It would take a lifetime to see and experience all that Italy has to offer. From the north to the south, the coastline to the interior, from the prehistoric Nuraghic ruins to the Roman empire, Italy is a traveller’s dream.
That being said, after my second visit to Italy, it is no surprise I am already looking forward to my next trip. Hopefully, the stars align at some point in life and I will have another chance to experience the beauty, diversity, and history that is this amazing country.
Here are the three places I plan to visit next time in Italy:
Cinque de Terrre
I cannot believe my second trip has passed and I have not yet been to “The Five Lands” on the sea, comprised of the villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. I had high hopes that I would be able to make it during this trip, but things didn’t pan out that way, and that’s okay – another reason to come back!
The coastline, the five villages, and the surrounding hillsides are all part of the Cinque Terre National Park and are an UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are limited roads leading into the towns, essentially rendering your visit car-free, but each village is connected by a walking trail that I would love to have the opportunity to see.
Read more about Cinque de Terre and the hike here and here.
Verona
Often referred to as “The City of Romance” for it’s ties to William Shakespeare’s troubled love affair Romeo and Juliet which was set in Verona, the city is a popular travel destination for romantics world-wide. This picturesque place is rich in history and scattered with beautiful monuments such as the Torre dei Lamberti and the Madonna Verona. It has been listed a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2000 for the city’s preservation of ancient Roman monuments and medieval architecture.
But by far the most popular attraction is the (assumed) house and balcony of Juliet, which brings thousands of tourists each year. People believe that if you rub the breast of Juliet’s statue it will bring you luck in love!
Read more about Verona here and here.
Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi coast stretches approximately 50km on the southern coast of Italy and offers the traveller small beaches with stunning landscapes and adorable pastel coloured towns to wander through and explore . The cliffsides plunge into the ocean and the roads weave around the mountain tops, offering a daring visitor a road-trip to be remembered on the “Road of 1000 Bends”.
The coast is also known for great hiking, and offers some of Italy’s most renowned restaurants and hotels.
Read more about the Amalfi Coast here and here.
I can definitely say I left a piece of my heart in Italy, along with a few pairs of too-tight pants. But as you can see, I am already looking forward to returning and exploring more of this enchanting country.
Have you been to any of these three destinations? What did you enjoy most?
