You’d be hard pressed to find a country more memorable and connected with culture than Italy, the land of Da Vinci, Michelangelo, and the Renaissance. It’s here that you’ll experience the sweetness of doing nothing, eat food at its most seasonal, and sip divine espressos. And what Mother Nature gave this marvelous country hasn’t even been mentioned yet.
Italy has more art treasures than the rest of the world’s countries combined, but also a wealth of vibrant cities, magnificent lakes, and postcard-perfect coastal towns. And of course, there’s the countryside, with its gentle rolling hills, picturesque vineyards, and pretty medieval hilltop towns.
Listed below are 5 charming travel destinations where seniors can relax and soak up Italy’s mesmerizing culture.
Lake Garda
Surrounded by Veneto, Lombardy, and Trentino Alto-Adige, Lake Garda offers an interesting mix of culture, recreational activities, and beautiful scenery. From the Brenta Dolomites in the north to the chic spa resort of Sirmione in the south, its sun-kissed shores are dotted with charming port towns, Roman ruins, and fragrant lemon groves.
Italy’s largest lake is also its cleanest, so expect a nice variety of beaches to relax and enjoy the sun. Some of the most attractive can be found in the towns of Lazise, Desenzano, San Felice del Benaco, and Sirmione. The latter is also home to several thermal springs, a stunning 13th century castle (Castello Scaligero), the famous roman ruins of Grotte di Catullo, and a handsome old town crisscrossed by narrow winding lanes.
Other attractions on Lake Garda include the beautiful historic town of Salo and Vittoriale d'Italia - D'Annunzio’s eccentric villa in Gardone, both on the western shores of the lake; the attractive town of Malcesine with its pastel-colored streets on the eastern shore; as well as the scenic resort of Limone sul Garda on the mountainous northern end.
Sardinia
Sardinia, the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, is unique in every sense of the word. Its fabulous landscape varies from dazzling coasts to lush valleys and rugged mountains, and its cultural treasures from prehistoric dwellings (nuraghi) and Carthaginian ruins to stunning examples of Roman architecture.
Cagliari, the island’s good-looking capital is overflowing with inspiring architecture and must-see attractions such as the Museo Archeologico Nazionale, a picturesque hilltop castle, an impressive Roman amphitheater, and a lively marina full of shops and restaurants.
A millionaire’s paradise, the glamorous Costa Smeralda is lined with exclusive resorts and gorgeous beaches with perfect turquoise waters, while Alghero – a former Catalan stronghold on the northwest coast of Lake Garda, has a beautifully preserved historic center and is conveniently close to Grotta di Nettuno, a spectacular marine cave.
In terms of food and drink, Sardinia prides itself with sensational wines and cheeses, amazing seafood restaurants, and adorable rustic eateries serving everything from fresh pastas and crunchy pizzas to scrumptious meat dishes.
The Adriatic Coast
If a relaxing seaside vacation is what you’re looking for, than Italy’s Adriatic coast is the place for you. Except for Venice and the jam-packed beach town of Rimini, this region is mainly composed of laid-back small resorts, cute little villages, and uncrowded beaches, where you can soak up the Italian sun in peace and solitude.
For culture lovers, Ravenna is worth a visit for its breathtaking Byzantine mosaics and wonderful monuments, while the nearby Lido degli Estensi offers great shopping and entertainment.
Further down the coast, you’ll find the famous seafront cities of Ancona, Pescara, and Puglia, but also some quieter, lesser-known destinations such as Chioggia, the quaint port town of Cesenatico, with its canal designed by Leonardo Da Vinci, and the scenic San Bartolo Natural Park, whose craggy cliffs drop dramatically into the sparkling blue sea.
Although mainly based of fresh fish and seafood, the cuisine along Italy’s Adriatic Coast is greatly influenced by the diverse regions it traverses, including Marche and Emilia Romagna.
Sicily
Rich in art, history, and natural beauty, Sicily, the largest and most diverse island in the Mediterranean, is a mesmerizing open-air museum. Here, roaring volcanoes stand side by side with spectacular beaches, and stunning ruins tell the story of all the ancient cultures that have left their imprints on this epic land at the crossroads of Europe and Africa.
Moreover, the island has everything, from Phoenician settlements, Norman palaces, and Arab domes to baroque masterpieces and Greek ruins that rival those in Greece; the cuisine is a hot pot of culinary influences, and activities range from swimming and diving to skiing on Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano.
Don’t miss the 5th-century BC Doric Temple of Segesta, the arresting town of Taormina, Agrigento’s stunning Valley of the Temples, and the elegant Syracuse with its magnificent temples and Greek theatre overlooking the sea.
Palermo, Sicily’s main city has a vibrant atmosphere and an eclectic mix of architectural styles, while Catania prides itself with an attractive Unesco-listed historic center.
Snuggled in Val di Noto, in southeastern Sicily, are some of Europe’s most impressive Baroque towns, including Ragusa, Modica, and Scicli.
For sea, sun, and sand, head to the northern coast of Sicily, where some of the best beaches are located. Except for Cefalu, which has a lovely stretch of golden sand, most of the beaches here resemble those in the Caribbean, with soft white sand and clear azure seas.
The Tuscan Countryside
From hiking to wine tasting, there’s nothing you can do in Tuscany’s glorious countryside. Speckled with artful towns, chocolate-box hilltop villages, and ancient stone castles, this absurdly picturesque rural area is one of Italy’s most treasured travel destinations. Foodies come here for the genius of Tuscan cuisine and culture seekers for the walled medieval towns packed with magnificent art and architecture, but in the end, everyone stays for the unique charm.
Nestled between Florence and Siena, Chianti is probably the most magical stretch of Tuscan countryside. The famous wine-producing region is an ideal destination for those who want to get lost in sleepy medieval hamlets, take cooking lessons, and enjoy wine tasting at its finest. Encircled by 15th-century medieval walls, the fortified town of Castellina in Chianti is not to be missed.
Other fascinating Tuscan hilltop villages where you can immerse yourself in the medieval atmosphere and sample delicious local cuisine include San Gimignano, Cortona (the setting of “Under the Tuscan Sun”), Monteriggioni, Montalcino, as well as Montepulciano - famous for its Renaissance palaces, thermal baths, and Vino Nobile wine.
Venerated by food lovers worldwide, Tuscan cuisine (cucina povera) doesn’t need much introduction. Expect simple high-quality ingredients, genuine flavors, and the freshest locally sourced produce on your palate.
As you can see, the choice of Italy holidays is as diverse as its alluring regions, which is why we recommend you to plan your next getaway with Saga Travel, a UK-based tour operator specializing in vacations for people over 60.