
The 20 Most Beautiful (And Undiscovered) Villages In Italy—Winners Of A 2025 Contest
What are the most beautiful villages in Italy? Every year, a popular TV contest in Italy crowns the winners.
Launched in 2014, and broadcast annually on Italy's national TV channel, Borgo dei Borghi (which translates to 'The Village of Villages') spotlights the country's most beautiful small villages—places that still feel like hidden gems.
Each year, 20 villages (one from each region in the country) compete for the coveted title. The winners are chosen by both public vote and a panel of experts in history, art and culture. The goal is to celebrate Italy's rich regional diversity and promote sustainable tourism in places that might otherwise be overlooked—perfect at a moment when overtourism is reshaping travel across Europe.
The 2025 list has just been revealed, spotlighting 20 villages across Italy that stand out for their beauty, culture and charm. From seaside escapes to medieval hill towns and foodie havens, each one offers a unique slice of Italian life—without the crowds.
This year's winning village is Militello in Val di Catania in Sicily. The town is set in at the foot of Mount Etna and was originally founded in the Middle Ages. After being destroyed in a 1693 earthquake, the village was rebuilt in a Baroque style that eventually earned it a UNESCO World Heritage recognition. Today, the village is home to more than 20 historic churches and a collection of noble palaces.
A scenic view of Maiori on the Amalfi Coast, with terraced hills, colorful buildings, and boats on the turquoise Tyrrhenian Sea—named one of Italy's most beautiful villages of 2025. getty
The second village on the list is Agliè, in the Piedmont region—it's got manicured gardens, weekly markets and a UNESCO recognized castle. Coming in third is Vignanello, a Lazio village set among volcanic hills and lush vineyards. Perched high above the Tyrrhenian Sea, Aieta takes fourth place. Rounding out the top five is Maiori, one of the unsung stars of the Amalfi Coast and a quieter, more affordable alternative to places like Positano. Why You Need To Go Now
Many of these spots on the list are surprisingly affordable, offering boutique hotels, local trattorias and artisanal experiences for a fraction of what you'd pay in Italy's big name cities.
Best of all: In these small villages, the food is just as good, the history runs just as deep and the pace of life invites you to slow down and savor your surroundings. In some cases, villages are going even further to attract visitors and new residents. Aieta, which ranks fourth on this year's list, was part of a Calabrian initiative back in 2021 offering newcomers up to $33,000 to relocate. Other small towns and villages across Italy have offered houses for as little as €1 to revive shrinking communities.
But here's the catch: Once a village wins, it's no longer a secret. Just look at Peccioli in Tuscany, which won the contest in 2024. Set on a hilltop, this once-sleepy town has seen a surge in visitors, thanks to its title, with travelers now flocking to see its cutting-edge contemporary art installations and stunning Palazzo Senza Tempo. Which is why you want to see these enchanting spots before they hit the big time.
Here are the 20 most beautiful Italian villages to visit before everyone else does.
The Nymph Zizza fountain in Militello Val di Catania, Sicily—Italy's most beautiful village of 2025. getty Ranked: The 20 Most Beautiful Villages In Italy
1. Militello in Val di Catania, Sicily: The winning town is Militello in Val di Catania, which feels like a living museum with more than 20 churches, ornate palaces and lively festivals. Don't miss the Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Stella and its famed marble Madonna.
An aerial view of Agliè Castle in Piedmont, a UNESCO World Heritage site. getty
2. Agliè, Piedmont: The gem in the north of Italy used to be a summer retreat for the House of Savoy. It has manicured gardens, weekly markets, stately piazzas and a laid-back vibe. Its main castle is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site.
A street in the medieval village of Vignanello—one of the most beautiful villages of Italy. getty
3. Vignanello, Lazio: Set amid volcanic hills and vineyards, this village is a favorite for wine lovers and history buffs. Time your visit with the annual grape harvest festival, when the whole town celebrates with tastings, music and local specialties.
A view of Aieta, a hilltop village in Calabria. getty
4. Aieta, Calabria: Located more than 1,600 feet above the Tyrrhenian Sea, Aieta combines Renaissance elegance with wild mountain scenery. Explore its 16th-century palace and wander medieval streets that feel untouched by time.
