Top 12 Places to Visit in Italy
Italy is an incredible country to visit, either for a long vacation, or on a short romantic break. The country of Italy has everything to offer visitors from the hedonistic beach life in Capri, to the historical magnificence of Venice, and the cosmopolitan flair of Milan. Below we take a look at some of the top travel destinations to be found in Italy.
The Colosseum, Rome, Italy – Source
The capital city of Italy, Rome is positively steeped in history. The modern city is dotted with older historical artifacts, ancient churches and a host of museums for visitors to enjoy. In stark contrast with this historic past, modern Rome is also a busy city, with plenty of great nightlife, some of the best restaurants in the country and world class shopping. A trip to Rome rewards visitors with both a glimpse into the past of Italy, and view of its modern day lifestyle.
San Gimignano
San Gimignano – Source
Piazza San Marco doesn’t make many top Italy places to visit lists, and this is part of its charm, the fact it is little known, and does not suffer from being too well trodden by tourists. San Gimignano is a tiny medieval town, completely enclosed within a wall atop a hill. San Gimignano is of special note for its historic architecture, most notably its towers. Originally there were 72 separate towers built in San Gimignano, but only 13 of these have survived until the present day. Many people visit the town as a day trip, which is a shame, as an overnight stay rewards visitors with a glimpse into Italy’s past, as the town becomes quiet and peaceful, with denizens enjoying the many open air restaurants in the early evening.
Venice – Source
Venice needs little introduction, it is the most popular historic city in Italy with tourists. This is undoubtedly due to the cities charming architecture, and the fact that much of the city is constructed on water. This means that for a large part of the center of Venice, there are no roads, only canals. What could be more romantic than a gondola ride on the canals of Venice? Indeed, the city is one of the top places in the world for honeymooners to visit due to its romantic vibe. Sitting right at the center of old Venice is the Piazza San Marco, an incredible church, and typical of Venice architecture, definitely a must see attraction when visiting the city.
Florence
Florence – Source
An Italian Renaissance city, Florence is of special interest due to its unique period architecture. The large central piazza, which is home to the Duomo and Baptistery is the most popular tourist area, and can be almost overcrowded in the busy summer months. Florence is also a natural location from which to explore the rest of Tuscany, once visitors have finished exploring the many museums and art galleries the city has to offer. Many excellent day trips can easily be taken from Florence, including visiting San Gimignano, which was covered earlier in this article.
La Scala Opera House – Milan – Source
When it comes to cultural centers, England has London, France has Paris, and Italy has Milan. Milan has been synonymous with Italian style and chic for decades. A truly cosmopolitan city that has much to offer visitors, form luxury shopping in its many designer boutique stores, to world class nightlife and dining. History buffs are not left out, and a visit to La Scala, the world famous opera house is a must do for every visitor to the city of Milan. If you enjoy truly busy cities, but with a little class, then Milan is a good choice over Rome.
Abruzzo
Abruzzo – Source
Abruzzo is a region of Italy that contains many of the best surviving examples of medieval hill towns. Typically, a hill town is built atop a hill, and entirely surrounded by a high wall, with watch towers built regularly around this wall. The great thing about exploring these hill towns in the Abruzzo region is that many of them sit within the boundaries of one of Italy’s largest national parks. This means that the natural scenery is almost entirely unspoiled, and offers a rare view of old Italy due to this fact, as little has changed in this area over the centuries.
Naples
Naples – Source
Naples can best be described as a little Milan in the South of Italy. A truly cosmopolitan city, with much to offer visitors. Although not often associated with Italian design and flair, do not be fooled into thinking that Naples offers any less of a shopping experience than Milan, in some ways it is actually better, and it is often much cheaper. However, Naples is developing fast, and although it still maintains much of its historic charm, it is slowly disappearing. Visit now whilst Naples still maintains some of its historic character.
Verona
Verona – Source
Verona is made famous by being the city in which the Shakespeare play Romeo & Juliet is set. Verona has done much to exploit this fame when it comes to encouraging tourism, and although this may sound a little commercial, it is actually not, it has been done well. The large castle, which has been well preserved, is a must see attraction when visiting Verona. Also, the regular opera festival is also a major attraction should you be visiting the city whilst it is being staged.
Turin
Turin – Source
Turin is an interesting cultural city, with a good dose of history as well. In fact, if you are looking for an Italian city to visit, which offers a little of everything, Turin many be a very good choice. Turin has excellent nightlife and shopping, as well as some of the top restaurants in Italy. It also has plenty of museums, art galleries and other cultural highlights. Combine this with the historic sights and the baroque architecture, and you have a very varied Italian city to explore.
Capri
Capri – Source
Often cited as one of the most beautiful islands in the world, Capri sits in the Gulf of Naples. Capri has been a popular resort destination for decades, although it has developed a reputation for being an up market holiday destination over the last twenty to thirty years. Although the resort centers can be absolutely cram packed during the summer seasons, Capri is large enough, and unspoiled enough, to offer visitors a break from the crowds, by exploring less inhabited parts of the island.
Sorrento
Sorrento – Source
Sitting in a prime position on the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento is a popular city with summer visitors. Sorrento offers a unique combination of a beach destination, in a vibrant city setting. This makes it very popular with younger visitors, who can spend the days lazing on the beaches, and the nights partying in one of a number of night spots. Sorrento is also an important historic sea port, and has a rich history. Although not as well known as other coastal cities, Sorrento is well worth visiting if you are intending a trip to Southern Italy.
Genoa
Genoa – Source
Genoa is a coastal city on the Northwestern coast of Italy. This means that it is a very seasonal city, as the weather in the North is a little cooler than in the South, especially in the winter. Genoa has a very rich history, and is noted as the home port of Christopher Columbus.
Genoa has recently received major funding to develop it as a tourist area, and this has led to some great new developments.
For example, the newly opened aquarium is arguably one of the best in Europe, and a must see attraction for anyone visiting the city of Genoa. If hot summer sun and golden beaches are not your thing, and you enjoy a cooler climate, then Genoa may be the perfect Italian city for you.
