Mark Twain once said that the Creator made Italy from designs by Michelangelo – which just about sums up the splendour of the beautiful country. Home to major historical landmarks, extraordinary natural beauty, the oh-so-Instagrammable monuments and over 300 types of pasta, Italy is one of the most magical places on earth.
Seeped with culture and history, Italy has more than a few interesting places to check out. There is a lot to see and do but, much to our misfortune, not enough time to do it all. So here are a few of the best places to visit in Italy to get a taste of la dolce vita!
Rome
If Rick Riordan has gotten you excited about ancient civilizations then you are in for a treat. As the birthplace of western civilization, Rome has borne witness to nearly three thousand years worth of history. From the Renaissance palazzos to the Baroque fountains, the charming shops to the cobbled streets, the capital city wears its past as a badge of honour.
When in Rome, we do as tourists do. So take a deep breath and dive deep into the tourist-ridden Colosseum, Basilica, Vatican City and Trevi Fountain – it’ll be well worth the crowd. Immerse yourself in the historical and cultural extravaganza that is Rome with every step you take. It truly is magic.
Milan
As the fashion and design capital of the country, Milan has a more cosmopolitan feel to it. Unsurprisingly, shopping is a major pull for tourists as designer stores line the Quadrilatero D’Oro district, and boutiques and outlets dot the city’s landscape. The city is exuberant with its vibrant food and drink scene and active nightlife.
Complementing the modern city skyline, however, is Milan’s rich history. With cultural attractions like the Scala Opera House, the Duomo and of course, Da Vinci’s famed mural – The Last, Milan stands at the crossroads of Italy’s past and present.
Florence
The birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is a city of unmatched art, architecture and culture. Frescoes and basilicas, Michelangelo’s sculptures, Botticelli’s canvases – the city is adorned with exquisite relics from a time immemorial. The art is enthralling and overwhelming.
But Florence is much, much more than its museums and masterpieces. The city thrums with vibrancy. With quirky shops, food to die for, opera, contemporary art Florence owns its unique culture. It is as much a city for the hopeless romantics as it is for the history buffs.
Verona
When we speak of Italy, we must mention ‘In fair Verona, where we lay our scene…’, the city that would make any lover (of literature) go weak in the knees. The home of our iconic star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet, Verona is rife with Shakespearean references from the House of Juliet to ‘the balcony’ from the famous balcony scene. Verona is also a lovely city to walk around and explore and one of the coolest spots to visit has to be the Roman Amphitheatre, a monument of the 1st century AD that is still in use today.
Amalfi Coast
Words fail when it comes to describing the beauty of the Amalfi Coast and pictures barely scratch the surface. With gorgeous pebbled beaches, sparkling waters, pastel houses and sprawling landscape, the Amalfi Coast is heaven on earth. It is the perfect place to laze around, bask in the sunshine and go on spontaneous adventures.
The drive from Positano to Vietri sul Mare on the dramatically named, ‘Road of a 1000 Bends’ is an absolute must. The Amalfi Coast has a beauty that rivals Aphrodite herself. So enjoy the picture-perfect scenery and allow your breath to be taken away.
Pompeii
‘Oh, where do we begin? The rubble or our sins.’
Pompeii, both the song and the city, are shadows of a glorious past. Destroyed after the devastating eruption of Mount Vesuvius, the city is a major archaeological site and offers an experience that is unlike any other.
Walking through the streets of Pompeii is the closest you will come to time travel. Look out for the body casts that were discovered within the ash as you walk through the ancient city and immerse yourself in the stories of what it used to be. Turn back the clock as you visit the city preserved in ash.
Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre on the beautiful Italian Riviera Coastline strings together age-old seaside villages across the five towns of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Vernazza, Monterosso and Corniglia. Isolated from the industrial noise and development of most modern cities, Cinque Terre is definitely one of the most charming regions in Italy.
One of the most popular activities in the area is to hike and there are numerous trails between the villages that you can spend all day wandering along. The Blue Trail that runs across all five towns is perfect for a family hike, and Lovers’ Trail between Manarola and Riomaggiore is a sight to behold at sunset.
Intersperse your adventures with a big scoop of the classic Italian gelato and a dip in the gorgeous Mediterranean sea, and really make the most of this quaint region.
Puglia
Puglia, a southern region in Italy, is a refreshing change from the more mainstream tourist destinations. With its white-tipped towns and olive trees sprawled across the region, Puglia is what you’d call perfectly imperfect. Far-away from the hordes of tourists, it is a great place to really immerse yourself in the culture of the locals.
Surrounded by beautiful beaches, even the Italian holiday in Puglia. Lecce, a city in the region of Puglia, is popularly known as the ‘Florence of the South.’ Get a taste of the local cuisine, lighten your wallets with a trip to the flea market and enjoy getting to know the regional culture.
Make Italy Your Next Destination
Amidst the ruins and remnants of times gone by, cities have grown and flourished. Stories of the past mix and mingle with our presents and it doesn’t take much to understand why Italy is such a popular tourist destination.
Italy is a place for the dreamers and the lovers. It fills your entire heart and soul. So pack a bag and get ready for the journey of a lifetime.