The charming town of Maiori on the Amalfi Coast, with its hillside castle. getty
5. Maiori, Campania: On the Amalfi Coast, Maiori is often overshadowed by the big-name towns like Amalfi and Positano—but it has the longest beach on the coast and is quieter and more budget-friendly.
The picturesque town of Lazise on the shores of Lake Garda. getty
6. Lazise, Veneto: Set on the southeastern shore of Lake Garda, Lazise is all about medieval charm with lakeside relaxation. The town's stone walls, bustling harbor and thermal spas make it ideal for a romantic getaway.
A church in Ischitella, one of Italy's most beautiful villages in Puglia. getty
7. Ischitella, Puglia: Ischitella has stunning Adriatic views, whitewashed houses surrounded by olive groves and is a gateway to the Gargano National Park and nearby coastal beaches. Don't miss local specialties like orecchiette and fig jam.
The coastal village of Buggerru in Sardinia, framed by cliffs and turquoise sea. getty
8. Buggerru, Sardinia: Once a mining town, Buggerru is now a coastal retreat framed by cliffs and turquoise waters. It's perfect for surfers, hikers and anyone craving a wilder side of Sardinia.
Grado, a colorful seaside town in Friuli-Venezia Giulia with Venetian-style canals and Adriatic charm. getty
9. Grado, Friuli-Venezia Giulia: Nicknamed 'The Island of the Sun,' Grado has a mix of beaches, lagoons and Roman ruins. The village also has thermal spa tradition dating back to the 19th century.
A view through the window of Castello di Montechiarugolo. getty
10. Montechiarugolo, Emilia-Romagna: Not far from Parma, this riverside town is a place for foodies and history buffs. Visit the 15th-century castle and stop at a trattoria for local prosciutto and Parmigiano.
The medieval village of Corenno Plinio on the shores of Lake Como. getty
11. Corenno Plinio, Lombardy: This tiny hamlet on Lake Como is pure medieval magic with winding stone stairways and ancient churches. Far quieter than nearby Bellagio, it's ideal for travelers seeking stunning lake views without the crowds.
Montalbano Jonico, perched above the dramatic badlands of Basilicata. getty
12. Montalbano Jonico, Basilicata: Set between two ravines and surrounded by dramatic clay badlands known as calanchi , Montalbano Jonico has an otherworldly landscape.
View of the rooftops in Penne, a historic hill town near the Gran Sasso mountains. getty
13. Penne, Abruzzo: This hilltop red-brick village—the gateway to the Gran Sasso mountains—has sweeping countryside views and a well-preserved historic center. Visit in fall for truffle season.
The village of Scarperia in Tuscany, just north of Florence. getty
14. Scarperia, Tuscany: Scarperia is famous for its handmade knives. The village also has tons of motorsport energy, thanks to the nearby Mugello Circuit, a favorite of Formula 1 fans.
A view of the countryside just outside the walls of San Gemini in Umbria. getty
15. San Gemini, Umbria: San Gemini is a wellness haven with healing mineral springs and Roman ruins. Don't miss the ancient Roman cisterns or the peaceful Benedictine abbey just outside town.
The hilltop village of Agnone in Molise, known for its ancient bell foundry. getty
16. Agnone, Molise: This village is home to amazing artisan cheesemakers, as well as one of the world's oldest bell foundries, where bells have been cast for centuries.
The village of Ala in Trentino-Alto Adige, surrounded by vineyards and Alpine hills. getty
17. Ala, Trentino-Alto Adige: Set in the Vallagarina wine valley, this village is known for its aristocratic past. Hiking trails nearby lead into the Dolomites, and local red wines are worth a taste.
A view of Sirolo, overlooking the Adriatic. getty
18. Sirolo, Marche: This clifftop village is a stunning a coastal escape without the crowds. Its white stone streets overlook pebble beaches and turquoise waters.
The coastal village of Deiva Marina in Liguria, a peaceful alternative to Cinque Terre. getty
19. Deiva Marina, Liguria: Just up the coast from Cinque Terre, Deiva Marina is a much quieter alternative with much of the same beauty. The beaches are wide and relaxed, and the surrounding trails offer dramatic views of the Ligurian coastline.
