italy best places to visit map

18 Absolute Best Places to Visit in Italy (+ Map & Planning Tips)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: February 4, 2024

Planning your first trip to Italy and wondering what are the best places to visit ? This article should help you decide what to see and where to go in Italy, even though the choice might look overwhelming at first.

Italy is one of the most beautiful countries in the world and one of our favorite places that we return to again and again. History, architecture, bustling cities, charming villages, beaches, islands, mountains… Not even to mention the food, wine, and friendly people… This country is incredibly diverse and has so much more to offer than you’d ever be able to do in one trip…

Even after so many trips to Italy , we feel like we just scratched the surface of this incredible country. There is just so much to see and do!

In this article, we share the very best places to see in Italy. This list is not just about the best Italian cities . As beautiful as they are, there is so much more to Italy than its major cities! In this guide, you’ll also find the most stunning Italian regions and islands, coastal areas and picturesque little towns, but also the most beautiful nature and jaw-dropping sceneries.

These are one by one amazing destinations that are each worth a trip from the other side of the world. You cannot go wrong with any of these places! But combine a couple of them together and you’re in for a real treat – one of the best trips you can ever make. Find out!

READ ALSO: 2-Weeks Italy Itinerary

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

Here are the best places to visit in Italy:

The Eternal City is an absolute must when visiting Italy for the first time! Without any doubt, Rome is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

I often refer to Rome as the city-museum. And it sure feels like the entire place is one huge open-air museum! Every street, every building, every town square, every park, every church, and every monument breathes centuries-old history.

It’s an incredible experience to see all that art, architecture, and history that you previously only saw in books or in the movies.

No matter how much time you have planned in Italy, you really have to include Rome in your Italy itinerary !

Not to be missed: Colosseum , Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, the Vatican with St. Peter’s Basilica and Sistine Chapel, St. Angelo Bridge and Castel Sant’Angelo, Capitoline Hill.

Nice to see: Campo de’ Fiori market, Trastevere district, Circus Maximus, Baths of Caracalla (and many other Ancient Rome landmarks ), Piazza Venezia, Piazza del Popolo, Borghese Gallery, the Appian Way, Aventine Hill, Belvedere del Gianicolo, and many many more.

TIP: Try to also visit at least a few of the nicest viewpoints in Rome . Many of them are located just next to the most popular sights, and so it’s quite easy to add a few of these to your itinerary.

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Rome

How much time do you need: One full day is an absolute minimum in Rome and – if you plan your 1-day Rome itinerary well – you can get a glimpse of all the main sights. If you want to see all the best places in the city and not just take a picture of the exteriors and rush through everything, plan at least 2-3 days . If you want to explore deeper and get off the beaten path in Rome, you can easily spend 5-7 days in the city.

TIP: Take a look at our suggested 4 days Rome itinerary – it covers all the main landmarks and lots of amazing lesser-known places that will make your trip so much more memorable. See also our guide to the best neighborhood to stay in Rome .

Best time to visit: Rome is a year-round destination, but the best time weather-wise is April-May and September-October. It’s really hot in July and August making it difficult to appreciate the sights. For fewer crowds and cooler weather, consider the shoulder months such as March or November. Read also what it’s like to visit Rome in November .

LEARN MORE: Tips for Planning a Trip to Rome

There are few places in the world that speak to one’s imagination as Venice does. Without any doubt, Venice is one of the must-see places in Italy!

The entire city of Venice and its lagoon with 118 small islands is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And when you see it, you’ll understand why. The whole town is an architectural masterpiece!

The best way to explore Venice is on foot, so prepare to walk. A lot. Stroll the narrow streets, cross hundreds of bridges, and take the time to admire the details of medieval buildings and stunning gothic palazzi (palaces). You should also take a gondola ride! Not only does it give a very different perspective of the city, but it’s also a real bucket list experience.

Not to be missed: Venice canals and Venetian gondola ride , St. Mark’s Square, St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace , Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge, Bridge of Sighs , and the pedestrian waterfront promenade Riva degli Schiavoni.

Nice to see: Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute and an excursion to the nearby islands of Burano and Murano . Libreria Acqua Alta, Campo San Polo, Jewish Ghetto, San Giorgio Maggiore Island, and many churches of Venice. Also La Fenice opera house.

How much time do you need: One day is enough to see the main landmarks of Venice (here’s how to see the best of Venice in one day) . If you make it a very long day, you can even take a short excursion to the nearby islands Murano, Burano, and Torcello. For a more relaxed experience, plan at least two days for all the sights in Venice and the nearby islands. If you want to explore the city deeper, plan 3-4 days. See here a suggested itinerary for 3 days in Venice with tips from a local.

READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Venice

3. Florence

A trip to Italy, especially for those visiting for the first time, involves visiting lots of cities and towns. And even if you’re not a big fan of city trips, there is one more city that you absolutely should see in Italy, and that’s Florence ( Firenze ).

Florence, the capital city of the Tuscany region, is considered the cradle of the Renaissance. It’s here that you’ll find works of Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and many others. The old city center is quite compact, but it’s packed with incredible masterpieces of Renaissance art and architecture.

Not to be missed: Duomo (Florence Cathedral), Baptistery of St. John, Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria, and the view from Piazzale Michelangelo. Michelangelo’s ‘David’ at the Galleria dell’Accademia.

Nice to see: Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens, Basilica di San Lorenzo and San Lorenzo Market, Piazza Santo Spirito, Basilica of Santa Croce, and the views from the best rooftops in Florence .

How much time do you need: One day is enough to quickly see the ‘musts’ of Florence (see 1 day Florence itinerary ). If you want to visit more museums and explore deeper, then you’ll definitely want to spend at least two days here. Plan an extra day for a tour to the Tuscan countryside (more info below).

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Florence

Italy has 20 regions and, in all honesty, they are all worth a visit. However, if you are traveling to Italy for the very first time, Tuscany is one of the nicest regions to visit. Not only because it’s conveniently located between Rome, Venice, and Milan, but also because it has so much to offer.

Tuscany is home to some of the most beautiful towns in Italy. Florence, Siena, Pisa, Lucca, San Gimignano, Volterra, Prato, Arezzo – all these towns are worth a visit! And there are many, many more…

Tuscany is also known for its picturesque landscapes with rolling hills and winding roads lined with cypress trees. It’s also a great destination for foodies and wine lovers. Some of the best Italian wines are produced in Tuscany! Even if you are not visiting the wineries, make sure to try Brunello di Montalcino and Chianti wines at the local restaurants.

Not to be missed: Florence (see above), Siena (and the impressive Siena Cathedral ), Pisa (see further below), and the stunning landscapes of Val d’Orcia. See also our guide to the best towns in Tuscany .

Nice to see: Lucca, San Gimignano, Montepulciano , Volterra, Pienza, Prato, Arezzo, and the wineries.

How much time do you need: You need at least 2 days for Tuscany – one day in Florence, and one (very packed) day for Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa, and Chianti. If you want to see so much in such a short time, consider this tour that visits all the main highlights in one day.

Ideally, you spend at least 3-4 days in Tuscany as that will give you more time to enjoy all the main sights in a more relaxed way. If you have enough time, I recommend a week in Tuscany. There’s just so much to see and do!

LEARN MORE: Best Towns in Tuscany & Tuscany Itinerary

5. Cinque Terre

No list of the best places to visit in Italy would be complete without mentioning Cinque Terre . This coastal area is so scenic that it’s hard to believe that it’s real!

Cinque Terre is the collective name of five picturesque hillside towns along the coast of the Italian Riviera in the Liguria region. The 5 Cinque Terre towns are Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare.

These colorful towns are perched between the azure-blue sea on one side and the steep hills dotted with vineyards on the other side. This means that you can’t easily get to Cinque Terre by car and the best way to visit is by boat, by train, or by hiking the Cinque Terre trail between the villages. For more practical information, please check our travel tips for visiting Cinque Terre .

Not to be missed: Manarola, Vernazza, and Riomaggiore.

Nice to see: Corniglia and Monterosso al Mare. Also, the nearby Portovenere and the Gulf of Poets are well worth your time!

How much time do you need: You can see the best of Cinque Terre in one day (also as a day tour from Florence ). If you want to explore deeper and also see some of the stunning coastal areas nearby, plan 2-3 days here.

LEARN MORE: One Day in Cinque Terre & Where to Stay in Cinque Terre

6. Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast in the Campania region is another popular tourist destination in Italy. This area stretches between Sorrento and Salermo and has some of the most beautiful coastal landscapes in Italy. The rugged coastline is dotted with colorful fishing villages and small beaches. It looks like a real-life painting. The Amalfi Coast is also a very popular vacation destination.

The main attractions of this area are the coastal towns of Positano , Amalfi , and Ravello . But also Sorrento and Naples are must-see, just like the famous Mount Vesuvius volcano .

The nearby Capri Island with the famous Blue Grotto and charming Anacapri should also be on your list! Nature and outdoor enthusiasts will love the coastal hike Path of the Gods .

Nearby, you’ll also find the ruins of Pompeii , the ancient city that was buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. It’s one of the most interesting places to visit for those who would like to learn more about Roman times.

Not to be missed: Scenic drive along the Amalfi Coast and its three main towns Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello (can also be visited with a day tour ). Also Pompeii is among the top sights in Italy. Capri Island and the Blue Grotto.

Nice to see: Sorrento, Herculaneum, Mt Vesuvius, and the Path of the Gods hike.

How much time do you need: One day is enough to get a taste of what the Amalfi Coast is about. If you have two days, you can also visit Capri. Or you can also spend a week or two here and never get bored… If you want to explore all the main highlights of the Amalfi Coast at a leisurely pace, we recommend at least 3-5 days in the area. Here you can find our guide on where to stay on the Amalfi Coast and here is our guide to the best areas to stay in Naples .

LEARN MORE: Amalfi Coast Itinerary & Amalfi Coast Travel Tips

TIP: You can visit Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast on a day trip from Rome with an organized tour . It will be rushed, but well worth it!

READ ALSO: Amalfi Coast vs. Cinque Terre: which is nicer?

7. Lake Garda

Lake Garda is one of our personal favorite places in Italy. Lake Garda is located in northern Italy, about halfway between Venice and Milan, and can easily be incorporated in your Italy itinerary. It is one of the most scenic lakes in the world and absolutely worth a visit!

Lake Garda is a very big lake. If you want to drive all the way around it, it’s a 150 km (93 miles) drive that would take at least 3-4 hours without any stops or traffic. The best way to explore the lake is by taking a ferry between various towns, but driving the scenic road all the way around the lakes is also an unforgettable experience.

Along the shores of Lake Garda, you’ll find some stunning towns and picturesque little villages. Most famous is the town of Sirmione at the south end of the lake. Malcesine , Limone Sul Garda , and Riva del Garda are also very much worth a visit, even if just to see the northern side of the lake. And there are many more places to explore, but that requires a lot more of your time.

Not to be missed: Sirmione (Castello di Sirmione, Grotte di Catullo, and a boat tour around the peninsula), Malcesine, and a boat ride on the northern end of the lake.

Nice to see: Limone Sul Garda, Riva del Garda, Desenzano del Garda, Garda, Peschiera del Garda, Salo, Bardolino, Torbole, Isola del Garda.

How much time do you need: You can see the main highlights of Lake Garda in one day (by car and/or boat or with a tour ). But you’ll need at least 2-3 days to explore this area a bit deeper. You can find more details in our Lake Garda itinerary suggestions for 1 to 3 days .

LEARN MORE: What to See at Lake Garda

8. Lake Como

Lake Como , just north of Milan, is another stunning lake that also deserves to be on any list of the best of Italy. It’s a place loved by the rich and the famous and you’ll find some grand villas dotting the shores of this lake.

Lake Como is set at the foot of the Alps, just near the border with Switzerland. Many places here have been used as filming locations for countless Hollywood movies. When you’ll see the scenery, you’ll understand why.

Como Lake is not as big as Lake Garda, but it’s quite long and has a very unique shape that looks like an upside-down letter Y. The roads around the lake aren’t very wide and it would take you a good part of the day to drive all around it. Instead, you can take a boat and easily explore the most interesting places in a day or two. There are also car ferries around the middle point of the lake, so you can easily explore the best places by car. Just beware that parking is very problematic.

The main town in this area is Como , located at the south end of the lake. Here you can also take a funicular to the mountain town of Brunate for stunning views of the surroundings. Other nice towns to visit are Bellagio (a must-see), Varenna , and Cernobbio . But the main attraction of Lake Como are its gardens and villas and especially Villa Carlotta and Villa Balbianello .

Not to be missed: Como town , a boat ride on the lake, Bellagio , Varenna , Villa Carlotta, and Villa Balbianello. Take a look at our guide to the best things to do in Lake Como for more info.

Nice to see: Brunate, Menaggio, Villa Olmo, Cernobbio, Lecco, Pescallo, and Ghisallo Pass… Take a look at our guide to the best towns of Lake Como for more details.

How much time do you need: You can see the best of Lake Como in one day, also with a day tour from Milan . You’ll need at least 2 full days if you also want to visit the two most beautiful villas. Count 3-4 days if you want to explore a bit deeper.

LEARN MORE: Info & Tips for Visiting Lake Como

9. Italian Dolomites

With so many incredible towns to visit in Italy, the country’s most beautiful natural attractions often get overlooked by first-time visitors. Don’t make this mistake! The Italian Dolomite Mountains are worth a trip from the other side of the world! The scenery here is simply phenomenal and I don’t say this lightly.

We’ve seen a lot of the world and some of the most incredible mountain scenery in Switzerland , Western Canada, New Zealand, or Norway to mention just a few. Yet, it took us years to get to the Italian mountains… After spending almost a month in this region over several different trips, I can say that it’s as beautiful as it gets.

No matter which mountain pass you drive, which gondola ride you choose, or which hike you make, you’ll find the most remarkable landscapes in the Dolomites!

Not to be missed: Hard to say because every place is so beautiful. The most popular areas for first-time visitors are Val Gardena and Cortina d’Ampezzo with the iconic 3 peaks Tre Cime di Lavaredo . Also the lakes Pragser Wildsee (Lake Braies) and Lake Sorapis are stunning. Marmolada , the highest mountain range of the Dolomites, is also considered a must.

READ ALSO: Best Places to Visit in the Dolomites in Italy

Nice to see: Everything! Check out the Cinque Torri area that offers stunning mountain views and easy access to some incredible Great War sites. Also the mountains of the nearby Trentino region are really beautiful. Check out Val di Fumo , a spectacular place that’s still under the radar of most international tourists.

READ ALSO: Most Beautiful Lakes in the Italian Dolomites

How much time do you need: You can get a glimpse of the Dolomites in a day if you take a guided tour with a local guide. There are day tours from Bolzano, from Venice, or from Lake Garda. But if you are traveling in summer and love hiking, plan at least 5-6 days in the area. Stay in Val Gardena for a few days and be sure to spend several days in the Cortina d’Ampezzo area as well (see our guide to the best places to stay in the Dolomites ).

We’ve been to the Dolomites several times and will definitely go back again. There is just so much to see that you could spend many vacations here!

LEARN MORE: Dolomites Itinerary

Good to know: In winter, you can ski in the Dolomites. There are countless ski resorts in the South Tyrol and Trentino regions. And in summer, it’s a paradise for hiking and other outdoor activities!

READ ALSO: Best Hikes in the Dolomites

One more beautiful town that I feel deserves a mention on this list of the very best places to see in Italy is Verona . World-famous as being the setting for Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’, Verona is known as Italy’s most romantic city. But there is so much more to it than just Juliet’s tiny balcony!

Verona is a very old town with a rich history and beautiful architecture. Its most famous attraction is the 1st-century Roman amphitheater. You can visit it inside during the day or get tickets for one of the many concerts and performances in the evening. There is always something happening here!

The town is compact and you can see a lot in a short time. Stroll around the old town, get just a bit off the beaten tourist path, and you’ll find a great atmosphere of a real Italian town that’s often hard to find in many other most popular towns and cities in Italy.

Not to be missed: Verona Arena, Piazza delle Erbe, Torre dei Lamberti, and Juliet’s House & Balcony.

Nice to see: Castelvecchio, Ponte Scaligero, Piazza dei Signori, Arche Scaligere, and the views from Castel San Pietro.

How much time do you need: Half a day is enough for the main highlights of Verona. If you have one full day in the city, you can cover most of its best attractions. In two days, you can see the best of Verona plus take a tour of the nearby vineyards .

TIP: You can visit Verona as well as Lake Garda as a day trip from Milan . There are also tours from Venice .

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Verona

For many years, I was convinced that Milan was not as beautiful or worth a visit as most other Italian cities. However, my recent visit proved me wrong. Milan is a fascinating city and one of the very few places in Italy where history and modern-day life go so well together. I can’t compare it to any other Italian city as none of them have the same vibe as you’ll find in Milan.

Milan is a bit of a rough diamond and you have to make some effort to explore deeper in order to truly appreciate it. But even if you just visit for a day and focus on the main tourist attractions, it’s still well worth a visit!

Not to be missed: Duomo and Duomo Terraces, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and ‘The Last Supper’ by Leonardo da Vinci (book months in advance or take a tour !).

Nice to see: Sforzesco Castle, La Scala, Milan canals, Brera & Braidense National Library, Porta Nuova district.

How much time do you need: One day is enough for the main landmarks of Milan (see this guide for more info: one day in Milan ). If you have more time, I suggest taking a day tour to Lake Como .

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Milan

12. Italian Riviera

Italian Riviera is a beautiful coastal area of the Liguria region in western Italy. It’s best known for the picturesque coastal villages of Cinque Terre (mentioned above) and the luxury holiday resort for the rich and the famous – Portofino. But also here, there is so much more to see and do!

This part of Italy is just as beautiful as, say the Amalfi Coast, but you won’t find many tourist groups here. It’s more a place for a repeat trip to Italy than for those visiting the country for the first time and so many tourists never get to see more of this region beyond Cinque Terre. Yet, I think it surely deserves a visit if you can squeeze another day or two in your Italian itinerary.

The biggest city in this area is Genoa, but if you have to choose one or the other, I find that the coastal towns are worth your time more.

Not to be missed: Portofino, Cinque Terre, Camogli (featured image on top of this article).

Nice to see: Genoa, Santa Margherita Ligure, Portovenere.

How much time do you need: You need at least one day for Cinque Terre (see #5 above) and at least one day for Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure, and Camogli. If you also want to visit Portovenere and Genoa, you’ll need at least 4 days in this region and it will be rushed.

LEARN MORE: Most Beautiful Towns of the Italian Riviera

One of the most unique cities in Italy, Naples , is totally different from any other place in Italy! It’s noisy and crowded, but it’s also home to some of the most interesting historical sights and landmarks. Not even to mention that Naples is the birthplace of pizza. So a visit here is your chance to try the original Italian pizza, as it’s supposed to be.

No matter what you might have heard of Naples, don’t doubt for a second – the city is absolutely worth a visit! Ideally, you combine a trip here with that to the earlier-mentioned Amalfi Coast. But Naples is a fascinating destination in itself!

There is so much to see and do in and near Naples that you’ll have to be really selective about where to go, especially if your time in the area is limited.

Not to be missed: Historic city center (the area around Spaccanapoli and Via dei Tribunali), the Veiled Christ at Sansevero Chapel, National Archaeological Museum, Santa Chiara Monastery, Gesu Nuovo Church, and the views from Castel Sant’Elmo.

Nice to see: Naples Underground, Naples Catacombs, Piazza del Plebiscito, Royal Palace of Naples, Cathedral, Castel Nuovo, Ovo Castle, Via San Gregorio Armeno, Spanish Quarter.

How much time do you need: You need at least one day in Naples in order to see some of the musts. Ideally, you plan at least 2-3 days for the city, plus a few days for its surroundings including a visit to places like Pompeii, Herculaneum, Mt Vesuvius, or the Royal Palace of Caserta. See our guide to the best day trips from Naples for more information about all these places.

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Naples & Naples – Amalfi Coast Itinerary for 10 Days

The centuries-old rival town of Florence, Pisa is another place that most people consider a must-see in Italy. And it’s well worth a trip, even if just to see the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa!

It seems that everyone in the world has seen the famous Pisa Tower (even if just on a pizza box of a local pizzeria in your hometown). But not many people know that there is so much more to see in Pisa than its tower.

Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles) certainly does its name justice! The architecture here is stunning. Most buildings here date from the 11th and 12th centuries. Don’t miss the Duomo, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Baptistery, and the graveyard.

After a visit here, make sure to also visit the city center of Pisa. You’ll find a very pleasant Italian town with more locals than tourists, trendy cafes, restaurants, and nice little shops. When you come here from the busy Piazza dei Miracoli, you won’t believe this is the same town.

Not to be missed: Piazza dei Miracoli with the leaning tower of Pizza.

Nice to see: Pisa town center.

How much time do you need: Half a day is enough for the main highlights and a visit to the city center. You can take a guided tour that covers all the main places in about 2 hours .

TIP: Because it doesn’t require that much time, Pisa is often visited as a half-day trip from Florence or in combination with other places nearby. For example, you can take a day tour from Florence that combines Pisa, Siena, and San Gimignano or a day tour that visits Pisa and Cinque Terre from Florence .

There are also day tours from Rome that visit Pisa and Florence in a day and many other options. In other words, it’s really easy to include Pisa in your itinerary when planning a trip to Italy.

15. Emilia Romagna

Probably one of the most underrated regions in northern Italy, Emilia Romagna is a true hidden gem just waiting to be discovered!

If this place was anywhere else in the world, it would be overrun by tourists. But surrounded by such grand neighbors as Venice, Milan, and Italian Lakes in the north, coastal areas of the Italian Riviera in the west, and Tuscany in the south, Emilia Romagna is often overlooked by most first-time visitors.

However, if you are looking to discover the more authentic side of Italy, you should really consider visiting at least a couple of places in this region. Emilia Romagna is like the best of Italy in one, but without as many tourists. It truly has it all: rich history, stunning architecture, art, beautiful beaches, lively towns, and lovely landscapes. Furthermore, Emilia Romagna offers some of the very best food in the whole of Italy.

Not to be missed: Ravenna , Bologna .

Nice to see: Rimini , Parma, Ferrara, Modena.

How much time do you need: You’ll need at least one day for Bologna (you can easily visit Bologna from Florence for a day too) and at least half a day for Ravenna. If you have more time, you can easily fill 4-5 days in this region.

LEARN MORE: Emilia Romagna Itinerary & Best Things to Do in Bologna

TIP: If you find yourself planning a trip to this part of Italy, make sure to also plan a day for San Marino . While technically not part of Italy, it definitely deserves a mention and a visit!

San Marino is a tiny Republic surrounded by the Emilia Romagna region in Italy. It’s a real fairytale-like destination and well worth your time.

Pro tip: Plan to stay at least one night in one of the San Marino hotels so that you can explore this magical place without the crowds of day-trippers.

LEARN MORE: San Marino

Puglia (Apulia) is a beautiful region in southern Italy, right at the ‘heel’ of this boot-shaped country. Apulia is probably best known internationally for its trulli houses. Trulli are dry stone huts with a conical roof only found in this part of Italy and mostly in Alberobello town and the Itria Valley. These houses are typically painted white, while the roofs are left grey.

If you are looking for more authentic places to visit in Italy, then you should definitely consider this lesser-known region. It has some incredibly beautiful areas and just a fraction of the number of tourists compared to the surrounding regions.

A visit here is about the colors, the smells, the tastes that somehow feel stronger than anywhere else. It feels as if time passes slower here and so this is a wonderful part of Italy for those who like to travel deeper and are looking for more local experiences.

Not to be missed: Trulli houses in Alberobello, Promontorio del Gargano (a scenic drive along the coast following the ‘heel’ between Peschici and Manfredonia).

Nice to see: the 13th century octagonal-shaped Castel del Monte, Lecce that’s often called ‘Florence of the South’, Bari, Cathedral of Trani, Cathedral of Otranto, Taranto, Grotte di Castellana.

How much time do you need: You’ll need a day to explore the Terra dei Trulli and at least half a day for the scenic drive at the Gargano NP. The rest really depends on what you’re planning to visit.

Sicily is not only the largest island of Italy but also of the whole Mediterranean region. The island has nice beaches and breathtaking scenery, and it’s also very rich in history. You can even find ancient temples dating to the 5th-6th centuries BC (don’t miss Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples!).

One of the main attractions of the island is Mount Etna, Europe’s largest and most active volcano. You can visit the volcano with various tours – by jeep, hiking, etc.

Sicily is also a great region for foodies as it has its own distinct cuisine. Sicilian food has been influenced a lot by its history and you’ll find dishes influenced by French, Greek, Arabic, and North African cuisines. Different regions within Sicily can have very different food as well.

TIP: If you’d like to get to know more about Sicilian food and taste a big variety of it, you may want to consider a local food tour . There are some really good tours in all the bigger towns.

Not to be missed: Mount Etna, Valley of the Temples, Taormina (and the nearby villages where The Godfather was filmed), Syracuse (Siracusa), and Palermo.

Nice to see: Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina, Catania, Monreale, and Erice and Segesta.

How much time do you need: You can see the highlights of Sicily in 3-5 days, but you can easily spend a week or two here as well.

18. Sardinia

Just a little bit smaller than Sicily, Sardinia is also a big island that is a good vacation destination in itself. It has some nice places for sightseeing, but it’s also a popular vacation island with azure-blue waters, rugged coastlines, and dreamy white-sand beaches. It’s a great place to experience the Italian dolce far niente , the sweetness of doing nothing!

If you are looking for a more active holiday, you’ll find plenty to see and do as well. The island interior is mountainous and there are some nice hiking trails here. There are also nice little towns, archeological sites, and little islands to visit…

Sardinia is very different from the rest of Italy, with its own unique culture and food. It offers a lot of diversity in activities, sights, and sceneries and so it’s a great vacation destination for those who want to combine a beach holiday with some sightseeing.

Not to be missed: Costa Smeralda and its La Madalena Archipelago. Nuraghi, fortress-like tower ruins shaped like beehives. One of the oldest nuraghi (1500 BC) is Su Nuraxi in Barumini.

Nice to see: Cagliari, Alghero, and countless beaches.

How much time do you need: You can see some of the main highlights of Sardinia in 2-3 days, but it would be a pity to fly to this island just to tick the box on your Italy bucket list… If you are looking for a more relaxing vacation and want to enjoy the beautiful beaches, you can easily spend a few weeks here.

TIP: If you are thinking of visiting Sardinia, but are not sure where to start, take a look at Strictly Sardinia , a website by my Italian friend Claudia. Sardinia local, she shares all the top tips to help you plan an unforgettable trip.

READ ALSO: Tips & Useful Info for Traveling to Europe

So, this is my list of the absolute best places in Italy. As you can see, many of these destinations can be like a trip in itself, while some others can be visited in just a day or even less.

I hope that these suggestions will help you plan a dream trip to Italy! No matter where you go and how much time you spend, one thing you can be sure of – you’ll want to come back!

