Italy is like old wine: it gets better with every trip. Once you visit Italy, you keep finding more reasons to travel to the Apennine Peninsula again and again.
10 Irresistible Reasons to Visit Italy
Italy doesn’t need introduction. Italy doesn’t need expensive marketing complain to persuade you to visit it. The country is already on every traveler’s bucket list. And there are ample good reasons to visit Italy over and over again. From ancient ruins to stunning landscapes, picturesque cities, and Italian cuisine, the country offers more in one visit that one can experience in a lifetime. For those who need a bit more persuasion, there are 10 irresistible reasons to visit Italy at least once.
WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT ITALY AT LEAST ONCE:
1. Rich History
Italy is a history lover’s paradise. Once the center of the Roman Empire, one of the largest empires in the world, it possesses some the most incredible monuments of the ancient world. Endless museums and historic buildings you should visit while in Italy let you dive deeper into rich culture and history of the country. After all, even in the ancient time, people all over the world knew that all roads lead to Rome. Apart from the size of the country, little has change nowadays. Italy still invites world travelers to enjoy its hospitality and visit its remarkable attractions.
2. Ancient Ruins
This reason to visit Italy is tied to the previous one. Historic heritage of the country enriches the world with some of the most outstanding ancient ruins. From the Roman Forum to the Colosseum and ancient ruins of Pompeii and Verona, the country keeps its history alive. It’s hard to believe that some 2000 years ago Julius Caesar himself lived and walked in some of the buildings which remains invite us to visit Italy today.
3. Italian Cuisine
In one movie I watched a long time ago, main character said that people didn’t stop visiting Italy because Pizza Hut was around the corner. Indeed, while Italian cuisine is replicated throughout the world, indulging in authentic dishes is one of the really good reasons to visit Italy. Nowhere in the world you will find the same lasagna, Italian pasta, risotto, or bruschetta. Moreover, everybody knows that Naples has the best pizza in the world. Additionally, people who has a sweet tooth can’t think of any better reasons to visit Italy than traditional gelato and tiramisu.
4. Dramatic Natural Landscapes
Italy has some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. Sadly just a few first-time visitors know about this side of the country, allowing Rome and Venice allure them in the first place. But there is different Italy, a country of great contracts and scenic views. This Italy encompasses rolling hills of Tuscany, snow-capped peaks of the Alps, and dramatic scenery of Lake Come. The list of the reasons to visit this side of Italy gets bigger and bigger with every trip to Italian natural treasures.
5. Legendary Cities and Villages
Incredible architecture of Florence, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, winding canals of Venice, and cliffside villages of the Cinque Terre… Small and big, Italian cities and villages are as irresistible as the country’s natural landscapes. They are the reasons to jump on the next plane or train and make that long-delayed visit to Italy a reality.
6. Italian Festivals
The Italians have long been known for their love for festivals and celebrations. It must have something to do with their hospitable and outgoing nature. Another reason can be that the Italians use any occasions to dress up and get together. Either way, from the Venice Carnival to the Scoppio del Carro (Explosion of the Cart) and the Battle of the Oranges, the Italian festivals are ought to be visited when in Italy.
7. Home to Two Fashion Capitals of the World
Until recently, Paris was the only fashion capital of the world, influencing styles and tastes of millions of people all over the world. With time the term fashion capital expanded. Today it includes four other cities, including Rome and Milan, hosts of annual fashion weeks.
8. The Vatican
The Vatican is the smallest country in the world and not part of Italy like many people think. But there is no way to visit Vatical City and explore its ageless treasures without first traveling to Italy.
9. UNESCO World Heritage Sites
According to UNESCO, there are over 50 reasons to visit Italy. With 50 cultural and 5 natural UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it’s one of the most recognized by UNESCO countries in the world. Interestingly enough, the entire Amalfi Coast is one of these sites. The significance and importance of the historic center of Rome as well as Vatican City were acknowledged by UNESCO in the 80s of the 20th century. The historic centers of Florence, Naples, Siena, and San Gimignano also made to the list. Lately the Dolomites and Mount Etna have been some of the biggest reasons to visit Italy.
10. Italian Style
I grew up believing that Italian shoes were the best. I got to test my childish believes a year ago when I bought two pairs of boots for me and my son. While an adult can wear her shoes for many years, an active toddler puts his shoes to the real test. So, my son was wearing his boots, rain or shine, for almost 1.5 years until he outgrew them. Apart from some scratches, the shoes are still as good as new.
But the shoes are just one of the reasons to visit Italy and go on a little shopping spree. Clothes, accessories, and even homeware furniture pass high Italian standards of style and quality. What else can you expect from a country that gave to the world such brands as Versace, Prada, Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, and Valentino?
Read Next
- 10 Things not to Miss in Rome
- All You Need to Know before Going to Rome
- A Day Trip to Florence, Italy
- The Top 9 Historical Sites in Rome
- A Budget Traveler’s Guide to Local Foods in Rome
