Marie-Louise Sciò's Italian Riviera
Go And See
31 May 2024
CEO and Creative Director of the Pellicano Hotels group (not to mention renowned tastemaker and curator of online destination for everything Italian, ISSIMO), Marie-Louise Sciò’s connection to the Italian Riviera is an intimate one, having grown up at the famed Il Pellicano hotel. Celebrating our as well as the irresistible allure of a sultry Italian summer, her recommendations for the most special places on the Italian coast are presented below.
Ischia
A stunning island in the Gulf of Naples in the Tyrrhenian Sea, Ischia is a soothing escape known for its mineral-rich hot springs, lush landscape and rustic charms.
Castello Aragonese: Offering a fascinating history dating back to 474 BC, the medieval fortress; Castello Aragonese, is a must stop for the dramatic landscapes of its rocky volcanic islet.
The Museum of Santa Restituta: The Museum of Santa Restituta dates back to Greco-Roman times and features a cavernous underground tunnel complex that charts back through antiquity.
Villa Arbusto Museum: Majestic, and boasting one of the islands most beautiful gardens, the Villa Arbusto Museum offers a peaceful setting with breathtaking views. Once the private residence of the Duke of Atri it then changed hands to Angelo Rizzoli of publishing fame.
The Torrione: The oldest and largest tower in Forio, the Torrione offers a wonderful example of medieval defense against pirate incursions.
Giardini La Mortella: A beautiful subtropical garden, the Giardini La Mortella is perfect for a tranquil jaunt among lush indigenous greenery.
Mount Epomeo: To stretch your legs, a wonderful hike is from the charming little village of Fontana to the summit of Mount Epomeo. Amazing scenery along the way, and a bit of challenge to test your spirits.
Fonte delle Ninfe de Nitrodi: Known the world over for their restorative properties, the mineral-rich thermal springs of Ischia are a must to experience and enjoy. Said to be the oldest spa in the world, Fonte delle Ninfe de Nitrodi is the pinnacle of water healing that also incorporates an amalgam of hydro-aromatherapy, all amid a glorious setting.
Image: Mezzatorre Hotel & Thermal Spa - Swimming Platform
Boasting a myriad of dining option satisfying all tastes and varieties, our favorites in Ischia are these:
For the romantic ambience of being seated at seaside, Umberto a Mare offers an amazing experience, while the Michelin starred Dani Maison, located amid the picturesque villa that was the chef’s former grandparent’s estate, provides heralded interpretations of traditional dishes and an excellent wine list. Equally magical is Saturnino, founded by an American ex-pat in the 1940’s before soon becoming a beloved island institution.
Image: Mezzatorre Hotel & Thermal Spa - Ristorante La Torre
Built into an unfinished 16th century watchtower with stunning views of the Gulf Of Naples, the Mezzatorre Hotel & Thermal Spa is a hidden gem. Offering a wealth of luxurious amenities including pool, tennis court, and bubbling thermal spa, the chic hotel is the perfect starting point for your island adventures provided you can actually pull yourself away.
Argentario
A hidden gem in southern Tuscany with picturesque beaches and deep blue crystalline swimming lagoons, Argentario is a rugged paradise exquisitely appointed for quality R&R.
Orbetello: A very unique seaside town located on a thin strip of land in the middle of its namesake lagoon, Orbetello draws visitors near and far for its fine, white sand beaches surrounded by pine forests. Picturesque views of everything from its pristine lagoon to the Etruscans ruins are all around.
Porto Ecole / Porto Santo Stefano: The two main seaport towns; Porto Ecole and Porto Santo Stefano are characterized by colorful fishing boats bobbing in their scenic harbors with charming stone villages rising above the Tyrrhenian Sea. Perfect for a slow jaunt through the town with a lovely view of everything from the Fortezza Spagnola, the coastal Spanish fortress dating back to the 17th century.
Tarot Garden: Inspired by the Gaudí’s iconic Parc Güell in Barcelona and Parco dei Mostri in Bomarzo, Franco-American artist Niki de Saint Phalle created this magical sculpture garden based on the esoteric tarot. One of a kind spectacular blending art, nature and spirituality.
Image: Hotel Il Pellicano
Impossible to get seafood any fresher than in Argentario, the selections, straight from the ocean, as well as the traditional Italian fare, are a dream. These are the standouts among the standouts. La Sirena - especially for seafood, but also for the spaghetti dal casa. For the wonderful experience of beachfront dining, it’s Da Braccio, and for tasty pizza and cocktails with stunning sunset views, Il Tramonto hits the spot.
Image: Hotel Il Pellicano - Bar All'Aperto
Chic and discreet, kissed by the Tuscan sun, the Hotel Il Pellicano, since its creation, has been a favorite of Hollywood and European royalty. Perched on top of a scenic cove, warm sunbeds dot the bougainvillea lined terraces while bartender extraordinaire, Federico at Bar Roberto serves the most amazing aperitifs, digestifs and everything in between. Impossible not to be transported mind and body.
Palo Laziale
Located less than an hour from Rome, but occupying what feels like a world away, Palo Laziale is a small hamlet of coastline serving as the most charming getaway.
Cerveteri: Designated a UNESCO heritage site, the ruins of a monumental Etruscan cemetery provide a fascinating look at the architecture of the earliest urban civilization in the northern Mediterranean.
Castello di Santa Severa: Dating back to the 14th century, featuring the fairy-tale silhouette of an enchanted medieval fortress, the castle offers a serene setting to explore and take in during a day at the sea.
Castello Odescahlchi di Bracciano: Known as one of the most impressive castles in Europe, the beautiful renaissance-era monument dominates the medieval town of Bracciano and its pristine lake. A walk along the ramparts are a must for the most stunning views of the countryside.
Anguillara Sabazia and Tolfa: For village charm, Anguillara Sabazia, set on Lake Bracciano provides a picturesque setting perfect for sunset watching, while Tolfa offers strolls through medieval alleyways and squares with panoramic vistas of the magnificent countryside far and wide.
Marina di San Nicola: Only a quick jaunt on a bike, the Marina di San Nicola and its surroundings are the best places to indulge in beach activities. Scorpion Beach on Lake Bracciano with its pristine waters, offers sunbeds and delicious bites and drinks at their restaurant and bar. For a lively atmosphere, try the Malibu Beach Club in Marina di Palo which has great cocktails and seafood.
Image: La Posta Vecchia Hotel - Museum
Rich in the freshest seafood selections, Palo Laziale spoils its visitors with a myriad of amazing dining options. Among the best; Equo Risto stands out for its sustainable variety, while Joya Restaurant excels in crude platters, and L’Isola de Pescatore in Santa Severa serves the tastiest fish soup. If you crave an experience that seamlessly marries a fishmonger situation with sit-down restaurant, La Paranza is for you. Meanwhile, meat lovers should head to Manzo Steakhouse in Ladispoli for wonderful fare.
Image: La Posta Vecchia Hotel - Ristorante The Cesar
Among the amazing sites to go and see, and dine at, providing ballast is the wonderful La Posta Vecchia Hotel. The former private mansion of Jean Paul Getty, roman mosaics and renaissance furnishings decorate the estate overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. Comprised of just nineteen rooms and suites, the boutique hotel offers a perfect base to wander out from and experience the region.