9 Stellar Reasons to Visit Italy in 2024

There’s a good reason why Italy is so popular with visitors from all over the world, in fact here are 9 reasons to visit Italy if you’ve never had it on your bucket list before.

1. The Food

Let’s get it out of the way, one of the main reasons to visit Italy is for the food. Seriously the food in Italy is crazy good. And what’s beautiful about Italy is the pride that every region has when it comes to the preparation of traditional dishes like pasta. Pasta is never just pasta in Italy.

Each region will have its own history and narrative that goes along with each dish. Along the coast, you will find pasta dishes that is seafood-based, whereas in Northern Italy you’ll find hearty ragu and bolognese that are typical of that region. 

One of the best things that you can do when visiting Italy is to organize a food tour, whether that is a cooking class in Florence or Naples or a walking food tour in Rome, the more you learn about the country and its regional specialties the more reason you’ll have to return to try more delicious food. 

Pizza and Gelato are essential foods to try in Italy, it is after all the birthplace of Pizza. 

2. The History

You don’t have to be a historian to appreciate the remarkable history of Italy. As you make your way around the country you’ll find yourself stumbling over relics from over 2000 years ago that are incredibly well preserved. The most famous remains of Ancient Rome are best seen in Rome, where a visit to the unbelievable Coliseum and Roman Forum is highly encouraged. 

The Roman Empire spanned the entire continent of modern-day Europe and spilled over to parts of the Middle East. The Romans left behind modern roadways and waterways throughout Europe and their legacy has been incredibly well-preserved sights around the country.

Take a guided tour of some of the spectacular sights of the past such as the town of Pompeii which was discovered after Mount Vesuvius destroyed it in 79 AD. Or visit Matera, one of the oldest cities in Italy where inhabitants used to live in a series of rock dwellings.

3. The Sinking City

Let’s be realistic, the city of Venice is quickly sinking. The city of Venice is going to extraordinary lengths to save it by radically introducing new measures such as stopping Cruise Ships from entering the city and limiting the number of daily visitors to the city. 

Venice is like a fairytale place that is all at once instantly familiar, thanks to the dozens of movies that have been filmed in the city over the years. It’s quite unlike any other place in the world and getting lost in the alleyways and canals of the city is part of the charm.

Venice is one of those places that needs to be seen in order to be believed. Visiting Venice is why you should visit Italy before it sinks or has limitations on the number of visitors allowed to access it.

4. The Glamour

Much like Paris, the entire country of Italy seems to be extraordinarily well-dressed. Italy is the home to some of the world’s finest clothing and accessory brands, from Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana to Mizzoni. Not forgetting of course that the country has produced some of the most beautiful cars in the world, Ferrari & Lamborghini. 

Strolling around Rome or Milan and you’ll be staggered by the chicness of Italian men and women. Even on the Amalfi coast in towns like Positano or Capri, there is a certain level of glamour that is seemingly achieved effortlessly by the Italians.

Fashion lovers will be able to browse the stores in large cities as well as boutique stores for something unique to bring home.

5. The Art

Much like its history, it’s hard not to trip over museums in Italy that are dedicated to its incredible art collection. Visit famous museums and galleries such as the Uffizi and Galleria dell’Accademia in Florence and Vatican Museums in Vatican City should be added to your reasons to visit Italy in 2024.

1. Michelangelo’s David – This iconic marble sculpture is located in the Galleria dell’Accademia in Florence, Italy. It is a large, 17-foot-tall masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture depicting the biblical hero David, a favored subject in the art of the period. 

2. The Sistine Chapel – This is the site of the famous frescoes of Michelangelo’s ceiling and the Last Judgment. It is located in the Vatican City in Rome and is one of the most visited sites in Italy. 

3. The Last Supper – This painting by Leonardo da Vinci is located in the refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, Italy. It depicts Jesus and his twelve apostles gathered around a table for the Last Supper.

 4. The Birth of Venus – This painting by Sandro Botticelli is located in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy. It is a large painting depicting the goddess Venus emerging from the sea on a scallop shell. 

