the best tourist attractions in italy

25 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Italy

Written by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Aug 17, 2023

As the birthplace of the Roman Empire and the Renaissance, it's not surprising that Italy should be so rich in masterpieces of art and architecture, or that it should have more UNESCO World Heritage cultural sites than any other country in the world .

But Italy's top attractions for tourists are not all art and architecture; the country is blessed with lakes, mountains, and a dramatic coastline that give it outstanding natural attractions, as well. You could plan an entire itinerary inspired by a single interest, from Renaissance art to hiking, but most first-time visitors like to get a sampling of the best Italy offers in several different kinds of experiences.

The attractions that follow show off Italy's art, architecture, stunning landscapes, and history, as well as places to relax and enjoy Italian life.

1. Colosseum, Rome

2. florence duomo santa maria del fiore, 3. the grand canal in venice, 4. leaning tower of pisa, 5. vatican city: basilica of st. peter, sistine chapel & vatican museums, 6. the uffizi gallery in florence, 7. cinque terre, 8. lake como, 9. pantheon, 10. trevi fountain, rome, 11. amalfi coast, 12. st. mark's basilica and doge's palace, 13. verona's roman arena and historic center, 14. pompeii and mount vesuvius, 15. roman forum, 16. the valley of temples in agrigento, sicily, 17. milan duomo, 19. rialto bridge, venice, 20. st. francis basilica (basilica di san francesco), assisi, 21. piazza del campo and duomo, siena, 22. strada delle dolomiti (dolomite road), 23. san vitale and byzantine mosaics, ravenna, 24. portofino, liguria, 25. costa sud and costa verde beaches, sardinia.

This huge amphitheater, the largest of its kind ever built by the Roman Empire and the largest of their constructions to survive, remained a model for sports facilities right up to modern times. Built by Vespasian in 72 CE and enlarged by the addition of a fourth story by his son, Titus, the Colosseum was a venue for public spectacles and shows - even mock sea battles.

A wooden floor that was 83 by 48 meters covered two additional underground stories with tunnels, rooms, cells, and passages that provided space for gladiators, workers, wild animals, and storage.

Today, the structure stands in stark contrast to the modern development that surrounds it and is a prominent reminder of ancient times and the extensive history of Rome.

Tip to parents: The Colosseum is one of the most popular places for families in Rome , and you can make a visit even more memorable for your kids by enrolling them in a gladiator lesson. They (and you) can don replica gladiator helmets and shields and learn swordplay with wooden swords.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Rome

Regarded as one of the finest cathedrals in the world, the Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore, or the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore , dominates the Florence skyline. The cathedral was built between the 13th and 15th centuries, with the most famous piece being the extraordinary dome , completed by Filippo Brunelleschi in 1434.

The cathedral's bell tower stands close beside the cathedral in Piazza del Duomo, covered in the same patterned marble typical of Tuscan Romanesque architecture.

Designed by Giotto, the campanile stands 82 meters tall, and you can climb the 414 steps up to a viewing platform with fantastic views of the city and the dome.

Opposite the Duomo is a magnificent baptistery , famed for its bronze paneled doors by Lorenzo Ghiberti. To see the original, exquisitely crafted panels, which have been replaced by exact replicas to protect the originals from weathering, visit the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo , the cathedral museum.

Author's Tips: As is true of many cathedrals in Italy, tourists wearing shorts or tank tops will not be admitted. You can climb the more than 450 steep steps to the top of the dome, inside the dark, narrow space between the inner and outer shells. While climbing, although there is a barrier, you are looking down more than 40 meters into the church below. I've never thought the view was worth it.

Giotto's bell tower has almost as many steps, but they are in a more conventional stairway setting.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Florence

A gondola ride through the canals of Venice is a tradition that travelers have been enjoying for centuries. Venice is a city of islands, and the canals have long been the city's main streets, connected by a labyrinth of narrow passageways.

The Grand Canal is the largest and most famous of these waterways, cutting a wide S-shaped route through the city. Along its sides are the grandest of the palaces once owned by the wealthiest and most powerful families of the Venetian Republic. The best way to see many of the grand palaces, whose fronts face the water, is from a Vaporetto ride along the Grand Canal.

Be sure your gondola ride - and your sightseeing explorations on foot - include some of the more atmospheric smaller canals, lined by old buildings that have remained relatively unchanged for hundreds of years.

Author's Tip: For a uniquely Venetian experience, cross the Grand Canal as the locals do when they are between bridges, on a small gondola called a traghetto. Stripped of decoration and seating, these little boats scuttle back and forth between Ca' Rezzonico and San Samuel, between the San Angelo and San Toma vaporetto stops, and several other points, including one not far from St. Mark's Square.

Although Venetians stand during the crossing, you can sit on one of the narrow benches if you feel uneasy. The small fare saves long walks between bridges.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Venice

The Leaning Tower of Pisa (La Torre Pendente) is just one of many attractions in the city of Pisa , one whose world fame comes not from the considerable elegance of its design, but from a flaw. Work began on the tower in the 1100s, and the sinking, which led to the lean, began by the time the tower reached the third story.

Leaning more and more over the centuries, before restoration work in the 1990s, it was predicted to topple over by the year 2000. Today, visitors can climb up the stairs of the tower for a fabulous view over the city.

The Leaning Tower stands on the Piazza dei Miracoli, a setting it shares with the beautiful Romanesque Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and a round freestanding baptistery. Each of these features outstanding works of medieval stone carving.

Author's Tip: For the best view of the Leaning Tower, take advantage of the admission to the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo (Cathedral Museum), included in your ticket to the cathedral. The large windows on the upper floor overlook the tower; while in the museum, don't miss seeing the priceless masterpieces of silver and gold work from the cathedral's treasury.

The Vatican is home to some of the world's most priceless art and art collections. The centerpiece is the great Basilica of St. Peter, with the tomb of St. Peter and one of Michelangelo's most poignant works, the Pieta .

Outside is St. Peter's Square, where the Pope addresses followers. Because Vatican City has so many places to visit, you could easily spend a day or more here.

The walls and ceilings of the Sistine Chapel are covered with frescoes by Michelangelo, depicting the creation as described in the Book of Genesis, with scenes that include separating light and darkness, creating Adam and Eve, continuing through the story of Noah and other Biblical events, concluding with the powerful Last Judgement.

After you've seen the interior of the basilica and the Sistine Chapel, if you have any energy left for more sightseeing, tour the magnificent Papal Apartments in the Palace of the Vatican to see the magnificent series of frescoes by Raphael. Like Michelangelo's frescoes in the Sistine Chapel, Raphael's represent the zenith of Renaissance painting.

In addition to being one of the world's foremost art museums, the Uffizi Gallery is a one-stop history of Italian Renaissance art. Although it contains works by some of the great masters of western art, its greatest treasure is its collection of paintings that show step-by-step the evolution in painting that occurred here from the 14th to the 16th centuries.

Here, you will see the first experiments with perspective, as well as some of the early portraits as painters moved beyond religious art, and some of the first use of naturalistic and scenic backgrounds in religious art.

Be sure to see the Uffizi's most famous work: Botticelli's Birth of Venus .

Tip for Parents: Although art museums, especially ones this large, are not common choices for traveling families, the Uffizi has created tours for children that follow themes, such as monsters in art. You can download the brochure from the Uffizi website and follow it like a treasure hunt to find the artworks.

• Read More: Visiting the Uffizi Gallery in Florence: Top Highlights, Tips & Tours

Cinque Terre is a lovely coastal region with steep hills and sheer cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean. The five picturesque villages of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola , and Riomaggiore can be reached by several means, joined to each other by walking paths, a railroad that tunnels through the headlands to emerge at each town, or a scenic narrow road high on the hillside above.

Hiking between the villages is one of the most popular things to do as it gives travelers the chance to enjoy the landscape. The small towns have maintained a feel of old-world fishing villages and offer a sense of remoteness even in the face of modern tourism. Because landslides can close portions of the trail, it is important to check current conditions before planning a hike.

If you are coming from Florence or Milan , several transportation options are available. If your time is limited, at least see the two most picturesque and charming, Vernazza and Riomaggiore.

Author's tip: The shortest and easiest part of the path carved along the cliffs between the villages is called Via dell'Amore (Path of Love) and connects Riomaggiore and Manarola. Closed by a landslide more than 10 years ago, this paved path reopened in midsummer 2023.

Lake Como is one of Italy's most scenic areas, surrounded by mountains and lined by small picturesque towns. A haunt of the wealthy since Roman times, the lake has many opulent villas and palaces along its wooded shores; Villa Balbianello and Villa Carlotta are the best known, both surrounded by gardens that are open to the public.

The mild climate that makes the lake shore ideal for gardens is also a draw for tourists, with characteristics similar to that of the Mediterranean. Along with the resort towns around the lake, there's an 11th-century abbey.

At the foot of the lake, the small city of Como, important since Roman times, is a short train ride from Milan . From its waterfront, you can embark on excursions around the lake on regularly scheduled steamers that make visiting the lakeside attractions easy.

Author's Tip: The most scenic part of the lake is from the town of Como to the center where the three arms join. A cross-lake ferry links the towns of Bellagio, Varenna and Tremezzo. A good way to see the highlights of the lake and explore these towns, where you'll find most of the attractions, is by taking the Navigazione Laghi tour boat from Como to one of the three and hopping onto ferries to visit the others. Then return to Como on a later boat.

The Pantheon, an exceptionally well-preserved remnant from Roman times , reveals the incredible architectural achievements of the Roman Empire.

The precise proportions of the building, dedicated to the planetary gods, with the height equal to the diameter, and a single beam of light entering the room from the top of the dome, were intended to represent the firmament and the sun.

Disused after early Christian kings forbade the use of a pagan temple as a church, it was later consecrated by the Pope in 609 CE. Italian Kings, the Renaissance painter Raphael, and other great Italians are buried in the Pantheon.

• Read More: Visiting the Pantheon in Rome: Highlights, Tips & Tours

Immortalized in films from La Dolce Vita to Roman Holiday, The Lizzie McGuire Movie and Three Coins in a Fountain , Trevi Fountain is a beloved icon that's a traditional stop on any visit to Rome. A coin tossed over the left shoulder (with the right hand) is supposed to guarantee a return trip.

The origins of the tradition are not clear, but the fountain itself began as a public water source, connected to an aqueduct built in the first century BC. By 1629, Pope Urban VIII wanted a more attractive fountain and asked Bernini to design the revisions. When the Pope died, so did Bernini's plan, and the present design of Neptune, horses, and shells was completed in 1751 by Nicolò Salvi.

The Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a stunning stretch of coastline along the Sorrentine Peninsula, south of Naples and Sorrento . Hillside towns are built precariously along the steep mountainsides that cascade down to the sea.

The main towns along here are Positano and Amalfi, with its colorfully domed cathedral. You can tour the coast by road, or hop between towns by boat for different perspectives of the dramatic and almost vertical shore.

While walking paths stretch all along the coast, the most breathtaking scenery for walkers is the Sentiero degli Dei, Footpath of the Gods, at the western end from Positano. My favorite viewpoint is far above the Amalfi Drive, in the village of Ravello. Clinging to the steep mountainside in terraces, Ravello was a sizable town in the 13 th century and the gardens of its former villas make scenic belvederes for enjoying flower-framed views of the coast below.

Author's tip: If you're hoping to spot celebrities, one of the best places to go is the Marina Grande in Positano. One of the largest beaches on the Amalfi Coast , it's also the most crowded. For a quieter experience, try the sandy Maiori Beach at the Amalfi coast's eastern end.

• Read More: Exploring the Top Attractions of the Amalfi Coast: A Visitor's Guide

One of the most important tourist sites in Venice is St. Mark's Basilica, whose ornate Byzantine-inspired façade and domes overlook Piazza San Marco , St. Mark's Square . The building itself is a work of art, with a mix of architectural styles heavily influenced by the Byzantine Empire, showing Venice's long trade connections to the East.

Highlights of the vast interior are the brilliant mosaics that line its domes and vaults, and the high altar covered in gold and jewels. The Treasury contains more glittering gold and jewels.

For an unforgettable view of St. Mark's Square, the tall campanile and the clock tower, climb to the porch to stand among the iconic horses.

Next to the basilica is the Doge's Palace , also filled with priceless masterpieces of Italian art. A tour of the Doge's Palace often includes a chance to visit the prison where Casanova escaped over the rooftops. To get there, you will cross the famous Bridge of Sighs .

• Read More: Exploring St. Mark's Basilica in Venice: A Visitor's Guide

One of the largest and best-preserved Roman amphitheaters still in existence , Arena di Verona is the centerpiece of the centro storico – the town's historic center. It is one of several features from ancient times, when Verona was an important Roman city. In naming it a World Heritage Site, UNESCO notes that "Verona has preserved a remarkable number of monuments from antiquity, the medieval and Renaissance periods."

Verona continued to thrive under the rule of the Scaliger family in the 13th and 14th centuries and as part of the Republic of Venice from the 15th to 18th centuries. The imposing Castelvecchio was both palace and a defensive fortress (now an outstanding art museum), overlooking the beautiful castellated Ponte Scaligero , a 14th-century bridge.

Throughout the old center are Romanesque churches, regal buildings with characteristic Venetian Gothic windows, and stone gates that are more reminders of its Roman origins. And, of course, in a courtyard close to Piazza del Erbe's daily market, you'll find Juliet's Balcony (which was actually built in the 1930s as a tourist attraction).

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Verona

The still-smoking volcano of Mt. Vesuvius looks down on the remains of the city it destroyed in AD 79. But that same eruption also preserved many of the city's art treasures: frescoes, mosaics, and sculptures that were encased in the lava as it cooled.

Several centuries of excavations at Pompeii have revealed the remains of houses, markets, baths, temples, theaters, streets, and human remains. Visitors can tour the site , walk along the old streets scarred by the tracks of chariots, and see the engineering used by Romans more than 2,000 years ago.

Near Pompeii is the excavated city of Herculaneum , destroyed by the same eruption in 79 CE, but buried in lava and ash that solidified and froze the town just as it was. You can combine visits to the two sites in one day, but a longer stay allows time to ascend to the very rim of still-active Vesuvius.

Pompei is an easy day trip from Naples or from Sorrento.

The Roman Forum may require a little imagination – or a good tour guide – to understand exactly what this area once looked like and how it was used. However, its historical significance as the heart of the Roman Empire cannot be overstated.

Temples were built first, then public buildings, and soon the area became Rome's governmental center. Commerce followed with the building of market halls that made the Forum the hub of public life for the city, and eventually the Roman Empire.

Today, only pillars, partial structures, and foundations of former temples, market halls, courts, and public buildings pay tribute to Ancient Rome, which survived here for a thousand years.

Author's Tip: The Forum, the Colosseum, and Palatine Hill are included in a single two-day ticket. Because the Forum and Palatine Hill both require a lot of walking, if you plan to visit all three, it's best not to do those two on the same day.

