Italy is one of my favorite countries

I’ve been lucky enough to visit it three to four times at different times. Every corner of the country is beautiful. They have an interesting food culture. No matter which remote corner of Italy you visit, the prepared food is always made with care, as if they were preparing it for the president. The people there are somewhat similar to us; we even refer to them as “Europe’s Turks” among ourselves ☺. In general, they are very talkative and likable. They use a lot of gestures and facial expressions. One day, we asked a man with a watermelon in his hand for an address. The man gave us the watermelon and then opened his hands and made a gesture saying, “I don’t know.” We laughed a lot; apparently, life would be strange without gestures and facial expressions ☺.

Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano)

This cathedral was built for about 500 years and covers a total area of 12,000 square meters. It is the third largest cathedral in Europe and has the widest marble structure in the world. Construction in the Gothic style began in the 13th century and was completed in the 16th century. Inside, you can find many sculptures, icons, and artworks. You can climb to the top and have a view of Milan from above.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

This is a historic shopping arcade built in the 19th century in honor of King Victor Emmanuel II. It is different from usual shopping malls. The gallery has a historical structure, and you can see sculptures and marble buildings on the walls and ceilings. It is considered one of the oldest shopping malls in the world. There are stores of renowned brands such as Prada, Gucci, Armani, Versace, and Louis Vuitton. It can be visited to have a coffee or enjoy a nice meal, even if you don’t go there for shopping ☺. Here, you can understand why Milan is called the fashion capital…

Navigli-District

When you walk here, you feel like you’re in Venice. It is a small neighborhood situated between two canals. Since ancient times, waterways have given Milan wealth and liveliness. The Navigli district is the ideal place for those who enjoy walking in a beautiful environment and want to eat. The bars and cafes along the water are particularly lively in the evenings. It is one of the places you should visit…

Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco)

It is located in the northwest of Milan’s center. The castle was built in the 15th century and houses two different museums. There are many world-famous sculptures in these museums. In particular, the unfinished Pietà Rondanini by Michelangelo from 1553-1564 attracts attention. There are also many ancient artworks, a museum of musical instruments, and a collection of paintings. It is a place that should be visited by art and music lovers.

 Santa Maria delle Grazie Church

This church houses the world-famous fresco “The Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci. The construction of the church began in the 15th century, and it has a very modest structure. If you want to see the famous fresco, you need to make a reservation online weeks or months in advance. Due to high demand, you cannot enter spontaneously. Additionally, you are not allowed to stay inside for more than 15 minutes.

 

Brera District

It is one of the oldest residential areas in Milan. It houses many art workshops and historic buildings, some dating back to the 11th and 12th centuries. If you feel like enjoying a carefully prepared cappuccino in a street full of art, this is a lovely place for you. The area is adorned with botanical gardens and offers a beautiful backdrop for capturing photographs.

Note: If you want to have a delicious and special pizza, I recommend Spontini on Buenos Aires Street. You can also visit the Armani Cafe if you’re in the mood for a coffee atmosphere.

Venice

Considered one of the most beautiful and unique places in the world, Venice is comprised of a total of 117 islands and 400 bridges. Venice is often referred to as an “Open Sky Painting.” With its narrow streets, canals, and bridges, the city is a dream destination for any traveler. Getting around the city is done without cars and can be accomplished through gondolas or water taxis called Vaporetto.

Attractions in Venice 

Grand Canal

The Grand Canal is the main waterway in Venice, stretching over 4 kilometers in length and 70 meters in width. It divides the city into six districts. You can enjoy a scenic boat ride using water taxis or gondolas.

St. Mark’s Square

St. Mark’s Square is the symbol of the city and one of the top attractions. With a length of 175 meters and a width of 82 meters, it is the only square in Venice. Located at a historic and strategic location, adjacent to the Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica, and the historical clock tower, the square is a popular gathering spot for tourists to relax and feed the pigeons.

Basilica di San Marco (St. Mark’s Basilica) 

This church was built in the 9th century and is also known as the “Church of the Golden Age.” It features carvings, golden statues, and glass artworks. It is an important example of Byzantine architecture and includes depictions of the Twelve Apostles Church in Istanbul on its walls.

