Some of the most memorable moments from our honeymoon in Italy came from the unplanned stops along the way. While driving from Matera to the coast of Puglia, we mapped out a few towns to visit, hoping to experience a little more of the region beyond our final destination. One of those stops was Alberobello—a place I had seen photos of before and knew I didn’t want to miss. Even though it was just a quick stop, it ended up being one of the most charming and memorable parts of our entire drive.
Living in Phoenix, I’ve definitely figured out what I like when it comes to going out: if it’s not cute, aesthetic, and actually has good food or coffee, I’m probably not going. Lately, I’ve been trying a mix of newer spots and long-awaited ones with friends and family, and a few have really stood out. These are all places I’ve personally been to recently—and would genuinely go back to.
Our time in Matera was one of the most memorable stops of our trip. We spent 2 1/2 days in this UNESCO World Heritage Site, arriving with high expectations after seeing it on so many travel lists and photos over the years. There was always something intriguing about its ancient cave dwellings and dramatic hillside setting, and we were genuinely excited to finally experience it for ourselves. What we didn’t expect, however, was how quickly we would fall in love with it. From the moment we arrived, Matera felt unlike anywhere else we had ever been, both raw and beautiful in a way that immediately stayed with us.
There are some places that stay with you long after you leave, and our time in Matera was exactly that, unforgettable. Known for its ancient cave dwellings and timeless atmosphere, this southern Italian city feels like stepping into another world. We wanted our stay to reflect that same sense of place, and Sant’Angelo Luxury Resort delivered in every possible way. Built into the historic Sassi, the hotel perfectly blends the raw beauty of Matera’s past with refined, modern luxury. From the moment we arrived, we were completely captivated, not just by the setting, but by the feeling that we were experiencing something truly unique and special.
We set out early from our Airbnb in Scala, winding our way down the cliffs toward Positano just as the day was beginning to wake up. Getting there ahead of the crowds made all the difference because we were able to park in a garage close to Spiaggia Grande, which felt like a small victory in itself. With the beach still quiet, we took advantage of the calm to snap a few family photos by the water, the pastel buildings rising behind us in that iconic Positano backdrop. For a brief moment, it felt like we had the place almost entirely to ourselves.
By the end of our first week in Italy, the rhythm of the Amalfi Coast had already started to sink in. We spent the morning exploring the tiny village of Atrani before making our way into Amalfi for the afternoon. With our Airbnb tucked up in the hills of Scala for three nights, we had driven down earlier that morning and parked in the garage between Atrani and Amalfi—one of those practical decisions that ended up shaping a perfectly slow, walkable day. From there, everything unfolded on foot, exactly the way the coast is meant to be experienced.
Atrani is the smallest town in Italy, and you can feel that almost immediately. Just steps from Amalfi—but noticeably quieter—it’s the perfect place to escape the crowds while still experiencing the beauty of the Amalfi Coast. We were especially excited to visit knowing it served as the setting for the Netflix series Ripley, based on the film The Talented Mr. Ripley. Seeing those dramatic cliffs and layered buildings in person felt surreal. We only planned to spend half a day here, which ended up being the perfect amount of time.
Montalcino is the kind of town that immediately feels like it was made for wine lovers. Perched atop rolling hills in Tuscany, its narrow streets are lined with wine boutiques, tasting rooms, and charming shops. It’s a beautiful place to wander, though we did wish there had been a bit more variety beyond all the wine-focused spots. The centerpiece of town is an impressive old castle, where visitors can sample wines or enjoy lunch while soaking in the views. We only had a few hours to explore before heading to Corte Pavone, so we didn’t get the chance to try one of the popular wine boutiques for a meal—but it’s definitely on our list for next time.
Montepulciano was one of those places we almost talked ourselves out of visiting. While planning our honeymoon to Tuscany—with a toddler in tow—we kept hearing people rave about it, and that made us nervous. Would it feel overrun? Too commercial? Another “Instagram town” that didn’t live up to the hype? But from the moment we arrived, those worries completely melted away. Montepulciano felt authentic, historic, and deeply charming, the kind of place that pulls you in slowly and then doesn’t let go.
Siena was one of those places that felt almost mythic in my memory — the Tuscan hills glowing in summer light, the slow swirl of history in every cobblestone. I first wandered its winding streets in my early twenties while studying in Florence, and I thought I knew it well. But this time, on our fall honeymoon with our toddler in tow, Siena revealed itself in a whole new way: softer, slower, somehow more real. With cooler air and the gentle sound of little feet on ancient stones, the city that once felt like a dream became our very tangible day of laughter, coffee, and rediscovery.
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