31/08
The Magic of Southern Italy
In early July, my wonderful wife and I honeymooned in Italy. We visited two areas that do not follow the bus tour highway and might I say, it was magnificent.
We flew from Athens to Reggio Calabria via Rome with Alitalia. Once in Reggio, the pilot and director of Air Panarea met us for our 45 journey by helicopter to the island of Panarea. The ride was simply incredible. As we approached the island, the pilot turned to me and said ‘we would like to give you something from us, if it is okay with you’. Two minutes later we were roller coastering as though we were in an F-14 fighter jet. Simply unforgettable:
The Island of Panarea:
Stay at Hotel Raya and spend your days walking around the white-washed alleys and carless roads. Take a day trip to Stromboli or sit back with a Campari. Truly a spectacular place.
Once back in Reggio, we drove 4 hours up to Maratea:
Deemed the new Amalfi Coast, the town of Maratea is truly spectacular. We would recommend renting a car and driving the coastline and stay at the Locanda delle Donne Monache in the tiny village. Walk the cobblestone streets where the true Italian characteristics have remained intact and there are still very few tourists. The Marina is a great place to have lunch overlooking the Mediterranean or drive up to Trecchina which looks and feels as though it has not been inhabited since the 15th Century.
A trip I would recommend to anyone.
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