10 Really Good Reasons to Visit Italy
I’m pretty sure I could come up with at least a hundred different reasons why one should visit Italy. This is not a difficult list to come up with, but for the sake of space and brevity I limited the list to ten really good reasons to visit.
It seems as though visiting Italy is a bucket list entry for a lot of folks and my job here is to convince you to go so you can cross this one off of your list. Italy certainly does have much to offer: spectacular cities, ancient ruins, wonderful museums, soaring mountains, great beaches, and beautiful natural scenery. But so does any number of other European countries, so we need uncover what makes Italy so unique and worthy of your hard-earned dollars.
One of the great joys of traveling through Italy is discovering firsthand that it is, indeed, a dream destination.
— Debra Lavinson1. Rome
There is really no other city quite like Rome in the world. While Rome wants to be a modern 21st century city, it is desperately trying to keep it historical ruins and monuments from crumbling. The city is really one large archaeological dig that continues to discover its 2,800 years of history. And preserving its past continues to be a monumental task for this city of 2.8 million people. To be able to walk through the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, where the likes of Romulus, Julius Caesar, and Nero once ruled, is a walk back in time.
If you love history, architecture, museums, great food, shopping, historical monuments, and great gelato, then head to Rome. As an added benefit to any visit, you get to also visit Vatican City, which is an amazing destination in its own right. These incredible ancient ruins and monuments might not last forever, so start planning a visit now.
2. Venice
Okay, the truth be told about Venice is that it’s old, sinking into the lagoon, floods occasionally, and sometimes smells. What other city on this planet can claim a list like this and still be one of the most sought after destinations in the world? Maybe everyone wants to visit Venice before it disappears into the Adriatic and becomes the lost city of Venice?
In all my travels, I've had only two “wow” moments in my life: The first came when I saw the Grand Canyon for the first time, and the second came when I stepped onto the plaza from the train station into the wonderful world of Venice.
Did I mention that it’s also colorful, full of life, has amazing churches and museums, great seafood, amazing shopping, and is just one of the most fun places you’ll ever visit?
3. Florence
Okay, so the top three are Rome, Venice, and Florence. There’s really no mystery here. If you were to ask visitors to Italy what their favorite Italian city was, I would venture to guess that for many it might be Florence.
Florence is just right in so many ways. The city is just the right size to make it one of the most walkable cities in Italy. The centerpiece of Florence is without a doubt the magnificent Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, otherwise known as the Duomo, and it should not be missed. This city is the rightful birthplace of the Renaissance and is loaded with wonderful art, architecture, and some of the finest museums in the world, the Uffizi and the Galleria dell’ Accademia. Florence truly is of the most beautiful cities in the world.
4. Cinque Terre
While many people will argue that the Amalfi Coast should appear on this list, I could not resist placing the Cinque Terre region here in the number four spot. Virtually unknown to Americans twenty-five years ago, this beautiful coastal region of Italy is simply spectacular. Its five villages are all unique and connected by a network of trails that vary in difficulty and distance. And if hiking is not your thing, don’t despair— the local train connects all five villages, as does the local ferry system, except for Corniglia, which is perched high up on a cliff above the sea.
The pace here is laid back and that is how the locals prefer it. There are no resorts, only B&Bs, apartments, and small hotels. And if you love seafood, then you have certainly come to the right place. Tourism, fishing, and farming the terraced hillsides are the only industries here. If you want to see one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, then add Cinque Terre to your list of must-see places.
5. Val d’Orcia
Tuscany encompasses a pretty large area of central Italy, so I’m going to narrow this down to the Val d’Orcia region. Why? Because of its beautiful rolling hills and wonderful medieval hilltop towns. This area of Italy is pure heaven. Stretching from Siena in the north to Montepulciano in the east, and including Pienza, Montalcino, and Monticchiello, this area makes for a great road tour. Get lost on the cyprus lined back roads of the Val d’Orcia and you are bound to have your breath taken away by the beautiful rolling landscape of this region. Find an Agriturismo, rent a car for a few days, and discover this region of Italy that is famous for its wine and photographic beauty.
6. Food
A big part of the whole Italian experience is without a doubt the food. I’m not sure I’ve had a really bad meal in Italy and this includes stopping on the autostrada at rest stops for a quick bite. The different regions of Italy all have their own specialties but no matter where you are, you will find wonderful cuisine. And if you get an opportunity to have a home cooked meal you should jump at the chance, as these have been some of the finest meals we have ever had. Many of the agriturismos will host a dinner for their guests, so if the opportunity presents itself, take advantage of it.