• Read More: Visiting the Roman Forum: Highlights, Tips & Tours

UNESCO lists this complex of ancient Greek temples as a World Heritage Site not only for the number of these remaining, but for their remarkable state of preservation. Unlike most other ancient Greek settlements, the temples in Agrigento have not been overlain by building in later eras, so they preserve not only the structures themselves but the landscape of the original community.

The highlight is Tempio di Concordia, one of the most perfect Doric temples surviving anywhere. Almost as large is the Tempio di Juno Lacinia. The columns of the largest, Temple of the Olympian Zeus , were toppled by an earthquake. UNESCO cites the Valley of Temples as "among the most extraordinary representations of Doric architecture in the world."

Address: Valle dei Templi, Agrigento, Sicily

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Sicily

Milan's magnificent Cathedral of Santa Maria Nascente , "Il Duomo" to the locals, is one of the world's largest churches and probably the best example anywhere of the flamboyant Gothic style. Its statue-studded façade (the exterior of the cathedral has a grand total of 2,245 marble statues) and the 135 carved stone pinnacles that crown its roof make quite a first impression, which is reinforced as you step inside.

Fifty-two immense pillars support the soaring ceiling of the nave, and its walls are decorated by the world's largest stained-glass windows. Highlights in the nave are the tomb of Gian Giacomo Medici and a 12th-century bronze candelabrum.

Below the high altar is the crypt and the octagonal chapel with the gold reliquary of San Carlo Borromeo. Under Piazza del Duomo, and reached by stairs near the entrance, are the foundations of a fourth-century baptistery and basilica.

An elevator will take you partway to the roof, where you can walk at a dizzying height among the carved stone pinnacles.

Address: Piazza del Duomo, Milan

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Milan

The Blue Grotto is one of the most visited spots in all of Italy, but there are other reasons for taking the short boat ride from Naples , Sorrento, or the Amalfi Coast to the fabled Isle of Capri . The steep rocky island juts from an intensely blue sea, its craggy cliffs softened by green pines and tropical plants.

The Blue Grotto is only one of the sea caves that cut its cliffs, and the best way to see these, along with the three signature rocks off the south coast known as the Faraglioni, is on a boat tour around the island. Several villas and gardens are open to tourists, and walking trails invite exploration.

From almost anywhere on the island, you can be certain of a good view. The beautiful Villa San Michele has perhaps the finest views on the island from its gardens, which overlook the Marina Grande from the village of Anacapri, high above. You can get there by bus or, for the energetic, by climbing the ancient Phoenician stairs carved into the steep hillside.

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

Standing on more than 10,000 wooden pilings – the originals placed at the time of its construction in 1588 – the stone Rialto Bridge is both an icon of Venice and an essential link between two sides of the city . Until the Accademia Bridge was built in 1854 it was the only way to cross the Grand Canal on foot. It is still the busiest.

Its architect won the commission to design the bridge over such stiff competition as Michelangelo and Palladio, proposing a bridge with three walkways. The outer two are perpetually crowded with tourists catching views of the Grand Canal and its steady boat traffic, while the wider central walk is lined by shops catering to visitors.

Venetians do their shopping at the other side of the Rialto Bridge, in the bustling food market in San Polo. Along that side of the bridge, the canal is lined by restaurants, and you'll find smaller – and better – choices by following the narrow streets into the neighborhood of small shops and artisans.

Author's Tip: Do cross the bridge to wander in these little streets of San Polo. Here you'll find shops devoted to paper, bookbinding, mask and costume making, even one where skilled wood smiths carve the intricately balanced forcole, the oar posts for gondolas.

Although it is one of the world's most important pilgrimage destinations, Assisi and the 13 th -century St. Francis Basilica hold an important place in art history, as well. This dual importance prompted naming the birthplace of St. Francis and of the Franciscan order as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Begun in 1228, at the time of the saint's death, the basilica consists of two churches, the lower in a vaulted Romanesque style and above it a soaring Gothic church. In both of these, you'll find frescoes by masters including Giotto and Cimabue. This is the oldest Gothic church in Italy .

Although the upper church sustained serious damage in a 1997 earthquake, restorations were completed within two years and the church has returned to its earlier appearance. The order of Poor Clares was also founded in Assisi, in honor of St. Clare, a disciple of St. Francis, and the Gothic Basilica of Santa Chiara was built in 1265.

A hilltop castle, la Rocca, and a cathedral with quality frescoes and medieval stone carving are good reasons to spend some time sightseeing in Assisi , and you can visit the nearby hermitage of Le Carceri, where St. Francis retired to pray.

Assisi is a good day trip from Florence and you can get to Assisi from Rome by bus, train, car, or tour.

Among the most famous public squares in Italy, the oval Piazza del Campo in Siena is surrounded by noble palaces, their facades of red clay brick curving to enclose the sloping piazza. Dominating the scene is the elegant Palazzo Púbblico (Town Hall) and its exceptionally tall tower. The severity of the imposing façade and its battlements is relieved by rows of windows with curved Gothic arches.

The slender Torre del Mangia, at 102 meters in height must have been a leap of faith for Medieval architects and builders, especially with its battlemented platform at the top. The Piazza del Campo is best known as the scene of the madcap bareback horserace , the Palio , held twice each summer and one of the top things to do in Italy .

In startling contrast to the red brick elsewhere in the city, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and its tall campanile are clad in dramatic stripes of black and white marble. Its façade is even more dramatic, a symphony of arches, gables, columns, reliefs, and pinnacles decorated in intricately detailed stone carvings and statues by Renaissance genius Giovanni Pisano.

Inside Siena's cathedral are works by Pisano, Donatello, Bernini, Ghiberti, and other Renaissance masters, which combine with paintings, sculptures, mosaics, gold and silver work, illuminated manuscripts, mosaics, and stone and wood carving for a collection to rival those of many of the most eminent museums.

This largesse reflects the fact that in the 13th and 14th centuries, Siena rivaled Florence in wealth and for its art and architecture. Although once separate seats of power, today Siena is a short day trip from Florence.

In naming Italy's Strada delle Dolomiti a World Heritage Site, UNESCO described "some of the most beautiful mountain landscapes anywhere, with vertical walls, sheer cliffs, and a high density of narrow, deep, and long valleys."

Long known to climbers and winter sports enthusiasts for some of Europe's finest hiking and skiing (the town of Cortina D'Ampezzo is one of the top ski resorts in Italy and site of the 1956 Winter Olympic Games), the Dolomites are just as appealing for sightseeing and relaxing vacations.

Dotted with charming small villages in breathtakingly beautiful settings, the road between Bolzano and Cortina D'Ampezzo is easy to tour by car. Unlike many such dramatic mountain routes, the Strada delle Dolomiti is well maintained and without the perilous sharp curves and steep drop-offs of many Alpine roads.

Bolzano , at the western end of the route, is worth a stop to see Ötzi, the man who was been preserved in ice, deep inside a glacier for 5,300 years , and the clothing and equipment, frozen there with him.

Author Tip: Do venture off the main road to find some of the villages tucked into valleys, where you'll see houses pained in Alpine frescoes. My favorite stop is in Arabba to take the funicular up Col Burz for panoramic views. Several other lifts that carry skiers in the winter are operating for hikers and tourists in the summer.

From 402 CE, when Emperor Honorius moved his court here from Milan, the Adriatic port of Ravenna was the capital of the Western Roman Empire. Honorius and his sister, Galla Placidia, began the process of making Ravenna a center for Byzantine mosaic art, an effort that was continued in the reign of sixth-century king Theodoric the Great.

The results remain today almost as these emperors saw them, lining churches and monuments in extravagant splendor. The dome of San Vitale is completely decorated (apart from a few frescoes added in the Baroque era) in pictures formed by tesserae so minute, that they combine to look like a painter's fine brushstrokes. More line the walls and chapels, comprising the largest and best-preserved display outside of Constantinople.

In the neighboring Mausoleum of Galla Placidia , the tiniest of tesserae create an intimate and other-worldly space under a low vaulted ceiling of intense blue. In a third building, the octagonal Neonian Baptistery, the entire dome is covered in intricate mosaic pictures.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Ravenna

No great art treasures or momentous historic sites put the little Ligurian village of Portofino on the must-see list, but for pure eye candy and a dose of la dolce vita , it's worth a day-trip from Genoa or a detour on the way to the Cinque Terre.

Looking as though it were built as a film set (no, the Masterpiece series Hotel Portofino , although set here, was not filmed here) with a semicircle of pastel houses facing a cozy harbor filled with boats, Portofino begs to be photographed.

A favorite watering hole for high-flying celebs (you never know who you'll spot in its cafes) and the paparazzi that pursue them, Portofino is filled with stylish boutiques and chic restaurants. But don't be put off; the town's picturesque charm will make you glad you stopped.

Leading the list of the top beaches in Italy , the miles of white sand southwest from the capital of Cagliari slope into clear blue-green water and are backed by a spectacular landscape of rocky promontories and protected wildlands.

Choose your favorite style of beach, from tiny secluded coves hidden between headlands to the three-mile-long sands at Porto Campana, where you can rent kiteboard or paddleboard equipment and take lessons, or go scuba diving in the clear water. Spiaggia Sa Colonia is another long stretch of beach with a gentle, shallow drop-off that makes it a good place to go for families with young children.

Near Chia you'll find Tuerredda Beach , whose warm blue-green waters invite swimmers and snorkelers. For a more intimate experience, beautiful Porticciolo Beach is a secluded crescent of white sand. Most remote of all are the wide white sand beaches of the Costa Verde, farther west, where the coast of Sardinia curves northward.

The miles of white sands are backed by dunes, some of which are the tallest in Europe. Don't expect a lot of tourist services here, but do expect long stretches of white sand where, even in busy August, you can find a spot without other people in sight.

More on Italy

12 amazing ways to experience Italy

Jan 11, 2024 • 8 min read

Few joys compare to discovering the beauty of Italy with friends © MStudioImages / Getty Images

With its awe-inspiring art, architecture and culinary delights, Italy has been a star of the world stage for millennia.

The epicenter of the Roman Empire and the birthplace of the Renaissance, this European virtuoso practically groans under the weight of its cultural cachet. The challenge for any visit to Italy is not so much where to go – an amazing experience is honestly assured wherever you end up – but rather how to go about it.

The following advice on the best things to do from a veteran visitor can help you turn every trip into a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

1. Glam it up on the dramatic Amalfi Coast

Whether you follow the rugged cliff-laced coast in search of a wild swimming spot or live the high life with spritz-sipping A-listers in Positano , the Amalfi Coast is one of Italy's most glamorous destinations. This dramatic coastal strip has thrills and spills to suit every taste and budget, from hunting down traditional marquetry in Sorrento's maze-like old town to garden-hopping in Ravello .

Planning tip: Make time for the Sentiero degli Dei ("Path of the Gods") – a rugged hiking trail that delivers on its name with positively celestial views.

2. See artwork as part of Tuscany's sustainable tourism project

Most Tuscan tours begin in the UNESCO-listed city of Florence , a cinematic feast of Renaissance palazzi (palaces), medieval-frescoed chapels and art museums brimming with Botticelli and Michelangelo masterpieces .

At the historic heart of Florence is the Uffizi , whose unmatched Renaissance masterpieces are ogled by millions of visitors each year. To take the art journey further, the five-year Uffizi Diffusi project started in 2021 to encourage art buffs to trek across Tuscany's backcountry – on foot, by bike or by car – following an untrodden trail to Italian masterpieces.

Designed to diffuse Florence's heavy tourist load, this sustainable tourism project is bringing pop-up galleries to remote chapels, fortresses, hilltop villages and other unconventional spaces. Not only does it lead visitors off the beaten track, but it also allows artworks to be admired among the very Tuscan landscapes that inspired the artists – think iconic terrain of rolling hills dipped in morning mist, timeless cypress alleys, silver olive groves and terraced rows of vines. Check current venues on the Uffizi website .

3. Tour Rome, the epicenter of empire

Working out the best way to spend your time in the Italian capital is a cultural conundrum. Rome is the former caput mundi (capital of the world), the epicenter of the Roman Empire, the spiritual HQ of the Christian world and the repository for over two millennia of European art and architecture. The city exudes must-see sights from every pore.

Zooming around Italy's Eternal City on the back of a Vespa moped to sightsee at speed is one option and a great way to sample the dolce vita (good life). From the Colosseum (buy a "Full Experience" ticket to access the underground vaults), the Pantheon  and the Roman Forum to Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums , there's history and culture at every turn.

Planning tip:  There's simply too much to cover in a single visit – so before you leave, toss a coin into the pool below the wild horses and cascading rockfalls of the Trevi Fountain to ensure a return visit to this captivating city.

4. Spend time on one of Italy's many idyllic islands

Italy's prized island collection hovers around the 450 mark, meaning il bel paese ("the beautiful country") has a beach-laced island with your name on it. Myriad islands dot the Mediterranean, Ionian, Adriatic and Tyrrhenian Seas. Venice alone is made up of 17 islands, and Sicily and Sardinia – the country's biggest and busiest islands – offer an enticing mix of outdoor thrills and living history.

Unblemished Capri , a boat ride from Naples, attracts celebrities and the super-rich (as does posh Panarea in Sicily's Aeolian archipelago). Volcanic Ischia is awash with thermal spas and manicured gardens.

Planning tip: Traveling with nature lovers? Then head to the peaceful salt marshes and mudflats teeming with birdlife in the pristine Grado lagoon , on the country's northeast border with Austria and Slovenia in little-explored Friuli Venezia Giulia .

5. Help to save Venice

Venice is impossible to ignore – which explains the hordes of tourists who pile into this dreamlike city of romantic canals and ethereal fogs. In an average year, some 25 million arrive to snap selfies beneath the Bridge of Sighs and glimpse heaven (in fresco form) in Basilica di San Marco . To curb future crowds, turnstiles at city entrances and advance reservations via an app to enter the city are all on the drawing board. And 2024 will see the long-awaited implementation of a tourist tax  designed to make sure day-trippers contribute to the city's survival.

Planning tip:  To make a positive impact on Italy's most mobbed city, come out of season , and don't duck in and out on a day trip. Instead, stay for a few days using the community-powered, home-sharing platform Fairbnb and meet and learn from Venetians who are passionate about their city through Venezia Autentica . At mealtimes, favor lagoon-caught seafood in local restaurants over tourist joints with English-language menus.

6. Get off-grid in rural Abruzzo

The Abruzzo region doesn't have the Amalfi's natural glamour or the cultural gems of Rome, but for travelers seeking an immersive, emotive brush with rural Italy and its people, it definitely hits the spot. Cradled by the gritty Apennine mountains and unforgiving Adriatic sea, the region was hit by an earthquake in 2009. Yet Abruzzo is slowly rebuilding itself and reclaiming its rich heritage.

In the quiet town of L'Aquila, a new outpost of Rome's MAXXI (National Museum of 21st Century Arts) is just one sign of this cultural rebirth. In remote Santo Stefano di Sessanio, the Sextantio albergo diffuso program hosts visitors in rustic rooms scattered around this pretty mountain village. Spotting rare Marsican bears padding around the Parc Nazionale d'Abruzzo is the icing on the cake.

