{"id":4972,"date":"2017-01-24T21:31:02","date_gmt":"2017-01-24T20:31:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tourradar.com\/days-to-come\/?p=4972"},"modified":"2022-12-12T12:32:12","modified_gmt":"2022-12-12T11:32:12","slug":"why-you-should-go-to-italy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tourradar.com\/days-to-come\/why-you-should-go-to-italy\/","title":{"rendered":"12 Reasons Why You Should Go to Italy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Updated in May 2022<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n

Oh, Italy…the epitome of romance, culinary perfection, and architectural expertise. The birthplace of the Renaissance along with countless prolific artists and scholars whose influences extend into modern times. It’s no wonder why over 50 million travellers visit this romantic Mediterranean country every year (making it the 5th most visited country in the world according to 2019 statistics –<\/span> in light of COVID-19, the numbers from 2020 and 2021 are not considered).<\/p>\n

But if you’ve never been to Italy<\/a> you might be a little skeptical as to what all the fuss is about. Well don’t worry, I’ve broken it down for you so you’ll find out the 12 reasons why you should go\u00a0to Italy…ASAP.<\/p>\n

1. The centuries-old hilltop towns<\/h2>\n
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Relax in pastel-coloured coastal villages.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

All over the country, perched on top of hills and mountains, are sleepy little towns just waiting to be discovered, offering unforgettable views of Italy\u2019s diverse landscapes. The view at the top is certainly worth the climb and will surely be topped off with a gelato, the perfect espresso, or a refill of your water bottle from the town square fountain.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. The essence of whole food eating<\/h2>\n
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Enjoy a traditional Italian lunch and a healthy serving of spaghetti.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Italians don\u2019t only make amazing food, it actually goes much deeper than that. At the heart of the magic is a daily battle to protect the quality of their world-famous products. The now worldwide organization known as Slow Food was founded in Italy\u2019s hilly northern state of Piedmont<\/a>, promoting the preservation of quality and tradition from farming to production.<\/p>\n

3. The bell towers and their rooftop views<\/h2>\n
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See Florence for yourself on tour. Photo credit: aleph78<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Name one Italian town or city that does not offer the thrill of climbing to the top of a clock or church tower for a bird\u2019s eye view over terracotta tiles and narrow winding streets? The challenge may leave you out of breath, but the reward at the top is a memory you\u2019ll cherish forever.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. The table wine is to die for<\/h2>\n
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Savour the flavours of world-class wines. Photo credit: Michela Simoncini<\/a> via VisualHunt.com<\/a> \/ CC BY<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

An Italian dinner table is simply incomplete without a bottle of water, fresh bread and you got it, table wine! Few countries offer such a diverse range of local wines for daily, moderate consumption – all of which cost less than a bottle of San Pellegrino. No matter what your taste or how learned you are in the world of wine, Italy guarantees to offer the perfect local drop to accompany your midday or evening meal.<\/span><\/p>\n

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See Also: <\/em>What and Where to Eat in Italy<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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5. The palaces will transport you<\/h2>\n
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Take in the grandeur of ancient church interiors. Photo credit: F.d.W.<\/a> via Visualhunt.com<\/a> \/ CC BY-NC-ND<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Palaces stand surrounded by endless gardens, the ghosts of times past, just waiting for you to take a stroll through their echoing halls. Whether it\u2019s the world-famous Venetian Palazzo Ducale, or the baroque Royal Palace of Caserta outside Naples<\/a>, Italy\u2019s palaces, in ruins or lovingly restored are a true source of inspiration.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

6. The historical routes are everywhere<\/h2>\n
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Spend an afternoon exploring the ruins of Pompeii.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Few of us can really fathom the concept of life more than 2 thousand years ago, but when travelling through Italy, you\u2019re bound to be tracing the routes of the Romans more often than you might think. From the Via Francigena to the streets of Pompeii<\/a>, there is little more mind-blowing than following the arteries that formed western European society as we know it.<\/p>\n

