Helen Watkis - Resort Expert Italy

28/02/2025

**TRAVEL UPDATE FOR EUROPE**

There has been alot of talk about the introduction of the EES (European Entry and Exit system) which will eventually mean that all non-EU passport holders will need an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) or visa-waiver to enter an EU country, at a cost of €7 per person.

An announcement was made today however, confirming that there will be a 6 month 'grace' period once the system comes into force later this year, meaning that Brits and other non-EU travellers will still be allowed to enter the EU providing they meet other entry requirements.

⬇️⬇️⬇️

EU confirms Brits won’t need an ETIAS for six months following introduction

28/02/2025

🇮🇹 Fun Fact Friday!🇮🇹

⁉️Did You Know that Italy Has Over 300 Different Pasta Shapes!

🍝If you thought that pasta was just spaghetti and penne, then think again! Italy is home to more than 300 unique pasta shapes, each designed to pair perfectly with a specific sauce. Some, like orecchiette, are perfect for catching rich ragù, while others, like trofie, cling beautifully to pesto! 🌿✨

Many of these pasta shapes are really local, meaning you’ll only find them in small villages or certain regions. So next time you visit Italy, ditch the usual and try something new—you might just discover your new favourite dish! 😋

Top Tip: Get hold of a copy of my handy guide to Italian Cuisine so that you're in the know before you go!

👉 What’s your go-to pasta shape? Or is there one you’d love to try? Let’s talk pasta in the comments! 🍽️👇

26/02/2025

🇮🇹 Ever heard of a 'Sagra'??

👀If you really want to experience Italy like a local, then let me tell you about Sagre – Italy’s traditional village festivals, usually involving food and often connected to a historical pageant or sporting event.

​🎶 These lively celebrations are usually based around seasonal specialties and age-old traditions, all wrapped up in a fun and welcoming atmosphere.

🍄From truffle feasts in Piemonte,
🌰chestnut festivals in Tuscany and
🦑seafood sagre along the Ligurian coast,

Each region of Italy has its own delicious specialty to showcase, and they are held regularly throughout the year so there is usually something going on no matter when you visit!

Expect long communal tables, endless plates of homemade food, local wine flowing freely, and maybe even some folk dancing! 💃🍷

💡 Why You Should Go:
✅ Taste authentic, home-cooked regional dishes 🍽️
✅ Meet locals and experience true Italian hospitality 🤝
✅ Enjoy a unique cultural tradition without the tourist crowds 🎭

Planning a trip to Italy? Make sure to check out a Sagra near you for an unforgettable experience... and I can help you translate the menu!😉✨

👉Have you ever been to a Sagra? Which one was your favourite? Tell me in the comments! ⬇️

24/02/2025

🇬🇷Whilst day dreaming of a holiday for myself to Greece this summer, I've stumbled upon deals with an EXTRA £100 DISCOUNT PER PERSON!😲

🇬🇷The offer ends on Tuesday 4th March, so if like me, you're dreaming of a Greek getaway this summer... let's compare ideas!!

24/02/2025

🍽️When you come to Italy, you'll be overwhelmed with the choices of places to eat, and it's often difficult to know where to go, depending on how hungry you are or what you fancy, right?

🍕Understanding the various types of dining establishments can definitely enhance your culinary experience.

✍️Here's my quick guide to common Italian eatery names to help you get the most out of eating out in Italy:

🍝🍕🍷🥐🥗🥪🍨🍹🍝🍕🍷🥐🥗🥪🍨🍹🍝🍕🍷🥐🥗🥪🍨

😋Trattoria: Informal, often family-run locale, offering hearty, authentic Italian dishes.

😋Pizzeria: Specialising in pizzas, but frequently serving pasta and main courses as well.

😋Pizza al taglio / Pizza d'asporto: Shops selling pizza by the slice, perfect for a quick bite on the go.

😋Ristorante: More upscale establishments with a diverse menu, not limited to traditional Italian cuisine.

😋Osteria: Casual venues with a laid back atmosphere, serving appetizers, simple dishes, and drinks in a relaxed setting.

😋Enoteca: Wine bars focusing on local wines, often offering tastings and bottles for purchase.

😋Paninoteca: A shop specialising in sandwiches or rolls, offering a delicious variety of fresh fillings.

😋Rosticceria: Places offering rotisserie meats and ready-to-eat meals to take away.

😋Gelateria: Ice cream parlours serving a variety of delicious gelato flavours and often homemade milkshakes and yoghurts.

And my top tip??

Look out for "Menu di Lavoro", literally meaning "Work Lunch" - a budget-friendly, fixed-price lunch menu offered at many Italian restaurants, especially during weekdays. Designed for workers on their lunch break, it typically includes a first and second course, side dish, dessert and often water and /or wine are thrown in too!

