Italy's hotspots unveiled in Shayne Tino's ultimate guide

Introducing Fashion Corner: with Shayne Tino - where Shayne takes Remix readers along with him on his travels across Europe over the next few months, highlighting sartorial style and unique travel content as an honorary guest editor.

Next up: Italy

By far my favourite country in Europe, Italy is a place I look forward to returning to every year. Incredible food, culture, fashion and architecture are a given - but I’m continually surprised by the unique vibe each city has to offer. On this trip, I’ve explored places new and familiar; see my insider’s guide to summer in Italy below.

Verona:

I visited Verona on a whim as it was close to Venice, and it just so happened to be some of the best pasta I ate in Italy. The home of Romeo and Juliet, Verona is a charming little town with a lot of character (and a surprisingly buzzing nightlife). Gnocchi is a staple here, best served with Gorgonzola sauce. 

Recommendations:

Trattoria al Pompiere 

Menu standouts were the cured meats, homemade Burrata and tiramisu.

P.S: Verona is close by to Venice, Bologna and Lake Garda if you are planning a trip.

Lake Garda

The local’s favourite alternative to Lake Como, I couldn’t’ stop being recommended Lake Garda. After having been to both, I must say Garda is much clearer and better for swimming. It’s a lot quieter than Como and less developed, great for a relaxing few days.

Recommendations: 

Parco San Vigilio 

A ‘park’ with a restaurant, private pool and lake access. There’s everything you need here for a perfect day on the lake.

Venice

My expectations of Venice were that it would be quite touristy, however I was pleasantly surprised. The city and architecture are truly breathtaking, but they also have an epic food scene. Venetian ‘cichetti’ is small snacks served at little stand up bars, so you can spend an afternoon bar hopping and trying one or two things at each place. The cichetti ranges from grilled seafood, to loaded breads and fried snacks. 

Recommendations:

Bar All’Arco

Start your bar hop with this very popular Cichetti  (but expect to cue). There’s a wide seafood selection as well as half/mini wine glasses.

Harry’s Bar

The oldest bar in Venice and home of the Bellini, stop in for a cocktail at anytime of the day.

Milan

A great base for Italy, Milan is a bustling city I always return to. Spoilt for choice when it comes to shopping and dining, my favourite area to go out in is Navigli - an energetic strip of bars and restaurants that line the canal. 

Recommendations:

Giacomo Milano

Visit for lunch or an afternoon spritz to break up shopping, with an epic view of the Duomo.

Florence

Hands down, my favourite city in Italy. From visiting every year for Pitti Uomo, I know this city like the back of my hand. It feels like there’s an amazing foccacia, gelato and pasta place on every corner - and Florence is the most walkable city. Everything is within 30 minutes on foot, so you can see and eat it all.

Recommendations:

Trattoria Marionne

This rustic trattoria makes the best lasagne and cacio e Pepe I’ve ever had. A truly authentic meal, book if you can as it’s very busy. 

Borgo antico 

Right in the middle of the happening Santo Spirito square, this restaurant is known for their truffle carbonara. The square is also a great place to sit with a takeaway pizza and drinks for a local experience.

Bassano Del Grappa

The furthest north I’ve ever been in Italy, and it feels like another world. The home of grappa, Bassano is a hidden gem. It’s a welcome change exploring the medieval looking town that is super quiet during the day compared to most cities, but it truly transforms at night. The small square with 2 main bars attracts hundreds of young people, it’s an unbelievable sight. 

Recommendations:

Nardini 

Order a Mezzo Mezzo, traditional grappa drink overlooking the old bridge.