Not a fan of long walks or steep hills? No problem. “Walking in Italy” by Rachel Martin is the perfect travel companion – even if your ideal stroll is from the hotel bar to the pool lounger.
Martin takes us on a charming tour across Italy’s most beautiful regions, from the peaks of the Dolomites to the sun-baked alleys of Puglia. But this isn’t a book just for hikers, it’s a rich mix of personal stories, local history, and insider travel tips that’s just as enjoyable for armchair travellers as it is for seasoned trekkers.
What makes it such a pleasure is Martin’s voice. She writes like a friend who knows all the best spots from where to find a proper gelato to which agriturismo has the comfiest beds and warmest welcome. Her restaurant picks are spot-on, too, whether you’re after fine dining or rustic plates of handmade pasta.
Along the way, she weaves in fascinating cultural details of Roman ruins, Renaissance art, hidden festivals all without sounding like a tour guide. It’s light, fun and packed with those “I never knew that” moments.
There’s also a generous helping of humour. Martin doesn’t pretend every path is perfect or every hotel pristine, and that honesty is part of the book’s charm. You’ll learn, you’ll laugh, and you’ll be Googling flights by the second chapter.
Whether you’re planning an Italian getaway or just dreaming about one, “Walking in Italy” is a brilliant, breezy read that proves travel is about more than ticking off landmarks, it’s stories, sensations and the joy of the journey.
Published by Pen & Sword Books Limited RRP £15.99