My Italian Adventure: A Journey Through Italy

Italy has a piece of my heart, and this recent vacation only deepened my love for this beautiful country. Join me on my Italian Adventure! Here you can read about and see a bit of Italy through a photographers eye! From bustling cities to serene countrysides, each place we visited offered a unique vibe, making our trip unforgettable.

Rome

Our first stop was Rome, and it is everything I had dreamed of and more. This is my second time in the city and each time I fall more in love! The city’s rich history came alive as we wandered through its ancient streets. Every turn seemed to lead us to a new wonder—the ruins of the Colosseum standing majestically in the distance, the imposing grandeur of the Pantheon, and the charming old cobblestone streets winding through neighborhoods full of life. Rome’s gorgeous basilicas left me in awe; their intricate details, peaceful atmospheres, and the way sunlight filtered through their stained-glass windows were nothing short of magical. Every single piece of Rome is my favorite, from its historical landmarks to the cozy trattorias tucked into hidden corners.

Villa San Giovanni/Scilla/Chianalea

We then took the bullet train from Rome to Villa San Giovanni, a small fishing town that provided a delightful contrast to the grandeur of Rome. Much different from the bustling capital, Villa San Giovanni offered a true local experience—very little English was spoken, and we fully immersed ourselves in the quiet charm of everyday Italian life. Our gorgeous apartment was right on the Strait of Messina, where we spent our days watching cargo and cruise ships gracefully sail by. It was also an amazing place to snorkel, with clear waters revealing a world of underwater beauty just below the surface.

While we stayed in Villa San Giovanni, we drove a little over an hour south to visit and explore Pentadetillo. “The town is positioned precariously high on the hilltop and named after the ‘five fingers’ of protruding rock that it was once perched upon, before the collapse of part of the mountainside. Overlooking the southernmost coast of the Italian mainland, Pentedattilo is a crumbling abandoned town in the Reggio di Calabria province, with roots as a commercial town in the Greek and Roman eras, from 640 B.C.”

Pentadattilo

Villa San Giovanni was also the perfect base for visiting nearby Scilla and Chianalea, two picturesque fishing towns that captivated us with their quaint streets and incredible coastal views. Most evenings, we would stroll through these charming towns, savoring fresh seafood and delicious local dishes at waterside restaurants. The laid-back atmosphere, stunning views, and authentic cuisine made each night memorable.

On the day we left Villa San Giovanni, we decided to spend the morning in Reggio Calabria before taking the train to Sicily. Walking along Lungomare Falcomatà, we were treated to breathtaking views of Mt. Etna and Sicily across the shimmering water. It was an absolutely gorgeous way to spend the morning, taking in the sights and enjoying the sea breeze—a perfect way to say goodbye to Calabria.

Cefalu

We then boarded the train to Cefalù. Our train took a ferry across the Strait of Messina, and it was such a unique experience! There aren’t many train ferries left since most have been replaced by tunnels and bridges, so it was truly neat to be on a train while on a ferry. Once we arrived in Cefalù, I was instantly obsessed. This town has historical charm and a cozy small-town feel, and its beauty is simply unmatched. We stayed nearby in Sant’Ambrogio, a quiet village with beautiful little restaurants and stunning views of the sea. We couldn’t have picked a better location—it was perfect for experiencing the true essence of Sicily.

One day, we ventured to Palermo, a huge and busy city full of life and energy. There is something so appealing about the grit and chaos of a big city like Palermo. The bustling streets, old architecture, and vibrant culture drew me in, and I could have easily spent days there exploring and learning more about its fascinating history.

Each city gave me something different, and that’s what made this trip to Italy so special. There’s something about the culture, the warmth of the people, the food, and the stunning beauty around every corner that makes Italy feel like home. I can’t wait to return one day, but until then, I’ll hold on to these incredible memories of cobblestone streets, charming piazzas, and the endless beauty of Italy.