Before visiting Pompeii, I wondered if bringing our 9-month-old would be more stressful than enjoyable. After all, ancient ruins and babies don't always sound like the easiest combination. But our day in Pompeii ended up being one of our favorite memories from Italy.

We drove from Rome to Naples and stayed at Four Points Flex by Sheraton Naples Marigliano. We loved this hotel because it's a little off the beaten path, the breakfast was delicious, the rooms were cozy, and the pool was a wonderful place to relax after a day of sightseeing. It was a great base for exploring the Naples area and visiting Pompeii.

 

One of my favorite parts of the day was simply slowing down and enjoying the experience as a family. Our little one loved looking around at the new sights and sounds. One of my favorite parts of the day was simply slowing down and enjoying the experience together as a family. If I could give just one piece of advice, it would be this: leave the stroller behind. Pompeii's streets are made of uneven ancient cobblestones and raised stepping stones, making a stroller difficult to push. A baby carrier is by far easier.

 Pompeii involves a lot of walking, and there isn't much shade in some areas. Having snacks and water on hand made the day much more enjoyable for both the adults and the baby.

Pompeii has modern restrooms and dedicated Baby Points with changing facilities, which was such a relief while traveling with an infant. These spaces are available throughout the archaeological site and make diaper changes much easier. 

There are some places that surprise you, and Reggio Calabria was one of them. While many travelers head straight to Tropea or Scilla, we decided to spend an afternoon exploring the southern tip of mainland Italy—and we're so glad we did.

From strolling along one of Italy's most beautiful waterfront promenades to wandering charming shopping streets with gelato in hand, Reggio Calabria offered the perfect blend of history, coastal scenery, and authentic Italian life.

                   Walking Along the Lungomare Falcomatà

Our first stop was the famous Lungomare Falcomatà, a palm-lined boardwalk stretching along the Strait of Messina. The sparkling blue water, warm Mediterranean breeze, and views of Sicily just across the sea made it easy to slow down and simply enjoy the moment.

One of our favorite viewpoints was the Monument to Vittorio Emanuele III, standing proudly at the edge of the waterfront. Looking through the monument toward the deep blue sea with the mountains of Sicily in the distance created one of our favorite photo opportunities of the trip.

The boardwalk is lined with gardens, benches, sculptures, and cafés, making it the perfect place for an afternoon stroll. We watched locals walking their dogs, families enjoying the sunshine, and ferries crossing between Calabria and Sicily.

                                      Visiting the Cathedral

Its impressive architecture and tranquil atmosphere provide a glimpse into the city's rich history and make it an easy addition to any walking itinerary.

                                 Exploring the Shopping District

After visiting the cathedral, we wandered along Corso Garibaldi, Reggio Calabria's main pedestrian shopping street.

This lively boulevard is filled with boutiques, local shops, cafés, and plenty of places to stop for an espresso—or in our case, gelato.

There's something special about enjoying Italian gelato while strolling through a city center. We took our time exploring the streets, window shopping, and soaking in the relaxed atmosphere. Unlike some of Italy's larger tourist destinations, Reggio Calabria felt authentic and wonderfully local.

Why We Loved Reggio Calabria

What surprised us most was how relaxed the city felt. There were no overwhelming crowds, just locals enjoying their beautiful waterfront and visitors taking in the scenery at their own pace.

Reggio Calabria is the kind of destination where you don't need a packed itinerary. Simply walking the boardwalk, visiting the cathedral, enjoying a scoop of gelato, and watching the sea is enough to create a memorable day.

Tips for Visiting

• Visit in the late afternoon for cooler temperatures and beautiful golden light.
• Walk the entire Lungomare for some of the best views of Sicily.
• Bring your camera—the waterfront is incredibly photogenic.
• Don't skip Corso Garibaldi for shopping and a delicious gelato break.
• If you have extra time, visit the National Archaeological Museum to see the famous Riace Bronzes.

Final Thoughts

Reggio Calabria may not be the first place travelers think of when visiting southern Italy, but it deserves a spot on your itinerary. Between its stunning waterfront, welcoming atmosphere, historic cathedral, and charming shopping district, it offers an authentic slice of Calabria that's easy to fall in love with.

Sometimes the best travel memories come from simply wandering without a plan—and that's exactly what Reggio Calabria gave us.

Love My Passport Tip ✈️

If you're already visiting Scilla or Tropea, add Reggio Calabria to your itinerary. It's the perfect place to spend a relaxing afternoon walking the Lungomare, enjoying a scoop of gelato, and taking in breathtaking views across the Strait of Messina to Sicily. You might just discover one of Calabria's best-kept secrets. 🇮🇹🌊

Sometimes the best travel days aren’t packed with sightseeing—they’re the ones where you simply slow down and enjoy being exactly where you are. That was our experience in Scilla, a picturesque seaside town tucked along the coast of Calabria in southern Italy.

