COUNTRY - ITALY

Few countries receive as many accolades for their beauty as Italy, which has taken the top spot in this year’s poll of the most beautiful countries in the world. From the rolling vineyards of Chianti to the sparkling Amalfi coast and the mountains of Trentino, this relatively small place has a host of different landscapes. Roman ruins scatter the country, meaning you’ll feel connected to Italy’s storied heritage everywhere you turn. Cities like Rome, Florence and Venice throb with romance, and rooftop villages will connect you with long-held traditions. Of course, there’s also the food, from bright, fresh vegetables on market stalls to the green-gold of cold-pressed olive oil. Several of you noted that Italy has the world’s highest number of Unesco Heritage Sites. Others commented on the “lovely towns and cities as well as scenic rural areas”. Put everything together and you’ve got one very special country.