TravelpediaonlineItaly is a country that needs no introduction. After all, it consistently ranks as one of the most beautiful countries in the whole world. From its gorgeous cultural metropolises—such as Rome, Florence, Venice, and Milan—to the snow-capped peaks of the Alps, the sun-kissed coasts of Amalfi, the orange groves of Sicily, and the vineyards of Tuscany, Italy is brimming with beautiful sights to see.
It is also home to the longest coastline in all of Europe, with five seas washing up on its shores: the Ionian, Mediterranean, Adriatic, Ligurian, and Tyrrhenian seas. Hence, avid beachgoers will surely have the time of their life sunbathing on Italy’s charming coasts. Not to mention, arts, music, and culture also abound all around you when you’re in Italy—which is not the least bit surprising considering that it is the cradle of genius artists, architects, musicians, engineers, and inventors whose legacies still live to this day.
If you fancy exploring places that are breathtakingly beautiful and scintillatingly cultural, you will surely enjoy trips to Italy because most—if not all—places here are incredibly picturesque. The caveat, however, is that you would need months’ worth of traveling to explore all these places. To that end, we have compiled a list of the most charming tourist attractions in Italy that you should add to your itinerary.
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Here are the most charming tourist attractions in Italy:
1. San Gimignano, Tuscany
If you crave spending quiet afternoons in a sleepy yet incredibly picturesque town, head over to San Gimignano. Tuscany is well-known for its captivating hill towns, but few are quite as gorgeous as San Gimignano. Here, you will get to admire enchanting views of the dramatic skyline of medieval towers gazing over the lovely, rolling Tuscan countryside.
Strolling through San Gimignano’s cobblestone streets is like being transported back to medieval times as you gaze upon its ancient architecture and experience the charming laidback Tuscan countryside vibes. Be sure to visit the town’s historic center and its winding cobbled streets and honey-colored buildings. San Gimignano’s fresco-laden churches and majestic Gothic palazzi should also be on your itinerary.
2. Isola Bella, Sicily
Isola Bella—the so-called “Pearl of the Ionian Sea”—is one of the Borromean Islands, about 400 meters off Stresa. This tiny island is tucked away in a secluded cove and connected to the main island by just a narrow strip of land. With its unspoiled beauty and relaxing vibes, Isola Bella is easily one of northern Italy’s premier tourist attractions.
When exploring this charming island, it is best to wait for low tide so that you can easily discover the hidden sea grottoes and pebbled beaches. You can also enjoy swimming in its crystal clear waters and have fresh fruit and prosecco. If you love to snorkel and dive, head over to the eastern part of the beach, where you can dive and swim with colorful schools of fish.
3. The Colosseum
No trip to Italy will ever be complete without a trip to Italy’s most iconic structure—The Colosseum. This architectural masterpiece remains to be a token of Rome’s glory days. It is where the gladiators who dream of fame, glory, and freedom once fought to death just to entertain the masses of Rome.
The iconic Colosseum was commissioned by Emperor Vespasian in 72 CE to serve as the battleground for the bloody gladiatorial combats. Eventually, though, the act was outlawed, which led to the abandonment of the great Colosseum. Instead of a battlefield, it was used as a fortress in the 12th century and is now a famous tourist spot in Rome. You can walk its grand halls and even stand in the very arena where the gladiators once stood.
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4. Fountain of Trevi
When in Rome, do as the Romans do. So, when you visit the—arguably—most beautiful fountain in the world—the Fontana de Trevi—it is a must to toss a coin in it with your right hand over your left shoulder. Legend has it that in doing so, this guarantees that you will once again get to visit the great city of Rome sometime in the future so that you can gaze at this magnificent Baroque masterpiece a second time.
You don’t have to be an art enthusiast with a trained eye to appreciate the majestic beauty and intricacy of the sculptures in this fountain. This masterpiece by Nicola Salvi depicts Oceanus, the God of water, along with Abundance and Salubrity. There are also hippocampus and tritons flanking the Gods, along with the Papal Coat of Arms and angels at the top. After marveling at its intricacy for a good few minutes, snap some photos (it is a must!) and toss some coins.
5. Amalfi Coast
The world-famous Amalfi coast is a dream destination for those who love to swim, go on boat rides and even road trips! Its breathtaking coastal scenery is undoubtedly one for the books as it overlooks a stretch of pristine beaches lapped by the deep blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. We guarantee that anywhere you look, the Amalfi Coast is picture-perfect in every way.
As such, you must not miss the chance to snap some photos to commemorate the event of seeing such phenomenal views. You’ll know you have already arrived at Amalfi once you get a glimpse of Cattedrale di Sant’Andrea. From this point, go uphill in Ravello and have a relaxing lunch at Ristorante Pizzeria Vittoria, where you can marvel at the panoramic view of its lush gardens.
You can also visit nearby towns such as the Positano, a chic town famed for its colorful, steeply-stacked houses cascading down the hillsides. If you continue on this road, you will get to Sorrento, which is yet another tourist spot overlooking the majestic Mount Vesuvius. From here on, you can even continue on to Naples, where you will see the ruins of Pompeii.
6. Venice
If you are on a trip to Italy and you did not get to visit Venice—much less ride a Venetian gondola—did you even go to Italy at all? The romantic city of Venice is a quintessential tourist hotspot–especially for hopeless romantics who are always in awe of its magical atmosphere.
Cruising through the dreamy, romantic Venetian canals aboard a gondola with your lover as the golden sun sets on the distant horizon is every hopeless romantic’s dream. You can even go on private gondola rides at night, where you will see thousands of warm bulbs of lights illuminating the waters. For the ultimate romantic experience, book a table for two in one of the many quaint Venetian restaurants to cap off the night.
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Final Thoughts
Italy is an enchanting treasure trove of stunning landscapes, rich culture, and captivating history. While the country as a whole is a masterpiece waiting to be explored, we’ve narrowed down a list of the most charming tourist attractions that deserve a spot on your Italian itinerary.
These remarkable destinations offer a glimpse into the heart and soul of this beautiful nation, ensuring that your journey through Italy will be an unforgettable and truly magical experience. So, pack your bags and get ready to embark on an adventure filled with the allure and wonder of Italy’s most charming treasures.
Theresa Adido
Travelpediaonline
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