5 Travel treasures to visit in stunning Italy
What's the first country that comes to your mind when you think of culture and culinary delights? For me, the answer is always Italy. Italy is a country with a history that dates back to thousands of years, with historical sites throughout the country. The country is well known for its cuisine. Eat your way through the country and experience the irresistible nature of Italy through these travel treasure locations in stunning Italy.
Where are the top hidden gem places worth a visit in Italy?
- 1. Ponte Vecchio, Florence
- 2. Cefalu, Sicily
- 3. Monteriggioni, Siena
- 4. Castel del Monte, Apulia
- 5. Trevi Fountain, Rome
1. Ponte Vecchio, Florence
Florence is my favourite city in Italy, a well known and well-travelled bridge the Ponte Vecchio is an important historical bridge that dates back to hundreds of years. The bridge has shops on both sides of it with a decree dating back to 1593 that states that goldsmiths and jewellers are the only types of shop allowed to sell on Ponte Vecchio.
The bridge is the centrepiece of the city. Ponte Vecchio has remarkable staying power as the bridge has been subject to many floods throughout the years. A true Firenze landmark.
✈️ Closest airport to Ponte Vecchio: Florence Airport (FLR)
🎨 Places to visit around the Ponte Vecchio: Uffizi Gallery, Palazzo Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria...
2. Cefalu, Sicily
Located on the toe of the big boot of Italy, Cefalu is a beach town on the island of Sicily. This sleepy beach town is off the beaten track and has a more relaxed feeling than the hustle and bustle of the bigger neighbouring city, Palermo.
Cefalu has an old medieval feel to it and is awash with traditional Italian houses and shops. The Cefalu Cathedral looms large over a town and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a walk through the old town and spend your day relaxing on the beach where you can engage in a refreshing dip in the ocean to recharge your travel battery.
✈️ Closest airport to Cefalu: Palermo Airport (PMO)
⛪ Places to visit around Cefalu: Cefalu Cathedral, La Rocca di Cefalù, Cefalu Beach...
3. Monteriggioni, Siena
Monteriggioni is a walled town in the middle of the Tuscany region. This region is well known in film and media for its beauty and authentic Italian feeling and outlook on life. A romantic trip to Tuscany is a must for all the lovers out there as the region radiates love and romance.
The walled town is a sight to behold and is a unique experience, the city still houses many structures built 700 years ago and was initially used as a defensive outpost for the region but subsequently has been established as a tourist attraction for young and old. The walled town has 14 guard towers along the walls to fend off any trespasser. Monteriggioni comes highly recommended.
✈️ Closest airport to Monteriggioni: Florence Airport (FLR)
🍷 What to do in Monteriggioni: Museo Delle Armature, Church of Saint Mary, wine tasting (don't miss the opportunity to taste the delicious local wines)...
4. Castel del Monte, Apulia
You might have travelled to Italy before or heard about how Europe is all about the history and the past, the old buildings that never change. All buildings look alike. Don’t fear, the Castel del Monte is near.
This unique structure is located in the Apulia region of southeast Italy. The castle was completed in 1240, almost 800 years ago and is a structure that is very different from the usual castle you have seen and heard about in Italy. Its perfect octagonal shape makes it a unique site not just in Italy, but also in the world. It is also an UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996.
✈️ Closest airport to Castel del Monte: Pescara Airport (PSR)
🏰 Places to visit around Castel del Monte: Castle of Rocca Calascio, Santo Stefano di Sessanio...
5. Trevi Fountain, Rome
Let us end this travel secrets list with a well-known tourist attraction in the capital city of Italy, the Trevi Fountain in Rome. Rome is one of the most visited cities in the world with a diverse array of unique historical attractions throughout the world. A traditional tourist area, but still worth the visit even for the most cynical of us.
The legend with the Trevi Fountain and its myth for wishes coming true only starts with the visitor tossing a coin with their right hand over their left shoulder, but with their back faced towards the iconic fountain. One coin signifies that you will return back to Rome, two coins would mean that you will meet someone and fall in love, and three coins will mean marriage.
✈️ Closest international airport to the Trevi Fountain: Rome–Fiumicino International Airport (FCO)
⛲ Places to visit around the Trevi Fountain: Via Del Corso, Spanish Steps, the Pantheon...
So now that you are aware of some of the many still hidden gems in this beautiful country, why not plan your holiday to Italy? Don't forget to check and compare our cheap international flight deals to Italy and book your flight ticket(s) on BudgetAir Australia.