7. Follow the Via Francigena pilgrim trail

Cycling and walking are great ways to get under the skin of Italy's diverse landscapes, and there is no finer long-distance trail than the medieval Via Francigena . A perfect, less-trodden alternative to Spain's Camino de Santiago, Italy's most celebrated pilgrim route wends its way for 1900km (1180 miles), running all the way from Canterbury in England to Rome.

The scenic Italian section unfurls at a meditative snail's pace through Tuscany and Lazio , breaking for breath at beautiful hilltop villages, volcanic lakes, Etruscan ruins , remote monasteries and enchanting emerald hills around Lucca ; the UNESCO-protected Val d'Orcia ;  Viterbo ; and other gloriously overlooked spots.

8. Enjoy the drama and excitement of Naples' street life

As Italy's most spirited urban hub, this highly charged, charismatic city in the country's deep south is a curious potpourri of nail-biting history, classical art and a grungy grassroots cocktail of frescoed ruins, frenzied markets and epicurean adventures . Drama is the order of the day in boisterous Naples , where street life unfolds like a grand opera.

Shop for swordfish heads and sweet ricotta pastries at Naples' oldest market, ogle street art in the Centro Storico, admire Mt Vesuvius views from the Lungomare seafront, explore subterranean catacombs , then follow the lead of locals and join the after-dark passegiatta (promenade) on Via Chiaia. Whatever you do, count on drama 24/7.

9. Savor slow food in Piedmont

Rare white truffles from the vine-striped countryside around Alba offer the most grassroots gastronomic experience in all of Italy. Once these fabulous fungi are tracked down by dogs in the woods, ceremoniously sniffed and greedily scoffed, there is no going back.

Truffles aside, the northwestern region of Piedmont , birthplace of the Slow Food movement , entices gourmets with sweet, creamy hazelnuts from the rolling Langhe hills and silky chocolate and myriad cocoa creations in gilded cafes in elegant Turin . Nebbiolo grapes metamorphose into magical Barolo and Barbaresco wines, and lavish banquets pair these treats with sacrosanct aperitivo (pre-meal snacks to eat with a drink and open up the appetite).

Planning tip:  Go hungry and savor the slow feast, one delicious mouthful at a time.

10. Soak up the timeless beauty of Sicily

The eternal crossroads of the Mediterranean, the island of Sicily dazzles with a brilliant diversity of landscapes and cultural treasures. In the southeast, honey-hued Syracuse was the largest city in the ancient world – bigger even than Athens and Corinth – and played an important role in classical Greece. Its hypnotic archaeological ruins, rising out of lush citrus orchards and the sparkling blue Mediterranean, continue to encapsulate Sicily's timeless beauty.

Planning tip:  Greek dramas still flourish in Syracuse's great amphitheater, alongside contemporary theater, live music and more. Plan to see a show beneath the stars on the antiquity stage at Teatro Greco – and expect an unforgettable and spellbinding spectacle.

11. Harvest grapes in the Cinque Terre

Nothing matches Cinque Terre's stunning setting – five teeny, sherbet-colored villages pinned to a jaw-dropping backdrop of terraced vineyards, wave-carved cliffs and blue sea on the Italian Riviera. Summer packs these celebrity villages to bursting point, but the autumn vendemmia (grape harvest) ushers in quite a different scene.

Planning tip:  Come in the fall for mellow days of strolling along quiet cobbled lanes and hiking through vertical vineyards and hillsides perfumed by macchia (herbal scrub) to ancient sanctuaries. The sight of local pickers gallantly harvesting the grapes that go into the Cinque Terre's sweet, fortified Sciacchetrà, and sipping the resulting vintages in a Corniglia or Riomaggiore wine bar with vertiginous views is an experience that will stay with you forever.

12. Hit the ski slopes and hiking trails in Valle d'Aosta

Ringed by some of Europe's highest peaks, including Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa and Gran Paradiso, the Aosta Valley sports some of the best winter sports facilities on the continent. In fashionable Courmayeur , winter skiers descend hair-raising runs into France and Switzerland, crossing glaciers and returning via lofty cable cars.

And when the snow melts, spectacular hiking trails in the Parco Nazionale del Gran Paradiso and around Mont Blanc await. Whatever the season, keep your ears peeled for Franco-Provençal (also known as Valdôtain), the Franco-Italian valley's distinctive local language.

This article was first published Oct 21, 2021 and updated Jan 11, 2024.

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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!

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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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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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Home » Travel Guides » Italy » 25 Best Things to Do in Italy

25 Best Things to Do in Italy

Spectacular Italy needs almost no introduction and is one of the most popular travel destinations in Europe. Italy’s impact on the world can be seen all over the country, in the beautiful artwork, crumbling ruins, and impressive palaces and castles that dot the horizon.

As well as vibrant cities like Rome where old and new mingle seamlessly, you can also enjoy the less crowded coastal areas where you can relax on sandy beaches and swim in limpid seas. In addition to exploring Italy proper, you can also hop over to neighboring Sicily and enjoy a different side of life that also offers some of the best food and drink in the region.

Here are the best things to do in Italy :

1. Visit the Valley of the Temples

If you are going to visit charming Sicily as part of your travels then your first stop needs to be the Valley of the Temples which is located in Agrigento.

Here you will find a huge archeological complex that has some of the most intact Doric temples that were built here in the 5th century.

One of the best things about the temples here is that they overlook the town below and you can take in the stunning views as you tour the historical site.

Recommended tour : Valley of the Temples E-Scooter Tour

2. Climb Mount Vesuvius

Mount Vesuvius is one of the most famous mountains in the world, not least because of its famous eruption that covered the unsuspecting town of Pompeii in volcanic ash.

Nowadays Vesuvius is mostly considered safe to climb and you can trek to the crater of the mountain which looks like something you would find on the surface of the moon.

Needless to say the views from the top are breathtaking and the hike is suitable for a range of abilities.

Tour from Naples: Pompeii Ruins & Mount Vesuvius Day Tour

3. Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as being designated as a national park.

Nestled in Liguria, the ‘Five Lands’ is made up of five distinct villages that sit atop craggy cliffs overlooking the famous Italian Riviera.

The five villages include Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore, and Monterosso, and each has its own unique charms and sights.

The area of Cinque Terra sprawls between La Spezia and Levanto and you will find romantic olive groves, traditional eateries, and azure sea views all the way along the coast.

4. Take to the waters of Lake Como

Lake Como in Lombardy spans an amazing 146 square kilometers and is the perfect place to get out on the water and explore Italy by boat.

The area around Lake Como has houses owned by some of the richest celebrities in the world, which tells you everything to know about the kind of views you can expect here.

The landscape surrounding the lake is covered with alpine forest and traditional villages as well as dainty ornate houses that make you feel as if you are in a picture postcard version of an Italian masterpiece.

Tour from Milan: Lake Como, Bellagio and Varenna Full Day Tour

5. Enjoy the art at the Uffizi Gallery

Anyone heading to Florence shouldn’t miss the chance to visit one of arguably the most famous galleries in the world.

This museum is stuffed full of the works of Italian greats such as Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, and Caravaggio which are all displayed in one of the prettiest buildings in Italy, the Palazzo degli Uffizi.

The palazzo looks over the mighty Arno River and is a must visit for any art lovers.

Book online: Uffizi Gallery Timed Entrance Ticket

6. Stand on Juliet’s Balcony

Verona is home to what is said to be the balcony of Juliet, the character made famous in Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet.

Unfortunately the reality is that the city of Verona bought the home featuring the balcony in 1905 with the purpose of making it into a tourist attraction and sadly the characters in Romeo and Juliet never existed in real life.

Still, the balcony is a pretty spot in the city and couples flock here to declare their love for each other beneath the famous building.

Explore Verona: 2-Hour Guided City Walking Tour

7. Marvel at the Coliseum

You can’t come to Rome and not visit one of the most famous attractions in the world, the mighty Coliseum.

The ruins of what was once a magnificent amphitheater are one of the greatest historical relics of our time and once it would have had a capacity of over 50,000 spectators.

The amphitheater is most well known for the gladiator matches that would have been showcased here and you can sit in the stands and imagine the violent spectacles that used to be performed here for the enjoyment of the crowds.

8. Take a trip to Pompeii

Pompeii is famous for the events that took place here in 79 AD, when Mount Vesuvius erupted and covered the town in ash.

The eruption meant that Roman life was captured and frozen in time, and when the site was excavated it offered a glimpse of a bygone era.

If you visit Pompeii today you can expect a kind of open air museum where you will find preserved houses, baths, and ancient Roman forums, all filled with the relics of the people who were living here when the eruption took place.

9. Take a boat trip along the Amalfi Coast

The gorgeous Amalfi Coast is one of the most scenic spots in Italy and if you want to experience as much of it as possible in the shortest amount of time then consider taking a boat trip along the shore line.

A number of companies offer boat rental and you can take in sights such as the towering Lattari Mountains as well as various cute coves and inlets.

Seemingly out of nowhere traditional Mediterranean villages will appear and boat tours usually come with food and drinks included so that you can snack on local produce as you take in the views.

Book online: Coast and Capri Full-Day Trip by Boat

10. Wander around the Historic Center of Siena

The city of Siena is often overlooked in favor of Florence, although this is unfair as there is a huge amount to see and do here, and parts of the city are as pretty as its neighboring rival.

The Historic Center of Siena in particular is well worth a visit and starts at the Piazza del Campo which leads to a historic district that is covered with Gothic architecture that dates from the 12th century.

This mingles with buildings from the Middle Ages and signature points to look out for include the mighty Duomo, the Pinacoteca Nazionale, and the pretty Palazzo Salimbeni.

11. Go on a pilgrimage to the Vatican

Vatican City is actually its own state within Italy, although you can only visit this landlocked area by first travelling to Rome.

If you are in the region then you should definitely consider swinging by one of the most important religious spots in the world, which is home to powerhouses such as the Piazza San Pietro and St Peter’s Basilica.

You can also take in the majesty of the Vatican Palace as well as the Sistine Chapel which features the Creation of Adam.

12. Visit Saint Mark’s Basilica

Venice has a range of peerless attractions although perhaps the most famous of these is Saint Mark’s Basilica which sits on the famed Piazza San Marco or Saint Mark’s Square.

The basilica is the final resting place of Saint Mark the Evangelist and started life as a Byzantine church before being developed over the years.

The church is a work of art in its own right and you will find glittering mosaics and gorgeous marble decorations all over the complex as well as bas-reliefs and touches of gold leaf.

13. Discover the Roman Forum

The Roman Forum is another one of Italy’s big hitter attractions and lies between the Capitoline and the Palatine hills in Rome.

This would once have been the center of the mighty Roman Empire and you can take in the beautiful complex here as well as enjoy views from the terraces all over the wider city.

14. Climb Stromboli

On a visit to Sicily you absolutely can’t miss the chance to climb at least part way up Stromboli, a still active volcano.

If you are looking for an easy trek then you can walk 400 meters up the sides of Stromboli by yourself, although if you want to continue on to the crater which still billows clouds of ash and fire then you will need a certified guide to take you.

To get to the top takes around 3 hours with the descent coming in at around 2 hours, so all in all you need to allow a five to six hour trek in order to see everything.

It can be quite a slog to the top but it is well worth it for the spectacular views.

Recommended tour: Stromboli: Sunset Trekking at Sciara Del Fuoco

15. Take a boat trip to the Blue Grotto

One of the premium sights in Capri is the Blue Grotto, also known as the Grotta Azzurra.

The grotto is the result of a cavern which is filled with water that glows a luminescent blue when the sun hits it through shafts in the sides of the rock.

The cavern itself rises to 14 meters in height in some parts and is around 60 meters long, and you can take in this amazing light show from a rowing boat inside the grotto which makes for one of the most memorable sightseeing experiences in all of Italy.

16. Take to the water at the Grand Canal

The Grand Canal in Venice is one of the most famous waterways in the world and there are a variety of ways that you can enjoy it.

One of these is to take a water bus known as a vaporetto along the various parts of the canal where you can marvel at the little bridges and traditional Venetian homes that back onto the water.

Another more romantic way to travel around the canal is to take an iconic gondola ride where you can imagine that you are back in the Venice of a different time.

17. Eat pizza in Naples

Naples has a range of pretty attractions in its own right but one of the main reasons to come here is to snack on its most famous foodstuff in the form of delicious pizza.

All over the city you will find pizza parlors and restaurants and wherever you choose to go, know that it is this city that is famed with inventing one of the world’s favorite foods.

18. Climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa

The Leaning Tower of Pisa in Pisa is a fluke of architecture, as when the tower was constructed it immediately started to sink into the marshy ground beneath it.

This gave the tower its signature crooked stance, and at various times in its existence it has been both open and closed to the public as architects struggle to asses if it is safe to enter.

When the tower is open you can climb to the viewing platform at the top where you can look across all of Pisa.

19. View The Last Supper in Milan

Even if you are not an art aficionado you will still be able to appreciate the splendor and religious significance of the mural of the Last Supper.

Painted by Leonardo da Vinci and on display at the Santa Maria delle Grazie, the mural depicts Christ and the apostles at the last supper before Christ’s crucifixion.

Many visitors to Milan consider this a highlight of their trip and it is an extremely moving sight even for those who do not believe the original story from which the mural was inspired.

20. Tour the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

Florence is one of the most romantic and artistic cities in the world and its crowning glory is the magnificent Duomo or the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore.

The cathedral is best known for its rising dome that can be seen from all over Florence as well as its different hued frescoes and decorations.

One of the best things to do here is to climb to the top where you can look out across Florence and appreciate the might of this amazing feat of architecture.

21. Throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain

No trip to Rome is complete without a trip to the Trevi Fountain, and in fact if you want to return here then it is considered an absolute necessity.

Local legend has it that anyone who tosses a coin into the fountain will get good luck that will mean that they will one day return to this great city.

The fountain is carved in the Baroque style and is made of glittering marble which is lit up at night to spectacular effect.

22. Journey into the Frasassi Cave

The Frasassi Cave is located deep in the grounds of Ancona and descending into this wonderful feat of nature can feel like you are travelling to the center of the earth.

The journey takes 75 minutes and you can expect to find some of the most beautiful karst formations anywhere in the world here.

The inside of the grotto is covered in walkways and lighted areas that let you take in the amazing geology within such as eerie stalactites and stalagmites.

23. Follow the Chianti Wine Route

Chianti is known for its delicious wines and so it would be impossible to come here and not go on a wine tour of this region that is nestled between Siena and Florence.

There are many different wine tours that operate in this area but many of them will take you over rambling hills and through enchanting villages, visiting the local wineries and sampling the various blends on offer.

Top rated tour: Chianti Wineries Tour with Food and Wine Tasting

24. Visit the Acropolis

The Acropolis in Selinunte would once have been a political hub in the region and is made up of five distinct temples.

The most famous of these is known as Temple C which dates from the 6th century and is said to be dedicated to the god Apollo.

Other temples such as Temple D also dates from the same period and is said to be dedicated to Venus and Temple A and O are said to have been constructed sometime between 490 and 480 BC. As they seem to come in a pair, they are often thought to be dedicated to the famous twins Castor and Pollux.

