Explore Central Italy’s hidden gems—places forever changed by the 2016 earthquake, yet full of resilience and beauty. In this travel vlog, I visit Umbria and Marche, including Castelluccio, Arquata del Tronto, and Acquasanta Terme.
Nine years later, I discover how these towns and their people are recovering. Along the way, I eat delicious local food, stroll charming villages, and soak in breathtaking landscapes.
A special moment: I meet a local woman in my grandfather’s village. Our heartfelt conversation (in Italian with English subtitles) explores rebuilding, (displaced) community strength, and family ties.
This video is about discovery, memory, and the quiet power of places often overlooked. I hope it offers a deeper look into a part of Italy still healing—and still stunning.
#centralitaly #italytravelvlog #umbria #marche #hiddenitaly #italianvillages #italy2025 #postearthquake #italiancountryside #castelluccio #italyoffthebeatenpath #authenticitaly #familyroots #italyhiddengems
💬 Have you been to Central Italy? Planning a visit? Let me know in the comments!
Restaurant: Rifugio Degli Alpini (Pretare, Arquata del Tronto) – the restaurant relocated to Pretare following the 2016 earthquakes that damaged their original location. SP89, 72, 63096 Pretare AP, Italy
Bakery: Forno Celani (Acquasanta Terme). Via Roma, 4, 63095 Acquasanta Terme AP, Italy
More videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiWF_-XYRd0 – what I eat in a week in italy at my mom’s house (+ day trip) 🌶️
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoS6ihpDaAc – Exploring Central Italy: Monteprandone (one of the most beautiful Italian villages) 🇮🇹
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5azcVSCJQlk – Why TRIESTE Should Be Your Next Italian Adventure | Italy travel vlog 🇮🇹
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Music:
All the Wonders by Adriel Fair: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/1ZWpqsV0Qz/
High and Dry (Instrumental Version) by Mattias Tell: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/JSFwtSIcAS/
Love at Second Sight by Alice Spence: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/7PiyzrA4ap/
Vacation Mode by Rocket Jr: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/rawtNycFlj/
0:00 The FLOWERING – Italian hidden gem
4:20 Castelluccio – 9 years after the EARTHQUAKE
6:40 Italian lunch – supporting impacted business owners
9:18 My grandfather was from this Italian VILLAGE
12:58 Talking to a local about the earthquake (she KNEW my grandparents!)
14:48 Thermal waters & Italian sweets
23:15 Outro
7 Comments
Central Italy is full of unknown beauty, resilience, and hidden stories — I hope this video captures a little of that.
💬 Have you ever been to this part of Italy, or a place that moved you in an unexpected way?
Such a wonderful first-hand review of the affected area. Thank you for taking the time to show us something that no one else has. Loved the conversation with the woman who knew your family. Such a surprise for you. Safe travels.
Your video offers a clear view of a part of Italy that most tourists never get to see. You don’t shy away from showing the damage left by the earthquake, while still capturing the beautiful scenery. It feels genuine how you highlight both the resilience of the people and the importance of tourism to their community. Your take on the local food and traditions adds an authentic, grounded touch. It’s a unique and fascinating area, far from the usual tacky tourist spots.
Nice to see a new video ❤
This is one of my favorites cousin! Loved the educational aspect, but adore seeing you lean in to your childhood and those cookies!🍪❤️
Arrosticini 😋😋. Umbria and Abruzzo are my 2 favourite parts of Italy. I was here 1 year before the earthquake and was sad when I read the news. This place has so much charm and the fact that not many tourists know about it is make it even more appealing to me. Next time I would love to visit le Marche as well❤.
😮 incredibly beautiful nature … thank you for sharing ❤