Located in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, Italy is the world’s seventh-largest economy. It has grown out of the Roman Empire, one of Europe’s most prestigious dynasties,

Many castles and palaces, as well as buildings in the Romanesque, Gothic, Mannerist, Baroque, and Neoclassical styles, can be found throughout the country today.

Italy’s natural and artificial wonders are a huge draw for tourists, making it a popular destination. According to most estimates, over half a million people visit Italy each year.

International visitors to Italy can obtain a Schengen Visa to enter the country for short-term stays, but not everyone needs a visa to visit Italy.

Do Canadians / Americans need a visa to visit Italy?

US citizens do not require a visa for short visits to Italy. Since ETIAS for Italy is a travel authorization registration (or visa waiver), it will not affect their current visa-free status.

Canada’s citizens will no longer need an Italian visa to visit Italy and the rest of Europe for a short period. A visa to Italy is not required for Canadians who qualify for the ETIAS program. Check Canadian requirements here.

It will, however, be mandatory to obtain an ETIAS for Italy once the program is fully implemented.

Things to do in Italy

A boat ride on the Grand Canal

The Grand Canal in Venice is among the world’s most famous waterways, and there are numerous ways to enjoy it. One option is to ride a Vaporetto, a type of water bus, along the canal’s various sections, admiring the many small bridges and traditional Venetian homes lined on the canal bank. You can also take an iconic gondola ride around the canal and imagine that you’re back in Venice from a bygone era.

Make a wish before the Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain is a must-see on any trip to Rome, but it’s especially important if you plan to revisit. If you believe the local lore, throwing a coin into the fountain will bring you luck and ensure that you return to this wonderful city again someday. At night, the shimmering marble and Baroque carvings on the fountain come to life under a floodlight of colour.

Visit Cinque Terre

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a renowned National Park, Cinque Terre is a must-see for anyone visiting the area. The ‘Five Lands,’ located in Liguria, is a collection of five distinct towns perched on steep cliffs above the world-famous Italian Riviera. Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore, and Monterosso are among the five villages that make up the Cinque Terre. Each one is distinguished by its own special charms and sights. All along the Cinque Terre coast, you’ll find romantic olive groves, traditional restaurants, and breathtaking views of the sea.

Climb Mount Vesuvius

The infamous eruption of Mount Vesuvius, which blanketed the nearby town of Pompeii in volcanic ash, makes it one of the most well-known mountains in the world. The crater of Vesuvius, which looks like something you’d find on the surface of the moon, is now considered safe to climb. Obviously, the views from the top are stunning, and the hike is suitable for a wide range of adrenaline activities.

Visit Amalfi Coast

Amalfi Coast is the most Insta-worthy spot in Italy. Travelling along Italy’s Amalfi Coast by boat is one of the best ways to see as much as possible in a tight schedule. You can rent a boat to see the Lattari Mountains, as well as quaint coves and inlets, on your way to the coast. You’ll see traditional Mediterranean towns popping up seemingly out of nowhere, and most boat tours include snacks and beverages so you can enjoy the scenery and the local cuisine while you take it all in.

Climb the leaning tower of Pisa

The Leaning Tower of Pisa in Pisa is an architectural anomaly, as it began sinking into the marshy ground beneath it almost immediately after its construction. This gave the tower its iconic lean. Since the tower’s construction, it has been open and closed to the public at various points in its history as architects try to determine whether or not it is safe for visitors to enter. When the tower is open, tourists can climb up to the observation deck at the top and take in panoramic views of the entire Pisa.

Sample pizza in Naples

Naples is a beautiful city in its own right. Still, the best reason to visit is to indulge in some of the city’s most famous delicacies—Pizza. It doesn’t matter where you go in the city, you’ll find pizzerias and restaurants serving up this world-famous dish, and you’ll remember the city for that.