25. Admire Milan Cathedral

Some people may be surprised to know that the largest church in Italy is not in Rome or even in Vatican City, but actually in Milan .

The cathedral here also known as the Duomo took an impressive six centuries to build and is dedicated to Saint Mary of the Nativity.

The interior is simply stunning and features marble decorations and a pretty alter, but one of the main attractions here is actually the roof area and you can climb a staircase to the top of the Duomo and look out across all of Milan as far as the eye can see.

Recommended tour: Fast-Track Milan Cathedral and Terraces Guided Tour

25 Best Things to Do in Italy:

• Visit the Valley of the Temples
• Climb Mount Vesuvius
• Cinque Terre
• Take to the waters of Lake Como
• Enjoy the art at the Uffizi Gallery
• Stand on Juliet’s Balcony
• Marvel at the Coliseum
• Take a trip to Pompeii
• Take a boat trip along the Amalfi Coast
• Wander around the Historic Center of Siena
• Go on a pilgrimage to the Vatican
• Visit Saint Mark’s Basilica
• Discover the Roman Forum
• Climb Stromboli
• Take a boat trip to the Blue Grotto
• Take to the water at the Grand Canal
• Eat pizza in Naples
• Climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa
• View The Last Supper in Milan
• Tour the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
• Throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain
• Journey into the Frasassi Cave
• Follow the Chianti Wine Route
• Visit the Acropolis
• Admire Milan Cathedral

Visit Italy: Top 20 Things To Do and Must-See Attractions

The 20 best things to do in italy (bucket list).

You’re planning to visit Italy for your next trip and you’re looking for the best places to visit?

Great choice, there are many beautiful things to see in the country, you will love it!

With many beautiful cities , a rich history , stunning landscapes , some of the most beautiful Mediterranean islands and of course delicious food , I can say without a doubt that Italy is one of my favourite destination in Europe.

In order to help you plan your stay, I have prepared this list of the 20 best things to do in Italy , with all the highlights and must-see attractions. It will for sure give you an idea of your next travel destination.

So, what are the best points of interest in Italy? Discover Rome , the Amalfi Coast, Capri, Sicily and much more now!

1. Rome : the capital

2. florence: the art city, 4. venice: the romantic city, 5. the cinque terre, 6. lecce: the baroque city, 7. verona: the shakespearean city, 8. genoa: port city, 9. naples : historic city, 10. capri: magnificent island, 11. turin: the city of cinematography and chocolate, 12. milan: the capital of fashion, 13. lake maggiore and the borromean islands, 14. lake como, 15. garda lake, 16. the dolomites, 17. the amalfi coast, 18. gargano national park, 20. sardinia, flight prices to italy, you’re traveling in italy these articles will help you, visit italy: the 20 best places to visit and must-see attractions.

I will start this guide of the best things to do in Italy with the capital, Rome. The Eternal City city attracts millions of tourists every year but, despite what you might think, it isn’t the most touristic city of the country. Florence and Venice both attracts more international visitors!

Rome is a beautiful city, with the added advantage of being very easy to visit on foot. It’s full of ancient monuments, beautiful squares and museums. Here are the must-see:

• The Coliseum
• The Roman forum
• The Pantheon
• Trevi Fountain
• Piazza Navona

If you are visiting Rome, you should also go to the Vatican City. Don’t miss the following:

• Saint Peter’s Square
• Saint Peter’s Basilica , the world’s largest basilica
• The Sistine Chape l and Michelangelo’s major work: The Last Judgement
• And all Vatican museums

For more details about the city, you should read my article: The 25 best things to do in Rome .

Florence, undoubtedly the most beautiful city of Tuscany, is home to numerous museums and Renaissance palaces. The Cultural Heritage is immense : Half Italian works of art are located in Florence. No wonder why it’s one of the most visited city in Italy along with Venice!

So will you be one of the 15 million tourists that will visit the city this year?

Must-see places in Florence:

• The Uffizi gallery and its famous paintings
• The basilica San Miniato al Monte , from which you will have a panoramic view over Florence. A tip: go there for sunset
• Piazza della Signoria: a real open-air museum
• Cupola del Brunelleschi: climb 400 steps for a 360 degree view of Florence. Remember to book your tickets in advance to avoid the queue.

And don’t forget to visit the Tuscan countryside , famous for being the most beautiful in Italy!

To learn more about the best places to visit in Florence, you should read my dedicated article: The 27 Best Things to do in Florence.

When you hear about Pisa, the first thing that comes to your mind is probably the famous leaning tower, the symbol of the city. However, there are also other things to see in the city, so you can easily spend a full day in town.

• The Piazza dei Miracoli , is the touristic heart of the city: all the famous monuments of Pisa are located there!
• The tower of Pisa , with it’s 20€ entrance fee (it can be a surprising price!)
• The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption
• The Baptistery of Saint John of Pisa
• The Monumental Cemetery Camposanto
• La Piazza dei Cavalieri , a small typical Italian square with fewer tourists
• Borgo Stretto: shopping hotspot and ideal place to eat or have a drink in one of the numerous restaurants.

You will find every information you need to visit Pisa in my article: The 10 best things to do in Pisa.

I can’t write an article about the Best of Italy without mentioning the famous City of Venice!

Venice is one of the most touristic cities in Europe, a great choice if you want to spend a weekend or more in Italy. With its numerous canals and its famous gondola rides, it’s also the perfect destination for a romantic stay. The Venice Carnaval takes place every year in February and attracts tourists from all over the world. If you don’t mind the crowds, it can be a good time to visit the city!

The places to visit in Venice:

• Saint Mark’s Square: heart of the city and pigeons’ area
• Saint Mark’s Basilica and its golden mosaics
• The Ducale Palace
• The Bridge of Sighs: Venice’s famous bridge
• The islands of Murano (world famous for glassmaking) and Burano with its typical colorful houses.

You can find more info about the best places to visit in Venice in my article: The 31 best things to do in Venice .

This guide of the best places to visit in Italy wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the Cinque Terre , 5 stunning cliff-side villages overlooking the Mediterranean sea. You have probably already seen pictures of them, these spectacular colourful towns are amongst the most famous sights of Italy!

Cinque Terre villages are located close to each other. To visit them, you have 3 choices:

• Do the hiking trail that connects them (but be careful, depending on the season, some of them might be closed). The routes between each village can go from ½ hour to 2 hours.
• Take the train that connects all the villages: The Cinque Terre Express.
• By boat, with amazing views over the villages.

The Cinque Terre villages are the following:

• Monterosso al mare: located in the northernmost part, it is the largest of the villages and the only one with a large sandy beach.
• Vernazza with its colourful houses and small port.
• Corniglia, the only one that isn’t connected to the sea, can be reached by a staircase of more than 350 steps.
• Manorala: the oldest village.
• Riomaggiore, situated in the very East, at “the end” of the Cinque Terre.

If you want more information about Cinque Terre, you should read my detailed article: How to visit Cinque Terre?

Much less known than the previous cities, it’s however definitely worth a visit during your trip to Italy. Lecce, located at the base of the “Italian boot” in Puglia region, is a very beautiful baroque town. There are churches, museums and palaces everywhere, all sharing the same architectural style.

• La Basilique santa Croce
• The Basilica of the Holy Cross
• The historic center
• The dome of Lecce
• Sant’Oronzo Square
• Faggiano Museum

Verona is the city of love and of the tragic destiny of Romeo and Juliet. Everyone has already heard about it, but do you know what are the best things to do in town?

Here are the best places to visit in Verona:

• Juliette’s house: the opportunity to admire the famous balcony and take a picture with your lover
• The piazza Bra, where Verona arena is located
• Piazza delle Erbe with its market, bars and restaurant terraces
• The basilica of San Zeno Maggiore, the oldest church in Verona
• The Castelvecchio, a 14th century castle turned into a museum

Genoa is and have historically always been a port city. Christopher Columbus, one of the most famous adventurers of all time was born here!

The city is also full of monuments and beautiful sites to admire. Not many people visit it but it’s a shame, because there are very nice things to see in Genoa.

Things to do:

• The port of Genoa where you can visit the aquarium and see a replica of a pirate ship. Don’t forget to take the glass elevator to enjoy a panoramic view of the city.
• The historical center with the piazza dei Ferrari and its beautiful fountain
• Walk along Via Garibaldi and visit one or more palaces such as the palazzo reale, the palazzo bianco or the palazzo Rosso.
• Stroll along the Lungomare, a 3 km seaside promenade
• Go to Boccadasse, an old fisherman’s village with colourful houses

Naples is the European city with the largest historical centre, so you can be sure there are a lot of churches and monuments to visit in the city! Naples is also very famous around the world for its gastronomy: the pizza (created in the 1600s as a street food for the poorest Neapolitans) as well as the famous Neapolitan sauce.

Naples must-see attractions:

• Start with the historic centre and its Duomo
• The Piazza del Plebiscito, a huge and very photogenic square with beautiful monuments surrounding it
• The Vigiliano Park and its magnificent view over the bay
• Visit the archaeological museum which houses objects from Pompeii archaeological site
• Go to Pompeii,  located about 40 minutes by bus or train from Naples and witness the damage caused by the murderous eruption of the Vesuvius.

From Naples you can easily take the ferry and go to Capri island for a day trip.

You will start your visit of one of the most beautiful places in Italy in Marina Grande port. You should then take the funicular: it will take you directly to the famous Piazzetta, in Capri town center. With its café terraces and magnificent view over the bay, the place is magical!

Other things you shouldn’t miss in Capri are the Arco Naturale , a large 20m height rocky arch and the viewpoint of Tragara , which also offers a magnificent view. And of course the must-see attraction of Capri: the blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra in Italian), named after the unique water color inside.

You may not know it, but Turin is THE chocolate city. Yes, there is not only Swiss or Belgian chocolate! Italian one is also very famous. Your favourite sweet thing has even been invented by a master pastry chef from Turin! Every year, the chocolate festival takes place in town, with many events and tasting.

But Turin is also the city of cinema. Located in Turin’s emblematic monument, the Mole Antonelliana, the Cinema Museum is one of the best in the world. You will learn more about the history of cinema and you can even see masks of Star Wars and Lord of the Rings! Don’t forget to take the panoramic lift to the upper terrace, you will enjoy a 360° view over the entire city.

Also worth seeing during your trip to Turin:

• The Egyptian museum : the 2nd largest after the one in Cairo and the oldest Egyptian museum in the world
• The automobile museum, with its impressive collection of vehicles
• The Palazzo Reale, former residence of the Dukes of Savoy

To plan your visit to Turin, you can read my definitive guide about the city: The 20 best things to do in Turin

Milan is the capital of fashion and design, with many renowned designer’s luxury boutiques and showrooms. In addition, there is also many historic buildings to visit in the city!

The tourist attraction you shouldn’t miss in Milan:

• The Piazza del Duomo and its magnificent Cathedral: the Duomo di Milano . Don’t hesitate to take the entrance ticket with rooftop terrace access, it’s worth it!
• The Sforza Castle and Parco Sempione, just nearby
• The Vittorio Emmanuel II gallery and its huge glass roof, a luxury shopping spot
• The Pinacoteca di Brera (Brera art gallery) and its rich collection of paintings by Italian masters such as Raphael, Bellini or Caravaggio.
• The monumental cemetery: The burial place of celebrities, featuring some very unusual tombstones.

If you have planned to go to Milan, you should my detailed article, with all my best tips to visit the city in 1, 2 or 3 days: The 15 best things to do in Milan

The Lake Maggiore , along with  Lake Como and Lake Garda is one of the 3 biggest (and most beautiful) Italian lakes. If you plan to visit Milan during your stay in Italy, it can be a great idea to spend a day or 2 around Lake Maggiore, as it’s only at 1h30 by car. And if you don’t have a car, many tour companies offer day trips from Milan.

Lake Maggiore is especially known for the Borromean Islands: the great new is that you can perfectly visit all 3 of them in 1 day with one of the many boat tours available.

The 3 islands

• The Isola Madre, where you will be able to admire its famous exotic garden with freely wandering peacocks.
• The Isola Bella, with the Borromean palace, its garden and the shell grotto
• The Isola Superieure, an island of fishermen.

Located at only 1 hours from Milan, Lake Como is the third largest lake in Italy. The lake is a very popular jet set holiday destination and is famous around the world for its many majestic villas and lush gardens.

It’s also a very popular shooting location: for example, you might have seen in it in Star Wars episode II! A part of the movie was shot at the Balbianello villa , one the lake shore. But Lake Como is more than this: around the lake you can visit beautiful fishing villages and enjoy many hiking trails. A must visit in Northern Italy!

Best Places to see:

• Como city and its pedestrian center
• Tremezzo  and Villa Carlotta with its sumptuous botanical garden
• Bellagio and villa Melzi , a source of inspiration for Stendhal himself
• Varenne and the villa Monastero with its promenade at the edge of the water
• Castello Di Vezio and its panoramic view of the lake below
• And of course, if you’re Star Wars fan, the Villa Balbianello.

Lake Garda is the largest and one of the most touristic lake in Italy. It’s located at only 1h30 by train from Milan.

Besides the lake itself, you can visit some of the nearby towns:

• Sirmione: the most famous town on Lake Garda. Its medieval castle marks the entrance to the city, and it’s vert pleasant to stroll in the small typical alleys. Catullo caves archaeological site is also worth seeing for its ruins of Roman temples and villas.
• Malcesine : in the city, you can visit Scaliger Castle and the Palazzo dei Capitani. Then take the cable car to Monte Baldo and enjoy a panoramic view of Lake Garda.
• Torri del Benaco: with its small fishing port and Scaligero castle, it also deserves a stop.

If you love hiking and Italy, then the Dolomites are made for you! Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the area has 18 mountain peaks, some of them being more than 3,000 meters height.

Famous for their very particular shape, sculpted by the elements, they are even more beautiful at sunrise and sunset.

To fully enjoy the landscape, you can drive along the Dolomites road from Bolzano to Cortina . There is around 130km and the road offer breathtaking views on the mountains.

Don’t hesitate to stop in the villages or at the lago di Carezza. Cortina is one of the best starting point for the numerous hiking trails in the region. If you love outdoors activities, the Dolomites is the region you should see during your next trip to Italy!

You are looking for the top sights in Italy? Then the Amalfi coast is a great choice for your next trip!

Located South of Naples, the Amalfi coast is famous for being one of the most beautiful coasts of Italy. With its wild coast and amazing cliff-side villages, no doubt you will love it!

Overview of the best places to visit:

• Sorrento , standing on a cliff with a view over the bay and the island of Capri.
• Positano, a colorful cliffside village. It’s popular jet-set destination for its fashion boutiques and trendy cafes.
• Nocelle: if you go to Positano, you should really do the Path Of Gods Trail, it start from Nocelle, a bit above Positano.
• Amalfi and its magnificent Duomo
• Ravello and the villa Cimbrone: with its 6 hectares garden overlooking the sea, it’s a must-do in Ravello.

Located in Puglia region, Gargano Natural Park is the largest natural park in Italy. The coast is famous for the limestone rocks the sea has carved over time. You will be able to see numerous caves, wild coves and faraglioni .

