50 Reasons Why You Need to Vacation in Italy

Ah, Italy. Scenes like this from Murano are so charming you'll most definitely want to view them in person. Throw in homemade pizza and wine and you've got yourself a mid-week Italian daydream realized. This photo gallery stuffed with 50 drool-worthy reasons to visit the most stunning boot in the world will have you searching for flights faster than your gelato can melt on a scorching summer afternoon. After all, a trip to Italy might just be the answer to your getaway pasta cravings. Also, who knew laundry could be so beautiful?

The brightly colored buildings that make up the island of Burano, Italy are like a real live box of crayons. Just a 45-minute ferry ride away from Venice, this vibrant Italian island is rising steadily in popularity. It's easy to see why, with its camera-ready good looks, old world charm, and accessibility from Venice's F.te Nove port.

With a sunset spread over the city of Florence like this, it's almost as if you don't even need any wine...almost. A trek up to Pizzale Michelangelo will reward with a gorgeous panorama of the Tuscan capital. Pack some meat and cheese for a sunset snack and saddle up for the nightly show. Pro tip: arrive early as it gets crowded.

The Ponte Vecchio in Florence, Italy is about as iconic as you can get in the Italian bridge world. Strolling the bridge itself is a must, but so is viewing it from one of the other nearby bridges (Ponte alle Grazie and Ponte Santa Trinita) over the Arno River for the full view. If you're in the market for some jewelry, the shops that line the inner portion of the famous bridge might just be the sparkle you're searching for. (Pun intended.)

Rooftop views offer primo positioning for sundown over the Roman Forum. Just some ancient ruins and an epic sunset to the sounds of live music being played below...no big deal. This particular rooftop is part of Residenza Maritti, welcoming guests at sunset with just a few intimate tables...and wine, obviously. History will be illuminated right before your eyes as you enjoy the comfort of being removed from the crowds.

The Dolomites region in northern Italy serves up some downright ridiculous scenery, and one of the best ways to explore it is on foot via any of the numerous hiking trails. Take the cable car up 2,500 meters from the village of Ortisei in Val Gardena for ridiculously impressive views. Once at the top at Seceda, various footpaths are there for you to venture the area and marvel at Mother Nature's Italian landscape.

Bigger cities like Rome have hidden gem antique shops worth browsing for old world Italian treasures. This one, tucked in a side street off of Campo de'Fiori, presents a classic scene without even going in...right down to the bike parked out front.

Freshly made pasta straight from the motherland is reason enough to travel to Italy in our book. Pasta abounds in the country, but this gem was found while strolling the cobblestoned streets of Trastevere in Rome. Try the local specialties of Carbonara, Cacio de Pepe, and Amatriciana. You won't go home disappointed...or hungry.

Visiting the iconic ancient Colosseum in Rome is a bucket list level venture. Visit at sunrise and raise that to super bucket list level. For a different perspective, consider exploring the adjacent Palatine Hill which offers its own set of relics, but also a higher vantage point for observing the famous structure.

Browsing the market square at Rome's Campo de'Fiori for fresh produce, flowers, or souvenirs is a perfect afternoon spent in the city. The restaurant and shop-lined piazza is a lively, quintessential Italian experience. This open-air market is open Monday through Saturday.

Visiting the floating city of Venice and getting lost in the maze-like streets and canals is one of those things you have to do yourself to truly get it. Venture out of the main tourist areas for a more authentic experience and feel the excitement of not knowing what you'll encounter around every corner. If riding in a gondola is on your list, save some Euros by going during the day, vs. in the evening as the sun goes down.

Will travel for food and drink; especially homemade gnocchi and wine. This affordable house crafted gnocchi with gorgonzola sauce graced the menu of a small restaurant called Il Cerchio Delle Streghe in the hamlet of Rocca d'Orcia in Tuscany. Come for the pasta, stay for the sunset views on the ginormous patio...a feast for the stomach and eyes.

Tuscan charm spills over to every nook and cranny...even the windows. Flower box adorned vintage windows decorate the houses in all of the quaint villages and we can't get enough of them. Strolling any of the towns will be Italian Window Appreciation 101, each with their own character, and may even inspire some window remodels when you return home.

The cypress trees dotting the Tuscan landscape are a thing of ridiculous beauty. This grouping of cypress' in Val d'Orcia is fairly well-known, and it's easy to see why it has become such a popular spot for photography lovers. Visiting in the springtime will add in fields of wildflowers too, because why not, right?

Spring in Tuscany comes alive with fields and fields of red poppy flowers. The poppy bloom varies year to year depending on when springtime decides to arrive, but they last at least a few weeks. Catch them with sunrise or sunset, and you can expect a mic-drop effect.

South of Genoa, on the coast of Liguria, the fishing village of Camogli, Italy is not only wildly whimsical but also still a relatively undiscovered Italian seaside paradise. For a striking sunrise with the colored village buildings and mountains below, forget that extra hour of sleep and head to the harbor boulders early in the morning.

