For any traveler around the world Italy is like a dream. Who doesn’t dream of seeing lovely Italian cities? Not me and not any of my friends at least. And to be able to eat Italian food? That’s like heaven on earth. But people living outside of Italy don’t know much about this country. There is so much more to see in Italy than in Rome or Florence. And we are going to talk about all the exciting places to visit in Italy so that you don’t miss out on anything.
Lake Garda
Are you one of those people who love water? And to make it better with some beautiful view? Then Lake Garda will be your thing. It’s located in northern Italy between Venice and Milan. As a person who loves everything to do with the lake, I love this place with all my heart. And guess what this place is surrounded by mountains. It’s like the cherry on top of a cake. So take a short day trip to Milan and see Lake Garda. You will not be disappointed by the beauty. There are hotels and spa resorts that you can go to for a relaxing day. There are 25 beautiful villages in lake garda that are picture perfect. If you want to know about villages of Italy it’s a must to go there. The historical monuments there are going to take you back to thousands of years. And you are going to love it.
What to eat?
Lake Garda is famous for grilled fish. And obviously, that’s how it is as there is a lake here. If you want nothing to do with fish you have options too. But fish rules here. Grilled lake whitefish, grilled sardine alla gardenia, and pike in a sauce is their famous dish. You must try these dishes if you are keen to explore food wherever you go.
Firenze in Tuscany
You may already know that Florence has it all. Everything that satisfies a traveler’s mind is here. From museums to architecture to nature everything is here. You can visit Florence alone and enjoy every minute of it. The luscious landscapes of Florence is just like a picture made by great artists. Let’s not forget the beautiful architecture of Florence. No one can beat them in this area. And don’t forget the art collection of Florence because this alone made Italy the most visited country in the world.
What to eat?
You come to Florence and don’t try their Florentine Beefsteak? It’s like committing a crime. Schiacciata al Uva which is a smashed bread with grapes. Another amazing dish is their Lampredotto and Trippa. This one is for those who call themselves daring. Some people love it and some cannot bear the mere sight of it. It’s a sandwich made from the fourth stomach of a cow. It’s their local dish that they love to it. Especially the poorer part of the city enjoys it as they are the ones who discovered this food.
Rome
Not just Italy, you come to Europe and don’t visit Rome? That’s going to be the biggest mistake of your life. No one should miss what Rome has to offer. This city is just mesmerizing. The ancient city has so many tranquil places you can visit. The most important relic is the Roman emperor is here. You will see the history in front of your own eyes. What’s better than that? If you are an admirer of arts and crafts Rome is a heaven on earth for you. Michalangelo’s works are in Sistine Chapel waiting for your eyes to witness some of the greatest art in history. The ceiling of the Sistine chapel is enough to take you there. If you are interested Vatican city is also a great place to stop by. Pantheon, Roman Forum, St, and peter’s Basilica all are there in this eternal city. It’s a religious city as you can see by the names of the church and all. So you may have to be a little careful with dressing. It’s a wonderful place for the spirit as well. You will have a lot of things to experience here.
What to eat?
You may have had pasta alla carbonara. But did you have the pasta alla carbonara in Rome? It’s like devotion in the ancient city of Rome. They are obsessed with this food and not even guilty about it. Another great pasta of Rome is cacio o Pepe. It’s made with thick egg tonnarelli, sheep cheese, and black pepper. Roman Tripe is also a great one. Try the Roman ox tail soup as well. When you visit Rome there will be a lot of pasta in your meals. Don’t worry about getting those carbs because you will need them. Tourists need to walk a lot in Rome so your hunger will take you to the pasta for sure.
Canal Grande in Venice
Venice is the best tourist spot in the world. I feel like we all have seen enough of Venice in the media. All their canals, the city that stands tall in the water. Everything about this city is so special. And the best thing about Venice is that it’s surrounded by canals. Among all the canals Canal Grande is the best one. It’s so big it’s like a river and goes through the center of the city like an S. you may have seen it in so many movies or music videos. But can this be enough? Can anyone have enough of this Canal Grande? The media pictures cannot even cover half of the beauty of this amazing place. You may visit this place again and again and it still doesn’t lose its appeal. Do nothing but just walk along the sections of the canal and admire the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s enough to fill the heart of a traveler.
What to eat in canal Grande?
