Named Prada Galleria, the revamped complex opened to the public on 23 September and brings together the brand’s women’s and men’s boutiques, exhibitions, private shopping areas, a pastry shop and spaces dedicated to contemporary art. The project was developed under the direction of Miuccia Prada, whose grandfather Mario Prada co-founded the company with his brother Martino in 1913.

“It is a way to show our DNA, our roots, our way of thinking and point of view,” Chief Executive Andrea Guerra ‌told Reuters

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At the heart of the redevelopment are Prada Donna and Prada Uomo, which were previously separate stores. Prada Donna, located on the site of the original Fratelli Prada shop, has nearly doubled its display space and now features women’s collections alongside expanded travel, home and beauty areas. The two boutiques are connected below the Galleria by a new underground tunnel known as the Passaggio Segreto, or “Secret Passage”.

The passage also serves as an exhibition space exploring episodes and eras of Prada’s history. According to Reuters, displays include silver-plated Prada handbags reworked by British artist Damien Hirst and a “Chandelier” dress worn by Carey Mulligan in the film The Great Gatsby.

Above Prada Uomo is Marchesi 1824, the historic Milanese pastry shop in which Prada acquired an 80% stake in 2014. Visitors can stop for pastries, chocolates, biscotti and espresso while overlooking the Galleria’s walkways and mosaics.

Another major addition is Pradasphere, Prada’s first permanent exhibition dedicated to the fashion house’s history. Building on temporary Pradasphere exhibitions previously staged in London, Hong Kong and Shanghai, the space presents archival objects and material tracing Prada’s development since 1913, including its connections with art, architecture, cinema, sport and culture. Visitors are required to register in advance to access the exhibition.

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The complex also includes Studio, a series of rooms designed for personalised shopping appointments and private events, as well as the invitation-only Appartamento. Designed to evoke an 18^th-century residence, the latter combines antique Italian furniture with contemporary photography and currently features works selected by German photographer Andreas Gursky.

On the upper levels, Osservatorio Fondazione Prada provides a space for experimentation focused on the connection between technology, contemporary culture and artistic expression.

The expansion comes as luxury brands increasingly invest in experiences designed to strengthen relationships with high-spending customers while attracting new shoppers. Guerra told Reuters that the company expects the revamped Milan flagship to generate around €100 million in annual revenue. Prada reported €5.7 billion in sales last year, while the cost of the Galleria redevelopment has not been disclosed. 

L’article Prada opens new eight-floor fashion, art and shopping destination in Milan est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Since introducing the measure in 2024, Venice has yet to find an effective way to combat overtourism in the city. Protesters have accused day-trippers of putting pressure on the city, while others point to overnight visitors. (Overnight visitors pay a separate tourist tax of between €1 and €5 per person per night.)

The city introduced a €5 entry fee on 29 peak days in 2024. It was extended to 54 days in 2025, when the charge was doubled for last-minute visitors, and then to a record 60 days this year.

Yet despite these adjustments, the measures have not delivered the results authorities had hoped for, prompting them to consider further changes to tackle overtourism and its impact on the city and its inhabitants.

Michele Zuin, Venice’s budget and taxation councillor, told regional daily Il Gazzettino that the current charges were too democratic to make a noticeable difference.

“The current €5-10 charge is affordable for virtually everyone”, he said, warning that the fee risked losing its intended deterrent effect.

Zuin added that the proposed 2027 pricing still needed to be discussed and agreed with the national government. He said there had even been talks of hiking the price up to €50 per person per day, although authorities could ultimately settle on a €30 cap.

Venice’s new mayor, Simone Venturini, appears to share Zuin’s concerns. He said in July that the current €10 fee had failed to deter enough visitors on peak days.

But instead of imposing a blanket increase, Venturini favours a dynamic pricing system that would allow the fee to rise with demand on the busiest days.

“We spend 100 million euros a year just to maintain Venice physically” said Venturini, pointing out that neither the European Union nor the Italian government contributes to that cost. International critics do not contribute either, he added.

“It’s paid by the people of Venice, and in part through tourism taxes.”

Venturini has long advocated raising both the price of the entry fee and the number of days on which it applies.

