To try and describe Italy as a tourist destination is one of the most difficult attempts, as this is truly the definition of diversity and ultimate variety. Considered by many as having the highest concentration of cultural heritage sites in the world and also featuring some of the most amazing landscapes, Italy is one of the most visited places in the world. The country lies in southern Europe, characterized by the unique shape of the peninsula, like a long boot from the northern Alps Mountains and deep into the Mediterranean Sea, together with several islands around it. Italy is considered one of the cradles of Western Civilization, together with Greece. The Roman Empire and Roman culture have influenced huge portions of the world and most of Europe, while the Italian Republics have continued this supremacy into the middle ages.
When speaking about tourism in Italy, it is rather tough to name all of the important destinations, maybe starting with Rome, or Venice, or Milan. Rome, the most important city of the ancient world for centuries has an overwhelming number of landmarks, practically every rock in the city having its own history. From the Coliseum to the Pantheon and from the Roman Temples to the magnificent cathedrals, with its palaces and gardens, villas and fountains, Rome is truly unique in the world. A life might not be enough to praise the wealth and beauty of this city. Leaving the capital, there are tourist attractions everywhere, from the magical Venice and its San Marco Square to the Milan dome and fashion, from the charming Naples with the Vesuvius volcano behind to the extraordinary architecture of Florence, the wonders of Italy are countless.
Leaving the cities filled with history and culture, each region of Italy has its own particular charm, so it is like visiting a new country altogether. Starting from the sunny south with Sicily and its olive orchards up to the snowy mountain ridges of Lombardy, there are thousands of places to stop. Maybe sample the delicious Chianti wine, visit the fascinating Cinque Terre region, taste the divine cuisine of Bologna, stay in a Tuscan villa in the middle of the rolling hills, take a cycling tour around Lake Como, visit the romantic Verona or ski in Cortina d’Ampezzo, the possibilities are limitless. Not to mention the Italians who are the definition of Latin character, charming and warm, active and open. There are many more things to say about Italy and its attractions, but the best way to discover the country is by visiting it for a week, or a month, or maybe a lifetime.
Best Accommodation in Italy
Baglioni Hotel Regina 5*
Located on the fashionable Via Veneto, Baglioni Hotel Regina offers elegant rooms in Art Deco style. Rooms here come with stylish furniture, Murano glass chandeliers and a private bathroom with Italian marble. Many feature high ceilings and precious silk tapestry. The Brunello Lounge & Restaurant mixes classic Italian and contemporary designs.
The Gritti Palace 5*
Restored to its original splendour, The Gritti Palace is set in a former noble residence on Venice’s Grand Canal, with views of Santa Maria delle Salute Church. The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice is 500 metres from St. Mark’s Square. The hotel’s Club del Doge restaurant serves dishes made with fresh ingredients from the Rialto Market.
Hotel Orto de’ Medici 4*
Hotel Orto de’ Medici features free WiFi, a charming internal garden from the 16th century, and a panoramic terrace with views of Florence. It is a 10-minute walk from the Duomo. This historic building also boasts a Tuscan stone staircase and a suggestive corridor with vaulted ceilings. All air-conditioned rooms are decorated in modern style.
Cover Photo by Mathew Schwartz on Unsplash
