If you are planning a trip to Italy, you might be so focused on what you want to eat first, which heritage site you want to visit first, or which beach you want to swim in first, but what about which activity you want to do first? Italy is a playground for all types of travelers, and you will see exactly why, with the 10 best activities in Italy, you need to try.
If you fancy seeing Italy from a local’s perspective, you should get in touch with a local ‘Destination Expert’ who can make sure you are not missing out on all that Italy has to offer, especially when it comes to the main activities there are to do. Depending on which region of Italy you will be spending most of your time, some of these activities could fit in quite well to your itinerary, and perhaps you might even be inspired to add more time to your trip, just to get through them all. Whatever you decide, you will certainly have a lot of choices when it comes to keeping busy and having awesome adventures in this wonderful country.
So, let us inspire you!
Hiking Mount Vesuvius
If you are in search of the ultimate adventure, then this is for you. What could be a more adventurous and truly one-of-a-kind experience, than hiking to the crater of an active volcano? The Gran Cono or Big Cone is a circular route that allows you to get amazing views looking into the crater of Mount Vesuvius (1hour), while the Strada Matrone is a trail leading up the mountain, which then joins the Gran Cono trail (1.5hours). If you have the time and energy, why not give both of them a go, you will not regret it.
Go climbing in the Dolomites
If you are an avid climber, you will be in your element here, in the Dolomites region of Italy, which has a reputation of being one of the best rock-climbing regions in the whole world. There are countless via Ferrata and climbing routes here, so you will be in your element with the abundance of action going on in this haven for adventure seekers.
Take an Italian cooking class
Italy is the home of the pizza, and while you are here, you will no doubt be trying many of the different local foods on offer, so why not learn how to make them yourself. By doing a cooking class, you will get a great insight into Italian cuisine and culture as well as learn a great skill which you can then take home and share with your friends and family. The Italians know how to do food right, so you can rest assured that you are in the best hands.
This awesome tour incorporates all things food, even a cooking class.
Hike the Cinque Terre
There is a fantastic coastal hike that passes by each of the towns (Monterosso Al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore), as well as lemon and olive groves, which is an awesome adventure for families, honeymooners, or solo travelers. The villages are so picturesque, that it may take longer than anticipated when you take into account all the picture stops, but it will be so worth it. If you have time, try to divide the hike up into a few days, to see and do it all at your own pace.
Hop on a Gondola in Venice
This may sound very cliché, but it has to be done. You just cannot visit Venice without going on a real authentic gondola ride, which is the ultimate Italian experience. If you are a couple, you cannot get more romantic than this, it is a once-in-a-lifetime activity, so why not embrace it?
Go skiing in the Italian Alps
Italy may be famous for its fantastic beaches, rolling green hills, and heritage sites, but do not forget that it also has a section of the Alps, which makes it an ideal destination for winter sports enthusiasts. If you find yourself visiting Italy at the right time of the year, then you should take advantage of the great ski resorts of Cortina D’Ampezzo, Cervinia, Courmayeur, and Val Gardena, all of which are great options.
Scuba Dive the sunken city of Baia
Baia was an ancient Roman resort town, which was known for being the hub of wealthy Romans, who built villas there, and used this as a city escape to obtain freedom from the social restrictions of Roman society. It is because of the volcanic activity that surrounded it, that the once prestigious city collapsed into the ocean, and has now become a place that is famous for divers to discover.
It takes just a few minutes from Naples, by boat, to reach the Submerged Archeological City of Baia, which is sometimes referred to as the Italian Atlantis. If you get a chance to do this, you will mark it as a very memorable experience for sure, and you will be astounded by the incredible sights you will see below the sea.
Discover Rome by scooter
What is more Italian than riding around Italy’s capital city on a scooter? There are so many sights to see in Rome, and of course, you can do this on foot, but this is the authentic Italian way of getting around, and what better way to discover Italian sights than on an Italian scooter? There are plenty of scooter rental places, that have authentic Italian Vespas, ready for you to take on your Roman adventure, so if you happen to be in Rome and are looking for an awesome activity, then this is one to try!
Take a bike ride through the Tuscan hills
Tuscany is one of the most famous wine regions in Europe, and of course, the world, especially known for its green rolling hills, dotted with picturesque vineyards, which make it a perfect place for a scenic bike ride. It might be best to do some wine tasting after you’ve explored the region by bike!
Here is a Tuscan bike tour to inspire you.
Take a boat trip along the Italian Riviera
The beaches in Italy are out of this world, especially on the Italian Riviera, which has a total length of 350km/217miles, and crosses Genoa, Savona, Imperia, and La Spezia, so if you get the opportunity, why not see it all from the seaside. This region of Italy is world-famous for being the place where the rich and famous flock, so you can guarantee, that it is a place you will remember. You can hike along the Cinque Terre, which is a part of the riviera, however seeing it from a different perspective, while perhaps sipping on a glass of champagne and nibbling on some Italian delicacies, gives you a whole other experience to take home.
This one-day tour which includes the French and Italian Rivieras can be a great option to undertake, before your boat trip.
