce. There are three stunning holiday villas located in the grounds. The city of Lecce offers a number of excursions, guided tours and local food markets.

• BaoBab
• Mimosa
• Melograni

 

Lecce in January

Helen writes: My eldest daughter, Minnie, is currently au-pairing in Lecce. Imogen (middle child) and I decided to pay her a visit during the last weekend in January to escape the grey skies of Cambridge – we weren’t dissapointed!

We arrived very late on Saturday evening and caught the brilliant shuttle service from Brindisi airport straight to Casa dei Mercanti where Min was awaiting our arrival with a super Gnocci supper at the ready. For anyone contemplating a weekend in Lecce, the Shuttle service offered by airshuttle.it can’t be beaten. Their friendly drivers will await your arrival at the airport and deliver you directly to your accommodation in Lecce for just €20 per head (payable directly to the driver). Casa dei Mercanti is right in the heart of Lecce and offers comfortable, modern accommodation. Breakfast is brought to your apartment each morning, and a daily clean is included in the very reasonable rates (from £78.00 per night for a couple).

On Sunday we wandered the old town visiting the beautiful Baroque Cathedral, and generally had an very lazy day. We lunched in Piazza Sant’ Oronzo, and in the evening dined at a local restaurant – Restaurante Persone – the only downside being I broke my ‘dry’ January resolution, the Canosa was simply too tempting to resist (and to be perfectly honest, I was resigned to the fact my resolution was 'going-out-the-window' the moment I booked the flights!).

On Monday we hired a car from the centre of the town and headed out to Otranto. While the harbour town was deserted and most shops closed on Monday, we had a fantastic fish lunch at Ristorante Miramare in glorious sunshine. There were just two tables occupied but no matter, the fish was excellent and we received great, attentive service. After lunch we headed to the small village of Casamasella where we had been in contact with the owners of Castello di Marco. They were keen for us to have a look at their Castello in the heart of the village with a view to adding it to our properties on offer in the area. If you are looking for the perfect venue for a family gathering, or a holiday with a large group of friends, this could be the property for you!  Castello di Marco dates back to the 12 Century and has been updated sympathetically over the years. The current owners are breathing new life into the castle with the addition of a small pool and Jacuzzi in the grounds, and what will be a stunning new kitchen and terrace for their guests. We’re due to go back again over the coming weeks to get new pictures of the pool and kitchen areas.

We headed back into Lecce and prepared for dinner (although I should add, our appetites weren’t exactly longing for dinner at this point). We met up with a Siobhain (about to join our Puglia team looking after clients on the ground in the region) who took us to her local village for supper. The village was like a ghost town, however,  once through the doors of Cantina don Carlo we realised everyone was there for dinner! – it was packed to the gills with locals. Any thought of being too full to eat another morsel left my mind instantly.  Another fantastic fish supper and another fabulous bottle of Pugliese wine followed.  Imogen, chose to have a pizza which are served straight from the pizza oven in measurements of half metres!

Imogen and I left Puglia on Tuesday having thoroughly enjoyed our January break in this fascinating region of Italy. Puglia never fails to impress me and always manages to add a few inches to my waistline (which in this case I don’t mind whatsoever, I’m happy to work harder on the ergos to make the next trip equally pleasurable). Fortunately I don’t have to wait too long for another taste of Puglia, we’re off to Ostuni on the 25^th February... Happy Days!

Our accommodation in the area:

• Casa Diso
• Palazzo Guglielmo
• Palazzo Gorgoni
• Il Convento di Santa Maria di Constantinopoli
• Casa dei Mercanti
• Mimosa
• Baobab
• Melograni
• Castello di Marco

 

 

The Extraordinary ‘Living Nativity’ at Vignacastrisi

The people of south Italy are famed for their warmth and kindness. The festival of the Presepe (nativity) held in Vignacastrisi during late December and early January is one of the many examples of the extraordinary community spirit that runs high here.

Every year, the villagers come together to create one of the largest living nativity scenes in the region. It is a truly incredible sight, and the whole village is used as the set. The streets are turned into pedestrian access only and are carefully lined with candles and flamed torches. Houses and businesses open their doors to reveal specially created grottos containing a range of human characters from old-style craftsmen, shepherds and farmers to the roman elite of the period.

The villagers themselves are dressed in old biblical clothing and at every turn one is greeted by a shepherd, goat, donkey, roman guard, musician, carpenter, weaver or blacksmith. Roman guards roam the streets with prisoners in rags pleading “Ho fatto niente” (I did nothing). Street musicians with accordions, drums and castanets wander through the alleyways.

In the main square, the 18th century Palazzo Guglielmo (YouTube video) transforms itself into a roman palace, complete with emperor and servants. The large courtyards of adjacent buildings become wash-houses and kitchens. Small hamlets reveal carpenters hand carving wooden furniture and sculptors working with clay.

On the roadside ironsmiths forge metals, field workers grind hay and prisoners peer through the railings of their basement dungeons. Grottos with old style bakers and cheese makers provide nibbles for the spectators as they weave their way enthusiastically through the streets.

The warmth and welcome from the villagers radiates throughout the evening. The night air, normally with a chill at this time of year, is brimming with exhilaration and anticipation. The atmosphere is one of joy and celebration. Walking through the village, one becomes completely immersed in the scene. It is easy to forget the problems of the world when so much joy and comradeship are present. One leaves Vignacastirisi with a feeling full of hope and pride at the human spirit. If ever there were a Christmas celebration to truly instill a sense of joy and peace, it is the exceptional community of Vignacastrisi and this dazzling display of the living nativity.

 

Winter Warmers

If the upcoming dark and dreary months fill you dread then why not book yourself a winter warmer week. The apartments in the village of Metato in Tuscany offer just the ticket. We cannot promise sunshine but we can assure a beautiful setting, fantastic views and a roaring fire to relax in front of with a glass of your favourite Tuscan red.

The accommodation, high in the hills above the Versilia Coastline, make for an amazing retreat. Combine this with the Viareggio Carnival which takes place in February and March and we think that you will return home rested and recharged. The Carnival in Viareggio is one of the highlights of the Tuscan calender - huge floats parade the seafront and the town is bristling with life. This combined with the relaxing atmosphere of Metato will provide just the right cocktail of Carnival mayhem and Metato calm.

SPECIAL OFFER

Apartments Nicolo and Federico: 15% reduction on published rates for the weeks commencing 16th, 23rd February and 2nd and 9th March.

 

Easy Jet announce new route – Luton to Catania

Catania is a fantastic city to spend a long weekend. We highly recommend EH13 as a base to explore the city.

EH13 located in the centre of Catania, within easy walking distance of the Duomo, Catania’s famous fish market and the Opera House... to name but a few of the sights.

See EH13 >

British Airways & Easy Jet also offer flights from Gatwick directly to Catania.

easyjet.com

britishairways.com