It's a great way to enjoy a full, hearty meal at an affordable price, usually ranging from €10 to €15. Perfect for experiencing authentic Italian food like a local! 🇮🇹🍽️

➡️For more detailed information, ask me about my digital guide to 'Eating Out in Italy'!

And as we say here.... "Buon Appetito!" 🥂

22/02/2025

😎We recently had a day out in Versilia, about an hour's drive from where I live in Liguria.

🏖️We stopped at the attractive seaside resort of Lido di Camaiore, which is the perfect spot for mixing a few days of 'heliotherapy' with some culture and sightseeing... and with it's miles of seafront promenade, it's great for a morning run or bike ride!

What's nearby?

📍Pisa - 30 minutes
📍Florence - 1.5 hours
📍Lucca - 30 minutes
🚅...all accessible by train if you don't want to hire a car.

What else can we do?

⛳Play a round of golf course in Forte dei Marmi
🪨Visit the Marble Quarries of Carrara
🌲Have a picnic in one of the pine forests
🦅Visit the WWF Wildlife Reserve at Massaciuccoli
🍇Sample some local wine at one of the local vineyards

You too can come and discover the hidden gems of the Tuscan Riviera, and I've found the perfect 5 night package...

👉10th May 2025
👉Return fligths from London Stansted, hand luggage included
👉3* Hotel - double room with balony
👉Half Board basis - think home-cooked Italian food!

all from just £480pp* (based on 2 adults sharing a room)

*Other dates and departure airports available - Just ask me for more details and we can see if it's right for you!

22/02/2025

There was a crooked man, who had a crooked house!
This is way too cute... I wonder if it feels weird living inside though?
And you'd have to have pretty green fingers to take care of that stunning Bougainvillea...
What do you think?

There is a crooked house in a crooked street. It is in Sirmione: https://www.italymammamia.com/sirmione.html

21/02/2025

Today's I'd like to share an Italian festival that I was lucky enough to experience when I lived on the stunning Lake Maggiore, Italy's 2nd largest lake.

🎶🎻Running between July and September every year, the Stresa Music Festival is not to be missed!

During this event, you can enjoy world-class concerts in one of Italy’s most stunning settings.

Stresa Festival brings together the world’s finest orchestras and soloists, performing in breathtaking venues like the open-air lakeside stage and the grand hall of the town's Congress Palace.

⛵ For an unforgettable experience, take a boat to the Borromean Islands and listen to classical music or jazz in unique venues: the Hall of Tapestries on Isola Bella, the gardens of Isola Madre, or the waterfront of Isola dei Pescatori.

🏞️ Stresa itself is a little gem of northern Italy, known for its stunning lakeside views, elegant villas, and charming streets filled with boutiques and cafés. With the majestic Alps as a backdrop, the town is the perfect combination of natural beauty and cultural richness. Whether you're exploring the picturesque Borromean Gulf, or relaxing along the promenade, soaking up the panorama, Stresa is simply magical.

If you love music and spectacular scenery, Stresa is the perfect summer getaway! 🎼✨

Who would you love to share this experience with? Tag them below! 👇

21/02/2025

This would do me perfectly!
How about you?
Show me your dream home .....😍

A dream home in Italy ❤

21/02/2025

Even Lewis Hamilton can't resist an Italian pizza!!

If you hadn't heard, he's now driving for Ferrari.... want to come and see him in action?

How can you argue with that? 😅🍕

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari’s new driver, feeds off the ‘magical energy of the fans and the environment’ and ‘a few pizzas’:
‘I ate three last week, but don’t worry, I’m still losing weight 😎.’

The new Ferrari driver is preparing for this season, fighting for the title behind the wheel of his Ferrari. 🏎️💚

21/02/2025

🇮🇹 Want to visit Italy with the kids... but know they need more than pizza and gelato to stay happy? 🍕🍦😅

Don’t worry—Italy is packed with theme parks that will keep them entertained! 🎢💦

🎡 Gardaland & Mirabilandia – Roller coasters, water rides, and fun for all ages!
🏰 Leolandia – A magical theme park perfect for little ones!
🌋 Etnaland – Thrills and water rides in stunning Sicily!
💦 Aquafan & Caneva Aquapark – Splash-tastic fun in the summer sun!
🎬 Cinecittà World – Hollywood-style thrills near Rome!

And this is just a few of the most popular ones... there are more!

And of course, when you've had enough of the rollercoasters, there’s always beach days, boat trips, and castles to explore! 🏖️🚤🏰

✨ Want a stress-free family trip to Italy? I’ll take care of the details—from tickets to itineraries—so you can focus on the fun!

📩 DM me to start planning today! ✈️

21/02/2025

Fun Fact Friday!