From the wonderful seafood of Venice, Cinque Terre, and Sicily to the homemade pasta of Tuscany, you will not be disappointed with the food in Italy. Sample the wonderful salami, prosciutto, and cheeses of a typical antipasto and by all means try a pesto pasta dish in Cinque Terre, which is the birthplace of this basil, garlic, pine nut, and olive oil creation.
Have a hankering for pizza? No problem. Traditional Neapolitan pizza can be found throughout the Campania region. If you find yourself in Sicily, be sure to try an arancini, a wonderful concoction of mozzarella, tomato sauce, and meat wrapped inside of a fried rice ball. And for dessert, why not try a tiramisu or my all-time favorite dessert, the panna cotta with fig sauce? And when you need a quick snack to tide you over, don’t forget about the gelato, which I could eat every day, no problem.
And the wine. No Italian meal would be complete without a good house wine. There is so much wonderful locally made wine in Italy, so be sure to sample them all.
7. People
Sometimes Italians get a bad rap for their impatience with tourists and their notoriety as the pickpocket capital of the world. I have personally experienced none of this and to be honest, I have found the people of Italy to be a warm and hospitable bunch. Don't get me wrong, there are unscrupulous types who will pick your pocket if the opportunity arises, but this can be said of almost any city. Just be sure to always be aware of your surroundings.
Our many great experiences with the locals are some of the most wonderful memories that we have. From the little Italian man who invited us into his home even though he spoke no English to show us his pictures of the local church that we were photographing, to Irene, the wonderful owner of a small trattoria in Cortina d’Ampezzo who absolutely made our day, we have had nothing but good experiences.
To help in conversing with the locals, learn a little Italian, even if it’s just a few key phrases to help you engage in conversation. They are sometimes just as curious about us as we are about them.
8. Sicily
Often overlooked by visitors for the more popular destinations farther north, Sicily is a world of its own and is a great reason to visit Italy. With an extraordinary combination of Greek temples, Norman churches, Roman mosaics, and classic Baroque towns, Sicily is a melting pot of cultures reflecting thousands of years of foreign occupation. From the beautiful scenery of Taormina to the wonderfully preserved Temples of Agrigento and the magnificent Cathedral of Monreale, Sicily has so much to offer those who venture to the island.
And don't forget about Mount Etna. This massive, very active volcano dominates the landscape on the eastern side of Sicily and makes for a great day trip from either Taormina or Catania.
9. Mountains and Lakes
The mountains and lakes might not be the first thing that come to mind when considering a visit to Italy but they are reason enough to start planning that trip. From the stunning Dolomites in the northeast to the Italian Alps in the north, this is a playground for those of you who love to hike, bike, and ski. And dotted among the valleys of these majestic mountains are some of the most picturesque lakes in all of Italy.
Drive the Grande Strada delle Dolomiti (Grand Dolomite Highway) for an unforgettable trip on one of the world’s most scenic roads as you traverse the Dolomites from Cortina d’Ampezzo to Bolzano. Northern Italy is also home to some of the most scenic lakes, including Lake Como, Lake Maggiore, and Lake Garda. To experience all of the natural beauty that Italy has to offer, head to the mountains and lakes in the north.
10. It Doesn’t Have to Break the Bank
Most people never consider a trip to Italy because they assume that it will be much too expensive. While travel in Europe in general can be expensive, it doesn't have to break the bank. There are a number of strategies you can use to help defray the cost. For starters, it is always cheaper to travel in the off season or at least the shoulder season. It you are traveling when everyone else is, then demand is high and you are going to pay top dollar.
Accommodations run the range from outrageous to reasonable. The key is to find those hidden gems that offer charm and comfort while not emptying your wallet. This takes some planning and work but trust me, you can find wonderful accommodations in Italy for under 100 euro per night. Find a highly rated bed & breakfast or stay in an agriturismo and you will get a more authentic experience than you would in a large hotel or resort.
So there you have it, ten really good reasons to go. Decide what interests you the most, start planning, and head to that particular region. I should add here that travel within Italy is very easy as they have a great train system (Trenitalia) that connects all of the major cities and regions. The trains run fairly often, are reasonably priced, and very punctual.
One final word of caution before you go: Please do not try to see everything in a single trip. Visitors who run through in a desperate attempt to see everything are bound to miss out on the little things that make it so special. Take your time and be sure to stop and take it all in, you may never come this way again.
Ciao for now.
I've given it my best shot! Have I convinced you to consider a trip to Italy?
Questions & Answers
Do you think it is a good idea to make a trip to Italy into a family experience?
Absolutely. A trip to Italy can be a wonderful learning experience for kids, and also a lot of fun. Of course it might depend on the ages of your kids, but there is something for everyone when visiting Italy.
