0 Top 10 of the Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Australia

The land from down under is a traveller’s dream. Popular with both backpackers and holidaymakers, most visit here to tick off the famous sights as well as experiencing the famous laid back Ozzie lifestyle. Blessed with an eye-watering amount of uniquely beautiful landscapes, Australia’s top 10 most beautiful places to visit are not easy picking, but here we’ve tried our best.. Here are my personal picks for the top 10 of the most beautiful places to visit in Australia.

1. Phillip Island

The island is along Australia’s southern road near Melbourne it covers 10,000 hectares and from its 101 km coastline Bass Straits is the most beautiful with picture perfect beaches. The island’s undulating terrain has mangrove flats, wetlands and bush. Perhaps Phillip Island’s beauty comes from the resident fairy penguins which walk from the sea to their burrows at sun down, the fur seals which sun themselves on the island’s rocks, the koalas in the conservation center or the countless birds and natural wildlife which inhabits the island.

2. Great Ocean Road

This incredibly scenic coastal road takes you from Torquay to Warrnambool in Victoria passing by many attractions including the famous Twelve Apostles – a series of limestone formations which jut out of the sea. Also located here are other interestingly shaped rocks like the Loch Ard Gorge, the Grotto, London Arch and Island Archway. See the villages like the quaint fishing village Port Fairy, Apollo Bay and Queenscliff with Victorian architecture. There are a range of activities along the way like wine tasting and sea sports.

3. Uluru and the Red Centre

Another of the famous sights, this is a giant red colored rock with a distinct shape which rises out of the flat desert plains of central Australia near Alice Springs within the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. This area is called the Red Center of Australia and it is the heart of the country. The iconic rock is 348 meters high has deep cultural significance to the Aborigine people and you can take a tour with one of the local Aborigines to learn more about the meaning of this spiritual sight. Make sure you stay for sunset when the rock dramatically changes colour as the daylight fades.

4. Sydney Harbor

This is a very beautiful man-made site in Australia and one where most visitors start and end their journey to Oz. The 240 km long shoreline of Sydney harbor is lined with parklands and gardens. The bright blue water with white sailing boats afloat is set off by the background of the esthetically shapes Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbor Bridge. See this tranquil sight from a ferry boat tour or from the top of the Sydney Tower. Consider starting your major tour of the rest of the country here or find cheap weekend breaks in Sydney for a short-stop stay.

5. Great Barrier Reef

This is the most beautiful coral reef in the world and definitely a must see when you visit Australia. It’s a system of 3000 reefs and coral cays sprinkled with islands stretched across 300km along the Queensland coast. It is one of the seven natural wonders of the world, a huge living thing inhabited by thousands of brightly colored tropical fish. The reefs marine life includes sea turtles, dolphins and mollusks. You can see the Great Barrier Reef from a boat, snorkelling, diving and also from a small airplane if you’re brave enough.

6. Blue Mountains

Only a couple of hours from Sydney this World Heritage site is one of untouched rainforests, steep cliffs, fresh water springs, waterfalls and undulating forest. The mountains are populated by small villages each with their own charm. The peaceful atmosphere above can be felt from the highland mountains and from within the rainforests while walking along one of the scenic skyways. You can also get a breathtaking view from the cable car or railway which travels up and down the mountain slopes.

7. Cape Byron

Located near the hippy mecca Byron Bay, is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Australia, Cape Byron. It’s the most easterly point on the continent and the cape which protrudes into the ocean is known for its historic lighthouse constructed in 1901. The cape has rainforest, rough cliffs and parklands which can be walked as you gaze out at the spectacular sea views from Captain Cook Lookout or Wategos Beach. Seeped in Aboriginal and European history this isolated point where sea meets land creates heavenly views. The Cape is also a good place to spot migrating whales if you time your visit right.

8. Barossa Valley

The wine lands of Australia are situated near to Adelaide, through the valley winds the Barossa Valley Way passing several quaint villages and respected wine producing vineyards. The beauty of this area is the deep rich colors of the vinyards set against the colors of the trees, grass and surrounding mountains. Of course a little wine tasting doesn’t hurt either. The Barossa Valley was included in Oprah Winfrey’s Ultimate Australian Adventure.