For more detailed destination guides and practical tips for your trip to Italy, please check our other articles on the blog via this link: Italy itinerary for 2 weeks . This itinerary covers many of the very best places in Italy in the most efficient way.

READ ALSO: How to Plan a Trip to Europe (+Top Tips)

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Sunday 30th of July 2023

Good afternoon, I was wondering if you have 3 - 4 wks itineraries for Italy? I have already visited the touristy places and would love to visit other regions. Thank you!

Tuesday 1st of August 2023

Hi Carmen, no, we don't have any sample itineraries for a longer duration as the possibilities would be endless. As you say, you already visited many popular places, so you'll never find an itinerary that's perfect for you because most itineraries will most definitely include some of the most popular areas. I also can't imagine you have visited all the 'touristy places' in Italy either ;). We have been to Italy dozens of times and still just scratched the surface of all there is to see... You can spend 3-4 weeks in the Dolomites alone and still not see everything... The best way to plan a trip is pick a few areas that interest you the most and then spend a few days in each exploring it deeper. Good luck with the planning.

Bruce Ogilvie

Wednesday 14th of June 2023

We are travelling to Italy this September. Thanks for your Italy article. Very helpful. Please inform us of where to stay in Florence. $$ and $$$ please. 3 or 4 stars. What area or neighborhood?

Hi Bruce, you can find some information on the best area to stay and our hotel recommendations for Florence in this article. If you are traveling any time soon, book ASAP! Have a great trip!

Tammy Hamilton

Friday 3rd of March 2023

What if you want to do it in three weeks? What do you recommend and how to travel and where to stay

Hi Tammy, take a look at our Italy itinerary for 2 weeks. It has so many additional recommendations that you can easily make it 3 weeks or more. You could start with Naples/Amalfi Coast for 3-4 days, then Rome for 3 days, then Florence (+Tuscan countryside/Cinque Terre/Pisa) for another 3-4 days, Bologna for a day or two, Venice for 2-3 days, Verona for a day, Lake Garda for 2-3 days, Lake Como for 1-4 days, and end with a day or two in Milan. It's just one of the gazillion ways to do it. Once again, take a look at the itinerary I linked to above. It has all the details and suggestions. If I ever find the time, I might publish some more recommendations, but there are so many possibilities that it's really difficult to recommend 'the best' itinerary. Good luck with the planning!

Tuesday 21st of February 2023

What is the best spot/address to take cypress tress picture in Tuscany. The one you have in this post. Thanks.

Sunday 26th of February 2023

Hi Ramesh, there are quite a few places in Tuscany where you will find similar views. The problem is that what you see in reality is often much further away than in the pictures. So if you are looking to take pictures like that - and depending on the place - you'll need a good telephoto lens. Anyway, this picture is from Crete Senesi not far from Siena. There are a few places indicated with this name on Google Maps and they are all quite scenic. If you are looking for this exact spot, you can find it here. Be aware though that it's usually full of people taking pictures, especially at sunset, so it's not as idyllic as it may look in the photos.

Thursday 2nd of February 2023

Hi we plan to have ten days to venice dolomite como and portofino . Where should we start first and how long for every place.any recommendations for the best transportation through this journey. Do you have any recommendations for hotel and restaurant too thank you

Friday 3rd of February 2023

Hi Miley, what you are asking are detailed suggestions for an entire trip itinerary. Unfortunately, I really have no time to offer this service to our readers. Creating a good itinerary for a trip like this takes many hours and everyone has different interests, flies to different airports, travels in different seasons, etc. etc. You might find some inspiration in our 2-week Italy itinerary that has all the details. But it doesn't cover all the areas that you want to see. We do, however, have plenty of articles on our blog that covers all the areas that you want to see in great detail. You can find a lot of them linked in this article, and otherwise, take a look at the overview on our Italy travel page. Good luck with the planning and have a great trip!

25 Best Places to Visit in Italy (+ Map to Find Them!)

Brainstorming the best places to visit in Italy before planning a big trip?

We have you covered: despite our temptation to list a hundred places to go in Italy on this list, we’ve narrowed it down to the top Italy travel destinations… plus thrown in just a few curveballs for good measure.

Italy has long been one of our absolute favorite places to travel, and despite cumulatively spending months exploring, we’ll be returning to enjoy the most beautiful places in Italy again and again for the rest of our lives.

Here are the best places to visit in Italy, from iconic cities to charming small towns to colorful islands!

Table of Contents

How to Choose Where to Go in Italy

The best cities to visit in italy, incredible small towns to visit in italy, nature-focused beautiful places in italy, map of the best places to visit in italy.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

It’s downright impossible to visit all the best places to visit in Italy on one trip–so once you’ve compiled your personal bucket list, you’ll need to narrow it down!

We have almost 100 blog posts about Italy here on Our Escape Clause, covering everything from detailed breakdowns of what to do in certain cities, to the best day trips, to food guides for cities like Rome and Florence .

I’ll link many of our Italy blog posts throughout this guide to the most beautiful places in Italy, but to find additional posts on a specific place (some places, like Rome, have over a dozen), use the search bar in the top-right corner of the screen (or if you’re browsing on mobile, on the pop-out menu).

You can use these posts to help put the backbone of your Italy trip together, as well as plan the more detailed aspects of your vacation.

After reading this guide to where to go in Italy, we recommend reading our suggested 2-week Italy itinerary (with classic suggestions for first-time visitors), our guide to spending a week in Italy that provides several options for structuring your trip, and our step-by-step-guide to planning an Italy trip .

You may also want to check out our Italy road trip guide , our 101 top Italy travel tips , and our suggested Italy packing list .

Nicknamed the Eternal City, Rome is a sprawling, complex city dotted with 2,000+ years of ruins, relics, and memories–and in our opinion, it’s one of the most captivating places to visit in Italy… and also in the world overall.

No trip to Rome is complete without visiting the Colosseum and Roman Forum, strolling up the Spanish Steps, stopping by Vatican City , eating a plate (or several) of carbonara, and tossing a coin in the Trevi Fountain to ensure you return to Rome.

We also highly recommend exploring a couple of Rome’s magnificent art museums, whether that’s the iconic Borghese Gallery or quieter options like Palazzo Spada .

Beautiful, walkable Florence is known primarily for two things: its art, and its food.

As both the Cradle of the Renaissance and the capital of Tuscany, neither of these is surprising!

Touring the famous Uffizi Gallery and visiting Michelangelo’s David at the Galleria dell’Accademia is a must-do for art lovers in Florence. 

Be sure to also stop by the Duomo, stroll across the Ponte Vecchio, watch the sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo, and eat plenty of delicious Tuscan food ! 

Of all the best places to go in Italy, Venice is arguably the most unique: there is simply nowhere else on the planet like the regal city of canals, with its iconic gondolas and architecture hinting at the history of the wealthy empire that once ruled from it.

The best things to do in Venice include visiting Piazza San Marco, marveling at St. Mark’s Basilica, taking a classic Venetian gondola ride, and wandering aimlessly through the less-crowded (but still stunning) corners of the city.

When looking for the best places to visit in Lombardy , you can’t start with anywhere except Milan.

The fashion and business capital of Italy is known for its luxury brands, beautiful architecture, and more modern vibe as compared to many Italian cities–but it still has plenty of history behind it, too, and belongs on any list detailing where to go in Italy.

Visiting Milan’s incredible Duomo (and especially its epic rooftop) belongs at the top of any list of things to do in Milan, followed by getting a peek at Leonardo Da Vinci’s Last Supper.

Other sights include the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Castello Sforzesco, and of course Milan’s famous La Scala Opera House.

The capital of Emilia-Romagna is known, above all else, for its food, which just might be the best in Italy. 

Its charms don’t end there, though. Bologna boasts 3 nicknames: la dotta (the educated, for its history university), la rossa (the red, for its unique architecture), and la grassa (the fat, for the aforementioned epic food). It lives up to all of them.

While in Bologna, be sure to climb the Asinelli Tower for incredible views of the city, hunt down the city’s hidden canals, and visit the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca.

Plus, of course, enjoy plenty of food: tagliatelle al ragu, mortadella, and traditional balsamic vinegar are just a few of the delicacies that the region is known for.

The bustling port city of Naples isn’t everyone’s cup of tea–some would even argue that it doesn’t belong on a list of where to go in Italy. We disagree, though.

Naples has a very, very different vibe than Italian cities located further north, but its unique history, interesting things to do, and of course, pizza, make it well worth a visit.

In Naples, be sure to visit the Piazza del Plebiscito, get underground at the Bourbon Tunnel, San Gennaro Catacombs, or Naples Underground, and visit the magnificent archaeological museum, which is one of the best in Italy and where many of the most impressive artifacts from Pompeii ended up!

Plus, of course, visiting Naples means eating at least a couple of classic Napoli-style pizzas –they truly are better there than anywhere else.

Sicily’s stunning capital city is certainly a bit rougher around the edges than many of the best places to visit in Italy, but that’s no reason to stay away.

With a long and storied history impacted by half a dozen empires or so, plenty of palm trees, and even catacombs filled with mummies, Palermo is an unforgettable place, and utterly captivating if you give it the chance to be.

A trip to Palermo should definitely include a visit to the Palermo Cathedral, a food tour through the city ( Sicilian food is distinctly different from what many foreigners associate with Italian food–plus, you get to eat cannoli), and a stop to check out the Quattro Canti.

The city of Romeo and Juliet is located along the Adige River in Veneto and is arguably one of the most beautiful cities in Italy.

Packed with gorgeous views, colorful architecture, and interesting sights, Verona gets far fewer international visitors than, say, Venice or Florence–but it is easy to add onto a typical Italy vacation and well worth the effort!

While in Verona, be sure to enjoy the view from Castel San Pietro, visit Juliet’s House, and walk across the Ponte Pietra.

Tuscany’s second city was once the military rival of Florence–today, it is better known for its oval-shaped central piazza, its excellent food, and the Palio di Siena, a bi-annual horse race that takes place in the Piazza del Campo, and is a tradition that dates back around 800 years!

Visiting Siena’s Duomo (considered by some to be even more beautiful than Florence’s!) is a must-do when visiting the city, as is strolling around the oval-shaped Piazza del Campo and enjoying the view from the top of the Opera della Metropolitana.

Located on the eastern coast of Sicily, the beautiful city of Siracusa is home to beautiful views and history that dates back to the ancient Greeks (fun fact: the famous Greek mathematician Archimedes was from Siracusa!).

The best things to do in Siracusa include wandering the island of Ortigia (home to Siracusa’s old town), stopping by the many baroque churches (especially the Duomo), visiting the ancient Greek and Roman ruins scattered around, and seeing the Fort of San Giovannello.

Alberobello

With its distinct white-washed trulli (round buildings with cone-shaped roofs), Alberobello is one of the most unique places to visit in Italy and Puglia’s most famous inland sight.

The trulli are absolutely the biggest draw of Alberobello, so the most important thing to do in town is stroll through the Rione Monti, where you will find the biggest concentration of them! However, the quieter part of town, Aia Piccola, also has plenty of trulli and is well worth a visit.

Cinque Terre

Technically, I could list each of the five villages of Cinque Terre separately here (in order: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore), but even though they are technically separate places, Cinque Terre as a whole is one of the best travel destinations in Italy.

These five traditional fishing villages are known for their colorful buildings, their location right on the sea, and of course, their seafood.

When in Cinque Terre, hike from Monterosso al Mare to Vernazza (if you have limited time for hiking, this is the one to do!), enjoy a meal featuring seafood and/or pesto, and watch the sunset over Manarola.

If you have time, consider making it a point to visit all five villages and choose your favorite–ours are Vernazza and Riomaggiore, but ask me again tomorrow. It’s nearly impossible to choose!

Located in the Basilicata region of southern Italy, Matera is known for its ancient “sassi” cave dwellings, which were forcibly emptied by Mussolini in 1952.

Today, the city has reopened and been given new life, and its remarkable beauty has made it one of the most unique places on this guide of where to go in Italy.

In Matera, be sure to visit the Church of Saint Peter and its incredible viewpoint, see the city’s rock churches, and take a walking tour through the maze-like city center in order to learn about complex history dating back 10,000 years while also seeking out incredible views along the way!

Polignano a Mare

As one of the most picturesque beach towns in Italy , Polignano a Mare is primarily known for its visually stunning Cala Porto beach–but like other places in Puglia, the whitewashed architecture, historical buildings, and seafood also shine.

Visiting Cala Porto is at the top of everyone’s Polignano al Mare bucket list–be sure to also enjoy the view of it from above at Balconata sul Mare!

Montepulciano

Truthfully, there are many hilltop towns in Tuscany that are worthy of being considered among the most beautiful places in Italy, but I chose Montepulciano to include here because it is such a delightful example of an idyllic Tuscan town.

With its winding cobblestone streets, beautiful churches, fantastic views of the countryside, and excellent local wine, Montepulciano is not to be missed!

When in Montepulciano, sample the delicious Vino di Montepulciano (ideally at the wine cellar in the center of town), seek out views of the beautiful Church of San Biagio and snap photos at Piazza Grande.

Val di Noto’s Baroque Towns

The Baroque towns of Sicily’s Val di Noto are known for their remarkable architecture, excellent food (especially Modica’s chocolate), and incredible natural setting. They’re also, collectively, a UNESCO World Heritage site!

Siracusa, also included in this guide to beautiful spots in Italy, is technically among these towns, as is the city of Catania. However, the grouping of Ragusa (home to stunning views), Scilici, and Modica (home to incredibly unique chocolate) are a popular and worthy collection of villages to visit in their own right!

Pompeii isn’t exactly a small town, of course, but this incredibly famous archaeological site doesn’t quite fit into any of our categories on this guide to the best places to see in Italy, so I’ll include it here.

In 79 AD, Pompeii (as well as other nearby cities like Herculaneum) was buried by an enormous volcanic eruption from Mount Vesuvius… and it wasn’t seen again until the 18th century.

For this reason, Pompeii offers a positively incredible look into daily life in the ancient Roman empire.

Tour the city on foot (we highly recommend a guided tour), see the haunting plaster casts of victims who were buried alive, and marvel at the small details of life 2,000 years ago that are on display in Pompeii.

Glamorous Lake Como has long been considered one of the most beautiful places in Italy, and the resort-style feel of the gorgeous villas and villages that dot the lake is a testament to its overwhelming beauty.

While visiting Lake Como, be sure to sample a few of the different villages on the lake ( Bellagio , Varenna, and Como are all popular), tour a villa or two, take a hike above the lake for stunning views, and hit the water in a boat!

The stunning island of Capri has been captivating visitors with its gorgeous vistas and otherworldly grottos since the time of Roman Emperors–and 2,000 or so years later, it’s still just as captivating.

When visiting Capri, be sure to take a boat tour around the island, admire the views from the Garden of Augustus (don’t miss the view of Via Krupp looking straight down), ride the chairlift up Monte Solaro, and if you have enough time, tour the magical Blue Grotto.

The magnificent Dolomites are arguably one of the most dramatically beautiful mountain ranges in all of Europe, and whether you’d like to visit for a summer hike or a winter ski session, they are absolutely among the best places to visit in Italy.

The best things to do in the Dolomites include visiting the charming small cities of Bolzano and Cortina d’Ampezzo, hiking to stunning mountain lakes, taking funicular rides to small mountainside towns, and road-tripping the Great Dolomites Road.

Lago di Braies

Instagram-famous Lago di Braies is known as one of the most beautiful places in Italy. 

Framed by the Dolomites and populated by picturesque wooden rowboats, it’s truly a sight to behold.

Renting a rowboat to admire the lake from the water and hiking the circumference of the lake (it takes about 1.5 hours) are among the best things to do at Lago di Braies.

Tuscan Countryside

Known for its rolling hills, golden light, beautiful vineyards, charming villages, and even its hot springs, Tuscany has long been one of the most popular places to visit in Italy–for a very good reason.

In addition to touring its cities and small towns (Florence, Siena, and Montepulciano are also included on this list and are in Tuscany), consider visiting a hot spring, taking a cooking class, going for a hike, and of course enjoying several wine tastings while in the Tuscan countryside.

The Amalfi Coast

Of course, no list of the most beautiful places in Italy would be complete without mentioning the utterly magical Amalfi Coast, which is home to quite possibly some of the best coastal views on the planet.

When visiting the Amalfi Coast, be sure to village-hop a bit–Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello are among the most popular–enjoy views of the coast from the water with a boat tour or rental, and for some of the best views of all, hike the aptly-named Path of the Gods.

The gorgeous island of Sardinia gets far fewer non-Italian–and especially non-European–visitors than coastal retreats like the Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre, or even Sicily, but that’s too bad… because it is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful places in Italy.

Sardinia’s beaches are known for being some of the best in Italy (and in Europe overall) , so be sure to add several to your list of things to do on the island! 

Visiting ancient ruins, sailing around the island (either yourself or on a tour), visiting the charming city of Cagliari, and checking out the many unique castles and caves all also belong on your list of what to do in Sardinia.

Mount Vesuvius

Mount Vesuvius, primarily known for the 79 AD eruption that buried Pompeii and Herculaneum, is the most famous volcano in Italy and an incredible place to visit.

Visit the crater of Mount Vesuvius (it’s about a 25-minute walk up, you can drive most of the way) to marvel at the smoldering volcano crater and to soak in magnificent views of the Bay of Naples.

Take This Map With You! Click each highlight to pull up the name of the destination. To save this map to “Your Places” on Google Maps, click the star to the right of the title. You’ll then be able to find it under the Maps tab of your Google Maps account! To open the map in a new window, click the button on the top right of the map.

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

6 thoughts on “25 Best Places to Visit in Italy (+ Map to Find Them!)”

Kind of glad you didn’t mention my favorite place in Italy, Luca. Let’s keep it under the radar.?

Ah, if I included everywhere amazing in Tuscany, the post would never end! Lucca is my grandmother’s favorite too, we’ve spent some lovely trips there. 🙂

You’re welcome! 🙂

I will be visiting Italy in Sept 2023 for 8 days. Is it reasonable to spend time in Rome, Florence and Cinque Terre in that time period? If so, how would you recommend I break up the trip?

It’s a tight squeeze, but doable, especially if you visit Cinque Terre on an organized day trip from Florence.

Assuming the 2 days on either end of the trip are travel days, I’d recommend 3 full days in Rome, 1 day in Cinque Terre, and 2 days in Florence.

We talk a lot more about planning a week in Italy here: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/7-days-in-italy-in-a-week/

And we talk about visiting Cinque Terre from Florence here: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/florence-to-cinque-terre/

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Best places to visit in italy.

Tourists and travel experts have long agreed that Italy is a special place, so much so that the country has become a de facto bucket list destination for just about everyone. Famous for its incredible food, rich historical sites, highly regarded art, charming small towns and picturesque cities, countrysides and coastlines, it's safe to say Italy's offerings are unmatched. U.S. News rounded up the best places to visit in Italy considering a number of factors, from affordability and seasonality to sights and crowds, to help you decide exactly where to go. Have a favorite destination in Italy? Cast your vote below to influence next year's ranking.

Amalfi Coast

Cinque terre, tuscany, italy.

A standard stop on many European vacation itineraries , Rome is not to be missed. Italy’s capital city is a globally renowned cultural and historical powerhouse, boasting everything from ancient ruins and tranquil parks to Michelin-starred restaurants. Here, you'll find the most important relic from the Roman Empire (the Colosseum), some of Michelangelo's greatest works (in the Sistine Chapel), an 18th century Baroque-style fountain (the Trevi Fountain) and, of course, the center of Catholicism (Vatican City). Other can’t-miss tourist attractions in the Eternal City include the Pantheon, the Roman Forum and St. Peter’s Basilica, the world’s largest church.

Situated in the scenic Tuscan valley, Florence woos travelers with old-world avenues leading to picturesque piazzas big and small. While you're soaking up the city's splendor, make sure to stop by the Piazza del Duomo, where the breathtaking Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral is located, and the romantic Ponte Vecchio, a 14th century bridge overlooking the Arno River. Once central to the Renaissance movement, Florence also offers art aficionados the opportunity to see famous pieces by Michelangelo and other iconic artists of that period. As an added bonus, Florence is ideal for a daytrip to the Chianti wine region.

The journey to the cliff-side Amalfi Coast involves heart-stopping, hairpin turns on narrow roads, but travelers agree this is part of the fun. The region covers more than 30 miles of coastline and is home to 13 colorful seaside towns, each with its own story. Positano and Amalfi are the most popular, housing numerous hotels and sights. While here, hike, relax on the beach and eat to your heart's content (there are multiple Michelin-starred restaurants along the Amalfi Coast). For something more off-the-beaten-path, set your sights on Atrani. This humble fishing village boasts medieval whitewashed architecture, winding alleys and authentic Italian charm.

There are few destinations in the world that are quite like Venice. Its uniqueness can largely be attributed to the canals that run through this northern Italian city like roads, carrying water taxis and buses in addition to its fleet of famous gondolas. As such, there is a palpable bustle here that may surprise some first-timers. For a relaxing Venice vacation, seek out the smaller streets and canals away from the busy Grand Canal and St. Mark's Square. Just be sure to stroll across Rialto Bridge and tour the grand St. Mark’s Basilica at least once.

Cinque Terre, located on Italy's northern Ligurian coast, is made up of five picturesque towns – Manarola, Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia and Riomaggiore. Manarola, the region’s oldest town, boasts scenic vineyards, olive groves and a centuries-old bell tower. Meanwhile, Vernazza, often considered one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, is well-known for its picture-perfect houses and grand medieval castle. The Cinque Terre offers an abundance of exciting activities, from boat tours and hiking to cooking classes and wine tastings. While here, don’t forget to save time for exploring the cliff-side Footpath Monterosso trail, a beautiful hiking path connecting Vernazza and Monterosso.

For centuries, this small island off the coast of southern Italy has attracted plenty of famous faces, from emperors to movie stars, due to its gorgeous scenery. Some of Capri's most amazing sights are best seen by boat, including the Faraglioni rock formations and the Blue Grotto, where sunlight turns the water into an unbelievably vivid shade of blue. On land, the Gardens of Augustus and Villa Jovis, an imperial palace, also provide spectacular views. Meanwhile, in the town center, visitors will find high-end shops and restaurants where they can relax after a long day of sightseeing.

Considered the land of the sirens in Greek mythology, Sorrento continues to lure people with its charm and stunning views. Here, vacationers can explore enchanting piazzas or relax near the water before watching the sun set behind the cliffs. Plus, lemons are big in Sorrento – both in size and in popularity – and the area is known as one of the best places in the world to taste authentic limoncello, a lemon-flavored liquor. It's also the perfect base for daytrips and boat tours to nearby Capri, the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii and other popular Italian locales.

Italy's second-largest city is best known for its high fashion, playing host to Milan Fashion Week each winter and home to iconic fashion houses including Giorgio Armani, Prada and Versace. Visitors can peruse such high-end brands at the dazzling Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade. But Milan's architecture (including the Gothic Milan Cathedral and grand Teatro alla Scala opera house) and sites like Castello Sforzesco (which holds nearly 10 museums and exhibitions) are worth a visit on their own. What's more, the city is incredibly walkable, so feel free to explore on foot – with or without designer stilettos.   

Located about 30 miles from Verona, Lake Garda tends to be more approachable and wallet-friendly (if a bit more touristy) than Lake Como. Activities in this recreational hot spot include swimming and windsurfing, as well as hiking and taking a funicular to Mount Baldo. Lake Garda also attracts families with Gardaland Resort, which includes themed hotels as well as an amusement park, water park and aquarium. If you're looking to get away from the crowds, go beyond the main tourist sites to the quieter northern side of the lake, where you'll find the highest mountains and tucked-away towns.

If you're looking for Italy without the crowds, Tuscany is really all it's cracked up to be. Italy's famous countryside offers travelers spectacular landscapes dotted with romantic villas and castles equipped with wineries and superb restaurants. Don’t miss out on a visit to the walled city of San Gimignano, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its medieval towers. What's more, Tuscan locales like Pisa (which offers much more than its leaning tower) and Siena are an easy drive from top destinations such as Bologna and Cinque Terre, perfect for daytrippers who don't want to stay in one place for too long.

Assisi, a medieval town with religious connections, sits on a hilltop in the lush landscapes of Umbria, just more than 100 miles north of Rome. This peaceful town's biggest draws are its sights dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi, one of Italy's patron saints, including the Basilica of San Francesco, which houses his tomb as well as colorful frescos, and The Woods of San Francesco. Beyond its religious heritage, Assisi is worth a visit for its picturesque streets and sweeping views, while its location also makes it ideal for a truffle hunting excursion or wine tasting tour.

As the location of several ancient Greek legends, Sicily has an almost mythical quality. Once you visit for yourself, you'll see why so many writers were inspired by this island, which happens to be the largest in the Mediterranean. Be enchanted by Sicily's crystal-clear waters and golden beaches. Marvel at Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe, or try hiking up it in summer or skiing down it in winter. Also save time for taking in the many cultures that have called this island home at its various cathedrals and archaeological sites.

This former Roman city in southern Italy is equal parts chilling and impressive. Pompeii was left almost completely intact after it was buried in ash after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79. Its astonishingly well-preserved ruins now provide present-day visitors a glimpse into what life was like during ancient times. True history buffs might also enjoy a trip to nearby Herculaneum, another city that was preserved by the same eruption, while more adventurous explorers should consider hiking to the top of Mount Vesuvius for jaw-dropping panoramas of the Bay of Naples and the Sorrento Peninsula.

Best known for its Shakespeare ties, Verona appeals to fans of "Romeo and Juliet" with themed tours of the sights that allegedly inspired the play. But there is more to this city than its literary link. Verona, located about 15 miles east of Lake Garda, is also home to several impressive attractions and historic buildings (the whole city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, after all). Travelers won't want to miss the Arena di Verona, a first-century Roman amphitheater that is still in use, and Giardino Giusti, a beautifully sculpted Renaissance garden.

Sardinia provides the best of both worlds. Costa Smeralda is all about luxury, with its lush beaches and coves overlooking yacht-filled waters. And away from all of the glitz and glamour of Costa Smeralda, you'll find a more laid-back side of the island, including small medieval towns where Sardinians still practice sheepherding and wear traditional clothing. What's more, Sardinia features several ancient ruins, such as UNESCO World Heritage-listed Su Nuraxi di Barumini.

If you really want to treat yourself on your next vacation, Lake Como is where you want to be. Here, opulent villas and hotels line the shores and sandy beaches beckon to sun seekers. You'll see sleek sailboats and speedboats coasting in the middle of the lake, which is the perfect place to admire the region's surrounding hills. Meanwhile, for a lesson in luxury, tour one of the region’s grand villas; top picks among travelers include Villa Melzi d’Eril, Villa Carlotta and Villa Balbianello. Later, check out the Como Cathedral, a magnificent structure boasting Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architectural styles.

