Travel to Italy

Italy is one of those countries about which you probably have quite a number of preconceptions before you have set foot there. A country of olive oil and mafia, pasta, wine and sunshine, roman ruins and renaissance palaces, Italy has a lot to offer its visitors. Although some of these images are appealing, it would be a shame if they were the only things you come away with. Italy is certainly much more complex and interesting than that.

Italy is a modern country with deep Roman Catholic roots, full of interesting stuff for the casual tourist and even more for the educated visitor. It is easy to spend two weeks in major tourist centers without any reason to get bored, but it is equally simple to get off the beaten track.

Regions

North

The North of Italy is the country’s most populated and developed portion. Turin, Milan, Bologna, Verona, and Venice share the region’s visitors with beautiful landscapes like the Lake Como area, impressive mountains such as the Dolomites and the Italian Alps, and first-class ski resorts that include Cortina d’Ampezzo and others.

Northwest

Italy’s northwest is a paradise for every traveler with a culinary interest. For wine lovers, Piemonte is directly connected with Barolo and Barbaresco, the most famous wines made out of the Nebbiolo grape. Piemonte’s capital, Turin, offers more than just a starting point to visit these wine regions. Lots of museums, modern art, book, and music fairs make Turin one of the leading Italian cities for cultural life. At the same time it is a booming industrial and multimedia city.

Central Region

Central Italy breathes history and art. Rome boasts the remaining wonders of the Roman Empire and some of the world’s best known landmarks. Florence, cradle of the Renaissance, is Tuscany’s top attraction, whereas nearby cities Siena, Pisa, and Lucca have much to offer those looking for the country’s rich history and cultural heritage.

South

The southern part of Italy fascinates the traveler with its great hospitality and gorgeous landscapes. Campania has attracted visitors over the centuries: Sorrento and the romantic Amalfi Coast became the chosen destinations of visitors from many countries. “To see Naples and then die” is not just an old spell. Try it yourself and, even if you don’t die, you will surely lose your heart.

The Islands

Sicily the largest island in the Mediterranean has been influenced by the culture of the Greeks, the Romans, the Arabs the Normans and many others. Capri has been a celebrated beauty spot and resort since the time of the Roman Republic. Ischia’s main industry is tourism, centering on thermal spas that cater to clients eager to enjoy the fruits of the island’s natural volcanic activity, its thermal hot springs, and its volcanic mud.

Top Destinations

Source: World66.com, Wikitravel.org