Interesting Facts About Italy
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Top Things to Do in Italy
1. Cinque Terre
If you’re traveling with children, Cinque Terre offers a variety of activities for young ones. For example, you can go rock climbing or sea kayaking. You can also take a cooking class if you’re interested in learning more about local ingredients. If you love seafood, try eating some of the region’s famous anchovies. You can also visit the local wineries and buy bottles of wine.
You can tour the Cinque Terre in one day, but it’s best to stay for a few full days to soak up the sights. Many people begin their trip by seeing the first village, Riomaggiore. This small village consists of a cluster of houses and a quaint harbor. You’ll find colorful houses lining two main streets that wind into the water.
2. Tour the Colosseum
Tour the Colosseum in Italy and learn more about the history of this ancient Roman arena. You can tour the arena itself as well as the area beneath, called the hypogeum. This underground space was once hidden beneath the arena floor but is now well lit and open to visitors. For an up-close experience, you should take a guided tour.
There are many ways to tour the Colosseum in Italy, but the best way to see it all is to take a guided tour. These tours are an excellent way to learn more about the Colosseum as well as the surrounding Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Expert guides are able to give you fascinating details about the Colosseum and its history, and most tours are conducted in English.
3. Visit the Valley of the Temples
The Valle dei Templi is a fantastic archaeological site located in Agrigento, Sicily. It contains some of the best examples of Magna Graecia art and architecture. It is definitely one of the highlights of Sicily. You should make sure to visit the Valle dei Templi while you are in Sicily.
To get the most out of your visit, you must bring enough water and sunblock. You should also take a jacket or a hat. The temples are set on a 2.5km ridge and provide little shade, so you should be prepared for hot temperatures. Be sure to bring snacks and water since the grounds are sometimes rocky.
4. Climb Mount Vesuvius
If you want to climb Mount Vesuvius, you should plan ahead. While it’s possible to get to the crater rim on foot, you’ll need at least one hour. This is enough time to hike up the crater rim, take a photo break, and take a short break at the top. Alternatively, you can take a bus to the top.
You’ll need to wear walking shoes for the hike. You should also bring a wind-jacket, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Toilet paper is also a must, since chemical toilets are not available on the summit. There are also wooden sticks available to help you climb the mountain, but they’re not free. You can pay a small fee to purchase one, but it’s a good idea to bring extra.
5. Explore Boboli Gardens
Explore Boboli Gardens in Italy and you’ll see works of art by famous artists commissioned by the Medici family. The gardens were first opened in 1766, and you can enjoy a number of attractions within the park. One of the attractions is the fountain designed by Valerio Cioli in 1560, which depicts a naked court dwarf and a drunk court dwarf perched on top of a turtle. Another popular attraction in Boboli Gardens is the Tindaro Screpolato, which was created by Igor Mitoraj.
6. Visit the Island of Capri
Capri is a small, picturesque island about six kilometers long and two kilometers wide. It’s home to a bustling international people-watching scene and a beautiful, lush landscape. Corinthian capitals on the island’s columns were inspired by acanthus leaves. You can tour the island on foot or by boat.
You’ll want to take the ferry to Capri as early as possible so you can make the most of your time. The island can get very crowded and it’s best to book your ferry tickets well in advance. Otherwise, you may find yourself waiting in long lines for the funicular and bus.
7. Go on a Gondola Ride in Venice
Gondola rides in Venice are a fantastic way to see the city from a different perspective. A ride on one of these swanky boats takes about 45 minutes and goes through some of the less-known canals of Venice. It’s also a unique way to see the city without the crowds of the Grand Canal.
To enjoy your gondola ride, make sure to book early. The best time to ride is early in the morning or late at night, when the gondoliers are not as tired as they are during the day. Also, avoid riding on a gondola during rush hour.
8. Visit Volterra for Authentic Italy
The town of Volterra is a beautiful place to visit. It has many tower houses and palazzos, beautiful churches, and handicraft workshops. The town is known for semi-transparent alabaster, and you can visit a former psychiatric hospital. Make sure to book a room or a tour in advance.
Like most Tuscan towns, Volterra is bustling during the day, but quieter at night. Spend your evenings in one of the town’s many aperitivo hotspots. The town is rich in history, including the Etruscan civilization. Its recent history is as fascinating as its ancient heritage. In World War II, Nazi forces wanted to destroy the town’s 2,000-year-old Etruscan archway. But local residents were able to convince them to save it.