Like all cities that are surrounded by canals, lake Grande also serves fish as their main attraction. If you are into anchovies which you should be Bigoli in salsa is a must-try. It’s pasta in anchovy sauce and what’s better than pasta in Italy? Another fish dish to try is sarde in saor which is sardine preserved in a sweet and sour marinade. If you don’t fancy fish you can also have Italian food that you are already fond of.
San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice
Some people appreciate tranquility more than others. And the popular places of Venice are anything but tranquil. Everyone is busy doing something. There are so many tourists that you have to be in line for going to places. So looking for tranquility is normal. And that’s why we found you the island that is San Giorgio Maggiore. It’s a small island that is not connected to any of the canals. You can ride a vaporattoor private water taxi to reach the island. There is a beautiful church that looks just like St. mark’s Square. You get everything as a package here. There is beautiful nature, infrastructure, and a campanile to climb. And after hectic weeks you can just sit down with a drink and enjoy your view.
What to eat?
In San Giorgio maggiore you will get the food, culture, and hospitality of Italians in one place. all the Italian pasta with a Venetian twist will be there. You will have a lot to explore in terms of food here. Try the BaccalaMantecato which is a dish made from stockfish. It’s a traditional Venetian food. And trying traditional food is a must when you travel. You are not going to get this anywhere else.
Sicily
Do you want to witness heaven on earth? There are so many places that feel like heaven on earth. And Sicily is one of them. it’s in the south of Italy, the largest island in the Mediterranean. If you are into Greek legends then you may have heard about Sicily. It’s a dream place to visit for the legend lovers out there. The crystal clear water is enough to make you go in awe. Mount Etna, Marvel is also a very famous place as it’s the biggest active volcano in Europe. If you are interested this place has a lot of potential to give you an amazing time. You can do various activities depending on what season you are going. In summer you can hike and in winter you can ski. Don’t forget to visit the archaeological sites and cathedral if you are into it.
What to eat in Sicily
According to locals, anything you eat in Sicily is a treat. Everything is so fresh there. They are famous for the spices and herbs that you would love to eat with your food. Rosemary, mint, and oregano are fresh all year round. You can carry some back home as well. Some fresh fruit juice will be a treat and it will taste heavenly. Feast on delicious fish and meat as much as you can.
Bologna
Bologna is the capital of northern Italy. And there is a saying about the Bologna people and that is the learned, the fat, and the red. This is so true because there is a university here in Bologna that is one of the oldest universities in Europe. Its name is also the University of Bologna. People here are learned and foodies. It’s like a paradise for food lovers. Their terracotta roof buildings can catch anyone’s attention. And they take great pride in those buildings. And whys shouldn’t they? These are amazing medieval buildings that aren’t anywhere else. You will be able to see some leaning towers here as well.
What to eat in Bologna
As said earlier, bologna is a foodie’s paradise. Tortellini and lasagna Bolognese is their staple food. They are so much into food that there is a gelato university. There is an amusement park named FICO Eataly world. It’s a must-visit place if you visit bologna.
Naples, Italy
Are you one of those souls who just travel for food? I don’t blame you if you do. There is so much to explore in terms of food all around the world. Sitting at home, and just eating your homemade food isn’t a cup of tea for everyone. Naples is a place if you love pizza. It’s like the birthplace of pizza. You will know the definition of pizza just from being here. Even before you bite on your pizza. It’s not just the pizza that makes Naples the best place in Italy to visit. You will be able to see their art and culture as well. Their rich art and culture are the envy of any nation. Visit Naples national archeological museum and sansevero chapel museum. You can arrange a journey beneath the amazing city to Napoli sotterranea. There are several tunnels and chambers built by the Greeks and Romans.
What to eat?
It feels like you may have to eat only pizza everywhere you go. You may want to eat pizza all the time. But there are so many options available that you may want to taste those as well. First of all, finish trying all the pizza types so that you leave with no regrets. There is fried pizza and special Napotalian pizza. Fancy some flaky pastry? Then sfogliatelle is a must-have. It’s like a mini ricotta pie melting inside your mouth.
Final thoughts
Traveling is food for the soul. And what’s better than getting good food while traveling? All in just one country that’s Italy. When you plan your Italy vacation, don’t just make a small trip. It’s not gonna be worth the hassle. Moreover, you will not be happy about not visiting all the places. This amazing country has a lot to offer than just some pizza and pasta. So pack your bag for a long tour. I am sure you will not regret a moment.