It’s impossible to list every beautiful place in Australia and other’s you should include on your list are The Whitsunday Islands (a collection of islands off the central coast of Queensland), the pearling town of Broome in Western Australia, the pristine wilderness which is Kangaroo island, the unspoilt island of Tasmania and Cape Tribulation – where the lush green rainforest meets white sandy beaches. Enjoy your adventure!

9. Kakadu National Park

Right at the top of Australia near Darwin the park covers almost 20,000km² through it runs 4 rivers, there are lowlands, rock cliff formations, expansive floodplains, tidal flats, estuaries, hills and valleys. Living in the park are many birds, fish, mammals, reptiles and insects along with the many plants and trees. The park’s beauty comes from the diversity of landscapes and colorful contrasts along with the shear expanse of the natural surroundings. You can camp out in the park to get the full experience or the less adventurous can stay in nearby low cost holiday apartments.

10. Fraser Island

This island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is both stunningly beautiful and culturally significant. The island is almost other-wordly with long stretches of white sandy beaches, sand cliffs and vibrantly colored lakes which come in shades of blue, brown and green. The island also has rainforests and incredible sand dunes, it is divided from the mainland by wetlands which are vibrantly colored with every shade of green. The best way to visit is to hire a four-by-four and bring your camping equipment. Although be aware (especially if you have a family) Dingo’s roam free on the island.

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0 Top 10 Most Beautiful Places in UK

The UK is home to some of the most interesting and beautiful landscapes in the world. Whether you are looking for romantic parks, wild and rugged wildernesses or an idyllic peaceful backwater, Great Britain seems to have it all. So If you’re a native or planning a trip, here are my top 10 most beautiful places to visit in UK:

1. Llanberis Pass, North Wales

LLanberis village is located in the popular Snowdonia National Park in Wales. Nearby, twin lakes cut through a vast mountain range creating the ‘Llanberis Pass’. The Lllanberis Pass is a truly impressive place noted for its wild and rugged beauty and well as its extraordinary tranquility. The unique glaciated valley and world class climbing spot is extremely popular with drivers, ambitious rock climbers and photographers.

2. The Jurassic Coast, East Devon to Dorset

A world heritage site which can be found on the southern coast of England and easily one of the most beautiful places to visit in UK. The 140 million year old Jurassic coast, voted the 5th greatest natural wonder in Britain, is a popular tourist destination. The area is home to both the natural limestone arch of Durdle Door – the coast’s most photographed landmark and Lulworth Cove – one of the finest coves in England. The Jurassic coast is also used for many film scenes including the big screen adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s novel ‘Far from the Madding Crowd’ and ‘Wilde’ starring Stephen Fry.

3. Cambridge, Cambridgeshire

The university town of Cambridge epitomises quintessential Englishness and here punting on the river and sipping Pimms on the perfectly manicured lawn is an enduring local summer pastime. The beautiful buildings are well preserved and the timeless city seems straight out of the scene form the 1950s – the preppy look seems de rigueur and most people travel everywhere by bicycle. Try the omnipresent punting as one of the most romantic ways to see the main historical highlights.

4. Richmond Park, South West London

A place where most Londoners go to get their green space fix, historical Richmond Park is a 2,500 acre site of special scientific interest. Originally established by Charles I in 1637 as a hunting area, the park with its ornamental gardens, ancient oaks and 600 red and fallow deer roaming freely, still manages to retain a medieval feel. A very popular spot especially in summer, locals and out-of-towners come here for summer picnics, quiet walks, lazy scenic drives and of course, obligatory deer watching.

5. Hope Valley, Peak District

The Peak District is the second most visited national park in the world. The area is characterised by wild rugged landscapes, pretty villages, grand historic houses and dark caverns. Hope Valley is a large area in the centre of the national park which offers unusual and dramatic landscapes and some of the most beautiful scenery in the England. In the pretty village Castleton – also known as the ‘Gem of the Peak’ – you will find traditional stone Peak District Cottages, an imposing mountain, show caves and an atmospheric ruined Norman castle. The nearby ancient village of Hathersage has associations with both the legend of Robin Hood and Charlotte Bronte’s famous novel Jane Eyre and also makes for an interesting stop.