Nus Castle in the Aosta Valley, overlooking the Alpine village of Nus. De Agostini via Getty Images
20. Nus, Valle d'Aosta: Surrounded by castles and vineyards, Nus is a scenic base for exploring the Aosta Valley. Don't miss the rare Vien de Nus red wine, grown on terraced mountain slopes. MORE FROM FORBES: Forbes This Affordable European Country Is Launching A Digital Nomad Visa: Here's What You Need To Know By Laura Begley Bloom Forbes Tourists, Beware: Europe Cracks Down With Bans, Fines And Restrictions For 2025 By Laura Begley Bloom Forbes Move To Europe: 8 Secret Towns Where You Can Live Well (For Less) By Laura Begley Bloom
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Forbes
3 hours ago
- Forbes
Why You Should Be Stocking Up On The Alpine Wines Of Alto Adige
Vineyards in the Merano area of Alto Adige. TIBERIO SORVILLO Alto Adige, or Südtirol as most locals prefer, is Italy's northernmost wine region. It's a place where vineyards cling to high mountain slopes, pressed between the soaring Alps and the jagged limestone faces of the Dolomites. Covering just over 5,800 hectares of vines, it is one of the country's most compact, yet geographically fragmented, wine territories. The vineyards follow the Adige river for nearly 100 kilometres, but dramatic altitude shifts, changing exposures, and varied soils demand precise viticulture. The topography undoubtedly influences the wines here, but Alto Adige is defined by a constant duality. Alpine and Mediterranean climates, Germanic and Italian identities, whites and reds of equal standing, this is a viticultural landscape built on contrast, and is all the richer for it. For those willing to navigate its intricacies, the reward is wines of startling quality, purity, and distinction. Lovers of crisp, mineral-driven whites will find much to enjoy, from Sauvignon Blanc to Pinot Bianco, while Gewürztraminer is as good here as anywhere. Reds from lesser known varieties will find plenty of charm in Schiava and Lagrein. Alto Adige's wines can be complicated wines for English speakers to get their head around however. The region is fiercely protective of its identity; primarily German-speaking, but administratively Italian, Alto Adige-Südtirol has its own distinct culture. The dual-language nature of wine labelling can confuse casual browsers and sow uncertainty. German often leads, and you're far more likely to see "Sankt Magdalena" on the bottle than 'Santa Maddalena' for example. Is that a grape variety? you ask. No, it's a subzone, famous for growing Vernatsch, or, as Italian speakers would say, Schiava. New vocabulary overload yet? You'd be forgiven. Wineries can legally choose to label their wines as either Alto Adige or Südtirol - or reference both - but it remains a voluntary expression of identity, not a legal obligation. Fortunately, bi-lingual labelling is widespread, and as president of the Consorzio Eduard Bernhard says, that reflects both cultural pride and the practicalities of trying to reach a broader market. 'We're very much products of our history. This region used to be part of the Austro-Hungarian empire. We're not really Italian, but we're also not German. We're who we are, proud of our mountain culture.' Further complexity emerges as one peers into Alto Adige's geographic designations. Beyond the broad Alto Adige DOC, a patchwork of official sub-zones is in place to offer clues in terroir differences. There are six in total: Val Venosta, Meranese, Terlano, Santa Maddalena, Colli di Bolzano, and Valle Isarco. These distinctions matter. The steep slopes of the Valle Isarco TIBERIO SORVILLO Take Valle Isarco, a cool, granite-soiled valley near the Austrian border, producing racy, high-acid whites like Kerner and Sylvaner. Terlano is famed for its ripe Chardonnay, and near Bolzano, Lagrein thrives in the valley floor's heat-retaining soils, giving spicy, structured reds. Santa Maddalena is synonymous with Schiava (or should we say Sanct Magdalena and Vernatsch?), and it also grows well in Merano. Such names can blur together at first, and deciphering them all is part of the Alto Adige wine puzzle. Perhaps these distinctions don't matter enough however. The DOC is set to introduce 86 Unità Geografiche Aggiuntive (UGAs), adding to these sub zones with a model similar to Barolo's MGAs or Burgundy's official climats. The goal? Greater transparency around origin and terroir. In theory, this could help spotlight Alto Adige's remarkable vineyard diversity - granite slopes, volcanic porphyry, glacial moraines - all compressed into just under 6,000 hectares of fragmented vineyards, layered across extreme altitudes. In practice though, is there a risk of adding yet more confusion to an already intricate region, especially for international markets that might still be learning to distinguish Südtirol from Alto Adige? Of course for the moment, adding 86 names to the appellation's lexicon is a colossal amount of additional information to thrust at the consumer, but, like many attempts to infuse territory with prestige, it is a long term project. Bernhart, reflects that not all of them will become famous. 