Italy is famous for cities like Rome and Florence, as well as iconic destinations like the Amalfi Coast. But, who has ever heard of Irpinia?
Nestled among the hills of Avellino, far from the usual tourist hotspots, lies a piece of Italy rich with history, authenticity and an unbreakable sense of pride.
Josephine Carrabs, a Sydney-based lawyer and mother of three, has set out to give this province a voice through Irpinia Escapes.
Irpinia Escapes is not just any project. It’s a challenge, a labour of love and a defiant stand against obscurity.
Josephine isn’t your typical traveller. Growing up with a nonna from Gesualdo, the family’s hometown, she was immersed in the stories, values and traditions in a way only someone living abroad could be.
Every summer, her nonna’s tales brought Irpinia to life: playing in the town squares, street games and the echoes of a carefree freedom that felt so real.
Returning to Irpinia with her children after years away rekindled a bond that never truly broke.
“I’ve visited Italy many times on holidays, to see family and even during a university exchange year,” Carrabs shares.
“I’ve always felt free to roam the piazzas, a carefree spirit that’s hard to find in Australia, and a wonderfully spontaneous way of connecting with people.”
This spark led to Irpinia Escapes: a journey back in time, but with a vision firmly set on the future. Irpinia Escapes isn’t here to showcase Italy as it appears on postcards.
Carrabs is building stronger ties between Italian communities abroad and the place that, in her eyes, deserves more recognition.
With vineyards of Greco di Tufo, crumbling castles and villages seemingly frozen in time, the experiences here are genuine, the flavours are intense, and life seems to move at a slower, more meaningful pace.
“In Irpinia, people welcome you with open doors and warm smiles,” Carrabs says with a smile of her own.
“That’s the heart of this project; to show that authentic Italy still exists - you just need to know where to look.”
Before starting this venture, Carrabs knew it wouldn’t be easy. Making a forgotten place famous requires resilience and creativity.
Wasting no time, she brought a Channel Nine crew to Irpinia, producing a prime-time television special in Australia.
The hour-long feature, filled with breathtaking imagery, sent a powerful message to Australian audiences and drew significant attention.
“After it aired, I received messages from people eager to experience Irpinia for themselves,” she reveals proudly.
Mission accomplished? Not quite. But it’s a promising start, and Carrabs has big plans for Irpinia.
With support from ENIT (the Italian National Tourist Board) and unwavering determination, she aims to introduce the world to a place that rivals the more famous tourist destinations.
“I like to call Irpinia Italy’s best-kept secret. It’s a place where tourists can have a truly authentic experience, unfiltered and real,” she says.
Through Irpinia Escapes, Carrabs is shaping a future for her homeland, turning a personal passion into a collective dream that can draw travellers from all corners of the globe.
We can only wish Irpinia the spotlight it so richly deserves.
