A recent survey carried out by Datafolha and published this Tuesday (28) by the newspaper Folha de São Paulo reveals that Italy continues to be the dream travel destination for people from São Paulo.
This is the fifth time the country has topped the list of preferred destinations, with 8% of respondents citing it as their favorite. Furthermore, Italy stands out in the historical destination category, being mentioned by 15% of São Paulo residents. When the 10% who specifically mentioned Rome are added, the preference for the country reaches 25%.
Why is Italy a dream destination?
Italy is a true open-air museum, where history is found around every corner.
An iconic example is the Colosseum in Rome, one of the seven wonders of the modern world and a symbol of the power of the Roman Empire. Despite being a common tourist spot, it is an unmissable visit for those who are in the city for the first time.
The best times to avoid the crowds are spring (March to June) and autumn (September to December), but even then, it's important to be prepared to face queues.
Rome, in addition to the Colosseum, offers a multitude of attractions that hark back to the ancient empire and Catholicism. The Vatican, an independent city-state within Rome, is a must-see destination.
To properly discover the heart of the Catholic Church, you need to set aside at least a full day. A visit to the Vatican is more of a test of patience than of faith, given the large number of visitors.
For film lovers, Rome is a true playground. Iconic scenes from classic films, such as the Trevi Fountain from Fellini's “The Sweet Life”, or Piazza di Spagna, the setting for “The Princess and the Commoner”, are essential visits. Recently, the famous staircase of Piazza di Spagna gained new prominence in the action sequence of the film “Mission: Impossible – Reckoning – Part 1”.
Outside the capital, Italian history spreads across more than 50 sites considered World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.
A striking example is Veneza, in the north of the country. Known for its canals and the Venice Biennale, one of the most influential art exhibitions in the world, and the Venice Film Festival.
The city, however, recently implemented a 5-euro fee for day tourists, a measure that sparked protests among Venetians themselves.
Datafolha's research reaffirms São Paulo residents' fascination with Italy, highlighting the country's rich cultural, historical and cinematographic heritage.
Whether exploring Roman ruins, strolling through famous squares or navigating the canals of Venice, Italy offers a unique experience that continues to capture the imagination of São Paulo travelers.
