Lake Como has been attracting aristocrats and royalty to its shores since Roman times. Lake steamers act as passenger ferries between the towns and pass gorgeous villas and manicured gardens. So whether you’re a foodie or a history buff, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Italy. And with so much to see and do, you’ll be hard-pressed to pick just one!
Italian festivals celebrate centuries-old events.
Several centuries-old festivals in Italy are worth celebrating. For example, the venerated Madonna della Bruna is celebrated on the second day of July. The festival starts with a triple cannon shot and includes:
- Five parades.
- Hand-made papier-mache figures.
- A carnival mascot named Burlmacco.
- A spectacular fireworks display.
Visitors can also partake in a wide range of carnival-themed foods and drink.
Venice is home to the most famous of these festivals, celebrating its thousand-year history, relationship with the sea, and gondola racing. During the festival, locals dress in the period of 1489 to compete against each other. It is believed that these events commemorate Christ’s ascension and the end of the plague that killed nearly 50,000 people in the city. The festival’s remembrance is rooted in the history of the Venetian Republic, which is said to have celebrated Christ’s ascension as the wife of King Cyprus.
Epiphany, celebrated throughout Italy on the sixth day of January is a Christian holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. In addition to its religious significance, Epiphany is also a day of gift-giving, with the help of the “Befana,” an old witch-like woman, filling stockings with gifts for good children and coal for the naughty ones. To celebrate this event, Italians also light bonfires and burn ragdolls.
A medieval jousting tournament is another traditional Italian festival. In the town of Ascoli Piceno, a celebration of a jousting tournament called La Quintana involves residents in period-specific clothing. Streets and piazzas are filled with stalls selling crafts and food. The jousting is the festival’s highlight, with teams representing the various districts competing in a spirited battle.
Sorrowful festivals are another good tradition in many parts of Europe, and they are held before Lent. In Italy, they occur on the first Sunday in October. This event commemorates the head-cutting of an evil duke by the townspeople. Townspeople still celebrate this ancient custom, and orange fights break out between the community and the duke’s men. For many, the colorful festival is the culmination of an age-old tradition.
Italian food
When visiting Italy, you should know that there are seasonal variations in Italian foods. For example, the crisp varieties of chicory called puntarelle are available only in winter and spring. In addition, most tourists who visit Italy are baffled by the lack of tap water. In fact, many Italians know the specific brands of bottled water that are available throughout the year. Therefore, visiting Italy during the appropriate time can ensure you’ll be able to enjoy the best Italian food and drink.
While pizza is the staple of Italian cuisine, you can get a deeper understanding of Italian cuisine by learning about the regional specialties. While most pizza restaurants serve pizza from other regions, many use ingredients from their own region to create authentic Italian dishes. If you’re a pizza lover, you’ll be pleased to learn that Neapolitan-style pizza has a thick, fluffy crust. By contrast, Roman-style pizza has a slightly crunchier crust and is lighter and less of a gluten bomb.
The Italians don’t skimp on quality, which is evident in the food and wine they serve. You’ll find posters in Italian schools explaining where each type of food is produced. Antipasto Misto is an ideal appetizer, which usually includes cured meats, olives, and bruschetta, toasted bread with olive oil. The best way to start the day? With a delicious antipasto misto and a glass of Prosecco!
While Italy is home to some of the world’s most beautiful cities, there are plenty of things to do outdoors. You can hike in the Dolomites if you’re a nature lover. There are also many mountain huts where you can enjoy the view and eat authentic Italian food. This can make the entire experience even more memorable. The Dolomites are also a great place for foodies.
If you’re looking for the most authentic Italian food, it’s a good idea to go for an authentic Italian-style menu. The menu includes appetizers, first courses, proteins, and desserts. The primo course, or pasta primo, is usually the most filling part of a meal. If you’re not that hungry, you can skip the second course or just share your pasta, but be sure to avoid the bread.
Italian cities
One of the most beautiful cities in Italy is Siena. Often overlooked in favor of Florence, Siena is worth the trip. While you’re in the area, explore the historic center and the Gothic architecture that adorns the area. While there, don’t forget to visit the town’s famous Piazza del Campo. And don’t miss its famous Blue Grotto. It’s a must-see on any Italian itinerary.
Located in the north of Italy, Lake Como boasts five lakes and picture-perfect villages. Take a romantic boat ride, or sip a glass of Italian wine at the shores. Visiting this picturesque town is ideal in spring and autumn. Although the weather in this area can get cold, it’s bearable during these months. Then again, you can go in the summer and explore the islands by boat.
The north of Italy offers a pristine seaside vacation. The Italian Riviera is a dazzling example of nature’s beauty. If you’re looking for a sunny, relaxing vacation, try one of the numerous beaches in Sardinia. The Alps and Dolomites in the north provide some breathtaking scenery. And the beautiful Italian cuisine will make your vacation one remember. There are so many things to do in Italy, but it’s difficult to find enough time!
During your vacation, don’t forget to try some local cuisine. You can find delicious Italian dishes here in small restaurants. You’ll be spoiled for choice in this town. If you’re a fan of seafood, you can try a fresh fish dish at a local restaurant. Afterward, you can go dancing at a disco and enjoy a drink or two. The atmosphere here is magical. Listed below are just a few of the Things to Do in Italy.
If you’re looking for history, consider visiting Volterra, an ancient city that was part of Rome in 3 B.C. but remained part of the Florence region until 15 A.D. It’s one of the most beautiful cities in Italy, with medieval town squares reminiscent of Tuscany. It’s easy to spend a day in Volterra and enjoy the sights and culture it offers. This city also has plenty of outdoor activities.
Italian beaches
There are many reasons to visit an Italian beach. In January, most of the beaches are deserted. However, most people head to the beaches during the summer to sunbathe. This makes many beaches in Italy crowded, but still not as crowded as their American counterparts. Typically, much of the beachfront is leased to stabilimenti, which are private beaches with umbrellas for rent and amenities such as showers and bathrooms.
Some beautiful Italian beaches, including those in Puglia, face Greece. This beach is famous for its sand and is so popular that tourists have been caught stealing it. However, the appeal of Le Pelosa stretches beyond its shoreline. Its shallow waters are very inviting and warm early in the season. Children will enjoy swimming in these waters. There are even hotels on the beach, and some offer all-inclusive family options.
Aside from its sandy shores, there are also many UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Italy. In the south, the Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park is an interesting place to visit. The national park also contains ancient settlements, making it an ideal place to visit on holiday. A visit here is sure to leave you enthralled. There’s nothing quite like soaking up the beauty of this island in October.
The city of Ostia has several beaches, including Ladispoli, Terracina, and Capilano. The town is only half an hour from Rome, making it convenient to visit the town. The area has an authentic Italian beach vibe but is relatively safe for swimming. If you’re looking for a quiet beach, there are plenty of other options in the region. A half-hour train ride from Rome will take you to the beautiful beaches of this coastal town.
Despite its popularity, you may not find an ideal time to visit an Italian beach. However, June and September are reliable months for a beach holiday. Because of climate change, Italy’s summer season is now longer than it used to be. Therefore, although June may seem like a good time to visit a beach, it can be fickle and chilly for a week or two. Because of this, a safer option is to take your trip to the coast in September.