Italian Journey

Southern Italy

The south of Italy is my favourite part and it is also when I come from. It's always hot, including during the winter months! The lower temperature is 15 degrees Celsius, the people are the nicest and they treat you like you are a part of the family!
The south of Italy has some of the most beautiful views and beaches in the whole of the country, towns are smaller and everyone knows and loves everyone.
If you go there I swear you won't regret it because it's worth it!
The first place I'd advise to visit is the Pompeii archaeological park, The ruins of Pompeii lie about 5 miles from Mount Vesuvius and 17 miles from Naples in the region of Campania, close to the modern town of Pompei (written with a single "i").
At the time of the eruption of Vesuvius the town would have been a lot closer to the coast and is estimated to have covered more than 160 acres.
There, indeed, the eruption of the Vesuvius volcano buried Pompeii under metres of ash and pumice, a blanketing so comprehensive that the site was effectively lost for 1700 years; it was not the ash that killed the townsfolk however, it was the heat, with hot surges reaching 250 degrees centigrade bringing instant death, even to those hiding indoors.

What is so remarkable about the ruins of Pompeii is the incredibly complete, fresh and vivid insights they give us into the daily life of a Roman city at the height of the Roman Empire.
The eruption lasted for more than 24 hours and allowed an escape for those that decided to flee unburdened. Those that stayed are frozen in time and place, huddling inside, clutching their loved ones or their wealth, curled up and hiding.
There are amazingly well preserved homes, villas, markets, a forum, baths. Frescoes shine a light on the goings-on of everyday life, and preserved everywhere are mundane details of how the estimated 20,000 inhabitants lived almost 2000 years ago.

Another interesting place to visit is the Amalfi coast! Said to be an outstanding example of a Mediterranean landscape by Unesco, the Amalfi Coast is one of Italy's most piercing destinations.
Here, mountains plunge into the sea in a vertical scene of creepy crags, abodes and verdant woodland.
There's jet-set favourite Positano, a pastel-coloured cascade of chic boutiques, spritz-sipping pin-ups and sun-kissed sunbathers.
On the east, ancient Amalfi lures with its Arabic-Norman cathedral, while mountaintop Ravello appears lovely with its cultured villas and Wagnerian connection.
To the west lies Amalfi Coast gateway Sorrento, a handsome cliff-top resort that has miraculously survived the push of package tourism.
Turquoise seas and postcard-perfect piazzas aside, the region is home to some of Italy's finest hotels and restaurants. It's also one of the country's top spots for hiking.