Are you tired of sightseeing and looking for vacation places in Italy? Believe it or not, there are many vacation places in Italy that you can kick your feet back and enjoy the beautiful views. There is something to say about all of the historical sites around Italy, but once in awhile, it is nice to simply unwind, especially while traveling in Europe.
There is so much to do while vacationing in Italy, and the views are constantly breathtaking no matter where you are. One day you can be in the South of Italy on a private boat sipping cocktails and the next day you can be wine tasting in the Tuscan vineyards up North. The diversity of the country allows you to enjoy yourself in multiple scenarios while experiencing everything you can imagine on one trip. To help you navigate this beautiful country, we are going to give you some insider tips on several places in Italy that will ultimately make you never want to leave.
If you love the beach, the Amalfi coast is perfect for you. We recommend staying in Positano while you are there. Many of the places along the coast are beautiful, but Positano is a very secluded area and makes you feel like you are living in a dream. There are not many cars on the road as most people walk the streets or hundreds of steps to get to the beach. When you get to the bottom, it’s like nothing you’ve ever seen before. Imagine colorful architecture covering the cliffside while illuminating the coast. Once you reach the beach you’ll find an unlimited amount of restaurants serving a variety of pasta and fish dishes, as well as a village full of beach boutiques.
If your intent is to relax on the beach then you have come to the right place, but if you are feeling adventurous, not to worry, there is plenty to do on the coast. We highly recommend renting a boat for a day to visit other towns along the coast, as well as heading over to the blue grotto and the Isle of Capri. If you do not want to spend the money for a private boat, there is also a ferry that can take you to the island for an inexpensive price. Once you get to Capri, you can explore the town and the chairlift that takes you to the summit of the mountain giving you some of the best views on the coast. There is no shortage of things to do on the Amalfi coast and we guarantee you will not be disappointed. Did you know limoncello originated here? More reason to drink up! Additionally be sure to keep your eye out for some handmade leather sandals!
2. Tuscany
Are you looking to vacation somewhere else other than the beaches, and instead want to drink your way through wine country? There are gorgeous villas that overlook acres and acres of wineries and olive groves. This is a very fun place to go with a large group of people and there are many activities to do, different from what you might normally do. You can go wine tasting at wineries in places like San Gimignano, Montalcino, and Chianti. Not only will these wineries have a wine tasting, but they generally will have tastings for truffle oil, olive oil, and other famous Italian delicacies.
This is a wonderful place to stay in the Spring and the Summer, and you can make the vacation as relaxing or as adventurous with so many fun-filled activities. Some villas may have a pool or porch to lay out and bask in the sun. There is plenty to do right there at your villa with the most incredible views. There are also many scenic tours through the countryside, whether it might be on a bike or a Vespa. Both options are a blast and there will be stops along the way at different wineries for wine tastings. Most of the bike tours are at a beginner level, so no one has to be worried about being a professional. The Vespa riding is similar, it is most likely everyone’s first time to ride a Vespa, so you will be in good hands!
3. Venice
If you are looking for one of the best cities to visit in Italy and a culturally different experience, then Venice is the place for you. In Venice there are no roads with people driving or biking, instead, they travel everywhere by boat, in other words, by gondola. The gondolas are driven through the Venetian canals to get people to where they need to be. Not only are the views tremendous, but it will be your everyday transportation. This one difference from all the other cities in Italy really gives you an altered perspective once you realize there are no cars involved.
When in Venice, you can go to the Doges Palace, which is one of the main landmarks in the city. There is also, the Peggy Guggenheim Museum that houses famous pieces of work from Picasso, Warhol, Pollock and many other famous artists. There are beautiful small islands close to Venice, one in particular, called Burano that has the most vibrant colored buildings. It is one of the happiest little islands and will make you smile just because it is so colorful. This place is like nothing you have ever seen before, a “must see” spot.
4. Cinque Terre
Are you wondering where you can hike and enjoy some beach time all in one place? Cinque Terre stands for the “five lands,” or five towns and you are able to hike the towns. There are people that actually hike all five towns, but you can also do an hour and a half hike from a town called Vernazza to the next town, Monterosso. In Cinque Terre, there are no cars, and everyone either hikes or takes the train that runs along the Northern coast. You can take the train to Manarola where you can experience the “Instagram famous” view. Then, in Vernazza, you can stop and check out the beaches and enjoy their well-known pesto focaccia and fried seafood cones.
After stuffing yourself with all the yummy food, you have the option of experiencing the most beautiful hike ever or taking the train. The hike is definitely a tough uphill stretch, but it is so worth it especially when there is a beach and margaritas waiting for you on the other side! There are boutiques, restaurants, and bars at the beach in Monterosso. You can rest after your hike and even jump off of the rocks into the refreshing Mediterranean sea.
5. Lake Como
There’s nothing better than staying in a village right on the third largest lake in Italy and to be surrounded by the swiss alps. Italians that live in Milan will travel to this secluded area on the weekends due to being so close to the lake. The center point of Lake Como is a town called Bellagio where we recommend you stay when visiting. This place is a resort town and you will be living the most lavish lifestyle while you are there. During the day you can head to the gardens and other villages near Bellagio and take in some of the most breathtaking views. There is always time for the spa or, of course, to take a boat or kayak out on the lake. A sense of tranquility is given off when in such a beautiful and quiet place. As you might know, the lake is always about relaxing and enjoying the serenity of the lake and you can take advantage of that right here on Lake Como.
Do you want to experience some of the most breathtaking views? Contact us at info@chloejohnston.com and we would love to help tailor an experience to your wants and needs!