6. Glen Nevis, Scotland

Arguably one of the country’s most dramatic landscapes, Glen Nevis is an exceptionally beautiful part of the United Kingdom. The stretch of ancient unspoilt scenery, overlooked by Ben Nevis (Britain’s highest mountain), is perfect for peaceful walking and truly getting away from it all. This area is also great for wildlife watching and film location visiting – many key scenes from Braveheart, Rob Roy and Harry Potter were shot here. In fact all of the Scottish Highlands are outstandingly beautiful and if possible you should take your time to explore its clear lochs, ancient castles and unspolit coastline.

7. Giants Causeway, Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland’s only Unesco World Heritage site, Giant’s Causeway is an intriguing beauty spot and a popular tourist haunt. With a large area of coastline covered in neatly arranged stone columns it’s easy to see why this unique natural wonder is surrounded by mythical legends. The Antrim coast is also popular for cliff top walks – it offers some of the finest and atmospheric cliff scenery in Europe.

8. Polperro, South East Cornwall

The southwest counties are especially popular with holidaymakers, but tourism still hasn’t managed to spoil the chocolate box pretty villages that reside here. Polperro (located in South East Cornwall) with its narrow winding streets and cottages perched on steep slopes overlooking a tiny harbour is everyone’s idea of a picturesque Cornish fishing village. Sheltered from time and tide in a cliff ravine, Polperro is often cited as the prettiest village in Cornwall – which given the competition is quite an accolade.

9. Lake District, North West England

The Lake District is a mountainous region in North West England and a very popular holiday destination. Most visitors flock to the tourist areas of Keswick, Windermere and Kendal but also consider but the deepest lake in England – Wastwater. It’s the most remote lake but many believe it’s easily worth the extra effort to get to. Once voted Britain’s ‘favourite view’ Wastwater is hemmed in by some of the highest peaks in England and surrounded by some of the Lake District’s most impressive scenery.

10. Little Venice, London

The affluent district of South Maida Vale is is interspersed with picturesque waterways and the area where the Grand Union and Regent’s Canals meet is affectionately known as Little Venice.  The London backwater idyll is dotted with colourful houseboats, waterside pubs and some superb restaurants – a peaceful oasis in an otherwise very busy city. Take a walk along the tow path, picnic along the banks or charter a narrowboat for a perfect afternoon out.

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0 Top 10 Most Beautiful Places In Turkey

There is far more to Turkey than the packed holiday resorts. Explore the sights away from the crowds to find ancient architecture and some extraordinary landscapes. From snow-like natural wonders to hippy beach retreats here is my choice for top 10 most beautiful places in Turkey:

1. Cappadocia
Cappadocia is a stunning region of rock formations, subterranean churches and underground cities, the scale of which is simply overwhelming. There are hundreds of underground buildings in the region. Two of the most unmissable are Kaymakli, which has eight levels, and Derinkuyu, which descends some 55 metres. Nevsehir, the capital of Cappadocia, is a great place to base yourself when visiting. The surrounding area is a popular trekking route amid the breathtaking and alien rock formations called Peri Bacalari or ‘Fairy Chimneys’ – easily one of the most beautiful places to visit in Turkey.

2. Pamukkale
Few people can ever say that they’ve seen snow at 40C. A hot spot on the backpacking trail and one of Turkey’s most impressive natural wonders, the Pamukkale mineral spa, translated as ‘cotton castle.’ Stunning white terraces of calcium-rich warm waters spring up from the earth and cascade over low cliffs, forming the crisp, snow-like landscape.

3. Fethiye
Fethiye is a very traditional Turkish market town that is spread around a beautiful natural harbour on a wide bay. It is a big centre for scuba diving and sailing on a stunning piece of natural coastline. Fethiye has a very traditional lifestyle and offers a change of pace for travellers always on the go. The most famous beach in Turkey is Olu Deniz (Dead Sea) near Fethiye, a serene lagoon beach with turquoise waters – a far cry from the arid and rugged areas to the south.

