The Italy! Mamma Mia! Blog
The ItalyMammaMia Blog shares with you all that I love about Italy: news (with lots of good news stories too), our latest articles (featuring beautiful Italian places, recipes and travel advice). Then we've also things like Italian songs, great videos and essential information for planning your next trip to Italy.
Join me, Maria, and my family in discovering Italy together...
Two Young Italians Killed
Two young Italians were killed when their boat was hit by a motorboat. The boat that collided with them (rented by two German tourists) didn't stop, didn't help. Instead they turned the boat in and went to dinner. They allege they didn't realize they hit anything (despite one apparently being slightly injured and their boat sustaining significant damage).
Experts doubt that they would not have noticed the collision and suggest they must have been speeding. Police are also investigating if they were under the influence of alcohol.
Meanwhile, the two tourists were last seen heading back to Munich in their Porsche.
Investigations continue.
Tourist Swims Naked in Fountain
A Dutch tourist stripped off in the middle of the day to the shock of onlookers. Police immediately intervened and she was fined 300 Euros.
Discovered! The Best Beaches near Amalfi
Stunning beaches sandwiched between towering cliffs and aquamarine seas. If you are looking for the best beaches near Amalfi or Positano here they are.
Orvieto - an Ancient Umbrian Town
Life in Orvieto is lived well. Food, wine and simple pleasures are never taken for granted. Locals love to mingle, sitting along the cobbled paths, talking of years gone by. Discover more...
The Best Three and Four Star Hotels in Venice Italy
Which are the best three and four star hotels in Venice Italy? These are my picks. P.S. I include only hotels which I can recommend with confidence - you won't find any long lists like on other big sites - these are personal, genuine recommendations.
Continue reading "The Best Three and Four Star Hotels in Venice Italy"
Our Homemade Lasagna Recipe
I am Italian and here is the way I have always made lasagna. It is the way my mother taught me and this homemade lasagna recipe is something my family really love.
The Politicians Lied To Us ALL!
Despite promises that ships over 50,000 tons would not be back in Venice they are back.
In fact the Governor of the Veneto was happy to announce the return of two MSC monster ships.
He was delighted to let everyone know that these two ships, both over 90,000 tonnage, would be sailing from Venice this summer and they would be heading down the Giudecca canal: where near accidents have happened, where many locals say the very foundations of priceless palaces, churches and homes are being undermined and where nature thrived while the monsters were gone.
Why have they gone back on their word?
Well, they say the new docking facilities aren't available in Marghera and it could be years, maybe decades, before they are.
So, that's it then.
The future of Venice is put at risk for short term profit. I will let MSC know how I feel. If you would like to do the same you can on https://www.msccruisesusa.com/forms/contact-us
Support the campaign against the huge cruise ships on https://www.facebook.com/comitatonograndinavi/ and https://www.weareherevenice.org/category/against-giant-cruise-ships/
The Most Beautiful Places in Italy
People often ask me which are the most beautiful places in Italy? My answer to them is this...
Earthquake Risk in Italy: These Are the Most Dangerous Areas
We are often asked where the earthquake risk in Italy is at its most dangerous. We've the answer for you: not only the most at risk but the least at risk regions too.
Continue reading "Earthquake Risk in Italy: These Are the Most Dangerous Areas"
Christmas in Italy? Everything You Need is Here!
Planning a Christmas in Italy? I have everything you need - advice on Italian Christmas traditions, insider tips, weather, great value accommodation picks and a guide to the best restaurants.
Continue reading "Christmas in Italy? Everything You Need is Here!"
Italy Welcomes The USA!
Are you from the USA? Well, we've some great news for you - ITALY IS OPEN!!! You'll find the details in the link down below, where it says continue reading. Now book your hotels with us below:
Mamma's Italian Meatballs Recipe
My mamma makes the BEST Italian meatballs recipe. Yes, the BEST. They are to die for and if you don't believe me, you must cook up a pot of them yourself. I dare you...
I NEVER Want the OLD Venice Back
Venice is one of the world's greatest attractions but Covid-19 has changed the city. And I NEVER want it to return to the way it was before. The future of Venice...
Things to Do in Bari & Reasons to Love Bari
In many ways it is in Bari that the heart and soul of Puglia is to be found. Bari is real, Bari is vibrant and Bari is enchanting. Watch out for flying wooden spoons though!
