Tag: Italy

Travel/

Dolomites: An unforgettable adventure – Sassolungo

June2022 – Have you ever wondered what adventure really feels like? If yes, then you definitely need to visit Dolomites (a UNESCO world heritage site located in the Northern Italian Alps). It’s the experience of a lifetime whether you are a climber, hiker, biker, cyclist, nature lover or even an animal lover! Scenic views that take your breath away! All you have to do is just look at the pictures to convince yourself this is a destination you definitely need to add on your bucket list. 

We were a group of 14 adventure- minded Cypriots ready to explore and take it all in. During our first day of our seven day adventure we went to Mt Sassolungo. We parked our cars by the cable car station (renting a car is strongly recommended as it will give you the freedom to navigate without limitations – remember to download an offline version of google maps as the reception is not great in all areas). We then headed for a mini hike and for single pitch sport climbing routes. The view was breathtaking! 

We then took the cable car, € 22 for a return trip to the top of the mountain, where you can find a cute cozy restaurant – Rifugio Toni Demetz at an altitude of 2685m, ideal to enjoy the view from the top and a hot cup of ginger tea. When taking the cable car be prepared, you have to run and jump in the gondola as they call it. The staff will guide you as to what you need to do. Alternatively, you can hike to the top of the mountain and back. It’s a demanding hike so be prepared.

A five minute drive away from the parking lot at Sassolungo we saw a valley with little holes in the ground (right across Hotel Mariaflora). Within a couple of minutes we spotted two fluffy Marmots wandering around, when they realized we were watching they went straight to their underground home. We decided to get closer and wait patiently for them to make an appearance and guess what, they did! Cute, fluffy and funny, that’s the only way I can describe them.

Where to stay:

The 14 of us stayed at La Stua apartments, a cozy and comfortable accommodation, at a perfect location with breathtaking views. Every morning, I enjoyed a hot cup of tea gazing at the hills right behind the apartment, waiting patiently for the wild deers, hares and marmots to make an appearance. 

P.S. If you plan on taking a picture of a wild animal, patience is key

Travel/

Thermal waterfalls in Tuscany: Cascate del Mulino

October 2021, the second day of an amazing road trip in Italy and following an overnight stay in Pitigliano, a beautiful town located in the Tuscany region, we took our rental car and headed very early in the morning to Cascade del Mulino, thermal waterfalls located just a few kilometers from the village of Saturnia. Looks amazing doesn’t it? The entrance to the springs of sulfuric water is free and that is exactly why you have to go very early in the morning as soon it will get packed with locals and tourists. The temperature of the water is 37.5° C, creating open-air thermal pools. The experience is amazing and relaxing once you get the chance to secure a comfortable spot and the best part is Cascate del Mulino is open all year round 24/7.

What to bring

1. Your swimsuit
2. Water shoes (to protect your feet from the rocks as they can get slippery)
3. Towel / Bath rope
4. Dry clothes
5. An underwater sports camera (if you have one)

How to get there and where to park

We got there by car from Pitigliano, about a 30 min drive (23km away). There is a car park right outside the thermal waterfall which is easily accessible. It is strongly recommended to rent a car if you are keen to explore the Tuscany region in Italy. It’s worth it! You will be able to take your time at every stop and enjoy your adventures abroad. If your trip abroad is approaching, hurry up. Due to the pandemic lately a rental car is the preferred means of transportation.
Just download a navigation app like Waze. It’s absolutely amazing, helps you navigate and warns you about speed cameras or hazards in the road.

 

Where to stay

As previously mentioned we stayed at a near by town, Pitigliano, an absolutely stunning ancient town built on tuff rock. Also known for as “Little Jerusalem” for the historical presence of a Jewish community, Pitigliano is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. We rented an earth house via AirBnB for the night, La Grotta, which means cave in English. Surprisingly enough it looked exactly like a cave inside, with an amazing panoramic view of the town. It is by far the most unique accommodation I’ve stayed in the past decade.
Stay tuned, there’s more to read and explore!
Note that Cascate del Mulino is different to the Terme di Saturnia – the latter is a luxurious spa resort so don’t get confused when you get to Saturnia.