4. Istanbul
One of the most ancient cities in the world, Istanbul at times overshadowed even ancient Rome, serving as capital first to Byzantine and then to the Ottoman Empire. At every turn in the city you fall over beauty. It teems with Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman palaces, mosques, churches, monasteries, monuments, walls, and ruins. The Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the mosques of Süleymaniye and the Blue Mosque dominate the skyline.

5. Ankara
Ruggedly and rustically beautiful, Ankara is the capital of Turkey. It is the country’s second largest city after Istanbul and the centre of Turkish government. It has historically been a vital and much fought-over crossroads of trade. The city was famous for its long-haired Angora goat and its prized wool mohair. The historical centre of Ankara is situated upon a rocky hill, which rises 150 metres above the plain on the left bank of the tributary of the Sakarya river.

6. Ephesus
This once thriving ancient Greek city has seen it all and lived to tell the tale. A major Roman site on the west coast of Asia Minor, near present-day Selçuk, it was one of the twelve cities of the Ionian League during the Classical Greek era. Famed for housing the Temple of Artemis in 550 BC, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, Ephesus now houses some of the finest examples of classical architecture to be found in the region.

7. Antalya
Antalya is best known as being the Turkish Riviera and is the most stunning part of Turkey’s Mediterranean coastline. It is a blend of thriving modern city and ancient history on your doorstep, boutique hotels, and restored Ottoman mansions. Heading up into the mountains, you can make the most of the beautiful scenery by visiting the spectacular Düden or Kursunlu waterfalls.

8. Temple of Hadrian
The facade of this ancient and wondrous temple has four Corinthian columns supporting an exquisite curved arch, the middle of which contains a relief of Tyche, the goddess of victory. Although the carvings are replicas, with the originals in Ephesus, the quality and setting transport you back in time. The pedestals with inscriptions in front of the temple are the bases for the statues of various emperors, while inside the temple above the door a human figure, probably Medusa, stands with ornaments of acanthus leaves.

9. Patara
Patara was once the major naval and trading port of Lycia, located at the mouth of the Xanthos river. Now it is a wide, stunning smile carved on to the landscape of Turkey. This bohemian beach retreat is also an incredibly biologically diverse national park rich in birdlife. It sits not far from the sites of Letoon and Xanthos, and a day trip from Kalkan, Kas or Fethiye. Beautiful 12 km-long Patara Beach, voted one of the top beaches in the world by Times Online, is an easy 10- to 15-minute stroll away from the major ruins at Patara.

10. Alanya
Alanya is a paradise of sun, sea and sand. If you want more of the cultural vibrancy of Turkey, Alanya is a beautiful place to start. It works as a great holiday centre with its pristine sandy beaches, modern hotels, and quality fish restaurants. The cafes that ring the harbour are popular gathering places for tourists and locals, with three blue flag beaches and many sights, including Damlatas Cave, the Archaeology and Ethnography Museum, and the Dim Çayi Valley.

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0 Top 10 Most Beautiful Places in Spain

With its sunny climate and thousands of years of history and culture, Spain is a dream travel destination for many. Although with vast landscapes, world-famous coastline and wide stretches of mountain ranges it’s hard to know where to start. Here are ten of the most beautiful places to visit in Spain chosen by published travel writer and author of the Frommer’s guide to Seville, Granada and the Best of Andalusia, Jeremy Head. Here are my personal picks for the top 10 most beautiful places in Spain.

1. Stunning natural scenery – Picos de Europa

Spain’s natural scenery – from the sandy coastline to the vast plains – is constantly surprising, but the lofty peaks of the Picos de Europa mountain ranges are without doubt the most spectacular. Craggy mountain peaks, verdant valleys and raging rivers combine to make this chunk of northern Spain perfect hiking and adventure territory – whitewater rafting and snowshoeing are particular favourites.  There’s heaps of wildlife too including the endangered Cantabrian Brown Bear and wolves.

