Italy

Santa Maddalena, also known as St. Magdalena, is a picturesque medieval church sequestered in the northern mountains of Italy. The Odle Mountain Group of the Dolomites tower above the surrounding valley and provide an incredible backdrop for images. To reach the best vantage point to photograph Santa Maddalena, start from the spot marked on the map and follow the small trail a short way up th...

The Sentiero Azzuro trail travels from south to north through five coastal towns: Riomaggiore, Manarola (0.68 mi), Corniglia (1.25 mi), Vernazza (2.48 mi), and Monterroso (1.86 mi). The trails are very well-maintained and easy to hike, with beautiful views of the coast, beginning with the romantic La Via dell'Amore trail from Riomaggiore to Manarola.If you're interested in swimming, the ideal t...

This beautiful alpine lake is often compared to the famous Lake Louise in Alberta, Canada and is an absolute must if you are in the Dolomites region.  Lago di Braies is the largest natural lake in the Dolomites and depending on the light, its crystal clear waters can be seen in shades of blue, green, turquoise, and emerald.Park at the designated parking lot (5-6 euro per car) and walk across th...

Beginning in the town center of Amalfi, at the square facing the church, take the road leading directly away from the ocean. Prior to passing the large building over the road, take the staircase on the right onto a small "street." Continue up the mountain, taking the roads on the right that lead up, and prepare for a leg workout. Much of the trail is directly up the hill, but there is one secti...

The Alta Via 1 is the definite trail through the Italian Dolomites, showcasing some of the most scenic terrain in all of the Alps. It begins at Lago di Braies and ends in the town Belluno, covering 150 kilometers and over 26,000' of elevation gain.Unlike backpacking or fastpacking in the United States, camping is forbidden along the trail and in much of the national park. Instead through-hikers...

This small church sits in a cow pasture just outside of Puez-Geisler Nature Park. The church is next to a hotel, making parking and visiting a little easier. To get the best vantage point of the church and mountains, walk down the road and shoot through the fence. The mountains are fairly luminous, so you'll want to bracket your shots.

Pragser Wildsee, also known as Lago di Braies, lies in a mostly German-speaking area of northern Italy close to the border with Austria. This glacial blue lake is surrounded by towering mountains and thick evergreen forests, which can be experienced on the 2.2-mile loop trail or Alta Via 1 trail. A photogenic boathouse offers canoe rentals to enjoy the lake in the warmer months while winter off...

The Mount Grona trail elevates you 1736m above sea level, giving you a breathtaking panoramic views of the Swiss & Italian Alps while overlooking the spectacular Lake Como and its famous villages surrounding the lakeside.Beginning the hike, you wander through forest vegetation, slowly elevating yourself to the tricky rocky climbs towards the mountaintop.The first of the serious climbs takes...

Take a short bus ride from the Sorrento city center to Marina di Puolo and experience a favorite local swimming spot.After taking the local bus to Marina di Puolo (if you're not sure, ask the bus driver to let you know when you reach the stop), cross the road from the café on the corner and follow the painted dots past a local church. Turn down a narrow road, slightly overgrown with plants on t...