Italy’s Always Calling Me Back. Here’s Why.

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve said, “Let’s go somewhere new,” and somehow ended up back in Italy. There are many reasons to visit Italy—it keeps pulling me in, and I know I’m not the only one. Sometimes I’m flying into Italy, other times I’m stepping off a cruise ship—but either way, I’m always happy to be back.

Besides the personal connection we have—my husband’s family is from Italy—I’m starting to think I might have a little Mediterranean blood in me, too. There’s just something about being there that feels right.

It’s a great choice for a first international trip. It feels easy to navigate, safe, and full of history, beauty, and food, making you wonder why you ever settled for less. Italians will feed you like family, shout “Mangia!” even when you’re full, and somehow convince you to eat more. And you’ll love them for it.

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We try to mix things up with our limited time off, but Italy always finds its way back onto the itinerary. Here are 10 real reasons I keep going back—and why you might start planning your return before your first trip is even over.

Let’s Talk About the Food—Because It’s That Good

This is a Tasty Itinerary, so we’re starting where it matters most: the food. If our flight to Italy was under six hours, we’d probably be there every other weekend just to eat.

Italian cuisine is legendary for a reason. Pizza, pasta, gelato, wine—it’s not just what’s on the plate, it’s how it’s made, how it’s served, and how much love is behind it. You’ll sit down to meals that make you question everything you’ve ever eaten back home. And yes, sometimes Nonna really is in the kitchen, cooking something unforgettable with ingredients from her own garden.

So why visit Italy? Honestly—for the food alone.

Every region brings something different to the table. We still talk about the buttered chicken from Trattoria Sostanza in Florence, the Neapolitan pizza in Naples, and the fresh tortellini we had in Bologna. That trip to Emilia-Romagna sealed it—this region really is Italy’s foodie capital.

And if you care about fresh, seasonal, mostly organic food? Italy makes it feel effortless.

If we had to give you just one reason to visit Italy, this would be it.

You’ll Learn More in Italy Than You Ever Did in History Class

Why visit Italy? Because history isn’t behind glass here—it’s all around you. From ancient ruins to iconic art, the past is woven into everyday life, especially in cities like Rome, where the streets feel like an open-air museum.

Rome, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is packed with landmarks like the Colosseum and the Pantheon. You can read about them in school, but standing inside the Colosseum? That’s something else. The scale, the weight of it, the way it makes time feel tangible—it stays with you.

Then there’s Pompeii, frozen in time by volcanic ash. Walking those streets, seeing the remnants of daily life from 2,000 years ago—it’s haunting in the best way. It gives context to everything you’ve ever skimmed over in a textbook.

But it’s not just Rome and Pompeii. Across Italy, you’ll stumble upon Roman amphitheaters, medieval towers, Etruscan tombs, and crumbling castles—often right in the middle of everyday life. History isn’t confined to a museum here; it’s part of the landscape.

You don’t just learn history in Italy. You feel it.

Italy Might Turn You Into an Art Lover

Art in Italy isn’t something you have to seek out—it’s everywhere. In churches, courtyards, fountains, piazzas, palaces, and even alleyways. Frescoes on ceilings. Sculptures tucked into corners. Details in architecture that stop you mid-walk.

Even if you’ve never considered yourself an art lover, that might change when you come face-to-face with Michelangelo’s David in Florence or stand beneath the Sistine Chapel ceiling in Vatican City. The scale of it all—The Creation of Adam, painted high above—leaves you speechless. Photos don’t prepare you for the real thing.

Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, is filled with the work of legends—Michelangelo, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci. The Uffizi Gallery alone is packed with masterpieces like The Birth of Venus and Annunciation, and the Bargello Museum gives you a glimpse of Michelangelo’s earlier work.

You’ll find Leonardo’s The Last Supper in Milan tucked inside the convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Seeing it in person feels surreal—like stepping into something you’ve only seen in textbooks.

The art in Italy isn’t just displayed. It’s part of the cities themselves—woven into walls, ceilings, and quiet corners you stumble across by chance.

You might arrive indifferent. But after a few days surrounded by centuries of creativity, you’ll walk away with a whole new appreciation.

The Architecture Will Stop You in Your Tracks

You don’t have to be an architecture buff to be completely taken in by Italy’s buildings. The mix of ancient ruins, grand cathedrals, cobblestone streets, and even sleek modern towers makes every city feel distinct—and full of surprises.

Take Florence. The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, or simply the Duomo, is one of the most impressive things you’ll ever lay eyes on. That red-tiled dome rising over the city? It’s massive, detailed, and somehow even more striking up close than in photos. You could stand there for an hour just taking it in. We have.

In Rome, history towers over you at every turn—from the Pantheon to St. Peter’s Basilica and, of course, the Colosseum. Venice brings Gothic drama with buildings like the Doge’s Palace, while Cinque Terre and Civita di Bagnoregio show off Italy’s cliffside charm and hilltop beauty. Even Milan and Turin have a modern edge, with sleek skyscrapers like the Unicredit Tower shaping their skylines.

And yes, there’s the Leaning Tower of Pisa—quirky, tilted, and instantly recognizable.

You just don’t see architecture like this anymore. The craftsmanship, the scale, the centuries of history layered into each detail—it all reminds you of what it means to create something meant to last.

In Italy, architecture isn’t just something you visit. It surrounds you, catches you off guard, and makes you stop mid-step just to look up.

Italians Know How to Live Life

There’s something about the Italian way of life that just feels different—in the best way. Time slows down a little. Meals are meant to be enjoyed, not rushed. Aperitivo is a daily ritual. Conversations last longer. Even the small things—like getting your morning espresso at the bar—feel intentional.