2. Plaza de Espana – Seville

The majestic capital of the Andalusia region, Seville is stuffed with beautiful sights and is wonderfully atmospheric. The Plaza de Espana was designed by local architect Anibal Gonzalez for the great 1929 Ibero-American Exhibition that was held in the city and virtually bankrupted it. It’s a feast of ornate colourful towers and colonnades decorated with tiles and motifs. At its centre there’s a huge fountain and canals which visitors can float along on on hired pedalos. It’s such a striking place that it often features in movies – most notably Star Wars Episode 2 – Attack of the Clones.

3. Gaudi’s Masterpieces – Barcelona

The proud capital of the Catalunia region, Barcelona has heaps to offer the visitor – great nightlife, shopping and beaches. But it’s the phantasmagoric buildings created by legendary architect Gaudi that are by far the biggest stars of the show. The still unfinished La Sagrada Familia with its amorphous spindly towers and oddly shaped buttresses and roof is the most visited of his creations. Although his residential buildings like the Casa Mila are also wonderful as are his more playful statues and benches in the popular Park Guell.

4. The Cathedral – Santiago de Compostela

Spain’s many vast Gothic cathedrals are testament to the country’s long-held Christian traditions. Perhaps the most spellbinding is the vast one at Santiago de Compostela. It’s a huge building smothered in Baroque swirls, statues and stalagmites. Possibly the most remarkable vista is the Western facade which forms the main entrance, accessed by a magnificent quadruple flight of stairs. The cathedral is also the final destination of the thousands of pilgrims who walk the Way of St James trail each year.

5. Volcanic Views – Mount Teide Tenerife

A couple of hours south by plane from the Spanish mainland, the Canary Islands are far closer to African shores than European ones and their natural landscape is radically different. Much of the land is volcanic, with steep slopes and dark grey sands on the beaches. At the centre of Tenerife – the most popular of the Canary Islands – stands the mighty Mount Teide a vast snow-capped volcano. It’s great hiking territory and at this altitude the scenery is almost moon-like. There’s a cable car to the summit and the views from up here out towards the other Canary Islands shouldn’t be missed.

6. Roman Remains – Segovia

The Romans ruled Spain for over 700 years and there are reminders of their presence all over the country. Perhaps the most remarkable, is the wonderfully preserved aqueduct at Segovia in central Spain. It was used by the ancient Romans to bring water to the city. A double-height set of graceful arches, it’s 2950 feet long and it’s held together just by the weight of gravity on the carefully carved blocks that comprise it. There is no mortar whatsoever. With its 167 arches, at its highest point, it reaches almost 900 feet high – an incredible feat of engineering.

7. City of Arts and Sciences – Valencia

Spain has its share of outstanding historical architecture, but it’s also looking firmly towards the future for many of its building projects of more recent years. The wonderful curves of the Guggenheim museum have really put Bilbao on the map, but it’s the City of Arts and Sciences designed by the wonderfully exuberant Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava that is the pinnacle of modern architecture in Spain. His amorphous, buildings in stark white are a feast of odd angles and unusual shapes at any time of the day, but they look particularly spectacular when floodlit at night.

8. Beautiful Beaches – Formentera

Spain has over 5000 miles of coastline and bright sunny days for much of the year, so it’s unsurprising that it’s a beach Mecca. From jam-packed tourist beaches to deserted stretches of virgin sand there’s a beach for just about everyone. Some of the most unspoilt and ultra-white are found on the shores of the Balearic Island of Formentera. The island is located in the Mediterranean Sea and only a couple of hours by boat from the mainland. Ses Illetes is a long curve of white sand, backed by soft dunes with shallow ultramarine seawater lapping its fringes.

9. Pueblos Blancos – Andalucia

The white villages that dot the rugged hillsides in central Andalucia seem to almost defy gravity in places. Formerly farming villages, many fell into disrepair as the younger generation headed to the cities in search of work. Now locals and overseas visitors alike have rediscovered their charm, and the narrow streets, whitewashed houses, pretty old churches and flower-strewn squares have been restored. Particularly lovely villages include Grazalema, Vejer de la Frontera and Arcos de la Frontera.

