We factored in a visit to three of the lagoon’s islands on our last trip to Venice. We’d been to the capital of Italy’s Veneto region several times as a couple before but not made it to any of the islands. Plus we figured a boat trip would be fun for seven-year-old POD given it was her first time in Venice.
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Alberobello is a picturesque town in the Puglia region of Southern Italy. Renowned for its unusual conical-roofed houses, it was made a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996. Alberobello is one of the most recognised landscapes in the region due to the whitewashed Trulli which characteristically feature pyramidal, domed, or conical roofs.
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Five times winners of global awards, Puy du Fou is a unique theme park set in 55 hectares of ancient woodland. Believe me, when I tell you, it’s like nothing you will have experienced before. There are no rides for starters. Instead, visitors are treated to immersive performances with mind-boggling special effects so extraordinary they’ll leave you agog.
Having had an unforgettable time in Cantabria and Asturias, with a press trip to the remarkable Aragon in-between, we’ve relished the time we’ve spent in Northern Spain. Ripe for discovery and exploration, each region we’ve visited is beautifully unspoilt offering something different with landscapes so spectacular they’ve taken our breath away. We’re craving another road trip but where to next? Here are a few things we’ve loved about our travels in Northern Spain and where we’re thinking of heading.
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Famed for its turquoise green waters and white sand beaches, rugged mountains provide the perfect backdrop to Sardinia’s northeast. The Costa Smeralda (Emerald Coast) is widely recognised as one of the most beautiful in the world. Our initial trip, to Porto Cervo, was of course before POD came along so we were itching to return to visit Italy’s second largest island as a family.
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We’ve had some wonderful travel highlights this year. Of course discovery, exploration and adventure
We’ve been to Venice a few times in the past but our last visit was the first time as a family. The capital of northern Italy’s Veneto region, the city is built on a lagoon. Of course, having canals instead of roads is what makes Venice unique. Marco Polo is the closest airport served by flights from the likes of Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester. There are several ways to reach Venice which can vary wildly in price so it’s worthwhile knowing what your options are in advance.
In the strait of Bonifacio, between Sardinia and Corsica, is the Maddalena archipelago. Located off the Costa Smeralda, there are turquoise lagoons, uninhabited islands and white sandy beaches. We’d taken a tour organised by Neilson Holidays which involved a coach from the Baia dei Mori beach resort to the far northeast of Sardinia. On arrival, we joined a cruise boat which took us to the harbour town of La Maddalena before heading to the heavenly Spargi Island.
With Christmas Day (and POD’s eighth birthday!) just a few weeks away, we’ve pulled together a few of the best gifts for little adventurers. Whether it’s making the journey easier, keeping them entertained or treasuring those special memories.
If you’re heading to Venice, depending on how much time you have, it’s worthwhile building in a trip to see some of the islands. With it being 7 year old POD’s first time in Venice, we opted for a half day tour to Murano, Burano and Torcello. Burano is around 40 minutes from the capital of northern Italy’s Veneto region, famed for its lacemaking and colourful houses.
