Best Ways to Discover Italy

Each Italian region has its own character, unique dishes, and historical landmarks, offering visitors countless different experiences. From the hustle and bustle of world-famous cities like Rome, Milan, Bologna, Florence, and Venice, to the tranquillity of the Tuscan hills and the Amalfi Coast. Italy has something for everyone, and its people are known for their passion for life, which is reflected in their culture, art, language, and daily habits. All of this makes Italy not just a place to visit, but to truly experience and enjoy on a deeper level. If you want a closer look at planning a trip around Italy, the Lonely Planet guides are a good place to start.

Geographical features and regions

Italy’s landscape is full of variety, and that’s a big part of what makes it feel so special. In the north, you’ve got the Alps, home to some of the highest peaks like Mont Blanc, which forms a natural border with France. It’s a fantastic skiing destination, perfect for both beginners and seasoned skiers. Down south, it stretches out towards the Mediterranean, with over 7,500 kilometres of coastline filled with idyllic beaches and little fishing towns that feel like they’ve been frozen in time. Alongside mainland Italy, the country also includes two larger islands, Sicily and Sardinia, as well as plenty of smaller ones. They play an important role in attracting tourists and enriching the country’s natural diversity.

Italy is divided into 20 regions, each with its own administration, culture, culinary identity, and dialect. Some of the most well-known regions include Tuscany, famous for its vineyards and artistic heritage, Lombardy, a business hub with Milan at its centre, a city renowned for fashion and design, Veneto, where Venice offers one of the most romantic experiences in Europe, and Campania, home to places like Pompeii, and the stunning Amalfi Coast. Southern regions like Puglia, Calabria, and Basilicata don’t see as many visitors or have as many big cities, so they offer a quieter experience. Still, they’re full of culture and natural beauty, with plenty of nice spots to explore.

Areas like the Po Valley offer fertile land for agriculture, while the Apennines, which run all the way down the country, provide plenty of opportunities for hiking and outdoor adventures. Italy is also prone to earthquakes, given its location, and it’s home to several famous volcanoes, such as Mount Etna, Vesuvius, and Stromboli. Because of its varied landscapes and regions, Italy is an ideal country for those who enjoy the outdoors or want to dive into its rich culture and history.

Historical heritage and influence through the centuries

Italy has one of the richest historical legacies in the world, having been the birthplace of several important civilizations and movements over the centuries that have shaped not only European but also global development. It's best known for the Roman Empire, which ruled much of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East from Rome. The remnants of this greatness can still be seen in many cities, from the Colosseum and Roman Forum to aqueducts, roads, and amphitheatres scattered across the country. Roman law, language, architecture, and political systems are still the foundation of many modern societies today.

After the fall of the empire in 476, Italy remained at the heart of important cultural and religious shifts. During the Middle Ages, city-states like Venice, Genoa, Florence, and Milan held power. Through their growth in trade, banking, and the arts, they became the driving force behind the European Renaissance. During this time, Italy was shaped by important people like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Dante Alighieri, and Galileo Galilei, whose work still influences science, literature, and art today. The Renaissance, which started in Italy, marked a revival of classical thought and the beginning of a new era in Western civilization.

In more recent history, Italy played a key role in uniting into one nation in the 19th century, led by figures like Giuseppe Garibaldi and Camillo Cavour. Despite later political challenges and the period of fascism in the 20th century, Italy successfully transformed into a democratic republic after World War II and became an important member of the European Union and the global community. Today, its history lives on in museums, architecture, language, and traditions, attracting millions of visitors from around the world eager to explore its rich roots.

Art, architecture and cultural heritage

Italy is probably the greatest treasure trove of art and architecture, captivating visitors at every turn. Even in ancient times, the Romans were known for their impressive building techniques, with their legacy still visible in aqueducts, roads, temples, and theatres, many of which later inspired European architectural styles. In the Middle Ages, mighty cathedrals, monasteries and frescoes were built in Italy, celebrating both religious and secular life. The most famous of these is undoubtedly St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, whose dome and artistic richness stand as the pinnacle of Renaissance architecture.

Renaissance art really put Italy on the map when it comes to world cultural heritage. During this time, some of the greatest works of art ever created were produced, like Michelangelo's David, Da Vinci's The Last Supper, and Botticelli's The Birth of Venus. Cities like Florence, Rome, and Venice became hubs of artistic expression, with their influence still felt to this day. Italy continues to be a hub for art, with numerous museums and galleries that draw in artists and visitors from around the world.

As well as classical art, architecture from different periods is also important, including Roman forums, medieval castles, Renaissance villas, baroque palaces, and modern city designs. Italian cities are like living museums, where layers of history come together to create a unique atmosphere. The country isn't just home to masterpieces, but also a place where art is part of everyday life, found in churches, squares, cafés, and even on the streets.

The variety of cuisine and gastronomy

Italian cuisine is one of the most well-known and respected in the world, famous for its simplicity, high-quality ingredients, and regional variety. While many associate Italy with pasta, pizza, and cheese, the country's culinary landscape varies greatly from region to region. In the northern regions, dishes often feature butter, cream, and rice, like risotto and polenta, while the southern regions focus on olive oil, tomatoes, and fresh seafood. Each region has its own traditional recipes and authentic flavours, passed down proudly by locals from one generation to the next.

World-famous Italian cheeses, like Parmesan, Mozzarella, Gorgonzola, and Pecorino, along with cured meats such as prosciutto and salami, are an essential part of everyday Italian cuisine. In addition, almost every region has its own protected product, such as balsamic vinegar from Modena, basil from Liguria, or truffles from Piedmont. Italy is also one of the leading wine countries, with regions like Tuscany, Piedmont, and Veneto producing world-famous wines, including Chianti, Barolo, and, of course, Prosecco.

It can be argued that Italian cuisine is not just about eating, but a way of life that unites communities, celebrates seasonal ingredients, and respects the food. Meals are often long, social events where people talk and enjoy the culture together. Coffee also plays an important role – espresso, cappuccino, and macchiato are more than just drinks, they’re part of the daily routine. All of this makes Italian food an essential part of the national identity and a key aspect of its cultural heritage.

Italian values and way of life

Italians have a special way of looking at life. They often call it "la dolce vita", which means the sweet life. This philosophy is all about enjoying the little things, like delicious food and great company. In Italy, family is at the heart of everything, providing strong support and a sense of identity. Multi-generational families are quite common, and celebrations are long and frequent.

Sociability and openness are deeply ingrained in Italian culture and are essential traits of every true Italian. This is reflected not only in the architecture of the cities but also in the personal style of Italians, who place great importance on fashion and looking well-groomed. At the same time, Italians often show a strong connection to their local community or region, which is reflected in their emphasis on local specialities, dialects, cuisine, and traditions. Despite this diversity, they are united by a shared cultural foundation and a strong sense of national pride. Italians also really appreciate their free time, often spending it outdoors, chatting over coffee, or taking a stroll through the city centres. This balanced approach to work and leisure is one of the reasons why so many visitors admire the Italian way of life. They don't ignore responsibility, but instead prioritise quality of life and happiness, making Italy a shining example of cultural richness and the joy of living.

A look into Italy's future

Italy is more than just a country with a rich history and stunning natural beauty – it's a place where life moves at a slower pace, with a touch of charm and warmth. Its different regions, culture and way of life give visitors a glimpse of a society that combines tradition with modern life in a unique way. A visit to Italy is not just a tourist experience, but a journey through time, taste, art and human values. Italy remains an inspiration to many generations and is living proof that cooperation between man, nature and culture is not only possible, but also extremely beneficial.