I have been travelling to Italy quite a lot in the past year. That probably has to do with me moving to Munich last summer and since being so close to it. However, after my last trip in October 2020 to Florence and Tuscany, I followed with a week-long holiday in Rome, Naples, Capri and Sorrento. And let me tell you, it has been one of the best trips I have ever been on! So today I thought I would share with you my thoughts and tips on all places I have visited in Italy so far...
This will be a long one, I hope you don't mind.
South Tyrol / Dolomites
The first time I ever travelled to Italy, our trip started in the dolomites, to be exact in the area of Bolzano. Green parks (or a white paradise - depending on when you decide to visit), beautiful promenades, dolomite peaks in the distance - the walks in Bolzano in Italy are characterised by unique diversity and beauty. I honestly love this place so much and would recommend anyone to visit if you can. We stayed in the cutest little hotel with the nicest owners. Their breakfast was amazing and they are very helpful when you want to get some tips about activities in the area. We will definitely be back soon!
When you can and there is not too much snow you should definitely take a hike up the Seceda. These views are unforgettable. I believe there is also a cable car that will bring you halfway up there... But I also think that the hike is half of the fun!
Also, I loved Alpe di Siusi - a Dolomite plateau and the largest high-altitude Alpine meadow in Europe. We took a cable car all the way up and then went on a hike once we reached the top. To be honest, I was a bit scared of the height but after some encouraging words I got over it... so if you are scared of heights like me - give it a try anyway!
Tuscany
You just got to love Tuscany. After spending a few days in South Tyrol we went on to Tuscany. I think if you want to explore Italy by car it is best to stay away from big cities and focus on the beautiful landscape of Tuscany.
We actually stayed in a gorgeous Airbnb in the Chianti area and got to experience a wine tasting and vineyard tour that we also booked through Airbnb. I highly recommend you also look for activities and tours on the platform, not just for the next place to stay.
Florence
Florence was the third and final stop on our little road trip last fall. I must admit, driving into the centre was probably not the best idea but definitely... an experience! You really got to be careful when taking your car into inner Florence (or any major Italian city for that matter) as there sometimes will be limited traffic areas which you will need a special permit to enter (which of course we did not have). However, these areas suddenly appear out of nowhere, at least if you are not familiar with the city and I heard it can be quite costly if you get caught.
But all the adrenaline while driving was definitely worth it. I completely fell in love with Florence. The city is just beautiful. We got quite lucky as we went to visit Florence in the off-season so it was quite empty and the perfect opportunity to see all the important sights without being surrounded by tourists. We actually got to experience the Galleria dell'Accademia di Firenze and the famous Michelangelo's David statue all alone! There was literally nobody else in the museum and it was in the middle of the day! I highly suggest you book a ticket in advance though, especially in Covid times. You really shouldn't miss out on seeing this impressive work of art when you are in Florence.
Another must-see in Florence - Piazzale Michelangelo.
Have you ever seen one of those incredible pictures of Florence and the Duomo and wonder where it came from? The answer is Piazzale Michelangelo. Named after the famed Renaissance sculptor himself with a replica of David out of Bronze in the centre.
You can enjoy the view during the day or ideally at night. If the conditions are right you’ll see one of the world’s best sunsets.
Rome
Rome has truly stolen my heart. I think it is the most beautiful city I have seen in Italy so far. I visited it this summer - this time we flew into Italy and left the car at home. Reaching the city centre is quite easy from the airport. It is connected by many trains and you reach in around 30 to 60 minutes.
We stayed in a hotel in the Trastavere area and I already know that when I will come back I want to stay in the exact same area again, if not even in the same hotel. The hotel was quite simple but affordable, clean and the staff was great. However, Trastavere was the real star. The area really comes to life at night. There are countless bars and restaurants - aways from the typical touristy areas so you get to enjoy authentic Italian food. At the same time, it is within perfect walking distance to all major sights of Italy's capital.
I am not going to list you all the typical sights you need to see when you visit Rome, but I would like to suggest a more unusual place to visit. The Testaccio food market in the south of Rome is a must-see. We went there on our last day before continuing on to Naples and we are so glad we took the little detour. Packed with locals the food is just amazing!
Speaking of must-eats in Rome - you simply have to visit Giolitti for some ice cream. A well-known café and pastry shop, apparently the oldest ice cream place in Rome. Founded in 1890 and soon after they became the supplier of the Italian royal family. Like... what? It is still owned by the same family! Honestly, I never had better ice cream in my life. It is so creamy and rich and at the same time light - almost like a mousse but in ice cream form. It's almost a crime to leave Rome without experiencing Giolitti at least one time. The good news: they have loads of vegan options, too!
Naples
Naples is probably the most chaotic city I have experienced in Italy so far. Once we stepped out of the train from Rome we got hit by a literal sensory overload. So many smells, colours, people, sounds... everything! Even though it took a bit of getting used to the city really has its own charm. A very unique place, that will certainly leave a lasting impression and buzzes with energy. If you want a quiet and relaxing place, this is not for you. I loved the hustle and bustle but to be honest, I am glad we only stayed for two nights.
It was just a bit too much for me personally in the end. Also, the humidity was insane which made the almost 40 degrees celsius in the day even worse.
We used Naples as a starting point to visit Pompeii and Herculaneum, two major archaeological sights that you simply must visit! I loved Pompeii, simply because of its size. An incredibly impressive place. Herculaneum is the smaller site out of the two but is in incredible condition, even more than Pompeii. If you have the time you should see both. They are only about 20 minutes away from each other (by train or car!). However, I advise you to book a took in both places as this really gave us an insight into this extremely interesting place that we otherwise wouldn't have gotten. Without the tour, I think Pompeii would have only been 10% as impressive. Again, we booked ours through Airbnb! Also, this way you get to skip the long lines at the ticket counter!
Capri
We had to take a little day trip to Capri while travelling from Naples to Sorrento. So we booked a ferry in the early morning and made our way to this glamorous and famous island.
I really adored Capri once we got past the busy Port and loads of tourists. Don't get me wrong, wherever you turn in Capri there are tourists. However, the pretty streets of the centre and the breathtaking views of the top really make up for it and give you some space to breathe. However, the central port really is crazy busy. Not the relaxing and glamorous entrance I expected, but still worth a visit. I think Capri is the best when you have your own yacht (duh) or at least a high-class resort or hotel. Then you really get to see the relaxing side of the island. I would come again, but would definitely book a resort this time.
Sorrento
Rome is my fave city so far - but Sorrento has to be my fave coastal place. Such a calm and beautiful place right at the ocean. The hills and the architecture are simply breathtaking. Next time I will definitely stay longer in this paradise and use it as a base to visit Positano and Amalfi.
We only spend 24 hours in Sorrento but they were just perfect. We roamed the busy streets and markets in the centre most of the time. However, if you only have limited time in Sorrento I highly recommend you visit Bimonte Sorrento. A gorgeous jeweller and handmade workshop of Mediterranean cameos. Their pieces are beautiful genuine Italian cameos with gold or silver settings. I fell in love with their place and especially their history and their wonderful family.
Christian, part of the Family that completely runs the shop and produce the pieces by themselves, took his time to explain to me everything about this craftsmanship. I was looking for a ring and he was absolutely wonderful in helping me find the right cameo which meaning suits me and my personality the best. Because as he said, "don't choose the piece for its size or colour. Choose it so that its story fits you and what you want to tell the world about yourself". I absolutely loved his approach and you could tell how passionate he is about his art.
I will most certainly come back next time and buy another piece.. I cannot wait!
Have you been to Italy yet and what was your favourite place?
x Lisa
