Vita List: Top 10 Things You Can’t Miss in Italy!
Everyone’s familiar with a Bucket List. Right? It’s essentially a list of things you want to do or experience before you die. Well, that’s a little morbid for our taste, so this month we’re creating Vita Lists — all the stuff you have to do in the Mediterranean while you’re alive.
First up, our home, and where it all began: Italy. There are roughly a million reasons to love Italy (… We lost count along the way) and with so much to do and see, cutting it down to just ten things was a mammoth task, but we’re nothing if not committed, so without further ado, check out Bella Vita’s top 10 things to do while you’re in Italy.
1. Drive the Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is so stunning that it is widely known for being one of Italy’s most scenic stretches — which is an impressive feat in a country full of scenic stretches. This little road trip is so good, the National Geographic has listed it as one of their favorites.
UNESCO has noted that it is: “an outstanding example of a Mediterranean landscape, with exceptional cultural and natural scenic values,” and it has been on the World Heritage list since 1997. This road trip stretches through famous little towns renowned for providing inspiration for world famous creatives for hundreds and hundreds of years.
However, don’t think that it is all calmness and serenity — it’s also famous for its hair-raising bends, zigzags, and narrow stretches. If you’re not used to the Italian way of driving, this is not an ideal road trip on which to get acquainted.
If you have the budget, consider hiring a driver — that way, you don’t miss out on the breathtaking scenic views, and you don’t have to worry about a sharp increase in blood pressure.
2. Hiking the Cinque Terre
For those who enjoy walking, hiking the Cinque Terre is the perfect way to experience some of the most stunning views nature has to offer. With a variety of trails that provide different difficulty levels, hiking the Cinque Terre works for anyone — whether you’re looking for a more genteel stroll, or a hardcore hiking experience, there will be something for you. It’s just a case of finding it.
Additionally, some people choose to hike for long periods in one day where some travellers opt for shorter walks spread across a longer period. Both work perfectly well — it just depends on the amount of time you have to dedicate to this region and whether or not you want to see fewer things more intimately.
3. Dolomites
If you’re looking for something to do during the winter, or you just want an immersive outdoors experience, then you have to check out another UNESCO World Heritage site: The Dolomites — a mountain range comprised of 18 peaks standing above 3,000 metres.
Some of the most beautiful mountains in the world, according to Reinhold Messner (Italian mountaineer), can be experienced in so many ways, and regardless of whether you explore the area by foot or on the back of a bike, this place is the perfect alpine retreat.
4. See Grotta Azzurra
The name really says it all — Grotta Azzurra, or the Blue Grotto, is a crystalline blue cave that offers a truly magical experience. It’s the most famous sight Capri has to offer, and the long queues are well worth the wait.
The cave itself is small with an entrance that is smaller still, and it can only be accessed in a tiny rowboat. If you’re claustrophobic or prone to seasickness, sadly this incredible cave probably isn’t for you.
However, if listening to Neapolitan folk songs — enhanced by naturally impressive acoustics — while being rowed around one of the most beautiful caves in the world sounds like your way to spend a few minutes, then don’t miss out.
5. Grab gelato on Isola d’Elba
Like pizza and coffee, just because it’s Italy does not mean that all gelato is created equal or equally delicious. However, the stunning Isola d’Elba is home to probably the best gelato in the world, and it offers the perfect surrounding to consume it in.
Check out Gelateria Zero Gradi for incredible gelato — whether in store or from the back of their traditional Italian ape. If there’s anything more perfect than eating fresh and delicious gelato on an island that might be paradise, we’ve yet to find it.
6. Experience Lake Como
Lake Como is one of the greatest lakes of Italy — not only does it have staggering natural beauty, but Lake Como offers all the best parts of Italian culture. From wonderful food, to wonderful culture, in a wonderful setting, this location has it all.
Lake Como attracts an elite crowd (George Clooney, to name but one.) And it’s understandable as to why. With so much to do and see, Lake Como is ideally experienced over a few days, so you can truly enjoy the lake itself, and still take the time to navigate the surrounding towns, nature, and culture.
7. Pizza in Naples
Can you truly consider yourself a pizza connoisseur if you’ve never had the best? Arguably (although we’re not sure who’s arguing…) Naples is home to the best pizza in the world, and while there’s many reasons to visit this historical Italian city, pizza has to be the most important one.
While all pizza in Naples is still going to be some of the best you’ve ever had, check out Pizzaria La Notizia or Pizzeria Di Matteo — two popular spots — for traditional pizza in its birthplace.
8. Tour Pompeii
Pompeii is a huge tourist attraction, and for good reason. At the foot of Mount Vesuvius sits the remains of the ancient Roman city, Pompeii, and there is literally nowhere else like it in the world. Thanks, in part, to the horrible tragedy that happened thousands of years ago, Pompeii has been immaculately preserved, and it’s fascinating to see.
Some of it is a little macabre, some of it is a little explicit (The brothel, for example…) But regardless, it’s such an interesting experience — even if you’re not usually one for historical sites. You’ll never see anything like it, and it’s worth, at least, an afternoon to explore.
9. Explore hidden Venice
Exploring Venice isn’t difficult — exploring it well can be. Venice is a magical and intricate city, and because of its tourist draw, it’s very easy to experience the Venice curated with tourists in mind.
However, if you’re willing to do a little more research and bravely venture out of the tourist-centric areas, then you will see the Venice locals see. It’s generally quieter, less overcrowded, and completely charming.
Sure, everyone should visit Venice once in awhile, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with hitting up the most famous spots — but Venice’s quiet corners is where the city truly shines, and it’s an experience you cannot miss if you’re in the city.
10. Venture through the Vatican
The Vatican is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, and for any visitor to the area, it is a must see. Tours are the best way to experience everything the Vatican has to offer, but they aren’t a necessity if you prefer to do your own thing.
If you want an especially incredibly experience, consider working with a travel company who are able to get you in before any other tourists. It means you can experience the majesty of the city in relative peace and quiet — the way it was intended to be seen.
If you’ve experienced these ten things in Italy, then you’ll have seen so much of what Italy has to offer. However, this is just the condensed list — realistically there are hundreds of places to go and things to see in a country as incredible as our beloved home. Where will you see next?
