As one of the most visited countries in Europe, Italy offers visitors an unparalleled experience. From Roman ruins, art, architecture, and fashion to food, history, and incredible views, there is something here for everyone. It’s not surprising that so many people want to visit Italy.
For us, Italy definitely has a pull. After many years of coming here, we decided to move. We now live in the Italian countryside and can definitely confirm that it’s a great place to explore. Whether you’re planning a trip to Italy for the first time or coming back, here are 10 reasons why we think you should visit Italy.
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10 Awesome Reasons to Visit Italy
Whether you are planning your first trip to Italy or can’t wait to go back, you probably don’t need a good reason to visit Italy. But if you wonder what the deal is with Italy and why you should visit, we’re here to explain and let you in on the secret of why so many dream of visiting Italy.
As a travel destination, Italy has something to offer everyone. Whether you’re into Italy’s rich history dating back to ancient times, historic churches, and gorgeous buildings, or you prefer to swim in crystal-clear waters and bask on sandy beaches, Italy is a treasure trove of wonders to explore.
There is pretty much everything for everyone here. Italy is also home to the most UNESCO World Heritage sites, more than any other country. Italian food, beaches, sights and shopping will make any trip to Italy an adventure. Let’s not forget about fashion. Italy oozes into it. Let’s take a look at all the reasons for visiting Italy. You might even find yourself coming back again and again.
Walk in the footsteps of history
For any history buff, visiting Italy is like visiting a candy store. Although Italy is a relatively young country, it has a long and convoluted history. It is also considered the birthplace of Western civilization, Michelangelo, the Renaissance, and the Roman Empire.
The Romans built their vast empire here and ruled the Mediterranean for centuries. However, many other civilizations have also made their home here. The Etruscans and Samnites flourished long before the Romans conquered them. The Phoenicians, Arabs, and Greeks established settlements and colonies, some of which are still surviving today. Then came the rule of the Roman Catholic church from its seat of power at the Vatican.
Italy is the perfect place to immerse yourself in thousands of years of history, different cultures and the historic sites they left behind. From the temples of Peastum, the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Valley of Temples to Pompeii, Ostia Antica and everywhere in between. Here, you can live and breathe history on every corner.
Marvel at architectural wonders
If you love architecture, you have to visit Italy. Here, you will find ancient ruins and other well-preserved buildings from antiquity. From Gothic and Romanesque cathedrals to Renaissance palaces, Roman statues, Baroque fountains and ancient aqueducts, you’ll wonder how so much amazing architecture can exist in one place.
In places like Sienna, Florence, and Urbino, you can experience the magnificence of the Renaissance period. The stunning Piazza San Marco and the canals in Venice will make you question how such feats of engineering can exist in a city built in a marshy lagoon supported by wooden poles.
Scale the stairs of small fishing villages clinging to rocks in Cinque Terre, throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain and take a goofy picture with the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Let’s not forget the impressive stairs, windows, and doors that adorn Italy’s many palazzos and churches. In Italy, architectural gems are all around you. Make sure to bring your camera and expect to take many pictures.
Experience world-class art and museums
When you visit Italy, you need to pay homage to its masters. The country is home to countless masterpieces, most notably those of Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Caravaggio, Bernini and Brunelleschi. You can find their works all around you, including cathedrals, churches, fountains, monuments, museums, galleries, palaces and gardens. All are rooted in Italian art’s golden age.
Each piece of art is a tantalizing chapter in the history of Western art, be it the frescoes of the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican Museums, Botticelli’s Birth of Venus in the Uffizi Gallery, or the statues gracing Florence’s Piazza della Signoria. Whether you’re strolling along the Eternal City’s ancient streets or taking a show at one of the many beautiful opera houses, you are in for a treat.
You don’t have to be an art lover to appreciate the arts. You might be surprised at the exquisite details of these pieces, completed centuries ago. When you visit Italy, you are not just sightseeing. You are stepping into the world’s largest open-air museum.
Immerse yourself in Italian culture
Italy is synonymous with La Dolce Vita, which means “living the sweet life,” and for a good reason. Italians have mastered the art of savouring the moment, whether it’s enjoying a leisurely meal, an afternoon passeggiata, or a sunset aperitif. The country exudes a vibrant and passionate culture through its language, music, festivals and traditions. The warmth of the Italian people and the welcoming atmosphere make it a compelling reason to visit and immerse yourself in the local culture.
As Italy is a young country, many Italians emphasize their identity by relating it to their families, towns, villages, and regions first. Those in Sardinia are Sardinians, just as Sicilians are Sicilian before they are Italian. Italians know how to throw a party, from festivals and celebrations to carnivals and family dinners. Any event is also a great reason for spectacular fireworks displays. The Italians love their fireworks. And they do them so well.
Eat your way through Italy
If you’re planning a trip to Italy and are not excited about the great food, you’re doing it wrong. Going on Italian food should be a no-brainer, whether you love pasta, pizza, gelato, Italian wines or everything in between. Italian food is famous all over the world, but it tastes the best in Italy.
When it comes to Italian food, the flavours vary between the regions. The fish and seafood specialties of northern Italy are complemented by buttery risotto, polenta, and meat dishes, including one of my favourites—fried zucchini flowers. We can’t forget the delightful tiramisu and a range of fine wines.
The cuisine of central Italy is considered simple and hearty. It is an extension of the peasant diet based on olive oil, tomatoes, and beans. Here, you have your hams, salamis, and game in rich sauces and lots of flavours. Let’s not forget the mushrooms, truffles, lemon tort, and cheeses. If you crave cacio e pepe, Rome, the Italian capital, is the place to eat it.