'We have created a framework to showcase our terroir, but of course, only a handful of these will really enter the wine lover's consciousness.' Marc Pfitscher of Cantina Girlan is supportive. 'When observing the century-old Vernatsch vineyards in the UGA 'Gschleier', one cannot help but be captivated by their historical and viticultural significance.' He believes that these characteristics are reflected in tasting. 'This for me is the very definition of authenticity and for this reason, we are firmly committed to the preservation of these vineyards and actively promote them.' Another stand out site is likely to be Gries. Across a body of just over 270 hectares, located on the edge of Bolzano, you will find the largest and most important concentration of Lagrein vines. For those passing visiting, the key landmark is the historic abbey of Muri-Gries which is now a fully operational winery. The wine to track down is a Lagrein Riserva named after the plot it grows on - Vigna Klosteranger - a beautiful expression of the variety. Manfred Bernard who has recently taken over the winemaking there says, 'for people in Bolzano the UGA is recognition, not complication. We all know Lagrein grows well here. This recognition will help people from around the world know about Lagrein too.' A bottle of Lagrein, showing Südtirol on the label. Muri-Gries Christian Pisetta, export manager at Alois Lageder, one of the top producers in the region also defends the complexity. 'Through the UGA system, we now have a more precise tool to currently delineate and communicate these differences, allowing for a clearer expression of place in the glass.' Inevitably, consumers will latch onto the sites that deserve the attention most and over time, as producers embrace the vehicle for single site wines, consumers will gain familiarity with them. The system should enrich the conversation around the territory and ultimately deepen Alto Adige's labyrinthine identity. Pisetta reflects further on the long term aspiration. 'Is this really what we need? I think so. We recognise that this landscape is not static. With ongoing climate change and global warming, what is considered an ideal terroir for a certain variety today may shift tomorrow.' The strength of Alto Adige lies in its multitude of elevations, soil types and microclimates, which gives the region flexibility, but will almost certainly demand adaptability. 'The identification of the best sites for specific grape varieties must remain dynamic' he says. 'What is considered an ideal terroir for a certain variety today may shift tomorrow.' A reminder of the extremes of mountain viticulture in Alto Adige. Alto Adige DOC / Christian Gufler On the flip side, we have a more detailed map to understand Alto Adige's diversity. It is arguably Italy's most varietally broad wine region, today cultivating over 20 grapes with genuine success. This versatility reflects the region's extraordinary range of altitudes, from valley floors at 200 metres, to mountain vineyards cresting 1,000 metres. This mosaic of microclimates encourages growers to match varieties with a suitable terroir, especially when we consider that of the nearly 5000 growers, the average landholding is just one hectare. In the last couple of decades, the region has proven that international varieties such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, and Pinot Noir flourish here, particularly at higher elevations where cool nights preserve acidity and aromatics. The results have been undoubtedly impressive. Sauvignon Blanc, in particular, found an ideal home. Wines like Terlano's 'Winkl' reveal piercing minerality, citrus precision, and longevity that places them among Italy's finest expressions of the grape. Chardonnay, notably from cooler pockets near Eppan and Terlano, ranks quietly among Italy's best. These wines balance ripeness with taut minerality, drawing quiet comparisons to Burgundy, yet framed by alpine clarity. Terlano vineyards, high up in the hills, showing the mix of elevation and micro climate. Cantina Terlano Although Chardonnay has been in Terlano since the late 19th century, at Cantina Terlano, cellar master Rudi Kofler has overseen more than 30 years of progressive work with the variety. He says 'Chardonnay is well consolidated here. It gives a very interesting component of tropical fruits, and in our Kreuth Chardonnay you can feel it alongside fine acidity and a creamy structure. Thanks to its complexity and mineral note, this powerful Chardonnay is a very long‑lived wine.' Pinot Bianco too is impressive, taking on a stone fruit character that lifts it above some of the duller wines you may find further north. In the Terlano sub zone it is frequently blended, to the point where it feels