He was the city’s councillor for tourism and social cohesion in 2024 when the scheme was first introduced and told Reuters at the time that nobody expected day-trippers to “miraculously disappear” but that the measure “will be more effective in the coming years when we increase the number of days and lift the price”.

Three editions later, the 2026 trial generated more than €5.2 million through the sale of nearly 680,000 tickets, according to provisional municipal data. But the figures on its effectiveness as a deterrent paint a more nuanced picture.

An average of 11,326 tickets were sold per charging day in 2026, a 32.3% decline compared with 2024.

The number of exceptionally busy days also fell. In 2024, four days saw at least 20,000 paid entries, compared with three in 2025 and only one in 2026, even as the number of charging days more than doubled, from 29 to 60.

The municipality itself has cautioned that the figures remain provisional and require further analysis. Weather, public holidays and broader tourism demand will need to be taken into account before determining how much of the decline can be attributed to the entry fee.

L’article Venice considers raising day-tripper fee to €30 as overtourism persists est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The 76-room hotel is part of the Pavilions Hotels & Resorts group and is located on Corso Italia, the main shopping street in the heart of the famous Italian ski resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo.

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Studio Marincola Architects have completely revamped the building, designing it to give the UNESCO-listed Dolomites centre stage. They have used Dolomia stone and fir wood, and large windows that turn the mountain landscape into living wallpaper inside the hotel itself.

Each room and suite has a private balcony from which guests can admire the stupendous views: snow-covered mountains in winter and pink and orange hues at sunset in summer.

International travellers can reach Cortina from Venice Marco Polo and Treviso Canova airports, both of which are around a two-hour drive away.

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The town has long been a favourite among skiers and mountaineers. It hosted the Winter Olympics in 1956, and returned to the international spotlight earlier this year as one of the host destinations of the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Games.

The property offers a variety of room and suite categories, including family suites, a Wellness Suite with a terrace view and a Jacuzzi Suite with a balcony view.

Topping the hotel is the 140 sqm Enrosadira Penthouse, which has three bedrooms, a 50 sqm terrace, a sauna, a Turkish bath, living and dining areas, and a fully equipped kitchen. Guests have the option of hiring a private chef.

Zuma, the contemporary Japanese restaurant that originated in London, will reopen at the hotel for its second winter season. It will serve aperitifs and dinner, and there will be live music and DJ sets at the bar late into the night.

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Alongside Zuma, the hotel will feature Velo, its signature restaurant offering Italian cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as afternoon tea, homemade pastries and chocolates.

The wellness facilities will be operated by REVĪVŌ Spa, the group’s luxury wellness brand. Alongside treatment rooms, the two-storey spa will feature a panoramic swimming pool with an outdoor area, a sauna, a hammam, a gym, a hair salon, and beauty services.

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The property will also have a dedicated ski room where guests can arrange ski and alpine guides, book instructors, and rent equipment ranging from hiking and trekking gear in summer to skis and snowboards in winter. E-mountain bikes will also be available for guests wishing to explore the area on two wheels.

The Dolomites have attracted a lot of attention this summer, with hundreds of visitors flocking to the Friedrich August mountain refuge in Val di Fassa to sample its freshly made krapfen, an Alpine doughnut-like pastry which has gone viral on social media.

This sudden surge in popularity has led to long queues and renewed concerns about overtourism in the mountains. No such risk at The First Cortina, where even the opening offer starts at €663 per night for two. The ‘Cortina Premiere’ package includes breakfast, afternoon tea at Velo and a complimentary room upgrade, subject to availability.

L’article New five-star hotel opens in the Dolomites ahead of ski season est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Known as Crevan, the 5,700-square-metre island is located around 7.5 kilometres northeast of Venice, north of Sant’Erasmo. The property is being marketed by Lionard Luxury Real Estate and includes gardens, two boat moorings and a 215-square-metre former military fort that has been converted into a private residence.

The island sits at the southeastern end of the Burano marshes, at the meeting point of the Crevan canal, with views towards Venice, Murano, Burano and Torcello. According to Lionard, its position provides access to the lagoon while maintaining a secluded setting away from the centre of Venice.

