Summer in Italy spoils us for choice over the best Italian beaches from the north to the south, including some beautiful secluded spots on Italy’s islands. While August often seems like a bum’s rush to get your spot on the sand, nothing bad can be said about azure waters, sun or snorkelling opportunities.

TripAdvisor has put together a list of Italy’s top ten seaside locations for 2011 starting with San Vito Lo Capo and passing through some more famous names, too. Here is the list:

1. San Vito lo Capo, Sicily - a quiet spot on the North Coast of Sicily, not far from Trapani
2. Villasimius, Sardinia - on the south point of Sardinia, not far from Cagliari in an area famous for its VIP locations and night clubs
3. Lampedusa Island (although we recommend avoiding this right now given the boatloads of African immigrants arriving and the presence of the Italian military)
4. Vieste, Puglia - in the middle of the Gargano national park, this is one for nature lovers who want private spots for swimming
5. Alghero, Sardinia - another spot on Italy’s famous island of Sardinia, Alghero has an old town and a few beaches to offer on the west coast

Continue reading: Italy's best beaches: top ten for 2011 summer in Italy

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Tucked away in a peaceful corner at the very heart of Apulia, one of the most beautiful Italian regions, the Borgobianco hotel is an enchanting corner of paradise offering guests the finest luxury accommodation and facilites one can imagine or hope for. From its windows one can enjoy a breathtaking view of the sea and lovely olive tree groves giving off an exquisite perfume. All rooms are simple in style but tastefully furnished and the service is simply impeccable! For more information click here.

Continue reading: Luxury hotels in Apulia: Spa hotel Borgobianco, Polignano

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The Risorgimento Resort is one of the oldest hotels in Lecce. Located in the city centre just a stone’s throw away from the magnificent Duomo, this boutique hotel has a glorious past. Established in 1754 back then it was just a inn), the Risorgimento Resort is part of the Guarini Palace, has 41 rooms, 6 luxurious suites and an amazing lounge featuring scarlet chandeliers (all shaped like huge bunches of grapes). The service is superb and the staff kind and eager to satisfy your needs. For further information click here.

Continue reading: Luxury hotels in Apulia: Risorgimento Resort hotel, Lecce

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Borgo Egnazia thanks to the high quality of its services is now a member of the Leading Hotels of the World; surrounded by majestic olive trees and the sparkling blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea, this beautiful hotel is a true corner of paradise where guests can indulge in luxury and relaxation. The Borgo Egnazia hotel features stylish and beautifully appointed accommodations, delivering an atmosphere of great comfort and elegance.

Continue reading: Luxury hotels in Apulia: Borgo Egnazia at Savelletri di Fasano, Brindisi

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Photo | Flickr

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An interesting event called Rit o’Castidd (which in the local vernacular means behind the castle) will soon take place in the small town of Putignano, near Bari. Located just behind the Church of Saint Peter and the Balì Palace, the castle was built on the highest point in town. With this important event, the cultural association Trullando hopes to bring new life and interest to this appealing but often forgotten place which sadly today’s generation has tended to neglect in favour of far more fashionable spots. On 14 March from 18:00 to 24:00 makeshift kitchens will be set up along via Minzele, via Porticella, via Castello, via Palmento and via Ortenzio offering visitors delicious snacks from the traditional Putignano cuisine and superb wine from local winemakers! Artists and skilled artisans will also be there exhibiting their fine creations and products. In order to create an original atmosphere the organisers will also set up an old brothel (a theatrical one of course). But the surprises do not end there; at around 3:00 p.m. maps will be distributed and those of you with a passion for “ orienteering” will have the opportunity to explore the secret heart of Putignano. Altogether an exciting time is to be had by all so don’t forget to mark your calendar

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This old Italian recipe for bread-crumb balls comes from Apulia, a region in Southern Italy; it’s delicious and will leave your taste buds hungry for more!

Here are the ingredients: bread crumbs; 1 egg; grated pecorino cheese; 1 garlic clove; parsley; extra virgin olive oil; salt.

Preparation: soak the breadcrumbs in a bowl of milk, then drain ( squeeze to expel all the remaining liquid) Next add to it the egg, pecorino, oil, garlic, chopped parsley and salt. Roll into balls and then fry in a little oil. Cook the breadcrumb balls until golden brown.

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Another carnival in Italy is the famous Carnevale di Putignano, which, after Viareggio’s carnival, is traditionally one of the most visited in Italy. It has its fair share of floats and celebrations to mark the last party period before Easter.

The 2010 Putignano carnival has a special focus, though. With the new Bari-Dusseldorf connection the relationship and distance between Puglia and Germany have come much closer, and so the carnival celebrates with its twin carnival, that of Wesse, in Cologne.

The partnership marks the start of a special marketing program to promote the Putignano Carnival, as part of an overall turism push to Puglia. It’s a region fast on the rise, so watch to see it start challenging for the premiere spot to visit in southern Italy at least.

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Italy’s most famous truffle might be the white truffle of Alba, in Piedmont, but it’s certainly not the only precious underground dweller the country has to offer. Undervalued both nationally in Italy, and on the international scale, is the black truffle of Salento, in the Lecce province, Puglia. And now, thanks to a BBC documentary, the humble Salento truffle might get the attention it deserves.

If you’re a truffle purist, you might think that it’s the white Alba truffle or nothing, but the black truffles of Salento are more economical and have their own special taste. With their own straightforward character (”sexy” according to the video!), they make the perfect marriage to some of the region’s local dishes. In particular, the BBC found itself in the area around the main town, where the country goes down to the San Cataldo sea.

If you’re interested in more on Salento truffles, check out the dedicated Salento Tartufi YouTube channel, especially for some breathtaking views of the wild country in this part of Puglia. It’s not pristine like Tuscany, but it certainly has its own untamed appeal. After the jump, see the BBC documentary.

Continue reading: Traditional Italian products: the black truffle of Salento famous on BBC

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The world of Italian food and wine matching is vast and has many pleasures, if you have the time and the curiosity to explore. Today we look at Italian cheese “caciocavallo” and the possible Italian wine options to match.

Caciocavallo is a cheese from southern Italy, now a DOP protected production, made from cow’s milk. While it looks like a mini provolone, the cheese comes from the “podolica” cow breed, which is semi-wild breed that grazes on all sorts of natural and wild vegetation.

The areas in which caciocavallo is mostly produced are the high altitude regions of Molise, Sila, Campano and Puglia. This particular Italian cheese must age a minimum of three months, and anywhere up to two years. See after the jump for the wine-cheese match.

Continue reading: Food and wine matching: Italian cheese and the best southern Italian wine

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