Hiking the epic five village trail of Cinque Terre, Italy is nothing short of spectacular. Knowing that the local trofie pasta with pesto (originating in the area) awaits you when you're finished is spectacular times two. Be aware that some of the trails are still closed due to flooding and landslides that occurred in 2011. They are projected to re-open in 2021, and updated information can be obtained here. And for the love of the Italian gods, please wear proper footwear.

Pizza is another main draw for visiting Italy. Because, cheese...and carbs. This pizza-a-capri can be enjoyably scarfed down at the Mercato Centrale in Florence. The bottom floor a shopping mecca for anything and everything Italian food related, and the top floor bursting with eateries and drinkeries. Anyone else hungry?

The seaside village of Vernazza in Cinque Terre is so picturesque you'll be hard pressed to find a bad angle. Grab a gelato and have yourself a little walk around the harbor with the ocean breeze as a welcome addition. For mind-blowing views of the coast, head up the stairs of the ancient Doria Castle.

The village of Monterosso in Cinque Terre is the largest of the five alluring towns and is home to the only beach in the bunch too. Indulge in fresh seafood dishes in the cute restaurants, browse the shops, and lounge oceanside for the ultimate relaxation, Italian style.

Calamari in Monterosso al Mare from a seaside hut might just be the best fried octopus you've ever had. Il Bocconcino is by the entrance to the train station and where you can get your hands on those cones of calamari cooked to perfection. Oh, and you're by the beach in Italy; that too.

Lake Como in northern Italy is a thing of true natural beauty and the villages that skirt the water only enhance the gloriousness. Bellagio and Menaggio might be the more well-known towns, but the smaller hamlet of Varenna is worth staying in for a more local flavor. For one of the best meals ever head to Il Cavatappi and snag one of their seven tables for a bonafide culinary experience.

Cold, creamy, and delicious, gelato is reason enough for a repeat visit to Italy. Some of the classic flavors to try are fior di latte (sweet cream), stracciatella (chocolate chip), nocciola (hazelnut), pistacchio (pistachio, obviously), and fragola (strawberry). In a cone, or a dish, with 2 flavors or 7, you can't go wrong with this Italian treat. And yes, gelato does count as a proper dinner.

Watching the sleepy sun peek over a blanket of fog covering the valleys of Tuscany is an experience like no other. The breathtaking vista will be worth the early wake-up. Plus, that's what Italian coffee is for. Val d'Orcia is a great area to observe this otherworldly sunrise scene.

The town of Lucca, with its ancient walls still in tact, is easy to reach and a delight to explore. The city allows for walking and cycling around the raised walls, offering great views of the city center itself. Visit the Piazza dell'Anfiteatro and try the farinata, a flatbread made from chickpea flour, and local to the region.

The breathtaking Amalfi Coast with its perched villages along the Tyrrhenian Sea is something out of a daydream. One of the most well-known and picture perfect towns is Positano, and it's easy to see why. The cliffside village is spellbinding from land or sea, and the food is utterly fantastic.

The rolling fields of Tuscany look like an actual painting, and strolling them feels like it too. Just north of San Quirico d'Orcia is home to this particular setting where the greenery seems neverending and the sunsets have a watercolor flair.

There is no shortage of vineyards in Italy, of course. Visiting any of them will be an enjoyable learning and tasting experience. Castello di Verrazzano just outside of Greve in Chianti definitely delivers; it is a castle, after all. Sipping their Chianti Classico in a scene fit for royalty? Yes, please.

Ah, the Italian deli. For one of the best sandwiches you'll ever enjoy, head to All'antico Vinao in Florence. Fresh focaccia is brought from the bakery of the same name across the street, and stuffed with the fillings of your choice...freshly sliced, naturally. Grab your oversized sandwich and a glass of house wine to indulge curbside. Don't let the line deter you as it moves quickly and is one thousand percent worth the wait.

The old churches all over Italy are jaw-droppingly gorgeous. This pocket church, hugged by rolling fields of green is famous in the Tuscany region. Chapel Vitaleta is located just outside of San Quirico d'Orcia and lives up to its postcard-perfect status.

Puglia's seaside communities with their emblematic whitewashed buildings are a solid reason for travel to the east coast. Situated on the Adriatic coast, the coastline is riddled with caves and beauty, while the street walls, doors, and stairs are riddled with lines of poetry. The historic center is home to the famous staircase with the words of poet Torquato Tasso and the scavenger hunt to find it is all part of the fun.

Elba Island is a relatively unknown (to tourists) escape off the coast of Tuscany. A ferry ride from Piombino will land you on an island with clear, turquoise waters and gorgeous landscape. Historically known as the location for Napoleon's exile in the 1800's it's now a summer vacation destination for Italians. Sansone Beach requires a short hike to a refreshing swim.

