One of the worst quakes to hit northeast Italy in hundreds of years rattled the region around Bologna early today, killing at least four people, collapsing factories and sending residents running out into the streets.

Neither contour lines nor 'panoramic' representations do justice to the sheer exuberant topography of South Tyrol, writes Ben Ross.

This golf and spa resort near the Italian fishing village of Savelletri is the brainchild of Aldo Melpignano, a former investment banker who owns it with his family. It looks as if it has been there for centuries, but it opened fully only in 2011, offering accommodation within a village environment in either townhouses or luxurious private villas.

For further information see borgoegnazia.com.

Caroline Phillips visits Puglia's newest village resort and marvels at the region's food.

More than a dozen lighthouses in Sardinia are to be leased to private businesses and converted into boutique hotels.

Photographer talks of bloodbath in Sicily 20 years after murder of anti-mafia judge Giovanni Falcone

Shandelle Battersby finds herself propelled into a world of outlandish decor.

The author of the hugely-popular 1,000 Places To See Before You Die reveals her absolute favourite travel destinations.