7. The hidden corners in busy cities<\/h2>\n
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Get away from the crowds by exploring side streets. Photo credit: Ulf Bodin<\/a> via VisualHunt.com<\/a> \/ CC BY-NC-SA<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It\u2019s not only the remote little towns that offer the element of discovery, far from the crowds and the hum of traffic. Be it Rome<\/a>, Florence<\/a>, or of course, the floating city of Venice<\/a>, a picture-perfect moment is always hidden just around the corner.<\/p>\n

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See Also: <\/em>Finding Frigiliana: A tale of one girl and one picture<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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8. The art is in the air…everywhere<\/h2>\n
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Make your way through the crowds to see the Trevi Fountain in person.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

There is no doubt that Italy is home to some of the world\u2019s most famous works of art. From the mysterious pre-roman Etruscans, to the engineering feats of Brunelleschi and the musical wonders of Vivaldi, Italy is a cultural superpower. Of course, there’s also the portraits, fountains,\u00a0theatres\u00a0and religious temples. Italy is truly where art <\/span>resides<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n

9. The beauty can be found anywhere<\/h2>\n
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Italians can be intoxicatingly welcoming. Photo credit: Giuseppe Orr\u00fa<\/a> via Visual hunt<\/a> \/ CC BY-NC<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Everybody has heard of the stereotype that Italians are beautiful, but it\u2019s not just a stereotype, it\u2019s a way of life. Whatever your interpretation of beauty, <\/span>la Bella Figura<\/span><\/i> is representative not only of the immaculately dressed woman you\u2019ll pass in Piazza del Duomo, it\u2019s the well mannered little boy asking if he can pass you in a narrow alley, the professional and warm man serving your espresso at the bar and the expressive elderly woman chatting to her neighbour on the balcony across the street. Stay a while – it\u2019s contagious.<\/span><\/p>\n

10. The villas will romance you<\/h2>\n
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Explore Italian villas and discover their magic for yourself. Photo credit: Stefano Merli<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Smaller than the Italian Royal Palace, but no less awe-inspiring, is the Italian villa. Whether surrounded by cypress trees at the end of a Tuscan lane or perched on the bank of Lake Maggiore, the Italian villa is a residence most of us can only dream of (except, of course, George Clooney). Don\u2019t miss the endless and lovingly manicured gardens of the villas surrounding the northern Italian Lakes<\/a>, where at the right time of the year, the perfect flowers and trees from every corner of the world stretch as far as the eye can see, in absolute perfection.<\/span><\/p>\n

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See Also: <\/em>Where to Take Your Family in Europe<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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11. The language is charming<\/h2>\n
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Eavesdrop on boisterous conversations between locals. Photo credit: Andreauuu<\/a> via Visualhunt<\/a> \/ CC BY-ND<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Everyone can put on an Italian accent while holding their thumb to their four fingertips and shaking their hand with the passion they see in the movies, but no one, no, not even you, can do it like a <\/span>real<\/span><\/i> Italian. Italians sing when they speak, be it an angry opera baritone, or a soft soprano, every expression is simply music to the visitor\u2019s ears. This alone is reason enough to visit Bella Italia, but the fact that Italians cannot speak without using their hands makes it all the more engaging.<\/span><\/p>\n

12. The brilliant colours extend from the highways to the hilltops<\/h2>\n
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Enjoy sweeping views of the Dolomites<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The perfect white-grey of David\u2019s marble, the coloured houses of the Amalfi coast, Italy\u2019s palette is diverse to say the least. From rustic Tuscan hues, to vibrant white snow and blue skies of the Dolomites, Italy\u2019s landscapes are a feast for the eyes of bursting colours. No matter which direction you look, your view beckons you to paint, draw, photograph or simply take a visual snapshot to revisit time and time again while remembering your most recent, but never last, visit to Bella Italia.<\/p>\n

Bonus: Experience Italy’s cultural highlights on tour<\/h2>\n