Famously known as ‘lo stivale’ or the boot, because of its shape resembling a shoe with a heel, Italy is among the most popular countries in the European tourist circuit. From Venice to Cinque Terra, its diverse regions attract millions of travelers every year. An avant-garde cultural influencer, Italy has forever dominated the fashion, art, culinary, and automobile industries. The country’s friendly, hospitable, good-natured residents further add to its unmatched appeal.

Once a part of the Roman Empire, Italy was under the rule of Normans until it unified in 1861. Although majorly scathed during WWII, Italy managed to rebuild itself quickly. Presently, Italy shares borders with France, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, and Slovenia to the north. The rest of the country edges the water, facing the Tyrrhenian Sea to the west, the Adriatic Sea to the east, and the Ionian Sea to the south. With a 7500km coastline, ferry tickets to Italy for boats from Greece, Croatia, Spain, Malta, and Albania, are readily available throughout the year.

Home to legendary artists, musicians, filmmakers, and athletes, Italian cities are iconic in their own rights. With its Colosseum, the Pantheon, and encircling the Vatican City, Rome is Italy‘s modern capital with an ancient heart. Lake Como is a celebrity favorite, while nearby Milan is a respected fashion capital of the world. The archaeological findings of Pompeii are a must-see for history buffs, as is Juliet’s Balcony in Verona for literary enthusiasts. Alternatively, head to the turquoise waters of the Aegadian Islands for an unforgettable swim.

The quintessential Italian affair begins with the purchase of ferry tickets to Italy from Ferryscanner. It then incorporates the country’s natural beauty, best witnessed while driving through the rolling vineyards of Tuscany and its nearby archipelago, or lounging on the sandy beaches of Sicily. Gourmands rejoice in discovering the flavorful alterations in the local cuisine when crossing from one region to another. On the other hand, the Italian Alps are ideal for adventure travelers wanting to enjoy different winter sports. It doesn’t take long to fall for Italy’s captivating bewitchery, a spell that will have you returning again and again, and for a little longer the next time around.