Pinpoint: Italy

Coverage by Ben Cabral

Amalfi/ Capri & Positano

The Amalfi Coast is what you make of it. Perfect for a honeymoon, the pristine beaches and colorful seaside villages are tucked into the mountainsides of the Lattari range. It is straight out of a romance film. Although eating fine cuisine with a view of the magnificent Adriatic sunset would fulfill most Amalfi dreams, adrenaline seekers can find something to satisfy their desires as well. Capri is home to the Blue Grotto, an underwater sea cave with sunlight that passes through an underwater cavity. It creates a blue reflection in the water, illuminating the cavern like a real life magic trick. To get into the cave, I had to duck into a tiny paddle boat that passes through a hole just barely big enough to fit. It opens up to another world.

For the best overall view of the island of Capri, it is necessary to get a taxi or bus over to Anacapri. I hopped onto a chairlift that brought me over vineyards and up to one of the most insane sights I have ever witnessed. Once I was at the top, I could look out over the Adriatic and see mega yachts engulfing the crystal waters along the coast, lined with wildflowers and stunning beaches. Mount Vesuvius rested in the background.

In Positano, I crossed one of the bucket list. My five friends and I split the cost and hired a boat driver to take us to secret swimming spots along the coast. We ended our daydream with some cliff jumping, incessantly saying how life was not real at that moment. We all felt so grateful for what we were experiencing.

Florence/ Nearby Towns of Siena and San Gimignano

I spent the month of May studying in Florence, a big city for someone who grew up in small beach towns in the Bahamas and Florida. It was always on my bucket list to experience city life as a local. Fortunately, it was all I imagined it would be. I thrived off of the hustle and bustle, the diversity of the people, and how every corner led to something new. I had to expect the unexpected and be open to accepting all cultures and ways of life, because they were constantly surrounding me. The smaller cities in the Tuscan countryside hosted a different pace of life from Florence. The quaint Siena and San Gimignano boasted stunning views of vineyards and centuries old churches. Wildflower fields surrounded the town walls. It felt as though I was in a vintage Italian film, and I never wanted it to end.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre was the honeymoon I never knew I was going on. I have been with my boyfriend Harrison for seven months now. On our first date in the States, I asked him what his summer plans were. Strangely enough, we had both signed up to study abroad in Italy in the same city at the same time. After I knew we would be staying together long term, I could not wait any longer for the incredible two months we would have in Italy together. I had the feeling that I’d be living a Call Me By Your Name summer romance. We planned to visit Cinque Terre on Harrison’s birthday weekend, booking two nights of accommodation for the three day hike that would ensue. Hiking and training are the easiest ways to explore all of the five lands. The hike from Monterosso to Vernazza took my breath away. Harrison and I walked through vineyards and across bridges with waterfalls below. The trails offered special views from above of each colorful seaside village. We embraced the strong afternoon sun by making it an excuse for us to take a swim in the cool waters. After long days of walking up a seemingly endless number of stairs, we found refuge in mouthwatering seafood dishes that I would consider life changing. My time in Cinque Terre was priceless, full of moments that I will cherish forever with the love of my life.

Lake Garda & Verona

Verona, known as Italy’s city of love, was similar to Florence in its architecture and size. However, it lacked Florence’s immense number of tourists, thus providing a more Italian experience. It was the weekend getaway of my dreams. Bakeries and boutique shops lined the streets, flowers and vines clinging to their exteriors. As a theater kid, my inner nerd was ecstatic as I appreciated the city that set the story of Romeo and Juliet. After wandering the streets of the Montagues and Capulets, it was just a ten minute train ride to Lake Garda, a place where all medieval fantasies come true. I feasted my eyes on enormous castles and colorful lakeside villages. Gorgeous wooden sailboats dominated the turquoise waters as people paragliding soared overhead. It is a land of contrasts. One moment I was on the beach enjoying a picnic and suddenly I would find myself high in the Alps. I swear there is nothing else like it.