The small, crescent-shaped village of Portofino is known as a vacation hot spot for the rich and famous. The water surrounding Portofino is often filled with yachts and is great for swimming and diving. Plus, the area's beauty and tranquil atmosphere make it an excellent place to unwind. When travelers need a break from relaxing, they can venture just outside of Portofino to check out historical sites like Castello Brown, an ancient military fortress with incredible views of the Marina di Portofino, and Abbazia di San Fruttuoso, a 10th century monastery that can only be reached by foot or ferry.

Thought to have been inhabited 12,000 years ago, Matera is one of the world's oldest continually occupied towns. Located in the Basilicata region in southern Italy, just west of Puglia, Matera's distinguishing features are its sassi (cave dwellings), which were inhabited until the 1950s. While here, look out for the many viewpoints, called belvederes, for a glimpse of the breathtaking cliffside. Visit Sasso Caveoso for the Casa Grotta cave house (inhabited until 1957) and the Santa Maria de Idris, a rupestrian church carved from the rocky landscape. Meanwhile, in Sasso Barisano – the oldest part of the city – you'll find modern comforts like hotels, restaurants and shops.

There are several reasons why Bologna, the capital of northern Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, is often called "la dotta, la grassa e la rossa" ("the learned, the fat and the red"). For one, it's home to the oldest university in Europe, the University of Bologna. The city is also a food lover's dream thanks to its world-renowned cuisine, which includes Italian staples like tortellini and lasagna Bolognese. Bologna even features a gelato university and the food-themed amusement park, FICO Eataly World. Plus, the city boasts an array of terra cotta-roofed medieval buildings, including a pair of leaning towers.

Located in the northwest corner of Italy, Turin is the perfect city break brimming with grand architecture, museums and delightful cuisine. Must-visit attractions include Mole Antonelliana (a former synagogue turned into a cinema museum), the 16th-century Royal Palace of Turin and the Museo Egizio (Egyptian Museum). Once you've toured the top sights, settle into local life by enjoying the city's riverside parks, street markets, football games and historic cafes. At the latter, you'll find unique coffee blends and decadent chocolate, as well as elaborate aperitif hours. On the long list of things Turin does right, you can find these three items at the top.   

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The 15 best places to visit in Italy, from Venice to the Cinque Terre

Nov 19, 2023 • 11 min read

Rome should be the centerpiece of your trip if you’re going to Italy for the first time © Kathrin Ziegler / Getty Images

Home to some of the greatest artworks, historical monuments and food on the planet, and with the kind of varied landscapes that you often have to cross continents to see, Italy elates, inspires and moves its visitors like few other countries.

From its art- and architecture-stuffed cities to its astonishing diversity of natural landscapes – dramatic coastlines, serene lakes, pristine mountains, and those famous rolling hills – picking just a handful of destinations to visit in this wonderful country is no easy task.

So how do you decide where to go? It all depends on what you’re looking for in your Italian odyssey, whether that’s history, art, beaches, hiking or even food. No matter your passion, our list of 15 must-see places in Italy should be your starting point.

Best for history

Once caput mundi (capital of the world), Rome was legendarily spawned by a wolf-suckled boy, developed into a vast empire, rooted itself as the home of the Catholic church, and is now the repository of more than two millennia of art and architecture.

Rome should definitely be the centerpiece of your trip if you’re going to Italy for the first time, but there's simply too much to see in one visit, from the Pantheon and the Colosseum to Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel and countless works by Caravaggio. So do as countless others have done before you: toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain and promise to return.

Planning tip: There’s an overwhelming amount to see here, and with limited public transport in the city center, your choice of hotel can be crucial. Map out the sights you’re most interested in before you book – if you want to be at the Vatican at opening time, for example, don't stay near the Colosseum.

Read more: Italians reveal their under-the-radar vacation spots in Italy

Best for a Renaissance fix

From Botticelli’s Venus , emerging coyly from the water in the Uffizi Gallery , to the mind-boggling dome of its cathedral, Florence is a feast for the eyes. This was, of course, the seat of the Renaissance, and there are knock-out names at every turn – Michelangelo in the Accademia, Donatello in the Bargello, Leonardo and Raphael in the Uffizi. 

Further afield in  Tuscany – Italy's most romanticized region – is an undulating landscape of sinuous cypress trees, olive groves and coveted regional treasures. Glory in the Gothic majesty of Siena and the Manhattan-esque skyline of medieval San Gimignano before exploring the vineyards of Italy's most famous wine region, Chianti , and the rolling, cypress-studded hills of the Val d’Orcia.

Planning tip: You’re best off without a car if you’re sticking to major towns and cities since Tuscany has a good rail network. But if you want to explore the countryside, you’ll definitely need a car. 

3. The Dolomites

Best for dramatic mountains

Scour the globe, and you'll find plenty of taller, bigger and more geologically volatile mountains, but few can match the romance of the pink-hued granite Dolomites .

Maybe it's their harsh, jagged summits, the vibrant skirts of spring wildflowers, or the rich cache of Ladin legends. Then again, it could just be the magnetic draw of money, style and glamor at Italy's most fabled ski resort, Cortina d'Ampezzo , or the linguistic curiosity of picture-postcard mountain village Sappada . Whatever the reason, this tiny pocket of northern Italy takes seductiveness to dizzying heights.

4. Amalfi Coast

Best for classic beauty

Italy's most celebrated coastline is a gripping strip: coastal mountains plunge into the piercing blue sea in a prime-time vertical scene of precipitous crags, sun-bleached villages and cliffs rearing up behind. Between sea and sky, mountaintop hiking trails deliver Tyrrhenian panoramas fit for a god.

While some may argue that the peninsula's most beautiful coast is Liguria's Cinque Terre or Calabria's Costa Viola, it is the Amalfi Coast that has seduced and inspired countless greats, from Tennessee Williams and DH Lawrence to Elizabeth Taylor, Virginia Woolf and Jackie Kennedy. Of course, its staggeringly romantic looks also make it one of the best places in Italy for couples.

Planning tip: Yes, driving along the Amalfi Coast is one of the world’s most famous road trips, but often it feels like everyone else on the planet has the same idea as you. Traffic can be nose-to-tail, and parking is effectively nonexistent. Instead, take the ferry between towns or travel by public transport .

Best for stepping back in time

Frozen in its death throes, the time-warped ruins of Pompeii hurtle you 2000 years into the past. Wander through chariot-grooved Roman streets, lavishly frescoed villas and bathhouses, food stores and markets, theaters, and even an ancient brothel.

Then, in the eerie stillness, your eye on ominous Mt Vesuvius, ponder Pliny the Younger's terrifying account of the town's final hours: “Darkness came on again, again ashes, thick and heavy. We got up repeatedly to shake these off; otherwise, we would have been buried and crushed by the weight.”

Planning tip: If you have time, the other major city destroyed by the eruption, Herculaneum, is also worth a visit. Much smaller than Pompeii, its buildings are better preserved, and the location – surrounded by its modern descendant, Ercolano – makes the site even more piquant. Like Pompeii, it’s easily reached on the Circumvesuviana train.

6. Emilia-Romagna

Best for foodies

In a region as overwhelmingly foodie as Emilia-Romagna , it's only natural that its capital, Bologna , is dubbed “La Grassa” (the fat one). Many belt-busting Italian classics hail from here, including mortadella, tortellini and tagliatelle al ragù. Shop in the deli-packed Quadrilatero district – home to food stalls since medieval times – then hop on the train for an afternoon in Modena for world-famous aged balsamic vinegar.

Leave room for Parma , hometown of parmigiano reggiano cheese and the incomparable prosciutto di Parma. Wherever you plunge your fork, toast with a glass or three of Emilia-Romagna's renowned Lambrusco – a world away from the sickly sweet wine that was exported in the past.

7. Lago di Como

Best for a slice of luxury

If it's good enough for the Clooneys and vacationing Obamas, it's good enough for mere mortals. Nestled in the shadow of the Rhaetian Alps, dazzling Lago di Como is Lombardy's most spectacular lake. Its lavish Liberty-style villas are home to movie moguls, fashion royalty, and literal royalty, while the lake's siren calls include gardens at Villas Melzi d'Eril , Carlotta , and Balbianello that blush pink with camellias, azaleas and rhododendrons in April and May.

The city of Como itself is a hotbed of arresting architecture, from the Gothic cathedral to Palazzo Terragni – built by the Fascists as their party headquarters, it’s a classic example of Italian 1930s Rationalism and a striking reminder of the atrocities committed by the regime.  

Planning tip: Como is like the Amalfi Coast – the roads are clogged, and parking is a huge problem. Instead of driving, use public transport; there’s an excellent ferry and bus network, as well as a train line along the eastern edge of the lake.

8. Sardinia

Best for beaches and coastline

The English language cannot accurately describe the varied blue, green and – in the deepest shadows – purple colors of Sardinia’s seas. While models, ministers and perma-tanned celebrities wine, dine and sail along the glossy Costa Smeralda , much of the island – the Med’s second largest after Sicily – remains a wild, raw playground.

Explore its rugged coastal beauty, from the tumbledown boulders of Santa Teresa di Gallura and the wind-chiseled cliff face of the Golfo di Orosei to the windswept beauty of the Costa Verde's dune-backed beaches.

But spend time inland too, and you’ll find some of Europe’s finest prehistoric remains: mysterious nuraghi (megalithic buildings), burial sites so grand they’re known as “giants’ tombs,” and the mountain villages of Barbagia, where locals still practice centuries-old traditions.

Best for sheer italianità

Pompeii, pizza and a whole lot of panache – Naples is a city like no other. Layered like lasagna, each strip of history on top of the last, this is a place where (underground) you can walk along ancient Greek and Roman roads, while at street level there are sumptuous churches, baroque palaces and Maradona – Maradona everywhere .

Outside the city, Vesuvius looms over the time capsules of Pompeii and Herculaneum, while in town, living in the shadow of a volcano gives life a sense of urgency. All that makes for a place like nowhere else .

Planning tip: Naples becomes less chaotic from the water. Taking the ferry isn’t only an option if you’re going to islands like Ischia and Procida – you can also take a boat from the city to Sorrento , Positano and the Amalfi Coast.

Best for a fairytale city

“Unique” is an overused word, but in the case of Venice , there’s no better description. This really is a dreamscape of intricately carved palazzos, gilded churches and world-class museums, all floating on water and crisscrossed by quiet canals.

Avoid the temptation to do a quick drop-in visit to see the main sights – the real Venice is in the silent canals and narrow alleyways, which cast a spell on all who move through them. Tick off the Rialto Bridge and Piazza San Marco , but then stay on to experience this most precious, and precarious, of cities.

Local tip: This is not the place to run a tight schedule. Leave time to wander the alleys , look inside the churches and artisan shops you pass, and hop on a vaporetto that’ll chug through the islands of the lagoon.

11. Parco Nazionale del Gran Paradiso

Best for hiking

If you're pining for a mind-clearing retreat, lace up your hiking boots and explore over 500km (310 miles) of marked trails and mule tracks traversing “Grand Paradise.”

Part of the Graian Alps and one of Italy's very first national parks, Gran Paradiso's pure, pristine spread encompasses 57 glaciers and alpine pastures awash with wild pansies, gentians and alpenroses, not to mention a healthy population of Alpine ibex, for whose protection the park was originally established. At 4061m (13,323ft), the eponymous Gran Paradiso is the park's only peak, accessed from tranquil Cogne.

12. Mount Etna

Best for thrill seekers

Known to the Greeks as the “column that holds up the sky,”  Mt Etna is not only Europe's largest volcano, it's one of the world's most active. The ancients believed the giant Tifone (Typhoon) lived in its crater and lit the sky with spectacular pyrotechnics; today they simply call it idda , or “her.”

At 3326m (10,912ft), she literally towers above Sicily's Ionian Coast . Tackle the climb on foot, on a guided 4WD tour, or stick to the lower slopes, where you’ll find some of Italy’s most exciting wines being grown in the uber-fertile volcanic soil. Sicily is one of the nicest places in Italy to visit, thanks to its extraordinary wealth of history and architecture, its jaw-dropping coastline and, of course, the ever-welcoming Sicilians.

13. Cinque Terre and the Liguria coast

Best for classic coastline

Liguria’s remote Cinque Terre area is coastal Italy at its most spectacular. Five seaside villages wedged between cliffs, encircled by a national park and connected by clifftop footpaths, this is a place where humanity has lived in symbiosis with nature for thousands of years. People have chiseled terraces into the steep cliffs and grown wine here since Roman times; until the 20th century, the locals got about by sea or footpath.

The villages themselves are gorgeous, but spare some time for a hike along the Sentiero Azzurro, the most popular of the paths connecting them. Cinque Terre may be the best known, but Liguria’s coastline is one showstopper coastal village after another – additional highlights include Portofino , Portovenere and Santa Margherita Ligure .  

Planning tip: This is another area where it’s not worth driving – there are ferry services, but our favorite option is the train, which runs along the coast and stops at each of the villages.

14. Valle d’Itria

Best for picture-perfect villages

They look like hobbit houses – small conical-roofed cottages, often stitched together to form a bigger home but always fairytale pretty, whatever the size. Puglia, the heel of Italy’s boot, is famous for its trulli, but you won’t find them all over the region.

Head south of Bari, in from the coast and up onto the high karst plateau, and you’ll find the Valle d’Itria , where the green fields around towns like Cisternino and Locorotondo are dotted with trulli. Alberobello is the center of it all – the centro storico of the town is nothing but streets of them. This is one of the prettiest parts of Italy – truly.

Best for a real city break

Italy’s fashion capital  often gets a bad rap – too international, too organized, not chaotic enough. Don’t believe it. Where else can you go from a Gothic-style cathedral, started in the 14th century, to masterpieces by Leonardo (his Last Supper fresco in the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie is a showstopper, but so is the Sala delle Asse in the Castello Sforzesco , which he painted as a trompe l’oeil forest bower)?

Milan's restaurants pull together the best food from the Italian peninsula, it’s home to one of Italy’s rare cocktail scenes, and its fashion houses are transforming the city’s modern art scene with venues like Fondazione Prada , an old distillery now housing works by the likes of Jeff Koons and Damien Hirst, as well as putting on top-notch temporary exhibitions.

Planning tip: Milan doesn’t really have high and low seasons like the rest of Italy does; instead, its hotel rates rocket up and down depending on whether there’s a major event in town. Avoid Design and Fashion Weeks if you're traveling on a budget .

This article was first published June 2021 and updated November 2023

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Compass & Pine

The Ultimate Travel Guide

The 25 Best Places to Visit in Italy

Italy is a country that is rich in history and culture. There are so many places to visit it can be hard to know where to start. In this article, we will provide a guide for travelers on the 20 best places to visit in Italy. From bustling cities to stunning coastal towns, there is something for everyone. Plus, we’ll give you tips on traveling with kids and how long you should spend in each city. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your Italian vacation today!

Cinque Terre

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Florence is the capital city of Tuscany that is brimming with art and history. It was the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, and there are plenty of places to learn about this period of time.

It is home to some of the world’s most famous museums, such as the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia Gallery. Both of which hold works from the most impressive masters of the western world:

• Michelangelo

Be sure to visit and climb the impressive Duomo at the heart of the city. The views atop the dome are some of the best in Italy, and the dome’s interior is decorated with Giorgio Vasari’s elaborate portrayal of heaven and hell .

What Should I See in Florence? Uffizi Gallery, Accademia Gallery, Duomo, Baptistery, Ponte Vecchio, and the Boboli Gardens.

When Should I Visit Florence? Spring or fall. The summer gets hot and is packed with other tourists.

Traveling to Florence with kids: Florence is a great place to travel with kids. In between climbing towers and the duomo, be sure to stop by and grab some delicious gelato and walk through the Boboli Gardens.

How Much Time Should You Spend in Florence? While you could see the Duomo and the Uffizi Gallery in a single day, we recommend a minimum of three or four days. This will give you enough time to visit the highlights and take your time around this amazing city. Honestly, though, I could spend a lifetime in Florence. It is my favorite Italian city!

There is no doubt that Rome is one of the most popular places to visit in Italy. Over 10 million people make the trek to the Eternal City each year!

This ancient city is home to some of the world’s most famous landmarks, such as the Colosseum and the Vatican. The best part is Rome acts as one large open-air museum. You could see most of the top sights without paying a dime (except for flying and staying there, of course).

You can see the exterior of the Colosseum, Castel Sant’Angelo, and the Vatican just by walking around the city center. Some of the most important sites in Rome, including UNESCO World Heritage sites, are free to visit:

• Piazza Navona
• Spanish Steps
• Trevi Fountain
• Roman Forum
• Altar of the Fatherland
• Palatine Hill
• Campo de’ Fiori
• Arch of Constantine

For the foodies out there, Rome has some of Italy’s best food. Make sure to try traditional dishes like carbonara and amatriciana. Trust us; it’s just as good as you’re envisioning.

Do You Love Art?

Heading to Rome but unsure which of the 60-plus museums to visit? Here’s our pick of the top 10 museums in Rome.

What Should I See in Rome? Colosseum, Vatican City, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, Pantheon, and Borghese Museum. Walk around the city and see stunning cathedrals, places, and Renaissance architecture.

Heading to the Vatican? Find out who painted the Sistine Chapel ?

When Should I Visit Rome? Spring or fall. Avoid the summer heat and crowds.

Traveling to Rome with kids: Rome is a great place to travel with kids. There are plenty of kid-friendly activities, such as visiting the Vatican Museums, exploring the Roman Forum, or taking an underground tour of the Colosseum. If you’re looking for something a little more active, try biking one of Rome’s oldest roadways: the Appian Way.

How Much Time Should You Spend in Rome? While you could spend weeks exploring Rome, we recommend staying at least 3-5 days to see the highlights and taste the local culture. If you’re pressed for time, tourism companies offer jam-packed city tours that can be done in 4-6 hours but feel too rushed in our experience.

There is no place quite like Venice. This unique city is built on canals and is full of charming bridges and beautiful architecture.

For those that like to see a lot in a short amount of time, Venice should be at the top of your list of places to see in Italy. You can practically explore all of the top sights in just one day. Be sure to visit St. Mark’s Basilica, the Grand Canal, and the Rialto Bridge .

Interested in churches or architecture? We wrote a guide on the top 15 Venice cathedrals and churches you should see on your next visit.

Oh, and while you’re there, don’t forget to enjoy a ride in a gondola amongst the oldest buildings in Venice .

What Should I See in Venice? St. Mark’s Basilica, Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge, Piazza San Marco, Doge’s Palace, and the Venetian Ghetto.

When Should I Visit Venice? Spring or fall. Avoid the summer heat and crowds.

Traveling to Venice with kids: Venice can be a great place to travel with kids, regardless of age. Take a gondola ride, visit the dungeons of Doge’s Palace, and explore the unique creative art held in the Peggy Guggenheim Collection.

How Much Time Should You Spend in Venice? While you can see the major highlights in just 24 hours, we recommend a minimum of two days in Venice. This will give you enough time to explore the city, see all the highlights at a leisurely pace, and visit the neighboring islands of Murano , Burano , and Torcello .

Heading to Venice?

No Venetian trip is complete without visiting these top sights.

Milan is a fashion-forward city known for its high-end shopping. But there is more to Milan than just designer clothes and luxury brands.

Milan is home to some of the world’s best art, including Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper . Other highlights include the Duomo (shown above), the Sforza Castle, and the La Scala Opera House.

If you go to Milan expecting Rome or Florence, you’ll be let down. Milan takes some effort to experience and appreciate. It’s more industrial than other cities on our list and doesn’t feature as many “must-see” highlights. That said, Milan is still one of the best places to visit in Italy.

What Should I See in Milan? Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper (located in Santa Maria delle Grazie church), Duomo, Sforza Castle, La Scala Opera House, and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.

When Should I Visit Milan? Spring is the best time to visit Milan. Summer receives the most visitors, while Fall and Winter get fairly cold.

Traveling to Milan with kids: Of all the places on our list, Milan might be the least kid-friendly. While there are fun activities like climbing to the top of the Duomo, it’s more geared towards adults.

How Much Time Should You Spend in Milan? We recommend one or two days. This will give you enough time to see the highlights and do some shopping. We feel like Milan is a great place to see in between other cities, but maybe not a place you’d prioritize on your first visit to Italy.

Tuscany is a picturesque region of central Italy that is known for its rolling hills, cypress trees, and vineyards. This is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy some of Italy’s best food and wine. If you’re already visiting Siena, Florence, or Pisa, it’s well worth taking a day trip to the Tuscany countryside.

What Should I See in Tuscany? Go to neighboring hill towns like San Gimignano, Pienza, Montalcino, Montepulciano, and Volterra and visit a vineyard. Be sure to try Brunello di Montalcino and Chianti wines!

When Should I Visit Tuscany? Tuscany is beautiful year-round, but late Summer and Early Autumn are recommended since that is wine harvest season.

Traveling to Tuscany with kids: Tuscany isn’t the best spot for children. While it’s a nice break from the big cities on our list, the main highlight is exploring smaller towns and drinking wine.

How Much Time Should You Spend in Tuscany? Tuscany is a day-trip type of location. Rent a car or book a tour that leaves from Florence, and you’ll have a great time. If you’re really into trying a variety of wines from the region, then you could easily spend three-to-five days in the area.

Sienna is a hill town in central Italy known for its distinctive brick buildings and medieval architecture.

It gets compared to neighboring Florence regularly, but the comparison isn’t fair. If you’re heading to Sienna expecting Florence, then you’ll be let down.

Siena is a beautiful and quaint place for more leisurely activities, such as wandering the cobblestone streets and watching the sunset. If you’re more interested in relaxing and drinking wine than you are urban exploration, Sienna is one of the best places to visit in Italy.

Planning On Using Uber in Italy?

Uber in Italy isn’t as simple as you might expect. Here are some local alternatives and how to catch a cab.

What Should I See in Sienna? The Duomo, the Piazza del Campo, Torre del Mangia, and the Palazzo Pubblico.

When Should I Visit Sienna? Like most of Tuscany, it’s beautiful year-round.

Traveling to Sienna with kids: Sienna is a great place to travel with kids, as there are plenty of kid-friendly activities. Kids will love visiting the Duomo, exploring the Piazza del Campo, and learning about the city’s history.

How Much Time Should You Spend in Sienna? Sienna is a great city to visit if you are already spending time in other parts of central Italy. It’s fantastic for a day trip or overnight.

Lake Como is a stunning lake in northern Italy known for its scenic beauty, celebrity villas, and romantic charms.

It’s nestled at the foot of the Alps, just near the border with Switzerland. While not as large as Lake Garda (also on our list), it’s just as beautiful and offers some fantastic hiking if you’re up for the challenge.

The only downside to Lake Como is that it’s a bit of a tourist trap. Just as many people flock to Lake Como for its natural beauty as they do for the celebrities that have summer retreats here.

If you’re looking to experience the Italian Lake District and want to avoid large crowds, opt for Lake Garda instead.

What Should I See at Lake Como? The lakeside towns of Como, Bellagio, and Varenna.

When Should I Visit Lake Como? Lake Como is perfect year-round. It’s close enough to the mountains to offer some great skiing during the winter but is picture-perfect during the summer, spring, and autumn.

Traveling to Lake Como with kids: If you and your family is really into outdoor adventures, Lake Como is a great place to be. Go hiking nearby, rent a boat to explore the lakes, and take adventures to the local waterfalls in Orrido di Bellano.

How Much Time Should You Spend at Lake Como? It depends on what you want to do. If you’re just visiting the lakeside towns, a few days is enough. However, if you’re planning on doing some hiking or other activities, we recommend at least a week.

Chances are, if you picture a coastal Italian town in your head, it’s either Cinque Terre or the Amalfi Coast.

Cinque Terre is a group of five small villages on the Italian Riviera that offer dramatic coastlines, colorful houses, and tasty vineyards. Each town is beautiful, but the highlight is Manarola (pictured in the photo above). Manarola is so beautiful that it was a highlight in Italy’s tourism campaign.

What Should I See in Cinque Terre? All five villages: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare.

When Should I Visit Cinque Terre? Spring or fall. Avoid the summer heat and crowds.

Traveling to Cinque Terre with kids: Kids will love visiting the five villages, exploring the coastline, and hiking between all five villages (the trail is perfect for a day trip).

How Much Time Should You Spend in Cinque Terre? If you don’t think hiking or wine tasting is up your alley, you can make a long day trip from Florence (the train ride is about two and a half hours). If you want to hike or relax on the beach, it’s best to stay for a night or two.

Verona is a large city in northern Italy best known as the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. But there’s much more to see in Verona than just the balcony where Romeo professed his love. This city contains a first-century Roman amphitheater, medieval castles, and lovely gardens. It’s extremely underrated, and we didn’t see many other tourists while visiting.

Stroll around town, grab some gelato, and experience an Italian town not often visited by tourists.

What Should I See in Verona? The balcony of Juliet’s House, Ponte Scaligero, the Roman Arena, and the Castelvecchio Museum.

When Should I Visit Verona? Northern Italy can be fairly cold during the winter, so keep that in mind while planning your trip. Otherwise, Verona is beautiful year-round.

Traveling to Verona with kids: Kids love exploring the Roman Arena, visiting Juliet’s House, and seeing the medieval castle. Our niece liked climbing to the top of Torre dei Lamberti as well.

How Much Time Should You Spend in Verona? If you’re quick about it, you could see Verona’s highlights in just a few hours. That said, it’s well worth spending the night and enjoying local pasta.

Turin is a capital city in northwestern Italy that is sometimes overshadowed by its more famous neighbors (Florence, Milan, and Venice). But Turin has plenty of sights and activities to keep visitors entertained, including the Egyptian Museum, the Royal Palace, and the Cathedral of San Giovanni.

What Should I See in Turin? The Egyptian Museum, La Venaria Reale, the Royal Palace, Palazzo Madama, Basilica of Superga, and the Mole Antonelliana.

When Should I Visit Turin? September and October are the best months to visit. The autumn colors are in bloom, and the weather is pleasant.

Traveling to Turin with kids: Kids love visiting the Egyptian Museum, exploring the Public Pellerina Park, and the Planetarium of Turin.

How Much Time Should You Spend in Turin? We recommend two or three days. This gives you enough time to see all of the key sights and explore the area in a leisurely place.

Pisa is a small city in central Italy known for its iconic leaning tower and is one of the most popular places to visit in Italy.

I’m sure native Pisans would disagree, but Pisa is so small that you can see everything in the city within two or three hours.

If you’re already in the area or traveling between Cinque Terre and Florence, it’s worth a quick stop for photos.

What Should I See in Pisa? The Leaning Tower, the Cathedral, and the Baptistery.

When Should I Visit Pisa? Since you’ll be there for such a short amount of time, it doesn’t matter too much when you visit. Peak tourist season is from June – September.

Traveling to Pisa with kids: Our niece loved climbing the tower. It offers a fantastic view of the city and the neighboring Cathedral.

How Much Time Should You Spend in Pisa? Two or three hours. Maybe a little more if you plan to climb the tower.

Bergamo is a city in northern Italy that likely won’t be many itineraries, and that’s partially the reason it makes ours. While locally, it’s known for its well-preserved Old Town, which is surrounded by medieval walls, it has gone under the radar of tourists.

