Those who are willing to be immersed into this country. Italia is a perfect destination for all types of travellers, offering both a familiar comfort and exciting surprise to every type of tourist. Whether, it be for its football, food or fashion, Italy attracts people from all walks of life with it’s endless excitments, tastes and stories.
Interestingly, the country’s varied landscapes means it can be visited at any time of the year for different reasons, deliciously seasonal foods replicated all over the world, iconic touristic sites and a deeply enriched culture; Italy is adored by people from every corner of the world.
Italian Regions: The North
The North: The grander, more prosperous and chic region comprising of the glorious bucolic landscapes. At the heart, you have Milan palpitating as the capital of fashion and luxury.
Venice, also known as the City of Canals, possesses over 400 bridges to maneavour the labyrinth of canals. Parallel and encassing these canals, the pathways and bridges are adorned with a classic Italian architecture that dates to the Renaissance period, marking the rebirth of Italy and eventually Europe.
This city is elegantly atmospheric and unlike any other city in Italy, ride a gondola instead of a car (as the city is car-free), visit the Gallerie dell’Accademia for works by the man himself, Leonardo da Vinci, and don’t forget to marvel at the Saint Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace. Pieces de resistance that present an ode of the divine on earth.
Romantics may opt for Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet. A touristic hotspot for those in love and those searching for love, Verona is a city that amalgamates human emotions and creativity. Whether you stare up at Juliet’s balcony praying for your Romeo or immerse yourself into the vibrancy of this electric city that straddles traditionalism and modernity, Verona is a hub of history, art, architecture and food, namely Gelato.
Tuscany, is the world class bucolic region of Italy with numerous beautiful villages that boast products fresh from the soil. The way the sun graces these landscapes are unique to Italy, at sundown River Arno, turns shades of pinks and the wheat fields glimmer a golden aura across acres. Medieval hilltop villages are peaceful picture-perfect overlooking lush green vineyards and olive groves, the sources of Italian Virgin Oil.
Bologna, is the multi-faceted city of Italy, simeoulteneosly the blushing city of Italy, nicknamed ‘La Rossa’ (The Red) for its crimson red buildings, ‘La Dotta’ (The Learned) representing the wise city of Europe as it homes the oldest University in Europe. Finally, its last nickname, ‘La Grassa’ (The Fat) to honour its great gastronomy. Visitors can bear witness to as many buildings and heritage sites, as the porticoes in the city are considered a UNESCO World heritage site. Don’t forget the MAMbo for contemporary art and the Academy of Fine Arts for a look at how perceptions of beauty change over the centuries. Overlooking the Piazza Maggiore is the Basilica di San Petronio at 132 m high. Bologna’s early renaissance architectures also features dark and mysterious histories.
Rome, the capital of this boot-shape country hums with a life that reflects it’s past and present reality at simultaneously. All roads lead to Rome, is a great way of understanding the city, as an open air museum it respectfully reflects 3000 years of stories that passed through Rome. A dynamic mix of religion, mutliculturalism, classical archeology and the complex culture of Italians. The Colosseum, Fontana del Moro and Sistine Chapel in the Vatican city are all must-sees. Meander through the cobblestone streets, allowing your curiosity to pull you into cosy cafes, family owned restaurants and artisan workshops for a real taste of the Eternal city.
Italian Regions: The South
The South, is known for its louder and more colourful character with crystalline beaches, mythical landscapes and rainbow buildings.
Naples is the everlasting city that determines to survive it’s active, dominant and cratered volcano overlooking the city. To this day people choose to brave living next to Vesuvius due to the agrictultural superiority it provides the lands around. The rustic city differs in character to the cities of the north, with its run-down charm that gives way to street art expressing all emotions. There are endless cathedrals and churches to marvel at and as the city borders the sea, it is the perfect starting point to visit the Amalfi coast.
Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi coast is the general title to encapsulate the likes of Sorrento, Positano and Amalfi amongst numerous other coastal cities. These coastal towns rise on hills to beautiful heights and slope dipping into the turquoise Mediterenean. It’s warm waters call tourists to ease their worries, with magical coastal scenery and a laidback demand for rest, repose and the tradition of long meals that allow you to savour the flavours of the South.
Sicily
Sicily offers visitors a different perspective of Italy as Italians themselves consider Sicily a world apart. Italy’s largest island is worth visiting with it’s charming character of well-preserved archelogical sites, exotic cathedrals and lush diverse beaches. The Island is home to many myths including the snake-headed Medusa and offers different cuisine specialities like the arancini and various antipasto’s that use the produce of the land. Palermo, the capital of the Island protects The Regional Archaeological Museum and history of encounters with the Muslim world.
Italia and it’s many cities, all distinct in character beckons those who wish to visit, insisting love, enjoyment and fun can always be found.