If you’re of Italian descent and have been dreaming about visiting Italy to learn about your heritage, there’s no better time than now to plan a trip. While COVID-19 has certainly delayed foreign travel, it has provided ample opportunity for people to think about where they want to go, what they want to do, and what documentation they need. Use this downtime as an opportunity to plan and prepare for your next great adventure. You can then learn more about the following top five must-visit destinations in Italy.
Rome
After learning about your citizen options in Italy from Bersani Law Firm & Partners, or you plan on exploring Italy as a tourist, Rome may quickly rise to the top of your must-visit list. From the Baroque fountains and Renaissance palazzos to the historic buildings that have served Italians for hundreds of years, there’s plenty to love.
Rome is the capital city of Italy and offers many an adventure for the avid traveler. Meander down the lava-paved Appian Way of ancient Rome, and be awe-inspired by this city’s churches and palaces – many of which have now been transformed into museums.
Milan
When you’ve had your fill of historical experiences, launch yourself into the 21st century with a trip to Milan. This metropolitan hub is the design and fashion hub of Italy. It can’t help but impress with its shopping opportunities, vibrant cuisine scene, and an eclectic mix of contemporary and classic structures.
Puglia
Italy is a tourist hub, with 96.2 million visitors arriving in 2019 to explore the many stunning destinations. However, if you prefer to head off the beaten track to those lesser-known spots, Puglia may tick all the boxes. Puglia is unlike any other town or city in Italy, with unique white-washed, dome-roofed houses, scorching-hot temperatures, and olive trees as far as the eye can see. There are also plenty of caves to explore, including the stalactite-laden Castellana Grotte, which may be well worth a visit.
Florence
If you’ve always dreamed of seeing some of the most famous Italian painters’ artwork in person, Florence can offer this opportunity. In Florence, you will get to see famous sculptures by Michelangelo and canvases by Agnolo Bronzino and Sandro Botticelli. Museums and monuments are bound to capture your attention at every turn, as will the many quaint shopping centers that may add some additional excitement to your travels.
Sardinia
Sardinia is a stunning Italian island in the Mediterranean Sea with hundreds of miles of sandy beaches and mountainous backdrops. Treat yourself to delicious seafood cuisine, sunbathe next to sparkling blue waters, and quench your thirst in the many local bars. There’s also no shortage of cultural and historical experiences, with a variety of churches and Roman ruins to explore while you’re on the island.
San Cassiano
If you prefer to visit Italy at the least busy times of the year, exploring San Cassiano in winter may just be the answer. This little alpine village boasts a backdrop of snow-covered rock faces at the feet of Alta Badia’s Dolomites peaks, away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
It’s in San Cassiano that you’ll also experience Ladin culture and the chance to relax in rustic yet luxurious hotel suites. This village is a little off the beaten track, but it may just be well worth the visit.
Praiano
Peace, serenity, and an abundance of photo opportunities await those who add Praiano to their list of places to visit or stay in Italy. This town and commune sit atop a cliff face just a short distance from Ravello with dramatic coastal views. There are also several hotels along the steep cliffs that offer glorious views to wake up to.
Tuscany
If you’re looking for a region of Italy to visit that offers several must-visit towns and cities within it, then Tuscany may tick those boxes. Anyone who has seen the 2003 movie Under the Tuscan Sun and subsequently visited can likely attest to its beauty. With rolling hills, delicious cuisine and wine, and luxurious accommodation for visitors, it’s certainly a memorable location. Upon arriving in the region, it may be worth adding trips to Florence, Lucca, and Siena to your itinerary for the full Tuscany experience.
Pompeii
You don’t have to be a globetrotter to know the name Pompeii. Once a Roman city in southern Italy, it now sits as a world-famous archeological site and tourist attraction. Pompeii was buried in meters of ash and pumice in A.D. 79 after Mount Vesuvius erupted.
All these years later, Pompeii is open to the public, and you can freely explore the excavated ruins of homes and streets, almost as if you’re stepping back in time. If your inner adventurer is calling, a trip to Pompeii also welcomes the opportunity to scale Mount Vesuvius for some spectacular views.
Naples
No trip to Italy is complete without a visit to Naples, the supposed birthplace of pizza and an art lover’s paradise. While tantalizing your taste buds with local cuisine, you can be planning out the many standout tourist attractions to visit, such as the Sansevero Chapel Museum, the tunnels and chambers built by the ancient Romans and Greeks, and the Naples National Archeological Museum. Once you’ve explored all the many tourist hot spots, you can then take a day trip to Amalfi Coast, a quaint town carved into the hillside with dramatic coastal views.
Rimini
If you don’t mind busy places, as long as you gain memorable experiences, Rimini is worth visiting. This beach resort offers miles of white sandy beaches within short walking distances of restaurants, hotels, and bars. Rimini is also home to one of the oldest surviving Roman arches, the Arch of Augustus, which is undoubtedly worth getting out your camera for.
Travel plans may be on hold in 2024, but that doesn’t mean you can’t prepare for the future. Now might be an excellent time to explore your options around visiting Italy as a tourist or by getting your Italian Citizenship through the Italian Courts.