wrong to deviate from what is now a classic mix: 70 % Pinot Bianco, 25 % Chardonnay, 5 % Sauvignon Blanc. It is best observed in Cantina Terlano's 'Novus Domus' Koffler summarises that 'this distinct Terlano cuvée embodies all the strengths of the region in a full-bodied multifaceted mineral wine that takes years of aging in the bottle to achieve its full potential.' Similarly, Pinot Nero (noir) has emerged as capable and serious as anywhere else in Italy, especially from cooler sites with limestone-rich soils. Cantina Girlan is at the forefront of its growing reputation. Their 'Trattmann' Pinot Nero Riserva is one of the best examples, flaunting supple red fruit, earthy nuances, and a tension that hints at Burgundy, yet is unmistakably Alpine. Marc Pfitscher, who handles sales and marketing at the winery, says 'Trattmann embodies our long-standing commitment to achieving the highest quality, reflecting efforts spanning from 1985 to the present day.' This success was born of the need for change however. Alto Adige's big identity crisis came in the 1980s when demand for the local Schiava plummeted. The long standing tradition of extracting as yield as possible was struggling to cope with competition for better wines from elsewhere. Schiava, meaning slave in Italian, is thought to be named after its tendency to accumulate to encourage so much fruit and weight that the vine would bend in on itself. Wolfgang Klotz - director of the co-operative cellar Cantina Tramin - reflects that 'the old system of pergola trained Schiava wasn't working, so people were open minded for change.' The flavour profile may not have been fashionable at the time, but yields were too high and quality wasn't good enough. Klotz reminisces that telling people to leave half their crop on the floor wasn't easy, but, 'trying to get quality out of this unique valley has given us the power to preserve our traditions and landscape.' Without a market for the wines, the landscape would inevitably need to convert to alternative industry. The sub zone of Santa Maddalena / Sankt Magdalena where the slopes over looking the city of Bolzano have become renowned for light red wines from Schiava. IDM/Südtirol Wein/Tiberio Sorvillo Growers never fully abandoned their traditional grapes however. A combination of pride, nostalgia, and pragmatism kept Schiava and Lagrein in the vineyards, perhaps awaiting their moment of rediscovery. These have never been better, shedding that reputation for dilution and rusticity that plagued them during through late 1970s and early 80s. Today the best examples of Schiava are delicately floral and weightlessly complex, when grown on suitable sites. Producers like Girlan are at the forefront, crafting Schiava with restraint, finesse, and a nod to Alpine tradition. They are reds for the curious - bright, translucent, carrying wild strawberry, herbs, and an undercurrent of mountain freshness. As Pfitscher says, 'in my view, the flavoral purity, freshness, and drinkability of this grape variety are unique qualities that align perfectly with current consumer preferences and market trends.' Gewürztraminer provides another local conundrum. Often a polarising grape for its aromatic intensity, it produces very good wines in Alto Adige and deserves the attention. It is grown around the village of Tramin, where it is thought to take its name. The first plantings of red Traminer were made by Archduke Johann in Appiano in 1848. Shortly thereafter, selected locations in Bolzano, Merano, Bressanone, and Termeno were also planted with the vines. Today it is the region's most recognisable aromatic export - opulent, spicy, floral, often excessive for some palates. In recent years, a shift toward gastronomic restraint has emerged. Producers like Cantina Tramin craft benchmark examples that maintain exotic spice and rose petal lift while dialling back overt sweetness, especially when paired with food. The rosy skins of Gewürztraminer or, red traminer. Florian Andergassen Wolfgang Klotz says, 'We have a beautiful elegance in our Gewurztraminer. We don't plant it too high because it needs a lot of heat, and sun.' The variety is the most planted variety among co-operative of over 300 members and benefits from the village's clay soils. Klotz points out that 'it's a tricky variety to grow, and very selective of its site. The clay retains humidity, which helps cool the vines at night.' Produced in very low quantities is the exceptional 'Epokale' a sweet, late harvest wine. Klotz enthuses about its ability to develop. 