Bergamo locals are more than happy to chat about their beloved city and give you recommendations on where to get drinks and authentic food.

If your idea of traveling is exploring off-the-beaten-path options, Bergamo should make your list of places to visit in Italy.

What Should I See in Bergamo? The Citta Alta, Colleoni Chapel, Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, and Piazza Vecchia.

When Should I Visit Bergamo? It’s busiest in May and June, so we’d avoid those months. Even then though, there aren’t many tourists making their way to Bergamo.

Traveling to Bergamo with kids: The Citta Alta is a great place to visit with kids. They’ll love exploring this ancient city and learning about Italian history.

How Much Time Should You Spend in Bergamo? You can explore the main sights and Old Town in a day, but it’s worth spending the night as it’s more affordable than most cities.

The Amalfi Coast is one of the most popular places to visit in Italy. It’s a 50 km stretch of coastline on the Tyrrhenian Sea, dotted with dramatic cliffs, picturesque colorful towns, and crystal clear waters.

It’s also home to some of the scariest roads we’ve come across thus far in our travels. Seriously, taking a bus to the Amalfi Coast is like a close brush with death.

The Perfect Day Trip to Amalfi

Planning on visiting Amalfi? You have a couple of options if you’re leaving from Rome. Click here to learn more.

What Should I See on the Amalfi Coast? The towns of Amalfi, Positano, and Ravello.

When Should I Visit the Amalfi Coast? Head to the Amalfi Coast in May or September. They’re just outside the peak tourist season, but the weather is still enjoyable.

Traveling to the Amalfi Coast with kids: Go swimming for beautiful views of the cliffs and towns, hike Path of the Gods for one of the best coastal trails we’ve experienced, and rent kayaks to paddle around the coastline.

How Much Time Should You Spend on the Amalfi Coast? If you’re going to the Amalfi Coast for a beach vacation, we recommend three or four days. This will give you enough time to explore the towns and do some swimming and hiking. You could also take a long day trip from Naples and see the highlights.

Pompeii is a small town near Naples that was destroyed by a volcano in 79 AD. The entire town was covered in ash, preserving it for thousands of years. Today, it’s a popular archaeological and UNESCO World Heritage site where you can see the town’s ruins.

Want to learn more about Mount Vesuvius and how it destroyed Pompeii? We wrote the guide on it.

What Should I See in Pompeii? The ruins of the town, including the Forum, the amphitheater, and the Villa of Mysteries.

When Should I Visit Pompeii? Spring or fall. Avoid the summer heat and crowds.

Traveling to Pompeii with kids: There’s only one thing to do here, but booking a tour guide made it more enjoyable. Our guide helped paint a picture of life before the eruption and made seeing the ruins more exciting.

How Much Time Should You Spend in Pompeii? You can see the whole site in about two or three hours. We recommend you take a day trip from Rome.

How to Visit Pompeii From Rome

Pompeii is one of Italy’s best history lessons. Explore the ancient ruins with our guide.

The Dolomites are a mountain range in northern Italy known for their dramatic peaks, alpine forests, and lovely meadows. They’re extraordinarily beautiful and popular destinations for hiking, mountain biking, and skiing.

The scenery offered by the Dolomites is on par with the best mountain ranges I’ve seen in the United States, Western Canada, Iceland, and Switzerland. Seriously, as soon as you arrive, you’ll wish you had visited sooner.

What Should I See in the Dolomites? The peaks of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, the Val di Fassa valley, and the Marmolada glacier.

When Should I Visit the Dolomites? Spring, summer, or fall. Avoid the winter if you’re not interested in skiing.

Traveling to the Dolomites with kids: The Dolomites are a great place to visit with kids. The hiking and mountain biking offers some incredible views. We recommend the Cinque Torri and Tre Cime di Lavaredo hikes.

How Much Time Should You Spend in the Dolomites? We recommend three days. This will give you enough time for scenic drives, hiking, biking, and soaking up views you won’t get elsewhere.

Capri is an island off the coast of Sorrento and is known for its mountainous coastlines, luxury hotels, and designer shops.

While not a large island by any means, there are some great hiking and swimming holes. Plus, it’s fun to watch all of the boats and yachts drive by. Somehow there’s always a bigger yacht.

If you’re looking for a beach town, Capri is a must see place in Italy.

What Should I See in Capri? The Blue Grotto, Villa Jovis, Faraglioni rocks, and Capri town.

When Should I Visit Capri? Avoid the summer heat and explore Capri during the other three seasons.

Traveling to Capri with kids: Like most of the other beach towns and cities, some of your best options are to go swimming. Head to the Blue Grotto and explore an underwater cave and the most bright blue water I’ve ever seen.

How Much Time Should You Spend in Capri? Catch a boat from Sorrento and have a fantastic day trip filled with outdoor activities.

I admit the first time I visited Bologna, I didn’t get the appeal. I was looking in the wrong areas. Bologna has a beautiful historic center, but the heart of Bologna is its people.

Visit one of the many excellent restaurants, and the locals will gladly tell you about their city. Explore the University of Bologna for a history lesson in the world’s oldest university. Go walk through the streets and be amongst the people. That’s how you should enjoy Bologna.

Now, when I am helping friends decide on where to visit in Italy, Bologna makes the list.

What Should I See in Bologna? The Basilica di San Petronio, the Palazzo Re Enzo, the Fountain of Neptune, and the University of Bologna.

When Should I Visit Bologna? Spring or fall. Avoid the summer heat and crowds.

Traveling to Bologna with kids: If your children are interested in cars, Museo Ferruccio Lamborghini is a fascinating museum with a lot of classic Italian cars.

How Much Time Should You Spend in Bologna? We recommend spending a night or two in Bologna.

Mount Etna is an active volcano on the island of Sicily. It’s one of the most popular tourist attractions on Italy’s largest island, and for a good reason. You can take a cable car to the top, hike around the crater, or even go skiing in the winter.

I’ve never hiked on an active volcano before Mount Etna, and the experience is very surreal. The dried lava and red coloration made me feel like I was walking on Mars.

Make sure you bring clothes you don’t mind getting dirty because you’re pants and sneakers are going to be covered in soot.

If you’re looking for a place to visit in Italy that is a little out of the norm, Mount Etna is must-see.

When Should I Visit Mount Etna? Spring or fall. Sicily in summer is brutal, so we advise skipping it. Winter is beautiful, and you can ski on the mountain.

How Much Time Should You Spend on Mount Etna? A day trip from Catania is enough time to see the highlights.

Taormina is a small town on the east coast of Sicily that sits atop a mountain. It’s known for its dramatic setting, with views of Mount Etna and the Mediterranean Sea.

Taormina is also home to some of Sicily’s best beaches, as well as an ancient Greco-Roman amphitheater that is still in use today. Be sure to walk around the city at sunset for some of the most beautiful views in Italy.

Taormina holds a special place in my heart because I proposed to my wife right down the road from where this photo was taken.

No matter how many times I visit the country, Taormina always has a place on my list of must see places in Italy.

What Should I See in Taormina? The Greek Theater, the Piazza IX Aprile, and the beaches.

When Should I Visit Taormina? Avoid the summer heat and opt for spring or autumn.

Traveling to Taormina with kids: The Greek Theater is a great place to visit for a history lesson and fantastic views. Take a cable car down to the beach and enjoy the ocean.

How Much Time Should You Spend in Taormina? Taormina is best for a day trip to see the highlights. While you could spend a night or two there, it’s very expensive, and it would be more for relaxation than exploration.

Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy and is a personal favorite of ours. Due to its proximity to Milan and Venice (it’s about halfway between both), it’s a great location to add to your Northern Italy itinerary.

The lake is surrounded by mountains and several picturesque towns along its shores. We recommend taking the 150 km (93 miles) scenic drive around the lake. Another cool option is to take the ferry between towns. Each town is beautiful in its own right, but Sirmione, at the south end of the lake, is our favorite and most popular with tourists.

You can’t go wrong with any of the towns in the Italian Lake District, as they’re all UNESCO World Heritage sites and worthy of adding to your list of places to visit in Italy.

What Should I See at Lake Garda? The lake towns of Sirmione, Malcesine, Limone Sul Garda, and Riva del Garda.

When Should I Visit Lake Garda? It’s beautiful all year round, but Lake Garda is best explored during the summer so you can take advantage of the crystal-clear water.

Traveling to Lake Garda with kids: All of the towns along the lake offer a variety of activities for children. but Sirmione is your best option. Go kayaking in Lake Garda, hike the nearby forests, explore Castle Scaligero, and visit Gardaland Theme Park.

How Much Time Should You Spend at Lake Garda? While you could visit the lake as a pit stop on your way to Venice or Milan, we think you should spend at least one night in a lakefront town. It’s a very romantic destination.

Naples is the third-largest Italian city and is known for its chaotic streets, passionate people, and of course, pizza. The pizza here is some of the best in the world, and you can’t visit Naples without trying it. Just be warned that it’s not like the pizza you’re used to in the United States. It’s thinner, has a slightly charred crust, and is often only topped with fresh mozzarella and basil.

Maybe more than any other city on the list, Naples feels the most lived-in. For whatever reason, we saw more people going about their day than elsewhere in the country. It was charming and offered a different atmosphere than Rome, Florence, and Milan.

What Should I See in Naples? Eat pizza (trust us, it’s amazing), visit the Naples National Archaeological Museum, and explore the historic city center. If time permits, take a day trip to Pompeii or Herculaneum.

When Should I Visit Naples? The best time to visit Naples is between March and May. Daytime temperatures hover in the 80s — making it perfect weather for the beach.

Traveling to Naples with kids: The Naples National Archaeological Museum is a great place to visit with kids. The museum has some cool ancient Roman artifacts. Also, did I mention that Naples has amazing pizza? Yeah, children will love that.

How Much Time Should You Spend in Naples? We recommend spending at least two days in Naples and southern Italy. Pompeii and Herculaneum are worth visiting, and you’ll need at least one day to eat your way through the city.

San Marino is one of the world’s oldest republics and also one of Europe’s smallest countries (see map below). It’s located on the east coast of Italy and is completely landlocked by the country. San Marino is known for its medieval architecture, stunning mountain views, and tax-free status.

I know it’s cheating since San Marino is its own country, but it still makes our list of places to visit in Italy.

What Should I See in San Marino? The Three Towers of San Marino, the Guaita Tower, the Cesta Tower, and Mount Titano.

When Should I Visit San Marino? Spring or fall. Avoid the summer heat and winter cold.

Traveling to San Marino with kids: The Three Towers of San Marino are a great place to visit with kids. They’ll love exploring the towers and learning about the country.

How Much Time Should You Spend in San Marino? We recommend visiting San Marino on a day trip from Florence or Bologna. It’s so small that you’ll easily see everything this country offers.

Apulia is a region in southern Italy that tourists often overlook due to how far it is from Rome and Naples. But this region has so much to offer, from its beautiful coastline to its centuries-old villages. Apulia is a great place to relax and enjoy the slow pace of life.

What Should I See in Apulia? The trulli houses, Alberobello, Ostuni, and Lecce.

When Should I Visit Apulia? Visit during the summer months so you can enjoy the crystal clear waters and do some cliff diving!

Traveling to Apulia with kids: The real highlight for kids is swimming in the warm Adriatic Sea. Some places offer kayaks for you to paddle along the coastline.

How Much Time Should You Should You Spend in Apulia? It takes a little over 2.5 hours to get from Naples to Bari and even longer to get to the smaller towns. If you plan on enjoying the beaches and sea, it’s best to spend at least one or two nights in Polignano a Mare or an equally beautiful beachtown.

Sardinia might not be as well known as Italy’s most famous island, Sicily, but this large island has equally compelling white-sand beaches, clear water, rugged coastlines, and unique culture.

Sardinia is a great place to relax and enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more active vacation, there are plenty of hiking trails and sightseeing options.

What Should I See in Sardinia? The beautiful beaches, Costa Smeralda (and La Madalena Archipelago), Porto Cervo, and the 1,500 BC Nuraghe (stone building).

When Should I Visit Sardinia? Avoid the summer months as they get very hot. Otherwise, spring, autumn, and winter are beautiful.

Traveling to Sardinia with kids: The beaches are a great place to visit with kids. The white-sand and azure-blue waters are fun and relaxing. Go hiking in La Maddalena and explore this beautiful island.

How Much Time Should You Spend in Sardinia? We recommend spending at least one week in Sardinia. This will give you enough time to relax on the beaches and explore the island.

Palermo is the capital of Sicily and is located on the island’s north coast. The city is known for its beautiful architecture, Mediterranean cuisine, and friendly people.

Palermo is a great place to explore Sicilain culture (note, it’s fairly different than Italian culture) and see some of the country’s most impressive buildings.

For history afficianados, Palermo is a great place to tour due to it’s role in Sicilian warfare and the Allied invasion of Sicily in World War II.

If you’re looking for a vacation spot that doesn’t include the mainland, Palermo should be on your list of places to visit in Italy.

What Should I See in Palermo? The Norman Palace, the Cathedral of Palermo, Monreale Abbey, and Capuchin Catacombs.

When Should I Visit Palermo? Spring or fall. Avoid the summer heat and winter cold.

Traveling to Palermo with kids: The Norman Palace is a great place to visit with kids. They’ll love exploring this ancient palace and learning about Sicilian history.

How Much Time Should You Spend in Palermo? We recommend spending at least two days in Palermo. This will give you enough time to see all of the highlights and start your travels to other Sicilian cities, Syracuse, Catania, and Taramino.

Frequently Asked Questions

There is no definitive answer to this question, as it depends on what type of beauty you are searching for.

Are you looking for natural beauty, or are you searching for architecturally beautiful places? If the former some places stand out for their natural beauty, including the beautiful beaches of the Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre, Lake Como, and Venice.

7 days is a short time to visit Italy, but it is possible to see some of the country’s highlights in this time frame. If you are pressed for time, we recommend focusing your trip on one specific region, such as Tuscany, Umbria, or Veneto. This will allow you to experience the area and not feel rushed. Unfortunately, this means you likely won’t be able to see any of the charming villages spread throughout Italy.

Oh, man. This answer is going to be different for everyone.

If you’re interested in art, you’ll want to stop by Rome, Florence, and Venice.

If you’re interested in architecture, you really can’t go wrong anywhere. Italy is a very old nation, so you’re bound to see really interesting buildings in any city or town.

Looking for natural beauty? The Amalfi Coast has some of the most beautiful towns in all of Italy, while the Dolomites offer some of the most stunning mountain ranges in the world.

Regardless of where you decide to go, you won’t regret visiting Italy.

The best time to visit Italy depends on what you want to do while there.

If you’re interested in outdoor activities, the spring and fall are ideal as the weather is milder.

If you’re interested in beach holidays, you’ll want to visit during the summer.

And if you’re interested in skiing, winter is the best time to go.

That being said, any time of year is a great time to visit Italy, as there is always something to see and do.

With over 10 million people visiting each year, Rome is the most visited city in Italy, followed by Florence and Venice.

Rome is a must-see for any traveler as it is home to some of the world’s most famous historical sites, such as the Colosseum and the Vatican.

Florence is a beautiful city located in Tuscany and is known for its art and architecture.

Venice is a unique city built on canals and is one of the most romantic places in the world.

Italy is a relatively expensive country to visit, but there are ways to save money.

If you’re interested in saving money on accommodation, we recommend staying in hostels.

Eating out can also be expensive, but there are ways to save money here. Look for places that have a “menu del giorno” which is a set lunch menu that is usually a fraction of the cost of ordering à la carte.

And finally, try to avoid tourist traps. These are places that are aimed at tourists and tend to be overpriced. Do some research before you go and visit places that are off the beaten path.

This is a difficult question to answer as it depends on what you want to see and do while you’re in Italy.

If you’re interested in seeing the main tourist attractions, we recommend spending at least a week in the country.

If you’re interested in exploring Italy’s smaller towns and villages, we recommend spending at least two to three weeks in the country.

And if you’re interested in getting to know Italy and its culture, we recommend spending at least a month in the country.

Of course, the more time you spend in Italy, the more you’ll be able to see and do. But even a short trip to Italy will surely be an unforgettable experience.

Recommended Booking Resources

The companies I’ve listed here are my top picks when it comes to travel. Their offerings consistently outshine the competition in terms of value for money, quality of service, and exceptional customer service. These companies form the foundation of my search for travel deals, given their reliability and excellence that I have personally experienced numerous times.

Kayak for Flights, Hotels, and Cars

Kayak.com makes it simple to plan your stay in Italy. All on one website, you can book your flights, hotels, and cars. The platform provides detailed descriptions, reviews, and ratings to help you choose the right place for your next stay in Italy.

Varied Accommodation Options with Booking.com

Booking.com provides a wide variety of accommodation options in Venice. From budget hostels to luxury hotels, you can find something that suits your budget and preferences.

Cheap Flights with Going.com

Going.com searches for cheap and rare flights and will notify you when one matches your home airport and a destination of your choice. We scored a non-stop, roundtrip flight from Newark (EWR) to Milan-Malpensa (MXP) for $359 in 2021 and then again from Philadelphia (PHL) to Marco Polo Airport (VCE) for $475 in 2023.

Hostelpass for Budget-Friendly Stays

HostelPass can help you save money on your accommodation. With a single flat fee, you can stay in hostels in Venice and other European cities.

Plan Your Excursions with Get Your Guide

Get Your Guide offers a range of guided tours and activities in Venice. Whether you want a guided tour of St. Mark’s Basilica or a cooking class, you can find it here.

Efficient Train Travel in Italy with Trainline

Trainline can help you navigate Italy’s extensive train system and get you to Venice’s Santa Lucia train and bus station. It’s an efficient way to travel between cities if you’re planning to visit more of Italy during your trip.

Pocket-Sized Wisdom: Venice Travel Guide 2023 Book

For an in-depth guide to Venice, consider purchasing the Venice Travel Guide 2023 . It’s packed with useful information, tips, and maps to help you make the most of your visit.

Sustainable Tourism: LifeStraw for Reusable Water Bottles

Help keep Venice beautiful by practicing sustainable tourism. Consider investing in a reusable water bottle with a built-in filter like LifeStraw . It’s eco-friendly and ensures you have safe drinking water wherever you go.

Walks of Italy for Culturally Rich Walking Tours

For a deep dive into Venice’s rich history and culture, consider booking a walking tour with Walks of Italy . The guides are knowledgeable, and the tours offer a great way to explore the city on foot while visiting the main sites and top attractions.

There you have it, the best places to visit in Italy. As I’m sure you realize by now, Italy is a country with much to offer! No matter what kind of vacation you are looking for, there is sure to be a city in Italy that suits your needs. From the art paradise of Florence to the stunning beaches of Sardinia, you cannot go wrong when planning a trip to this beautiful country. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your dream Italian vacation today! Where are some of your must-see places in Italy? Let us know in the comments below.

About Todd O'Rourke

Todd is an award-winning writer and filmmaker who co-founded Compass and Pine with his dog Leg. Together, they have traveled extensively throughout the United States and Europe, with their base of operations in Philadelphia.

He started Compass and Pine after living in Vicenza, Italy for three years and falling deeply in love with the country, the people, and, of course, the food.

His favorite city is Florence, Italy, and his favorite National Park is Olympic in Washington.

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Reader Interactions

November 25, 2022 at 11:42 pm

You and your dog are super cute! I’m excited to follow your next adventures (:

November 27, 2022 at 10:37 am

Hi Kathryn,

Thank you so much for the compliment. We look forward to sharing our adventures with you 🙂

Best, Todd & Leg

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24 Best Places to Visit in Italy

Written by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Oct 6, 2023

Few places rank as high on travelers' bucket lists as Italy. Whatever your taste in travel, you'll satisfy it in this country that is at once exotic and familiar. History, art, food, music, architecture, culture, sacred sites, charming villages, and stunning scenery are all around, and in an atmosphere that only the most confirmed curmudgeon could fail to enjoy.

From the soaring Dolomite mountains in the north to the beaches of Puglia and the ancient temples of Sicily, Italy is filled with outstanding places to see. These range from magnificent natural and scenic wonders to some of the greatest masterpieces of art and architecture the world has known. No matter where you choose, you can't go wrong.

Plan your trip to Italy with our list of the best places to visit in Italy.

2. Florence

4. tuscan hill towns, 6. lake como, 7. amalfi coast, 8. capri & sorrento, 9. the cinque terre, 10. pisa and lucca, 12. pompeii and herculaneum, 13. lake garda, 15. bologna, 16. the dolomites, 21. sardinia, 22. ravenna, map of places to visit in italy.

Both for its history as the capital of much of ancient Europe and for its present-day role as one of Europe's most vibrant cities, for most tourists traveling to Italy, Rome heads the list of places to visit. Relics of its ancient glories—the Colosseum , the Forum , the Pantheon , the Appian Way, and the Palatine Hill —vie with the vast riches of the Vatican as the top attractions.

But between the important sights like the Sistine Chapel and Michelangelo's Pieta, take time to enjoy the city itself. Relax in the Borghese gardens ; eat gelato on the Spanish Steps ; explore the narrow streets of Trastevere ; sip morning cappuccino in cafés; window-shop on the Via Veneto; and toss a coin in Trevi Fountain , so you can return again and again. It will take several trips to see it all.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Rome

The showcase of the Italian Renaissance, Florence can at times seem like one giant art museum. The Duomo, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore , is a landmark of world architecture , topped by its gravity-defying massive dome.

Together with its marble-inlaid bell tower by Giotto and the octagonal Baptistery with its incomparable bronze doors by Ghiberti, this is one of the world's finest ensembles of Renaissance art.

Half a dozen art museums brim with paintings and sculptures, while more masterpieces decorate its churches and palaces. Before you overdose on art in the Uffizi Gallery and Pitti Palace , stroll through the Boboli Gardens and explore the artisans' studios and workshops of the Oltrarno, or shop for leather in Santa Croce.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Florence

Who could fail to love a city whose streets are made of water, whose buses are boats, and where the songs of gondoliers linger in the air? It is a magic city, and its major attraction to tourists is the city itself.

The hub of the city is the broad Piazza San Marco, St. Mark's Square , surrounded by several of its top tourist attractions. The great Basilica of St. Mark stands beside the Doge's Palace , and overlooking both is the tall Campanile.

Taking a gondola ride is one of the most romantic things to do in Italy . Gondolas congregate at the end of the plaza in the Grand Canal . In the other direction, a gate under the clock tower leads into a warren of narrow, winding passageways, where you're sure to get lost on the way to Rialto Bridge. But getting lost is one of the greatest pleasures of Venice, where a postcard scene awaits around each corner.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Venice

The undulating landscape of Tuscany is crowned by stone towns whose foundations go back to the Etruscans. Each sits atop a hill, and many still have the castles and towers that once defended their commanding positions.

It's difficult to choose one above the others, as each has its own architecture, art, character, and story to tell. Fairly bristling with towers and enclosed in walls that are largely intact, San Gimignano looks much as it did in the Middle Ages, when it was an important stop on the pilgrims' route to Rome.

Volterra was an important Etruscan center before the Romans came and still has remains of both civilizations today. The tourist attractions of Arezzo are the legacy of the many artists, architects, and poets who lived there.

Like Volterra, walled Cortona was an Etruscan settlement and later a Roman one, but adds reminders of its Florentine past as well. Cortona is one of Italy's oldest towns. The proximity of these hill towns to the cities of Florence, Siena, Pisa, and Luca fills Tuscany with a concentration of many of the best places to visit in Italy.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Italy

Although Milan is a major entry point for tourists because of its airport, it's often overlooked as a destination of its own. That's a shame, because Milan has one of the highest concentrations of artistic and architectural attractions in all Italy, and for those interested in design and fashion (not to mention shopping), it's a must.

Milan has been the home and workplace for luminaries in all these fields: Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Verdi, Enrico Caruso, Toscanini, and designer Giorgio Armani.

Il Duomo, Milan's massive cathedral, is among the world's most magnificent churches, and finest example of the Flamboyant Gothic style. La Scala is the world's most prestigious opera house, Da Vinci's The Last Supper fills the wall at a monastery, and throughout the city are museums and palaces filled with some of the world's finest art. And no fashionista can resist a stroll through the famed Quadrilatero.

Italy's most beautiful lake, Como has been the favorite summer retreat of the rich and famous since ancient Romans fled Milan's summer heat to cool off in villas along its steep shores. Later villas decorate its tightly clustered towns, especially pretty Bellagio , artfully set on a point where the three narrow arms of the lake meet.

A microclimate makes the western shore of Lake Como temperate even in winter, so the white peaks of the Alps just to the north can be viewed between palm trees and camellias. Don't overlook the town of Como, on the southern shore, well worth a stop before boarding a steamer to explore the lake.

Just to the west of Lake Como is Lake Maggiore, with its own attractions ; to the east is Lake Garda , a summer playground filled with water sports and other things to do.

Read More: Visiting Lake Como: Top Attractions, Hotels & Tours

The high, precipitous Amalfi Peninsula juts sharply into the Mediterranean just south of Naples, forming the southern rim of Naples Bay. It's hard to imagine a more beautiful – or unlikely – setting for the towns that spill down its steep slopes.

Streets in most of these picturesque towns are stairways, and houses seem glued to the cliffs behind them. Flowers bloom everywhere, and below the towns are enticing beaches caught in coves of emerald water. High above the coast is the town of Ravello , where luxuriant gardens frame some of the coast's finest views.

The Amalfi Drive , along the southern coast, is one of the world's great scenic routes, or you can see the coast from the water by taking a 45-minute ferry ride from Sorrento to Positano. You have several options for getting to Positano from Rome .

Read More: Top Attractions & Places to Visit on the Amalfi Coast

The fabled Isle of Capri rises in steep cliffs from the Tyrrhenian Sea, only 20 kilometers from Sorrento. It was the bolt-hole for the Roman emperors Augustus and Tiberius and today attracts a steady stream of tourists arriving on the frequent ferries and hydrofoils from Sorrento and Naples.

Although very small – it is barely six kilometers at its longest – it has two towns, Capri and high above it, Anacapri. The lower town is where to find smart shops and cafés full of people-watchers hoping to spot a celebrity. Anacapri is the site of the lovely Villa San Michele and its gardens.

One of the top things to do on Capri is a trip to the Blue Grotto, a large flooded cave where reflected sunlight makes the water look as though it were lit from inside. At the other side of the island is the beautiful Marina Piccola, a tiny beach at the foot of the cliffs guarded by the craggy Faraglioni sea stacks.

Like Capri, the charming town of Sorrento seems to have been created for pleasure. The views, framed by candy-colored buildings and lemon trees, take in Naples and its bay, Mt. Vesuvius, and Capri. It's a town for strolling, sitting in cafés, and taking day trips to Capri, the Amalfi Coast, or Pompeii and Herculaneum.

Read More: From Rome to Capri: Best Ways to Get There

The five towns that cling to the steep, rocky Mediterranean coast north of La Spezia were almost impossible to reach by land until the railway connected them by tunneling through the headlands that separate them.

