There’s no other country that has captured my heart like Italy. She has dazzling cities crammed with art and architecture, mesmerising mountains with epic lakes, breathtaking cyan hues along the southern coast, and enough culture and cuisine to keep anyone enthralled for a lifetime.
But, more than anything physical or photogenic, the spirit of Italy fires up my soul. It’s a magical something that I can’t describe, yet whenever I’m in the country, it lingers in the air. There is a degree of passion and pride in the Italian way of life that is enchanting, helped by the fact it’s one of the best countries for a foodie trip in Europe. These are some of my things to do in Italy – an excellent starting point before diving into the hidden gems of Italy.
Flit between Sardinia’s breathtaking beaches and fascinating megalithic sites
Sardinia’s shorelines shimmer in all shades of blue – a vivid contrast from the silky white soft sands found on the island’s southern coast. For years, I had been desperate to visit Sardinia and discover what I had reliably been told were the best beaches in Italy. When I finally spent a month travelling around the island, I wasn’t disappointed.
Bypassing the most expensive and touristed stretch of coast around the Costa Smeralda, opting instead for beaches on all four corners of the island – Asiana, the Maddalena Archipelago, Gulf of Orosei and Porto Pino – I found that Sardinia’s shores were far more varied than I’d expected. Away from the yachts, dramatic craggy cliffs were tumbling to Caribbean-like beaches and extended arches of impossibly white sand.
The biggest surprise? The beaches (although outstanding) were not my favourite part of Sardinia. Instead, I fell hard for the laid-back lifestyle in often-overlooked Porto Torres, became obsessed with the numerous megalithic monuments on the island, in particular the nuraghe, and was delighted to discover the traditional culture of the island at Sassari’s Cavalcata Sarda in May. If you visit this island, do yourself a favour and tour it all – the beaches are only just the beginning.
Make it happen: Travelling around the island by public transport is possible, but you’ll need to go slower. To maximise time and see more of the island, book a tour of Sardinia with a local specialist who will ensure you get a good balance of small inland villages and famed coastlines.
Relax and find surprises amongst the lakes of Northern Italy
Northern Italy has no shortage of spectacular lakes. Of course, star-studded and costly Lake Como, castle-entranced Lake Garda, and the Alpine dream of Pragser Wildsee up in the Dolomites often steal the show. But my favourite Italian lakes are usually those that are a little more subdued or which harbour surprises.
If I’m looking for a proper switch-off, book-by-the-pool kind of holiday, I’ll meander towards one of the villas on Lake Maggiore, a glorious glacier lake which straddles Italy and Switzerland. However, if you’re up for a little more action, I’d recommend Lake Caldonazzo and Lake Levico in Trentino.
The first of the pair is larger and ripe for watersports, while idyllic Levico is calmer and ideal for SUP mornings, followed by an afternoon making the most of the surrounding thermal spas. Uniquely, a local winery led by two brothers, Andrea and Giorgio, ages their sparkling Trento Doc wine at the bottom of the lake. Once it’s suitably aged, scuba divers bring it up to the surface – be sure to book a tasting to try it at their wholesome, family-style winery.
Make it happen:
Book Levico SUP classes with Francesco via his Facebook page and contact Cantina Romanese to reserve a wine tasting on their website.
Read More: The lakes of Valsugana
Take a gelato tour through the capital of food, Bologna, Emilia-Romagna
To me, Bologna is one of the most magical cities in the country, and the friendly locals make it even more special. It’s famous for many types of food (there is more on that later), but a random claim to fame is certainly the Gelato University!
Not to be confused with one of the oldest universities in the world, which encompasses many corners of the city. Thus, the best way to get to know Bologna well is on a walking tour, and what better thing to combine with that than Gelato?
The city is also home to countless other dishes — Emilia Romagna’s food is famous the world over — such as ragu and tortellini, while day trips from Bologna will bring you to other foodie heavens in the region, such as Parma and Modena.
Make it happen:
My friend Rochelle wrote all about our Gelato Tour here
Read More: Three days in Bologna
Experience the masks of the Venice Carnival, Veneto
It was a rainy and misty day when I arrived in Venice, which added even more mystery and intrigue to the masked characters roaming the streets.
I’ve been lucky enough to visit Venice a few times, and while it’s certainly busy during the Carnival (when isn’t it?), it wasn’t actually as busy as the summer visits I had enjoyed previously.
The Venice Carnival officially dates back to the Renaissance period, and it can be enjoyed in various ways now. From free activities such as walking the beautiful streets and admiring the costumes to attending lavish ticketed-only events and balls.
Make it happen:
The carnival is in February and completes with the end of Vent. Find official details for future events on the local tourism website.
Learn how to make Orrichette with Olga and Massimo in their Watermill, Puglia
One of the most interesting foodie experiences I had while touring the best places in Puglia was in Foggia, between my visits to Bovino and Sant Agata’ di Puglia.
In an old watermill, dating back to the 1600s, which looked slightly in disrepair from the outside, but fully working inside, the grain to make the pasta is still ground by the power of water and hard work.
Olga and Massimo guided us through how to cut and roll the pasta to make the ear shapes most known in the region, and while I’ll undoubtedly win no awards for my contributions to pasta making, the delicious lunch they served us afterwards was thankfully not made by me!