Its most distinctive feature is the historic fortress. Lionard says Crevan’s origins date to French rule in 1806, when the site was developed to strengthen the northern shoreline of the Venetian Lagoon. Between 1832 and 1842, a redoubt with defensive barracks was built, while the fort was later extended by the Austrians with a blockhouse.

The military complex eventually changed purpose. After coming under the control of the Kingdom of Italy in 1866 and a subsequent period of abandonment, the fort and its associated buildings were converted for residential use in the mid-20th century. The private owners who acquired the island transformed the fort into a small villa, while maintaining the island’s gardens and other features.

Today, the restored residence retains the original layout and comprises four rooms and three bathrooms across 215 square metres. The property also includes gardens with fruit and ornamental trees, an internal canal with a private mooring and a dockyard. Lionard’s listing also mentions a helipad on the island.

An 1898 lugger is also moored in the marina, described by the estate agency as a “piece of naval history” that remains in good condition.

“Crevan offers something increasingly rare in Venice,” Dimitri Corti, founder and CEO of Lionard Luxury Real Estate, told Euronews Travel, describing it as a “possibility of being extraordinarily close to the city while experiencing an almost complete sense of separation from it.”

“Just a few kilometres from Venice, the island is a private fragment of the lagoon, accessible only by water or helicopter, surrounded by nature and overlooking Burano and Torcello,” Corti said.

The island’s appeal lies in its “combination of landscape, privacy and history,” he added. “Owning Crevan does not simply mean owning a residence, but becoming the custodian of an entire island and of a small part of the Venetian Lagoon’s heritage.” 

The island is now listed for €5.5 million, with the historic fort forming the centrepiece of the property.

L’article Private Venice Lagoon island with Napoleonic fort hits market for €5.5 million est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The decision follows a particularly serious incident in July, when a group of around 50 young people attacked police officers, reportedly using fireworks and leaving several officers injured.

Authorities have linked the recent problems around the Colosseum to what they describe as “predatory crimes and drug dealing”, prompting the deployment of additional security forces to protect both visitors and residents.

Under the new measures, police presence around the landmark will be reinforced around the clock, alongside military personnel already deployed at some of Rome’s busiest tourist sites. Officers will also have greater powers to intervene against suspected troublemakers and order individuals to leave the protected area.

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New metro station linked to rise in incidents

Rome Prefect Lamberto Giannini, who is responsible for security in the capital, has pointed to the opening of the new Colosseum metro station as one of the factors behind the increase in incidents.

The station opened in December 2025 as part of the €7 billion expansion of Rome’s underground network and provides direct access to the historic centre. It also includes a multi-level underground museum displaying archaeological finds uncovered during construction.

According to Giannini, however, the improved transport connection has also made it easier for groups of marginalised young people to reach the area and target tourists and residents.

In the ordinance establishing the red zone, Giannini said existing security measures had proved insufficient to deal with what authorities described as a “serious public emergency” presenting a “risk of serious damage” to sensitive areas of the city.

The designation gives security officers additional powers to arrest suspected offenders or order certain individuals to leave the area.

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Tourist hotspots under increased surveillance

The Colosseum is not the only part of Rome where security has been strengthened. Additional measures have also been introduced around Termini railway station, St Peter’s Basilica and the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.

The latter has experienced an increase in visitors since Pope Francis was laid to rest there in April 2025.

Rome already deploys military personnel around major tourist attractions, with armed soldiers, barriers and checkpoints a familiar sight at some of the capital’s busiest landmarks. However, authorities acknowledge that the existing security presence has not been sufficient to deter all forms of crime.

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An American tourist visiting the Colosseum told CNN that she had witnessed a woman being pickpocketed despite the visible security presence. She also said her hotel had advised her not to visit the area at night.

The new measures come after substantial investment in Rome’s transport and public infrastructure and amid continued high visitor numbers in the Italian capital.

Authorities are expected to assess the effectiveness of the red zone in September, including whether the additional police presence and expanded intervention powers have helped reduce crime around the Colosseum.