The center of the Gargano is a great place for peaceful hikes, especially in the Umbra forest, literally “the forest of shadows”. Stroll under the hundred years old trees and enjoy the flora and fauna.

The small town of   Vieste is also a must in the region!

Sicily, the biggest island in the Mediterranean sea, is the ideal place to visit if you want to mix relaxation at the beach and discovery of world class archaeological sites. Add the delicious Italian cuisine to the mix and the result is a perfect combination for unforgeable holidays!

Best places to see in Eastern Sicily:

• Catania and the Piazza del Duomo with the Cathedral of Santa Agatha
• Syracuse and the island of Ortigia : Take a walk the small alleys of the historical center, admire the grandiose Piazza del Duomo and enjoy the view of Castello Maniace
• Baroque towns: Noto, Modica and Ragusa
• Taormina : For the famous Greek theatre, the view over the Etna and its magnificent pebble beach: “Isola Bella”.
• Etna, the most active volcano in Europe.

Places to visit in Western Sicily: 

• Palermo , with the beautiful palatine chapel , the Norman palace and the unusual Capuchin Catacombs
• Cefalu, a small traditional fishing village
• Agrigento and the valley of the temples
• The beaches of “Scala dei Turchi” and Eraclea Minoa
• The Egadi Islands , a paradise on earth.

Discover all of my articles about Sicily .

You love beautiful beaches and you’re wondering where to go in Italy?

Sardinia , the 2nd biggest Italian island, is famous around the world for its stunning beaches. It’s the perfect destination if you want to enjoy holiday in the sun.

Best places to visit in Sardinia:

• Cagliari , the capital of Sardinia which stretches over several hills. Visit the Castello district , most of the tourist attractions are located there.
• Maddalena Islands , with beautiful wild beaches.
• Costa Smeralda : the perfect jet-set destination for a luxury holiday. The road, all along the coast, offers a spectacular view.
• The Gulf of Orosei : Huge and impressive limestone cliffs, hosts some of the most beautiful beaches of Sardinia.

You’re planning to visit Sardinia during your next trip? Have a look at my article about the best things to do: The 20 best places to visit in Sardinia.

And you, what do you plan to visit in Italy? What are your favorite places?

So, you want to go to Italy? In order to get the best price, I highly recommand you to check flight prices now. It’s quick and easy, just use our flight comparator below!

Once on the results page, feel free to compare several sites, to make sure that no fees are added to the final rates.

Italy travel Guides

• Buy the Lonely Planet Italy guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk
• Buy the Rick Steves Italy guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk

Discover all my articles about Italy : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Italy are listed there.

• The 20 Best Things to do in Italy – All the must-see places!
• Cinque Terre: The definitive guide to plan your visit
• Florence: The 27 best things to do and must-see attractions
• Milan: The Top 15 things to do in the city and around
• Pisa: Top 21 must-see attractions + Tips
• Rome: The 25 best things to do and see
• Siena: Top 20 best places to visit
• Turin: The 20 must-see attractions
• Venice: The 31 best things to do (+ Tips)
• 2 days in Florence
• 3 days in Florence
• 4 days in Florence
• 5 days in Florence
• 2 days in Milan
• 3 days in Milan
• 4 days in Milan
• 2 Days in Rome – How to visit Rome in 48h
• 3 Days in Rome – The best itinerary to visit Rome in 72h
• 4 Days in Rome – The best places to visit in 4 days
• 5 Days in Rome – How to spend 5 days in Rome
• 6 Days in Rome – The ultimate Itinerary + Where to stay
• One week in Rome – The perfect 7-day itinerary
• 2 Days in Venice – An Epic 48h itinerary
• 3 Days in Venice – The perfect 72h itinerary
• 4 Days in Venice – Itinerary + Best Things to do + Tips
• Where to stay in Milan? My guide to the best areas and hotels for a perfect stay
• Where to stay in Rome? – The definitive guide of the best areas!
• Where to stay in Venice? My selection of the best hotels and districts for an epic stay
• Omnia Card: The definitive guide
• Colosseum: The 7 best skip the line tickets
• Trevi Fountain: History, Secrets and Facts
• Rome’s Hidden Gems : The Definitive Guide with 17 secret spots!
• The 20 Best museums in Rome – With all my best tips!
• Rome in May: The definitive guide to plan your visit: weather, things to do, itineraries and more!
• Rome in June: Guide + All my best tips

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Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

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Florence   Travel Guide

Courtesy of ricardomartinez | Getty Images

17 Best Things to Do in Florence, Italy

The most popular attractions of Florence, Italy, center around the famous architecture and artwork found in the city – from the works hung in the Uffizi and the Galleria dell'Accademia  to the incredible construction and design of the Duomo and

• All Things To Do
• 1-Day Itinerary
• 2-Day Itinerary
• 3-Day Itinerary

Piazza della Signoria Piazza della Signoria free

Loggia dei Lanzi, in the Piazza della Signoria, is an open-air (and free) museum that was designed in the 14th century by Orcagna, an influential architect and artist. Below the building's curved arches are dozens of sculptures (notable ones include Giambologna's Rape of the Sabines and a statue of Perseo holding Medusa's head, by Benvenuto Cellini), which draw crowds of tourists and locals alike. Behind it sits the  Galleria degli Uffizi , which is one of the city's most famous art museums. The Piazza della Signoria is also filled with its (more than) fair share of sculptures, including a towering replica of Michaelangelo's David.

Take your time wandering around, and if you get tired, grab a seat along the Loggia dei Lanzi, or make your way to a cafe near the Fountain of Neptune. Recent visitors said this is a must-see spot and a great area to people-watch, view magnificent sculptures and rest travel-weary feet (though past travelers recommended avoiding the restaurants in this area, calling them "outrageously overpriced"). To avoid the height of the crowds, visit in the early morning or the evening. Access to the area is free 24/7.

Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore) Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore) free

The Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (known simply as the Duomo) is not only Florence's religious center, but it's also the city's most recognizable attraction. Occupying the Piazza del Duomo in the heart of the city, this massive Gothic cathedral was erected during the 14th century on the former site of the Roman church, Santa Reparata. You'll know you're in the right place when you find yourself straining your neck to see the church's massive, iconic dome and the intricate marble statues on its facade staring down at you. The red-tiled cupola was designed by Brunelleschi and is described as a must-see by experts and travelers alike.

Visitors like to joke that the cathedral was designed inside-out: its exterior boasts intricate designs and breathtaking features while the interior is surprisingly plain. For many, the main reason to visit is to climb the 463 stairs to the top of the dome (the cupola) where you'll find spectacular views of the city. (Be aware that there is no elevator and some of the narrow walkways require you to stand to the side while people pass in the opposite direction. Some visitors report this is not for the claustrophobic.) However, if you are interested in looking around inside, guided tours are available.

Ponte Vecchio Ponte Vecchio free

Much like  London 's Tower Bridge, the Ponte Vecchio was built to replace an earlier bridge. Once dominated by butchers, fishmongers and bakers, the original bridge was washed away during a flood in the early 14th century. When the new Ponte Vecchio was completed, it too was home to local food stores until Grand Duke Ferdinand I of the Medici family decided to designate this unadorned bridge the epicenter of the city's gold and jewel trade. It has maintained this purpose ever since.

Recent visitors said it is especially beautiful at sunset. If you don't want to overpay for souvenirs, heed the advice of past travelers and avoid shopping along the bridge. You can also book a gondola tour of the Arno River to experience sailing beneath the bridge, though prices can be high (typically starting at 65 euros, or around $71, per person).

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Piazzale Michelangelo Piazzale Michelangelo free

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you're eager to get your steps in, climb up another 1,500 feet to the doors of the Abbey of San Miniato al Monte, one of the oldest churches in Florence. Admission is free and the views even higher up are worth the climb. – Holly D. Johnson

Overlooking the city from its perch in the Oltrarno district, the Piazzale Michelangelo is one of the most popular viewpoints in the city, and it's definitely worthwhile if you're a first-time visitor. This ornate square is known for its spectacular views and its towering replica of Michelangelo's David. Getting to the piazza can be quite the trek on foot, yet a meandering path in front of and below the piazza makes it within reach if you're reasonably fit.

Museo dell'Opera del Duomo Museo dell'Opera del Duomo

Spanning 28 rooms and three floors, the massive Museo dell'Opera del Duomo houses more than 750 works of art covering nearly 720 years of history. In short, it serves to preserve the artistic masterpieces that were once on display in the Duomo . Highlights from the collection include Ghiberti's original Gates of Paradise from the Baptistery (the Baptistery is currently adorned with replicas of the original gates) and Michelangelo's Pietà, which many believe he created to adorn his tomb.

Many past travelers suggested stopping at the museum prior to visiting the Duomo to better understand the historical context of the cathedral and surrounding monuments. Plus, entrance to the museum is covered by the combo ticket you're required to buy if you want to climb the steps of the Duomo or enter any of the other sites within the square. Other visitors advised setting aside plenty of time to admire all of the works housed here. What's more, many others mentioned that this museum is not as crowded as the Uffizi .

Galleria dell'Accademia Galleria dell'Accademia

If you only have a limited amount of time for art museums while you're here, devote some of it to the Galleria dell'Accademia for one simple reason: the David. This is your chance to see one of Michelangelo's most famous works in all his authentic glory and recent visitors say it doesn't disappoint. However, you aren't alone on your mission: The gallery can get flooded with other tourists also eager to see the famous piece, which is why some recent reviewers suggest booking a reservation ahead. While you're waiting for the crowds to clear so you can get your photo of David, take the time to see some of the artist's lesser-known works, including the unfinished Slaves or Prisoners.

While the David is undoubtedly the star here, the museum houses a variety of other works and artifacts, including works by the greatest Florentine painters from the 13th to early 15th centuries, such as Giotto and Bernardo Daddi. What’s more, it displays approximately 50 musical instruments from the private collections of the grand dukes of Tuscany, Medici and Lorraine.

Uffizi Gallery (Galleria degli Uffizi) Uffizi Gallery (Galleria degli Uffizi)

Occupying the first and second floors of the U-shaped Palazzo degli Uffizi along the banks of the Arno River, the Uffizi Gallery was created by the Medici family at the end of the 16th century. Today, the museum is any art lover's dream: it still displays the family's prominent art collection, which includes such masterpieces as Botticelli's "Birth of Venus," Raphael's "Madonna of the Goldfinch" and Titian's "Venus of Urbino." What’s more, it’s housed in a building designed by Giorgio Vasari that dates back to 1560.

Because of the many works of art housed here, you're going to need to take your time. One of the best ways to see the highlights and learn about the lesser-known pieces is to take a guided tour from a third-party operator, which many recent visitors highly recommend. Some tour operators also offer "skip-the-line" tours, which reviewers also spoke highly of. If you’re not up for a guided tour, you can also rent an audio guide from the museum for an additional 6 euros (about $6.50).

Mercato Centrale Firenze Mercato Centrale Firenze free

Located in an iron-and-glass building designed by architect Giuseppe Mengoni in 1874, the Mercato Centrale Firenze is a great place to browse and stock up on tasty Italian foods. The ground floor of the market features vendors selling fresh produce, meats, cheeses, fish, olive oil, vinegars, truffle products and other local goods. Upstairs from the vendors, you'll find a modern food hall with shops selling everything from pizza and gelato to Tuscan specialties, such as lampredotto, porchetta and trippa. Here, you can sit down to a meal or pick up items for a picnic. Surrounding the building, dozens of vendors also sell artwork, pottery, jewelry, leather, clothing, souvenirs and anything else you can think of. 

Recent visitors called the market fun and lively to visit, with lots of tempting things to eat and buy. Some recommended stopping in a few times over the course of your Florence visit, although recent visitors have said food you can purchase to eat on-site has become rather expensive. If you want a local to show you around, consider signing up for one of the best tours in Florence , many of which stop at the market.

Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence with Optional Hiking

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Baptistry (Battistero) Baptistry (Battistero)

The Battistero is the oldest religious monument in all of Florence, and although the current façade dates from the 11th century, historians have dated the Baptistery back to the fifth century. It hasn't been proven, but many say that this octagonal building was once a temple dedicated to Mars, the Roman god of war.

Today, this ancient building is a must-see for any art lover. Wake up early to beat the crowds, who flock to the Battistero in search of the Gates of Paradise. Designer Lorenzo Ghiberti's delicate depictions of Christ and other religious symbols on these massive doors inspired awe in even the most renowned artists, including Michelangelo, whose praise of the doors reportedly earned them their name. Note: The doors at the Baptistery are replicas of the originals. If you would like to see the originals, you'll have to pay a visit to the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo , which can be found just a short walk behind the Baptistery.

Giotto's Bell Tower (Campanile di Giotto) Giotto's Bell Tower (Campanile di Giotto)

Designed by Giotto in the early 14th century, this ornate 277-foot high bell tower is part of the renowned  Duomo  in central Florence's Piazza del Duomo. Although it is known as Giotto's Bell Tower, it actually required three architects to finish. The changes in style and design are apparent. Today, you can marvel at the tower's external design from the square below – make sure to spend plenty of time admiring the statues and reliefs by such famed artists as Donatello and Andrea Pisano. Or you can climb the more than 400 steps to the top for spectacular views of central Florence, a hike that recent visitors said leads to a better panorama than you get at the top of the Duomo because you get to view the Duomo from this vantage point.

However, the climb can be a real workout, so make sure to pace yourself. Travelers appreciated that there were several places where they could stop to catch their breath and admire the views on the way up to the top, which they said were well worth the steep climb. However, if you're visiting during the summer months, reviewers say you'll want to time your visit for the morning (or right before closing), as the climb only gets hotter as the day progresses.

Boboli Gardens (Giardino di Boboli) Boboli Gardens (Giardino di Boboli)

U.S. News Insider Tip: After perusing the gardens, treat yourself to a glass of wine at Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina, a popular wine bar that sits opposite Palazzo Pitti. – Ann Henson, Assistant Managing Editor

Originally, these beautiful gardens belonged to the Medici family; it wasn't until the late 18th century that the gates opened to the public. Today, Boboli Gardens (located in the Oltrarno behind Pitti Palace ) offers sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of the tourist-trodden city center. While you stroll through this extensive green, keep your eyes peeled for the numerous sculptures and grottos strategically placed along the paths, like Giambologna's Bathing Venus. Also swing by the Isolotto, a large fountain located at the southwestern end of the park.

Basilica di Santa Croce Basilica di Santa Croce

Santa Croce is similar to the  Duomo  in style (both churches represent dominant Gothic traits), and the exterior is stunning, despite not being as elaborate as the Florence Duomo. Visitors come here to pay respects to such notable Italians as artist Michelangelo, scientist Galileo Galilei and political philosopher Niccolò Machiavelli, whose tombs and memorials are housed here. Santa Croce is also home to what some say is the most important art collection of any church in Italy, the most notable works being spectacular frescoes done by Giotto.

Recent visitors raved about the architecture of the church and suggested giving yourself plenty of time to explore. Others appreciated that it was removed from the main tourist areas and less busy than other Florence attractions.

