Liguria: The local beach of Port San Stefano in Liguria. Photo by @emmapeijenburg

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The Art of Slow Travel in Italy's Heartlands

In the land of Italy, where the piazzas bustle and history whispers from every corner, there's a slower beat, a rhythm that dances to 'la dolce vita'. Welcome to the art of slow travel in Italy, where the journey morphs from a mere visit to a profound exploration. It is an invitation to pause over espresso, to wander ancient alleys, and to connect deeply with the land and its people.

In the quaint cobblestone streets of Italy's lesser-trodden villages, time seems to dawdle. In a place like the serene village of Trequanda in Tuscany, with its quintessential local coffee bar, one steps into a place almost as if it is suspended in time. It's here, chatting with local artisans, and all and sundry from the village, that the essence of slow travel blooms.

Or take for instance the hilltop village of Montegrazie, where time seems to saunter rather than march. Nestled snugly beside the village's sole church, the sanctified Santuario, is the slow food haven of Ristorante Al Santuario. This charming family-run establishment does not have a conventional menu; instead, it offers a culinary improvisation on whatever is in season, and the garden generously yields. It's a place so intimately woven into the fabric of local life, you might just forget you're a visitor and not a long-lost relative.

Venture further, and the Italian countryside unfurls in a panorama of vineyards, olive groves, and undulating hills. In the heartlands of Piemonte, staying in homes nestled amongst vineyards isn't just picturesque; it's immersive. Here, joining in the grape harvest or olive picking isn't just labour; it's understanding the Italian communion with their land and each other. Al fresco meals in the vineyard, fresh produce from the land, paired with local wines, become more than sensory delights; they're stories of the land itself.

On the coast, in places like Itri and Portovenere, slow travel adopts a different shade. It's about embracing 'il dolce far niente' – the sweetness of doing nothing. Days drift by on sun-kissed terraces or meandering along the waterfront. The charm of Itri and Portovenere isn't in grand landmarks but in the languid pace and the simple act of being.

Slow travel is not only good for your well-being, but by delving deep into fewer places it is coincidently also a sustainable approach to holidaying. Travellers lessen their environmental footprint, enriching local economies and cultures. For those drawn to this unhurried way of exploration, small family-run B&Bs or countryside villas offer a perfect stay. Engage with your area through cooking classes, wine tastings, or experience a truffle hunt. And remember, leave space for the spontaneous, often the heart of your journey. Slow Travel brings us back to the roots of why we travel. It's a chance to connect with the world and oneself. It's an invitation to savour each moment and uncover the richness in life's simple pleasures, to find the extraordinary in the ordinary.

Discover Italy the Plinius Way

PLINIUS: Where Slow Life Lives | Italian Villas for Exclusive Escapes.

Stay in /near Trequanda - Tuscany

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Explore Tuscany

Plinius Travel Guide: Get ready to get under the skin of Tuscany by visiting local markets, tasting some of the best cuisines in the region, meeting the locals, and exploring some of Tuscany's best-kept secrets. A digital guide of Tuscany curated by Plinius.