There are not a lot of countries in the world which offer quite as much as Italy. The gorgeous country is home to some of the best wines, delicious foods, and most beautiful sights in the world.
If that wasn't enough to convince you to head to the European nation, here are 11 reasons why you should pack your bags now and head for Italy.
Italy has some of the most stunning coastal paths in the world. The Giro d’italia cycling race, which is the Italian version of the Tour De France, starts at the Amalfi Coast. It’s a great spot for people who love to walk.
The Positano and Ravello are some of the highlights along the trip. There is also the breathtaking Sentiero degli Dei (which means Pathway of the Gods), behind the Bay of Naples. The Vesuvius’s silhouette dominates this path, which is filled with some gorgeous scenery, and offers an exciting walk to anyone willing to give it a go.
You can’t visit Italy and not try the wine. Especially the red ones, the country is famous for them!
The region of Piedmont is mostly untouched by the tourism industry, and this is why the virgin wine villages of the region are worth a visit. You can savour world class wine all while cycling or walking through the many villages here. It's also great value for the money!
Visit Tuscany's hidden treasures like Siena and San Gimignano. Explore Italy's art and history with a guided tour.
Mount Etna is not only a famous landmark in the region of Sicily but is also the biggest active volcano in Europe. The craters in the mount last erupted in the year 2002/03 and can still be viewed if you hike up there. You can also book a cable car to carry you up the 2500 meter slope.
From the top, you can see some of the best views of both Catania and the Ioanian coastline.
There are hot thermal springs in Saturnia, a pretty village in an ancient Etruscan site. The hill village is one of the most visited destinations in Southern Tuscany. Everyone can go and hop into the bath which runs at 37.5 degrees Celsius constantly. There is no charge for entry as well.
Then, there are the Sienese fortress, the Roman gates, and Etruscan walls all over the place to explore later. It’s definitely worth a visit.
Alberobello is famous for its trullo houses. The houses have conical, limestone roofs, which make it look completely unique and have earned the tiny village the designation of a heritage site. You can stay in one for a night or two and enjoy the local scenery and architecture. Just kick back for a few days and maybe watch some TV while you live in an architectural marvel.
Just remember that Italy has a lot of censorship laws regarding the internet and even television. To stay in touch with friends back home or catch up on your favorite shows, you’ll probably need a VPN on your device to get you around these geo-restrictions.
Gastronomes from across the globe come to Alba in search of the delicious white truffle. This crimson colored town is one of the most beautiful gem of Piedmont and the truffle you get here are named Trifola di Alba.
The most expensive truffles are sold for $16,000 per kilo! So if your wallet won't stretch that much, you can always buy some Ferrero Rocher and Nutella chocolates.
The ornate frescoes of the Basilica of Saint Francis cannot be missed. You must visit Assisi, which is a sort of magical destination whether you drive or cycle here. There is also a forest retreat on Monte Subasio which you can visit for a nice, peaceful stroll.
Marettimo is a white-washed island that may make you feel like you’ve traveled back in time. The tiny island is completely free of traffic and there are a number of rare birds, animals, and wildlife here.
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Venice, has its own special culture and traditions. The tiny city made of 118 small islands separated by canals and connected by bridges and walkways is one of the most visited places in the world (with great reason).
The beautiful architecture and extremely friendly people are reason enough to pack your bags and head to this site for a few days. Don’t forget to take a ride on the gondola if you are on a romantic holiday.
Italy has so much to offer in terms of fine art and historical character that you simply cannot resist some of its most popular destinations. San Gimignano, Siena, Lucca, Cinque Terre and Florence are just some of the beautiful places you can go on a guided tour and sightsee. Hidden treasures and cultural interest await you in Italy.
If these ten reasons aren't enough to convince you to head to Italy right away, here is another special one that is sure to convince you:
In Southern Sicily, there is a relatively unknown beach with a very unique feature. Scala dei Turchi is a beach that looks like a white, shiny piece of Italian heaven. The turquoise waters and white rocks are not only beautiful but are also said to have skin-nourishing properties. The sand is meant to be great for your skin. Is there any better reason to visit a beach?