Arguably among one of the most sought out destinations by travelers in Europe, Italy presents endless opportunities to explore a beautiful country rich in natural landscapes and a deep, sophisticated history and culture. Here are 5 spectacular locations in particular that we think are bucket list worthy.
Amalfi Coast
This 50 kilometer stretch of coastline is a vastly popular attraction in Italy, and it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. There are 13 municipalities in the coast, all of which heavily rely on tourism. If you like road trips and extravagant ocean views, the Amalfi Coast is a must visit; the only way to drive there is a 40 kilometer land route running along the coastline. Buckle down for a scenic drive with lush green hills to one side and glorious ocean on the other!
Capri
The island of Capri is located on the southern region of the Gulf of Naples, and its main town of the same name has been a resort since the Roman era. It has much to offer in the form of harbors, promenades filled with villas, and beautiful limestone crags that project above the sea. However, the Blue Grotto (or Grotta Azzurra as they say in Italy) is an essential highlight of Capri. The sea cave is illuminated in blue reflections because of sunlight shining through the seawater, creating a dream-like atmosphere that you would not want to miss.
Cinque Terre
Part of the Cinque Terre National Park, this area consists of the coastline, 5 seaside villages, and the surrounding hills. Free of any modern buildings, Cinque Terre will take you on a journey back in time; the first few villages had started construction way back in the 11th Century. Seafood is abundant in the local cuisine and so is the regions specialty: pesto. Travelers that are looking for some adventure will find that a hiking trail connects all five villages. Great food, adventure, and the fantastic views of the terraces and sea make Cinque Terre a quintessential Italian experience.
Lake Como
Lake Como is situated in the Northern Italian region of Lombardy, and is the third largest lake in the country. Largely a resort area, the lake provides an extravagant atmosphere, complimented strongly by the foothills of the Alps. It is also popular for its cultural and artistic hot spots, consisting of villas and palaces among other things. Lake Como has absolutely exquisite views, so much so that acclaimed news site HuffPost named it the most beautiful lake in the world in 2014.
Venice
Venice is not your ordinary city. No, not even close. The roads are replaced by canals and residents sail to travel between places. Given this unique characteristic, it is already an interesting destination that many deem worthy of a visit. This is only helped by the fact that Venice was also subject to numerous artistic movements, including the Renaissance period. One of the most visited sites in the city is the Bridge of Sighs, which prisoners would cross over to enter their jail cells and see their final view of beautiful Venice.
Italy is a Mediterranean gem that will give travelers an experience that goes above and beyond their wildest expectations. These 5 places are certainly only the beginning. Tell us what you think of them and any other attractions in Italy that you liked down in the comments below!
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