I visited 21 Italian cities and towns. I want to come back to four of them, and two I don't want to watch anymore
Italy occupies a special place in my heart, which is why I still find excuses to go back.
I have been there three times since 2016. During my studies I spent four months in Florence. Thanks to a well -developed transport system, I visited 21 cities and towns, most often traveling by trains.
Some of these places made a huge impression on me, others left some unsatisfied. Here are four Italian cities, to which I will come back with joy and two, which I will miss next time.
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There are plenty of things to do in Florence
Since I lived in Florence in 2016, I have returned there twice. It is hard not to love this city, the capital of the Tuscany region. If someone goes there for the first time, I recommend booking at least four full days to see museums and local fairs.
I love the Agricultural Market in Santo Spirito. You can buy freshly baked sweets, local vegetables and fruits and search for something at vintage clothes.
I also like to take take -out ice cream and climb Michelangelo's piazzale to see the sunset. On cooler evenings, it is worth visiting the church of St. Mark. You can watch the opera live at an affordable price.
Sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo
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Tomasz Koryl / Shutterstock
Outside the city, I recommend riding on the Tuscan Hills, pasta workshops and a trip to local vineyards.
In Verona I felt like a fairy tale
I fell in love with Verona during my first visit to 2016. The city seemed to me charming, intimate and perfect for walking walks.
It is here that the action of the famous “Romeo and Julia” Shakespeare takes place. Tourists often visit the house of Julia, from which the balcony can be spent to those standing below.
Julia's balcony in Verona
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Sgtelias / shutterstock
During my stay, I accidentally came to Club di Giulietta, a group of volunteers who are called Julia's secretaries. They receive thousands of letters from around the world addressed to Julia, sort them by languages and write back manually.
I spent a few hours there, reading letters and writing answers. It was the most beautiful moment of my visit to Verona.
The city works great as the goal of one -day trip, especially if someone has a tight graphic designer.
Catania in Sicily is a must
If you plan to visit Sicily, Katania should be on the list. The city is located at the foot of Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe.
Katania and the view of Etna
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Sean Pavone / Shutterstock
The volcano is of great importance for local tourism, architecture and wine production. The guides offer hiking on its outskirts when it stays sleep. Churches, squares and roads are built of volcanic stone.
The culinary and wine climate of Sicily is another reason to visit this region. Volcanic ash enriches the soil, thanks to which the local vineyards give fantastic wine.
Cinque Terre is a paradise for hiking lovers
Cinque Terre is five seaside towns located on the northwestern coast of Italy.
Although all places are connected by a railway line, a popular attraction is a walking between them. I recommend starting in southern Riomaggiore and head north. The views are amazing.
Riomaggiore
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Surratwadee Rattanajarupak / Shutterstock
Cinque Terre is a great place if you want to rest in a colorful environment, immerse yourself in traditional Italian culture or visit five charming villages in one day.
Naples? It is better to choose other pearls of southern Italy
Friends travelers warned me that Naples could disappoint, but I decided to check it myself. I visited the city twice last year, sleeping on opposite sides of the metropolis.
The Neapolitan pizza did not actually disappoint, but moving on foot around a vast, hilly city was quite troublesome.
The metro worked efficiently, but it was also a greedy morsel for pickpockets. After I saw them in action a few times, I decided to give up traveling by train after dark. Effect? A lot of expenses for taxis after evening outings.
Metro in Naples
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Domenichini giuliano / shutterstock
If I am to be in the south of Italy, I definitely prefer to jump to the Amalfitan coast or to other nearby places.
See also: The creators of “Emily in Paris” were wrong. We were with our family in Rome and Krakow. The Polish city wins
Venice? Enough once
Venice impresses with architecture and famous glass craft.
Unfortunately, the food did not kidnap me, and prices for souvenirs, meals or attractions were noticeably higher than in other Italian cities.
Although the architecture is unusual, narrow, winding streets hindered orientation and intensified the impression of crowds.
Venice
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Kirk Fisher / Shutterstock
In addition, you need a tourist fee on some days to explore. Given the costs, difficulties in movement and the need for prior planning, I will not return to Venice again.
The above text is a translation from the American Business Insider edition
