Local Voyager: Gillian Longworth
@gillianknowsbest shares some of her excellent Italy intel
Hi Friends,
Welcome back to my feature called Local Voyager: conversations with travel friends.
I created this feature because some of my very best experiences while traveling have come from having conversations with amazing locals. I have been generously guided by these incredible folks to places, experiences, and people I would have never known about otherwise.
One of my goals with this substack is to guide readers to discover intimate and unique experiences that also support the local makers and community of the areas they visit. Who better to give us great intel than the folks living and working in these spots who love their town/city/country so much?
When it comes to Italy, before I ever stepped foot in the country in 2021, I was transported there by Gillian Longworth McGuire through her excellent storytelling on Instagram @gillianknowsbest
Once I was in Italy that first time in the autumn of 2021, still such a newbie in awe of her surroundings, I accessed Gillian’s website several times and reached out to her through DM a few times with questions. She was so generous with her helpful responses that made my visit that much more fantastic.
Her substack Gillian Knows Best is a fantastic resource for your Italy planning and dreaming. I encourage you to start diving in well before you have made your exact plans because her intel could quite possibly inspire you to take an entirely different trip than you imagined!
I could likely do at least a dozen local voyager discussions with Gillian. However, through Gillian’s storytelling, I have become obsessed with seaside towns in Italy and that inspired today’s conversation.
Gillian Knows Best - Italian Seaside Towns
WHO: Gillian Longworth McGuire
A great summation from Gillian, on who she is:
“I lived in Rome for a long time and I just moved to Venice. I am a writer, information curator, traveler, coffee and cocktail drinker. My friends call me “the Source” and I am your go-to girl for the best information on just about anything in the eternal city, Venice, Capri, and the island of Ponza.”
For more details on Gillian, visit her About page below.
https://www.gillianslists.com/p/about-me.html
Onto our chat:
Q: Where are you taking us today with our focus being seaside towns?
Gillian: The island of Capri. I know this is one of the most famous destinations in Italy, but there is a reason for that.
Q: What is your personal favorite thing about this spot?
Gillian: I love to go to Capri in winter when you can hike. There are amazing trails all over the island with astounding views. There are ancient Roman villas and forts from the 1800s.
In summer my favorite thing is spending an afternoon at La Gradola in Anacapri. I get a chair in the corner and start a tab at the bar. I get a panino stuffed with parmigiana and bottles of cold Ferrelle water. I read my book and jump in the deep water and I always get a crema di cafe.
Me: Oh my gosh - perfect day - yes please and on repeat!
Q: What is the most special experience in Capri?
Gillian: Spending time in the magical garden that my pals Holly and Gianluca have created, Giardino di Capri. Located in the historic center, they offer different experiences including cooking classes, Limoncello workshops, and small or private dining with what they grow right in their garden.
Me: After Gillian and I chatted, I did a deep dive into Holly and Gianluca’s website and offerings, and just YES to all of this. Wow - I can’t wait to visit! I would say this is a must when visiting Capri.
Q: What are your 2 favorite places to dine-drink-explore?
Gillian: A drink in the Piazzetta is an essential extravagance.
Pizza and beer at Lo Sfizio
Q: What are some challenges in this era of tourism and travel for Capri?
Gillian: So many people just come to Capri for a few hours and only in the summer. Everyone does the same few things that they saw on Instagram.
Capri is much more than a summer destination and has so much to offer.
But, even if you come in the height of summer stay on the island and explore more than the Piazetta and the Blue Grotto.
Q: What are Sundays like for you while here?
Gillian: I actively try to avoid weekends and prefer to be there at the beginning of the week when there is a slight lull.
Q: Secret place in Italy that you would be willing to share
Gillian: It’s no secret that I love the island of Ponza and look forward to spending as much time as I can there.
Me: Here is a link to two posts on Ponza - one is specific to getting there and it is incredibly helpful. The other is new to her substack this month. I can’t wait to visit Ponza myself. Hopefully soon and at the same time as Gillian! Select Spritz all around.
Q: What will new visitors be surprised to learn about these seaside towns?
Gillian: That many beach clubs close at 7pm, well before the sun goes down.
Q: What would you like to see for the future of Italian tourism?
Gillian: I would like to see people slow down and do less. Stay in one or two places and really immerse themselves in that city and enjoy them as much like a local as possible.
Hot tip from Gillian and Michele: avoid the “instagram hot spots”
Finally, I asked Gillian to share her favorite spots around Italy for each season for you to bookmark for your next visit. I adore her answers:
Spring I am in the minority here but Spring is my least favorite season. It might be warm and sunny or there might be hail. Sometimes on the same day! Pack your raincoat and plan some indoor activities and it is a great time to visit places like Rome and Florence.
Summer Most of Italy is hot from mid-June until September. The only place to be is at the beach.
Me: maybe September is a time for me to go to Ponza…hmmm.
Autumn If you like to hike and don't mind the chance of a rainy day or two, Autumn is a great time to explore Capri and the Amalfi Coast. Early in the fall, the water is warm and you can get in a few last beach days. The other fun thing to do when the weather turns is to go to the hot springs in Lazio and the Tuscan countryside.
Me: Putting hot springs in Lazio on the list ASAP
Winter I am a big fan of winter. In Rome the sky is blue and things are slightly less crowded. Christmas in Rome is particularly wonderful and sparkly. Venice is extra magical on a foggy February day.
Me: I am a huge fan of winter in Italy. Late-Autumn - Winter is just delicious in every way.
Thanks so much to Gillian for this excellent intel. Be sure to follow her on Instagram @gillianknowsbest and subscribe to her substack for so much more about delicious, wonderful Italy.
Throwing it to you: what questions do you have about Italy travel? what’s your favorite season to visit Italy and why?
Do let us know.
Ciao ciao ciao
This was so much fun! Thank you.