“Il dolce far niente.”
(The sweetness of doing nothing.)

Italians seem to have mastered the balance between work and enjoying life. They don’t just live to work. They prioritize family, food, rest, and time spent together. And once you experience it, you start to wonder why more of us don’t do the same.

It’s not about being on vacation—it’s about the culture itself. That sense of ease, joy, and presence is something you can feel from the big cities to the smallest towns.

By the end of your trip, don’t be surprised if you’re trying to bring a little bit of la dolce vita home with you.

Italy Just Feels Romantic

There’s something about Italy that brings out your soft side—whether you’re on a honeymoon, celebrating an anniversary, or just in the mood for a little magic.

Rome has its glow. Strolling past the Colosseum, tossing a coin in the Trevi Fountain, sharing pasta at a little trattoria—it sets the mood. Florence turns every corner into a Renaissance painting. We celebrated our 10-year wedding anniversary there (10 years ago!) and hired a photographer to capture us as we walked through the historic streets of Florence.

Verona leans all the way into romance with its ties to Romeo and Juliet. You can stand under Juliet’s balcony, visit her home, and even leave a letter asking for relationship advice. It’s cheesy in the best way.

You’ll also spot locks of love throughout Italy—clipped to bridges, gates, and even the occasional lamppost in major cities. They’re tiny symbols left behind by couples, each one carrying a quiet little story of its own.

Venice feels like it was built for love. A quiet gondola ride, a walk through St. Mark’s Square, or a dinner on the water—you can’t help but lean in. And along the Amalfi Coast, those cliffside towns and sweeping sea views do most of the work for you.

We also visited the official Baci chocolate shop in Perugia—Baci translates to “kisses,” which somehow makes it feel even more romantic. It was a small moment, but one of those that just sticks with you.

And then there’s Cortona, the hilltop town made famous by Under the Tuscan Sun. Walk its streets, and it’s easy to see why it inspired one of the most wanderlust movies set in Italy.

Even if you’re not there for a romantic getaway, Italy has a way of pulling you in. It’s easy to fall in love—with someone else, with the place, or with the moment you’re in.

Italy Is for Wine Lovers (Even Casual Ones)

If wine’s your thing, you already know Italy belongs on your list. Chianti, Barolo, Brunello di Montalcino—some of the world’s best wines come from here. But even if you’re just wine-curious, Italy makes it easy to fall into it.

Book a tasting. Wander through a vineyard. Chat with the winemakers. You’ll learn how much care goes into every bottle—and honestly, it’s kind of hard not to be pulled in by the passion behind it all.

Tuscany is one of the top spots for this. You could easily build an entire trip around its rolling hills, sun-soaked vineyards, and all the reds you can sip. But you’ll find great wine everywhere—from tiny family-run cellars to countryside estates that feel like a dream.

Even if you’re not big on wine, the experience itself is worth it. And if you are, you’re in for a treat.

Every Region Feels Like a New Trip

Most people start with Rome, Florence, or Venice—and those cities are absolutely worth visiting. But Italy is so much more than just the “big three.”

Each region feels like its own world. The food, the wine, the landscape, even the pace of life—it all shifts as you travel. You could visit Italy again and again and never have the same trip twice.

Spend your days beach-hopping in Sardinia or Puglia. Head north to ski in the Alps or hike the Dolomites. Soak up the countryside in Tuscany, explore cities like Milan and Naples, or find smaller gems like Cortona that completely surprise you.

And then there’s Sicily. It feels like a whole country—with layered history, bold flavors, and views that stop you in your tracks. On our last trip, we did the Godfather tour and visited Savoca, a tiny hillside village where scenes from the movie were filmed. Then we made our way to the coastline of Taormina, which is just as stunning in real life as it looks in photos.

We still talk about the cannoli and arancini we had there—simple, authentic, and unforgettable. Sicily definitely left its mark.

Italy’s not a one-and-done kind of place. It keeps pulling you back because there’s always something new to see, taste, and experience.

Shopping in Italy? You’re Going to Want an Extra Bag

If you love to shop, Italy makes it very easy to justify. From luxury fashion houses in Milan to handmade olive wood spoons in a Tuscan village, there’s always something tempting to bring home.

Florence is where we always stock up on leather goods—wallets, bags, belts. They last forever and age beautifully. We’ve even bought a leather carry-on just to bring everything home. No regrets.

Then there are the hand-painted ceramics, the local soaps, the jewelry you spot in a market stall that ends up being your favorite thing.

The open-air markets are part of the fun. You’ll see locals picking up produce for dinner while you’re debating which cutting board or handmade pasta tool to squeeze into your suitcase.

And with new U.S. tariffs going into effect, shopping in Italy might actually save you money on some of those luxury items.

Italians Make You Feel at Home

Italians are some of the warmest, most welcoming people you’ll meet. They love to feed you, help you find your way, and make sure you’re enjoying their country.

Even if you don’t speak Italian, they’ll find a way to connect. We’ve had full conversations with kind strangers despite only knowing a fraction of the language (my husband speaks a bit more), and somehow, it always works. Smiles, gestures, patience—it’s all part of the exchange.

Once in Lucca, the smell of freshly baked focaccia pulled us into a tiny bakery. A local saw us struggling with the menu and stepped in without hesitation, insisting we try the focaccia and helping us order a sandwich. They were just happy to share the food they loved.

Many Italians speak English, but we always recommend learning a few basic phrases. It’s a small sign of respect—and usually appreciated.

If you’re looking for a place where you’ll feel like more than just a tourist, Italy has a way of making you feel at home.

BEFORE YOU TRAVEL TO ITALY, CHECK OUT THESE RELATED READS:

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