From the moment we arrived, Scilla felt like a place that invites you to take your time. Colorful buildings line the waterfront, fishing boats gently bob in the harbor, and the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea stretches out as far as the eye can see. It’s the kind of destination where you can leave your itinerary behind and simply wander.

Strolling Along the Waterfront

One of our favorite parts of the day was walking along the beautiful seaside boardwalk. The gentle ocean breeze, the sound of the waves, and the relaxed atmosphere made it impossible not to slow down and soak it all in.

We watched locals enjoying their afternoon, families relaxing on the beach, and visitors stopping to admire the incredible coastal views. There wasn’t a rush to be anywhere—just a peaceful rhythm that made us appreciate the simple moments.

Lunch with a View

After our walk, we found a cozy café overlooking the water and settled in for a leisurely Italian lunch and aperitivo.

We ordered a cold Peroni, a refreshing glass of Prosecco, and a delicious Italian sandwich made with fresh local ingredients. There’s something special about enjoying a simple meal by the sea in Italy. Good food, beautiful scenery, and nowhere else you need to be—it doesn’t get much better than that.

We lingered over our drinks, watched the waves roll in, and enjoyed the slower pace that makes towns like Scilla so memorable.

Why We Loved Scilla

Scilla isn’t about checking famous landmarks off a list. It’s about embracing the Italian way of life—taking long walks, savoring great food, enjoying the sea, and appreciating life’s simple pleasures.

A Charming Day Trip from Rome to Lucca, Italy

When most travelers think of Tuscany, destinations like Florence and Siena often come to mind. But during our time in Italy, we decided to take a scenic road trip from Rome to the beautiful walled city of Lucca, and it quickly became one of our favorite days in Tuscany.

The drive from Rome to Lucca takes about three and a half hours, winding through the Italian countryside and offering glimpses of rolling hills, vineyards, and picturesque villages along the way. As we left the busy streets of Rome behind, we found ourselves looking forward to a slower pace and a chance to experience a different side of Italy.

First Impressions of Lucca

The moment we arrived, we were captivated by Lucca's charm. Surrounded by historic Renaissance walls, the city feels like a hidden gem tucked away in the heart of Tuscany. We spent the morning simply wandering through the town center, strolling along narrow cobblestone streets lined with boutiques, cafés, and beautifully preserved buildings. 

One of the best parts of visiting a smaller Italian town is allowing yourself to get lost. We wandered through quiet alleyways, admired colorful storefronts, and paused to take photos in front of stunning doorways and historic architecture that seemed to appear around every corner.

Gelato Stop

No Italian day trip is complete without gelato, and Lucca certainly delivered. We stopped at a local gelateria in the town center and treated ourselves to a few scoops while people-watching in one of the charming piazzas.

There is something special about enjoying gelato while surrounded by centuries-old buildings and the relaxed atmosphere of Tuscany. It was the perfect way to cool off and soak in the local culture.

Souvenir Shopping Through the Historic Streets

After our gelato break, we spent some time browsing the local shops. Lucca is filled with artisan boutiques, specialty food stores, and souvenir shops offering everything from handmade ceramics to locally produced olive oils and wines.

Lunch at La Corte dei Limoni

By lunchtime, we had worked up quite an appetite and made our way to La Corte dei Limoni, a charming restaurant tucked within the historic center.

Lunch was exactly what we hoped for from a Tuscan dining experience. We shared delicious plates of fresh pasta and pizza, each prepared with simple, high-quality ingredients that allowed the flavors to shine. To complement our meal, we ordered a refreshing Limoncello Spritz, which quickly became one of the highlights of the afternoon.

Sitting outdoors, enjoying great food and drinks while watching life unfold around us, felt like the perfect Tuscan moment.

Enjoying a Little Piece of Tuscany

While Lucca may not always get the same attention as some of Tuscany's larger cities, that's part of its appeal. The slower pace, beautiful architecture, friendly atmosphere, and authentic local experiences made it feel wonderfully relaxing.

Our day wasn't packed with sightseeing or a long checklist of attractions. Instead, we spent it wandering, eating well, shopping, and appreciating the simple beauty of Tuscany. Sometimes the most memorable travel days are the ones where you allow yourself to slow down and simply enjoy where you are.

As we drove back to Rome, we couldn't stop talking about how much we loved Lucca. If you're looking for an easy day trip from Rome that combines history, incredible food, charming streets, and a taste of authentic Tuscany, Lucca is absolutely worth adding to your Italy itinerary.

Have you visited Lucca? I'd love to hear about your favorite spots and experiences in this beautiful Tuscan town! 🇮🇹✨