10. The Alhambra – Granada

The stunningly ornate Moorish palace, the Alhambra, is one of Spain’s most visited monuments and it’s not hard to see why. A sprawling complex of palaces surrounded by ornate gardens perched atop of a hill with the snowy peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountains behind, it’s in a spectacular location. The interior is similarly beautiful with romantic intricate Moorish-style decoration around peaceful courtyards contrasting with the powerfully simplistic lines of later vast Baroque additions.

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0 Top 10 Most Beautiful Places in Italy

It’s amazing how many Italians opt not to go abroad for their holidays. When I taught English in Rome I used to ask my students why they didn’t visit other countries. They simply replied: “Why would we? We have incredible culture, the best beaches and mountains to go skiing in the winter!” Italy is undoubtedly beautiful and I feel privileged to have spent 3 years of my life there. It’s a unique country where you are just as likely to find beauty in a quiet cobbled backstreet or a traditional trattoria than in its stunning beaches or extraordinary countryside. Using my experience of living in Italy I have compiled a list of ten places I feel are worth visiting. Some will be obvious, others maybe not so. Here is my personal list of top 10 most beautiful places in Italy:


1. Sardinia

This large island just off the coast of Italy is a favoured holiday spot for Italians and rich footballers. Most of the time it’s a quiet and relaxing island but popular areas can get very busy in the summer so you will need to book early to get the best places. To reach Sardinia you can sail into or land at Alghero, Cagliari or the port town Olbia. The whole island is beautiful and compared to many holiday islands resorts in Europe it remains relatively unspoilt. There are certainly no high rise concrete hotels here – even the resort areas are surprisingly tasteful. I would personally recommend Sant’antioco and San Pietro as these are the most remote and traditional areas. Sardinia’s coastline is world renowned and you won’t have to search far for amazing beaches and clear water. It isn’t a cheap island but it’s definitely worth a visit.

2. Puglia

A strange inclusion some might say. To be honest I hadn’t really considered Puglia until I discovered ‘Il Collegio Holidays’. The company was featured on Channel 4's Grand Designs in 2004 and they offer visitors a chance to stay in a beautiful villa in Masseria Impisi. It’s marketed as an art holiday although even if you are hopeless at drawing (like me) you still could enjoy the wonderful scenery that the Adriatic coast offers. This part of Italy is perfect for those wishing to sample a genuine taste of the real Italy as well as the fabulous blue sea and beaches. Other reasons to visit this region are the excellent cuisine, beautiful baroque towns and picturesque olive groves and orchards.

3. Venice

Venice is one of the most famous cities in Italy and one that’s built on water. It’s also often classed as one of the world’s most romantic travel destinations. In the middle of the city you will find the grand square ‘Piazza San Marco’ where the even more impressive basilica resides (it’s rumoured that Napoleon called the square the drawing room of Europe). If you’re a culture seeker you’ll be spoilt for choice here, Venice has the world’s most artistic masterpieces per square kilometre and there are numerous churches, museums, and palaces worth visiting. One highlight is the Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri) which is an enclosed bridge that passes over the Rio di Palazzo. If you’re a romantic type and want to try a gondola just remember to take plenty of money – you will be charged a small fortune for the privilege. Also try to avoid Venice in summer where the crowds can get unbearable.

4. Sorrento & The Amalfi Coast

This coastline should be on everyone’s list of beautiful places to visit in Italy. The most famous area is the resort Sorrento where you’ll find the addictive liqueur limoncello and plenty of great wine. The city can also be used as a base to visit Pompeii, this is the town which was buried by Mount Vesuvius’ volcanic eruption back in 79AD. Further along the rugged coast you will find the picturesque and affluent town of Positano and the town of Amalfi. The Amalfi Coast offers one of the world’s greatest coastal drives so be sure to hire a car if you can. I would also recommend taking a boat from Sorrento to the island of Capri. On Capri you can take a trip to the gorgeous Blue Grotto – a sea cave that is flooded with a brilliant blue or emerald light. Just be warned the Amalfi Coast area gets very busy in the summer.