Today, the trail along the cliffs that locals once used to travel from town to town is one of Europe's greatest hikes; the shortest and widest of its sections, between Manarola and Riomaggiore is known as the Via dell'Amore, and has finally reopened after several years' closure due to a landslide.

Although hiking the trail is the goal of most tourists, don't overlook the pleasures of lingering in these little villages . Riomaggiore and Vernazza , with their narrow streets dropping down to tiny rock-bound harbors are the most filled with character, and despite its recent popularity with tourists, the Cinque Terre remains one of Italy's most appealing attractions.

The nearby towns of Pisa and Lucca are worth visiting while you're in Tuscany, the first for the exceptional Campo dei Miracoli complex and the other for its endearing charms.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa , actually the campanile for the adjacent cathedral, is a well-known Italian icon, and forms the centerpiece of a UNESCO World Heritage site that also includes the cathedral, baptistery, and Campo Santo.

The highlight of the impressive baptistery is Nicola Pisano's intricately carved free-standing pulpit, a masterpiece of Romanesque sculpture. Completing the ensemble is a museum displaying some of the most beautiful gold and silver work of the Middle Ages and Renaissance.

Nearby, Lucca is one of Europe's most charming towns to explore and enjoy, surrounded by wide walls whose top is a tree-lined park. Inside the walls are beautiful Romanesque and Tuscan Gothic churches, tower houses (one of which you can climb to the top), and a Roman arena that has been "fossilized" into an oval piazza.

The compact historic center of this former Roman stronghold is embraced by a deep curve in the Adige River. Dominating its heart is the remarkable well-preserved first-century Roman arena , scene of the world-renowned summer opera festival.

Several Roman arches are mixed among the medieval and Renaissance buildings, many of which show Verona's long history as part of the Venetian empire. Alongside the river stands the large Castelvecchio , a castle built in the 14th century, guarding a brick arched bridge, Ponte Scaligero.

For all its rich treasury of architecture and art, Verona's biggest claim to tourist fame is based on pure fiction. Verona was the setting for Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet , and over the past century, locals have obliged by creating homes, a balcony, and even a tomb for the fictional characters. These are some of the top things to see and do in Verona

In AD 79, Mt. Vesuvius erupted violently and suddenly, engulfing the thriving Roman city of Pompeii and encasing it for more than a millennium in six meters of ash and pumice-stone. The city remained frozen in time until excavations that began in the 18th century uncovered more than half of its buildings and public spaces.

The same eruption also engulfed the city of Herculaneum , but this time in molten lava, not ash. So instead of raining down and crushing buildings with its weight, the lava flowed in and filled the city from the ground up, supporting walls and ceilings as it rose, and preserving them in place.

Also preserved in this airtight seal were organic materials, such as wood, textiles, and food, giving a more complete picture of life in the first century. Details such as eating vessels and even food have been preserved as they were when the disaster struck.

Read More: Visiting Pompeii: Top Attractions, Tips & Tours

Combining dramatic mountain scenery with a wide choice of water sports and holiday amusements, Lake Garda is the most family-friendly of the Italian Lakes . Near Verona, Lake Garda is easy to reach by train, and close enough to be a day trip from Milan .

A favorite place to visit for families , Lake Garda is well supplied with low-key resorts and campgrounds, and at the southern end, the popular theme parks of Gardaland, Gardaland Sea-Life, and the movie-themed Caneva World are magnets for kids. The busiest area is along the southern shore, where there are several beaches with shallow water for young swimmers.

You can rent kayaks, paddle boards, and equipment for water sports at various places along the eastern and southern shores. Winds sweeping down from the mountains that rise sharply at the northern end of the lake make sailing popular there, and at Torbole you'll find some of Europe's best windsurfing and kitesurfing .

Lake Garda is not without tourist attractions to visit. The small town of Sirmione , almost an island at the end of a long peninsula on the southern shore, is approached through the gates of a small castle, which you can tour. Follow the only street past chic boutiques and souvenir stores (Sirmione is a popular place to go shopping) to the beautifully preserved ruins of a Roman villa and spa.

Farther north, Malcesine's castle clings to a rocky promontory above the lake, reached via narrow Medieval streets. For more mountain and lake views, ride the rotating cable car from Malcesine to the summit of Monte Baldo.

At its height in the 13th and 14th centuries, Siena rivaled Florence for its arts and culture, and it still has a wealth of art and architectural treasures. The highlight is the magnificent Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta , whose inlaid marble facade and striped bell tower stand dramatically among Siena's mostly red brick buildings. The cathedral interior is a museum of works by great artists and sculptors, including Donatello, Giovanni Pisano, Bernini, and Lorenzo Ghiberti.

But art treasures are just some of Siena's attractions . The winding medieval streets and broad plazas are inviting places to wander. Piazza del Campo is considered one of Europe's finest medieval public squares. Twice each summer, this gigantic, sloping main square is the scene of a chaotic horse race known as the Palio.

Renowned for its culinary skills and cuisine, as well as for its historic university (Europe's oldest), Bologna is the most appealing city to visit. The elegant arcades shelter the streets from the sun or rain, and beneath them are shops with their original century-old interiors. Follow Via Galleria to admire its old aristocratic mansions.

Life centers around the adjoining Piazza Maggiore and Piazza del Nettuno, where you'll find the magnificent 16 th -century Neptune Fountain and the still unfinished façade of the Basilica of San Petronius.

The other church to see is the atmospheric Santo Stefano, a complex of seven religious buildings built by the Benedictines from the 10th to 13th century. Its two leaning towers, Asinelli and Garisenda, are tall thin pillars of brick and stone, taller than the more famous one at Pisa. These are remnants of medieval times, when families had their own defensive towers attached to their homes.

Read More: Top Attractions & Places to Visit in Bologna

Home to six of Italy's top ski resorts , the jagged peaks of the Dolomites are spectacular at any season, whether the mountains are white with snow and ice, or rising dramatically above lush green Alpine meadows. The most famous town is Cortina d'Ampezzo , one of the top ski resorts in the world .

Other villages of wooden chalets are ski centers, too, and hidden deep in the valleys are more hamlets that curious tourists can discover by following the mountain roads that radiate from the Strada delle Dolomiti, the Dolomite Road .

This year-round route stretching from Bolzano to Cortina d'Ampezzo, is a continuing series of mountain views as it crosses the Passo Pordoi and passes the peaks of the Gruppo del Sella to reveal the Cinque Torri, five peaks overlooking Cortina.

Although the road snakes up and down the mountainsides in switchbacks, it is wide, well-paved, and free of the alarming drop-offs that make so many Alpine roads teeth-clenching experiences. You can pause the drive at several points to take gondola rides for even more breathtaking views of mountains in every direction.

Highlights are the forest-surrounded Lake Carezza, the waterfall in Canazei, and the tree-framed views from Passo di Costalunga. In inscribing the Dolomites as a World Heritage Site, UNESCO called the Dolomites "among the most attractive mountain landscapes in the world."

As the canals characterize Venice, and the Renaissance is the essence of Florence, in Naples, it's the sheer exuberance that will hold you spellbound. It's a boisterous place, its narrow streets filled with color, noise, and life.

You'll find plenty to see and do in Naples , in its treasure-filled churches, its magnificent palaces lavished in the riches of European royalty, and its premier archaeological museum displaying the finds from nearby Pompeii.

Join locals and stroll by the waterfront to savor views of Mt. Vesuvius across the bay, hop a ferry to the island of Capri or magical Sorrento, shop in the glass-domed Galleria Umberto I, and by all means, sample the pizza—Neapolitans claim to have invented it.

The island of Sicily has earned seven places on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list, three for its ancient sites, two for natural wonders, and two for architectural treasures. Some of the finest remaining examples of ancient structures are in Sicily: at Selinunte is one of the largest Greek temples; in Agrigento , at the Valley of Temples, is one of the three most perfect Greek temples anywhere; and the 3,500 square meters of mosaics at Villa Romana del Casale in Enna decorate one of the best-preserved villas in the entire Roman Empire.

Sicily's landscapes, crowned by Mt. Etna, and its spectacular golden-sand beaches match its world-class attractions.

The capital of Palermo is a vibrant city full of color and fine buildings. Nearby Monreale Cathedral is a masterpiece of Norman architecture, its walls covered by 6,340 square meters of the interior walls with intricate mosaics by artists from Constantinople and Sicily. Monreale stands today almost exactly as it was built in the 1100s, and is one of Sicily's top tourist attractions .

Most tourists visit Assisi as the home of St. Francis, and for the Franciscan sites that rose here to memorialize him. The Basilica di San Francesco was constructed over the saint's tomb in the early 13th century and is one of the world's most visited pilgrimage destinations.

Along with the Basilica, a pilgrimage includes other sites closely associated with the saint. The Renaissance church of Santa Maria degli Angeli was over St. Francis' oratory (Porziuàncola ) and the cell in which he died.

St Francis preached and prayed at the 12 th -century Cathedral of San Rufino , and the Gothic Basilica of Santa Chiara is dedicated to St. Clare, the disciple of St. Francis who founded the order of Poor Clares.

Religion is not the only draw for tourists to Assisi. The building and decoration of all these holy sites drew the finest artists of their day, making Assisi a center for the arts and leaving works by great artists that include Giotto and Cimabue. Assisi is a popular day trip from Florence , and there are several ways of getting to Assisi from Rome .

One of the great industrial cities of the north, Turin, unlike Milan, is relatively small and compact, and it's highlights are easy to explore on foot. There is a grandeur to its architecture and its formal layout, designed by the Savoys to show that they were as regal as any of Europe's royal families and could surround themselves with splendor that rivaled Paris.

Its arcaded squares and avenues and royal palaces right in the center set the tone, but that is not all of Turin's charm. A small medieval quarter, Roman sites, and entire neighborhoods of Art Nouveau lend variety, and a riverside park with a complete faux-medieval village prove that Turin doesn't take itself too seriously.

Don't miss the extraordinary Museum of Cinema in a skyscraper that was once a synagogue. Turin's contrasts will charm you—as will its coffee houses and grand cafés.

Read More: Top Tourist Attractions in Turin

This enigmatic Mediterranean island seems worlds apart from Italy, and is itself a land of stark contrasts. Best known for its glamorous Costa Smeralda, the jet-set paradise of luxury enclaves set against the emerald waters of the northeast coast, Sardinia has a lot more to offer adventurous tourists or even the sun-loving beach seeker.

The entire south is ringed with mile after mile of white-sand beaches , and the rugged interior is prime territory for hikers and climbers. Sardinia is a place for travelers who want to explore remote mountain villages, where old traditions not only survive but are a way of life.

The most enigmatic and fascinating attractions are the hundreds of mysterious round stone towers, known as Nuraghe, which dot the entire island and make Sardinia high on the list of unique places to visit in Italy. Prehistoric sites are everywhere and include these towers, sacred wells, "giants tombs," and other ancient structures. Entire Phoenician and Roman cities wait to be explored.

Read More: Top Attractions & Things to Do in Sardinia

This ancient city on the Adriatic is truly unique in Italy. Unlike any other, Ravenna's artistic origins are almost entirely Byzantine, and here you'll find Western Europe's finest collection of Byzantine mosaics , all in nearly pristine condition.

In the sixth century, Ravenna was the seat of the king Theodoric the Great, who was raised in Constantinople, and it became a center for mosaic artistry that reached its zenith here.

Seven buildings decorated with some of the finest examples of mosaic art are included in a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See all of them, but above all don't miss the early 5th-century Neonian Baptistery; the impressive interior of San Vitale; and the jewel-like Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, which UNESCO calls "one of the most artistically perfect" and best preserved of all mosaic monuments.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Ravenna

If Puglia were less remote, it would be one of the country's best-known tourist destinations. Picturing Italy as a boot, Puglia forms the heel — a long stiletto heel reaching southeast into the Adriatic Sea.

The capital city of Lecce is filled with Baroque architecture, magnificent churches with facades intricately carved in local golden limestone. At the very tip of the heel is the Salento, a largely pristine coast of rocky cliffs, soaring headlands, and beaches in the deep coves between them. On the Salento's western shore, some of Italy's most beautiful beaches stretch in kilometers of golden sand.

The eastern shore is protected by the Parco Naturale Regionale Costa Otranto. Its picturesque village of Otranto (see the mosaics in its 12th-century church) is the gateway to the pristine blue-flag beaches on Baia dei Turchi . From the 15th-century castle, you can see across the Adriatic to the mountains of Albania.

At Alberobello, you can see the picturesque villages of trulli, little conical-roofed houses that now constitute a UNESCO World Heritage Site . You can make one of these little houses your home while you tour the region.

Riches from its maritime past have left the port city of Genoa with a rich legacy of Italy's most splendid noble palaces. Dating from the 16 th and 17th centuries, these marble showcases of Italian art and architecture are Genoa's prime tourist attractions and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

But don't overlook the steep, atmospheric streets of the old sailors' quarter above the Old Harbor, or the Aquarium and the Maritime Museum , both overlooking the harbor. One of Europe's best aquariums, it holds more than 10,000 aquatic animals in a state-of-the-art facility that replicates their natural environments; the Maritime Museum is also a draw for families, as it brings the age of sail to life for children.

Take advantage of the numerous funiculars to navigate the city's steep terrain, and don't miss the chance to sample some of Italy's finest cuisine.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Where to Go from Rome: For a break from the bustle of Rome, you can easily spend a day exploring gardens and attractions in Tivoli , and even farther with the help of our page From Rome to Capri: 5 Best Ways to Get There . For even more suggestions, refer to our page on the Top-Rated Day Trips from Rome .

Where to Go near Florence: You don't have to travel far to find many of the top tourist attractions in Tuscany . Travel west to the lovely walled city of Lucca , and only a little farther to see the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, with its cathedral and baptistery. South of Florence is Siena, where our Visitor's Guide to the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta will lead you to its greatest treasures.

Where to Go from Venice: The Veneto region is filled with exciting places to visit, such as nearby Padua . The villas of Andrea Palladio are the top tourist attractions in Vicenza , and not far beyond are historic Verona and beautiful Lake Garda .

More on Italy

10 Best Places To Visit In Italy (Guide + Map)

Thinking over the best places to visit in Italy before planning a big trip?

You have my support: despite my temptation to list almost fifty places to go in Italy on this list, I’ve narrowed it down to the top ten places to visit in Italy along with a few tricks for an ideal tour experience.

Italy has long been considered as one of my absolute favorite places to travel, and despite constantly spending, staying, and exploring the place over three years, I’ll be going back to enjoy the most beautiful places in Italy again and again for all my life.

Before heading on to plan your trip to this wonderful Mediterranean country with my list of the best places to visit in Italy.

Let’s find out the reason why should we need to visit Italy.

Jump ahead to:

Reasons To Visit Italy

Situated in the southern region of Europe, the lady boot-shaped peninsula of Italy is one of the world’s most desired travel destinations for numerous reasons that include captivating cities and countryside, passionate and friendly locals, valued art treasures, and world-class cuisine.

Italy is a destination where you can witness some of the most iconic sites in the world – the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain in Rome, the leaning Tower of Pisa, Milan Cathedral to name but a few. The country is home to the world’s highest number of World Heritage sites – 51 in all and has Europe’s largest active volcano Mt. Etna – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, providing a spectacular viewing of eruptions, lava flows, and vast caves.

It has been world-famous for its pizza, pasta, Colosseum, Milan fashion, opera music, and football – ‘gli Azzurri’ (The Blues – considered as Europe’s Brazil) – offers various other exciting attractions.

There’s the chance to see renowned Renaissance masterwork and shop for premium fashion too. The famous Gothic Milan cathedral (duomo di Milano) and the Santa Maria Delle Grazie convent display Leonardo da Vinci’s representation. St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City exhibit true architectural masterpiece by Michelangelo, Donato Bramante, Carlo Maderno, and Gian Lorenzo Bernini and considered as the most renowned work of Renaissance architecture. Also, Florence is famed for its symbolic architecture and showpieces of art from Renaissance time.

Moreover, Italy offers a stunning range of lush natural scenery and multiple opportunities to escape into nature. Sardinia, Tuscany, Cinque Terre, and the Dolomites all flaunt incredible landscapes and brilliant hiking routes.

You could spend your time in this culturally rich land learning about the lives of the Romans at Rome, witnessing the devastations caused by Mount Vesuvius at Pompeii, or just loitering alongside one of the many Italian lakes.

Indeed, Italy has something very special for every traveler, making it a truly global tourist destination.

Top 10 Places To Visit In Italy

Are you planning your first trip to Italy? Let me tell you, it’s going to be really undecided as to which cities to visit. It’s a tough decision, for some good reasons as mentioned earlier. Moreover, Italy’s major cities and destinations can easily be reached by train.

The amount of time you are planning to stay in Italy will likely decide how many places you can visit there. Many travelers choose the classic itinerary of Rome, Florence, Milan, and Venice, perhaps with a side trip through Tuscany. There are so many stunning and exotic places to discover in Italy, so it’s really hard to nail down any list of the ‘best’ places to visit in Italy. Let’s give it a shot! These are my picks for the top 10 places to visit in Italy, each with its own special character and charm.

Rome! Just hearing the name stirs up some of the most popular architectural monuments in the world – the Colosseum, the Sistine Chapel, and the St. Peter’s Basilica. The history, that spans twenty-eight centuries, making it one of the oldest inhabited cities in Europe and one of the must-see places in Italy .

The most famous places to visit in Rome are a fantastic blend of historical sites, dazzling piazzas and buzzing neighborhoods, world-class museums. For the first-time visitor, Rome should place at or the top of your list. It’s a big, bustling city with main attractions clustered around the historic city center.

Top Attractions : The Colosseum, the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel, the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps. Walkthrough the historic heart of Rome, explore Piazza del Popolo, Piazza Navona, and Campo de Fiori, and enjoy dinner in Trastevere.

Estimated Stay: If You are planning to see only the main sites, a rushed two-days stay in the city can able you to visit the highlights. With even more time, you can explore Rome’s each and every corner, take a food tour, and venture into off-beat attractions.

Read More : Rome In 2 Days Itinerary

Venice (Venezia) is one of my personal favorite places in Italy and also makes it to the top of the list for many first-time visitors. Why?

Venice is one of the unique places to visit in Italy, built on a lagoon surrounded by the Adriatic Sea. Moreover, it is compact and perfect to be explored in just a few days’ time.

Venice can be considered as romantic, historic, and magnificent with its canals and gondolas, the architectural piazzas, the colorful towns of Murano and Burano will definitely make you fall in love with this attractive place!

Top Attractions: Take a gondola ride through the city, see St. Mark’s Square, wander along the canals, wade across the Rialto Bridge, and visit the Doges’ Palace and Saint Mark’s Basilica.

Estimated Stay:  Spend at least one full day to see the highlights of Venice. If you are planning to visit Murano, Burano to explore the neighborhoods two to three days are enough.

Florence (Firenze) is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Italy. The birthplace of the Renaissance and the art museums are proof of that. Michelangelo’s David, the amazing Uffizi Gallery, and the statues that are on display in the historic city center are breathtaking views to see. Even there are enough towers to climb for panoramic views, gelato to eat, and shops to visit that you don’t have to feel overburden with museum tours on a trip to Florence.

Top Experiences : Don’t miss Michelangelo’s David, the Duomo, Uffizi Gallery tour, wander across Ponte Vecchio, eat gelato, and watch the sunset over Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo.

Estimated Stay : You can rush through the best of Florence in one full day. Florence also makes a great base for day trips to Tuscany (Toscana).

Milan is home to world-class museums, fashionable shopping areas, football, the Duomo, and Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘Last Supper’. Almost devastated from heavy bombing during World War II, Milan has since reconstructed and undergone an architectural Renaissance, now shines as one of the wealthiest cities in Europe.

Top Experiences : Witness Da Vinci’s ‘Last Supper’, go shopping at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, walk top of the Duomo.

Estimated Stay : One or two days. Milan is also considered as one of the best places to visit in Italy with a family which involves a lot of day trips. You can make a nice day trip if you are traveling between cities such as Florence, Lake Como, and Venice.

At the foot of Mt. Vesuvius situated the ruins of the ancient city of Pompeii, which was buried under several feet of volcanic ash. This is your opportunity to stroll through a well-preserved, ancient city and get one of Italy’s best history lessons.

Top Experiences: You can explore Pompeii on your own or can consider hiring a guide or joining a tour to get the best experience.

Estimated Stay: You can visit Pompeii on a day trip from Rome, Naples, or the Amalfi Coast. The maximum duration of this trip will be two hours. You can also hike up to the summit of Mt. Vesuvius for some great experience.

Various books and Hollywood movies keep on flaunting Tuscany’s beauty and this has made us fall in love with this area. Scenic hillside towns climbing up in the midst of vineyards and rolling hills made Tuscany sumptuous and fun to explore. One week in Tuscany can be enjoyable if you are planning to settle down in a Tuscan villa along with some day trips out to the neighboring towns.

Top Experiences : Tour the hill towns of Tuscany. Siena (details below) is one of the larger towns with Florence, Lucca, Sienna, and Arezzo. They are all very unique and beautiful Tuscan towns. Top hill towns include San Gimignano, Pienza, and Volterra.

Estimated Stay : A day trip into Tuscany from Siena or Florence, and visiting a few of the smaller neighborhoods will be able to see some highlights of this scenic area. But with more time, usually three to four days, allows you to be laid back and soak up this region and its wineries.

Pisa is world-famous for its Leaning Tower (well known for Galileo’s gravity experiment from Leaning Tower of Pisa). You might be thinking about whether it’s really worth the visit? Let me tell you, Pisa is worth a quick stop if you are planning to travel from Florence to the Cinque Terre and can take an hour to pose with the tower for those cliché photos along with other travelers and maybe even climb the tower.

Top Experiences: You must try to climb the tower if vertigo is not an issue for you.

Estimated Stay: Two to three hours stay in the city is enough to experience the tower and surroundings.

The city of Romeo and Juliet is located along the Adige River and is considered one of the most charming cities in Italy. This small city is gorgeous but also an underrated Italian destination and is worth the visit, even if you just have a few hours.

You will not regret if you include Verona in your travel plans and might be thrilled you did so.

Top Experiences: The busiest spot is Juliette’s house, can expect a moderate to the heavy crowd there. Stroll across Ponte Scaligero, visit Piazza delle Erbe, visit the Arena di Verona (recent Bollywood movie ‘Rockstar’ shot over there for one of its songs), view the city of Verona from the top of Piazzale Castel San Pietro, and stroll through the city during sunset.

Estimated Stay: I will suggest you stay one night at Verona for experiencing the flavor of this city and stroll the city streets at night when the day-trippers leave.

A hill town in Tuscany, Siena is a great place to visit. Siena is similar to Florence but comparatively quieter and smaller. I am quite sure you will definitely love this place if you are paying a visit.

Top Experiences: Overlook Siena from Torre del Mangia, roam around the cobblestoned streets, visit the Siena Cathedral, and spend some time in Piazza del Campo.

Estimated Stay: If you have more time, spend at least one night here to really experience the best of Siena (or you can plan a day trip from Florence or Tuscany).

Sicily is the biggest island in the Mediterranean, and home to Mt. Etna, the second most active volcano in the world, and has long been considered one of the best places to visit in Italy with family. There is something for every age group, and community on Italy’s largest island, from archaeological sites to family resorts to busy towns and cities. This is a place where you can see ancient Greek and Roman ruins, stunning beaches, scenic towns, and lots of castles.

Top Experiences: Palermo, the capital of Sicily, is an exotic city worth exploring. Visit the Greek Theatre of Taormina, the Aeolian Islands, climb Mt. Etna, and relax on the beaches.

Estimated Stay: You need at least three days to get a taste of what Sicily has to offer. During three days’ time, you can see the historical highlights, chill out on the beach, and visit Mt. Etna.

Read More:  A Step-by-Step Guide On How To Plan A Europe Trip From India

Best Places To Visit In Italy: Travel Map

Italy is so rich in charming, and breathtaking places – I agree, it is not an easy job to pick just some of the most beautiful places in Italy.

However, I believe, this article has inspired you to include some of the places on your Italy bucket list because It’s truly a unique country to visit.

I will try to write on some of the most unique places to visit in Italy in one of my future articles to give an idea of other underrated but equally gorgeous places in Italy that you must include in your travel list.

If you find this article helpful, have any questions, or suggestions for improving the blog please write feedback in a comment.

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40+ best places to visit in Italy

Last updated on January 12th, 2024.

There are plenty of posts floating on the internet about the best places to visit in Italy.

And while there is no wrong answer, this post stands out from the rest for 2 main reasons.

For one, it’s written by a local (me), and the second is its format.

Presented in an A to Z style, I’m sharing 40+ of the best places in Italy and some of the top Italy destinations.

I’ll also be adding local tips on Italian culture and regional dishes to try at these must-see Italy spots.

Perfect material for your Italy bucket list , use this post to help plan your Italy trip .

Amalfi Coast

You’ve seen the photos, the movies and the travel shows, and you now want to experience the Amalfi Coast for yourself.

The stunning Amalfi Coast is popular for good reason. This 50km coastline along the Tyrrhenian Sea is home to picturesque towns such as Positano, Ravello and Sorrento .

Popular as a day trip from Naples or Sorrento , it’s easily one of the top places to visit in Italy.

The coast’s namesake town, Amalfi, was my favorite that we visited on our 4-day Amalfi Coast itinerary . A walkable, and breathable, town, at its heart is the glorious Amalfi Cathedral ( Duomo di Sant’Andrea ). A church embracing Norman, Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance architectural styles, it’s unmissable when visiting Amalfi.

One of the best places to visit in Italy, get in the know with these Amalfi Coast travel tips before you visit.

Boutique hotel in Amalfi Coast — Villa Magia

I love everything about Villa Magia , beginning with its name. This magical hotel has a prime spot, overlooking the blues of the Mediterranean.

Fornilo Beach is just 700 yards from the property, and its Luna Terrace is perfect for enjoying outdoor Italian breakfasts.

Probably the best place to visit in Italy for epicureans is Bologna. The capital city of the Emilia-Romagna region in the north-west of Italy is a food lover’s paradise.

Its most famous dish, and export, is the Ragù alla Bolognese . It’s usually served with tagliatelle pasta — and a good-sized napkin to wipe away any excess sauce.

One of the city’s several nicknames is ‘la grassa’, meaning ‘the fat’. It’s a good indication to Bologna’s rich and calorific cuisine.

Plenty to see and eat

Piazza Maggiore is the city’s principal square. Get to know Bologna’s historic center better by booking a walking tour or a fun food tour .

From here, you can visit the 10th largest church in the world (by volume), San Petronio Basilica. The former city hall turned museum, Palazzo d’Accursio , is also within walking distance.

To catch a great view of Bologna, head to the Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca. The church sits atop a forested hill, and is about 300m above the city.

