Italy is an incredible destination rich in history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. With its romantic cities, artisanal traditions, and remarkable cuisine, Italy draws millions of visitors from around the world each year. Let’s explore some of the reasons why Italy is a must-visit location.
1. River Cruising
River cruising on the peninsula is a vibrant business. Italian rivers aren’t as long or easily navigated as those in the rest of Europe, but visitors can float from one beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site to another.
2. The Art of Flattery
Flattery — A historical tool for both disarming and defusing, flattery is the fulcrum on which Italian society teeters. Friends and beautiful strangers alike can often find themselves confounded, embraced, or allowed to walk around in matching wicker hats, as a result of Italy’s direct, or tacit, compliments.
3. Supercars
Italy doesn’t even crack the top 20 in global auto production, but for out-of-your-league supercars that cover more adolescent male bedroom walls than Kate Upton, no other country can outrace Italy.
4. The Art of Cursing
Powered by the passion characteristic of the Italian people, the results of a local cursing can stun, intimidate and even charm their recipients, sometimes all at once. But the best thing about an Italian curse — it looks as good as it sounds.
5. Culinary Delights
Much is made of pizza, pasta and antipasti. But the real stars of Italian cuisine are gelato, tiramisu, cannoli, Neapolitan, biscotti spumoni, tartufo, zeppole and more.
6. Thermal Baths
Boiling as much beneath the surface as its people, Italy pioneered the world’s first large-scale spas, exporting them as they colonized Europe. Watery therapies include island baths (such as those on volcanic Ischia), Tuscan hot springs, mountain baths in the town of Bormio, and the thermal park of Lake Garda.
7. Breathtaking Beaches
With 7,400 kilometers (4,600 miles) of coastline, Italy boasts the most beaches in Europe, as well as 27 marine parks. It’s like swimming in tropical waters, minus the sharks and trinket hawkers.
8. Active Volcanoes
Ten active volcanoes allow Italy’s geology to vent the way voting gives release to its citizens. The country’s (and Europe’s) largest volcano is Mt. Etna in Sicily, the world’s second most active volcano after Hawaii’s Mauna Loa.
9. Political Landscape
Italians tear through regimes like their sports cars do dinosaur juice. Since the end of World War II, Italy has established 63 governments under 39 prime ministers, and only one has lasted a full five years.
In conclusion, Italy offers a blend of rich culture, culinary traditions, and stunning natural beauty, establishing it as an unrivaled destination for travelers seeking diverse experiences. Therefore, whenever you have the chance, consider exploring this captivating country.
