Southern Italian Sojourn

The grand city of Naples beckons with a vibrant waterfront. Within the bay stands Megaride Island, home of the Castel dell’Ovo. Legend has it that the poet Virgil housed a magical egg there that protects it, and the very city, from ruin. A jaunt through the city takes you through a blend of architecture and art. And Neapolitans agree you should take a walk through Via dei Tribunali, "Pizza Alley," for the best slice with signature charred dough. For a look into times past, make your way to Mount Vesuvius. Here you will find the surrounding ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum.

The island of Capri is the gem of the Bay of Naples. In Capri you can marvel at the whitewashed homes and villas, fragrant lemon trees and flower-filled courtyards. From the water, be sure to visit the Grotta Azzurra (Blue Grotto), which is only accessible by boat. Once inside the cave, you can marvel at the water’s sapphire color, which is caused by the light refraction from the hidden opening in the rock. Also from the water, see the Arco Naturale on the east coast of the island. Dating from the Paleolithic age, the limestone arch is the remains of a collapsed grotto.

The vertical town of Positano sits on a cliff along the renowned Amalfi Coast. Every adventurer agrees that a view of the horizon from atop the village is a sight to behold. The colors of the houses along the coast mixed with the majestic shades of a sunrise or sunset paint an unparalleled picture that must be seen in person to appreciate its full beauty. Amid the labyrinthine staircases and walkways you may find a local ceramics shop where their wares make the perfect memento to take home. While it may be a small town, Positano is anything but boring with a thriving nightlife in hot spots like Music on the Rocks, a night club on cliff’s edge that takes its name literally.

Off the coast of Sicily you find the volcanic Aeolian Islands, the largest of which is Lipari. But not to worry, as the island’s last eruption took place over 1,000 years ago and the only signs of volcanic activity today are fumaroles and thermal springs. From a place in ancient Greek mythology to UNESCO World Heritage status, the Aeolian Islands and Lipari hold a rich and intriguing history. Seek the ultimate views with an invigorating hike through Monte Rosa. Archaeological excavations within the citadel tell a story dating as far back as the Neolithic era.

In a crescent-shaped coastline on the west end of Sicily you will find the Italian city of Trapani. From many of its landmarks and historic sites, you can discover views of the surrounding Aegean Islands and Tyrrhenian Sea. Ligny Tower, located on the west coast overlooking the Sicilian Channel, stands as a proud symbol of the city. When it’s time for a lunch break, stop at a local restaurant and order the red prawns of Mazara del Vallo, known as ammaru russu in Sicilian. Trapani also lies beneath Mount Erice, the gateway to the archaeological site of Selinunte.

The town and commune of Porto Empedocle on the coast of the Strait of Sicily leads the way to the province of Agrigento. Here you find the connection between ancient Greece and Italy, with a smattering of ruins to explore, from the Valley of the Temples to the Temple of Juno. Spend a pleasant beach day at Lido Azzurro, lying on the warm golden sands with blue sky and sea stretching as far as the eye can see. Take a stroll through Jardin de la Kolymbethra, amid olive, citrus and almond trees, terebinth, myrtle and many other plants.

The Mediterranean Island Gozo is one of 21 that make up the archipelago nation of Malta. But it’s perhaps best known as Calypso’s Isle, as described in Homer’s The Odyssey. With scenes of fishing villages, serene bays and verdant landscapes among rolling hills with small farms, it offers a quaint backdrop for a quieter adventure. But Gozo also offers ancient ruins and historic landmarks like the ?gantija Temples, one of the island’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a Neolithic limestone structure. Near the port of Mgarr is a popular beach for snorkeling and a secluded day of relaxation, Mgarr ix-Xini.

The capital of Malta, Valletta, is a treasure trove of architecture and art. The sight of this fortress city immediately astounds the senses. For the pop culture aficionado, Valletta’s scenery served as the backdrop for the Streets of Flea Bottom in HBO’s hit series Game of Thrones. Along the Grand Harbor travelers can capture spectacular views of the deep blue of the Mediterranean Sea. As you walk along its limestone streets gazing at the colorful apartments, it is easy to get lost in wanderlust.