5. The School of Athens – This painting by Raphael is located in the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican City in Rome, Italy. It is widely considered to be one of the greatest works of Renaissance art, depicting a gathering of some of the most famous philosophers, scientists, and mathematicians of the time.

6. The Scenery

Rolling Tuscan Hills, colorful villages that spill into the sea, and cities that are home to ancient empires. There are many reasons to visit Italy time and time again, and that is to discover its many different regions.

The country is incredibly diverse in its appearance. In Northern Italy, the country resembles Austria or Switzerland, with chalets, ski resorts, and the towering mountains of the Dolomites.

Tuscany is home to rolling hills that resemble the Italy of your dreams. Dotted with vineyards as far as the eye can see, as well as quaint villages that produce some of the finest cheeses, meats and truffles in the region.

The Cinque Terre is where you’ll find colorful fishing villages that are achingly beautiful in appearance and traditional Italy at its most quaint. Contrast it to nearby Portofino, a famous village that lures the wealthiest people on the planet to its shores each summer.

The Amalfi Coastline has long been a popular spot for visitors since the Grand Tours of aristocrats in the 19th century and continues to this day. Sorrento, Positano, and Capri soar with visitors during the summer months but are best visited just off-season.

The boot and heel of Italy were neglected by tourists and the Italian government for many years. The region of Puglia is making a strong comeback and visitors have been thronging to the region to visit some of the stunning villages of Alberobello which are home to the famous conical-shaped buildings called Trulli’s.

7. The Wine

Italy knows how to do a good glass (or bottle) of wine. And with several regions to sample many of the varieties of grapes from, for wine lovers this a fantastic reason to visit Italy.

1. Piedmont – This region is known for its Nebbiolo grapes, which are used to produce the legendary Barolo and Barbaresco wines. 

2. Tuscany – This region is home to the Sangiovese grape, which is used to produce the famous Chianti wines. 

3. Veneto – This region is known for its Prosecco and Amarone wines. 

4. Friuli-Venezia Giulia – This region is known for its white wines, including Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc. 

5. Campania – This region is known for its white wines, including Falanghina and Greco di Tufo. 

6. Umbria – This region is known for its white wines, including Orvieto and Sagrantino di Montefalco. 

7. Sicily – This region is known for its Marsala and Nero d’Avola wines.

8. The Islands

The islands of Sicily and Sardinia are worth visiting for their breathtaking natural beauty and unique cultural experiences. Sicily is home to several stunning beaches, the iconic Mount Etna, and a number of fascinating archaeological sites, such as the Valley of the Temples and the Greek Theater of Syracuse.

Cute towns like Ortigia make a great break in Sicily, as does the beautiful town of Taormina. Their popularity has increased since the release of the second season of The White Lotus.

Sardinia is known for its rugged coastline, picturesque villages, and a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking and kayaking. Both islands also boast a rich cultural heritage, with traditional festivals, delicious cuisine, and friendly locals. Visiting these islands is a great way to experience a slice of the Mediterranean lifestyle and to explore two of Italy’s most beautiful regions.

9. The Capital

Rome is one hundred percent one of the reasons to visit Italy! This ancient city is home to some of the most iconic monuments and works of art in the world, including the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Sistine Chapel.

Rome is also home to a number of fascinating museums, galleries, and archaeological sites, making it a great destination for those who are interested in history and culture. The city is also known for its delicious cuisine, vibrant nightlife, and friendly locals, making it a great place to explore and enjoy.

There are endless reasons to visit Italy, and the best way to experience it is by visiting the place in person. It’s hard to see it all in one trip and you’ll probably need to go several times to experience it all (there are worse problems to have in life, right?).

Meet Missy…

Missy spent the first 2 decades of her life living in her native Dublin, Ireland. Before a life living overseas called to her, and she spent the next decade living in China, Laos & Belgium. She now splits her time in Antwerp, Belgium, and wherever the sun is currently shining. You can follow Missy’s real-time travels on her Instagram.