L’article Rome declares Colosseum ‘red zone’ amid violent attacks and rising crime est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The country has decided to tackle the problem created by the fact that, as our phones have become appendages of our bodies and our attention has shifted from the world around us to our screens, a momentary lack of attention on the road can now have deadly consequences.

While pedestrians have traditionally been considered the most vulnerable road users, with drivers bearing most of the responsibility in the event of an accident, the new rules recognise that this isn’t always fair. A driver cannot be blamed when a distracted pedestrian, unaware of the traffic around them, suddenly steps into the road, leaving the driver no time to react.

The proposed legislation follows a series of Italian court rulings in which pedestrians were found to be at fault due to their own inattention, whether they were looking at a phone, a tablet, a laptop or a camera.

The new code would not ban phone use outright. It would simply require pedestrians to be aware of their surroundings when entering or crossing a road.

Earphones would still be permitted, provided they do not drown out traffic noise and pedestrians remain aware of and able to hear what is happening around them.

This, of course, raises the question of whether, following that same logic, electric cars and bikes should have their volume adjusted too.

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The neighboring region of Veneto, however, is rolling out an experiment designed to educate phone-glued pedestrians. The city of Padova recently installed a brand-new anti-smartphone warning system at a particularly busy local crosswalk, alerting distracted walkers of oncoming traffic. It’s reportedly the first of its kind in the world. We wandered downtown Trieste to see what our city’s dwellers thought about the idea.

♬ original sound – intriestemagazine

The proposed rules, which seem logical and basic, require pedestrians to ensure they have made eye contact with the driver of an approaching vehicle and that the driver intends to stop, whether they are crossing at a designated crossing or not. Pedestrians should avoid dawdling once they have started crossing, so no selfies in the middle of the crossing.

Hands-free calls would, however, remain allowed, as would emergency calls.

The new rule would apply only where vehicles are involved. Pedestrians simply walking on pavements would not be affected.

Italy is not the first place to try to tackle this problem. In 2017, Honolulu became one of the first cities in the world to introduce fines for pedestrians using electronic devices while crossing the road. Lithuania followed a year later with similar legislation. In contrast, Japan took a softer approach in Yamato City, Kanagawa, where its 2020 ban on walking while using a phone was not paired with any fines.

The proposed changes in Italy are part of a much wider overhaul of the country’s highway code, which is currently being drawn up by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport. Under the proposed legislation, motorists will face tougher rules.

Using a mobile phone while driving is already illegal in Italy, with first-time offenders facing fines of up to €1,000. Under the proposed code, repeat offenders could face fines of up to €2,588 and have their licence suspended for between one and three months.

Initially, restrictions had been proposed for drivers aged 85 and over, limiting them to driving within a radius of 100 km from their homes and banning them completely from motorways. However, these proposals have been dropped following an outcry, at the request of Transport Minister Matteo Salvini, who has called for more thorough medical checks for older drivers instead.

The new code is still being finalised. A definitive text is expected by mid-October.

L’article Travelling to Italy? Pedestrians distracted by phones could face €75 fines est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The bridge can reportedly be seen particularly well from Ponte Sant’Angelo, which crosses the Tiber beside Castel Sant’Angelo. Tourist boats are still passing close to the exposed stones, but the changing water level means the sight could be temporary. The ruins have not been newly discovered, although their reappearance gives archaeologists another opportunity to examine them. At the same time, the conditions that revealed the bridge point to a serious water shortage affecting Rome and other parts of Italy.

The bridge is traditionally called Pons Neronis or Pons Neronianus, both meaning Nero’s Bridge. However, archaeologists believe it may have been built before Emperor Nero came to power in 54 AD. One theory dates it to the reign of his uncle, Emperor Caligula, around 39 AD. This would make the famous name slightly misleading, even though Nero remains the Roman ruler most closely associated with the surrounding area.

Antonella Bonini, an archaeologist at Rome’s cultural heritage superintendence, said scholars believe Caligula may have ordered the bridge’s construction. It appears to have created a route towards the villa of Agrippina the Elder, Caligula’s mother. The bridge also passed near the circus first associated with Caligula and later with Nero. These links may help explain why the structure eventually became known by Nero’s name.