If you've ever dreamed of frolicking in a field of Italian sunflowers, Tuscany and Umbria in July can make this happen. The countryside is host to seemingly never-ending fields of the sun-shiny flora, so getting out and exploring the more rural areas is the best way to come across them.

The city of Siena, known for the famous Palio di Siena medieval-style horse race, is brimming with history. Italian time travel with a visit the Piazza del Campo, the setting for the race and one of the largest city squares. Step into the Duomo and marvel at the artwork and make sure to try the wild boar, typical to the region.

Sunset in the Dolomites region of northern Italy is no joke. To catch that rose-colored magical effect of alpenglow, you'll have to wait until the sun dips just under the horizon. The giants of the Dolomites glowing in the last stages of sundown is a larger than life evening experience and just one of many, many reasons to check out the Dolomiti.

At the southern edge of Tuscany, lies the city of Pitigliano, Italy. Perched as a medieval fortress, it has an impressive and unforgettable skyline. The city is about halfway between Rome and Florence and the Cathedral, Piazza Becherini, and wandering the Jewish Quarter are clear highlights. Its walls now employ the old Etruscan caves as wine cellars, and that's just plain cool.

A Tuscan Bed and Breakfast on a working farm is a must for every traveler to experience. Podere Perelli, just outside the neighboring villages of Castiglione d'Orcia and Rocca d'Orcia is the epitome of the authentic Tuscan Agriturismo. Enjoy your coffee patio side while gazing and the endless beauty.

When your daily commute via ferry boat in Venice includes a fiery sunset, you're doing something right. For more stunning views over Venice, head to the small island of San Giorgio Maggiore and make your way up the church tower. On your way back to the city, you may just be rewarded with this grand finale.

After a day spent hiking in the Dolomites region, stop in for a refreshing snack or drink at one of several mountain huts that also serve up views for days. Or, have yourself a day of mountain hut hopping...will hike for food and drink. Most of the ski resort areas that offer hiking in the warmer months have at least some of their rifugios (huts) open for business. There's nothing better than resting your tired legs on a patio overlooking unreal mountain scenery with a cold Peroni in hand.

The Saturnia Thermal Springs in Tuscany don't just offer warm, healing waters but they're not bad to look at, either. Located in the Maremma region of southern Tuscany, the baths are easily accessed via car, though there is limited parking available. Pack some snacks as there aren't many options by way of food, although there is a pizza vending machine and that's not something to pass up!

Tip: work your way around the crowds by going a bit off season and arriving early in the morning.

Beautiful little planters adorning building walls all over the place? But of course. Just when you thought Italy couldn't get any more charming, you find a vintage brick wall full of floral pots...because, Italy. While plants might not be a top reason for visiting the country, the bountiful charm certainly is.

It's no surprise that getting on a boat in Italy produces glorious views times a million. Whether hopping aboard in Lake Como or one of the other Italian Lakes or somewhere along the seaside, viewing waterside villages from this perspective is a must.

...of the donkey kind. Hiking Seceda in the Dolomites may just have you saying hello to goats and donkeys, and for that, we are not mad. The herd of donkeys resides around the Pieralongia rock formations, which can be reached on foot from the cable car in under 3km.

Is there anything more Italian than a vintage fiat in an old, narrow, village street? You can spot these mini cars all over Italy, as they are practical for navigating some of the tight roadways and lackluster parking spots. Rent one yourself for a true Italian driving experience.

Partaking in some Italian adventure will work up a serious appetite for all that delicious food. Other than hiking and cycling, paragliding amongst the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Dolomites will get you the most out of observing the landscape. If wild adventure is what you're craving, Italy will deliver.

The abandoned "Valle dei Mullini" in the midst of Sorrento's old town in southern Italy is something out of a movie set. The stone buildings set in the valley were an old flour mill and are somewhat hidden now in the middle of the city. If you didn't know to look down, you might just miss it! Visitors are able to hike the area and explore as well.

Italy's dining al fresco is something out of a storybook. It's relatively easy to find an outdoor table in Italy, and what better way to enjoy the amazing cuisine than a quiet table tucked on a corner patio overlooking the Italian exquisiteness of wherever you are at the moment.

A golden hour for the books awaits mountain lovers outside of the Dolomite village of Cortina d'Ampezzo. Passo Giau is an otherworldly location to watch the sun tuck itself in behind the giants of the Dolomiti region. Trails, a mountain hut, and winding roads with peaks aplenty are just some of the highlights of this enchanting place.

The numerous walled Medieval towns perched high and mighty on rock cliffs provide sprawling views of the lands below. The village of Orvieto nails it. Gaze at the ginormous Duomo, with its intricate facade, take in the sprawling views of the surrounding vineyards and valleys, and venture the underground tunnels and caves.

The best way to explore the countryside of Italy is a self-drive tour. After all, those rural roads aren't going to drive themselves. Just imagine the Italian treasures you'll uncover on your own while winding the roads on your own time, like this scene from Tuscany.