Helpful 11
Comments
Visited Italy((Venice; Florence; Sienna region; Rome; the Vatican)), 2013. Hope to return soon. Need to do so inexpensively if at all possible. A solo traveler.
Should Italy be a model to follow or a country that shouldn't exist. Please answer me. And with reasons also
you have to come and visit Abruzzo, Pescara: sea, mountain, lake, rivers....food, wine,what else?
If you plan a trip around here you are welcome.
thank you so much for making this list. I currently live in japan and it really helped me to get my work finished which I was doing for my elementry school.
I went to italy a few times and loved it.
thanks again.for the list
I have to say that true Italy is on thousand hidden places unknown to tourists and most italians too.
And every time i discover one of these places i don't imagine to live in other places.
And yes. Food is amazing.
A world without carbonara and panna cotta is a world doesn't woth to live:
Ask me for suggestions
Thank you Bill! I certainly agree, I've been to many countries but Italy has a certain hold on me! I hope I do too.
Grazie mille for this article Bill! I agree with you - Italy is indeed unique. Having lived in Italy and visited many parts myself, I can honestly say it is the country I feel most 'at home' in, not just because of the fantastic culture, ancient architecture, art, history and food, or the fact that I was married in Italy, but also because the people are warm and welcoming in (most) places that I have been, I just hope I am able to visit again soon!
Great destinations https://www.havensafaris.co.ke
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This really helped with my homework
Lovely pictures and write-up. I feel Italy beckoning.
Italy always draw us back and Sicily is our favourite place. We spent 6 weeks there and enjoyed every bit of it.
Really love all the photos! They make me want to visit Italy right now! Thank you for sharing this.
I can think of a hundred reasons to visit Italy. Great hub!
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Wow, Wow, Wow! What a delightful travel post. The photos are fantastic. I really enjoyed them, right along with the info Thanks!
I would add two more to your wonderful list: the Amalfi Coast and the WINE! Sharing this with my son and his wife who are headed there next month. Thanks for the ideas.
Bill. As you say, one could come up with plenty more than 10 reasons to visit Italy, but I think you've come up with a pretty good selection. The only one I would have to add to the list would be Pompeii / Vesuvius - a truly historic ruin AND a volcano, plus the Amalfi Coast and Capri nearby :) I remember going there as a child and would love to go back.
Indeed I will. Next year I'm giving up full time work to hopefully concentrate on writing and travel, and Italy will definitely be one of the first places on my list. Since going there as a child, I've only been once (last year to Venice), so it's definitely time.
But regarding your article - an excellent list, well thought out and presented, and a great advert for Italy. And your photos would grace any travel book. I must single out the composition and perspectives of the view over the rooftops of Florence - as good as any photographs of that city that I've seen. If / when I make it to Florence, that's one photo I'm going to have to try to recreate! Shared. Best wishes, Alun
Yes there are many good reasons to live here too!
Very nice article, there are so many reasons to visit Italy!
Do you plan any more trips to Africa. We have been giving some consideration to going for a self guide safari. I lived in Kenya for a while and traveled throughout east and south Africa. We have many friends and enjoy the the diverse culture. We have checked we love traveling on Air Italia to Kenya then launching out by train and car from there. The best part is we will plan at least two weeks in Italy. I look forward to reading about your next adventure. Blessings
This is a great article... It make my heart long for another trio to Italy. My wife and I are really in love with Italy and really appreciate your insights. Best to you and yours.
I will put these places on my list !!!!
Quiet a scenic place!
Great article. I have been to Italy but it's been over 10 years now and your article made me long to go back!
wow!!! Its just Mesmerising
That food! I suddenly have an overwhelming urge to book flights...
That's been 10 great reasons to visit Italy and I bet you can find another hundred! Great hub!
Hi Bill, this is a great Hub, and I love your pictures! It is always so meaningful when you can use your own! Congratulations on this great tour of Italy, and I'm sure it will inspire many to take the trip themselves!
Your love of the country really shines through.
Ps. Epi reminded me to check out your Hub!
Hello Bill from Colin - just arrived home from work at lake erie time ontario canada 4:17am and I just love promoting and hooking hubbers up who have similar tastes so please check out Rose the planner and she has a fabulous hub - La Dolce Vita: Wedding destinations and I will ask Rose to check out your hub here - I will be back myself during the daytime to visit you again - so long for now from Colin and his cats Tiffy and Gabriel
Oh my goodness Bill what a gorgeous hub presentation - by far one of the best travel hubs I've ever seen and read. It's a work of art in itself and I will have to call you Maestro Bill from now on, lol, so yes I can definitely think of 10 good reasons for posting and linking your epic hub tribute to Italy on my facebook page for all to see and read and I will send this page directly to my buddy Miss Vicki who is quite a world traveler herself.
