Best Unique Things To Do in Italy: The Ultimate Bucket List

Best Things to Do in Italy

Italy, as a land, oozes rich history and culture. You can find it everywhere: in the old towns, popular cities, streets and corners, food, architecture, art, and these unique things to Do in Italy list never ends. It is one of the most indulgent countries in Europe, which is filled with amazing foods and is aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

You can try street foods,  go truffle hunting, take the most memorable road trip, hike active volcanoes, enjoy cave exploration, and learn about the most stunning architecture. You will literally have thousands of things to choose from while touring Italy. And for those on the romantic and peaceful side, Italy offers you some of the most unique experiences that won’t be just romantic but will also let you capture moments that will stay with you for life.

Now, if you don’t know which activity to try first, I will cover the top-rated things to do and see in Italy that will take you on one of the best vacations of your life. So, go grab your Italy visit visa and prepare to mark Italy off of your ultimate bucket list!

Explore Venice in a Gondola

It might be one of the most conventional things to do while in Italy, but it should definitely be on your list. A Gondola ride in Venice is one of the most popular activities where you drift along the canal and enjoy the most scenic views. You can easily find them either at the Grand Canal or Rialto Bridge.

Explore the Island of Capri

Located at the Bay of Naples, the Island of Capri is one of the best places to go in Italy, where you can find the beautiful jewel tones of the Mediterranean. You can explore the rugged landscapes and spectacular cliffs, giving you a small yet perfect getaway off the coasts of Sorrento.

Explore the iconic Vatican Museums

Italy is known for its impeccable grandeur and displays the influences of various eras and regions. The Vatican Museum in Italy showcases centuries-old masterpieces that will make your mouth drop. In addition to the paintings and sculptures, the ornate hallways gleaming with mosaics and motifs will leave you speechless.

Drive a Ferrari along the Amalfi coast

Regarded as ‘an outstanding example of a Mediterranean landscape, the Amalfi Coast offers the most stunning views and is a perfect place to take a drive while you there. 

Venture through the Tuscan Hills by Bicycle or Car

The hillside of Tuscany offers you a perfect chance to explore tiny settlements between crowded tourist attractions and large medieval towns. You can either venture by bicycle or car, however, a bicycle allows you to get closer to nature and gives you plenty of time to appreciate the details of the area.

Witness the ancient Rome

Rome is one city in Italy that gives you a deeper glance into its history. With all the ancient cities that find their home in Italy, Rome lets you learn about the astounding tales of history which you can see through the maze of tunnels, passages, and great architecture.

Take part in a Local Festival

You might have heard of the famous carnival of Venice but it is just one of hundreds that display the glory of Italian culture and traditions. If you are present there during local festivals, try to attend and be a part of the celebrations. You won’t regret it.

Ski the stunning Dolomites

The Dolomites mountain range is the ultimate haven for skiers! No matter whether you want to explore and enjoy the beginner slopes or take a full-day tour that covers over 35 km of challenging trails, every ski lover should experience skiing at least once in the Dolomites.

See Milan from the Duomo Ref

The Duomo located in the beautiful city of Milan is reckoned as the world’s largest church. It is the pinnacle of the Flamboyant Gothic style type of churches, and if you see it from below, the striking roof and towers draped in a lacy filigree seem impossible to be carved in stone.

Trek through Sardinia

The island of Sardinia boasts a rugged landscape and miles of glittering coastlines while featuring some of the most challenging and adventurous trails. Getting through these trails demands an all-day hike through the craggy limestone cliffs above the shimmering blue sea, making it one of the most fascinating things to do in Italy.

to hit those trails with style!

Popular Trekking Routes:

Supramonte: Ready to conquer the limestone beast that is Supramonte in central-eastern Sardinia? This place ain’t for the faint of heart, folks. It’s packed with challenging trekking routes that’ll have you gasping at the breathtaking views, exploring deep gorges, and hunting for hidden caves like a modern-day Indiana Jones. So, gear up and get ready to unleash your inner adventurer in the rugged beauty of Supramonte.

Selvaggio Blu: This bad boy stretches about 50 miles along the rugged coastline of the Gulf of Orosei, showing off its stunning cliffs, secret coves, and waters so clear you’d think you’re in a dream. It’s like a marathon for adrenaline junkies, a test of your will and determination.

Gennargentu National Park: Welcome to the land of the giants, my fellow adventurers! Gennargentu National Park, with its towering peaks and majestic landscapes, is a playground for those who crave diverse trekking experiences. From Punta La Marmora to mountainous terrains, dense forests, and high plateaus, this park offers a little something for everyone.

Trail Difficulty: Alright, ladies, listen up and listen good. Sardinia’s got trekking trails for every level of badassery out there. From easy coastal strolls for the beginners to hardcore mountain hikes for the seasoned pros, there’s something for everyone in this adventure wonderland. But hey, don’t be a rookie – do your homework, research the difficulty level and terrain of your chosen trail like the rockstar you are. And hey, don’t forget to pack your gear and provisions, ’cause nobody likes a hangry hiker on the trail.

Train to be a Gladiator

it is the best and most unique Things to do in Italy. The tales of the Roman Empire are still narrated on the cobbled streets of Italy by an army of Romans. The Gladiator School in Rome still trains people to fight like a Roman soldier, and if you love martial arts, you will choose as one of the things to do in Italy.  