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The crossing connected the ancient Campus Martius area on one side of the river with the area that later became Vatican City. The Circus of Nero once stood near the site of today’s St Peter’s Basilica. According to Christian tradition, Saint Peter was martyred in this area during Nero’s reign. The bridge would therefore have formed part of an important route between central Rome and a district that later became one of Christianity’s most significant locations.

By the end of the third or beginning of the fourth century, the bridge was probably no longer in use. It was no longer included in Roman registers listing the city’s main monuments from that period. Those records instead referred to Pons Aelius, the bridge now known as Ponte Sant’Angelo. Emperor Hadrian had built that crossing to connect his mausoleum, today’s Castel Sant’Angelo, with the centre of Rome.

A cool tidbit of information…the bridge just left of Bernini’s “Ponte Sant’Angelo” overlooks the ruins of the Emperor Nero’s bridge (yes, the guy who “fiddled while Rome burned”)!

You can see the ruins at the left bottom corner in this photo.

Nero’s bridge led to his circus,… pic.twitter.com/bLfdLBTEfw

— Bree A Dail (@breeadail) October 5, 2023

The bridge has become visible because the Tiber is going through an unusually severe period of low water. Its flow through Rome has dropped below 80 cubic metres per second. The historical average is around 150 cubic metres per second, according to Giovanni Giganti, Rome’s civil protection coordinator for water management. This means that less water is currently moving through the city than would normally be expected.

The shortage has been linked to scorching temperatures and long periods without rain during the summer. Italy received considerable rainfall during the previous winter, but this was followed by extended dry spells. Limited snowfall in the Apennine Mountains has also contributed to the problem. Snow normally stores water during winter before melting and feeding rivers and underground water supplies during the warmer months.

The low water has exposed more than ancient remains. E-bikes, scooters, refrigerators and even a car have reportedly appeared in or around parts of the river further upstream. The objects create a striking contrast with the Roman stones near the Vatican. While archaeologists can study a piece of the city’s past, the modern waste highlights the continuing pressure placed on the Tiber today.

L’article Drought exposes ancient bridge linked to Nero beneath Rome’s Tiber est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

It’s a dream many have nurtured, but few have dared to pursue: finding a romantic, rundown house in a scenic landscape and buying it cheaply enough to transform it into a charming home or holiday retreat. Rural Italy features prominently in influencer content promoting this type of “one-euro renovation project”, as depopulation and the large number of abandoned properties have pushed municipal authorities to take drastic measures.

@ericaanicotraaaa il mio paese è un gioiellino #sicilia #naro #siciliabedda #agrigento ♬ Sicilian Vibes – Brosky TSW

In Sicily alone, the western and central towns of Mussomeli, Salemi and Sambuca di Sicilia have launched similar house purchase schemes aimed at reversing the rural exodus and attracting new residents (and taxpayers) to their communities. Now, Naro, further south than the others, is creating its own framework to do the same.

Naro is close to one of Sicily’s prime archaeological sites, the Valle dei Templi, or Valley of the Temples, an outstanding example of ancient Greek art and architecture included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The wider Agrigento region offers centuries of cultural influences, stunning views over the Mediterranean and, of course, plenty of authentic Sicilian cuisine.

The town is competing with pioneering schemes in Mussomeli, Salemi and Sambuca, which have garnered significant media coverage and have largely been seen as successes. Incoming participants there now benefit from relatively well-established expat networks. Prospective buyers in Naro, in contrast, will be more reliant, at least at first, on developing language skills, local contacts and their own support networks.

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There is not much to separate the four towns when it comes to the conditions for buying one of the one-euro properties. Buyers are required to supply a refundable deposit of approximately €5,000 and undertake to complete the works within three years. All the structural surveys, preparation, restoration, renovation, certification and legal costs, usually estimated at between €15,000 and €30,000, must be borne by the buyer.

To even begin the process, interested buyers need to submit a formal application to municipal authorities, laying out their plans and finances. Despite recent controversies over Italian immigration and citizenship rules, the scheme is open to both Italian and international investors, and US, UK and other European buyers are reportedly being encouraged by the local administration to apply.

