Ciao a tutti, 

As 2021 slowly comes to an end, thoughts are on 2022 and all of the exciting Italy-based content we have planned. While the world still feels uncertain right now, the Italian spirit and love for traditions, community, and great food remain and we’re determined to transmit that to you through our digital portal allowing for both armchair travelers and those planning a future trip to get what they need to feel closer to Italia.

For our premium members (that's you guys!) we have plenty planned to get your Italy-inspiration going! Our most exciting update is that the Winter 2021 edition of Bellissimo, our exclusive-for-members quarterly magazine is finally OUT. 100+ pages dedicated to the bewitching island of Sicily which interesting enough is home to several of our staff here at Italy Magazine. Expect insider travel guides, an authentic parmigiana recipe, cultural deep-dives, hot tips on where to stay, and the best available experiences offered. Instructions on how to download it will have likely already been sent to you but you can also access your copy of Bellissimo here once you've logged into your account. If there are loved ones in your life you'd like to gift this same membership to, here's where you can sign up (and we threw in a gourmet gift box too). 

In the meantime, explore what you might have missed from this past week. 

What is it like to discover Positano for the first time? Andrew Cotto—a self-proclaimed "Toscano by passion"— takes us on an emotional adventure as he experiences the magic of the world-famous cliffside village on the Amalfi Coast.⁠

2022 is almost here, and with it, brings a number of happenings, some traditional, some seasonal – but all that can be enjoyed by the family, either as spectators or as participants. Think ski races and a unique carnival collection that spans the Valpelline and Great St Bernard valleys, AKA Coumba Freida! Here are the best events not to be missed this January 2022 in Italy. 

We know Italian grammar can be tricky which is why we try to break it down in the most digestible way possible. These irregular verbs are used in everyday life in Italian and the best way to conquer them is to learn them by heart. 

Two specialties of Italy, panforte “strong bread” and its predecessor panpepato “peppered bread”, are not breads at all, but closer to fruitcakes: dense, chewy confections of dried fruit, honey, and spices. This recipe for yet another version is from the city of Ferrara in Emilia-Romagna created in the 16th century. Previously a similar sweet was called Pan del Duca (Duke’s bread) but once Ferrara became a territory of the Papal State the name was changed to Panpapato, “Papacy’s bread,” was made in the shape of a Cardinal’s hat in homage to the Papacy.  

When temperatures drop low, what’s better than a steaming hot drink to warm the body and spirit?! Here are nine drinks to enjoy in Italy in winter. 

This is the time of the year in Italy when the usual holiday cake skirmish begins: are we having Panettone or Pandoro? What do you prefer, and why? Ps. Both make great leftovers for the entire month of January, think super decadent French toast.

This five-bedroom detached country home with a swimming pool is located in the Pisa countryside in Tuscany. The property provides a total of about 250m2 of accommodation and is currently divided into three separate apartments and a garage which would make for a great holiday rental investment plus a space for you too! 

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend from Georgette, your editor, and the Italy Magazine team.