9. Take a trip to Pompeii
One of the world’s largest and best preserved archaeological sites is located in Italy, and a visit to Pompeii is a must for anyone who visits the region. The ancient town was sealed off during an eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 7.9 A.D. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular archaeological sites in the world. Visiting Pompeii is a wonderful way to experience ancient Roman life, but it requires proper planning.
10. Take a boat trip along the Amalfi Coast
One of the best things to do when visiting the Amalfi Coast is to take a boat tour. These scenic excursions are among the most popular tours in Italy. You can take a short cruise for about 35 euros, or you can opt for a private boat tour that starts at about 150 euros.
There are a variety of boat tours available along the Amalfi Coast, including a private one that leaves from Naples. This tour can include stops in Capri and the traditional fishing villages of Praiano and Marina Grande. You can even take some time to enjoy the sun at one of the many beaches.
11. Stay on the Cliffside in Positano
In Positano, Italy, you can stay at a luxury resort that offers stunning views and impeccable service. The villas at Villa Treville feature private gardens, plunge pools and beautiful terraces. The hotel also has a Michelin-starred restaurant. If you don’t feel like cooking, you can enjoy your meal in the hotel’s elegant dining room.
12. Lago di Braies in the Dolomites
The Lago di Braies is located in the Dolomites and is a popular destination for hiking and sightseeing. The lake is surrounded by impressive peaks, including the Seekofel and Croda del Becco. To reach the lake, visitors can take the Alta via (Alpine Highway) No. 1, one of eight long-distance trails that cross the Dolomites. Another popular route is the “La classica,” a route that leads to the Gruppo della Schiara and the Croda del Becco.
13. Taste the Wines of Val d’Orcia
The wine of Val d’Orcia is characterized by its complexity and elegance. Its wines are typically aged in oak barrels for 12-24 months, although some wines are aged for up to thirty months. The region is also known for its pecorino cheeses, cinnamonta senese bread, and olive oil. The area is also home to a long history of winemaking, and many wineries are located in the area.
14. Relax on a Sicilian Beach
When planning a vacation to Italy, one of the best things you can do is relax on a Sicilian beach. This island is home to dozens of beaches and lidos. You can enjoy water sports, snorkeling, and enjoy the natural beauty of the island. Hiking is also a fun activity to do while in Sicily.
15. Climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Italy. If you are planning to visit the city, you should buy your tickets well in advance. Tickets are often sold out on the day of your visit. You must also get in line at least 15 minutes before the climbing begins.
16. Eat pizza in Naples
If you’re visiting Italy, one of the best things to do is to try the famous Naples pizza. It is the most famous Italian dish, and the city is known as the World Capital of Pizza. This delicious dish is made with basic ingredients like water, salt, and tomato. It is best cooked in a traditional wooden oven, which preserves its best taste.
17. Visit Verona
During your visit to Verona, you must not miss the Teatro Filarmonico, a magnificent baroque palace that was refurbished in the spirit of its former design. This theater is a world-class venue for concerts, ballet and opera performances. Visitors can also learn the secrets of cooking all’Ita in one of the city’s cooking schools.
18. View The Last Supper in Milan
There are several ways to view The Last Supper in Milan, Italy. Visiting the Santa Maria delle Grazie Church is one of them. However, before you visit, you need to wait for about five minutes so that the painting can be dehumidified. You should also know that The Last Supper is located on the north wall of the refectory. The painting is about 4.5 meters high and almost nine meters long. It is known for its clever use of perspective.
19. Take a Trip to the Fairytale Lake of Lake Carezza
If you are in search of a fairytale setting, you must visit the enchanting Lago di Carezza, or Karersee, in the Italian Dolomites. The shimmering waters of the lake change color depending on the time of day and season, making it a fairytale destination. There are plenty of opportunities to hike the surrounding slopes, and you can even take part in a Christmas market, which takes place during the holidays.
20. Taste Wine and Enjoy the Romance of Poppi
Poppi in Tuscany, Italy, is a romantic destination that is famous for its wine. While you’re in town, try to attend a wine-tasting event. Wine is an important part of the local cuisine and you can enjoy wine tasting events in a variety of venues.
21. Stop by the Small Town of Corricella
If you love the sea, stop by the small town of Corricella on the island of Procida in Italy. The town has a unique look and is full of color. It’s a popular location for filming and even starred in the Italian classic Il Postino. It’s easy to explore, and southern Italian cuisine is delicious. You’ll also enjoy the town’s architecture, which spans multiple periods.
