Things to do in Italy
Italy, the seat of the Western civilization is home to the highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world. Ancient Rome, which evolved into becoming a Roman Empire- the largest and most advanced of all the empires, ruled for millennia before being dissolved into the Byzantine Empire. There are endless Things to do in Italy.
The overwhelming presence of art and architecture attracts thousands to the narrow strip of land. Italy, the birthplace of the Renaissance saw emergence of Michelangelo and Botticelli which are still epitomes of art around the world. The country soaked in culture and culinary traditions dictates lifestyle to the global connoisseur. The land of unparalleled gastronomy takes tremendous pride in its simple yet delicate cuisine. While Rome, Venice and Florence enthrall the millions, every nook and corner of this beautiful country nurtures a glorious past in its cradle. Having lived a page or town in the history, every little town or a large city defines the epic grandeur we call Italy!
You can end up spending an entire lifetime exploring this Bel Paese as there are thousands of things to do in Italy. But here i talk about few things which close to my heart.
Escape to Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre in Italian means ‘Five Lands’. Located in Italy’s northwestern coastal region of Liguria, the cluster of five villages of Cinque Terre feature country’s most unique landscape. Hanging onto the edge of the cliff, overlooking the blue waters of Mediterranean, every town of Cinque Terre is distinct. While some boast of medieval historical quarters, others are adorned with colorful houses stuck to the steep cliff sides, and then there are some with wine terraces dating back to hundreds of years. A hike through Cinque Terre is one of the must things to do in Italy. It offers some of Italy’s most stunning coastal views. Read More about Escape to Cinque Terre.
Islands hopping around Venice
While exploring Venice is a mammoth task in itself, small trips to other islands brings much needed respite from everything Venice entails. Not far from the historic center, there are a series of islands scattered in the lagoon, each with its own personality and charm. Some of these can be explored by a vaporetto (waterbus) ride of less than an hour. Here are some of the islands which should feature in your bucket list. Read More about Islands hopping around Venice.
My love & hate for Venice
Of course no trip to Italy can be complete without visiting Venice. It features on the top of the list of things to do in Italy. The beauty of Venice has brought the beast of mass tourism to its shores. Venice which is home to less than 50,000 residents receives up to 30 million tourists a year. The overcrowded city seems to be bursting at all the seams during the peak season. It is a matter of great concern how how long Venice would sustain before collapsing. The residents of Venice have started holding protests to restrict the mass tourism. Unesco is already considering to add Venice in the list of ‘Endangered City’. Read More about Visiting Venice – Albeit Reluctantly!
Why not to miss visiting Padova on the way to Venice
Considered to be the oldest city in northern Italy, Padova is located in Veneto region worldwide famous for being home to Venice. Though under an hour from Venice, Padova is uniquely different with its astonishing array of Medieval architecture. Home to the second oldest university in Italy, the old quarter of Padova still buzzes with hip student population. In fact it is an economical alternative to staying in crowded, expensive Venice. Though perpetually under the shadow of Venice, Padova is flanked by its own canals and bridges cutting across the town. The picturesque city has a fare share of Renaissance opulence interlaced with Medieval magic. Here is a list of many architectural marvels and Things to do in Padova which usually does not feature in mainstream Italian guidebooks.
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