It's so nice to meet you Bill and your world class photography takes my breath away.
Sending to you my warmest wishes from lake erie time ontario canada 8:43pm from Colin and his cat crew.
p.s. - there is a film called The American starring George Clooney which takes place in a very pretty Italian village, not sure of the name but the film is highly recommended.
My friend, this hub captured my heart particularly because of the sights and food. My wife is from Italia and she is always going on and on about how american Italian food isn't truly Italian. As a matter of fact the only place we've found that features truly authentic italian food is a little place in Destin, Florida. I loved this and I'm sharing this one even on facebook my friend. Great job.
I cannot believe I missed this stella hub Bill.. Truly awesome and informative, I loved every bit of it!! except for one minor disagreement that I would have to put Food in no 1 spot!! especially with sublime shots of panna cotta with fig sauce!!! I just want to go there right now!
VUABI & shared everywhere...cheers
Great hub. Although I've got France on my summer agenda, Italy is in my future. Thanks for the inspiration.
The title definitely fits; you surely do have ten REALLY good reasons to visit Italy! By the way, Charleston South Carolina is old, floods constantly, occasionally smells funny, but people still love to travel here too!
If this hub and your terrific photos does not convince people to go to Italy then I don't know what will. Awesome hub!
Very very beautiful Pictures. Really loved the hub and yes you have convinced that if i have enough money someday i would travel to Rome. Voted it up, interesting and beautiful.
What an awesome hub. I would love to visit Italy. I have been to England and France, so Italy would be next on my list if it weren't for my total fear of the TSA! Up and awesome.
Very nicely presented hub with lovely pictures. How I wished I could be there right now to enjoy the beautiful country! Thank you.
Hi Bill, what a beautiful country! These reasons are enough for me to put this on my bucket list. Fine job here and I just wish I had a way to fly there right away!
All the way up, shared and pinned.
Thanks for an insight to visit Italy. While I was reading through I felt like visiting Italy. I would like to visit Italy if I get slightest opportunity.
Someday I will make it to Italy and sit down at a table filled with bowls of gelato in a piazza outside. Heavenly! I will come back to read and look at this one over and over again. Thank you for sharing. I pinned a few of the pics too. Such a joy.
This is a beautiful hub, Bill. I would love to visit Italy, but I already decided that after reading your previous hubs about Italy! I love your photos and descriptions. I will share this hub.
interesting reasons to visit Italy
Reason number 6 is enough for me, makes me want to pack a bag and walk out the door, straight to Italy!
Wow Bill! What a great article! You provided some important information for the tourist who wants to "hit the high spots" of Italy. I'm already planning my 2015 trip!
Thank you!
Nice post and very informative.
I am sure there are 1001 motives to visit Italy, although I have only visited Rome and Venice so far.
Best regards!
Italy's Dept. of Tourism should be paying you buddy. What a great ambassador you are for that country. Love all the reasons and you can bet I'll visit Italy when I'm rich and famous. :) I don't know if you know the Hubber Suzie HQ, but she is moving to Italy in a couple years from Ireland, and she loves that country as much as you do.
Happy Easter buddy!
My son was blessed to have spent three months in Italy (and he also had a whirlwind tour of the greater part of the rest of Europe) while doing a quarter of his graduate work, and so reading your wonderful hub and reveling in all the beautiful pictures was reminiscent of the blog he kept during that time. Also, in my eBay work, I had the privilege of selling a lovely postcard of the Duomo. So seeing the picture above from a unique and firsthand point of view was thrilling. As always, thanks for sharing your amazing travel experiences with us, Bill!
Ten and many more. It has been many years since in Italy and it still remains my favorite country to travel. The food..to die for, the different historic and museums. Loved the scenery and..everything. Great hub and certainly enticing to visit this country. Voting up and pinning.
Wow, this is just an awesome travel review for Italy. I DO want to go someday, so thanks for the tips, especially for finding reasonable accommodations!
Nicely summed up. It seems to have great spots for visiting and it seems each one has its own important. Those related to historical happening must be a priority. Thanks for sharing, thumbed up and shared.
Hi Bill,
Awesome job as it is not easy as you pointed out! I think you did a great top 10 and Cinque Terre is a great addition many may miss out in such a list. My list would include Puglia obviously but even that is a job with so many reasons there alone. Food, people and cost are all essential top reasons to go to this wonderful country we both love so much and for all who have not been or are thinking of it, this article is full of the best reasons! Great job and many thanks for the links Bill, so much appreciated!
All the votes, sharing everywhere and pinned!
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