After many years of travelling to and around Italy, I have put together a snapshot of some of the beautiful places where I have spent time.  These are not always the places that first come to mind when one thinks of Italy. In fact they are places that were special to me and have left wonderful memories in my mind and heart.  Some of the photos you will recognize and some you may never have heard of.

So here are 25 reasons to visit Italy. Maybe  these photos will make you want to jump on a plane right now and fly to Italy.

Amalfi Coast –  this is where dreams are made.  Is a stretch of coastline on the southern coast of the Sorrentine Peninsula in Southern Italy.  The Amalfi coast consists of many beautiful little townships and villages. I rented an apartment here for 2 weeks and really experienced the area, especially the beaches.

Vieste – Is a glorious marine resort on the southeast Adriatic coast of Italy. It appeared to be a very popular holiday destination for Italians as we felt as though we were the only English-speaking visitors.  We took a jet boat ride out to the caves which were very beautiful although we were concerned about the lack of safety precautions by the jet boat company.

Venice – one of my favourite major cities in Italy. I have visited this fabulous city many times and each time I discover more and I like it more.

Trulli – Alberobello.  These are traditional Apulian dry stone huts with a conical roof from the 19^th century.

Pievebovigliana in Marche is a commune within the Monti Sibillini National park. I rented a house here for a month.

Camerino – An impressive small hill town on the border between Marche and Umbria. It is home to the University of Camerino founded in the Middle Ages.  I visited this great little town many times as I was staying in Pievebovliana which was only about 20 mins drive away.

Monti Sibillini – part of the central Apennines situated between Umbria and Marche

Norcia – Umbria is located in the plain of Monti Sibillini

Assisi –  In Umbria was the birthplace of St Francis

Florence – the capital of Tuscany (Toscano) is considered to be the birthplace of the Renaissance

Pisa – a definite tourist destination but it is a must at least once when visiting Italy

San Gimignano – I love hilltop towns and this is by far one of my favourites.  Great restaurants, great views and great shops.

Siena – in Tuscany is famous for its Palio, a horse race held twice a year.

Milan – one of the most famous fashion cities in the world.

Lago Maggiore is a large lake located on the south side of the Alps in northern Italy on the border of Switzerland.

Isola Bella is one of the beautiful islands on Lake Maggiore where I saw white peacocks for the first time

Stresa – on the shores of Lake Maggiore. After spending 8 days in this beautiful part of the world I ended up with hundreds of gorgeous photos of its spectacular views.

Santa Caterina del Sasso Ballaro –  a monastery perched on a rocky ridge on the eastern shore of Lake Maggiore

Fortress of Angera – Castle on Lago Maggiore

Bagni di Lucca – I rented an apartment and stayed here for a month.  Every day was a day of new discoveries, meeting new people, visiting many of the towns and villages in the area and “living” the local life.  This was definitely living the dream.

Barga – This medieval hilltop town is just a short drive from Bagni di Lucca. Another place that took my breath away.

Cinque Terre – The 5 lands.  This is a definite must when visiting Italy. I have stayed here several times and enjoy every minute of it every time. It is very easy to access by train from almost anywhere in Italy.

Rome – view from Castel San Angelo

Trevi Fountain  –  in Rome is one of the most famous fountains in the world.  It is a popular tourist attraction and I might add, almost impossible to take a photograph free of people.

Lake Albano – Looking down from Castel Gandolfo where the pope has his summer residence – 24 kilometres from Rome

Sunset over Rome

 

If I have missed one of your favourites, please let me know and I will add it next time.