Make it happen:
Currently, I can’t find the page online for the pasta-making workshops, just a link to a tour and tasting on GetYourGuide – hopefully, the website will return soon.
Read More: Exploring the hills of Foggia
Visit a Violin Makers Workshop in Cremona, Lombardy
It was in Cremona that the modern violin prototype was invented. Now, it is one of, if not the most famous places for the production of Violins in the world. Antonio Stradivari is a well-known name for producing the best quality violins in the world, and it was in the workshops where that many of his stringed instruments were made, often referred to as Stradivarius.
Marianne Jost showed us around the Violin workshop she shares with her husband, and as well as showing us how these bespoke designs are made, she also played her own instruments for us.
The workshop tour took us through the stages of the violin, from the sourcing of the wood to the tools used. Cutting out, sanding down, and piecing together these beautiful instruments is indeed a much more time-consuming task than I ever knew possible, and I left that workshop with a newfound respect for all those who are keeping traditional woodwork alive.
Make it happen:
Contact Marianne via their website to book a visit or workshop tour
Read More: Cremona, a city of more than Violins
Sleep in a traditional Trullo, Puglia
These white, conical-roofed homes can be found in many places in Europe, but they are particularly linked to this region of Puglia and around the Vale d’Itria and UNESCO Alberobello.
Here, in one of the most visited of Italy’s small towns, you can wander around the narrow streets, where the Trullo have been converted into museums, shops and restaurants.
There are, however, some here and further out in nature that can be rented as holiday homes, though check, as some are more traditional than others!
Make it happen:
There are various options available and can be found on the likes of Airbnb or other booking websites
Read more: Puglia itinerary
Enjoy a classical concert high-up in the Dolomites, Trentino & SudTyrol
The Dolomites are often seen as an epic adventure destination – whether it be for hiking, skiing, or mountain biking, but this incredible backdrop lends itself to something else entirely – classical music concerts!
The Sounds of the Dolomites event occurs in the summer months, and in various spots around the mountains, mostly with cable-car access; the hills really do come alive with music from sunrise through to sunset.
The high altitude and lack of noise pollution make this an amazing location to enjoy an orchestra performance, and it’s a prime example of combining Italy’s amazing music scene and mountains into one memorable experience.
Make it happen:
Keep an eye on the latest ‘Sounds of the Dolomites’ events on the website.
Zip-wire between two mountaintop villages at Castelmezzano, Basilicata
Known as the Flight of the Angels, the zip-line between the villages of Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa is a must-do adventure experience in Italy for thrill seekers. It might not be the longest zip line in the world, but it takes in some of the most stunning scenery in the whole country. Plus, how often can you travel between villages like this?
Even if you aren’t up for taking part, the village of Castelmezzano is one of the most beautiful in the country; with the jagged mountains protruding behind it and greenery all around, it’s well worth making a visit here regardless.
Make it happen:
You can book your ‘Flight of the Angels’ by buying a ticket online.
Read more: Italy’s best hidden gems
Enjoy the show in an ancient Roman amphitheatre in Verona, Veneto
In the heart of beautiful Verona, home to Romeo and Juliet, stands the impressive Arena, a Roman amphitheatre that stands open to the elements.
When I last visited Verona, I was walking the streets, and someone was playing Elton John really loud; then I realised it was, in fact, Elton John playing really loud from this open-air venue. A few days later, Kylie would be here. It’s used for various performances, from Opera to modern artists, and what a special setting to enjoy a concert in.
Dating back to 30 AD, taking in a show here is sure to be an Italian experience you will never forget!
Make it happen:
There are various shows that take place at the venue; tickets and events can be seen on the Arena website.
Experience a country-in-a-country at the Vatican or San Marino
There is only one country in the world that can lay claim to having two countries inside of it, and that is Italy. The only other with one country within its borders is South Africa, where Lesotho is landlocked.
These are both two of Europe’s smallest countries, and The Vatican is even the smallest in the world.
Exploring the Vatican, home to the Pope and beautiful artwork and architecture, is very much a part of visiting Rome. When inside, it’s something worth doing in Rome just because it’s right there, if for nothing else – although the lines can be quite long.
One of the most incredible ways to experience the Vatican and try to avoid the crowds is to book a VIP experience, where you can be some of the first people to enter the city in the morning and witness it at its most serene. Regardless of what type of St. Peter’s Basilica tickets you decide to go for, you should book them in advance to avoid long waits on the day of your visit.
On the other hand, San Marino, surrounded by the Emilia Romagna region, is somewhere I really do recommend you visit – and stay overnight. There is some fascinating history in this micro-nation, such as having its own calendar, two presidents at a time, and its strange links with the EU and the Euro, although it’s not officially a part of it. Once the day-trippers go and sunset comes in, you’ll be rewarded with fantastic views across the landscape.
Make it happen:
You can either drive or even take a bus to San Marino as a day trip or overnight stay easily. For the Vatican, tickets need to be purchased and often in advance – I recommend the early-bird access tickets, so you don’t have to line up forever.
Read More: An over-night visit to San Marino
