Italy is a beautiful Mediterranean country home to spectacular natural beauty and a rich cultural heritage. Boasting some of the world’s most iconic ancient landmarks, the country is renowned for its timeless beauty that visitors worldwide flock to experience.
However, it’s not only Italy’s historical allure that captivates us. Delicious cuisine, stunning vistas, and the good lifestyle are also major pull factors that lure travellers to this vibrant country.
Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway in the rolling hills of Tuscany, an LGBTQ+-friendly tour of the Dolomites, or fashion internships in Milan, there are endless opportunities for adventure and excitement.
If you still need further convincing, here’s a list of the top 5 reasons why you should add this glorious Mediterranean gem to your travel bucket list!
5 Great Reasons Reasons to Visit Italy
Top Famous Cities
Italian cities are famous for their historical grandeur. Blending influences from ancient civilisations to antiquity and the Renaissance, they are real gateways to the past. Here are the top three must-visit Italian cities, treasure troves of history, where you can experience Italy’s rich heritage.
Rome
Step into the capital’s gladiator battlegrounds with a tour of the Colosseum, explore the ruins of the Roman Forum that was once at the heart of the Roman Empire, visit Castel Sant’Angelo, or admire the intricate marble carvings of the Trevi Fountain.
Florence
More historic masterpieces await for you in Florence, known as ‘the birthplace of the Renaissance’. The city is home to impressive architecture that reminds us of its grand past, like the world-famous Cathedral with its huge dome and Giotto’s bell tower, the scenic Ponte Vecchio and one of Italy’s most beautiful squares, Piazza Signoria.
Venice
Known as ‘the floating city’, Venice is built on a group of little islands, with a network of canals that host romantic gondola rides. This uniquely beautiful city was a major maritime power during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Head to St Mark’s Square to admire the glittering Basilica and upscale restaurants, and take a ride on the Canal Grande to see the famous Rialto Bridge.
Experience ‘la Bella Vita’
Italy is synonymous with ‘La Bella Vita’, aka the good life. The weather, the food, the generally relaxed pace of life and welcoming atmosphere attract travellers and people in search of enjoying life, Italian style. Maybe visiting Italy will make you want to move there for a while, to enjoy the lifestyle on a long term basis. If you do, you’ll find that the country, unexpectedly, offers some interesting career opportunities.
There is a range of internship and job experiences for professional expat travellers, particularly in the fashion, food and hospitality industries. As the design capital of the world, Milan provides great possibilities for those seeking to network in creative industries. The allure of working in Italy is enhanced by its emphasis on work-life balance. Whilst productivity is important, Italian culture blends it with simple joys like food, friends, family and leisure.
If you’re going to Italy for work, you might want to consider taking out expatriate insurance. There are many different types of expat travel insurance, so be sure to research the right one for you to have peace of mind whilst travelling.
The Food
Culinary excellence is woven into the fabric of Italian culture. Food in Italy is taken very seriously, and socialising goes hand in hand with enjoying lovely meals. Menus are a real delight for the senses. From indulgent tiramisù to fresh seafood starters, Italian cuisine is as varied as it is delicious.
Cooking traditions in Italy have been passed down for centuries, and original recipes are still used for authentic dining experiences. Venture to Naples, the birthplace of pizza, to try the classic thin crust Neapolitan, or enjoy ragù alla bolognese in Bologna, one of the country’s ‘culinary capitals.’
Regional Specialties
Ingredients and cooking techniques vary depending on the region, resulting in an incredible variety of speciality dishes across the country.
With cooler temperatures in the North, many traditional dishes focus on comforting and heart-warming recipes, such as risotto alla Milanese from Lombardy, a delicious blend of saffron, white wine and parmesan cheese. Meat stews, polenta served with different sauces, stuffed pasta like tortellini and agnolotti, and a variety of tasty cheeses. And don’t forget that Turin is Italy’s Capital of chocolate.
In the South, recipes often reflect a fresher and lighter pallet to align with the warmer climates. You find a great choice of fish-based dishes, like spaghetti al limone traditional to Sorrento made with zingy regional lemons, fried fish, fresh mussels or prawns. You also have a variety of sweets that reflects influences from Middle East.
Coffee culture
The coffee culture in Italy is second to none. From cappuccino to espresso, caffellatte and macchiato, Italy has taken the coffee experience to another level. Find a local bar to sip a heartwarming coffee and pair it with a fresh pastry just like the locals. Like food, enjoying coffee is another staple of Italian culture. You won’t find people running around with a plastic cup in their hand!
Art and History
As the epicentre of the Roman Empire and the birthplace of the Renaissance, Italy is steeped in artistic and historical significance. Visitors can step back in time and see the masterpieces that make this city famous.
Historical Landmarks
Historical landmarks are dotted throughout the country, including World Heritage Sites like Pompeii, the lost volcanic city, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Take guided tours through ancient ruins and Unesco sites and archaeological sites to learn about their importance.
World-Class Museums
There are many galleries and museums in Italy displaying iconic works of art. To mention the most famous ones, in Florence’s Uffizi Gallery, visitors can find famous paintings such as Botticelli’s ‘Birth of Venus.’ Or venture to the Sistine Chapel in Rome’s Vatican City to see Michelangelo’s famous frescoes.
Architecture
The Renaissance, Gothic and Baroque periods all left their mark on Italian cityscapes which can still be seen today. Marvel at the famous dome of Florence’s cathedral, note the pointed arches of the Duomo di Milano and the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City.
Italy is also home to countless small towns and villages that have a long history and must-see attractions. From the scenic towns that dot the northern Italian Lakes, to Medieval hilltop towns in Tuscany and Umbria, coastal towns along the Amalfi coast and Apulia. You also have a plethora of art-filled towns that are still off the main tourist trail but well deserve a visit.
Diversity of Landscapes and Culture
Not only is Italy varied in its history, but it’s also home to a unique mix of cultures and landscapes. Brimming with diversity around every corner, Italy is a brilliant destination for travellers who seek to broaden their horizons, build community and share intercultural experiences.
Geographical Diversity
Italy is home to a vast range of landscapes, making it a perfect destination for outdoor adventures. Venture North for the staggering heights of the snow-capped Alps, make your way through the central rolling hills of Tuscany, or journey south to the sun-kissed coastlines of Amalfi. Apulia and Sardinia are the perfect destinations for anyone who loves life at the beach. For thrill-seekers, hop over to the volcanic island of Sicily to scale the infamous Mount Etna.
Cultural Diversity
With historical influences from across the globe, including Arab, Greek, Norman and Spanish, Italy is a unique melting pot of cultures. As a result, diversity thrives within its dialects, food, traditions and festivals.
Festivals are a fun way to see the different faces of Italy. Head to Venice or Viareggio in February to see vibrant Carnival celebrations, or visit one of the Spring Flower Festivals in Tuscany or Umbria. Italy is home to many Medieval Festivals, like the popular one in Monteriggoni, and important music festival. For those seeking gay group tours, this diverse country is the perfect place to explore, celebrate identity and make connections.
In Brief
Italy is a one-of-a-kind European wonder and a must-visit for travel enthusiasts. There are countless reasons why you should visit this country, but somehow, we’ve narrowed it down to just five.
Fascinating history, diverse cultures, spectacular natural beauty, delicious cuisine and exciting career opportunities don’t even begin to cover the extent of Italy’s unique attractions.
When you visit this Mediterranean gem, we guarantee you’ll find many more reasons to add to this list.
Happy travels and ciao for now!
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