Back in November, Travel + Leisure announced Italy as their 2021 Destination of the Year. It’s not hard to see why. Italy is a cultural hub—from its mind-blowing regional cuisine to its deep historical roots. While the country’s borders currently remain closed, we’re here to give you some ideas of where along “the boot” to head once restrictions are lifted.
Two regions that have jumped to the top of our must-visit list are slightly unfamiliar to the average American tourist—Puglia and Umbria. Comprising the “heel” of Italian “boot,” Puglia is often missed by visitors, along with the neighboring region of Calabria. It’s a wonder as to why, since this tiny corner of the country is jam-packed with fascinating architecture and the origin spot for many of the typical Italian foods recognized by foreigners. Not to miss are the trulli di Alberobello. Easily one of the most architecturally distinct villages in all of Italy, the white-washed cottages with conical roofs look like a setting straight out of a fairytale.
It would be easy to call the region of Umbria the heart of Italy. Situated nearly equidistant between Naples to the south and Bologna to the north, it’s also completely landlocked. As a result, the cuisine here is earthy and hearty—think truffles, sharply flavored Pecorino cheese, porchetta and dishes with bases of grains and beans. A visit to this region, which may just be Italy’s best kept secret, wouldn’t be complete without a day or two spent in the capital of Perugia. The city boasts a well-preserved historic town center with detailed stone architecture and winding streets. Not to miss is the gallery of medieval and renaissance art at the Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria and the Piazza IV Novembre and its beautiful Maggiore Fountain.
Wandering the streets of Assisi is practically mandatory. The birthplace of the well-known Saint Francis (or San Francesco to the Italians), his namesake basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-visit. Situated on the western slope of Mount Subasio, the sunsets in Assisi are notably spectacular to witness.