Meanwhile, if the financial commitment is too much for now, it could be worth waiting for another scheme with built-in incentives, such as Presicce-Acquarica’s scheme in southern Puglia, which in 2022 began offering house purchasers €30,000 to relocate there.

L’article Naro becomes latest Sicilian town to offer homes for €1 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Palermo is famous not only for its artistic heritage, but also for its outstanding pastries, whose flavours often reveal the influence of the Middle East and the many cultures that have shaped Sicily.

Those who love desserts more than anything else should definitely try these five Sicilian specialities that are not to be missed.

1. The Sicilian “Cannolo”

The “cannolo” is one of the ultimate symbols of Sicilian pastry. There are several variants, but the classic version consists of a crisp, fried pastry shell filled with sweet sheep’s milk ricotta and often finished with chopped pistachios.

Its origins are debated, but one popular theory traces the cannolo back to Sicily’s period under Arab rule, between the 9th and 11th centuries. According to tradition, an early version was prepared by women in Caltanissetta, possibly within the harems of local emirs, combining ricotta with ingredients such as almonds and honey. Following the end of Arab rule, the recipe is believed to have been preserved and developed in convents, eventually becoming the Sicilian classic known today.

Cannoli can be found in pastry shops throughout Palermo, but for the best experience, look for those that are filled with ricotta only when ordered, keeping the shell perfectly crisp.

2. The “Minne di Vergine” or Saint Agatha’s tits 

The shape of this dessert resembles a small breast. Traditionally made from sponge cake, ricotta and marzipan or icing, different versions can include chocolate chips, candied fruit and a bright red candied cherry on top.

The breast-shaped pastries are closely associated with Saint Agatha, the patron saint of Catania, whose martyrdom has made them one of Sicily’s most distinctive religious sweets. According to Christian tradition, the young Agatha was tortured after refusing the advances of a Roman prefect and had her breasts cut off. The pastries subsequently became associated with the saint and are particularly prominent during celebrations surrounding her feast day in February.

Small, rich and unmistakably Sicilian, they make an ideal sweet break during a day of sightseeing.

3. The “Trionfo di gola” (Triumph of gluttony)

The name says it all: this elaborate Sicilian dessert is an unapologetic celebration of sweetness.

Recipes vary, but the Trionfo di gola typically combines layers of sponge cake, ricotta cream, custard, marzipan, jam, pistachios and candied fruit. The result is colourful, extravagant and intensely rich, bringing together many of the ingredients that define traditional Sicilian pastry-making.

The “Trionfo di gola” is a complex dessert that takes time and skill to make. It is closely associated with Sicily’s historic convents and aristocratic culinary tradition, when elaborate desserts were prepared for wealthy families and special occasions.

It may not be the lightest option on the menu, but that is precisely the point.

4. The “Genovesi”

Genoa or Palermo? The name of this dessert might suggest a Ligurian origin, but the genovese is firmly rooted in western Sicily. This simple but delicious pastry consists of a shortcrust shell traditionally filled with custard or ricotta and baked until golden.

The pastry is particularly associated with the hilltop town of Erice, near Trapani, where it has become one of the area’s best-known specialities. Several theories attempt to explain its curious name, including one linking its shape to the hats once worn by Genoese sailors who traded along Sicily’s western coast.

Whatever the origin of the name, eaten warm with a dusting of icing sugar, the genovese is one of Sicily’s simplest pleasures.

5. The Sicilian “Cassata”

Together with the “cannolo”, cassata is one of the undisputed icons of Sicilian pastry. Its origins are generally linked to Sicily’s period under Arab rule, when ingredients such as sugar cane, citrus fruits and almonds became increasingly important in the island’s cuisine. An early version is thought to have combined sweetened sheep’s milk ricotta with pastry or dough.

Over the centuries, the dessert continued to evolve. By the 18th and 19th centuries, Palermo’s pastry-making tradition had transformed cassata into the colourful creation recognisable today, combining sponge cake, sweetened ricotta, marzipan, icing and elaborate decorations of candied fruit.

The result is one of Sicily’s most spectacular desserts: colourful, intensely sweet and almost too beautiful to cut.

