Italy offers a great variety of places to escape for a low-cost weekend, far from the chaos of big cities. September seems the right month to decide between sea and mountains, considering the beauty of Italian weather, still allowing a holiday on the beach.

Among the most remarkable maritime destinations, Maratea (Basilicata) is to be mentioned for its Policastro Gulf. Not very popular, but a real earthly paradise characterized by the beautiful beaches of Macarro and Cala Jannita. Furthermore, the small village stands out for its sights, such as the 44 churches and 20 m high Redeemer Statue, second only to the Rio de Janeiro one. Costa dei Trabocchi (Abruzzo) can also be proud for its quasi-Caribbean beaches, along with its culinary tradition of fish dishes and local products such as oil, marmalades and citrus.

The famous Sorrento (Campania) has a magic atmosphere linked to the legend of mermaids living on the islets surrounding the cost, a charming seaside as well as historical palaces.

For lakes lovers, a stop-over not to miss is Lago Trasimeno (Umbria). It is able to offer breathtaking panoramas and historical sights. Worth visiting is the biggest island around the lake - Isola Polvese - hosting an ancient monastery and the Garden of water plants.

Up to the mountains, Chamois (Valle D'Aosta) is an uncontaminated amazing place, where cars are forbidden and slow mobility is the rule. Visitors can reach it through the cable car and they cannot miss the trip to the Lod Lake together with the several trekking paths.

Finally, Tirano (Lombardy) is the Alps crossroads. In fact, it is connected to Switzerland, Passo del Bernina, Statale dello Stelvio and Sankt Moritz. This small village is very proud of all the monuments it has. Among them, the Sanctuary of Tirano Madonna, Salis Palace and Torelli Palace.

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