Palazzo Pitti Palazzo Pitti

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you're visiting the Pitti Palace because of an interest in Medici history, consider booking a private entry into the Vasari Corridor – a hidden passageway Medici members once used to cross the Arno River from the Uffizi Gallery all the way to Pitti Palace. – Holly D. Johnson

If you're headed to Oltrarno for a stroll through the  Bóboli Gardens , it's worth it to take some time to tour the  Palazzo Pitti  (Pitti Palace) as well. This former Renaissance residence is now home to Florence's most extensive grouping of museums. The most notable of the Pitti's galleries is the Galleria Palatina, which – with its impressive collection of works by Raphael, Titian and Rubens – is second in prestige only to the  Uffizi Gallery . Other museums within the palace spotlight everything from historical fashion to household treasures once belonging to the Medici family.

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Palazzo Vecchio Palazzo Vecchio free

Palazzo Vecchio is a central Florence landmark with a long and storied history that dates back to 1299. The ruins of an ancient theater of the Roman colony of Florentia can be seen below from the first floor of this iconic building, and visitors can admire a range of artworks and medieval architecture here.

The Salone dei Cinquecento (Hall of the Five Hundred) is the most visited and impressive hall in the building due to its massive size, large wall frescoes and various sculptures throughout. There are also many secret routes through the palace, which you can explore with one of many available group tours of Palazzo Vecchio.

Basilica di San Lorenzo Basilica di San Lorenzo

U.S. News Insider Tip : The Church of San Lorenzo is where the famous Medici Chapel is located. You can book a tour to see these elaborate tombs, including the "Chapel of the Princes," through various tour companies. – Holly D. Johnson

The Basilica di San Lorenzo is the oldest Florentine cathedral, thus its external architecture is not as ornate and embellished as others built throughout Florence in later centuries. The church is said to have been consecrated in the presence of Saint Ambrose in 393 and also dedicated to the martyr Lorenzo. That said, the basilica was reconstructed in 1418 by Medici family founder Giovanni di Bicci.

Piazza Santo Spirito Piazza Santo Spirito free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Pick up a delicious pizza or two from Gustapizza on nearby Via Maggio and enjoy it on the steps that surround the square. – Ann Henson, Assistant Managing Editor

Located in the Oltrarno, the neighborhood on the other side of the Arno River (opposite the Duomo ), this square is a lively hub of activity, especially at night when its many cafes and restaurants draw locals out to relax on terraces and patios for a meal or a drink. A main feature of the square is Filippo Brunelleschi's last church, the Basilica di Santo Spirito, which he designed in 1444, but was unable to finish before his death. Antonio Manetti, Giovanni da Gaiole and Salvi d'Andrea finished the church by the end of the 1400s.

Santa Maria Novella Santa Maria Novella

While Santa Maria Novella is not nearly as grand as the world-famous Duomo , it is still one of the most important Gothic churches in Tuscany. Located just 750 feet from Firenze Santa Maria Novella (the city's train station), this cathedral is also easy to find or run into by surprise.

The impressive exterior was designed by artists Fra Jacopo Talenti and Leon Battista Alberti, and the interior features a range of master works, such as Masaccio's Holy Trinity fresco, Ghirlandaio's fresco cycle in the Tornabuoni Chapel and Giotto's crucifix. The Nativity by Botticelli and the Pulpit by Buggiano are also located within the church and worth a look. Recent travelers note that the church museum is also worth exploring, and that even roaming the grounds of Santa Maria Novella can be worth the time and effort due to the natural beauty found on the property.

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Home » Destinations » Europe » Italy » 31 Beautiful Italy Attractions You Shouldn’t Miss

31 Beautiful Italy Attractions You Shouldn’t Miss

Links in this article may earn us a little money if you book/ order stuff. More here .

Check Out These Top Italy Attractions As Told By Travel Bloggers!

Wondering what is famous in Italy? You are not alone! From Tuscan villas and ageing cathedrals to beautiful lakes, mountains, rich history, food, and coastline – Italy is packed with something for everyone.

The country is full of unique places to visit – and we’ve actually only just scratched the surface!

Funnily enough, we have both been to Italy but it was years ago – well before we were together. We’re sort of planning an upcoming trip back to Italy together – and so we needed advice, too!

So, since there are so many amazing things to do and see in Italy, we asked a few fellow travel bloggers for their input.

The list below is the result of that – and wow has it become a great resource that is sure to help you (and us) trip plan!

Not to mention there are really pretty photos to look at. From the classic Rome tourist attractions to lesser-known towns, here are some of the top attractions in Italy!

Table of Contents

Top Italy Attractions

Okay, so now it’s on to what you’ve been waiting for – the attractions and places to visit in Italy! This list is in no particular order, so have a read through and get planning!

In case you want to just dive in, you can find and book top attractions in the widget below. Oftentimes, booking a line skip ticket in advance pays for itself in time saved once you arrive!

• Roman Colosseum, Forum, Palatine Hill Fast-Track Tour – Get Your Fast Track Ticket for Rome!
• Doge’s Palace Priority Admission Ticket – Experience the Doge’s Palace in Venice!
• Florence Dome Climb Guided Tour – Climb the Famous Florence Duomo for Amazing Views!

The Colosseum in Rome

If you are heading to Italy, there’s a good chance you will stop through Rome. If you do, there’s a pretty important attraction people talk about – and you may have heard of it.

It’s this big oval structure that has been standing since the year 70 AD! Of course, the Colosseum in Rome is a stand out attraction.

As the largest amphitheatre ever built, it’s no wonder it still impresses visitors around the world 2000 years later.

Even if history isn’t your thing, a visit to the Colosseum is a must-do. It’s a fascinating feat of architecture and a glimpse into Ancient Roman times.

Eric has visited and to this day he still remembers how neat of an experience it was being inside the Colosseum.

Since it’s so popular, the lines can be pretty long so consider an official  skip the line ticket to the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum !

Rialto Bridge in Venice

If you are heading to Venice, there are plenty of amazing attractions to explore. From the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica  to exploring the alleyways and wandering over canal bridges, there’s so much to experience in Venice.

One of the most famous and the oldest of the four bridges to cross the Grand Canal (the main canal through the heart of the city) is Rialto Bridge.

Built back in 1588, this bridge draws crowds for its stunning views of the canal in either direction (see Eric’s photo above) and for its own architecture.

The bridge can get pretty busy – but it’s a great vantage point and it’s functional to get around Venice, too!

• Venice is a popular place – here’s a great guide on things to do and see in Venice !
• If you only have one day to explore, check out this one day in Venice itinerary .

Duomo di Firenze (Florence Cathedral)

Officially the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the Florence Cathedral, or the Duomo di Firenze is a sight to see on any Italy trip.

This popular Gothic structure has been drawing in visitors for centuries. Construction started in 1296 and took around 150 years to complete!

Today, the cathedral and the famous red-tiled dome stand proud among the Florence skyline.

If you are heading for Florence on your Italy trip, you should look into Cathedral tickets in advance since it’s a popular attraction.

But it’s worth it to  tour the cathedral and climb the 463 steps for amazing views from the dome !

Cinque Terre

Recommended by Jurga from Full Suitcase

Cinque Terre is a stunning coastal area along the Italian Riviera and definitely one of the must-see places in Italy.

Five little villages perched between the mountains and the sea are incredibly picturesque and, together with the surrounding coastal areas, form a UNESCO World Heritage site.

It’s not easy to get to the villages by car – it’s best to either take a boat, a train, hike, or a combination of the above.

You can visit Cinque Terre in one day  or you can spend a few days here. If you have more than a day in this area, don’t miss the nearby Portovenere village – it’s really beautiful and isn’t as overrun by tourists as the five towns of Cinque Terre.

Located within easy reach from the other major tours destinations like Florence or Pisa, Cinque Terre attracts huge crowds.

If you can, avoid visiting in the summer months. Probably the best time to visit Cinque Terre is the shoulder season: March – April or the end of September – October.

Boat service stops in November, so if you come in the winter, you’ll have to take a train.

Book Your Experience – A Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence 

Ostia Antica in Rome

Recommended by Marta from Mama Loves Rome

A wonderful corner of Italy and one I recommend all visitors to add to their Italian itinerary is the gorgeous small village of Ostia Antica.

Located just outside of Rome, Ostia Antica  is famous for being the city’s ancient port and is now home to a wonderful archaeological park.

Often compared with Pompei, but smaller and quieter, Ostia is a very well preserved site and one that is easy to enjoy.

Not yet discovered by mass tourism, here you can spend your day wandering around ancient Roman streets and taking in the beauty of Ostia’s old theatre all while being surrounded by the park’s tall pine trees and large open spaces!

It is a great place to escape the busy streets of Rome without having to give up sightseeing.

The park is what attracts most visitors here but just beside it lies what I believe is the real hidden gem of this area: Ostia Antica’s medieval borgo (village).

The borgo is an enclosed square developing around a turreted castle and a small yet impressive church.

The houses opening up onto the square are private homes but they are worth seeing because of the beautiful colours of their walls and the cascading flowers now decorating them.

You can visit both the park and the borgo in the space of an afternoon. I highly recommend coming in spring, when you can finish your day with a meal in the borgo’s tiny and delicious family restaurant!

Recommended by Talek from Travels With Talek

A town carved straight out of the mountain, it is known as”la Città Sotterranea” (the Subterranean City).

The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has been inhabited since prehistoric times and is so surreal and unique that many movies have been filmed there including The Omen, Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ, and most recently, Ben Hur.

So many of Matera’s sites are underground. The caves are used as homes, theaters, restaurants, churches. You can stay in a cave hotel.

There is even an underground museum filled with sad statues depicting dancers and young girls looking wistfully in the distance. Maybe they are sad because they are in an underground cave without sunlight.

Matera is as unusual and unique a city as any I’ve ever been to. Despite its cave dwellings, it can be charming above ground. There are open parks and gelaterias everywhere.

One of the most interesting aspects of Matera is its history. Stop by the local museum and see how such a city developed over the years.

Cagliari, Sardinia

Recommended by Claudia from My Adventures Across The World

Not many people make it to Cagliari during their trip to Italy. They are missing out because the capital of Sardinia is a lovely place to visit in any season.

The center of the city is a maze of narrow cobbled alleys and colorful buildings, with lovely small cafés scattered around.

The city is packed with viewpoints from where you get to enjoy some of the most impressive sunsets in the Mediterranean.

Cagliari has a long history, which can be found in the many churches, archeological sites and museums scattered in the center.

The beautiful urban beaches – Poetto and Calamosca, among others – are perfect places to relax for a few hours and they give easy access to Molentargius, a natural park from where it is possible to admire pink flamingos, and to Sella del Diavolo, a promontory that can be easily hiked for incredible views over the city and the bay.

San Fruttuoso

Recommended by James Ian from Travel Collecting

One of the best experiences you can have in Italy is a day trip from Rapallo to San Fruttuoso .

Boats leave frequently from a dock in the middle of town to Santa Margherita and then on to Portofino. This tiny port town is the playground of the rich and famous.

It’s incredibly picturesque – a tiny bay crammed with boats and surrounded by brightly painted houses. Explore a little before taking a path up a long set of steps into the hills above, past lemon trees, tiny olive groves and fields of wildflowers.

Portofino Bay soon becomes a tiny gem shining far below. The Mediterranean sparkles in the sunshine and the fresh air is invigorating.

The main part of the hike is flat, with the sea far below. Eventually, you’ll descend a series of switchbacks through some cooling trees down to a tiny emerald green bay backed by the golden San Fruttuoso Abbey.

The bay is a true hidden gem, accessible only by boat or on foot.

There is a small museum in the 13th-century Benedictine monastery and they are several seafood restaurants overlooking the water.

You can rent deck chairs (the beach is pebbly) and spend the rest of the afternoon cooling off from the hike in the sea.

End this perfect day by taking a boat directly back to Rapallo where you can relax with pizza and a glass of wine at a waterside cafe.

Casa Artusi in Forlimpopoli

Recommended by Megsy from Food Fun Travel

We all know that Italy has amazing food but if you are a lover of cooking then why not do a cooking class at the former home of the man who created Italy’s Bible to cooking at Casa Artusi in Forlimpopoli.

“Science In The Kitchen And The Art Of Eating Well” was published in 1891 by Pellegrino Artusi and since then has been translated into English, French, German, Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese and Russian.

This book contains over 790 traditional recipes and is considered a literary classic – and if you travel to the small town of Forlimpopoli you can visit Artusi’s home and even experience a cooking class.

The best way to get to Forlimpopoli is to visit as a day trip from Bologna in the Emilia Romagna region of Italy.

On the grounds of Casa Artusi you can visit the on-site library that contains over 45 thousand books including many original editions of “Science In The Kitchen And The Art Of Eating Well”.

There is also a restaurant on the grounds with exquisite food but we highly recommend getting your hands dirty and learning to make some of the dishes yourself at the cooking school.

This is actually a cooking school that is attended by both amateurs and professionals wanting to broaden their knowledge of traditional Italian cuisine and learn how to make traditional Romagnolo home cookery, including fresh, homemade pasta and piadina (the local flat bread).

It’s certainly a unique and memorable place to visit in Italy for true lovers of food.

La Pescheria in Catania, Sicily

Recommended by Jennifer from The SoFull Traveler

Sicily is home to some of Italy’s most robust Italian culture, especially when it comes to food. Now, many would argue that Italian food is already robust in nature, but Sicilian food is its own genre.

If you want to get a taste, literally and figuratively, of the passionate people of Sicily, your one-stop should be to La Pescheria, the fish market.

La Pescheria is located in the city center of Catania, Sicily where you’ll find all the locals selling their fresh produce and seafood.

The perimeter of the square is lined with vibrant colors of fresh vegetable stands while its center is filled with rough looking fishermen, still in their wellys, spraying down decapitated fish and remaining blood off the table.

It’s a bit chaotic but it’s absolutely lovely in every way. From the quality of the food to the entertainment of the street vendors, you’ll see and taste the best of Sicily at La Pescheria.

Duomo di Milano (Milan Cathedral)

Recommended by Melissa from Parenthood and Passports

The Milan Duomo is one of the most spectacular architectural masterpieces of all time. The gothic cathedral near the city center of Milan, Italy took six centuries to build, and it’s easy to see why with all the intricate spires and pinnacles that make up the church’s exterior.

As the largest cathedral in Italy, the Milan Duomo is definitely one of the best attractions to visit in the country. In fact, it’s worth spending at least one day in Milan  just to see the Duomo.

The inside of the cathedral is equally breathtaking with its large, marble pillars and elaborate altars.

For a small fee, you can visit the terrace on the roof of the cathedral where you can see the Duomo’s detailed construction up close.

It’s worth the extra money to visit the terrace and look out over the piazza through the forest of spires.

Roman Forum and Palatine Hill in Rome

Recommended by Catherine from We Go With Kids

Our visit to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill  allowed us to step back in time and gain a deeper understanding of Roman history.

The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill are located next to the Colosseum in central Rome. Admission to these two interconnected sights was included in our Colosseum tickets .

While most of the remaining structures are in ruins, the remains sparked our imagination of what the governmental, cultural and civic center of Rome looked like thousands of years ago.

