If like me, you are still longing for an Italian escape, craving bowls of the freshest pasta, imagining locals calling ciao across piazzas, thinking which flavour of gelato you’d choose, and generally wanting to soak up some Italian sun and spirit then read on. 

I’ve teamed up with Bookings For You to bring you inspiration for what Italian holiday to book next, plus offer you an exclusive saving when you enter code COOKINGCARAFES on the booking page (click got a coupon when booking, discount varies dependant on the property).

The Lakes  

Let’s start with the Italian lakes, I have fond memories of travelling here as a teenager with my parents. I used to love catching the boats to different parts of the lakes. We visited both Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore (Lake Como is next on my list!), and I loved the beautiful, bright streets filled with bougainvillea and bright buildings as you came into each small port.

The lakes are all situated in the Lombardy region. Expect to find a mouth-watering array of meats and cheeses, coupled with earthy dishes that reign from the nearby mountains.

One of my favourite cured meats is from this region, Bresaola. This meat is cured for a relatively short amount of time in comparison to some others, and is recognisable by it’s much brighter, and richer colour, with a faint marbled effect. If you’re ordering antipasti enjoy a delicious large plate of bresaola, often served with parmesan shavings, rocket and a drizzle of olive oil. 

Another dish of the region is Risotta alla Milanese, a beautiful, bright, yellow risotto infused with saffron to bring its vibrant colour and subtle taste that pairs perfectly with ossobuco. Ossobuco is veal, very slowly cooked in white wine, stock and some veg until it is falling off the bone. It is often served with Risotto all a Milanese, it is a melt in the mouth combination and is making me hungry just thinking about it!

One other item you can’t miss is Taleggio cheese, this soft, creamy cheese has a mild but distinct fruity flavour. You’ll probably smell it before you taste it but don’t be deceived it’s one not to miss, either on its own or within a dish.

If I’ve made you hungry for a holiday in the lakes, take a look at the wide range of accommodation on offer at Bookings for You at Lake Maggiore, Lake Como & Lake Garda. Use code COOKINGCARAFES at checkout for an exclusive discount.

Le Marche

Let’s travel south a little to the region of Le Marche, set on the Riveria del Conero on the east coast along the Adriatic Sea, this lesser visited region is stunning. A little more untouched, and rugged but no less beautiful than neighbouring Umbria and Tuscany. With national parks to explore if you love the great outdoors as well as lazing on white pebble beaches, this is the perfect getaway.

Expect to enjoy a chilled glass of verdicchio famous to the region in your villa, enjoy it with fritto misto, stuffed olives or even a fish stew. This region is abundant in food, from the cattle and meat from the farming inland, including eggs for pasta, truffles, and some of the best olive oils come from this region, you’ll also find fish aplenty from the Adriatic coastline!

Book your perfect stay in Le Marche with Bookings for You – don’t forget to use discount code COOKINGCARAFES for your exclusive saving

 Sicily

Let’s continue our journey south to Sicily. The largest island in the Mediterranean, well known for its crystal clear waters, changing landscape, its Byzantine history and of course its famous volcano, Mount Etna.

Sicily encapsulates its many influences across the island from African to Greek; from historical sites such as Syracuse where you’ll find a Greek theatre dating back to 5th Century BC; to dishes like pasta con le sarde with North African influences such as pine nuts and raisins, combined with the island’s fresh sardines, wild fennel and toasted breadcrumbs.

You’ll also find familiar dishes like pasta alla norma, made with aubergine and ricotta salata (follow my recipe). However you can not visit Sicily without trying two things, arancini and cannoli.

Arancini, traditionally served as a street food are balls of risotto, deep fried with either a delicious gooey middle of cheese of meat ragu. Arancini are one of my favourite snacks, and recently I’ve taken to making them at home too. Look out for different shapes, some are more conical in shape and stature, and others are round balls of deliciousness!

Cannoli, a sweet Sicilian pastry filled with creamy ricotta and finished with cocoa, pistachios or citrus peel. Pistachios from Sicily are regarded as some of the best in the world, and are harvested by hand in the town of Bronte, near Mount Etna.

As well as the food and beaches, there are plenty of day trips to keep you entertained if you like to keep busy and use your villa as a base.  A trip to the top of Etna is worth a visit, the landscape and terrain is quite awe-inspiring. It was certainly nothing like I’ve seen before. You travel up by cable car and jeep – you can stop en-route at some of the islands small waterfalls, and you may also see locals selling honey and other produce on the side of the road. Or take a trip to the Aeolian Islands, seven volcanic islands form this archipelago, an hour’s boat ride from northern Sicily. Each island has its own unique appeal from the Malvasia wines of salina to the suphur omitting Vulcano!

If you’re looking for some down time and day trips then head to the beautiful island of Sicily, book your stay today with Bookings for You, and use code COOKINGCARAFES at checkout for an exclusive discount

Bookings For You offer a stunning collection of villas across Italy, from the rolling hills of Tuscany to the Amalfi coast. They have some of the finest Italian villas available for rent, from the super-luxurious, to trendy city apartments. All of their Italian villas are handpicked so they can help you find the perfect holiday accommodation. Discount code COOKINGCARAFES applies to villas in all locations so don’t forget to enter it at checkout when you book.

Find out more at www.bookingsforyou.com

Disclaimer: I will receive a small commission from Bookings for You when you book using the discount code COOKINGCARAFES