🌊🗿 The Broken Giant of Monterosso! 🗿🌊

Did you know there’s a 14-meter-tall statue of Neptune watching over the shores of Monterosso al Mare in Cinque Terre? 👀

Built in 1910, this colossal figure once held a mighty trident and supported a grand villa terrace! But war and storms have left him weathered and broken—yet still standing strong. 💙

Just one of many reasons to come and explore the hidden corners of the Ligurian coastline!

Have you seen Il Gigante in person? Let me know below! 👇✨

20/02/2025

✨So, today I'm taking you on a trip to another of Italy's beautiful lakes, this time Lake Como which is situated just north of Milan, near the Swiss border.

⛵Here the locals celebrate the start of summer on the last weekend in June with one of the oldest festivals on Lake Como; the 'Sagra di San Giovanni' (Festival of San Giovanni, or John the Baptist)

🏰Head to the charming village of Ossuccio and immerse yourself in a weekend filled with food stalls, music, and dancing.

🚣‍♂️ Cheer on teams as they race across the lake in traditional 'Lucia' rowing boats, once used by local fishermen. And after sunset, witness the breathtaking re-enactment of the 1169 invasion of Isola Comacina, where the war between Como and Milan comes to life.

🎆 As music echoes off the mountains, red fireworks light up the sky, symbolizing the flames that once engulfed the island. Before the fireworks, an illuminated boat parade adds to the magic, and in some areas, bonfires are lit along the shores, keeping the fire-themed traditions alive.

🍽️ Don't forget to indulge in delicious local dishes like freshly caught fish, risotto, and polenta, paired with excellent regional wines, available from food stalls and local restaurants.

It’s a truly memorable experience, mingling with the locals - you won’t want to miss it!

Who’s joining you for this incredible festival? Tag them below! 👇🔥

20/02/2025

Nice article about the Italian seaside town of Alassio...

The former fishing village on the Ligurian coast was once a favourite with the wealthy British set. Now instead of tennis and tea parties, it offers scenic treks and seafood feasts in glorious spring sunshine

19/02/2025

✨Having lived in various parts of Italy over the last 15 years, I've been lucky enough to experience many of the local events and festivals (particularly those involving food and wine!) and now I'm excited to be helping people come to Italy and experience it all for themselves!

✨So in the next few posts, I'm going to be sharing details about some of my favourite celebrations!

🍷Today I'm talking about the Chiaretto Wine Festival in Bardolino, Lake Garda.

🌸The little village of Bardolino is one of my favourite spots on Lake Garda, and I was lucky enough to enjoy this wine festival which is usually held over a weekend around the end of May or early June.

🌸Imagine strolling along the waterfront, surrounded by pink balloons, ribbons, and flowers, with a glass of delicious rosé in hand.

🌸The event is free but it's fun to buy a keepsake glass and sip your way through the finest local wines from the vineyards around the lake.

🌸You'll enjoy live music, a vibrant atmosphere and to top off the weekend, there is a firework display over the lake.

So....If you’re a wine lover or just looking for a beautiful Italian escape, Bardolino in late May or early June is the place to be. 🍇

Tag someone who’d love to go! 👇✨




́allday

18/02/2025

🌸Fancy a week exploring the stunning Neopolitan Riviera this spring??🌸

😲This amazing deal just dropped into my inbox, and I've noticed that this is the LOWEST price you'll find this holiday this year!*

❓What will you get?

✈️Flights from East Midlands to Naples on Monday 12th May
🚌Return transfer to Sorrento
🏨7 nights Bed & Breakfast in a Twin Room at a 3*Hotel - 2 adults
🧳10kg hand luggage and 20kg hold luggage per person
.............................💷All for just £582 per person!!.....................................
(This holiday currently includes a whopping £460.00 discount!)

🔝And the best bits?

✅The hotel is just 500m from Sorrento's main square and Marina Grande, where you'll find a little beach and great seafood restaurants
✅You can relax on the hotel's roof terrace or around the pool
✅For more relaxed evenings, the restaurant offers waiter-service if you don't fancy going out
✅There is also a bar for that evening 'apperitivo'!
✅The average temperate in May is around 24 degrees, just perfect for a week of relaxation and adventure.

Fully ATOL and PTS protected
*correct at time of posting 18.02.25

13/02/2025

🆘For anyone in need of a life DETOX... !

😩Do you need a break from the daily grind, the long commute, back-to-back meetings and the constant pinging of your phone....

🌿Then come and discover Sesta Terra Natural Resort, it's AMAZING!

🌊Nestled on the cliffs above the Liguria sea, this eco-resort offers a luxury getaway in THE most stunning surroundings.

🏕️Choose from a wooden cottage or a canvas lodge and wake up every day to the sounds of nature.

😁I know this place personally, and can't recommend it enough for a holiday of TOTAL RELAXATION in a BREATHTAKING LOCATION.

👌🏻Ask me for details - in no time at all you could be here, unwinding and unplugging for a few days or more!