And there is one particularly atmospheric place in Palermo where visitors can discover several of these traditional flavours: the Monastery of Santa Caterina d’Alessandria, right in the historic centre.

Its former convent houses I Segreti del Chiostro, a pastry shop dedicated to preserving Sicily’s historic confectionery traditions. Cannoli, cassata and other traditional sweets are prepared following recipes associated with the island’s convents, offering visitors the chance to taste a centuries-old side of Sicilian culture.

Between its cloisters, churches, bustling streets and irresistible pastries, Palermo is a destination where discovering the city’s history can be as simple as ordering dessert.

L’article 5 sweet reasons to visit Palermo est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

But powered by social media, the delicacy and the refuge have become so famous that hundreds of people have hiked the 2,300-metre trail, queuing down the mountain and even camping overnight – to the ire of locals.

@takemyhearteverywhere Starting your morning with a Krapfen in the Dolomites hits different Rifugio Friedrich August, on Col Rodella. Here’s how to get there (summer only): From Passo Sella → 15–30 min easy hike (also kid-friendly!) Or take the cable car from Campitello di Fassa to Col Rodella + 5 min walk – but note: it’s closed in summer 2025 Go early – the Krapfen sell out fast! Tag someone who’d wake up at sunrise for this #dolomites #breakfastwithaview ♬ original sound – Italy

The pastries, also known as bombolone in Italian thanks to their bomb-like shape and the way the cream filling explodes in the mouth, sell for up to €4 each at the refuge where they have been made and sold for over three decades. Their recent fame stems from food bloggers and influencers who have posted about eating the treats against the stunning mountain backdrop, tapping directly into emerging travel preferences for off-the-beaten path destinations, cultural immersion, nature, and gastronomy.

Francesco Abbruscato, president of the Veneto branch of the Italian Alpine Club, told Vita.it that social media sites like Instagram and TikTok are bringing an atypical kind of attention and tourist to the region, changing people’s relationship with the landscape.

@graces__adventures breakfast spot of dreams info + my top tips: location is Rifugio Friedrich August Krapfen donuts are €3 each and there are different toppings/fillings to choose from the 20min hike starts from Passo Sella, I’d start as early as poss as it gets busy (I got there at 7:30 and by the time I left at 8:30 there were queues) I slept overnight in my campervan at the carpark on Passo Sella and it was €50 – not cheap but amazing views car parking is €20 for the day unless you find a free layby further away and walk up if you want to make a big day of it, have breakfast and then do the Sassolungo Loop hike #dolomitesitaly #krapfen #soloadventures #solofemaletravel #dolomitesunesco ♬ son original – katdzhan3000

“The main problem is those who visit the mountains without knowing or respecting them,” Abbruscato said. “Until five or six years ago we did not witness overtourism in precise points or at certain moments in the Dolomites. Now there are iconic places where it is no longer possible to appreciate the beauty as we’re surrounded by dozens of people who take selfies and are only there for that.”

The Dolomites comprise a mountain range in the northern Italian Alps, including 18 peaks above 3,000 metres and inscribed by the UN as World Heritage among “the most beautiful mountain landscapes anywhere, with vertical walls, sheer cliffs and a high density of narrow, deep and long valleys.”

Attracting at least 10 million visitors a year, tourism in the Dolomites (and sports events such as the 2026 Olympics) represent a high threat for some areas the UN says, with the large number of visitors causing a “negative impact” on the alpine natural environment and the quality of life of residents.

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Those impacts are being felt at the Friedrich August. Despite the influx of paying customers, a worker there told local media the refuge team there does not like the “chaotic” situation. Meanwhile, Marco Bussone, president of the national union of mountain communities warned Fanpage news outlet that, “The mountains are not a playground.”

Mountain communities plagued by tourists after finding online fame include Vlkolínec, at the heart of Slovakia and the Carpathians, an idyllic hamlet of 43 dwellings whose residents are outnumbered 7000-to-one by visitors. Some have demanded the village be removed from UNESCO’s World Heritage list, to relieve the tourism pressure. Elsewhere in the Dolomites, a group of Italian farmers have imposed paying turnstiles on walking trails in what they termed a “cry for help” from authorities to manage tourist numbers.

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