Italy is certainly one of the best places to visit around the world.

With the plethora of adventures to delve into including cultural and culinary experiences, who wouldn’t want to vacation in Italy?

Between the Grand Canal in Venice and the scenic vineyards in the countryside, there are literally limitless places to explore to discover that unique, Italian heritage with some very, very good Italian cuisine.

So, without further ado, find yourself a place to stay at one of the many Italy vacation rentals and read on to discover some of the best reason to vacation in Italy (all provided with some beautiful photos)!

11 Great Reasons to Vacation in Italy

1.) The Scenic Views are Unreal!

The scenic views in Italy are not just limited to Venice – try touring the countryside.  Between the miles of open vineyards, rolling hills, lakes, and open waterways, the sunsets here are some of the most incredible sightings you’ll ever witness during your travels! 

2.) The Beaches are Breathtaking

If you are looking for places to visit along the Mediterranean Sea, the beaches of Italy are a must see!  The crystal clear waters boast of marine life and underwater snorkeling/diving opportunities – not to mention the vast opportunities of taking a European cruise to not only here, but other countries along the way.

Not looking to take a plunge into the great abyss?  Then try your hand at sailing, cliff jumping, or simply sunbathing.  Sure, they’re not the same as the beaches in the Hawaiian Islands, but they can certainly hold up to their own expectations.

3.) The Grand Canal in Venice

The first thing that comes to mind for most travelers when visiting Italy is the Grand Canal.  And why wouldn’t it?  

Slightly more than 2 miles long and up to 225 feet wide, the Grand Canal is lined on both sides by churches, palaces, hotels, and other public buildings wrapped in a blanket of Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance styled architecture.  If you’re looking for photogenic opportunities of Italy while being poled along by a traditional gondola, Venice is the place to be.

4.) Then the Vineyards & Wine

No visit to Italy is complete without taking a tour in the wine country.  Between the miles and miles of open vineyards, and some of the world’s best wine, you could easily spend a few days relaxing while sampling some of the most authentic charcuterie platters available around the world.

Not able to travel to Italy?  Then you may want to check out the Aspen Food & Wine Festival in Colorado!

5.) The Variety of Homemade Pasta

Homemade pasta in Italy?  Who knew!

One of the many great reasons to vacation in Italy is certainly the homemade pasta; with recipes dating back through the generations.  Don’t be afraid to stray from your usual palate on this one – sample exotic ingredients with fresh, hand-rolled noodles for the best surprises!

6.) The Architecture…

The architecture around the entire country, whether it be in the capital or in the small countryside towns, boasts of Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance styles.  

Take an adventure by renting a car or cycling across the country to see some of the best-preserved buildings untouched by the modern influence that’s currently sweeping across other countries around the world like the United States!

7.) Seafood, Straight From the Mediterranean

With the Mediterranean Sea literally surrounding most of the country, seafood is fresh, plentiful and available in a variety of markets around Italy.  Give in to your inner foodie with a fresh dish of anchovies, gray mullet, mussels, bonito, horse mackerel, and squid!

8.) Picturesque, Coastal Towns

Italy is home to some of the most beautiful, coastal towns around the world…and easily recognized as a great escape away from the tourist packed regions of Venice and Rome.  Make friends with and escape with the locals to discover some under-the-radar gems that are likely not to be listed in your travel guide anytime soon.  

9.) The Snow Capped Mountains

Believe it or not, many people travel to Italy just to ski!  Rivaled to be included in my top winter holiday escapes, the northwest corner of Italy borders both France and Switzerland giving you elevations above 7,500 feet with stellar high altitude ski resorts, great conditions, and decent rates to save you the most of your hard earned money.

10.) And of course the Cheese!

It’s hard to tell what I love more about authentic Italian cuisine.  The homemade pasta is out of this world, along with the wine.  But what really does it for me, is the cheese!

A recent estimation suggested that there were over 450 types of cheese made in Italy, dating back some 2,000 years.  If you’re looking to give your taste buds a shocking delight, then check out the lands of northern Italy and sample some fresh asiago, gorgonzola, and mozzarella sided with a glass of wine.

11.) Did I Mention Rome?

If you’re looking to travel to Southern Europe, then one of the best places to visit in Italy is Rome.  Between the Vatican Museums, Coliseum, and Pantheon, Italian culture can certainly be traced back with a fair amount of Roman influence.  Want to find out more?  Check out my top attractions to visit when in Rome!

What’s on your bucket list of the best places to visit in Italy?