22. See the Fairytale Castles in Tuscany
Tuscany is full of fairytale castles, breathtaking landscapes and intriguing tales. The region has been the inspiration for many poets, painters and saints. If you are planning a vacation to the region, see these castles while you are there!
Castello Vicchiomaggio was built in the 1400s. While its stone tower is believed to date back to the 12th century, much of the castle’s architecture is Renaissance. This makes it different from many other Tuscan castles. It’s also used as a hotel.
23. Take to the waters of Lake Como
Take to the waters of Lake Como in northern Italy for a breathtaking getaway. The lake is the third largest in Italy and is surrounded by mountainous peaks and dotted with resort villages. It is a perfect place to escape the summer heat. You can take a boat trip or rent a car and drive across the lake. The lake is popular with tourists, and there are many activities to enjoy while you are there.
24. Enjoy the art at the Uffizi Gallery
If you are planning a visit to Florence, you should not miss the Uffizi Gallery, an internationally renowned art museum. This gallery features art from ancient Greece to the 18th century. With more than 45 halls, you are sure to find something to enjoy. To ensure that you see everything, consider booking a guided tour.
25. Marvel at the Coliseum
Marvel at the Coliseum in Italy, an ancient arena that was once used for gladiatorial combat. Only about a third of the structure remains, and restoration is ongoing. Soot is being cleaned off the ceilings, but you can still look up at the exposed arena.
The Colosseum, or Flavian Amphitheatre, is a huge structure that was built in 80 CE and represents the power and glory of ancient Rome. During its glory days, it was home to gladiatorial matches that lasted for up to 100 days. Today, you can take a tour of the Colosseum and other ancient Roman sites. Your tour guide will bring to life the atmosphere of the Colosseum.
26. Stand on Juliet’s Balcony
“Romeo and Juliet” made Verona a household name. Every year Japanese tour groups make an hour-long stop in the city, where they can stand on Juliet’s balcony and pose for photos. The balcony itself is now a popular tourist spot with visitors from all over the world.
27. Visit Saint Mark’s Basilica
While visiting Venice, Italy, make sure to stop by the Basilica di San Marco, a renowned symbol of Venetian aesthetics. This opulent basilica is home to a number of priceless artworks and relics. This basilica is an ideal destination for pilgrims and history buffs alike. If you are interested in learning more about the Basilica, consider joining one of the many after-hours tours.
28. Take a boat trip to the Blue Grotto
The best time to visit the Blue Grotto is around 2:00-3:00 PM, when the sun is at its highest point and reflections are most intense inside the Grotto. However, be prepared to wait for up to one hour, depending on the sea weather.
29. Climb Stromboli
The northernmost Aeolian island is a volcanic peak with a breathtaking view at night. You’ll need to hire a guide and wear the proper gear to climb the volcano, including hiking boots. The climb usually starts at sunset and ends in about six hours, but you can also climb the volcano during the day. In addition, you’ll have plenty of time to see the lava sprays at night.
30. Take to the water at the Grand Canal
When visiting Venice, you can take to the water and experience the Floating City from the water. You can choose to ride a gondola or take a tour along the Grand Canal. However, a gondola isn’t the best way to see the palaces and sights along the canal banks. It’s recommended to opt for a Vaporetto if you want to get a closer look at them.
31. Follow the Chianti Wine Route
You can choose to follow the Chianti Wine Route in Italy or a part of it, depending on your schedule and desired pace. Either way, you’ll experience the essence of Tuscany and create long-lasting memories. Whether you choose to go by car or take the train, this itinerary will surely delight you.
32. Journey into the Frasassi Cave
If you’re interested in karst cave systems, you should visit the Frasassi Cave in Genga, Italy. Located in the province of Ancona, Marche, the Frasassi Cave is among Italy’s most spectacular show caves. You’ll have a blast exploring the countless cave chambers inside this incredible karst system.
33. Tour the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is a great place to see a variety of masterpieces. The cathedral was built in the 14th century, and it boasts 44 beautiful stained glass windows, making it the largest stained glass work in Italy during this time. It also contains three rose windows. The rose windows were designed by Lorenzo Ghiberti, and the bronze panels on the baptistery doors were also created by this artist.
34. Throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain
The tradition of throwing a coin in the Trevi Fountain in Rome is centuries old. The fountain is a tourist attraction and the main reason why most people visit the city. A traditional legend states that if you throw a coin in the fountain with your back facing the fountain, you will return to Rome. Another story says that throwing two coins or three coins in the fountain will lead to new romance and marriage.
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