Things to Do in Italy: History, Adventure & Nature
Italy rewards travelers who mix ancient history with adrenaline and open landscapes — if you only have time for a short list, walk through Pompeii, take to the sky over the coast or mountains, and get out into a national park before you head home.
What's the one unmissable historical site?
Pompeii, along with Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata near Naples, forms a UNESCO World Heritage site and the most visited archaeological area in the world. This is your chance to walk through a preserved Roman commercial city, see ancient town remains up close, and view frescoes that reveal how wealthy Romans actually lived. Few places anywhere let you experience daily Roman life this intact — it's worth prioritizing over almost anything else on a first trip.
Where can I get an adrenaline fix?
Italy's mountains, hills, and coastal cliffs are set up for paragliding and tandem skydiving, and the barrier to entry is low: there are no age restrictions for tandem flights (children over 25 kg just need parental authorization), and you don't need any prior coursework. This makes it an easy add-on even if you've never done anything like it before — a coastal cliff flight or a mountain paraglide gives you a totally different perspective on the country than you get at ground level.
Is there a good option for nature and outdoor time?
Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park offers nature-based activities set across Italy's varied landscape, making it a solid choice if you want a break from cities and ruins. It's the kind of place to pair with the paragliding or skydiving above, since the same mountainous terrain that makes for good flights also makes for good hiking and open-air time.
How do I get around between these spots?
Italy's public transport is genuinely excellent — trains, buses, trams, ferries, and taxis cover the country well, and ferries and ships even offer free bicycle transport, which is handy if you're combining coastal travel with cycling. If you'd rather drive yourself, non-EU citizens need an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their home license, while European driving licenses are recognized without extra paperwork.
FAQ
Do I need to book anything special for paragliding or skydiving? No prior coursework is required and there are no strict age restrictions for tandem flights — children over 25 kg can join with parental authorization.
Can I visit Pompeii and Herculaneum in one trip? Yes — Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Torre Annunziata near Naples together make up one UNESCO World Heritage archaeological area, so they're grouped for visitors exploring Roman history in the region.
What if I want to rent a car? Non-EU citizens need an International Driving Permit in addition to their home license; if you hold a European driving license, it's already recognized in Italy.
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