'It's after 10 years that Gewurz really shows itself. You have to wait to get the complexity out of the wine. The spice really comes through.' Alto Adige is not an easy region to grasp but through its complexities it produces outstanding wines that belong in any serious cellar. Its dual language, layered labels, grape diversity, and evolving concepts of site specific expressions of different varieties demand closer inspection. Undeniable freshness (climate change not withstanding) provides these wines with the backbone for longevity. For those willing to navigate the complexities, the rewards are profound. Here, duality defines everything: Alpine cool meets Mediterranean warmth; German precision blends with Italian flair; international grapes excel alongside revitalised natives; whites and reds increasingly share the limelight. This is a region of depth, and thankfully, constant evolution. More importantly, it is place of real where real people farm an untenable single hectare to protect their landscape. For any wine lover seeking discovery, Alto Adige deserves to be firmly on the radar. Its complexity shouldn't put you off, it's the very reason the wines resonate with such authenticity and intrigue. Christian Pisetta believes strongly that complexity is a defining virtue for Alto Adige and plays an essential role in shaping the region's identity. 'We're situated at the cultural and climatic crossroads between southern and Northern Europe' he says. 'It is extremely complex - linguistically, culturally, and geographically. This richness is not a challenge to overcome but a strength to embrace.' Is this the moment to stock up on Alto Adige's wines, before the rest of the world fully fathoms out their virtues?


New York Times
4 hours ago
- New York Times
14 Hostess Gifts That Got Me Invited Back
In this edition of The Gift, we share a few handpicked and unexpected overnight hostess gifts that have gotten a Wirecutter gifts expert invited back to summer homes — including a fabulous dill pickle hat. Plus, the best gifts to give yourself. A hostess gift for a dinner party is one thing: a bottle of wine, a box of cookies, plus your good company and genuine thanks is all that's needed. If you want to ramp it up, I happen to think these bright napkins are perfect; my fellow gifts expert Mari Uyehara is all about these mini wooden bowls from Italy. But an overnight or weekend stay? That's an entirely different proposition. In that case, your hosts have done laundry and struggled to put fitted sheets on the guest bed just for you. This deserves a little more effort (and maybe, but not necessarily, more moolah) on your part. I have a couple of general rules for great host or hostess gifts for overnight stays: It should be something that's easy to travel with (scratch that crystal vase or Key lime pie). It should be something you can enjoy together during your visit or themed in some way to your stay. And if you don't know your hosts well, it should be something universal enough to fit easily with most tastes and styles. For the latter one-size-fits-any-host gift, I like elevated or unexpected takes on everyday things they most likely wouldn't buy for themselves. This spherical soap looks like a sculpture and would be a good fit in any bathroom. This splurgy hand care set from Le Labo looks like it comes from a fancy pharmacy and smells amazing. A specialty from your hometown is a no-brainer that feels personal; I bring See's Candy from San Francisco nearly everywhere I go, and it's always a hit. Of course, the most fun gifts (and usually the most fun stays) are for the people you do know well. For them, a gift becomes your chance to speak directly to someone's taste, personality, or place. If I'm visiting a house I'm lucky enough to frequent, I'll try and take note during my stay of what they are missing (too few beach towels? Board games with missing pieces?) and fill it out with something cool the next time I come. Or I'll center it around an activity we always enjoy there. For a little more inspiration, these are the gifts that have been the biggest hits with my hosts: I once stayed at my friend's lake house in Italy for a month (I know!) so I had to go all out. And, not to brag, but I nailed it with a set of six mismatched insulated wine tumblers for lakeside happy hours, a pickle cap because the poor thing can't get dill pickles in Italy, and personalized matches with a photo of her lake view on the box. Oh, and I brought her nine-year-old daughter the Wirecutter-famous lazy duck light. The best part about staying at my friend's beautifully decorated house in Key West, aside from being in Key West, is eating outside in her garden under the arbor. She's one of those people with impeccable taste that mostly leans toward all white with artistic splashes of bright color. For her, I once brought this bright block print tablecloth, and on a later visit, two of these to-die-for floral ceramic tealight holders. Full disclosure: I hate jigsaw puzzles. I'd always rather be reading. But I am totally okay with other people doing them, and there is often one going at my in-laws' beach cottage. This personalized jigsaw map centering their cottage not only lit up the puzzle part of my father-in-law's brain, it also got his map-nerd lobe going. Speaking of reading, if you share a