Rialto Bridge

The Rialto Bridge, situated over the Grand Canal, is the most famous bridge in Venice. It was originally constructed from wood and later rebuilt in a solid form. From this bridge, you can enjoy the best view of the Grand Canal. Additionally, since the 12th century, the bridge has been home to jewelry, silk, and glass shops that are still open today.

Como

Como, although not as well-known as Milan and Venice, is still a must-visit destination. It is located 50 km away from Milan. The Roman ruins, historical streets, Lake Como, and the breathtaking views attract tourists. Take a beautiful walk around Lake Como and, if you have time, participate in boat tours. It is a wonderful place to relax. You will see many villas in the area, including George Clooney’s ☺.

You can also visit historical sites around the lake, including Chernobbio, Villa Balbienello, Abazzia di Piona (Piona Monastery) and the town of Bellagio.

Calabria

Calabria is located in southern Italy, at the tip of the “boot.” From here, you can see the island of Sicily. I can already say that my best vacation was here. We were there in 2011. You will find everything you desire in a vacation here. We stayed at a guesthouse called “Agriturismo Ninea” located in Capo Vaticano, which, as the name suggests, is a place for “rural tourism.” The place we stayed at was charming and natural, just 2 km away from the sea. Goats roamed around, and you could pick and eat tomatoes or peppers directly from the garden next door. Everything we ate during the week we were there was natural and locally grown. From the olive oil to the tomatoes, cheese, and onions, everything was fresh. At breakfast in the guesthouse, they brought you what you ordered directly from the garden to the table. The guesthouse also had a small pool, which we used every other day. One day, we would go to the sea, and the next day, we would enjoy the pool. When we arrived, we turned off our phones and didn’t use the internet for a week. We completely disconnected from the outside world and relaxed for a week. The guests in the guesthouse were mostly Dutch and Swiss tourists, so there was usually a calm and relaxed atmosphere. When you woke up in the morning, you were surrounded by goats and had fresh air, the sun above you, and a breathtaking view of the deep blue sea. Most of the time, we woke up late and prepared our own breakfast. Then we went straight to the sea. There were many beaches near the place we stayed, but the most beautiful one was Groticelli Beach. On the way to the sea, we passed small Italian villages. It was a simple and natural environment. Every second spent there refreshed our souls. The people were exceptionally friendly and relaxed. The stress of big cities hadn’t reached these places. The tranquility you find here can’t be experienced in any therapy or meditation ☺.

Attractions in Calabria

Church of Santa Maria dell’Isola

This church in Tropea is an absolute must-see. It is located on a small hill right by the Tyrrhenian Sea. The view from here is like a postcard.

Tropea Beach

Just below the church, you’ll find turquoise blue water and a beautiful, clean beach. It’s worth taking a stroll along the shore.

Tropea City Center

A charming area with well-preserved historical buildings. You can go shopping here and come across numerous painters and street artists while taking a walk through the historic alleys. Sit down at one of the cafes and enjoy an ice cream that tastes different from anything you’ve tried before.

Capo Vaticano

In the area where we stayed, there are many interesting places. This is an ideal location for nature lovers. Sea, sun, greenery, nature, organic food, happy people, and smiling faces. Capo Vaticano offers numerous seafood restaurants. We tried a different one every day and were always satisfied. The fish was fresh and delivered daily, served with fresh salads and locally sourced olive oil. In Italy, there is a coffee culture, and when we had a coffee, the mission was accomplished ☺. The Italians like the Turks, and they even expressed their affection in a proverb: “Fumare come un turco,” which means “to smoke like a Turk” ☺.

Vibo Valentia

Vibo Valentia is a small port city. Go up the hill called Belvedere Grande and enjoy the panoramic view of the city from above. You can get off at any point and explore the streets. There are also nice seafood restaurants here, but this place is quieter and more serene. You won’t find the lively atmosphere of other port cities here. It is a calm and unique city. If you have time and are interested in castles, you can visit the Norman-Swabian Castle, located in a beautiful spot.

Conclusion

Calabria differs from other cities and countries by inviting you to enjoy the moment. Take trips without making too many plans: eat at a restaurant you discover by chance, try a coffee at a café, go for a swim at any beach, or enjoy the view. The mentioned places can guide you, but my advice to you is to take an improvised trip – that’s what we did, and we didn’t regret it. Let your soul decide where it leads you…