Your Italian Bucket List: Seven Adventures for 2018
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With January fast approaching, it’s time to take the time and indulge in our desires, and for many of us, that desire is to travel, and to what better place than the stunning country of Italy? If you are looking for inspiration of where to go, then you’ve come to the right place, here are seven adventures for your Italian bucket list:
Majella National Park, Abruzzo
The natural world of the Majella National Park is untamed and untouched. With the wildness of the area and the breath-taking panoramic views, visitors are drawn back year after year. The heart and soul of Abruzzo boasts a rich and diverse range of animals and plants, as the fertile soils of the mountain range bring life to the areas around it. There are over 700 km of paths that lead walkers through the woodlands and past the rivers and gorges, all of which are dominated by the imposing mountains along the horizon.
Castellana Caves, Puglia
The Castellana Caves are one of the lesser known attractions of Puglia but are a natural wonder to be seen and should be at the top of your Italian bucket list! The tour takes you over 60 meters into the ground, where you will discover the incredible display of stalactites, stalagmites and concretions. It is a magical place, with unimaginable formations, fossils, canyons and caves. The museum is full of information about the geological significance of the 90-million-year-old site, as well as the findings and research that has taken place there.
Nuraghi Monuments, Sardinia
Some of the best-preserved remains of the Nuraghi civilisation can be found in Sardinia, and there are over 7000 examples! The bronze age people lived on the island over 3000 years ago and the structures, some of which are declared World Heritage by UNESCO, are claimed to have been used for defence against invasions, worship, meetings and housing. There are regular, guided tours of the most famous of the monuments, Su Naraxi di Barumini, one of the largest of the remains.
Beaches, Sicily
An Italy bucket list would not be complete without a trip to the golden sands and turquoise waters of the beaches of Sicily. With pristine, soft sands, enticing coastal roads, beautiful rock formations, caves and coves you are spoilt for choice! Whether you are searching for a remote and secluded bay or a city beach, Sicily has it all. Browse our luxury villas in Sicily, for the perfect base for your beach explorations.
Lake Trasimeno, Umbria
In the luscious green heart of Umbria is the stunning lake Trasimeno, the fourth largest in Italy. The idyllic setting is surrounded by the historic villages, rolling hills of farmland, vineyards and olive groves. For walking, fishing, biking, horseback riding or meandering on the lake watching the day go by, this is the place to be.
Gradara Castle, La Marche
For your fill of fairy-tale settings, a visit to the magical Gradara Castle is a must. As one of the best preserved medieval castles in the whole of Italy, you will be transported back in time as you enter the walled structure. Gradara is also famed for the culinary delights to be produced in the local area, with an abundance of olives, wines, meats and much more. Your taste buds will be as pleased as your eyes!
Leaning Tower of Pisa, Tuscany
As one of the most celebrated sites in the whole of Italy, the Leaning Tower of Pisa will not disappoint, and of course, you will be able to get that classic picture. The bell tower, with its recognisable lean, was built between 1174 and 1350. Visitors are invited to climb to the top of the tower to enjoy the incredible views and admire the delicate designs of the arches and columns on the way up.
What is on your Italian bucket list for 2018? We would love to hear where your dream destination is in the country and which attractions most appeal to you via our social media channels – let us know! If you are still searching for ideas of where to go and what to do, take a look at our 2017 bucket list for more inspiration!