Italy is a country that should be on everyone’s bucket list. The food is delicious, the wine is excellent, the people are friendly and it is simply one of the most beautiful countries in the world.
Here are 3 regions that should not be missed which you should definitely be adding to your bucket list!
Sicily
Sicily is the biggest Italian island and it’s unlike any other. Due to its history of rulers, such as the Arabs, French and Spanish, the island has a uniquely rich and diverse culture.
You can spend your days going from dramatically different landscapes. From the seaside to an active volcano, all the way back up to the vineyards.
Sicily is quite a large island, so plan ahead and be sure you add Palermo, the Aeolian Islands, Syracuse, and Mt. Etna to your itinerary.
Luckily, the island has a rather temperate climate. You can swim until November and be comfortable even when the flowers start blooming in February.
A popular kind of accommodation (amongst Italian visitors as well) is renting one of the many private holiday villas available in Sicily. That way you stick with the relaxed island vibes in the comfort of your own home away from home and it is a surprisingly affordable option.
Tuscany
Visiting Tuscany is a bucket list dream for many and rightly so. The region is full of gorgeous vineyards, olive trees and windy roads that carry you from one characteristic town to the next.
Florence is the major city and a must-see in Tuscany with the gorgeous Ponte Vecchio. At the top of the list, however, should be the smaller towns.
Siena, for example, is a charming little town with its Piazza del Campo at the heart of the city. It’s famous for the Palio, a horse race with each neighbourhood represented. Plus there are many other special events and celebrations that last for weeks.
San Gimignano is also a draw, as narrow streets and the famous Vernaccia wine characterize the city. If you rent a car, you can stop at whichever small town is calling your name. Enjoy a long and leisurely lunch with local food and wine (different in every town), and take a stroll around the charming town.
Tuscany is also very close to the capital of Rome making it one of the most accessible regions of Italy.
Veneto
Veneto is understandably a region famous for its standout city. With the canals, gondolas and narrow streets, it is no surprise that magical Venice has countless visitors every year.
The Veneto region does have much more to offer, as well. There is also the city of Romeo and Juliet, Verona. It’s a well-kept city that hosts gorgeous concerts at the Verona Arena.
Then there’s Padua, a small city known as a city of science and culture. There are also the Dolomites, the breath-taking mountain chain that draws visitors during every season. They go for hiking during the warmer months and skiing during the winter.
The North of the country is also perfect for an Italian road trip around some of the beautiful lakes and waterways.
Whatever Italian region you choose to visit, excellent food and wine are a common denominator. If nothing else, you can eat and drink your way through any part of Italy and create memories that will last forever.