The food in southern Italy is versatile, depending on the region. Here, we can’t forget the Neapolitan specialty – the pizza. The food in this region involves olives, fish, cheeses and stuffed pasta. Sun-dried tomatoes, ricotta cheese and artichokes are often incorporated into cooking. Cannoli anyone?
Marvel at the stunning landscapes
When most people think about Italy, they picture pretty small towns, vineyards, olive groves and lemon trees. All are accurate, but there is much more nature to explore here. Mountains cover more than 75% of Italy. Between the two main mountain ranges – the Alps and the Apennines – there are countless hills, mountains, lakes and green areas all over Italy.
From the picturesque coastlines of the Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre to the breathtaking Italian lakes, the country’s natural beauty and diverse landscapes offer something for every nature lover. Explore the stunning Lake Garda, visit the famous Lake Como, sample the vineyards in Tuscany, hike through the Dolomites, or relax on the sun-drenched beaches of Sicily.
Italy’s landscapes are incredibly diverse and spectacular, from the snowy peaks of the Alps to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean. One of the best ways to explore Italy is by car. There is something magical about driving surrounded by endless hills. Sometimes, they are covered in mist, which creates a spectacularly breathtaking visual. At other times, they bask in sunshine and make you smile.
Relax on the beautiful beaches
Italy is a popular destination during the summer months, and with miles of coastline, it’s also a perfect beach destination. Italy has the longest coastline in Europe, with access to the Mediterranean, Adriatic, Ionian, Tyrrhenian and Ligurian seas. It’s not surprising that beachgoing is a popular activity.
Out of the 20 Italian regions, 15 have access to the sea, which provides terrific opportunities for spending an unparalleled holiday basking in the sun and admiring the beauty of the azure blue sea. The beaches differ from region to region but can still meet all demands and satisfy all tastes. With most people heading to the beach in August, Italian beaches tend to get very busy.
Italians are very committed to their beach time. They have been enjoying vacations at seaside resorts since Roman times. It’s one of those cultural traditions we have no problems getting used to. From the islands of Capri, Sardinia and Sicily to others across Calabria, Campania and other parts of Italy. We’ve stayed at many seaside rental properties, hotels and homes and can totally recommend the experience.
Explore Italian islands
Why are the islands one of the reasons you should visit Italy? For one, there are over 450 of them to choose from. This includes everything from sea islands and archipelagos to river, lake, and lagoon islands. This list also includes Isola Tiberina, on the Tiber River in Rome, and the 32 inhabited islands of Venice.
Only four Italian regions have no islands. Those are Abruzzo, Aosta Valley, Molise and Marche. Sicily is the largest of the Italian islands, but there are many others you can add to your Italian itinerary. Capri, Sardinia, Ischia, and Procida are probably the names you are most familiar with, and there are many others to discover.
Most islands are accessible by ferries from larger ports, and some are big enough for an airport. In Sicily’s case, you can reach the island by train that crosses from the mainland by ferry.
Shop your heart out
If shopping is your thing, this will outrank all other reasons to visit Italy. Renowned for fashion and quality products, Italy is a shopper’s paradise. Clothes, leather products, and shoes made in Italy are famous for their quality. Depending on the region of the country, you can also get Italian lace, hats, and exceptional fabrics. Then, there is the famous Murano glass and gorgeous ceramics along the Amalfi Coast.
Even if you’re not into clothes and fashion accessories, there is lots of food shopping to be done. Italian specialties include olive oil, truffles, wine, pasta, balsamic vinegar, limoncello and sweets. Some of the best places to buy food items are grocery stores. Usually, the prices are lower than what you find in tourist shops. There are a lot of cool and funky items to be found in grocery stores.
Visit Italy to find yourself
Out of all the reasons to visit Italy, this one might not be so obvious. Once you come here and experience it all, it’s hard for it not to change you. After all, the movies and books set in Italy are often about a personal journey. That can include escaping the ordinary, finding something new or discovering your inner self. Italy won’t fix your problems, but it will inspire you.
Once you leave Italy after that first trip, you’ll be reminiscing about it. The food, culture, art and way of life will follow you wherever you go. There will always be a part of you that will want to go back. You won’t need more reasons to visit Italy. You’ll go back because all these reasons will be calling you back.
Best time to visit Italy
Now that you have all the reasons to visit Italy, you might wonder when the perfect time to visit is. The good news is that you can visit all year round. The best months for ravelling are spring and early fall, meaning the crowds are smaller, and you don’t have to compete with others for space and stand in long lines. You’ll still find crowds in major cities as there is no such thing as low season anymore.
Summer is the most popular time to visit Italy, but it can also be busy and hot. Prices are usually higher, and accommodations are less available. However, you won’t be disappointed if you’re not planning a trip to Italy in the summer. It’s a beautiful country in the fall, spring and winter. With so much to keep you busy, it doesn’t matter when you go.
Final thoughts on reasons to visit Italy
Visiting Italy shouldn’t be just about checking off a bucket list. It’s an immersion into a world filled with ancient history, historical sites, stunning Italian villas, charming small villages, mouthwatering Italian cuisine and gorgeous scenery. Whether you’re dreaming of driving among the rolling hills of Tuscany, hiking the crater of Mount Vesuvius, sailing along the Italian Riviera or skiing in the Italian Alps, you can do it all.
With these 10 awesome reasons to visit and revisit Italy, plan your trip and be prepared for memories that will last a lifetime. Buon viaggio!
