Ask any Italian their opinion of the greatest country in the world and you will only ever be given one answer……Italy of course, and who are we to argue. Affectionately referred to as Bel Paese, the Beautiful Country, it is with reason that Italy is largely considered to be the most celebrated destination on the planet. The country is literally oozing with things to see and do and is a true assault on the senses of even the most experienced traveler.
Therefore, with so many options, finding a starting point is perhaps the hardest part of enjoying this exquisite land. If it is history you are looking for then Italy has a ridiculous 44 Unesco World Heritage sites in its armory; fashionistas will go crazy for the designer labels and boutique stores of Milan; art and architecture lovers will spin in circles at the Renaissance brilliance of Florence and Rome; and the palates of a foodie will be teased by the cuisine of Naples and Bologna.
It really does not matter who you are or what kind of holiday you are looking for as Italy seems to have an answer for it all. Those looking for a romantic weekend away can take an iconic gondola ride on the canals of Venice just as easily as outdoor enthusiasts can go hiking in the Dolomites or skiing in the Alps. Beach lovers are also easily satisfied here too, with Sardinia’s sparkling Mediterranean coast offering endless sun worshipping opportunities alongside commendable diving and snorkeling excursions.
Due to its diversity, Italy can be visited at any time of the year with equal reward. Summer months in the Mediterranean south are hot and drenched in sun, therefore ideal for beach lovers and exploring the winelands. For skiers, the first snowfall often comes in November, however the best time to hit the slopes are from early January thru February. With the onset of so many budget airlines, Italy has become one of the top European spots for city breaks, therefore is busy 12 months of the year. Regardless of when you decide to visit and what you decide to do, Italy is all about soaking up the characteristic lifestyle loved, and loathed, so enviably around the world. Art & Frescoes - From Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper in Milan to Giotto’s frescoes in Padua and the Gallerie dell’Accademia in Venice, magnificent works of art are visible at every turn of the head. Rome, Florence and Venice hold top spot, however fine collections can be found in Assisi, Pisa, Siena and more.
Popular Destinations in Italy
Rome - What doesn’t Rome have? Be astounded by the architectural delights of this giant open-air museum. Highlights, amongst many, count the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon and Vatican City with its breathtaking Sistine Chapel.
Venice - Italy’s most romantic city has been astounding travellers for centuries. Take an iconic gondola ride through the canals, admire the golden domes of Basilica di San Marco, watch the ballet at the ancient Teatro la Fenice or join in the 10-day colourful masquerade celebrations of Carnevale.
Pompeii - Get a taste of the lavish and debauched Roman life at the ruins of Pompeii, immaculately frozen in time following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in August 79AD.
Aeolian Islands - In a world and class of their own, visit the volcanic Aeolian Islands off Sicily’s north coast. Stunning beaches, Greek legends, architecture, and a delectable cuisine all await.
Beaches of Sardinia - Bathed in sunshine and floating between the Mediterranean and Tyrrhenian Sea, the island of Sardinia is home to Italy’s finest beaches and the perfect place to unwind.
Mount Etna - Rising up to 3350m, Mount Etna is Italy’s tallest mountain and one of the Europe’s most active volcanoes. Pass by the EtnaNational Park for winter skiing opportunities and overnight hiking trails during the summer months.
Hiking in Italy - Italy’s diverse countryside offers a myriad of hiking and walking opportunities. Go wildlife spotting in the MontAvicRegionalPark, tackle the Dolomites on the Swiss border or marvel at the rugged landscape of the Amalfi coast.
Italian Football - Italians are known for there passion and this comes out more than ever when a big football match comes to town. Famed for the fierce rivalry between the stylish Milan clubs of AC Milan and Internazionale, over the years the country has produced legends such as Paolo Rossi, Roberto Baggio and Paolo Maldini and became the adopted home of Argentina’s hero Diego Maradona.
Eating Pizza in Naples - It would not be Italy without pizza and Naples is widely considered to be the home. Sink the teeth into a fresh slice of mozzarella-smothered margherita at L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele, establish in 1870.
Siena’s Palio - Join the crowds to cheer on the competitors from Siena’s 17 districts in the biannual Palio horse race, a mad dash around the iconic Piazza del Campo. The race is over in seconds, yet the party continues long into the night.
Visit the Churches/Cathedrals - Get inspired by arguably the world’s finest collection and their adorning frescoes, including the Duomo of Milan, Duomo of Orvieto, Basilica di San Francisco in Assisi and Florence’s Duomo de Firenze, amongst others.
Exploration 2.0
Baraaza.com is where travelers come together to help one another find information
about destinations around the world. Please share your travel wisdom for destinations
you have visited and help grow our knowledge base. There are 4 ways you can share:
- Help keep this guide up to date; edit this guide
- Write a Destination Review
- Add Photos
- Upload a Video
We offer an online meeting place for travelers seeking information from people with
similar backgrounds and travel styles. All our content is searchable by author age
range, gender, travel style, travel budget, and more. Visit the Member Visits tab to contact members who have already
been here.