With the arrival of sunnier, warmer days, Spring in Italy is the perfect time of year to spend more time outdoors. Mild temperatures and longer daylight hours provide ideal conditions for leisure activities. Italians thrive on being in touch with nature so the cool aria fresca (fresh air) of early Spring allows for numerous opportunities to head outside before the real summer Italian heat kicks in. Of course this season is beautiful in many regions of the world, but the Bel Paese truly offers magical and stunning views of verdant landscapes over the next couple of months. It’s also an ideal time to travel as the tourist season is just commencing, so, before the hordes of international crowds arrive, many Italians take mini vacations & road trips across the peninsula to discover new captivating places.
So where to go and what to do with so many options? Here’s a quick rundown on some of the local favorite traditional activities.
LA BICICLETTA
Electric green grassy hillsides attract adventurous cyclists this time of year. Rolling hills in many regions provide the ideal landscape to explore via bike- from beginner to advanced itineraries you can immerse yourself in vibrant wildflower fields, stretches of sparkling blue lakes and even snow traced alpine trails. This year, the famous spring multistage bike race Giro d’Italia, celebrates 108 years- all true cycling enthusiasts will line village streets and mountain roads to cheer on their favorite team.
LA PASSEGGIATA
A majority of Italians perform daily activities like running errands by foot so the art of the passeggiata (stroll) is an old time favorite. Friends & family hit local parks, country footpaths & coastal promenades to enjoy both relaxing strolls as well as intense hikes and trekking adventures. On sunny springtime Sunday afternoons most village squares and every main piazza in the bigger cities become packed with locals getting fresh air, just casually strolling around enjoying one’s company over an aperitivo or gelato.
L’ACQUA
The geology of Italy is rich in volcanic phenomena- the highly dense network of underground water channels results in numerous thermal bath regions across the territory. Early Spring is typically the time of year Italians hit the spas to rejuvenate after a long winter and prep their mind and body for the upcoming season. Since Roman times, Italians have turned to the acqua magica (magical water) for healing as well as leisure. Many of these mineral rich springs lie naturally in culturally rich areas where nowadays resort towns offer the ideal spot to make several excursions and day trips during an Italian spa vacation. Hotel spas offer daily entrance tickets so local families often spend a day at the terme, kids in tow.
LA GUIDA
Escorted tours and organized group activities are becoming more & more popular- with so many cultural events and outdoor celebrations occurring nationwide Italians have become increasingly interested in exploring new places via a local guida, tour guide. From vineyard and museum tours, castle and villa visits, to food and musical festivals, a local guide can offer a unique perspective. Many institutions like theaters, archeological sites, monuments and galleries offer discounted rates and special free events this time of year so there’s always something new to explore, even in one’s hometown.
Exploring the wonders of Spring in Italy can certainly work up an appetite. What better way to satisfy the tastebuds then with Fratelli Beretta’s new Artichoke Antipasto all Beretta paired with a delicious Marsala as you take in the delights of the season.
Recipe can be found http://www.fratelliberettausa.com/recipes/artichoke-antipasto-alla-beretta/
