If you’re a health-conscious traveler like me, Italy should be on your radar as a wellness destination. Unlike in the United States, wellness is a cultural norm in Italy. It’s nothing new to them—they’ve simply stuck to their roots and embraced a slower way of living. I spent over a month in Italy observing the Italian lifestyle firsthand (while also indulging in their delicious gluten-free pasta and pizzas.) So, without further ado, here are 5 reasons why Italy is the best wellness destination for health-conscious travelers:
1. Italy offers an excellent quality of life
A significant factor contributing to Italians’ robust health is their diet. They follow variations of the Mediterranean diet, but there’s one major theme: all of the food is fresh, local, and typically handmade in Italy. In contrast, much of the food in the US is shipped in from all over the world, laden with added preservatives to prolong shelf life. Instead of heading to Costco to fill their freezers for a few weeks, Italians walk to the market daily to pick up a few items.
During meal times, I noticed Italians take their time. They socialize without being glued to their phones, they enjoy aperitivo before their meals, and coffee afterward aids in digestion. Mineral water, primarily served in glass bottles, is their beverage of choice.
Beyond diet, it’s common to see Italians walking and using public transport to get around. Many restaurants and shops close during the middle of the day, known as a ‘riposo’ in Italy, allowing them to prioritize relaxation. What’s more, healthcare is a fundamental right in Italy, making it accessible and free for citizens.
I also felt incredibly safe walking alone in Italy; my only concern was the potential for pickpockets.
2. No need to worry about synthetic food in Italy
Struggling to maintain a real, whole-food diet is a genuine concern in the United States. In Italy, however, it’s the norm. Recently, Italy’s government approved a bill to ban lab-grown food and feed to protect the country’s agri-food heritage. Even more exciting, Italians adhere to traditional grazing practices for their animals, resulting in most meat coming from grass-fed animals that spend most of their lives outdoors.
In November of 2016, Italy banned genetically modified foods (GMOs). They aren’t alone in this; many European countries have also banned GMOs. Italy places a strong emphasis on fresh, locally-grown food that’s in season. The fresher the produce, the more nutrients it has to offer.
If you, like me, avoid seed oils (such as canola oil, sunflower oil, soybean oil, etc.), you’ll be delighted to know that even processed food in Italy is genuinely clean. Italy boasts an abundance of local olive oil, free from worries of being cut with seed oils as is often the case in the US. Seed oils are highly inflammatory and prone to oxidization, resulting in more free radicals and cellular damage in your body.
3. Italy is the most gluten-free friendly country I’ve ever visited
I’ve been gluten-free for ten years due to my diagnosis of endometriosis. Traveling can be challenging under these circumstances, but Italy turned out to be a gluten-free paradise. At every turn, restaurants offered gluten-free pasta and pizza that tasted just as good as the traditional options. Honestly, I couldn’t tell the difference, and thankfully, most gluten-free dishes came labeled with little flags.
Look for signs in restaurant windows and product labels in grocery stores that say ‘senza glutine.’ But if you’re not up for scouring a local market, 100% gluten-free grocery stores are scattered all over Italy.
What sets Italy apart is how they treat and view celiac disease. The Italian Celiac Association (AIC) accredits restaurants, and you can become a member of the AIC to access gluten-free venues in specific cities. Whether you’re a celiac or simply follow a gluten-free diet for health purposes, booking a flight to Italy should be on your to-do list.
And did I mention how affordable food is in Italy? My 12-inch gluten-free pizza in Naples was only six euros. I still dream about that pizza…
4. Living a non-toxic lifestyle is easier in Italy
One day, while shopping at a market for groceries, I was handed a printed receipt. Out of habit, I tried to toss it aside, but the words “BPA free” in bold letters caught my eye. In the US, I avoid touching receipts because they’re coated in Bisphenol A (BPA). BPA can be absorbed through your skin and studies have found high levels in the bloodstream of people who handle receipts frequently. BPA causes various health problems and is harder to excrete when absorbed through the skin.
I made the switch to a non-toxic lifestyle to naturally heal my chronic condition and hormones back in 2022. Typically, I have to shop online at home to find safe products, especially for clean beauty. In Italy, however, you can easily find clean beauty products in stores and pharmacies.
5. You can heal in thermal waters in Italy
Europe, in general, boasts an abundance of thermal waters used since ancient times for healing. Italy, in particular, is rich in mineral water and natural springs cherished for centuries for their therapeutic benefits. Some places where you can find healing waters in Italy include Caderzone Terme, Val Rendena, Bagno di Romagna, Montecatini Terme, Tuscany, Saturnia, Tuscany, Ischia, and Maremma, Tuscany.
Really, Italy is the Best Wellness Destination
In summary, Italy offers a healthier work-life balance, superior quality food, easy access to real food, and a simpler, more active lifestyle. If you’re a wellness enthusiast seeking a destination that aligns with your values, Italy is calling your name. So, pack your bags and book that flight to experience the ultimate wellness destination in 2024. Your body and soul will thank you.