Continue reading "Things to Do in Bari & Reasons to Love Bari"
The Top 10 Craziest Questions About Italy
Is Italy still run by Caesar? The Top 10 Craziest Questions About Italy
Continue reading "The Top 10 Craziest Questions About Italy "
Rewards for Loving Italy
If you could pay $4.99 a month and get hundreds of dollars worth of value in exchange would you?If you answered yes click continue reading below...
Don't Miss The Little Things
We all rush way to much and miss the little things. Yet, it is in the little details that the greatest joy is to be found and the only way to see the details is to go slowly.
Take this video for example, you might just be tempted to skip through it or jump onto some thing else but then... you'd miss the little path on the right zigzagging down to the beach; you'd miss the villa on the hill, the one with the three cypress trees; and you'd most certainly miss the little church, perched high on the hill to the right.
An Insiders Guide to the Best Hotels on the Amalfi Coast
Fragrance of jasmine & lemons in the air, colorful cottages tumble down to azure seas far below. This convent is the best hotel on the Amalfi coast...
Continue reading "An Insiders Guide to the Best Hotels on the Amalfi Coast"
Acqua Alta Bookshop - Like Something from Wonderland
Gondolas inside and gondolas floating by outside, piles of books, cats everywhere and a fire escape that involves jumping into a canal. This is the Acqua Alta Bookshop
Continue reading "Acqua Alta Bookshop - Like Something from Wonderland"
Summer in Italy... All Year Round
Give the gift of love straight from Italy - the land of amore. Have you experienced a summer in Italy? We've a way for you to bring that joy home with you...
The Ultimate Venice Vacation Rentals
Venice vacation rentals, the best way to really live the city & feel like a local. I love going to the outdoor market, coming home laden with local produce & great wine to cook up a pasta dish.
The Best Beaches in Tuscany
The beaches in Tuscany meet the needs of even the most demanding; from the island beaches of Giglio through to these stunningly beautiful and wild beaches of the Maremma...
The Best Beaches near Rome
Looking for the best beaches near Rome? Look no further! These are beaches with azure seas and endless soft sand, paradise right on the doorstep of Rome.
The Ghosts of Venice
Venice seems so bright and sparkly on a summer's day but, as night falls, another Venice can be felt.
A Venice where the loud voices, laughter and excitement of the tourists is gone. Now it is the ghosts of Venice who dominate, the spirits of centuries past. Mist rolls slowly along the blackened canals, enveloping all in its embrace. A shiver runs down your spine, your blood turns to ice. Mostly benevolent, you can feel their presence, the presence of a thousand years of lives lived and lost in these streets.
Ristorante Trattoria Cherubino
I have been to Venice several times now, and always end up going back to this Trattoria. The owner and staff are very friendly and the food and wine excellent.
Piemonte vs. Piedmont on Maps
Occasionally I've seen maps of Italy which have everything in Italian except the Piemonte region will be shown as Piedmont. My understanding is that Piedmont
A Virtual Journey through Venetian Life
Real Venetian life is lived far from the tourist spots. Down the little canals and lanes is where you'll discover the real Venice.
Discoveries While Lost in Venice
Getting lost in Venice is the best way to discover the amazing secrets and soul of this city. These amazing photos were all captured down the secret alleys and forgotten canals...
The Rialto Bridge in Venice Italy
The Rialto Bridge is the most beautiful bridge in Venice and perhaps the world. Here's everything you need to know about the bridge and plenty more on Venice too..
What to See in Sicily
Wondering what to see in Sicily? We've a lot of fabulous suggestions that you will absolutely LOVE!
The Enchanting South of Italy
What is it about the south of Italy that makes it so special. This story will provide the answer....
Millions of European Slaves taken to Africa
Did you know that perhaps millions of Europeans, including Italians, were captured by slavers from North Africa?
Continue reading "Millions of European Slaves taken to Africa"
Italian DO NOT do any of these things... EVER!
There are some things Italians absolutely DO NOT do. Some of those things things that YOU do daily Italians see as life threatening.
Continue reading "Italian DO NOT do any of these things... EVER!"
You'll Enjoy These...