‘B’ is also for Bistecca alla Fiorentina

This succulent joint of meat comes from the Tuscany region and is a must try for greedy carnivores. The steak comes from the Chianina cow — an ancient Tuscan breed known for its high quality and superb flavor.

Boutique hotel in Bologna — Hotel Corona D’Oro

The historic Hotel Corona D’Oro has everything you need for a relaxing Bologna stay. Check into a double deluxe room with a terrace and enjoy an Italian breakfast while admiring the red rooftops.

The hotel’s located in a traffic-free zone of the center ( learn more about the ztl ) meaning no disturbance from oncoming traffic. Guests are given free bikes to explore the city during their stay.

Cinque Terre

When many visitors think about places to go in Italy, Cinque Terre usually sits in the top 5.

Colorful houses, steep terraces and centuries old fishing villages, Cinque Terre is an Instagrammer’s dream.

The province in the Liguria region of Italy literally translates as ‘5 lands’. Its coastline, 5 villages and the surrounding area form part of the Cinque Terre National Park.

The village of Manarola holds the title of being the second smallest in Cinque Terre, with a population of just 353. Via dell’Amore, or the ‘love trail’ is a popular walk that runs between Manarola and neighboring village Riomaggiore.

The smallest national park in Italy, Cinque Terre is also a UNESCO attraction , covering an impressive 4,300 acres.

‘C’ is also for Catania. With Cinque Terre attracting over 1 million visitors each year, it might be worth considering another Italian alternative.

The Sicilian city of Catania has plenty of historic sites to visit, as well as a mouthwatering Sicilian food scene . What’s more, Mount Etna is nearby, offering ample opportunities to book an unforgettable volcano day or sunset trip .

Cinque Terre hotel with the best views — Hotel Porto Roca

In the village of Monterosso is a 4-star hotel with terraces overlooking the Ligurian Sea. Hotel Porto Roca is just 5 minutes from the center, offering guests incredible views and fresh seafood.

The most popular path, the Blue Trail, also begins here. Check for any restrictions before visiting, as limits and restrictions sometimes occur.

Map: best places to visit in Italy

Dolomites .

This incredible mountain range, primarily in Italy, also shares one region, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, with neighboring Austria. Come winter, the snow-capped peaks of the Dolomites create a dramatic sight; even more so when the sun sets.

One of the best places to spend winter in Italy , the Dolomites are ideal for skiing or relaxing. For the jetsetters among you, Cortina D’Ampezzo is glamorous, with flashy sports cars and expensive boutiques in sight.

A full-day tour from Bolzano to the Dolomites offers a memorable experience in a short amount of time.

Alternative rustic and traditional towns to visit include Corvara and Ortisei.

Boutique hotel in the Dolomites — Berghotel Ladinia

Set in the picturesque town of Corvara in Badia is the 4-star Berghotel Ladinia . Bag a room with views overlooking the Dolomites and one that also embraces a South Tyrolian style.

Some rooms come with a terrace and all come with complimentary WiFi. The Col Alt ski slopes are just 30 yards away from the hotel’s front door.

Feast on local dishes in Berghotel Ladinia’s on-site restaurant. During winter, the hotel provides guests with a voucher to use in its restaurant.

D is also for Duomo

Duomo . It’s a word you’ll come across often when traveling throughout Italy. A Duomo is a city or town’s principal church or cathedral. Typically, they’re located in the city/town center and are usually surrounded by other buildings of importance.

If asked personally, my 5 top Duomo in Italy are:

• Siena Cathedral
• Florence ( Skip-the-line entrance ticket )
• Milan ( Fast-track entry ) 

Inside and out, the Duomo in Italy are a work of art and are a must see in Italy.

Get your best walking shoes on, as you’ll need them for visiting the Sicilian hilltop town of Erice . Situated 800m above sea level, most travelers come to visit Castello di Venere (Castle of Venus). Steep lanes from the Porta Trapani gateway will take you all the way to the top.

The 12th century castle is a prime location for catching the best views of the sea and coastline below. Erice is also a doable day trip from Palermo .

Gather your breath, and energy, on the way up at one of the cafes in Piazza Umberto. The castle park’s cafe is a good choice for getting some shade, panoramic views and a robust cup of coffee.

E is also for Etna

This active volcano hovers over the east coast of Sicily , and is the largest of the three in Italy. Join a Mount Etna sunset jeep tour to see some of the best views of Catania, Messina and beyond.

Florence (Firenze)

A city overflowing with locals and tourists alike, Florence is one of the best places to visit in Italy. A city I recommend to first-time travelers visiting Italy, two days in Florence is a good starting point.

The river Arno runs through this historic city, with medieval churches and sculptures filling its historic center. Add to this the impressive number of museums in Florence’s center .

Be sure to keep your wits about you when visiting Florence. There are several well-known scams that target tourists in Florence.

Along with visiting Michelangelo’s David and its jaw-dropping Duomo , Florence also has a tantalizing food scene. Buca Lapi isn’t just the oldest restaurant in Florence, it also serves up a mean Bistecca alla Fiorentina (see ‘B’ for Bistecca ).

For a delicious bite on the go, Osteria All’Antico Vinaio is where to go for a social media-loving filled panini.

Boutique hotel in Florence

Minutes from the Ponte Vecchio, Gallery Hotel Art is a fitting choice in Florence. With the central theme of elegant minimalism running throughout the hotel, it’s a sophisticated stay in the city of art.

F is also for Ferragosto

Avoid traveling on the days before, and on, 15 August. It’s a public holiday in Italy called Ferragosto . Essentially, the holiday marks the halfway point of the summer season.

Nothing in particular happens, but many Italians spend the day with family, friends or at the beach.

Roads are busier than usual in the days leading up to Ferragosto , and some services may be closed. Saying that, try to travel on 13 or 17 August to avoid getting caught with the crowds. 

Garda (Lago di garda)

One of the best Italy vacations, Lake Garda is another of Italy’s most popular destinations. Come here for boating, walking, picnics (summer) and for the awesome landscape.

The largest lake in Italy, Lago di Garda is shared by 3 regions: Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol.

Towns to visit around Lake Garda

There are several towns and villages surrounding the lake, with Sirmione being one of the most popular. It’s home to many hotels, restaurants, as well as a market, and the impressive Scaliger Castle. A short boat cruise around Sirmione is an idyllic way to visit, and one that offers a different perspective.

The lake’s namesake town, Garda, along with Bardolino are equally popular with visitors. The town center has a harbor, as well as bars and restaurants with colorful façades.

If you prefer to visit a town on Lake Garda that’s not as touristy, consider seeing Salò. The town sits on the Lombardy side and has plenty of things to do to make up a day trip.

Boutique Hotel near Lake Garda — La Zarraba Boutique Hotel

Wake up to views of the mesmerizing Lake Garda at La Zarabba Relais de Charme . Rooms are elegant and decorated in an Italian Renaissance style. The hotel’s located in Ponti Sul Mincio, a commune in the province of Mantua in Lombardy.

If visiting in summer, save your spot on one of the sunbeds by the swimming pool. From here, you get the best of both worlds: a pool with a lake view. La Zarabba Boutique Hotel also has a garden and terrace for guests to enjoy. Take advantage of the free WiFi and on-site private parking.

G is also for gondola — Italy vacation ideas

In one of the same regions as Lake Garda is the legendary, and ultra romantic, boat transportation that’s the gondola.

While they can be expensive, and considered a novelty, gondolas are part of the Venice experience. Book a private gondola ride , or with a small group , and soak up the Venetian vibes.

Haunted (Italy)

Add some macabre to your Italy travels by visiting some of the country’s most haunted castles and haunted hotels .

Plagued by ghostly sightings and legendary fables, these historic buildings are some of the creepiest places to stay in Italy. Take the Castello di Montebello. This 14th century historic castle in Rimini, north-west Italy, may look beautiful, but there’s a chilling tale behind its walls.

Historic and haunted

Its most famous story is of the owner’s missing daughter, Azzurina — named after her piercing blue eyes. One day in June, the day of the summer solstice, she mysteriously vanished.

Her disappearance remains a mystery and is unsolved to this day. However, every five years during the summer solstice, people have reported sightings of a young girl fitting Azzurina’s description.

Boutique hotel in Rimini — Rimini Suite Hotel

From the scary to the sublime, Rimini Suite Hotel is a modern hotel in Rivabella. Just 100 yards from the coast and some of Rimini’s best beaches, the hotel has modern rooms and free WiFi. Some rooms come with a private hot tub.

Other amenities also include a swimming pool, and guests receive discounts for a nearby private beach. A continental-style breakfast is provided daily and features sweet and savory products.

Another place in the south of Sicily, Ispica is the classic image of a quaint Sicilian town. Along with examples of fine Sicilian baroque architecture , it’s also home to the Ispica caves ( Cava d’Ispica ).

When we visited during the height of summer the center was deserted. However, this gave us plenty of time to explore the city and take unlimited photographs.

Measuring 13km in length, the caves stretch from Ispica to the neighboring town of Modica. Its most interesting feature are the homes carved into the mountains.

They were inhabited until the end of the 19th century and are something unique to Ispica.

I is also for Infiorata di Noto

Every May, a spectacular floral festival descends upon the southern Sicilian town of Noto.

A blanket of flowers, embracing that year’s theme, covers one of its central streets. Taking place over 3 days, the Infiorata di Noto is a festival for travelers that enjoy flowers and art.

One of the coolest places to travel in May in Sicily, it’s worth booking that flight for.

I is also for Isola delle correnti

Plan a trip to Italy, more specifically, to the southernmost point of the country at Isola delle Correnti . Wade across waist-deep water to reach the island in Sicily with an abandoned lighthouse and far-reaching views.

With Caribbean-style beaches, climates and a laid-back energy, you’d be forgiven for thinking you weren’t in Italy.

Technically, Jesolo shouldn’t really be here, given that ‘J’ doesn’t exist in the Italian alphabet.

However, for non-Italians speakers for whom the letter ‘J’ does exist, you’ll see mentions of Jesolo — just not in Italy.

Instead, Italians know it as Iesolo with an ‘I’. This seaside town north of Venice is one of the largest resorts in Italy. Jesolo receives around 4 million people each year, and that also includes visitors from overseas.

Its main attraction is the 15km (9 mi) beach called Lido di Jesolo. There are several ways to get there from Venice, the quickest route being by renting a car (about 45 minutes). You can also take the ferry to Punta Sabbaioni and then a bus onwards to Jesolo.

The K Boutique Hotel

Similar to ‘J’, the letter ‘K’ also doesn’t exist in the Italian alphabet.

However, I’ve a valuable contribution to add under ‘K’ and that’s the fabulous K Boutique Hotel in Rome.

Located in Rione Monti, luxury features in this 4-star hotel include a private terrace, hot tub and spa. Rooms are modern, bright and come with all the amenities for a comfortable stay. Staying here means an easy 10-minute walk from sights like the Colosseum and the shopping street of Via Nazionale.

Lake Como (Lago di Como)

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty and landscape of Lake Como. Explore much loved towns like Bellagio, Como and Varenna , along with lesser visited places like Lenno and Sorico.

One of the top things to do in Italy, Lake Como also has plenty of free attractions to fill up an itinerary.

Another incredible lake to visit in northern Italy is Lago Maggiore. An ideal weekend break, we had a blissful 2 days visiting Lago Maggiore and exploring its natural beauty.

L is also for Lecce

A city full of good vibes and good food, Lecce is one of my favorite cities to visit in Puglia . Over 2,000 years old, Lecce is also one of the most important cities in the region.

The city has a strong connection with its Greek founders. In fact, the griko language is still spoken in a group of towns not far from Lecce.

Wander around the city taking in the many baroque monuments and Lecce limestone sculptures. At night, enjoy the laid-back vibe, sampling the local olive oil, cured meats and wine.

L is also for Lipari

North of the mainland of Sicily is a cluster of islands that evoke memories of long summers by the sea. The Aeolian Islands (Isole Eolie) consist of 7 in total, the largest of the group being Lipari .

A destination with the perfect blend of sandy beaches, blue waters and traditional cuisine, Lipari has it all.

The best viewpoint in Lipari is from the Chiesa Vecchia di Quattropani , a church atop a hill. You’ll need a car or motorbike to get there, but once you arrive, prepare to be treated to the best views.

Probably the most visited city in the Lombardy region, Milan is important for several reasons. The second-most populous city in Italy after Rome, Milan is known for being the capital of art, commerce and fashion.

One of the best places to visit in Italy, Italy tourist attractions are in abundance in Milan.

The city’s cathedral, the incredible Duomo di Milano , showcases a fine example of Italian Gothic architecture. Pinacoteca di Brera and Castello Sforzesco  (Sforza Castle) are other two notable sights to see in Italy.

In December, Milan becomes one of the best places to spend Christmas in Italy . Visit the Christmas markets in Piazza Duomo and see the larger-than-life Christmas tree.

Prepare for your Milan trip by familiarizing yourself with these top Milan travel tips . Wake up to a view of the Duomo at one of these centrally-located hotels or stay close by to Malpensa Airport .

Boutique hotel in Milan — Matilde Boutique Hotel

With a penchant for fashion and sophisticated living, you’re spoiled for choice in Milan. Matilde Boutique Hotel is in a central part of the city, and just 200 yards from Piazza Duomo square.

Other main attractions like La Scala Theater and San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore are also within walking distance.

M is also for Modena

Situated on the southern side of the Po Valley is the city of Modena. It’s renowned for its thriving sports car industry and the production of exceptional balsamic vinegar.

You can comfortably explore Modena’s city center in one day keeping a well-paced itinerary.

M is also for Modica, Marzamemi and Mazara del Vallo

I couldn’t write about ‘M’ places in Italy without mentioning these 3 Sicilian destinations. Chocolate lovers need to highlight, circle and underline Modica.

The southern Sicilian city’s famous for the sweet, brown stuff, which I can personally say, is sublimely delicious.

Mazara del Vallo on the north-west coast is well known for its former Arabic influences. From the buildings, the food, to even the wine, you’ll feel like you’re almost in a North African city like Essaouira in Morocco .

Third is the coastal town of Marzamemi . A picturesque spot filled with seafood restaurants and plenty of charm, it’s one of my favorite Italy trips.

N is for Naples 

Best places in Italy don’t get any better than Naples.

The city of pizza and historic landmarks beneath the watchful gaze of Mount Vesuvius, one day in Naples is not long enough.

Boasting the largest historic city center in Europe, Naples is home to some of the most impressive churches in Italy. Take the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption (Duomo di Napoli). Housing 4th century mosaics and relics, it’s a sight that few photos can do justice.

Naples in and around

Not far from Naples’ city center are other famous places in Italy to consider visiting.

The Roman ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum are around 25 minutes’ drive.

Pompeii met its tragic end when it was engulfed and preserved by volcanic ash during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.

It’s highly advisable that you book your Pompeii ticket in advance . It won’t just save you time, but it’ll also spare you the hassle of having to wait in long lines.

Palace of Caserta

The former royal abode in Caserta was once the main residence of the kings of Naples. One of the largest royal palaces in the world covering an area of 47,000 m², it’s the Italian version of Versailles.

This skip-the-line ticket includes entrance to the royal palace and parks. Also included is the option to have an audioguide app and a train ticket to Caserta from Napoli Central Station (if selected).

Boutique hotel in Naples — Artemisia Domus

The gorgeous 4-star Artemisia Domus is 1,000 yards from Castel Nuovo (Maschio Angioino). Boasting elegant suites, it’s also in a prime location in Naples.

N is also for Noto

We’re frequent visitors to the Sicilian city of Noto . The historic center may be small but it’s filled with striking baroque architecture and cobbled streets.

A beautiful city for a vacation in Italy, consider spending a few nights nearby at IUTA Glamping & Farm . The best place in Italy to try glamping in Sicily the site is just a few minutes’ drive from the center.

Ortygia (Ortigia)

It’s not often that you come across a historic center that also happens to be an island. But this is the norm in the Sicilian city of Syracuse (Siracusa).

Separated by a narrow channel, there are 3 bridges that connect Ortygia to the mainland. One of the best places to visit in Italy, the island is one of the top Italy tourist attractions.

At the center of the old city, or ‘ città vecchia ‘, is Syracuse Cathedral (Duomo di Siracusa) . Awarded UNESCO status in 2005, the church’s structure was originally a Greek Doric temple.

O is also for Olbia and Orgosolo

In the north-east of the island of Sardinia is the city of Olbia. Close to the dazzling and glitterati Costa Smeralda, Olbia is also known for its sandy beaches and picture-perfect sea.

In the center of Sardinia is the commune of Orgosolo. This municipality’s most famous for its political murals that adorn the city’s walls. They represent the island’s political struggles as well as international issues.

Busy and buzzing, the Sicilian capital of Palermo is a great example of Sicilian life in action. Loud, passionate and exciting, there are plenty of things to do in Palermo .

Palermo has plenty of must-see sights, many of which are free to visit . The Norman Palace (Palazzo dei Normani), and its chapel, La Cappella Palatina , with its golden mosaic interior will blow you away.

Palermo Cathedral, Teatro Massimo and the city’s gritty, yet historic, neighborhoods are also worth adding to the list.

One of the best places to visit in Italy, I never miss the opportunity to revisit Palermo.

Quartu Sant’Elena

Located 6.4km (4mi) from the Sardinian capital of Cagliari is Quartu Sant’Elena. It’s the third largest city in Sardinia with plenty of historic churches, mesmerizing coastlines and sandy beaches.

Sardinia has some of the best beaches and cleanest waters in the world. Some examples in Quartu Sant’Elena include the sandy Is Canaleddus , and nearby Is Mortorius with its natural pools.

Q is also for Quattro Canti

One of the top tourist attractions in Italy, Quattro Canti typically tops visitors’ travel lists. Loosely meaning ‘four places’, the octagonal square has four baroque buildings with almost identical façades. 

Each has a fountain and statues representing the four seasons. You’ll also see sculptures of the Spanish kings of Sicily and the patronesses of Palermo.

One of the best places to visit in Italy the Italian capital should need no introduction.

Home to dozens of attractions like the Colosseum , the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain, Rome tops the Italy beautiful places list.

Another good reason to visit Rome is to tour the Vatican City . It may be the smallest country in the world, but it’s home to the most magnificent buildings.

Skip the lines by booking in advance for the Vatican museum and the Sistine Chapel . Nearby is the magnificent St Peter’s Basilica, from which you can visit its jaw-dropping dome and explore the underground grottos .

Should you need advice on where to stay in Rome , maybe one of these Colosseum view hotels will meet your needs.

R is also for Ragusa

In the south of Sicily is the ancient city of Ragusa. An earthquake in 1693 split the city of Ibla in two, leading to some of the buildings being re-built in Baroque style.

The city’s home to several impressive Duomo, which ranks Ragusa as one of the best places in Sicily to visit. Both are fine examples of Sicilian Baroque architecture, and places in Italy to add to your Italy trip planner.

Boutique hotel in Ragusa — Locanda Don Serafino

Book into a 4-star hotel that was built into the side of a cave. Locanda Don Serafino has elegant rooms, striking suites and delicious food.

R is also for Ravenna

The Italian city of mosaics isn’t one that features on many Italy travel itineraries. Personally, I consider Ravenna to be one of the best places to visit in Italy.

A city with plenty to see in 1 day , Ravenna has some of the most spectacular sights to see in Italy.

My heart skips a beat every time I think of Siena. The historic city is one of the most beautiful places in Tuscany and a must see in Italy.

No cars are able to enter the center of Siena. Streets are narrow, historic and all lead to Piazza del Campo. The fan-shaped square is home to the Palazzo Pubblico, the town hall and the 14th century Torre del Mangia.

Piazza del Campo is also where the famous Palio horse race happens twice a year.

One of the most famous attractions in Italy is Siena’s grand cathedral (Duomo di Siena) . It’s not easy to take pictures that do justice to this Italian Romanesque-Gothic masterpiece. The only solution is to visit and see it for yourself.

S is also for Scicli

A lesser-known city in south-east Sicily, Scicli, for me, is one of the most beautiful places in Italy. With plenty of things to do in 1 day , Scicli has Sicilian baroque churches and a TV detective to its name.

Home of ‘Inspector Montalbano’, you can visit locations from the show by joining the enigmatic Inspector Montalbano tour .

S is also for Syracuse (Siracusa)

I’ve previously covered some of the best sights to see in Ortygia , which is located off the coast of Syracuse.

Back on the mainland, signs of the city’s Ancient Greek past are everywhere. Probably the number one landmark to visit is the Greek Theater of Syracuse. First built in the 5th century BC, the theater’s on a sloping hill, focusing on the stage below.

The Greek theater is part of the complex within the Neapolis Archaeological Park. You can buy tickets at the entrance or join a tour with an expert guide .

The cultural and business hub of Turin is an important city center in north-west Italy.

One of the best places to travel in Italy, Turin was the first capital of Italy.

Piazza Castello is Turin’s principal square. It’s here that’ll find the 16th century Royal Palace of Turin of the House of Savoy. They were the ruling dynasty of the period, eventually expanding their reign to Sicily.

Also, in the square is Palazzo Madama, the building of the first Senate of the Italian kingdom.

Boutique hotel in Turin — TownHouse 70

Stay at a hotel that’s within minutes from Turin’s best attractions.  TownHouse 70  has rooms and suites that are chic and modern, with soft colors and minimalist design.

T is also for Taormina

The hilltop town of Taormina in southern Sicily is a popular spot to vacation in Italy. It’s where you’ll find, among other things, the Greek amphitheater, along with stunning views overlooking the Ionian Sea. 

Taormina has garnered a reputation for being one of the most famous places in Italy.

With its charming town center and the enchanting island of Isola Bella, Taormina’s popularity has spread further afield. The Sicilian town was used as one of the filming locations of the American TV show, The White Lotus .

T is also for Treviso

Make a detour to the northern Italian city nicknamed ‘mini Venice’ and discover the best things to do in Treviso . With canals running through the city and a delightful historic center, Treviso makes an ideal Venice day trip .

When deciding on where to visit in Italy, the city of Udine is one of the lesser known Italy tourist spots. Situated between the Adriatic Sea and the Alps in Friuli Giulia Venezia, Udine has several attractions worth visiting.

The city’s castle that sits high atop a hill (Castello di Udine) was once a former military building. Today, it runs as a history and art museum.

In the Piazza della Libertà is the 15th century town hall ( Loggia del Lionello ) and the grand clock tower (Torre dell’Orologio).

Hotel choice in Udine — Astoria Hotel Italia

Close to the town’s tourist attractions and shopping streets, Astoria Hotel Italia is a sound choice for a stay in Udine.

Elegant, spacious and with a modern décor, you’re in for a comfy stay. The hotel can also organize visits for guests to wine, ham and grappa producers in the nearby area.

U is for Umbria

Take a trip to the heart of Italy with a visit to the green and historic region of Umbria.

One of the best places to visit in Italy is Orvieto. Spend 1 day in Orvieto visiting its spectacular Duomo and stopping by its former papal residences.

The city of canals, architecture and art, Venice is easily one of the best places to visit in Italy. It’s typically busy all year round, but summertime is when visitor numbers reach their peak.

It’s because of this, that I actually prefer visiting Venice in winter . The crowds are fewer, meaning less time lining up for attractions, and more time exploring.

Must-see sights in venice

Italy tourist attractions don’t get anymore famous than in Venice.

Take St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco). The grand plaza is home to the basilica, its towering Campanile, Renaissance clock tower and Doge’s Palace . From here, you can also take a morning walk through the Merceria . It’s a busy shopping street that leads directly to the famous Rialto Bridge.

While visiting Venice, make time to visit other parts, like taking a day tour of Murano, Burano and Torcello . The islands just outside Venice are some of the prettiest places to see in Italy.

Boutique hotel in Venice — Corte di Gabriela

With just 13 rooms, Corte di Gabriela  is my Venice boutique hotel pick. Providing luxury comfort, spacious showers and generous breakfasts, the hotel’s within walking distance to Venice’s main attractions. 

I detail more places in where to stay in Venice including the different neighborhoods and the closest to Venice’s attractions.

V is also for Verona and Vicenza

Within the same region of Veneto are 2 more ‘V’ cities that are places in Italy to consider visiting.

Verona is one of the most romantic cities in Italy . The setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, the Casa di Giulietta is a tourist favorite. Located near Piazza delle Erbe — the city’s main square — the house is worth a quick look (depending on the crowds).

Other attractions in Verona like The Arena di Verona and Castel San Pietro make Verona one of the best Italy vacations.

Detour to Vicenza

Chances are you’ve never heard of Vicenza but my small home city has plenty of things to do . At its heart is the Basilica Palladiana in Piazza dei Signori .

Designed by renowned architect, Andrea Palladio, the Renaissance building is one of his most notable works. 

Also, in Vicenza’s historic center is the Olympic Theatre ( Teatro Olimpico ). It’s another of Palladio’s works and was also the first closed theater of its time. It was his last project before he died in 1580.

Within the province of Vicenza is where you can also find the REAL castles behind Romeo and Juliet . Montecchio Maggiore is home to the 2 castles behind the tale of the star-crossed lovers, and with dramatic views to match.

Zafferana Etnea

We’re skipping straight to Z as letters W, X and Y don’t exist in the Italian alphabet.

There’s a slight clue in the name as to this last town’s location.

Sitting among the hills that lead up to Mount Etna, Zafferana Etnea is a meeting point for volcanic tours. The town’s home to some of the best Sicily hotels with a remarkable view . From Zafferana Etnea, there are roads and trails leading to the national park.

More than a pit stop

About 500m above sea level, the town’s located between the mountain and the Ionian Sea. Many visitors don’t realize that Zafferana Etnea has seaside, as well as winter sports tourism.

The town takes its name from the pricey, yet fragrant, saffron ( zafferano ). It was once an important source of income for Zafferana Etnea, hence its homage to the costly spice.

What are your thoughts on this post listing the best places to visit in Italy? Has it helped you decide on where to visit in Italy? Let me know in the comments below.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.

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Welcome to my site. I'm Lisa, an Italy-based travel and lifestyle blogger behind Following the Rivera. Find out more about me and my story.

36 thoughts on “ 40+ best places to visit in Italy ”

There are so many places to visit in Italy and this break down is really useful for planning! I hope to go there someday and explore some of these beautiful destinations.

Me too! I’m glad you enjoyed this list 🙂

I am going to bookmark this post. We are planning to visit Italy next year and this post has all important information.

That’s great! It’s a good post to help start the planning process

This is such an amazing list. However, I admire you for being able to choose mesmerizing places in Italy since everything is so beautiful and unique – starting with the language. As a matter of fact, you should add Italiano 😉 ! Is Jesolo really so pretty? I’ll be back to Venice for the Biennale in 2024 and will probably spend a couple of hours on the beach there. Last time I went to the Lido and liked it a lot 🙂

You’re right I should add it to the list! We love Lido, more than Iesolo. But it all comes down to preference 🙂

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Where to Go in Italy

SD › Italy › Italy Best Places Updated: April 21, 2022 By Santorini Dave

• Best Hotels in Rome
• Best Family Hotels in Rome
• Where to Stay in Rome
• Best Tours & Things to Do in Rome
• Best Hotels in Florence
• Best Hotels in Venice
• Best Hotels in Milan
• Best Hotels in Naples
• Best Hotels in Matera
• Best Agriturismo in Tuscany
• Best Agriturismo in Umbria

The 17 Best Places to Visit in Italy

Where to Go in Italy: Rome is a must-visit for any Italy itinerary.

