Italy is a Southern European country on the Apennine Peninsula. It is widely renowned for its breath-taking beauty and rich culture. So it is no surprise that many tourists are eager to visit every year. Brits love Italy just like everyone else, with Finder’s 2020 outbound tourism statistics indicating that 5.11 million Britons visited Italy in 2019. As such, Italy was the UK’s third most popular travel destination besides Spain and France. Here are some of the best reasons for you to visit Italy this summer.
1. A paradise of art and architecture
Italy is perhaps the best place to visit if you are an artist or architect seeking some breathtaking sites. Indeed, it is littered with historic sites, buildings, or monuments in every nook and cranny. For instance, St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, the largest and arguably the most beautiful church in the world, is one of the country’s most iconic buildings. The Basilica is the final resting place of a whopping 91 popes, including the much-loved John Paul II, who died in 2005. The Sistine Chapel is also worth visiting to enjoy the best Italian art and architecture since its ceiling is adorned with paintings by the renowned Michelangelo. The Borghese, Uffizi, and Academy of Florence art galleries are other great places to visit to see some great art.
2. The Island Of Sicily
Many visitors to Italy overlook the beautiful island of Sicily for more popular destinations up north. However, this island is an entire world on its own and one of the best reasons to visit Italy. Sicily is home to the Etna volcano, one of its main attractions. You can admire this volcano from many viewpoints if you stay in Taormina or Catania. However, booking a full or half-day excursion would be best to find enough time and explore the volcano’s crater. Additionally, Sicily has a unique blend of Norman churches, Greek temples, and Roman mosaics that reflect many centuries of foreign occupation. The Valley of Temples in Agrigento, Aegadian Islands, and Zingaro Nature Reserve are undoubtedly places to visit if you have enough time. Finally, you can sign up for a Sicily cycling tour to explore the island’s hilly and mountainous landscape.
3. The food
Italian cuisine needs no introduction since it is a popular favourite worldwide. Therefore, this country is a dream destination for gastronomes. Pizza and pasta reportedly taste twice as good in Italy, but a holiday trip guarantees more than just authentic delights of your favourite comfort foods. You can enjoy the very best of tasty dishes like bagna cauda, pesto, risotto, fritto misto, and fried panzerotti. Gelato, a cold, creamy treat, is an afternoon snack you must enjoy while in Italy.
Furthermore, no Italian meal is complete without great wine. There are so many grape varieties in Italy, so it is no surprise that it has surpassed France as the country that produces the most wine. Therefore, don’t forget to sample Italy’s finest local wines perfectly paired with various tasty dishes.
