Archive for Italy

Three Best Destinations On A Backpacking Tour Of Serie A’s Clubs

Italy’s Serie A is one of the most historically successful and internationally recognised soccer leagues in the world today. It is perhaps only eclipsed by England’s Premier League and Spain’s Primera Liga. Therefore, it is not surprising that millions of backpacking soccer fans are embarking on Serie A-themed tours around Italy, witnessing the high-class sporting action whilst submerging themselves in the sights and sounds of Italy’s most stunning and scintillating cities.

Not only are Serie A’s teams spread out beautifully within Italy but each club’s home city offers a distinctly different flavour. Therefore, following the path of the Serie A’s fixtures is not a bad way to explore Italy, especially if you are a sports fan. Of course, not everyone is going to be able to see every match and visit every city. So, for those interested in such a football tour of Italy, here are three locations and teams that are not to be missed.

 

Cagliari Calcio, Cagliari

Cagliari Calcio call the Stadio Comunale Sant’Elia its home. It hosted three matches during the 1990 FIFA World Cup and has existed since 1920. Nestled within the ancient city of Cagliari, it is not just this longstanding club that is brimming with history.

Above ground, this diverse city is known for its stunning Art Nouveau architecture and striking monuments. However, below ground, lie several remains of human settlements from thousands of years ago. Beneath Cagliari lies a Roman amphitheatre, a huge necropolis from the Carthaginian era and even a prehistoric Domus de Janas.

Situated on the coast of the autonomous Italian island of Sardinia, Cagliari has a stunning coastline which features one of the largest ports in the Mediterranean Sea. Meanwhile, within the city centre, one will find several museums, theatres and libraries. Moreover, given this and the city’s historic underbelly, Cagliari is currently favourite to become the European Capital of Culture in 2019.

 

*photo credit: berlinrider 

 

Palermo, Palermo

The winners of Serie B last season, Palermo has sadly failed to dominate the top Italian league in the same way. They languish mid-table, with odds of only 2000/1 in the Serie A betting to win the league. However, even if they lose the league, Palermo’s location is definitely a winner!

Palermo is located on the iconic island of Sicily and is known to be the cultural, touristic and economic capital. One of the largest Mediterranean cities, Palermo is known for its exceptionally sunny and warm weather.

Besides having a world-renowned collection of beautiful churches, ranging from Romanesque to Gothic to Baroque styling, Sicily is also known for its gastronomy and restaurants. The city also boasts a vibrant nightlife that centres around Sicily’s long history involving live music.

 

Juventus, Turin

The champions of Serie A in 2014, and favourite to repeat this feat, Juventus is a legendary soccer team. How appropriate then that the team is located within perhaps the most important city in northern Italy, with Turin being the capital of the Piedmont region.

With the Po River to its right, the Susa Valley behind it and the Alpine arch circling it, Turin boasts some truly awe-inspiring scenery and landscapes. Besides this natural beauty, Turin is known for its art galleries, opera houses and theatres. All built in a variety of styles, including Renaissance, Neoclassical and Rococo.

However, perhaps the most famous object within Turin is the controversial Shroud of Turin. This beautifully illustrated cloth depicts the image of Jesus Christ and is at the centre of a debate surrounding the authenticity of the claims that it was his burial cloth. With carbon-dating proving this false but a variety of other campaigners, such as Jeffrey Skurkaclaiming otherwise.

Where to eat in Western Liguria

Olio Colto restaurant in Taggia

Spending a few days around Western Liguria I was able to taste the best meals in some of the best restaurants. It is not a secret that Italian cuisine together with the Slovak one is my favorite one in the world so trying out different local meals was like heaven to me.

 

Wondering where to eat in Western Liguria? Here are my picks:

 

1. Olio Colto in Taggia – a very modern restaurant where tradition embraces modern dishes. Get some of the tastest vegetarian dishes all covered with the local virgin olive oil, or even olive oil ice cream! Everything here is cooked with healthy olive oil which is what I use in kitchen every day too. Yummy veggies and olive oil? I am in.

 

 

Olio Colto restaurant in Taggia

Olio Colto restaurant in Taggia

veggies with olive oil in Olio Colto

veggies with olive oil in Olio Colto

a cabbage meal in Olio Colto

a cabbage meal in Olio Colto

 

2. Casino di Sanremo – after cycling around Sanremo, head over to Casino for a posh dinner. Remember, no photos are allowed inside and you have to be formally dressed. Live music will make your time here happier. We asked for fish and it was ridiculously huge! It came on a separate table 😀 Guys also seemed to enjoy wine in Casino. Everything was white around and reminded me of a Slovak wedding. Really nice place to have dinner at and feel like a human.

 

live music in Casino Sanremo

live music in Casino Sanremo

fish dinner in Casino Sanremo

fish dinner in Casino Sanremo

 

 

3. Osteria con cucina Antica in Finale Ligure – traditional dishes (pancakes, pasta, bread and many other meals) from the area can all be found here for affordable prices. And trust me, you will get super hungry after the long trip through the mountains to get to the restaurant. There’s free wifi in the restaurant and also turtles and other animals to have a look at.

pancakes in Osteria con cucina Antica

pancakes in Osteria con cucina Antica

ravioli in Osteria con cucina Antica

ravioli in Osteria con cucina Antica

 

4. Palazzo Salsole in Sassello – hiking Beigua Geopark or picking up mushrooms there can be tiring so afterwards I recommend you to try mushroom meals in this restaurant. Ask for all the varieties you can get, they are all super tasty! And if you feel very hungry, you should start with different kinds of cheese and meat.

 

delicios cheese in Palazzo Salsole in Sassello

delicios cheese in Palazzo Salsole in Sassello

bacalao fish in Palazzo Salsole

bacalao fish in Palazzo Salsole

 

 

5. Trattoria Ugo in Genoa – when visiting Genoa, take time to have dinner in Ugo which is great for both seafood dishes and vegetarian pasta. I don’t like sea food, it makes me sick, but I had the most amazing pesto pasta there. Also the chocolate dessert was super delicious.

 

6. Osteria il Castello in Millesimo – this is definitely the best place for tasting meals with truffles. After hunting truffles we got our dinner in Osteria and tasted polenta with cheese sauce and truffles followed by a truffle goat cheese dessert. I can still taste it on my tongue. You can even try the Original alcohol made here 🙂

polenta with cheese and truffles

polenta with cheese and truffles

goat cheese with truffles

goat cheese with truffles

 

 

Have you been to Liguria? Any more tips on where to eat in Western Liguria?