Travel

Best Things to Do on Your Trip to Italy

Italy is, no doubt, one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Whether you’re looking to explore beautiful architecture, discover stunning natural landscapes, swim at pristine beaches or feast on delicious food, this country has it all. But with so many things on offer, deciding what to do on your trip to Italy can be daunting. So, to help you with this, check out this list. From eating pizza in Napoli to chilling at the beach in Amalfi, this list can serve as your guide for planning a trip to one of the most beautiful countries in the world.

1. Eat Pizza in Napoli

Naples (or Napoli) is a city in the southwestern Italian region of Campania. Known for its delicious cuisine, Naples is a must-visit for food lovers. Said to be the birthplace of pizza, sitting down for a traditional Neapolitan pizza is a must while in the city. Of course, there’s more to Naples than its delicious cuisine. This bustling coastal city has many things to offer for all kinds of travelers, whether that’s exploring underground tunnels, lounging by the sea, browsing contemporary art or watching an opera. 

Escape the hordes of tourists and explore the Bourbon Tunnel, a secret tunnel built as an escape route for the royal family in 1853. You can also check out the city’s many incredible museums, such as the  Donnaregina Contemporary Art Museum. After all the sightseeing and eating, head to the beach and relax under the Neapolitan sun. The Miseno And Miliscola beaches are some of the top beaches in Naples. With beachside bars and cafes lining its shores, these beaches are the best places to relax while enjoying refreshing cocktails.

 

2. Hike the Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Italy’s most visited destinations, especially for those who love to hike. It consists of five towns perched along a dramatic coastline, just north of Pisa. With colorful houses stacked on top of one another, these beautiful villages are easily recognizable. Hiking Cinque Terre is the best way to explore these villages.

You can hike Cinque Terre through various trails, but the most popular is the Blue Trail, an 11 km trail connecting Riomaggiore to Monterosso al Mare. Most portions are easy to walk, especially the paved section along Riomaggiore to Manarola. However, some would require a climb uphill. But you’ll be rewarded with the most spectacular views along the coast, so it’s worth it.

The trail would require about five hours to conquer, excluding the time needed to explore each town. You need to purchase a ticket to hike this trail and make sure you keep it since you’ll be required to show it at a checkpoint in every town you pass through.

 

3. Visit the Colosseum in Rome

The Colosseum in Rome is Italy’s most iconic landmark. Therefore, your trip to Italy won’t be complete without a visit to this famous attraction. You can explore it on your own or join a guided tour. Constructed in 72 AD, the Colosseum is considered the largest surviving structure from ancient Rome. This building has survived various calamities, including earthquakes and fire. 

The Colosseum has three entrances, but the only entrance currently in use is the entrance for individual visitors known as the Sperone Valadier. If you join guided tours that include a visit to the arena, then you’ll be taking the other entrance, known as Stern. While most visitors would head to the Colosseum during the day, visiting this magnificent structure at night is a must. It looks even more magical at night as the massive amphitheater is illuminated from the inside. Another advantage of visiting at night is that there will be fewer tourists so you can admire this iconic building with less distractions.

4. Chill on a beach on the Amalfi Coast 

Home to Italy’s most beautiful beaches, the Amalfi Coast is a popular seaside holiday destination. Since the majority of the towns are situated high above sea level, a visit to the beach will require climbing long flights of steps. Yet your efforts will be rewarded with crystal clear waters and relaxing views of the sea.

To make it easier for you to visit the beautiful beaches of the Amalfi Coast, consider renting a beachside villa with direct access to the beach. These wonderful large Italian villas overlook the gorgeous Bay of Salerno and are in immediate proximity to the sea. You will have plenty of options for beachside villas on the Amalfi Coast. There are holiday villas with large private pools and gardens, and there are also smaller villas suitable for couples and small families. 

Aside from chilling on the beach, staying at a beachside villa in the Amalfi Coast will allow you to hike the various trails in the area and witness the magnificent beauty of the Gulf of Salerno.

 

5. Experience the Italian Grand Prix 

Whether you’re a fan of Formula One or not, witnessing the Italian Grand Prix is highly recommended if you visit Italy during the Formula One season. First held in 1921, the Italian Grand Prix is part of the European Championship, and it was given the honorary designation of the European Grand Prix seven times between 1923 to 1967.  The Italian Grand Prix is held from September 6 until September 8 and takes place in Monza, a racing circuit just outside of Milan. 

Milan is the closest city to Monza, so this is where you should start your journey and if you want to get a hold of Italian F1 tickets for the Italian Grand Prix you need to book well in advance. Before the racing event, take time to explore Milan, Italy’s fashion capital. This modern city offers many things for visitors to see and do. Here, you’ll find the magnificent Duomo Cathedral, one of the largest churches in the world. Aside from being Italy’s fashion capital, Milan is also home to some of the country’s top museums and art galleries, such as the Pinacoteca di Brera. After a whole day of sightseeing, relax at the Piazza del Duomo and treat yourself to a scoop of gelato.

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