Our kids were wowed by the Circus Maximum where the Ben-Hur chariot races took place, the Palace of Domitian and the three columns standing from the Temple of Castor and Pollux.

We also made sure to examine the Arch of Titus, which was an inspiration for the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

We were glad we had a chance to explore these two sights before our Colosseum tour.

For budget visitors or those with limited time, much of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill are visible by walking around the periphery, and we wish we had a chance to see it lit up at night.

Courmayeur in the Italian Alps

Recommended by Gemma from A Girl & Her Dog On The Road

Courmayeur is in the mountainous northern region of the Aosta Valley in Italy, nestled in the Alps, just on the Border with France.

It is perhaps most famous for its dramatic views of Mont Blanc (or Monte Bianco in Italian), upmarket ski resort status and for being a mecca for mountaineers and hikers.

Even for novice walkers, there are some amazing easy day hikes , those through Val Veny and Val Ferret are breathtaking.

Outwith the winter and summer season, this beautifully preserved and traditional alpine village has a friendly and very sleepy vibe.

If you are not a hiker you can get great 360-degree panoramic views from the uniquely rotating Skyway Monte Bianco Cable Car.

Relax in the luxurious QC Terme Spa in nearby village Pre-Saint-Didier with over 40 de-stressing activities, including a massive outdoor thermal spa area with jaw-dropping outlooks.

Enjoy some local Fontina Cheese and Pan Ner (traditional black bread) at one of the many great bars or restaurants. My favourite is family-run Ristorante Chalet Plan Goret (booking advised).

Marvel at the athletic ability and endurance of the competitors taking part in the Tor Des Geants.

This 330km mountain race takes place in September and competitors run a mountainous route that starts and ends in Courmayeur. The carnival atmosphere in the village is fantastic.

Courmayeur is just half an hour away from Chamonix, an hour and a half from Frances ‘Little Venice’ Annecy, and less than an hour from the historical region capital, Aosta.

Rent a car and enjoy discovering all the characterful mountain villages that surround Courmayeur.

Piazza del Duomo in Parma

Recommended by Amélie from Mostly Amélie

Parma is not just for ham! The main square, Piazza del Duomo, is a history-dense and intact medieval masterpiece.

Located well outside the bustle of the city, it’s also a very quiet spot to stop by and admire several sights all at once, most notably the beautiful marble Battistero.

Considered by many as one of the most important Medieval monuments in Europe, it’s an impressive octagonal structure made entirely of pink Verona marble.

The imposing structure of Romanesque-Gothic architecture was built between the 11th and 13th centuries and is covered in intricate sculptures.

But of course, that’s not all. There’s the Bishop Palace to one side of the Piazza, the Diocesan Museum to the other side, and the piece de resistance, the main cathedral, or the Duomo, itself. Here, you can lose yourself for hours in art history.

The main fresco inside of the dome, the Assumption of the Virgin by Correggio, is one of the most mesmerizing Renaissance paintings I have ever seen in my whole life.

Definitely, do light it up by feeding the rather gimmicky coin-operated dome light a euro. It’s totally worth it!

The Royal Palace of Caserta

Recommended by Serena from Serena’s Lenses

The Royal Palace of Caserta is a former royal residence located in Caserta in Southern Italy. It’s one of the largest palaces in Europe with 1200 rooms, 5 floors, a library, and a huge garden.

One may find a resemblance between the Royal Palace of Caserta and the Palace of Versailles outside of Paris and it’s because the Palace of Caserta is modelled after the Palace of Versailles!

It is surprising that the Royal Palace of Caserta is an off the beaten path destination in Italy since it is so beautiful and magnificent.

Potentially it’s overshadowed by Pompeii, another popular tourist destination in Italy and a popular day trip from Naples.

It takes about an hour by train to reach Caserta from Naples and there are frequent train services between the two cities. The palace is a few hundred meters from the train station in Caserta making it very easy to visit.

Since the palace is not very well known for many tourists, there generally is not a crowd especially if you visit later during the day.

For most of the afternoon, you may have the gardens to yourself. Note that the palace is closed every Tuesday. Plan at least 2-3 hours to visit the palace and enjoy the trip.

The Aeolian Archipelago

Few places in Southern Italy are as charming as the Aeolian Islands. This archipelago made of 7 volcanic islands off the coast of Sicily is best visited in the summer months.

It can be reached by a hydrofoil ride departing from Milazzo, a small town near Messina.

It’s the perfect place to go on a sailing trip – but if this is not your thing, there is still plenty to see and do. Each island is different and offers a different experience.

If you are looking for luxury and a bit of pampering, Vulcano may be the place for you. There you will find lots of boutique hotels and luxury resorts, and you will be able to visit the mud baths as well.

An easy hike to the Gran Cratere (great crater) will provide incredible views over Lipari – the biggest island in the archipelago.

Adventure lovers should head to Stromboli , home of the most active volcano in Europe.

The tiny village is the perfect departing point for guided hikes to the craters, from where visitors get to enjoy the regular explosions and to admire one of the most beautiful sunsets they will ever see.

Siracusa, Sicily

Recommended by Marta from Learning Escapes

One of my favourite places in the whole of Italy is the stunning city of Siracusa. Located on the East coast of Sicily, Siracusa  dates back to Greek times and now mixes seamlessly with ancient history, medieval charm, and a modern vibe.

It is a wonderful place to add to your Italian itinerary and one that for many stays as a highlight of their whole trip.

The city has two main areas of interest to the visitor: the old centre, which develops on the small island of Ortigia, and the archaeological park.

Ortigia is small and beautiful. Here you have relatively little traffic and a plethora of small meandering alleys hiding architectural treasures such as the temple of Apollo, the fountain of Arethusa and the impressive duomo.

This one opens up on a large square and is unique as it mixes remains of the ancient temple of Athena with Sicilian baroque style.

The archaeological park has a different vibe from Ortigia but is equally impressive. Here you have Siracusa’s Greek theatre and the infamous Latomie, the quarries where so many prisoners lost their lives when Siracusa ruled the Mediterranean.

The park is a short bus ride away from Ortigia and both can be visited in one day.

If you can, I recommend you visit in spring when the weather is beautiful but not yet too hot and start your day in Ortigia to then see the sunset over Siracusa’s archaeological park.

Recommended by Dhara from It’s Not About the Miles

The enchanting Isle of Capri should definitely be on your itinerary for Italy if you plan to visit the southern region of Campania.

Made up of two towns, Capri and Anacapri, the island is located in the beautiful Bay of Naples. It is easily accessed by ferry from Sorrento or Naples.

In fact, Capri is one of the best day trips from Sorrento you can do. Capri’s beautiful blue waters, elegant villas, and gorgeous gardens will captivate you.

Once on the island, do a boat tour that goes around the island . If the conditions are right, you can visit the famous Blue Grotto!

Your boat will pass through the enormous Faraglioni rocks and past the Capri lighthouse. Then take the funicular up to Capri Town, where you can wander the streets, take in the views of the water, and spend some time in the famous main square, La Piazzetta.

Finally, take the bus up to Anacapri, where you can take the chairlift to the top of Mt. Solaro and visit Villa San Michele, with its lovely terraced gardens.

While in Capri, don’t forget to have a panino caprese for lunch and a slice of torta caprese to follow!

Recommended by Or from My Path In The World

Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway from Milan or taking a road trip through northern Italy , you have to visit Lake Como, the third-largest lake in Italy.

The lake is famous for its Roman villas (luxurious country houses built in Roman times) like Villa Carlotta, Villa d’Este, and Villa Serbelloni.

Nowadays, the villas around the lake are functioning as luxury hotels, museums, conference centers, etc.

The lake is also home to many beautiful towns and villages that are worth exploring. Bellagio and Varenna are probably the most popular ones, but if you have more than one or two days, you can also visit cities and towns like Como, Lecco, and Menaggio.

To enjoy the best of what Lake Como has to offer, I recommend visiting in early autumn. The weather is much more pleasant than in plain summer and there are a lot fewer tourists.

For these reasons, I believe that late spring would also be a great time to visit the lake.

Explore Lake Como – Take a Lake Como and More Day Trip from Milan

Recommended by Kris from Nomad By Trade

In a country full of historic sites, the Pompeii archaeological site is one of the most unique places you can visit and makes a perfect day trip from Naples or Sorrento.

In AD 79, nearby Mt. Vesuvius erupted and buried the city in ash and pumice stone. The layer preserved the city as it was on that day for centuries before excavations began.

Villas, bakeries, religious sites, baths, and more fill the ancient city. Visitors can explore on their own or take tours to see the excavated buildings.

The amphitheater there even holds concerts because the sound quality in it is so good.

Though most of the frescoes and other décor have been removed to be housed in museums and other collections, some of the buildings still have their original wall paintings from all those centuries ago.

Don’t miss the Forum, which houses some of the most impressive ruins in the city and was a central gathering point for its inhabitants.

The eeriest reminder of the devastation here comes in the form of the plaster casts made of the bodies found during excavations.

Many of the people and animals of Pompeii were buried by the ash and pumice and as their bodies decomposed, they left voids in the stone.

These were filled with plaster by archaeologists and give a heartbreaking insight into what their final moments might’ve been like.

Explore Right – Get a Line Skip Entrance Ticket to Pompeii

Mount Vesuvius

Recommended by Kate from Our Escape Clause

When you peer into the crater of Mount Vesuvius, you’re staring into the eye of a beast that once reshaped life along the coast of Campania: in 79 AD, it was this crater that spewed the lava that buried Pompeii and Herculaneum.

Today, visiting Mount Vesuvius is extremely low-risk–the volcano hasn’t erupted since 1944 – but it’s still a bit thrilling to hike along the edge of an active volcano, especially if you pair it with a visit to Pompeii .

The climb from the parking lot where you’ll arrive at Vesuvius, either by car or bus, to the crater, only takes about 20 minutes, but the views of the Bay of Naples, Capri, the Amalfi Coast, and Pompeii below are pretty magnificent.

If you can, definitely visit Mount Vesuvius on a very clear day, as the views truly are one of the best parts of the experience, and haze can disrupt that.

You can visit Mount Vesuvius either via a tour or simply by taking public transportation. If you have a rental car , you can also drive up.

There is a small shop with coffee, drinks, and snacks located in the parking lot of Mount Vesuvius, but we recommend bringing at least a bottle of water along with you.

Additionally, the loose, volcanic sand and gravel can make the hike a bit uncomfortable in sandals, so consider wearing closed-toe shoes when you visit Mount Vesuvius!

Recommended by Chelsea from Pack More Into Life

Volterra is a small hilltop town located in the Tuscan region of Italy. It is about 1.5 hours southwest of Florence by car.

If you are planning a visit to the Tuscan region and have the bigger cities of Siena and San Gimignano (also lovely) on the list, then be sure to add Volterra.

Volterra is a medieval walled city that dates back to the 7th century BC. It features a Roman theater, town square, city hall, Cathedral with Bell Tower, and Etruscan museum.

The highlight is the shops and craftsmen using alabaster to create a variety of items to sell.

Ask to step inside and watch them work away on a masterpiece or string small beads on a delicate bracelet.

Then continue to wander through the city, exploring the Etruscan gates and linger over a delicious Italian lunch at one of the many amazing restaurants.

Looking for more places to visit in Italy or across Europe? Check out my Europe Guide on my blog .

Murano Island

Recommended by Diana from The Elusive Family

As one of the little islands right off the city of Venice, Murano Island is a quaint island, home to the world-famous Murano glass. Hopping on a ferry over to Murano is a quick way to visit the colorful island.

Strolling through the narrow alleys hugging the canals, visitors can pop into one of the numerous shops selling Murano glass.

It comes straight from the source and there is an unlimited assortment of jewelry, wine stoppers, ornaments, and so many other pieces.

Tip: be sure to look for the “Vetro Murano Artistico” trademarks when purchasing authentic Murano glass!

Murano glassmakers have open factory tours where glass blowing demonstrations are common. The history of Murano glass-making is remarkable, as historically, it is one of the most sought after and well-known glass making locations in the world.

Murano glass is found across royal palaces and homes across the world, and its immense beauty and precision making is considered unique to its history and craftsmanship.

Apart from visiting glass making factories, stopping at the Chiesa di San Pietro Martire as well as the Basilica dei Santi Maria e Donato is well worth a visit.

Finally, simply wandering the quiet canals, which differ a bit from Venetian canals, make for a memorable visit to Murano Island.

Explore Beautiful Murano –   Take a Boat Tour of Murano and More

The Leaning Tower of Pisa

Recommended by Daisy from Beyond My Border

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is an iconic symbol that represents the century-old architecture of Italy.

Much like the ancient streets of Rome and the water canals in Venice, the Tower of Pisa is a must-visit for anyone embarking on a trip across Italy.

Pisa is an adorable city that lies in Tuscany. It’s an hour and a half away from Florence, making it a great day trip that’s easily accessible with one of the 45 Regionale trains between the two cities.

Between the green fields and the bright blue skies, Pisa lies peacefully amongst the undulating country lanes.

I spent a few days in Florence during my 15-day trip across Italy . Between the gelatos and cheese buns, we managed to squeeze half a day in for a tour around Pisa.

We arrived in the city at around 10 in the morning and saw the crowds of tourists heading towards Piazza del Duomo.

Without a doubt, we should have come at an earlier time to avoid travelers! (This first train from Florence to Pisa leaves at 5:30 am)

Before heading to the main square, we decided to stop at a little shop to grab some bread for lunch.

This turned out to be a great idea, as many people were seen laying around the lawn by the Leaning Tower to enjoy a snack of their own.

Do indulge in the beautiful views of Pisa, wander along the small streets, and catch a bite at one of the many cafes that have a view of the Piazza. It really doesn’t get more beautiful than that!

Explore Pisa Right –  Book a Line Skip Ticket to Climb the Tower + Visit the Cathedral

Recommended by Annabel from Smudged Postcard

If you’re visiting Rome in the summertime and you’d like a break from the city heat, hilltop Frascati is a quick and easy day or evening trip by train from Italy’s capital.

In Frascati , once the sun sets (which it does in quite a magnificent fashion), unassuming street corners are transformed into eateries and diners flock in.

Some places serve just food while others, the cantine (wine cellars), serve just wine so you’re welcome to bring your own drinks or your own dinner.

People buy food from one of the many porchetta stalls where all manner of pork products, a regional speciality, are on sale.

Takeaway pizza is also popular and it’s all washed down with litres of the local Frascati white wine.

Hilltop Frascati is buzzing during summer weekends: families and friends come together for an evening passeggiata through the elegant streets: it is the perfect antidote to Italy’s hot and busy capital.

We enjoyed staying in Frascati during the summer and visiting Rome for the day, but plenty of people do the opposite and visit Frascati for dinner before heading back to the city (30 minutes by train).

If you’re visiting Rome in the summer with children, nearby volcanic Lake Albano is the perfect place for a refreshing swim.

The Markets of Palermo

Recommended by Lance & Laura from Travel Addicts

The Italian city of Palermo is the capital of the state of Sicily. It’s also one of the most popular destinations in Italy. With a rich history, beautiful architecture, and delicious food, Palermo makes one of the best cities to visit.