Rome – Italy’s number 1 destination, Rome has several lifetimes’ worth of monuments, museums, and art-clad churches. Big sights like the Colosseum and Vatican Museums (home of the Sistine Chapel) draw huge queues so try to pre-book tickets. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit when the best hotels in Rome are often fully booked months in advance.

Florence – Renaissance central, Florence boasts some of Italy’s most celebrated art treasures. You’ll also find hundreds of trattorias, cafes and chic drinking spots, ideal for tasting the local Chianti wine. Book ahead for key sights such as the cathedral, Uffizi Galleries, and Accademia Gallery.

Venice – With its canals, gondolas and flamboyant Gothic palaces, Venice is a one-off. Once you’ve covered St Mark’s Square and the headline monuments, ditch your map and explore the labyrinthine backstreets – you’ll get lost but that’s half the fun. Come in February for Carnevale (carnival) high jinks.

Milan – Italy’s second-largest city, Milan specializes in fashion, finance and cutting-edge design. Shoppers and nightlife lovers are spoiled for choice while sightseers can admire the fairy-tale Duomo and Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper. Fly into Malpensa or Linate airports.

Cinque Terre – Soaring cliffs, steeply terraced hillsides and five gorgeous villages – the Cinque Terre is one of Italy’s most dramatic coastal stretches. It’s best explored on foot, though you’ll need to buy the Cinque Terre card to access its scenic paths. Get there by train from Genoa or La Spezia.

Siena – A stunning medieval city that can easily be covered on a day trip from Florence, its historic rival. Action is centered on the Gothic cathedral and Piazza del Campo, site of the biannual Palio horse race. Book well to visit around Palio time (2 July and 16 August).

Lucca – Everybody’s idea of a model Tuscan town. Encircled by monumental Renaissance walls, its beautifully preserved historic center is a glorious place to hang out. Pisa (for the Leaning Tower) is a half-hour train ride away.

San Gimignano – Set deep in the Tuscan countryside, San Gimignano is a classic day trip destination. Expect picturesque streets, medieval skyscrapers and plenty of local Vernaccia wine. Buses run direct from Siena or via Poggibonsi from Florence.

Orvieto – A classic Umbrian hill town, Orvieto thrills with its spectacular Gothic cathedral and medieval streets. Sightseeing done, fill up on truffles and earthy Umbrian cuisine at one of its many authentic trattorias. Located midway between Rome and Florence, it’s a prime day trip choice.

Naples – Nowhere does drama and riotous street life better than southern Italy’s great metropolis. And with a Unesco-listed historic center, several amazing museums, views over Mt Vesuvius and the world’s best pizza, there’s plenty to love here. Pompeii is an easy train ride away.

Sicily – Sun-baked Sicily provides the full-on southern Italian experience. Think dreamy beaches, artistic treasures, fiery volcanoes and fantastic food. Palermo and Catania are the main cities but make time for Mt Etna, Syracuse and Taormina.

Capri – The most famous of the islands in the Bay of Naples. Its natural beauty, whitewashed towns, and Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra) ensure a constant stream of visitors. You can cover it on a day trip from Naples or Sorrento but stay longer for a more relaxing experience.

Amalfi Coast – Italy’s most celebrated coastline is every bit as beautiful as its reputation suggests. Gorgeous towns like Positano and Amalfi sit wedged between plunging cliffs while elegant Ravello commands breathtaking views from its lofty hillside setting. Buses and summer boats ply the coast from Sorrento and Salerno.

Matera – Set around a deep gorge in the southern region of Basilicata, Matera is a recent European Capital of Culture. Highlights include the ancient sassi (cave houses) that riddle its rocky cityscape. Excellent restaurants and boutique hotels, some in renovated sassi, add to the appeal.

Turin – History and contemporary art go hand in hand with world-class museums, exciting restaurants and art-nouveau cafes in Turin. The Egyptian museum is a must-see as is the Mole Antonelliana, the landmark tower that appears on Italy’s two-cent coin.

Bologna – Famous for its fabulous food and ancient university (one of the world’s oldest), Bologna guarantees a good time. Its medieval red-brick center is a joy to explore while the large student population ensures there’s always something going on its many bars, trattorias, and clubs.

Perugia – With its hilltop medieval center, historic lanes, and lively university atmosphere, Perugia makes a great base for exploring Umbria. To catch the town in party mood come in July for the Umbria Jazz festival.

The Best of Italy

Best beaches in Italy 1. Cala Goloritzé (Baunei, Sardinia) 2. Punta Prosciutto (Porta Cesario, Puglia) 3. San Vito Lo Capo (Trapani, Sicily) 4. Spiaggia delle Due Sorelle (Sirolo, Le Marche) 5. San Fruttuoso (Camogli, Liguria) 6. Tropea (Vibo Valentia, Calabria) 7. Sabaudia (Latina, Lazio)

Best vacation spots in Italy 1. Amalfi Coast (Campania) 2. Taormina (Sicily) 3. Villasimius (Sardinia) 4. Lake Como (Lombardy) 5. Val d’Orcia (Tuscany) 6. Cortina d’Ampezzo (The Dolomites, Veneto)

Best wine regions in Italy 1. Piedmont (Barolo, Barbaresco, Asti Spumante) 2. Veneto (Prosecco, Soave, Valpolicella) 3. Tuscany (Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, Vin Santo) 4. Umbria (Orvieto Classico, Sagrantino di Montefalco)

Best food areas or cities in Italy 1. Emilia-Romagna (Parma ham, parmigiano-reggiano cheese, mortadella, balsamic vinegar) 2. Naples & Campania (pizza, buffalo mozzarella, sfogliatella pastries) 3. Umbria (black truffles, Norcia cured meats, wild boar, strozzapreti pasta) 4. Puglia (olive oil, orecchiette pasta, burrata cheese, seafood) 5. Piedmont (white truffles, risotto, chocolate)

Best Agriturismo in Italy 1. Tuscany (around Pienza, San Gimignano) 2. Umbria (around Lake Trasimeno, Perugia, Assisi) 3. Puglia (the southern Salento area)


Best small towns in Italy 1. Mantua 2. Ravenna 3. Urbino 4. Assisi 5. Pienza 6. Alberobello

Best coastal towns in Italy 1. Positano 2. Portofino 3. Alghero 4. Otranto 5. Sperlonga 6. Cefalù 7. Vernazza (Cinque Terre)

Italy Itinerary – Where to Travel • One Week in Italy : Rome and Florence . Do a day trip from Florence. Train between the two cities. • 10 Days in Italy : Rome and Florence, plus Venice or Naples . Do a day trip from Florence. Train between the three. Fly in and out of different cities. • Two Weeks in Italy : Rome, Florence, Siena, Naples, and Venice. Do 1 or 2 day trips from Florence. Train between all cities. Fly in and out of different cities. • Three Weeks in Italy : Rome, Florence, Siena, Perugia, Orvieto, Matera, Naples, and Venice. Do 1 or 2 day trips from Florence. Train between all cities. Fly in and out of different cities.

• Italy Travel Guide
• When to Visit Rome
• When to Visit Venice
• When to Visit Naples
• Family Hotels in Rome
• Family Hotels in Florence
• Family Hotels in Venice
• Family Hotels in Milan
• Best Time to Visit Greece & the Greek Islands
• Amsterdam – The Very Best Hotels
• Athens – The Very Best Hotels
• Barcelona – The Very Best Hotels
• Istanbul – The Very Best Hotels
• Lisbon – The Very Best Hotels
• London – The Very Best Hotels
• Paris – The Very Best Hotels
• Prague – The Very Best Hotels

About Santorini Dave

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14 Best Places to Visit in Southern Italy

A remarkably rich and varied region to travel around, Southern Italy boasts some of the nation’s most beautiful cities, landscapes and scenery. As it is blessed with warm weather, crystal-clear waters and delicious food, many holiday here in the sunny summer months.

Also referred to as the Mezzogiorno or ‘Midday’ region, it consists of Apulia, Basilicata, Calabria, Campania and Molise. Surrounded by the Adriatic, Ionian and Tyrrhenian seas, its innumerable beaches are lovely to lounge on while colourful towns line its craggy cliffs and coves. Among the most picturesque places to visit in Southern Italy are Sorrento and Capri while its large cities Lecce and Naples also attract lots of visitors.

Due to its central position in the Mediterranean, the south has long been inhabited by a number of peoples and cultures. Both the Ancient Greeks and Romans, for instance, left behind loads of artistic treasures and archaeological sites. Of these, Pompeii and Paestum are undoubtedly the most famous.

With so much charming countryside and so many idyllic islands to see, not to mention the iconic Amalfi Coast, Southern Italy really is the gift that keeps on giving.

Map of Places to Visit in Southern Italy

Commonly called the ‘White Town’, Ostuni’s gleaming houses, walls and churches immediately catch the eye as you approach. Spread across three hills surrounded by gorgeous countryside, the small city lies about an hour’s bus journey northwest of Brindisi.

Hemmed in by medieval city walls, its enchanting old town is a treat to get lost in. As you amble about its narrow alleys, you can snap some great photos amongst all its wonderful, whitewashed buildings. The highlight though is its imposing 1,000-year-old cathedral which exhibits a striking mix of Gothic, Romanesque and Byzantine features. There are also some pretty palazzi and the ornate Saint Orontius’ column to admire nearby.

Thanks to the town’s prominent setting, you can also enjoy sublime views over all the rolling hills and olive groves below. If you have a car, you can easily reach both Alberobello and Lecce in an hour from Ostuni.

13. Arco Magno

One of the most stunning natural sights in Southern Italy (and that’s certainly saying something!) is undoubtedly that of Arco Magno. Located in Calabria, just outside the tiny town of San Nicola Arcella, the ‘secret’ beach and breathtaking rock arch are not to be missed if you’re in the area.

Lying alongside the Tyrrhenian Sea, its soaring sea cliffs and rough, rugged headlands conceal a small swathe of sandy beach. Part of the Riviera dei Cedri, they create an astounding natural amphitheater with only the twenty-meter-high arch letting in the sea’s waves and sunshine.

Clambering down its steepish steps and seeing the beach, cliffs and arch before you really is an awe-inspiring experience. After lounging on its sands and watching the sun’s rays magically light up its crystal-clear waters, you can also wander along the path atop the arch and enjoy yet more spellbinding sea views.

The largest city in the south, Naples has an incredibly rich history, culture and cuisine for you to delve into. Although it is quite grubby and a bit run-down, its atmospheric streets boast all kinds of artistic and architectural treasures.

One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, the important port was founded back in the first millennium BC. Long a mixing pot of cultures, its diverse heritage and unique identity are clearly displayed in its enormous historic center – the largest in Europe.

See also: Where to Stay in Naples

Here you’ll come across impressive sites such as the colossal Castel Nuovo, picturesque Royal Palace and its lavish, fresco-filled cathedral. The sprawling city also has a wealth of captivating museums and churches to check out and an endless supply of delicious Neapolitan pizza to try.

Its sparkling shores and the hulking great Vesuvius in the distance hint at all the other amazing places you can visit nearby . These include not just Pompeii and Herculaneum’s extensive ruins but the sun-kissed Sorrento, Capri and Amalfi Coast too. While some people aren’t too keen on Naples, we absolutely loved everything and can’t wait to head back soon.

11. Maratea

In contrast to the vast, gritty city, the glitzy town of Maratea is delightfully known as the ‘Pearl of the Tyrrhenian’. Set in a scenic spot along Basilicata’s west coast, it occupies a lush valley amid forest-coated hills and mountains.

While its range of landscapes, scenery and views already make it worth visiting, Maratea is not called ‘the town with 44 churches’ for nothing. Wandering about its magnificent medieval center, you’ll keep stumbling across their fine, fading facades and fetching architecture. Its main church is Santa Maria Maggiore which was built in 1505 and contains some interesting artworks. Keep an eye out too for the Statue of Christ perched high above the town atop Mount San Biagio.

Due to its popularity, Maratea is often fully booked in summer with many reserving rooms over a year in advance. It’s easy to see why as its marinas lie near to twenty or so tantalizing beaches. Add in all its fine dining options and fun watersports and the resort really is the perfect place to relax and unwind.

10. Castelmezzano

Located in a yet more spectacular setting still is the charming town of Castelmezzano. Rightfully recognized as ‘one of the most beautiful villages in Italy’, its cluster of colourful houses make for an astounding sight what with the forests and peaks looming above them.

Nestled amidst the dramatic-looking Dolomiti Lucane Mountains, the remote town is equidistant from both Bari and Naples. After around a two-hour drive inland from either, you’ll finally see the eleventh-century settlement perched high on the hillside. Established by the Normans who were fleeing the invading Saracens, its well-protected route saw brigands hide here in later years.

Aside from snapping some photos of its striking backdrop and buildings from various viewpoints, you can hike and climb around the surrounding mounts. A particularly popular one is the Seven Stones Path up to the precipitously-placed Pietrapertosa. If you’re a bit of an adrenaline junkie, you’ll instead want to try its thrilling ‘Flight of the Angel’. Strung 100 meters in the air, the zipline shoots you between the twin towns at speeds of 120 km/h.

9. Sorrento

A must-visit town for many, Sorrento sprawls across steep, craggy cliffs alongside the sparkling Bay of Naples. Lying around an hour’s train journey down the coast from the bustling port city, it also acts as a gateway to the Amalfi Coast .

Due to its romantic setting, views and streetscapes, countless poets, philosophers and painters have stayed here over the years. With so much lovely architecture and arresting landscapes on show, it is no wonder Keats, Nietzsche, Goethe and Wagner were enchanted by its beauty.

Other than strolling about its sunny streets and chic marinas, there are lots of terrific restaurants to try. Along the cafe-lined Piazza Tasso, you just have to taste some of its tasty local specialties and strong limoncellos.

From its clifftops, you can also gaze out over the glittering bay and giant Mount Vesuvius before you. Sorrento is also a convenient base for visiting the volcano, Capri and Amalfi Coast as well as both the popular Pompeii and Herculaneum.

Head just a bit further south of the Amalfi Coast in Campania and you’ll come across the hugely interesting archaeological site of Paestum. Once an important ancient Greek coastal city, it has very well-preserved temples, painted tombs and an amphitheater to explore.

Originally named Poseidonia after the lord of the sea, it was founded around about 600 BC with its three delightful Doric temples dating to roughly this time too. As all their sturdy stone columns are still standing, they form a strangely moving sight, alone amidst the ruined city.

Besides admiring their ancient architecture and ambling around the rest of the excavations, you can enter its National Archaeological Museum. This displays many terracotta figurines and large painted fragments from the buildings and temples mentioned above.

Once a common destination on the Grand Tour, Paestum’s endless ruins, temples and city walls are well worth checking out if you have the chance.

Home to lush green slopes, soaring cliffs and twinkling turquoise waters, Capri really does paint a pretty picture. Once a favored resort of Roman emperors, the isle and all its idyllic towns are now one of Southern Italy’s most popular day trip destinations.

Easily reached from both Naples and Sorrento, its rugged landscapes already appear absolutely incredible on the ferry ride there. Upon arrival, you can take a funicular up to Capri Town, check out its sophisticated shops and restaurants or hike about its hillsides. There are also some very intriguing historic sights to see such as Emperor Tiberius’ villas of Jovis and San Michele.

Although it is quite expensive and can get very crowded, Capri is still one of our favorite places in Southern Italy. Its irresistible scenery, views and ambience make the romantic island a must-visit in our view. Seeing the Blue Grotto’s magical sea caves on a boat trip was another highlight we won’t forget any time soon.

6. Alberobello

Yet another memorable spot to visit in the south is the adorable fairytale town of Alberobello. Set around an hour’s drive southeast of Bari, it is renowned for its unique, eye-catching collection of trullo architecture.

Meaning ‘beautiful tree’ in Italian, the small town is certainly one of Puglia’s prettiest thanks to all its traditional trulli. These distinctive dry-stone buildings are all painted bright white and topped by conical stone roofs made without mortar. Numbering about 1,500 in total, they mostly date to the nineteenth century.

While it really is tiny, we loved exploring the town’s scenic streets and snapping pictures in front of all the cute stone structures. Some also contain cozy cafes and restaurants or souvenir shops selling miniature models of trulli and local food products.

A magnificent place to visit or vacation, Tropea’s attractive old town is perched in an improbable spot atop steep sea cliffs. Aside from seeing all its historical sites, its sweeping sands below are ideal for sunbathing or swimming in the sea.

Recently included as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy , local legend has it that Hercules himself founded the clifftop town on the way back from one of his heroic feats. Its unlikely setting alongside a dramatic drop almost makes it look as if the gods of old put it there.

Other than enjoying the atmosphere and trying dishes featuring its famous red onions, you can stop by its historic sights. While its twelfth-century cathedral contains marble sarcophagi and an important painting of the Madonna of Romania, Santa Maria dell’Isola Church stands alone atop a large rocky outcrop overlooking the sea.

Down below, you can always lounge along one of Italy’s prettiest beaches or swim and splash about in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Thankfully still a hidden gem, Tropea offers up a very alluring mix of historic sights, beaches and delicious Calabrian food.

4. Sassi di Matera

Now recognized the world round, Matera’s popularity has exploded in recent years with tons of tourists pouring in each day. Already cool to explore, the hilltop town’s stupendous ‘sassi’ count among it and Southern Italy’s top attractions.

Thought to be among the first human settlements in Italy, these ancient cave dwellings are really fascinating to wander around. Carved out and used since as early as 7,000 BC, the extensive network riddles the cliffsides around its old town. Clustered all closely together, the atmospheric old houses make for some fabulous photos and viewing.

Getting lost too amidst its winding, narrow streets and steep staircases truly is an unforgettable experience. As you step back in time and follow in the footsteps of generations gone-by, you’ll come across spectacular viewpoints and centuries-old cave churches. Among the most unique places in Italy, the Sassi di Matera are not to be missed out on.

Fittingly known as the ‘Florence of the South’, Lecce is home to lots of ornate Baroque buildings and interesting old churches. Set in the center of Puglia’s Salentine Peninsula, it also lies not far from some stunning beaches and coastline.

Founded over 2,000 years ago, it has long acted as an important hub for the region. At its heart is a striking second-century sunken Roman amphitheater while dozens of decadently decorated churches dot its streets. Of these, the Basilica di Santa Croce’s finely detailed facade and lovely Lecce Cathedral are by far the most impressive.

The city also has a very harmonious look and feel as almost all its buildings are made out of the light Lecce Stone. At night, this makes its lively streets even more magical as their fine facades seem to emit a warm glow. This was our favorite time of day as there was a buzz about town and the scorching sun had set.

We also had time to fit in a couple of day trips to Sant’Andrea and Gallipoli along each coastline. While the former boasts some sublime sea stacks and shimmering turquoise waters, the latter’s old town on a limestone island is amazing to explore. We couldn’t recommend both enough!

2. Pompeii & Herculaneum

Two of the world’s most famous and fascinating archaeological sites, Pompeii and Herculaneum just have to be explored if you have the chance. Remarkably well-preserved, all their excavated streets, homes and temples offer an enthralling look into daily Roman life millennia-ago.

In 79 AD, Mount Vesuvius violently erupted burying both cities in meters of ash and pumice. For centuries, they lay frozen in time until archaeologists slowly started unearthing their ancient streets lined by destroyed buildings.

With around 11,000 people believed to have been living there, Pompeii’s site is understandably much, much larger. Must-see ruins here include its enormous amphitheater, fabulous forum and the fresco-filled Villa dei Misteri. Of course, there is also the Temple of Apollo and House of the Faun to see alongside countless other parts of the city. As it is so massive, you should probably plan where to go beforehand or take a guided tour.

Lying further from Salerno and closer to Naples in the shadow of Vesuvius is the smaller, wealthier resort of Herculaneum. As it was once a seaside retreat of the Roman elite, it has tons of elegant houses containing mosaics, frescoes and courtyards to examine. In contrast to Pompeii, it is much less crowded and exhausting to explore.

1. Amalfi Coast

Absolutely unmissable of course is the iconic Amalfi Coast. Rightfully celebrated for its majestic Mediterranean landscapes and charming colourful towns that tumble down the cliffs, it has long been a hugely popular jet set destination.

Overlooking the sparkling Gulf of Salerno, its steep sloped mountains and small fishing villages line the southern side of the Sorrentine Peninsula. Coupled together, they paint an unimaginably beautiful picture with phenomenal views to be enjoyed up and down the coast.

Besides basking in its dramatic scenery, you can visit idyllic little towns like Amalfi, Positano and Minori among others. Here you amble around their quaint centers, see old churches and stop off for some seafood or shop for ceramics. Tiny paths also snake their way up the mountainsides to yet more astounding viewpoints.

As its roads are often narrow, packed and not very fun to drive along, many people take relaxing boat excursions up and down the coast. Seeing the Amalfi Coast before you in all its glory really is the perfect end to an unforgettable trip around Southern Italy.

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Reader interactions.

December 21, 2017 at 1:22 pm

I was born in southern Italy just south of Naples , the town is just beneath the Vesuvius. We lived in a building that 600 years old , walk out front and you see the volcano and the back yard you have stunning views of the Bay of Naples , Capri , Ischia and at times you would see the tip of Sorrento. I am very lucky to have lots of family that live in southern Italy , so when we visit it is like being home again. My husband and I have also traveled to northern Italy and it is absolutely breathtaking as well.

December 4, 2016 at 1:07 pm

Italy is fabulous. From Rome to Venice the Amazing Tuscany region, and the rest of Northern Italy takes my breath away each time we return. My family is from Tuscany. We have yet to see & spend time in the southern areas of Italy, as Tuscany calls us back time & time again. Looking forward to a leisurely trip through the southern regions of Italy.

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The Best Places to Visit in Italy

By Nicole Kliest

We may earn a commission if you buy something from any affiliate links on our site.

Making an argument for traveling to Italy is like convincing a pasta lover to eat a bowl of bucatini—it isn’t necessary. But choosing where to visit is another matter. After all, the country’s diversity is one of its strongest selling points. From high-altitude regions sharing borders with the likes of France and Switzerland in the north, to sun-drenched sea villages dotted along the wild coastlines of the south, one could spend an entire lifetime exploring Italy and still have only just gotten started.

A country informed by its impassioned people, arresting landscapes, ancient history, and about a million other things. Italy is an intensely rich tapestry of culture. Ernest Hemingway put it best when he wrote: “We only half live over here. The Italians live all the way.” Indeed, la dolce vita imbues just about everything in Italy, with tourists flocking to all corners of the country to bask in the afterglow of their immersive slow living.

So, why not adopt the Italian mindset and embrace a leisurely approach to traveling here this year? Pick a destination, savor it, and savor it some more. Continue below for your guide to some of the best places to visit in Italy this year, with a mix of both iconic and lesser-known locales (including beautiful hotels to book as your home base).

Road Tripping Through Puglia

By Daniel Rodgers

By Christian Allaire

By Margaux Anbouba

Sun-soaked afternoons in pursuit of hidden swimming holes and spritz-fueled aperitivi are standard fare in Puglia . Six distinct provinces puzzle together Italy’s “heel of the boot,” which warrants renting a car and languidly exploring the region at your own pace. Keen to check out those iconic whitewashed cities? Ostuni is famous for that (though lesser-known Martina Franca and Locorotondo are both just as striking). In search of fresh cheese and wine? Burrata originates from Puglia, as does the flavorful indigenous grape variety, Primitivo. The region’s architecture spans from 17th- and 18th-century examples of Baroque architecture to traditional styles such as the masseria (fortified farmhouses, often converted into hotels) as well as those charming trulli in the Itria Valley. And for days by the sea, head further south to beaches like Torre Sant’Andrea and Baia Dei Turchi for turquoise-hued dips (the former is reached via a short hike through the woods).

Stay Here : Masseria Calderisi is a boutique hotel situated on a 17th-century farm that sprawls across 24 acres of ancient olive groves and citrus trees. While here, try to spot the two adopted rescue donkeys , Rosie and Momo.

Culinary Conquests in Modena

While Bologna is arguably Emilia-Romagna’s most well-known city, the region is also home to another destination that’s of particular interest to foodies. “I spent a good deal of time over the winter in the small city of Modena, which has such an exciting and thriving food scene,” Bellini Travel Founder and CEO Emily FitzRoy says. Her top picks for a memorable meal? A couple of standouts come to mind. “Dinner at Franceschetta 58 cooked by young chef Francesco Vincenzi, or a modest bowl of tortellini in brodo at Aldina, a tiny osteria on the first floor of a building overlooking the buzzing Mercato Albinelli, which also has to be my favorite food market in all of Italy.”

Stay Here : Less than an hour away from Modena’s city center is Casa Conoscenti in Bologna. Set in a former 14th-century mansion and replete with historic finishes like original frescoes, this boutique property is understated yet striking.

Outdoor Adventure in the Dolomites

Whether during the wildflower-bloomed days of summer or in the powdery ski season, the Dolomites in northeastern Italy are an underrated Alpine paradise. “This mountainous area is a natural wonder, with amazing food and a mix of culture and history,” Alison Duray of luxury tour operator Abercrombie & Kent says. Outdoor experiences are the cornerstone of a visit to any of the villages, with common activities including via ferrata , hiking, and skiing in dramatic landscapes. “German is spoken in some towns right alongside Italian, and the food scene incorporates the same cultural mix, with hearty dumpling pasta and fresh mountain food products,” Duray says. Wine lovers should also take note of Trentodoc sparkling wines, which are made in the picturesque vineyards of Trentino-Alto Adige.

Stay Here : Forestis is a luxury eco-friendly wellness resort enveloped by nature, offering staggering views of the sawtoothed mountain peaks and forested valleys.

Wine Tasting in Montalcino

A quaint hilltop town in Tuscany’s countryside, Montalcino appears frozen in time with its rolling pastures, cobblestone streets, and medieval architecture. The region is famed for its prestigious wine—Brunello di Montalcino—which is made from the Sangiovese grape and draws in oenophiles from around the world to experience its complex, elegant flavors. “Experience this picturesque town with tastings at a family-run wine estate,” Duray suggests. Montalcino is arguably best experienced by bicycle, with views of hilly vineyards and meandering farm animals serving as your peripheral scenery while en route to a visit to Fortezza di Montalcino. This fortress was constructed in 1361 by the Sienese and its many nearby side streets are worth taking the time to get lost in. (Tip: While in town, swing by Bottega d’arte on Via Boldrini for a hand-painted ceramic to take home.)

Stay Here : Castello Banfi Il Borgo is a boutique property that’s owned and operated by one of the region’s most iconic wineries, Banfi. The sprawling property dates back several centuries and is surrounded by ancient olive groves and hilly vineyards.

