Top Travel Destinations for Pasta Lovers

Each year on October 25, pasta lovers unite for this national celebration. 2024 marks the 26th anniversary of the event, which began in 1998, and is dedicated to educating people about the history and benefits of this popular carbohydrate. Each city, town and village in Italy is famed for its own unique pasta recipes, so while Rome might be celebrated for its cacio e pepe or gricia, Palma is the pre-eminent place for parmesan toppings. Our editors have collated the most interesting – and often overlooked – destinations to visit during this exciting event.

Genoa

Traditionally, the best places for pasta are in the northern regions of Italy since soft wheat, which is used for pasta flour, thrives here. Although Genoa is the capital city of the Liguria, it is often overlooked in favour of the larger northern metropolises of Turin or Milan. It’s a central spot for foodies, who flock here to taste the delicate Genovese pasta dishes. Pesto originated here in the 16th century and it's well worth visiting the city for a serving of trofie pesto pasta – delicious.

Stay at the Grand Hotel Miramare for a quintessentially Ligurian Riviera experience. The hotel is located a short distance from Genoa, near the coastal towns of Portofino and Camogli. Enjoy five-star service at its several restaurants and bars, surrounded by lush gardens that roll down to the beach.

Courtesy of Grand Hotel Miramare

Naples, Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast

While Naples is renowned for being the birthplace of pizza, it is also where National Pasta Day first took place, in 1998. Napolitans have gained a reputation for being extra passionate about their pasta, so much so that they were nicknamed ‘Mangia Maccheroni’ in the 18th century, which directly translates as ‘Pasta Eaters’.

Travel further along the coast to Sorrento for gnocchi alla sorrentina – which tastes even better followed by a glass of local limoncello. A stay on the Amalfi coast is an excellent way to savour a variety of pasta dishes from the surrounding regions.

Book the elegant Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel & Spa which is housed in an ancient monastery overlooking the magnificent Amalfi coast. Here you can eat, swim and sleep to your heart’s content while admiring the scenic views.

CACIO E PEPE, A ROMAN CLASSIC

Bologna

Known as the ‘food mecca’ of Italy, Bologna is packed full of restaurants serving flavoursome Italian dishes. Don’t leave without trying the tortellini, lasagna, tagliatelle, or renowned ragù alla bolognese – which originated, ironically, just outside of Bologna in a nearby city called Imola. To make the most of your stay, book a room at the Grand Hotel Majestic Gia Baglioni. This highly rated institution features a regal bar area and restaurant, where you can fill up on pasta dishes made using fresh, local produce.

Of course, you can browse all of these hotels and more on the ASMALLWORLD Collection.