-
The Best Three and Four Star Hotels in Venice Italy
Which are the best three and four star hotels in Venice Italy? These are my picks. P.S. I include only hotels which I can recommend with confidence - you won't find any long lists like on other big sites - these are personal, genuine recommendations.
-
Christmas in Italy? Everything You Need is Here!
Planning a Christmas in Italy? I have everything you need - advice on Italian Christmas traditions, insider tips, weather, great value accommodation picks and a guide to the best restaurants.
-
Acqua Alta Bookshop - Like Something from Wonderland
Gondolas inside and gondolas floating by outside, piles of books, cats everywhere and a fire escape that involves jumping into a canal. This is the Acqua Alta Bookshop
-
Summer in Italy... All Year Round
Give the gift of love straight from Italy - the land of amore. Have you experienced a summer in Italy? We've a way for you to bring that joy home with you...
-
The Ultimate Venice Vacation Rentals
Venice vacation rentals, the best way to really live the city & feel like a local. I love going to the outdoor market, coming home laden with local produce & great wine to cook up a pasta dish.
-
Haunted Buildings in Venice - Ca' Dario - 10 Dead
As haunted buildings in Venice go Ca Dario is hard to beat. The number of people who have died shortly after owning this building is shocking. We are not talking 1 or 2 deaths here but 10 at least.
-
A Virtual Journey through Venetian Life
Real Venetian life is lived far from the tourist spots. Down the little canals and lanes is where you'll discover the real Venice.
-
The Easter in Venice Guide
Easter in Venice is wonderful, there's a special feeling in the air and Easter is still celebrated in the traditional way. Be a part of it - click for more.
-
Inside Castello in Venice Italy
Castello in Venice is a get away from the theme park feel of St. Marks Square. In some ways this is small town Italy, old ladies gossiping in the squares and kids playing in the lanes.
-
St Marks Basilica in Venice Italy - Truly Amazing
St Marks Basilica is enchanting. Its Byzantine design seems more Istanbul than Venice, while inside the sense of heavenly light descending through the darkness below is...
-
Venice Churches - Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari
Of the many lovely Venice Churches this is one that should be added to your must see list when in Venice. Home to everything Venice - visit us now
-
Discover Venice in Summer
Venice in Summer is a wonderful place to be. Colorful flower boxes add a splash of red while the gondolas ply their way up canals sparkling aquamarine in the summer sunshine.
-
Discoveries While Lost in Venice
Getting lost in Venice is the best way to discover the amazing secrets and soul of this city. These amazing photos were all captured down the secret alleys and forgotten canals...
-
The Rialto Bridge in Venice Italy
The Rialto Bridge is the most beautiful bridge in Venice and perhaps the world. Here's everything you need to know about the bridge and plenty more on Venice too..
-
Winter in Venice - A Magical Time
They call it the secret season. A time when Venice returns to the mystical and magical city it has been for centuries. A time when there are more Venetians than tourists. This is winter in Venice.
-
Why Visit Venice and the Veneto
Why visit Venice and the Veneto? This is the Italy of the imagination...except it's real. This is the Italy you've seen in the movies....but you're the star. Organize your trip in 12 photos...
-
Weather in Venice Italy
The weather in Venice Italy - read our guide for everything you need to know about the Venice weather and some great advice on when to visit.
-
Visiting Venice Temptations
Ever considered visiting Venice Italy? Here is the final temptation you need. Tell me you don't want to pack after seeing this!
-
Visiting Burano - Venice Colored Bright
When the crowds of Venice start getting on your nerves and your mood turns grey that's when you need to color your life bright... with a little Burano.
-
Venice Treviso Airport & Getting to Venice
Our guide to Venice Treviso Airport and all you need to know to find the cheapest flights to Venice.
Please Book with Us...
Maria here, if you enjoy my site I'd love your support.
Simply book your next trip anywhere (not only to Italy) with the search box below or with any of the hotel links on the website.
I promise you'll get the best deal on accommodation available and the income we receive from HotelsCombined helps us to:
- Stay independent and to keep bringing you the best of Italy.
- Never have to accept money from hotels directly; that way we can share only those we genuinely love.
- Home
- Our Blog
Support Us Via our Sponsors
We earn a Small % on purchases made via our website. it costs you not a cent more.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
New! Comments
Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.