5. Milan

Milan is one of Europe’s richest cities and Italy’s home of fashion. It’s known for its stylish shops and up-market restaurants. The city is overflowing with aspiring models and fashion designers which makes for an interesting city experience to say the least. There are also many architecturally impressive buildings in Milan ranging from old Neo-classical Milanese palaces to ultra-modern towers and commercial buildings. For those who want to mix culture with their shopping and eating make sure you visit La Scala (one of the World’s most famous opera houses) and the Duomo which has an incredible marble façade which I personally think is worth the trip alone.

6. Bologna

A city known for its beauty, left-wing politics, wealth and most importantly its cuisine. Bologna is the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region in northern Italy. If you arrive by train, move swiftly away from the station so you can take in the beautiful sites of the city. There are many arcades which allow you to explore the city even if it’s raining. I recommend wandering around the backstreets until you stumble upon one of the many beautiful squares where you can stop for a cafe or gelato. Bologna also boasts the oldest university in the world, which was founded in 1088. Although most people visit the city to discover its renowned culinary delights, these include tagliatelle al ragù, lasagne, tortellini served in broth and fried gnocchi.

7. Rome

It’s impossible to do a tour of Italy without visiting the capital. Rome is an amazing city which is full of history spanning twenty centuries – you could say Rome is the world’s best open-air museum. As you wander around the streets the architecture will leave you in awe. There are many sites to see, the most famous being the Coliseum, the Vatican, St. Peter’s, the Trevi Fountain and my personal favourite the Pantheon. You won’t see them all in a weekend but it will give you a reason to go back. Rome’s cafe culture is also another reason to visit and for a true Rome experience chose from one of many piazzas and sit down for (an expensive) coffee or icecream. For the best food in town, follow the Romans to Trastevere.

8. Sicily

The largest island in the Mediterranean Sea makes an excellent holiday destination. Like Sardinia it has excellent beaches and wonderful cuisine only far cheaper. You will also have the luxury of being able to island hop – the Aegadian Islands, Aeolian Islands and Pantelleria Lampedusa are all nearby and very accessible. Sicily is a traditional and rustic island with a rich culture and a potent mix of architecture, arts, cuisine, literature and music. Here you can spend your time sitting on beaches, visiting archaeological sites or sampling the locally caught fish. Make sure you include a visit to the Selinunte which is an ancient building containing five temples centered on an acropolis. The east coast of Sicily is more developed and tourist friendly and the west coast is more untouched. As you travel down the latter you’ll be amazed how friendly the Sicillian people are and how pleased they are that you chose to visit Sicily.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my 10 of the most beautiful places to visit in Italy. It was definitely a tough choice, when it comes to writing about Italy I could easily have listed a hundred places worth visiting.

9. Florence and the Tuscany Region

Florence is a fascinating place and an art lovers dream. A popular city nestled in the rolling hills of the Tuscany region, Florence has plenty to offer the visitor. If you’re thinking of staying in the area there are lots of holiday apartments in Florence to choose from. The city has numerous museums filled with famous paintings and sculptures. Two places I recommend you visit are the Pitti Palace and the Uffizi. The latter hosts work by Caravaggio, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo and receives approximately 1.6 million tourists a year (you should book before you go or unfortunately face a long wait). Also take your time to explore the rest of the Tuscany. Known as Renaissance country, the region offers some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. The extraordinary countryside and coastline keep vacationers happy and the ever flowing supply of fine wine and cuisine will certainly please food connoisseurs.

10. Verona and the Lakes

Verona is a lovely city which was made famous by Shakespeare’s famous story of Romeo and Juliet. It has the third largest Roman Arena in Italy and if you’re lucky enough you can catch an opera festival during your visit (something which I highly recommend). UNESCO has awarded the city a world heritage site status because of its urban structure and architecture, which include Roman remains and ancient castles. As you can imagine Verona is a very romantic city, so if you take a partner beware they could end up proposing! The Italian lakes are accessible from Verona and Lake Garda, Lake Como and Lake Maggiore are some of the most well-known. The mountain lakes offer classically beautiful images of Italy and are flanked by sleepy cobblestone villages and secluded gardens.

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