love of books with your host, I can't think of a better gift than bringing them a few recent reads you've loved. Need a rec? So far, this summer I've devoured this powerful autobiographical novel and this survival story set in the 16th century. Or why not let my colleagues at The New York Times Book Review help you? And finally, for my friend who just bought a funky fixer-upper that I will be visiting for the first time this summer: this elegant pitcher, because she's mentioned that all her dishes at the new place are enamelware. I'll throw in some of my favorite loose leaf hibiscus tea because I'm of the opinion that when served over ice, it's the best summer drink in the world. The rules are shockingly simple: If you know your numbers, you can play. Including a quite cute overnight duffel and a compact fanny pack for traveling light. Spend the weekend sipping out of colored coupe glasses or gorgeous porcelain tumblers. I'm a widowed mother of three teens and preteens, and I rarely buy myself anything — in fact my kids often tell me this! I love to garden, read, paint, listen to music, walk in the woods, and bake. My second birthday without my husband is coming up, and I feel the absence of his love keenly. Please help me find a special gift to soothe my aching soul. — C.J From gifting expert Samantha Schoech: First, I am truly sorry for your loss. I am also the mother of teenagers and have been married for a long time, and I can only begin to imagine what you are going through. And though we all know material goods don't bring lasting happiness, a little retail therapy can be a sort of self-care. My first thought is to get yourself a good book subscription so you have something to look forward to in the mail each month. I also recommend these watercolor paints from Japan and possibly joining Wendy McNaughton's Draw Together Grown Up's Table, the friendliest, least stressful art 'lessons' and community out there. For music, perhaps splurge on some noise-cancelling headphones? I recently got a pair, and now I listen to audiobooks while I pull weeds or to music while I fold laundry, and I finally understand what all the headphone fuss is about. Finally, because you deserve to feel and smell beautiful just for yourself, try this luxurious body oil with a light floral scent — it makes me feel fancy and pampered even if I'm just working from home in my sweats. Our present-hunters are here to answer your questions. By completing this form, you agree that we may add your address to our list for the newsletter The Gift. What I Cover I discover, vet, and write about gifts of all kinds from my office in San Francisco. I am particularly drawn to all things shiny or bookish, but I try not to impose my taste more than is strictly necessary.


Associated Press
5 hours ago
- Associated Press
World's Best Glacier Photos Launch in Global "Walk of Water" Exhibition
Beauty and Peril of Vanishing Glaciers Taking Centre Stage in Onewater's Global Photography Exhibition, Urging Climate Action NEUÖTTING, Germany, July 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Breathtaking glacier photography features in the international exhibition 'Walk of Water', which launches simultaneously this June in Almaty, Delft, and Manila. Amid predictions that up to two-thirds of Earth's glaciers will vanish by 2100, this exhibition offers a stunning visual journey into melting ice worlds, highlighting critical water stories, ingenious local solutions, and the urgent need for global action. Organised by German non-profit Onewater, with support from UNESCO's World Water Assessment Programme, MPB, the Asian Development Bank, and the City of Burghausen, the 2025 'Walk of Water' showcases a curated collection from highly decorated artists, including World Photography Awards winners and National Geographic explorers. Their powerful images span Alpine peaks, Himalayan communities, and polar expanses, capturing not only the stark reality of receding ice but also vibrant water festivals, indigenous adaptation strategies, and the profound cultural ties to these frozen landscapes—all threatened by a warming planet. The loss of glaciers means rising sea levels, endangered drinking water and food production, and the disappearance of unique plants, animals, ecosystems and cultural heritage. 'Through these powerful visual narratives, we witness firsthand the challenges faced by the Earth's cryosphere and the richness of cultural heritage tied to water and ice,' said Frantisek Ficek, Onewater's Senior Creative Specialist. 'It's an alarm bell calling for urgent safeguarding of our glaciers and mountains. We must appreciate them and the nature and people that dwell within them while we still can.' To see more winning entries, please visit: To host an exhibition, please visit: - Picture is available at AP – Contact: Maja Antić E-Mail: [email protected] Telephone: +49 151 41335427 View original content: SOURCE Onewater gUG