Holidays in Italy
Tourism in Italy – a long tradition
Tourism and holidays in Italy have a long tradition. Since the 18th century, globetrotters and artists like Goethe have travelled to Italy. The focus at that time was not the holiday itself, but the cultural and artistic treasures of the Mediterranean country. The real boom started in the 1960s, when many millions of German and Austrian tourists already spent their holidays in Italy and populated the northern coasts of the Adriatic Sea.
Romantic holidays in Italy
Holidays in Italy: Start of the tourist boom
The great achievements for the civilization by the Romans and their legacies all over Italy were already very early popular attractions for tourists. A travel to Italy, to Rome and the Vatican was very early considered a proper thing to do. World travellers, believers and princes from all over Europe travelled through Italy and were enchanted by the splendour and charm of the country. Architecture, sculpture and painting as well as a distinct artistic tradition were at the centre of attention.
In the late 18th century, the image of Italy changed. Previously it was mainly cultural sights and art, now the interest in ordinary people evoked. The interaction of the naive rural population with a great past met the spirit of the Enlightenment and idealized holidays in Italy in the 18th century.
Bathing holidays in Italy
Tourism and Holidays in Italy – Development until today
While holidays inItaly were initially still very culturally influenced and were merely motivated by the desire for the ancient world and romantic notions, one can talk of the true holidays in Italy probably only since the 20th century. While the coastal areas already developed touristically in the 1850s, the boom for holidays in Italy in the modern sense started not only until the 1960s.
Millions of Germans and Austrians travelled at that time to Italy to spend their holidays on the sandy beaches. Today, Italy presents itself as a varied holiday destination. From the classic beach vacation to cultural city trips to ski weeks in the Alps and shopping weekends in the fashion capitals, there will be something for everybody. But even that is not enough: On-going new ideas, events and products always attract new visitors and those interested in the Italian cities and create the desire for holidays in Italy.
The successful mix of culture, entertainment and cuisine, the friendliness of the population and a lot of sun make sure that Italy will continue to be an irresistible holiday destination.
