The always welcoming Italy is a mosaic of people, places, tempos, customs, and cultures. However, Italians are the ones who really know how to unwind, and there’s one aspect of Italian culture that everyone should rediscover, especially in the summer. Today we’ll learn more about the slow living all’italiana.
The slow living for Italians is not just about slowing down and taking it easy; it is a philosophy and a way of life. It emphazises quality over quantity, encouraging people to being fully present and living their moments to the fullest. This approach is deeply in the roots of the Italian culture, being focused on family, food, and community.
In the summer, Italians particularly embrace the slower pace of life, taking their time for long meals, visiting fairs, sojourning to the beach or countryside. One of the base credos that define slow living in Italy is “il dolce far niente,” which means “the sweet doing nothing.” It speaks to the beauty of just being there, present, and not being bothered by anything superficial.
For those who want to experience the authentic dolce vita of the summertime in Italy, Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, is just the perfect location. Sicilia is well-known for its ability to make tourists feel like members of the family, and it also provides an abundance of options for immersion in the tranquil local way of life. The Greek, Roman, Arab, and Norman cultures all had a significant influence on the island’s history and traditions. The “passeggiata,” or twilight walk through the town or village, is one of the most beloved customs here. In the summer, after supper, residents and just the curious visitors of the city from all over the city gather on the streets for a conversation and take in the refreshing evening breeze.
Markets are also a great opportunity to talk to locals and discover typical foods and items from Sicily. Don’t forget to sample delectable wines like Etna Rosso and Nero d’Avola, as well as visiting winemaking workshops led by local enthusiasts on the volcanic soil of Mount Etna. Sicilia has many of the most beautiful resorts in Italy, so be sure to be choosing your best option when planning your vacation.
Another wonderful place in Italy to experience slow living is Sardegna, or Sardinia. Sardegna, which is a dream destination thanks to its immaculate beaches, untamed mountains, and of course a long history, truly provides a getaway from the stress of daily life. Sardegnans have naturally a slower pace of life, a very strong feeling of community, and generally a close bond with their homeland and customs. One of the most significant customs on the island is the “sagra,” a regional celebration honoring everything from historical and religious events to cuisine and wine. Sagre, the summer celebrations, take place in villages across the island and include traditional dancing, music, and eating on regional delicacies such pecorino cheese and suckling pig (porceddu), among other delicious options.
La Pelosa and Cala Luna, two of the most well-known beaches, provide an idyllic oasis where guests can unwind and take pleasure in the natural scenery. The rough interior of Sardegna provides great opportunity for trekking and exploring for those who prefer a more active kind of vacation. Numerous routes wind through the island’s forests and mountains, offering stunning views, historic ruins, and secret waterfalls. Hikers can get a glimpse of the island’s pastoral way of life by stopping to watch local shepherds tend to their animals along the route. Visiting neighborhood workshops where skilled weavers employ age-old methods to craft elaborate tapestries and rugs will teach visitors about the island’s rich textile history.
Slow living in Italy offers a unique and enriching way to experience the summer from a very different point of view. The slow pace of life allows for a deeper connection with the people and places that make Italy so special.
Image: Unsplash, Casey Lovegrove
