Just like visiting Australia for the first time, those who visit Italy for the first time should make it a point to wander away from the big cities. While many people visit Rome, Milan, Naples, Florence, and Venice, there are unforgettable travel experiences in small towns and villages. I will share with you some travel tips when visiting Italy provided to me by someone born and raised in Italy.
By venturing outside of the big cities, only then can you appreciate the attractiveness of Italy. Along the way, you will discover its ancient traditions and authentic beauty. You will realize that Italy is truly an open-air museum, rich in history and art. It provides you the opportunity to experience the authentic Italian lifestyle. In large cities, it is impossible to do.
The Cities That Make Italy Famous
Of course, you can’t say that you were in Italy without visiting its capital, Rome. It’s also known as the Eternal City and is famous for many millenary monuments. Or not having sailed along the canals of Venice aboard a gondola and admired the beauty of San Marco square. Or wander in Florence’s medieval streets and remain breathless in front of the splendor of its cathedral. And what about the hectic life of Milan? It is known as the city of fashion and the happy hour. But, don’t forget Milan’s artistic beauty, such as its magnificent cathedral or the Sforzesco castle. Lastly, you cannot leave out the city of Naples. It is rich in art, history, and the great humanity of its people, and under the shadow of the Vesuvius.
Exploring and Traveling Authentic Italy
Once you have taken this ritual tour like thousands of tourists, then you have to immerse yourself in the truest Italy. The real Italy is the one made of a myriad of small villages and towns. In these towns, life passes slowly in the most authentic Italian tradition. Here you will have the opportunity to appreciate the Italian people’s culture, habits, customs, and character. And you will also have the possibility to value the many differences that still exist between the north and south Italy.
Keep these travel tips when visiting Italy. The best way to discover and appreciate hidden Italy is to rent a car and allow curiosity to lead you. Travel in Italy without a clear destination and look at everything through the eyes of a child. You will be surprised at each new location that you explore.
You will discover enchanted places where time seems to stand still or regions where nature is still intact, harmoniously merged with the villages and the inhabited areas. And towns where ancient traditions are still alive and are part of the daily life of its inhabitants. You will find places where people still use their ancient dialects. The cuisine is simple – but no less delicious – like centuries ago.
Travel Tips When Visiting Italy | Where to go
In this kind of Italy, you will not feel any more a foreigner but become a guest and a part – albeit briefly – of the community that hosts you. As you visit lesser-known monuments, you will find them beautiful and exciting, just like the others in the big cities. You will lose yourself in nature, which is still able to amaze the attentive visitor. And you will end up breathless by the crystal clear seas or mountains covered with thick forests or hills cultivated and shaped by man.
Each region of Italy has its beauty and its natural and artistic treasures. Therefore it is impossible to make a list of all villages and towns that are worth a visit. There would be too many. If you love history, you will visit San Gimignano, Pienza, Spoleto, Bergamo, Saluzzo, and many more. If you love the sea, you have more than 7,000 km of coastline to explore, including its islands. And if you enjoy mountains, you will find the mighty Alps and the lower Apennines.
And don’t forget the many small mountain ranges dotting the Italian peninsula. There is also no shortage of volcanoes in the thermal areas. Even the national and regional parks are numerous and widespread throughout Italy, allowing nature lovers to discover a less famous Italy but an equally fascinating one featuring the tremendous artistic and monumental cities.
In short, Italy is a country of many facets and a thousand beauties. Enjoy the travels to find them. A visit to only the most famous cities will not allow you to appreciate the country fully. I hope you enjoyed these travel tips when visiting Italy.
