One of Europe’s most popular and spectacular destinations is none other than Italy, which requires absolutely no introduction. The impact the country has had on the world can be seen easily in its crumbling ruins, beautiful artwork and the impressive castles and places that dot the horizon. There are vibrant cities like Rome where the new and the old can mingle rather seamlessly, or you can visit the coastal areas that are less crowded and allow you to swim in limpid seas or relax on sandy beaches. If you have planned a trip to Italy, there are some major things that you should definitely do. What are they? Let’s check them out below:
- Visit the Valley of Temples
Located in Agrigento, the Valley of Temples should be your first stop when you are visiting Sicily, as it boasts a massive archaeological complex that has some of the most well-preserved Doric temples established in the 5th century. One of the best features of the temples is that they are overlooking the town below, which allows you to see some stunning views while you are touring the historical site.
- Climb Mount Vesuvius
One of the world’s most famous mountains, Mount Vesuvius became notorious due to its eruption that caused volcanic ash to cover the unsuspecting town of Pompeii. These days, it is considered safe to climb Mount Vesuvius and you can take a look at the crater of the mountain that appears to be quite similar to something you would see on the moon. The hike is undoubtedly interesting and you can enjoy some beautiful views.
- Cinque Terre
A national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cinque Terre is located in Liguria. Five distinct villages make up the ‘Five Lands’, which are perched atop craggy cliffs that overlook the famous Italian Riviera. Having their own unique sights and charms, the five villages include Monterosso, Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia and Vernazza. As it falls between La Spezia and Levanto, Cinque Terra comprises azure sea views, traditional eateries and romantic olive groves along the coast.
- Enjoy the Waters of Lake Como
Spanning 146 square kilometers, Lake Como in Lombardy is the perfect place for people to get out on the water. If you want to explore Italy by boat, this is where you need to go. There are houses in the area around Lake Como, which belong to some of the world’s richest celebrities and this indicates the kind of views you will be able to see here. The lake is surrounded by traditional villages, alpine forests and ornate houses that make you think as if you are living in a beautiful postcard.
- Take in the Art at the Uffizi Gallery
If you are heading to Florence, you shouldn’t miss the chance to visit one of the most famous galleries in the world i.e. the Uffizi Gallery. This museum boasts the work of some of the most famous Italian greats, such as Caravaggio, Michelangelo, Raphael and Leonardo da Vinci. The Palazzo degli Uffizi is regarded as one of the prettiest buildings in all of Italy. It overlooks the mighty Arno River and any art lover should definitely add it to their list.
- Marvel at the Colosseum
You cannot possibly go to Italy and not visit one of the most famous places in the world i.e. the Colosseum that can be found in Rome. Once a magnificent amphitheater, the ruins have become one of the greatest historical relics and it boasted a capacity of 50,000 people at one time. The amphitheater is mostly known because it was used for showcasing gladiator matches. Today, you can take a seat in the stands and imagine how the crowds would have enjoyed the violent spectacle presented in front of them.
- Check out Pompeii
In 79 AD, Mount Vesuvius erupted and covered the city of Pompeii with ash. Due to this eruption, Roman life was captured as it was and was frozen. Hence, people were able to see a glimpse of the times gone by when the site was finally excavated. Nowadays, there is an open-air museum in Pompeii where people can see preserved baths, houses and ancient Roman forums that boast relics of the people who had lived there when the eruption had occurred.
- Go on a Boat Ride Along the Amalfi Coast
One of Italy’s most scenic spots is none other than the Amalfi Coast and if you want to experience most of it in a short time span, you can just take a boat ride along the shoreline. Numerous companies are offering boat rental and you can enjoy the sights, including the various inlets and cute voves, as well as the towering Lattari Mountains. You will also see traditional Mediterranean villages that are quite breathtaking to see.
- Explore the Historic Center of Siena
A lot of people often overlook Siena in favor of the Italian city of Florence, but there is plenty for you to see and do here. One place that’s worth visiting is the Historic Center of Siena and it begins at the Plaza del Campo, which leads to a district highlighting Gothic architecture dating back to the 12th century. There are also some buildings from the Middle Ages and some prominent ones to note include the beautiful Palazzo Salimbeni, the Pinacoteca Nazionale and the mighty Duomo.
- Schedule a Pilgrimage to the Vatican
Vatican City is considered a separate state within Italy, but you can only visit it by traveling via Rome because it is landlocked. It is one of the most religious spots in the world and you should swing by, even if you are visiting for a short period of time. It is home to some major powerhouses, including St Peter’s Basilica and the Piazza San Pietro. You can also check out the majestic Vatican Palace itself, along with the Sistine Chapel, which shows the Creation of Adam.
Doing these things will enable you to enjoy some great activities when you visit Italy and help you have a wonderful experience.
