For years,
I wanted to go to Italy with my girlfriends. It finally happened last summer. When we arrived, I made a conscious decision to be really present. I love putting my phone down when I travel. I don’t post on social media while traveling, partly because I don’t want to broadcast where I am, but mostly so I can really live in the moment. I’m on tech all the time for work, so while I’m on vacation, I refuse to do it the same way. I borrow my friends’ phones and take pics. Then we all share at the end of the day, so we end up with a mix of documentation. All of this is to say that I never shared one bit of my trip on social media: Instead I’m sharing it with you.
My best travel advice is don’t be afraid to ask questions and listen. I found my favorite pasta in Sicily because we struck up a conversation with a guest over breakfast at our hotel. Also: Don’t make too many plans. I chose places to go, but I had no plans. We just picked a town and wandered around — here are some of my favorite discoveries.
SICILY
Landolina Palace
landolinapalace.com 2 Largo Landolina, Noto +39-327-235-2426
It doesn’t get more magical than staying in an actual palace, surrounded by some of the most beautiful architecture (and most charming cafes) in the world.
Gagliardi Boutique Hotel
gagliardihotel.com 41 Via Silvio
Spaventa, Noto +39-093-183-9730 Worth it for the roof terrace alone. There you can have breakfast or cocktails overlooking this incredible city. The seriously stunning interiors don’t hurt either.
Caffè Sicilia
caffesicilia.it
125 Corso Vittorio Emanuele, Noto +39-093-183-5013 There’s an episode of Chef’s Table about pastry chef Corrado Assenza, who runs this 130-year-old shop. I can confirm the gelato really is that good.
Fratelli Burgio
fratelliburgio.com 4 Piazza Cesare Battisti, Siracusa +39-09-316-0069 Pick up sandwiches to eat by the water or stop in for your evening aperitivo.
Taverna la Cialoma
tavernalacialoma.it 23 Piazza Regina Margherita, Marzamemi +39-093-184-1772
We heard over and over that this was the best place for fresh seafood in Marzamemi, a village on the Eastern coast of Sicily, and it did not disappoint.
Lido Trireme
58 Via Corrado Deodato, Fondo Morte Retire to this beach after a long, leisurely lunch at Taverna la Cialoma.
ISCHIA & THE AMALFI COAST
Mezzatorre Hotel & Thermal Spa
mezzatorre.com
23 Via Mezzatorre, Ischia +39-08-198-6111
At this ultra glamorous hotel, perched on a cliff over the Bay of Naples, natural thermal springs deliver warm, healing water directly into the swimming pools.
Primo Piano Posillipo
primopianoposillipo.it 299 Via Posillipo, Naples +39-349-333-6396 Beautiful little suites and apartments, perfect for crashing after a long day of exploring.
Hotel California
hotelcaliforniapositano.it
141 Via Cristoforo Colombo, Positano +39-08-987-5382
No, not that Hotel California. This place, with its warm service and iconic Positano view, feels like staying at your fanciest friend’s villa.
Il Ritrovo
ilritrovo.com
3 Piazza Cappella, Positano +39-08-987-5453 Sign up for a cooking class at this pretty restaurant overlooking the coast.
La Taverna del Leone
latavernadelleone. com
43 Via Laurito +39-08-981-1302 Local specialties, super fresh ingredients, and immaculate vibes: check, check, check.
Mamma Agata
mammaagata.com 9 Via S. Cosma, Ravello +39-08-985-7845
This cooking class was fully booked, and with good reason — word is it’s one of the best places in the world to learn to make pasta.
Ristorante Neptunus Original
ristoranteneptunus. com +39-338-467-2608 Via Lo Russo 11/Int. 2 Via Lo Rosso, Ischia Hands down, the best crab pasta I’ve ever had.