Located in Southern Europe, this boot-shaped
country is one of the world’s most popular travel destinations for a number of reasons
that include art treasures, trendy fashion, stunning landscapes, passionate people and
top-class cuisine. Italy offers so much to see and do that it
would take a lifetime to explore. Here's a look at the best places to visit
in Italy: Number 10. Naples. One of the busiest metropolitan cities in
the country, Naples is the capital of the Campania region in Southern Italy. The city of Naples offers a treasure trove
of art works and historic sites as well as a vibrant atmosphere of shops, restaurants
and nightlife venues. Many favorite Italian foods originated from
here such as pizza, spaghetti and parmigiana. These dishes are taken seriously in Naples
and usually feature fresh, locally grown ingredients. As it is nearby famous sites like the Bay
of Naples and Pompeii, Naples presents an ideal base to stay while exploring the area. Number 9. Italian Lake District. The Italian Lake District stretches across
Northern Italy. The southern ends of most of the lakes are
relatively flat but the northern ends are mountainous as the lakes reach deep into the
Alps. Popular with tourists for over 100 years,
the Italian Lakes combine good weather with attractive scenery. Garda is the largest lake, and offers stunning
scenery, especially in its mountainous northern stretches. Como is equally stunning, with forested slopes
rising directly from the water’s edge. Further west, Maggiore is less popular yet
just as beautiful, with several popular family resorts. Number 8. Sicily. The largest island in the Mediterranean Sea,
Sicily is an autonomous region of Italy that also includes several smaller isles. It is separated from the mainland region of
Calabria by the 2 mile Straits of Messina. Home to every great Mediterranean civilization,
Sicily is rich in art and history; from Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples to Palermo’s Baroque
churches. The island’s most striking geological feature
is Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest active volcano. Number 7. Cinque Terre. Meaning “Five Lands,” Cinque Terre comprises
the five villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Vernazza, Monterosso and Corniglia. Located in Italy’s northwestern coastal
region of Liguria, the villages of Cinque Terre feature some of the country’s most
beautiful landscapes that include steep cliff sides and wine terraces dating back to hundreds
of years. Among its many gems, Cinque Terre boasts a
centuries-old complex of hiking paths that offer some of Italy’s most stunning coastal
views. The Blue Trail is a paved trail connecting
all five of the villages and is suitable for all ages. Number 6. Milan. Nearly destroyed from heavy bombing during
WWII, Milan has since reconstructed and now shines as one of the wealthiest cities in
Europe. Widely regarded as a mega fashion center teeming
in designer shops, Milan also attracts many to its surviving world famous treasures like
Leonardo da Vinci’s painting, The Last Supper, the La Scala Opera House, the Castello Sforzesco
and one of the world’s largest Gothic cathedral. Nonetheless, Milan sometimes appears less
Italian compared to the country’s predominantly historic cities and more of a glamorous city
with modern architecture. Number 5. Amalfi Coast. Situated in Italy’s southwestern region
of Campania, the Amalfi Coast is known for its extraordinary beauty that makes it one
of Italy’s top tourist destinations. Stretching 30 miles along the southern side
of the Sorrento Peninsula, the Amalfi Coast is prized for its picturesque coastline that
features shimmering bays, craggy cliffs, lemon tree gardens, multicolored villas and ritzy
resorts. One of the most romantic and posh towns along
the Amalfi Coast is Positano with its beautiful pebbled beaches, pastel houses and scenic
mountains. One of the larger towns, Amalfi, features
lovely plazas lined with restaurants while the town of Ravello is favored for its beautiful
villas of gardens and art works. Number 4. Pompeii. One of Italy’s most visited tourist destinations,
Pompeii is a famous Roman city which was buried under several feet of volcanic ash for nearly
1,700 years after the cataclysmic eruption of Mt. Vesuvius. Excavation of Pompeii began in 1748, and the
site is yet to be totally unearthed. The site is located near the modern city of
Naples. A tour of Pompeii offers a fascinating insight
into the everyday life of the ancient Roman world. Visitors can walk along the ancient streets
to see the remains of bakeries, brothels and baths. Number 3. Venice. One of the most beautiful destinations in
Europe, Venice is a unique city in that is built upon a lagoon surrounded by the Adriatic
Sea. Located in northeastern Italy, Venice is an
archipelago of 118 islands all connected by hundreds of beautiful bridges and scenic canals. Of the canals, the Grand Canal is most famous
and divides the city into two sections. Picturesque waterways and historic architecture
make Venice one of the most romantic cities in the world. Venice is often crowded but well worth visiting
to see its magnificent landmarks like Saint Mark’s Square and Basilica, Doge’s Palace
and Rialto Bridge. One of the most popular things to do is to
take a gondola ride along one of its many canals. Number 2. Tuscany. Italy’s most famous region, Tuscany conjures
images of beautiful rolling hills, olive groves, vineyards and cypress trees. The many pleasures of Tuscany include tasting
wine in Chianti, simply relaxing in hill towns such as San Gimignano or exploring Renaissance
art in Florence. The medieval city of Siena also holds excellent
works of art while its historic center is one of the most popular places to visit in
Italy. Elba, the largest of several Tuscan islands,
offers great beaches while Pisa is world-famous for its Leaning Tower. Number 1. Rome. Formerly the capital of the Roman Empire,
Rome today is the government seat and capital city of Italy. Located in the country’s central region
of Lazio, Rome is a vast and complex city that is both historic and modern at the same
time. Best known for housing ancient Roman structures
and the Vatican City, Rome has endured for more than 2,500 years as an important center
for culture, power and religion. From ancient romantic plazas to stunning cathedrals
and Renaissance architecture, there is so much to see and do in Rome, that it could
take months or even years to see it all.