Location: You won’t have to wander too far from the major tourist attractions like the Colosseum or the Roman Forum to find several schools offering gladiator training experiences. These schools are run by experienced instructors who geek out on ancient Roman history and combat techniques. So get ready to channel your inner Maximus Decimus Meridius and show those ancient Romans what a badass modern-day gladiator can do!

Duration: Most of them last a few hours, giving you just enough time to learn the basics and unleash some serious sword-swinging action. But hey, if you’re the type who craves a more in-depth immersion, some programs might offer full-day or even multi-day experiences. It’s like Gladiator Boot Camp on steroids! So gear up, plan your schedule accordingly, and prepare for an epic adventure that’ll have you shouting “Are you not entertained?!”

Activities: Prepare yourself for some badassery, my warriors-in-training. You’ll be wielding replica weapons like swords, shields, and helmets, and learning the ancient techniques for attacking, defending, and maneuvering like a true gladiator. Get ready to show off your warrior spirit, unleash your inner strength, and gain insights into the strategies employed by those ancient Roman gladiators.

Costumes: Many of these gladiator training programs provide participants with authentic-looking gladiator costumes to wear during the session. Oh yes, you’ll look like a true warrior, ready to battle it out in style. So embrace the opportunity to dress the part and feel like a true Roman badass as you step into that arena. With your costume on point, you’ll exude confidence and power.

Safety: Fear not, my fearless fighters, safety is a top priority during these gladiator training sessions. Instructors are gonna make sure you’re properly equipped and supervised at all times. Yeah, there might be some physical activity and simulated combat involved, but don’t worry, they’ve got your back. These sessions are designed to be safe and enjoyable for warriors of all fitness levels.

Boating inside the glowing Cave

The Blue Grotto Cave nestled in the Capri Islands offers you a rare experience that takes you to a dark, glowing blue cave. As you sail along the waters, witnessing the wonders of nature, there are ancient Neapolitan melodies being played in the background to make it a perfect ride to remember.

Natural Phenomenon: This place is famous for its vibrant blue and turquoise waters, which are like a neon light show straight out of your wildest dreams. How does it happen? Well, sunlight works its magic by entering the cave through an underwater cavity, creating this ethereal blue glow that will make you think you’ve stepped into a surrealist painting. Get ready to have your eyes dazzled, my friends!

Boat Tours: You can take guided boat tours from Marina Grande or other nearby ports to reach this mystical place. Here’s a pro-tip: due to the low entrance of the cave, you’ll need to transfer to smaller rowboats or paddleboats to enter the cave’s interior. Don’t worry, it’s all part of the experience! Once inside, your boat will navigate through the narrow entrance, taking you into the main chamber where the real show begins.

Sights to See: Inside the Blue Grotto, you’ll find yourself in the presence of shimmering blue waters that will leave you in awe. But that’s not all – prepare to be amazed by the intricate rock formations and stalactites that decorate the cave walls and ceiling like nature’s very own chandeliers. Sure, the cave’s interior might be relatively small, but who needs size when you’ve got natural beauty and unique lighting that’ll make your heart skip a beat?

Try authentic pizzas at Naples

If you are in Italy and don’t try the authentic pizzas of Naples, you are absolutely missing a massive part of Italy’s culture. Naples is said to serve the best pizzas in the world where you can find everything from charred crush oozing with the freshest Mozzarella to tomatoes and fresh herbs that dance in your mouth with bursting flavors. Every ingredient here is added to make your pizza give that out-of-this-world taste, that is hard to forget.

Top 5 Places To Try Authentic Pizza

1. L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele: This historic pizzeria, founded in 1870, is famous for its no-frills atmosphere and deliciously simple pizzas. The menu features only two types of pizza: Marinara (tomato, garlic, oregano, and olive oil) and Margherita (tomato, mozzarella, basil, and olive oil), but both are absolute classics.
2. Sorbillo: Gino Sorbillo is a renowned pizzaiolo (pizza maker) with several pizzerias in Naples, including his flagship location on Via dei Tribunali. Sorbillo’s pizzas feature high-quality ingredients and a soft, chewy crust, making them a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
3. Di Matteo: Located near Via dei Tribunali, Di Matteo is another iconic pizzeria in Naples known for its traditional Neapolitan pizzas. Their menu offers a variety of toppings, but their Margherita pizza is particularly popular for its fresh ingredients and authentic flavors.
4. Pizzeria Brandi: Founded in 1780, Pizzeria Brandi is famous for its historical significance as the birthplace of the Margherita pizza. Legend has it that the Margherita pizza was created here in honor of Queen Margherita of Savoy in 1889. Today, visitors can enjoy delicious pizzas in a charming, historic setting.
5. Da Attilio: This family-run pizzeria has been serving up mouthwatering pizzas since 1938. Da Attilio is known for its traditional Neapolitan-style pizzas, cooked to perfection in a wood-fired oven. Their cozy dining room offers a welcoming atmosphere to enjoy your meal.

Exploring and visiting some of the captivating sights of Italy certainly tops everyone’s bucket list and gives you unique experiences to cherish. No matter whether you are an adventure freak, art lover, nature seeker, or an absolute foodie, Italy has everything you probably can imagine for a perfect vacation.  Choosing one or all of these best things to do in Italy will make your trip a dream come true for you. Wishing you a safe and exciting excursion to Italy, and as always, remember to Travel Till You Drop!

Written by: Kritika Panase