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There is certainly no shortage of attractions, wine or places to visit in Italy for every type of traveller. From the top food regions in the world to towering volcanoes and designer boutiques, this list of the best places to visit in Italy not only covers the food and history of this diverse country but also art, scenic sites and hiking for active travellers.
Venice is a city most famous for being built on a lagoon. There are no roads, just canals that run through the 118 small islands that make up this city. The largest is the Grand Canal which is deserving of its name as palaces from the Renaissance and Gothic periods line the waterway. At the end sits Piazza San Marco where visitors flock in awe to see yet more stunning architecture. The best thing to do in Venice is to get lost walking through the cobblestone streets, admiring the art and finding cafes to enjoy a spritz.
Florence is perhaps the most “Italian” city there is. Packed with works of art around every corner, romantic Renaissance architecture, quality local food and wine and boutique shopping where designers first opened their stores, Florence encompasses the best parts of Italy in one small city. Days can be spent marvelling at the famous works of art such as Michelangelo's statue of David, walking through the world-known Duomo and sipping on fine Tuscan wines.
A trip to Italy is not complete without visiting the country’s capital, Rome. This city is packed with over 3,000 years of history in the form of ruins, art and architecture. A sprawling romantic city, Rome will teach you the pleasures of dining out like the locals, will bring you back in time to the Roman Empire, show you some of the finest art in the world and take you to some of the world’s most known places such as Vatican City.
Milan is one city that you’re going to want to look good in while you walk the streets that the Caesars and Napoleon once ruled. Though a financial hub, it is known for its high-end fashion, shopping and restaurants. Milan is one big city with an elegant lifestyle that you can embrace through the cuisine, art and culture.
This popular holiday destination is dotted with colourful fishing villages that make for perfect pictures. The Amalfi Coast stretches 50km long in the Sorrentine Peninsula and it’s a Mediterranean paradise with steep cliffs that drop into the ocean and beaches where sunbathers gather. But if you prefer to be more active, this holiday hotspot also has some of the country’s best hiking trails along with the finest hotels and restaurants to spoil yourself.
Pompeii will take you back in time to 79AD when Mount Vesuvius erupted and wiped out the once thriving Roman city of Pompeii. This expertly preserved site is now open for visitors to wander through and witness the city that was covered by a thick blanket of ash from the eruption. Pompeii is an archaeological site of an entire city where streets, buildings and even ancient bodies can be seen.
Cinque Terre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site made up of a string of five villages along the Italian Riviera coastline. The coast plunges into the ocean with colourful towns serving fresh seafood dishes on terraces overlooking the waters that are filled with fishing boats. A train connects the towns through tunnels or you can choose to hike between each.
Sicily is home to dramatic landscapes, with stunning seas surrounding the largest island in the Mediterranean. Mount Etna, one of Europe’s tallest active volcanoes, lends itself to active travellers who wish to hike. From flowery meadows to coastal sights, this island doesn’t disappoint. Not to mention the Mediterranean cuisine and the historical, royal and Greek sites.
No trip to Italy is complete without visiting the birthplace of pizza. Naples doesn’t only delight taste buds though – it’s one of Italy’s largest cities and is home to a historic centre that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Castles, palaces and centuries worth of architecture and art fill this important Italian city.
Tuscany is a region in Italy that cannot go unmissed. Its capital, Florence, is a highlight on its own but time should also be spent enjoying the countryside and driving through the fertile lands that make this region a culinary capital. The green, rolling hills filled with vineyards are picturesque and medieval hilltop towns make this region postcard perfect.
Home to dramatic landscapes and upscale resorts, Lake Como is a holiday lover’s ideal destination. Como is the region's largest lake and is shaped like the letter Y. The alps create a picturesque background and the surrounding cities are filled with Renaissance architecture.
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