Travel South and Florida: beaches and tropical nature

Inhabited by the creole aristocracy descended from Spanish and French settlers, New Orleans embraces a bend in the Mississippi River. At the center of it all is the French Quarter, decadent but still alive, with narrow bustling streets and hidden courtyards. Stop for a few days to soak up the atmosphere, taste the beignets & café au lait at Café du Monde, discover Bourbon Street at night, excessive, raucous, infamous, with music pouring out of every window; board the St Charles streetcar to reach the seductive Garden District and stroll among elegant homes and majestic trees. Exploring the surrounding area, with an airboat tour in a nearby swamp or a visit to a historic plantation, completes the vision of a nostalgic and fascinating South.

Biloxi is located along the approximately 150 km of Gulf Coast in Mississippi. The curiosity of this part of the coast is the number of large Las Vegas-style casinos that coexist with quiet and sleepy fishing villages, which have always been the basis of the local economy. The casinos in Biloxi were rebuilt after Hurricane Katrina, while other areas, such as the nearby town of Gulfport, have not fully recovered yet. For those with more cultural interests, a visit to the historic residence of Beauvoir, the Biloxi Lighthouse, and the Ohr-O'Keefe Museum should not be missed.

Pensacola is located in Florida, but only 30 minutes from the Alabama border. It directly faces the Gulf of Mexico and is famous for the US Navy base, as well as its magnificent white beaches and emerald-colored waters.

Tallahassee, whose name derives from a Muskogee Indian word generally translated as "old fields" or "old town", is the capital of Florida. Very popular in high society in the 19th century, it experienced a decline along with the cotton industry and is now not frequently visited; it has also developed in the commerce sector and is home to an important university, but it still maintains a predominantly agricultural vocation.

Crystal River, a source of surprisingly clear turquoise waters, is the gem of the so-called Nature Coast. During the colder months (from November to March), dozens of manatees hibernate in the crystal-clear waters of Three Sisters Spring and King's Bay, creating an impressive spectacle. Visitors can observe them through boat or kayak excursions and even swim with them, accompanied by experienced instructors.

The one between Clearwater and St Pete Beach is a single, long, beautiful 45 km beach, with hotels and activities at every step, suitable for couples and families, where there are no shortage of wild islands like Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island, uninhabited, but easily accessible by car or ferry. Some of the most beautiful beaches in the continental United States can be found here.

Naples, on the western coast of Florida, is known for its white sandy beaches, luxurious homes and shops, art galleries, and excellent dining options. The city is surrounded by mangroves and nature reserves, offering great opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and golfing.

Turquoise waters, boundless shores, round-the-clock fun: this is Miami, a city where design, arts, and visionary architecture have more than one moment in the sun. Occupying the southernmost three miles of Miami Beach is gorgeous South Beach, with its hundreds of dazzling pastel-coloured 1920s and 1930s Art Deco buildings. By night, Ocean Drive becomes one of the liveliest stretches in Miami. If this is too much for you, head a block west of the beach to Collins Avenue or to Washington Avenue, with fashion shops and cool coffee bars. For more shops, restaurants and cafés, head for the Lincoln Road Mall (between Alton Rd and Washington Ave), a pedestrianized zone where you can stroll and graze. North of downtown the Design District, hemmed in by 36th and 41st streets between Miami Avenue and Biscayne Boulevard, is also worth a visit, crammed with hip restaurants. Miami does Cuban food best, and it’s not limited to the traditional haunts in Little Havana. You’ll also want to try Cuban coffee. Cuban cooking is complemented by sushi bars and American home-style diners, as well as Haitian, Italian and new Floridian restaurants, among a handful of other ethnic cuisines. Coral Gables, South Beach and the Design District are best for upmarket cafés and restaurants. Seafood is abundant. Stone­crab claws (served Oct–May), are another South Florida speciality.