5 reasons to visit Italy

Then there’s the diversity of landscapes. In the north, there are the sparkling lakes of Como and Garda. In the south, there’s volcanic Sicily and the cinematic Amalfi Coast. Within the stylish cities of Milan and Florence, there’s classic architecture, people-filled piazzas, and cobblestone laneways that will mean you’re never bored.

Italy is a traveller’s dream. You will find it all in this iconic country. Rather than being overwhelmed by the sheer number of options, it’s easy to zero in on what you are hoping to get out of your holiday. So, if you are still wondering exactly why you should visit Italy, here’s what to focus on:

1. The country’s startling natural beauty

There’s nothing quite like feeling small. If you are craving an escape that places you in the present moment and gets you out and about in nature, Italy is the holiday destination for you. While Switzerland is renowned for its snow-covered alps and many local hikers might opt for a Scotland trip to get their outdoors fix, Italy’s mountainous north offers some of the most spectacular peaks in the world.

The UNESCO listed Dolomites is a mountain range in the country’s northeast. It comprises 18 impressive mountains that soar to over 3,000 metres above sea level. Trento, the main town of Italian Trentino, is a fantastic base to explore this mountainous region. With its peak-backed setting, you will feel as if you are in a fairytale as you wander the vibrant streets and the majestic Buonconsiglio Castle.

As it often goes with mountainous terrain, Italy also features a stunning range of lakes. You might have heard of Lake Como, Lake Garda, and Lake Maggiore - the big hitters when it comes to natural beauty, culinary delights, luxurious accommodation, and cultural activities. These stunning waterfront destinations are a truly tempting reason to book a trip to Italy.

2. Food, glorious food!

Italian cuisine is renowned throughout the world. In fact, an international survey of more than 25,000 people found that pizza and pasta are some of the most popular foods in the world. 

The city of Naples is widely regarded to be the birthplace of pizza and is home to more than 800 pizzerias. When visiting, you must try some of the fried pizza. It might sound a little heavy, but go on, live La Dolce Vita! If pasta is one of the reasons you feel drawn to Italy, you might be pleased to know you can head practically anywhere in the country and enjoy an incredible pasta dish.

The dishes are deliciously regional, and vary wherever you go. If a simple Cacio e pepe is your style, head to Rome for this irresistibly cheesy, peppery dish. If you fancy seafood linguine, the Southern Italian region of Puglia is famous for it. If you are a foodie, you will have plenty of reasons to book a ticket to Italy!

3. The historic cities

Italy is home the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the entire world. And one major one is in Rome! We could go on forever about why you should visit Rome, but it’s simple: the Historic Centre of Rome cannot be missed. This ancient site boasts an impressive number of antique monuments, religious structures, and the Holy See. Of course, Rome, the Eternal City, is also home to the Colosseum, the Trevi fountain, and The Pantheon. History buffs will find wonder on every corner of this fascinating global city.

4. The dazzling art scene

If you are a culture vulture, you might find yourself in the charming canal city of Venice. Each year, Venice draws around 30 million visitors with its enticing calendar of events. From the mysterious masquerades of Carnivale to the art-lovers dream that is Venice Biennale, you will never run out of beauty in this creative city.

If it's world-class galleries you seek, then you have plenty of reasons to pay a visit to Florence. The capital of Tuscany houses some of the most valuable masterpieces of the Renaissance. To catch a glimpse of Michelangelo’s David, visit The Galleria dell'Accademia, and to marvel at Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus, book your ticket to The Uffizi Gallery right away.

5. Italy’s proximity to other countries

As Italy is so uniquely, well, Italian, it’s easy to forget that it is closely surrounded by other countries which also happen to be fascinating travel destinations. When in Italy, you can board the Bernina Express to travel across viaducts and the staggeringly high Bernina Pass through to Switzerland’s southeast corner of St Moritz, or even hop on a boat to the French island of Corsica, if you are feeling adventurous.

One hidden gem you might like to explore is Italy’s eastern neighbour Slovenia – a country that quietly impresses with its other-worldly caves and ancient hillside castles. A trip to Italy doesn’t just have to be a one-country affair – you can keep that European escape going!