When note in Rome.
With colder weather on the way, the tourist season is winding down in Italy, leaving the hidden gems of an empire open for savvy travelers to explore in less crowded conditions, a travel expert says.
The best places to look in boots during the fall and winter are lively but lesser-known towns miles and miles away from major cities and tourist magnets like the Amalfi Coast, according to Maria Nuzzolillo, who likes to share her region of Campaign with stakeholders. the visitors.
“You can participate in harvests and festivals. You can go fruit picking and taste local specialties without the tourist veil,” Nuzzolillo, from the small town of San Lupo, told Business Insider.
“The beauty of Italy, especially if it’s off the beaten path, is that even though the cities may be half a mile apart, each has its own unique holiday and fall look.”
She strongly urges visitors to go to her neck of the woods instead of the typical hot spots where “things are meant to please the masses.”
Nuzzolillo starts her list with the unsung town of Benevento in the wine country of Sannio, which is “about an hour in” from the Amalfi Coast, which can be very sleepy in the off-season.
“Benevento is a beautiful little town with a UNESCO Heritage church – the Church of Santa Sofia – and a Roman theater that is still used today for special events such as operas,” explained the professional.
“It has an amazing pedestrian-only area with shops and restaurants open all year round, summer or winter.”
Nuzzolillo suggests using Benevento as a base to hike through some charming villages known for their fall festivities that are within driving distance. She noted that the city has a car rental service.
She recommends heading an hour north to Cusano Mutri – “a little hidden town that’s famous for their porcini mushrooms.” There’s even a month-long mushroom festival.
It is also close to the Castello Medievale, a medieval castle and a dream for walking and horse riding.
Lovers of history and culture will also enjoy Sant’Agata, about an hour west of Benevento.
“There are 20 churches in the historic center from different periods and thus different architecture and art,” Nuzzolillo said, noting that the area is known for a “special” pretzel-style pastry called nfrennula.
As for where to stock up on Italian sweets, some of the best Torrone, a Christmas favorite, can be found in San Marco, 25 minutes northeast of Benevento.
“There are all kinds of bakeries that produce all over Italy,” she said. “But in our area, there are few family shops that produce very high quality artisan food for the end of the year holidays.”
The local, who prides her home in San Lupo for growing special beans, admitted: “We go to San Marco for Torrone.”
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