Pastoral Leisure in Umbria

Escape the droves of tourists in Florence with a trip a couple of hours south to Umbria. This underrated region in central Italy is peppered with countless small villages oozing with charm, which makes both a road trip or train journey appealing modes of transit. (You can train here directly from Milan, Florence, and Rome.) Similar to other picturesque Italian countrysides, your days can be spent popping into old churches, roaming around puzzle-like cobblestone streets, and sampling local fare such as crostini with black truffles, porchetta, or fichi girotti (dried figs filled with flavors like toasted almonds or cocoa).

Stay Here : Borgo dei Conti Resort opens this summer under the direction of the hoteliers behind The Place in Florence and Londra Palace in Venice. This 13th-century property will now serve as a 50-room boutique hotel with an outdoor swimming pool overlooking the undulating Umbrian hillside.

Coastal Charm in Abruzzo

Just two hours east of Rome lies Abruzzo— a rustic region with rich culinary traditions and natural splendor. With the staggering Apennine Mountains serving as a gateway on one end and the gleaming Trabocchi Coast on the other, it’s no wonder Abruzzo is considered an underrated gem by locals and in-the-know travelers alike. While in the countryside, discover the local cuisine at Reale , an innovative restaurant at the helm of three-starred chef Niko Romito that honors terroir and tradition. Interested in sampling the region’s famous wines? Head for a tasting at Masciarelli’s striking estate situated in a 17th-century fortified palace. Then, you’ll need to make your way to the Adriatic to see a trabucco; a large wooden fishing machine. Some of these also function as restaurants, like Trabocco San Giacomo, which makes for an immersive, magical meal suspended above the sea.

Stay Here : Sextantio Santo Stefano di Sessanio is located in a restored fortified medieval village. An albergo diffuso (or ‘scattered hotel’), its rooms are spread across the village surrounded by local artisans in an effort to recreate what life was like here hundreds of years ago.

Pristine Swims in Sardinia

“Sardinia is another world, with a whole other language even, on the second largest island of the Mediterranean,” Duray says of the idyllic ‘ blue zone ’ (regions of the world where life expectancy is claimed to be longer than average). The island is beloved for its mountain villages as much as it is for the rocky coastline, with archeological sites and natural wonders at every turn. “The interior has an ancient history, visible through the nuraghi (stone constructions) going back millennia,” Duray says, adding that the famed beaches in the north are becoming more accessible “while not detracting from its gorgeous Emerald Coast .”

Stay Here : Gallicantu Stazzo Retreat is a lovely farmhouse retreat in the countryside with five rooms and two suites that overlook an almond grove. Take a dip in the pool beneath the shade of leafy trees and enjoy a wine tasting in the cavern with meats and cheeses from nearby farms.

Running Through Ruins in Rome

To say Rome is having a moment may feel trite—the nearly 3,000-year-old city doesn’t need much publicity these days. But a boom of notable hotel openings in the last couple of years has sharpened travelers’ attention toward the Eternal City, with Six Senses Rome, The Rome Edition, and Bulgari Hotel Roma as leading examples. While here, go off-the-beaten path with activities like an architecture stroll through the eccentric Quartiere Coppedè, a bespoke food tour with a local, or lacing up your sneakers for a colosseum tour with ArcheoRunning on a path not typically open to the public (bookable through Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese ).

Stay Here : Bulgari Hotel Roma is a visual feast, with note-perfect interiors by the Milanese studio Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel. Particularly special is the spa’s 20-meter indoor pool punctuated by eight arabesque marble columns.

Thermal Springs in Pantelleria

Sandwiched between two continents and off the coast of both Sicily and Tunisia, Pantelleria is one of Italy’s most enigmatic islands, requiring several flights to reach its craggy shores. Rent a small car or Vespa to zip around the narrow roads, discovering vineyards with volcanic soil, prehistoric villages, and underwater caves along the way. Pantelleria is also home to several hot springs where you can slather volcanic mud across your skin for a detoxifying holiday under the sun.

Stay Here : Luca Guadagnino’s 2015, A Bigger Splash was filmed on the island and visitors can rent the stunning villa it was filmed at, enjoying the 12 hectares of surrounding trees and vineyards and views overlooking the azure sea. (If you’re traveling with a smaller group, the individual, smaller dammusi are also available for rent.)

Art Hunting in Venice

With a ban on cruise ships entering its historic center, a proposal to limit day-trippers, and a goal of becoming a global sustainability leader, Venice is working toward a brighter future. If you’re planning a visit, support these efforts by not engaging with the ‘eat-and-go’ tourist flow and, instead, settling in for several days to more deeply appreciate the culture. “The art biennale in Venice looks to be the biggest one ever,” FitzRoy says, who points to the Zeng Fanzhi exhibition as a noteworthy highlight. “It includes a structure by Tadao Aando at the magnificent Misericordia which was one of the eight Scuole Grandi in the city and is one of my favorite buildings in Venice.”

Stay Here : The Venice Venice Hotel is within a restored palazzo in the historic city center and takes design cues from contemporary Venetian style with art peppered throughout the property (which required a five-year restoration).

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CHARLIES WANDERINGS

THE BLOG FOR THE ADVENTUROUS TRAVELER WHO LOVES A TOUCH OF LUXURY NOW AND THEN

BLOG , Destinations , Europe , Italy , PUGLIA · September 13, 2023

• The 11 Very Best Places To Visit In Puglia (MAP Included)

This post is also available in: Nederlands

Are you looking for the very best places to visit during a holiday in Puglia, Italy? Then you’ve come to the right place!

If you’ve read other blog posts of mine you know that I am a very efficient traveler and that I love to see as many places as possible in the short time that I sometimes have to visit a region.

Puglia is located in the South of Italy , in its famous heel, and is a region that gets visited more often every single year. It became incredibly famous due to an Instagrammable restaurant in one of its towns. But save yourself a huge disappointment and a lot of money by skipping said place. 😉

Instead I will list our favorite places to eat or have an Aperol Spritz that we personally experienced.

In this article you’ll find the best places to visit in Puglia and some insider tips to help plan your holiday even better!

📖 READ MORE – THE VERY BEST PUGLIA ROAD TRIP ITINERARY

The 11 Very Best Places To Visit In Puglia, Italy

Among the best places to visit in Puglia you’ll find all of what the region has to offer. From harbor towns next to the crystal clear turquoise water to rocky cliffs and hilltop towns.

It truly is no surprise that Puglia has become one of the trending destinations to visit in southern Italy . There are so many incredible places to visit and no matter what type of traveler you are, Puglia will have something for you.

Wether you’re a history buff who can’t get enough of visiting stunning churches or a bon vivant who loves to discover unique restaurants, this article will give you some incredible ideas to plan the perfect Puglia itinerary .

And as you might know I also don’t shy away from the truth. In this article you’ll find all of my brutally honest opinions . Even on places that everyone else gushes about online :p.

The best time to visit Puglia

Considering a sun-soaked holiday in Puglia? Well, you’re in for a treat because the weather in this Italian gem is pretty mild almost all year round. In fact, there’s hardly a bad time to drop by!

Let’s break it down by seasons:

• Summer (June to August) : These months are the hottest, with temperatures soaring up to 28°C in July and August. If you’re a sun worshipper, this is your time to bask on Puglia’s pristine beaches. The sea is invitingly warm, especially after soaking up the summer heat.
• Autumn (September to November) : As summer crowds thin out, the landscape truly shines. September, in particular, is a special month. It’s harvest time, and one of the most cherished harvests is the Vendemmia, or grape harvest. The weather remains sunny and hot, beaches become less crowded, and the sea retains its warmth from the summer months.
• Winter (December to February) : While the site didn’t provide specific details for winter, based on the temperature chart, it gets cooler with temperatures ranging from 12°C to 14°C. It’s a quieter time to visit, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
• Spring (March to May) : As winter fades away, Puglia welcomes spring with open arms, and the region starts to bask in warm and sunny weather. Temperatures usually hover around 18 – 20°C, making it a delightful time for outdoor activities. Imagine hiking through the picturesque Pugliese landscapes or leisurely strolling through charming towns like Alberobello, Ostuni, or Lecce.

So, whether you’re planning to indulge in Puglia’s rich history, its mouth-watering cuisine, or simply want to relax by the sea, there’s a perfect season waiting for you!

How to get around in Puglia

The best way to get around Puglia is to simply rent a car .

🚘 I always use SunnyCars when booking a rental car cause their company policy makes me feel the most at ease.

There’s never any hidden costs with them and free cancellation up to 1 hour before rental start . Their price is transparent and everything is included. So no worries about any extra costs when you pick up your rental. You won’t need any extra insurance cause its all covered in the original price.

💡 TIP – The following parking rules in Italy are a must to know if you don’t want to risk getting fined:

• Blue lines – You can park your car here but need to pay.
• White lines – Free parking where you’re allowed to park.
• Yellow lines – Only locals can park here.

📖 READ MORE – TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR AND DRIVING IN PUGLIA

How to reach Puglia

The most straightforward way to reach Puglia is by air.

You can fly directly into the region’s popular airports: Bari International Airport (BRI) or Salento Airport in Brindisi (BDS ). These might be considered “minor international” airports, but they’re well-connected, especially from major international airports in the U.S and Europe.

Depending on where you’re headed in Puglia, choose your airport wisely. For instance, if you’re eyeing towns like Polignano a Mare, Monopoli, or Alberobello, Bari might be your best bet. But if you’re leaning towards the southern charm of Lecce, Brindisi is the way to go.

Where to stay in Puglia as a base

We stayed in the beautiful town of Monopoli and we would make the same decision all over. It’s the perfect place to stay when visiting other places in Puglia . In the early morning you can wander through the beautiful streets and in the evening the centro storico comes alive and you’ll be in for a gastronomical treat.

🏨 We stayed at a unique boutique hotel called  Le Contrade di San Salvatore . We loved its location right by the waterfront and that it was situated in the heart of the centro storico and only 5 minutes walking from a public parking.

Other hotels you might like in Monopoli:

• Borgo Albergo 35 Relax & Spa : Built in an ancient building these rooms offer a unique and romantic experience.
• Al Chiasso 12  – Another beautiful gem to stay in the heart of Monopoli.

Is Puglia worth visiting?

Puglia, located in Italy, is a treasure trove for anyone who adores everything Italian . Imagine wandering through ancient towns with rich histories, marveling at the grandeur of extravagant churches, and getting lost in vast seas of olive trees.

Not to mention, the region boasts olive-green seas that are as captivating as they sound. And if you’re a foodie, Puglia promises culinary delights that can rival any other region in Italy .

From mysterious geometric castles like Castel del Monte to unique cathedrals and mesmerizing limestone caves, there’s no shortage of attractions to explore. So, if you’re craving an authentic Italian experience, Puglia should definitely be on your list! 🇮🇹🍝🌊

Where to go in Puglia

1. monopoli – one of the best places to see in puglia.

The picturesque town of Monopoli is the perfect place to base yourself when visiting Puglia.

This beautiful town by the sea has the perfect size to stroll around for a couple of hours and has some incredible hidden gems when it comes to restaurants and hotels .

The town of Monopoli is less known among tourists and I honestly have no idea why. It definitely was one of my favorite places to visit in Puglia.

Its centro storico consists of the typical maze of narrow streets that make walking around so special. You’ll come across picturesque squares, ornate churches and one inviting terrace after another.

TOP EXPERIENCES IN MONOPOLI

• Stroll Through the Old Town : Cobbled streets, quaint piazzas, and whitewashed buildings await you. Don’t forget to join a walking tour to uncover the city’s secrets !
• Indulge in Local Delicacies : From fresh seafood to traditional Puglian dishes, there’s something for every palate. And oh, the gelato at Gasperini is a must-try!
• Visit Castello Carlo V : This 16th-century castle, once a jail and fortress, now stands as a museum offering panoramic views of the city and the sea.
• Beach Time : Relax at Cala Pora Vecchia or explore other beautiful sandy beaches like Porto Rosso and Cala Cozze.
• Marvel at Cattedrale Maria Santissima della Madia : A stunning 12th-century cathedral with a fascinating history and breathtaking interiors.
• Hang Out at Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II : A lively square surrounded by cafes and shops, perfect for some people-watching.

💡 TIP – Have dinner at La Locanda sul Porto and order their Locanda Mixed Appetizers. You’ll thank me later!

🚘 PARKING – Park you car here and you’ll only be 5 minutes walking from the centro storico.

📖 CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT ALL THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN MONOPOLI

2. San Vito

San Vito is still a hidden gem in Puglia Italy and only 20 minutes driving from Monopoli.

San Vito is a romantic natural port where you’ll have a stunning view of the imposing Benedictine abbey.

The picturesque and colorful fisherman boats only add to the dramatic flair. San Vito was one of my favorite discoveries and since it’s very small you’ll only need a couple of minutes to take it all in.

🚘 PARKING – There are free parking spots when you drive down the road to San Vito.

3. Polignano a Mare – The most overrated place to visit in Puglia

Polignano a Mare is at the top of everyone’s list when visiting Puglia but I honestly didn’t get the hype . The entire town felt overly touristic and a lot of construction was going on all over the place.

When it comes to restaurants or bars I don’t really have a recommendation here. We only had 1 Aperol Spritz and then drove off to the next place to end the day on a more positive note.

Polignano a Mare became especially famous because of Grotta Palazzese , a restaurant built inside a cave. But do yourself a favor and don’t waste your money here. Their menu is as expensive as a Michelin restaurant but the food has become terrible ever since a new chef took over .

Polignano a Mare does however come with one of the best beaches in Puglia. Do know that during the summer months it can get very crowded.

TOP EXPERIENCES IN POLIGNANO A MARE

• Lama Monachile Beach : Dive into the crystal-clear waters of this iconic beach, nestled between dramatic cliffs. It’s the perfect spot for sunbathing and taking in the breathtaking views.
• Stroll Through the Old Town : Wander through the narrow alleys of Polignano’s historic center, where charming white-washed buildings and quaint piazzas await.
• Visit the Statue of Domenico Modugno : Pay homage to the famous Italian singer and songwriter, best known for his hit “Volare,” with a statue overlooking the sea.
• Polignano a Mare Artisanal Shops : Shop for unique souvenirs, from handmade ceramics to local delicacies.
• Boat Tours : Explore the stunning coastline, caves, and grottoes with a guided boat tour.
• Museum Pino Pascali : Dive into the world of contemporary art at this museum dedicated to the famous artist Pino Pascali.

🚘 PARKING – We parked our car right outside of the town at a free public parking .

4. Locorotondo – One of the best cities to visit in Puglia

The Valle d’Itria offers countless places to explore in Puglia. One of them is the beautiful town of Locorotondo. Known for being among the “ Borghi più belli d’Italia ” (which means one of the most beautiful villages in Italy), it definitely is one of the best places to visit in Puglia.

The Valle d’Itria is a stunning green expanse of countryside, far away from the aquamarine waters of the Mediterranean and the cute seaside towns.

The centro storico of Locorotondo, don’t you just love how that flows from your lips, can be found on top of the hill. It’s the epitome of a picturesque Italian town with narrow streets that you can get lost in for hours .

TOP EXPERIENCES IN LOCOROTONDO

• Wander the Circular Old Town : Explore the maze-like streets of Locorotondo’s historic center, characterized by its unique circular layout and whitewashed houses.
• Visit the Church of St. George : A beautiful church with a stunning facade and intricate interiors, showcasing the town’s rich religious heritage.
• Sip on Locorotondo DOC Wines : The region is renowned for its crisp white wines. Don’t miss out on a wine tasting session at one of the local wineries.
• Visit the Museo del Territorio : Dive into the town’s history and culture at this local museum.
• Attend the Carnival of Locorotondo : If you’re visiting in February, experience the vibrant carnival celebrations, complete with colorful costumes and parades.
• Relax in Villa Comunale : A serene park perfect for a leisurely stroll or a relaxing afternoon.

💡 TIP – Do a wine tasting at Vini & Affini or simply sit down on their terrace and enjoy a glass of red wine.

💡 TIP – One of the most beautiful viewpoints over Locorotondo can be found near the Cappella Votiva – Contrada Cerrosa

🚘 PARKING – We parked our rental car in one of the main streets of Locorotondo .

5. Martina Franca – A hidden gem to visit in Puglia

Martina Franca is another hidden gem in Puglia . Here you’ll find the whitewashed alleys, laundry drying in the breeze, cats napping in sun-drenched streets and the chatter of TVs and families reaching you from the open windows of the local homes.

But you’ll also find outstanding Baroque Architecture (Barocco Martinese) and lovely restaurants and wine bars. This style is somewhat reminiscent of the baroque of Val di Noto in Sicily and has elaborate church facades in light-colored stone.

TOP EXPERIENCES IN MARTINA FRANCA

• Visit Palazzo Ducale : This grand baroque palace, built in 1668, has served various purposes over the years. Today, it stands as a testament to Martina Franca’s rich history and architectural prowess.
• Stroll Through the Historic Center : Wander through the town’s maze of narrow streets, discovering hidden courtyards, baroque balconies, and ornate churches.
• Basilica di San Martino : Marvel at this stunning basilica, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, with its intricate facades and opulent interiors.
• Relax in Piazza Roma : This central square, surrounded by historic buildings, is the perfect spot to relax, people-watch, and soak in the town’s ambiance.
• Visit the Church of San Domenico : Another architectural gem, this church boasts a beautiful rose window and a richly decorated interior.

💡 TIP – Grab a drink at one of the bars on the Piazza Roma. It’s the perfect place for some people watching and to try some of the local wines.

🚘 PARKING – There’s a lot of hustle and bustle going on around the centro storico of Martina Franca. We got a little lucky here and found a parking spot after driving around for a little while. You’ll notice that a lot of Italians truly don’t give a damn when parking their car .

6. Cisternino

Cisternino is one of the smaller towns in Puglia and just like its sister towns it boasts a small, utterly charming old town centre that has remained virtually intact for centuries.

The historic center is a fascinating example of spontaneous architecture , where you will find wonderful  trulli  perfectly preserved and historical palaces, such as the palace of the Governor, the Episcopal Palace, the Capece tower.

🚘 PARKING – The centro storico is pretty much surrounded by streets where you can park your car. Just make sure you only park within the blue or white lines.

7. Ostuni – One of the best towns to visit in Puglia Italy

The city of Ostuni can be spotted from far away. Towering over the Valle d’Itria it is known as the ‘ White City’  (La Città Bianca in Italian )  thanks to the white painted old town which crowns the very top of the city.

Ostuni is most famous for its white painted old town which forms a maze of cobbled streets and narrow staircases .

A wander through Ostuni can feel reminiscent of a stroll through a Greek island settlement and this is no coincidence. In times gone by, Apulia was greatly influenced by Ancient Greek culture and the vestiges of this can still be felt to this day.

TOP EXPERIENCES IN OSTUNI

• Museo di Civiltà Preclassiche della Murgia : Located in the Convento delle Monacelle, this museum is home to Delia, a 25,000-year-old expectant mother. It’s a fascinating glimpse into ancient history and the lives of our distant ancestors.
• Cathedral : Ostuni’s dramatic 15th-century cathedral is a marvel of architecture, blending Gothic, Romanesque, and Byzantine styles. Its facade, adorned with intricate details, is a sight to behold.
• Visit the City Walls and Gates : Explore the remnants of Ostuni’s defensive walls and the historic gates that once protected this hilltop gem.
• Enjoy the Panoramic Views : Being a hilltop town, Ostuni offers breathtaking views of the surrounding olive groves, the Adriatic Sea, and the Itria Valley.

💡 TIP – Grab an Aperol Spritz and charcuterie board at Borgo Antico to enjoy one of the best views from Ostuni.

🚘 PARKING – There’s a decent parking lot at via Specchia .

8. Alberobello – The most touristic place to visit in Puglia

Alberobello is known as Puglia’s trulli town. But one thing you really have to know before your visit is that the trulli are very concentrated and only make up a very small part of the city. For the biggest part you’ll be driving through a very old and more industrial looking part of Puglia.

But these clustered conical-roofed whitewashed structures are an icon of the region and they’re also what drew me into this region as well at first.

But I will warn you. There’s only one way to have a nice experience here and that is to come super early in the morning . This is the only way that you’ll avoid the 1000’s of tourists that visit this small town every single day.

TOP EXPERIENCES IN ALBEROBELLO

• Trullo Sovrano : Dive into history at Alberobello’s only two-floor trullo. Dating back to the early 17th century, this unique structure was built by a wealthy priest’s family and now serves as a small museum.
• Rione Aia Piccola : Wander through this neighborhood on the eastern side of Via Indipendenza. With over 400 trulli, many of which are still inhabited, it offers a more authentic and less commercialized experience compared to other parts of the town.
• Rione Monti : Explore this old town quarter where more than 1000 trulli cascade down the hillside. While many have been transformed into souvenir shops, the charm and architectural wonder of the area remain intact.
• Photography Walk : The town, with its white-washed trulli and cobblestone streets, is a photographer’s dream. Capture the essence of Alberobello as you meander through its lanes.
• Guided Tours : Consider joining a guided tour to delve deeper into the history, architecture, and stories of this unique town.

💡 TIP – Across from the trulli located in the Rione Monti you’ll find a great vantage point that offers a view over the entire Trulli village.

💡 TIP – Head across to the Rione Aia Piccola district , which has 500 or so trulli and is less commercialized. Here you’ll catch a glimpse of how the locals actually live inside these gnome-like homes and you’ll get a taste of what this place used to be like before it got swarmed with tourists.

🚘 PARKING – There are plenty of parking lots where you can leave your rental car.

9. Gravina in Puglia – One of the top places to visit in Puglia

Gravina in Puglia is one of those places in Apulia that always gets overlooked! But that might change soon since it just got featured in the latest James Bond movie ‘No time to die’.

Often called the smaller Matera, Gravina in Puglia is also made up of ravines and cliffside built homes.

The town’s most famous attraction is its  bridge . It was built in the 17th century, was then destroyed by an earthquake in 1722, and was later restored and repurposed as an aquaduct by the Orsini’s, a powerful family from Rome.

🚘 PARKING – You’ll have to park your car in one of the streets leading up to the bridge.

10. Matera – One of the most beautiful places in Puglia

Okay, okay, I know. Matera technically isn’t located in Puglia, but right across its border in Basilicata . But most people who visit Puglia will also go on a day trip to Matera. And rightfully so!

Matera is one of those places that’s so gorgeous and totally unique and definitely fits the list of one of the most beautiful places to visit in Italy .

There’s a ton of things to do in Matera but make sure that you have plenty of time to walk around the old part , the sassi of Matera. Make sure you’re wearing proper shoes cause you’ll be doing a lot of stairs and the old cobblestones are very slippery.

TOP EXPERIENCES IN MATERA

• Chiesa San Pietro Barisano : Delve into history at this church, which dates back to the 12th century and stands as one of Matera’s most significant rupestrian churches.
• Palombaro Lungo : Marvel at this colossal cistern, reminiscent of a subterranean cathedral, lying beneath the city’s main square.
• Casa Noha : Begin your exploration of the sassi with this immersive 25-minute multimedia exhibit, set within a 16th-century home.
• Chiesa di Madonna delle Virtù & Chiesa di San Nicola del Greci : Explore this monastic complex, one of Matera’s most iconic monuments, carved into the tufa limestone.
• Belvedere : Capture the perfect photograph of the sassi from this vantage point, offering unparalleled views of the city.
• Cathedral : Visit the 13th-century Pugliese-Romanesque cathedral, perched high between the two natural bowls of the sassi.
• Casa-Grotta di Vico Solitario : Step back in time with a visit to this historic sasso, offering a glimpse into old Matera’s way of life.

💡 TIP – The sunset in Matera is exceptional, make sure to stick around for it if you’re visiting Matera on. a day trip.

💡 TIP – Grab dinner at Le Bubbole and have afternoon drinks at M.B .

🚘 PARKING – There’s a guarded parking at Via Lucana and it’s only 2 minutes walking until you reach the sassi of Matera.

📖 READ MORE – THE VERY BEST CAVE HOTELS IN MATERA

11. Bari – One of the best places to go in Puglia

Bari is the capital city of Puglia region and a charming Italian port city. But if you don’t have enough time to add one more place to your itinerary, this is the one I would skip. Although its centro storico is beautiful it can also get very crowded during the day. Especially since the town of Bari is a stopping port for a lot of cruise ships.

💡 TIP – Grab lunch at Ristorante Del Centro , far away from all the tourist traps and where all of the locals go.

🚘 PARKING – Try to park in the area of the above mentioned restaurant. From there its only 10 minutes walking until you reach Bari Vecchia .

My favorite places in Puglia

It took around 5 days to visit all of the above places but you can easily spend more time in this wonderful region in southern Italy. Or maybe add a visit to some other regions in Italy to your itinerary such as the Amalfi Coast, Tuscany or Umbria?

Below you can find a list of my favorite places in Puglia:

• Locorotondo

Map of the best places to visit in Puglia

🗺️  How to Use This Map:  Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your Google Maps account. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu button, go to “Your Places,” click Maps, and you will see this map on your list.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is puglia famous for.

Puglia, a region located in southern Italy, is famous for its stunning coastline, rich history, and unique cuisine. Known as the “heel of Italy’s boot,” Puglia boasts beautiful sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and picturesque towns like Polignano a Mare and Ostuni. With a history dating back thousands of years , the region is home to numerous archaeological sites and ancient landmarks, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Alberobello’s trulli houses . Additionally, Puglia is renowned for its delectable cuisine, which includes dishes like orecchiette pasta, seafood specialties, and a variety of olive oil, as the region is one of Italy’s largest producers.

How many days do you need in Puglia?

If you’re planning a trip to Puglia, Italy, the number of days you need depends on your interests and itinerary. To fully explore the region’s charming towns, stunning beaches, and indulge in its culinary delights, a minimum of 5-7 days is recommended. However, if you have limited time, 3-4 days may suffice to experience some of Puglia’s highlights.

What is the prettiest seaside town in Puglia?

Oh, Monopoli! Nestled in the heart of Puglia, this seaside town is the epitome of Italian coastal charm. With its maze of cobbled streets winding through historic whitewashed buildings, the allure of its ancient harbor dotted with colorful fishing boats, and the sun-kissed beaches that seem to embrace the crystal-clear Adriatic waters, Monopoli effortlessly captures the essence of a Mediterranean dream.

📚 More articles about Puglia

• Tips For Renting A Car & Driving In Puglia Italy
• The Perfect Puglia Road Trip Itinerary – 5 Days In The South Of Italy
• The 10 Very Best Things To Do In Monopoli, Italy
• The 8 Very Best Cave Hotels In Matera

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Charlotte Lint is the founder, main photographer and writer of Charlies Wanderings . She has traveled all over the world and is based in Belgium where she also owns her very own dental practice. She is an expert on writing insightful hiking guides and creating unique and efficient travel itineraries . Every month she helps over 134.000 people discover the most beautiful places in the world through her detailed travel guides.

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