Palermo is most known for the historic Arab-Norman Cathedrals – gorgeous houses of worship that blend Catholic, Islamic, Jewish and Byzantine elements.

However, between the cathedrals and tucked in the narrow lanes of the old town is Palermo’s real highlight: the markets.

Being closer to Africa than most of Europe, Palermo’s markets feel more like bazaars and souks than the food markets of Europe.

Many European markets feel like made-for-tourist experiences, but in the Ballaro, Vucciria, and Capo markets of Palermo, you’ll rub shoulders with locals.

No visit would be complete without experiencing the city’s local cuisine in the markets. There’s sfincione, a half-loaf of focaccia bread with olive oil, crushed tomatoes, and onions.

This is the dish that inspired Sicilian pizza. There’s pane e panelle – deep-fried chickpea fritters. And there’s crocche – fried potato croquettes. Eating your way through Palermo’s markets is one of the best places to visit in Italy.

Colonna Palace in Rome

Recommended by Tom from Travel Past 50

Palazzo Colonna stands out from almost every other historic Roman church, museum, or palace because it is still a private residence.

It’s open with limited visiting hours, but four Colonna brothers and their families still live in the palace.

In the 13th Century, a Count from outside of Rome settled on this property which then encompassed all the Quirinal Hill, ruins of the giant Serapis Temple, and Trajan’s Column.

In the ensuing years, the family’s land and importance increased through marriage, acquisition, ties with the church, and political and military successes.

While following the Colonna family history through the centuries, visitors can admire the important art collection and architectural developments of the Colonna Palace.

The collection’s prized pieces include Bruegels (younger and elder) in a roomful of Dutch paintings and a wealth of 15th through 18th Century depictions of Italy.

The art collection is enhanced by magnificent marble floors and impressive Baroque furnishings. The Pavilion Room showcases intriguing grotesque-style paintings hearkening back to ancient times.

The private chapel reveals the personal religious practices of the family, and the throne room is arranged not for princely audiences, but for papal visits.

The statue-lined Great Gallery Hall features an exception trompe l’oeil ceiling.

Recommended by Laura from What’s Hot?

Ravello is a lesser-known Italian town that you need to add to your itinerary if you’re visiting the Amalfi Coast.

It sits high above the coastline and its extraordinary beauty has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status.

Think small cobbled streets, authentic local Italian cafes, plazas with small churches, and the sea right at your feet.

It’s a small town so it’s very doable in as a day trip or even just an afternoon. There are a couple of beautiful churches and sanctuaries worth checking out but the crown jewel is Villa Cimbrone.

This stunning villa dates back over a thousand years and you’ll feel like you’ve gone back in time.

The Villa’s terrace, Terrazzo dell’Infinito (Terrace of Infinity) looks over the sea and is bordered by ancient statues. If you can visit at sunset, you’ll be in for a romantic treat as the pink sunset from here is one of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen.

If you’re staying down by the sea on the Amalfi Coast then you’ll want to get the bus up here.

It is possible to walk from one of the towns below, such as Minori, but whilst the path is not long in terms of distance, it is very, very steep.

I would recommend walking your way down though as the views are stunning!

Recommended by Sherrie from  Travel By A Sherrie Affair

The Italian lakes are known throughout the world; however, many are only familiar with Lake Garda, Lake Como, and Lake Maggiore.

Lago d’Iseo is the 4th largest lake in Italy and is located close to Lake Garda, only one and a half hours from Milan, two and a half hours from Venice.

Cool, beautiful water with mountain views makes this lake in Italy a perfect place to visit or live.

Our experience of seeing Lago d’Iseo for the first time was love at first sight. Lago d’Iseo is not as touristy as the other lakes.

It is surrounded by the Franciacorta wine region and with views that are spectacular! In the middle of the lake sits an island called Mont Isola, Europe’s largest lake island.

Voted the 3trd best European destination for 2019, this island is only accessible by boat but filled with fun villages to explore.

Lago d’Iseo has relaxing restaurants and shopping that surround the island in several different villages. The drive around the entire lake is fun with winding roads and tunnels through mountains.

Hikers will love the challenge of hiking by using the old Roman pathway and seeing the magnificent views.

Lago d’ Iseo is often referred to as the pearl of Italy and we discovered and love its beauty, so much we decided to purchase a villa ourselves!

Civita di Bagnoregio

Recommended by Annalisa from Travel Connect Experience

Civita di Bagnoregio is a tiny town in Central Italy in between the regions Toscana and Umbria. The city has about 2500 years of history, but today counts only ten dwellers.

Geological studies are controlling the slow and continuous hollow of the ground which gained the town the name “the fading city”.

Civita rises dramatically on a tuff spur in the middle of a valley of typical clay rocks called “calanchi”, and it’s said to have inspired Japanese illustrator Miyazaki’s hanging city “Laputa”.

To reach the city walls, you’ll have to walk on a 300 mt long bridge which builds anticipation for what you will see inside the only gate.

The medieval town is perfectly preserved and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys.

You’ll have the feeling you are strolling around an abandoned city, even if there are a few restaurants and shops, a church, and two museums.

You can get there taking a train to Viterbo or Orvieto and the public bus “Cotral” to Civita di Bagnoregio. The entrance fee is around €5. This destination can be a day trip from Rome .

Recommended by Louis from The Northern Boy

Do you want to visit one of the most awesome places in Italy – Lake Garda. This stunning lake in Italy is one of the most stunning locations I ever saw.

It is probably one of the most popular places to see in Italy and it’s no wonder with its picturesque setting.

I spent 4 nights in Lake Garda attending a wedding in what was a surreal setting. Also, I can say I got to see some of the best things of what Lake Garda offers.

If you’re visiting Lake Garda, my recommendation is to stay at one of the Euro camps. It’s the cheapest and most fun. It’s also perfect for those of you on a family holiday.

Whilst staying on this epic lake in Italy, you have to drive around the amazing roads and discover some of the history this region offers.

All around the lake you can find little villages that have unique settings and places to visit. For example, you could find yourself visiting an ancient church or one of the amazing restaurants dotted around Lake Garda.

My personal top tips are:

• Stay on a euro camp
• Visit here during summer
• Try and make your way to Lake Como

Things to Consider When Visiting Italy

Before you start trip planning, you should consider a few details for your trip – from weather and climate to language, currency, and more!

General Information About Italy

Italy is located in southern Europe – it’s a very long country shaped like a high-heeled boot.

Because of its unique shape and place in Europe, Italy has a bunch of different geographical features from the Italian Alps (mountains) in the north, tranquil lakes in the middle, and a drier, more rocky coast at the bottom as it enters the Mediterranean Sea.

Italy has a very long and fascinating history – with Ancient Rome having played a significant role in shaping the continent of Europe. 

The language spoken in Italy is Italian – but you can get by with English in most tourist areas like Rome, Venice, and Florence.

However, it’s always good to take the time to learn a few simple words like hello – “Buongiorno”, please – “per favore”, thank you “grazie”, and goodbye “ciao”!

Today, Italy is part of the EU and the Schengen Zone. The currency used in Italy is the Euro which makes it easy if you are also travelling to other countries in the region!

Speaking of money, since Italy is so popular – do watch your pockets and your belongings when travelling.

There are lots of tourist traps to be aware of in Rome, Venice, and other popular centres (speaking from experience here).

Best Time of Year to Visit Italy

The answer to the question “What is the best time to visit Italy” is: it depends. It really depends on which places you plan to visit and what activities you want to do.

Italy is a pretty big country with various geographical differences between the north and south.

The best time to visit the Italian Alps in the north is different from the best time for Tuscany, the lake district or the Adriatic coast as it extends south into the Mediterranean Sea.

That said, the summer months from late May to the end of August are the peak time to visit most areas of the country.

The weather is generally consistently hot and sunny. However, while it’ll be nice outside, the crowds will be absolutely atrocious in the city centres.

Even smaller, popular rural towns and lakes will have their share of humans during these months.

We’d suggest (if you can) travelling in the shoulder season from March to mid-May and then again in September and October.

The weather (especially in the south) will still be warm and pleasant and the crowds will not be at their peak. 

Obviously, if you want to ski in the Alps, then aim for January or March for the least precipitation but still cold temps and good conditions. Basically: summer in Italy is crazy busy. Period.

Getting Around Italy

If you aren’t staying in one place when you visit Italy, you’ve got options to get around the country. You could fly – but the countryside is beautiful and worth seeing!

That said, the trains in Italy are pretty good. You can learn about the train system, plan journeys, and book tickets at the official ItaliaRail website .

The country is also well-connected via buses – with FlixBus a top choice for cheap, safe, and reliable transport between larger centres.

If you want to have the freedom to roam, you might consider renting a car in Italy and driving yourself across the country. Driving is done on the right and the highways are pretty good to get you large distances in a hurry.

Smaller, more rural and country roads are also good – but as in lots of countries, the smaller, more “off the beaten path” you get, the less reliable the roads can be.

Once you are in a city, you might take the public transport system to get around – and each city has unique ways to get around.

In Venice, you can make use of the water taxis . In Rome, you might opt for more of a hop-on hop-off bus ticket to get around and learn as you go.

You might be best just wandering on a walking tour to explore the Colosseum and the city !

Accommodations In Italy

If you are looking for places to stay in Italy, you will certainly have your pick!

The country is full of a healthy mix of hotels, guesthouses, apartments, hostels, private villas, and more. It really depends on where you are looking to stay.

Many cities specialize in hotels while the more rural areas or areas by the lakes or coast have holiday apartments and villas for rent. To each their own!

If you are planning a trip to Italy, you can check for accommodations in Rome , Florence , Milan , and Venice  – just to get you started.

You might also be looking to backpack around the country and stay on a tighter budget, in which case you can find hostels in Italy here .

In a post on unique hostels across Europe, you can read about a recommended B&B hostel – Mosi Firenze , which is located in Florence!

And there you have it – a rundown of some of the top attractions in Italy! In the end, the country is loaded with amazing sights, attractions, towns, and vibrant cities.

It can be overwhelming to plan a trip! Just keep in mind your interests and your timelines and we have no doubt that you will put together an Italian trip that works perfectly for you!

• Compare flights on Skyscanner
• Check for Hotel Deals or Book A Hostel
• Get A Rental Car (depending on the destination)
• Research plug types and possibly get a travel adapter
• Go over our packing list

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Top Cities to Visit

The 15 Best Cities in Italy

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

If you're planning your first trip to Italy, you may be undecided as to which cities to visit. It's a tough decision, for good reason—Italy's cities offer an enticing mix of scenery, historic and ancient sites, museums and of course, great cuisine and ambiance. What's more, Italy's major cities can easily be visited by train .

The amount of time you have in Italy will likely dictate how many places you can visit there. Many travelers choose the classic itinerary of Rome, Florence, and Venice, perhaps with a side trip through Tuscany. Yet there are so many great places to discover in Italy, it's hard to narrow down any list of "best" cities. But try we must! These are our picks for the top ten Italian cities, each with its own special character and appeal.

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

Rome is the capital of Italy and most likely, your first stop in the country. Rome offers a dazzling variety of sights and experiences. At every turn, you'll discover ancient monuments, ornate medieval and Baroque churches, beautiful fountains, art-filled museums, and Renaissance palaces. The ancient Colosseum is one of the most iconic sites in the world, and modern Rome is a bustling and lively city and has some excellent restaurants and nightlife. Saint Peter's Square and the Vatican City are also easily visited when in Rome.

Unlike anyplace else in the world, Venice is a unique city built over the water in the middle of a lagoon. Venice is one of Italy's most beautiful and romantic cities as well as one of the most popular for visitors to Italy. The heart of Venice is Piazza San Marco with its magnificent church, Saint Mark's Basilica . There are numerous museums, palaces, and churches to visit, and wandering along Venice's canals and getting lost in its maze of narrow streets is always enchanting. Venice is in the northeast of Italy and historically was a bridge between East and West—its architecture retains a Byzantine feel not really found elsewhere in Italy.

Florence is one of Italy's most important Renaissance architectural and art centers. Its Duomo and Baptistery are magnificent but crowded with tourists, as is the large piazza. Florence has several excellent museums with many famous paintings and sculptures, including Michelangelo's "David" and Botticelli's "Birth of Venus." There are also Medici palaces and gardens. Florence is in the region of Tuscany and is the gateway for exploring Tuscany's smaller cities and countryside.

Milan, one of Europe's wealthiest cities, is known for stylish shops, galleries, and restaurants and has a faster pace of life than most Italian cities. It also has a rich artistic and cultural heritage. Its Gothic Duomo, with its beautiful marble facade, is magnificent. Da Vinci's painting of  The Last Supper is one of Milan's top attractions and La Scala is one of the world's most famous opera houses.

Capri has charmed royalty, artists, and celebrities alike with its gorgeous beaches, many gardens, and restaurants. Situated in the Bay of Naples, Capri is a year-round destination that is bursting with tourists every summer. Be sure to get on the water to explore the sea caves (Blue Grotto is a must) and rock formations. On land, consider visiting the famed Villa San Michele before enjoying some high-end shopping, excellent pasta, and a limoncello. Or two.

Naples is one of Italy's most vibrant cities. It lies on the coast south of Rome and is the most important city in southern Italy. Naples retains much of its Baroque character and is a starting point for trips to Pompeii, Herculaneum , and the Amalfi Coast. It holds many historical and artistic treasures, and is famous for its pizza and desserts!

Bologna is known for its beauty, wealth, cuisine, and left-wing politics. Its flat streets are lined with arcades, making it a good walking city in every kind of weather. It has one of Europe's oldest universities. a nice medieval center, and several attractive squares, lined with buildings with porticoes. Bologna is the biggest city in northern Italy's Emilia-Romagna region and its Piazza Maggiore is one of the biggest squares in Europe. Even among Italians, it's considered the culinary capital of the country.

Verona is most recognized as the setting for "Romeo and Juliet" but it's also famous for its Roman Arena (the third-largest in Italy and the venue for a top opera festival. Verona has a good medieval center, Roman remains, an interesting castle complex, and lots of high-end shopping. It's the fourth most visited city in Italy and well worth a stop on a northern Italy train travel itinerary .

A popular day trip from Rome, Orvieto is a striking hill town in Umbria. It's built on volcanic plateau with near-vertical cliff faces and has a long, rich history. One of Orvieto's main highlights is the Duomo. It took close to 400 years to complete and is a masterpiece of medieval architecture. There's also a network of caves and tunnels underneath the city that have been in use for more than two millennia. Tours of Underground Orvieto are available; they leave daily and last for 45 minutes.

Built into a seaside cliff in the middle of Italy’s gorgeous Amalfi Coast, Positano is now a popular resort destination perfect for romance. Its mild climate make this a year-round destiantion but Positano most crowded from April to October. Beyond strolling through town admiring the colorful houses vistors can enjoy fresh seafood, do some shopping at boutiques, or relax at pebble and sand beaches. There are also several hiking options from Positano that follow the coast or go deeper inland.

Turin (Torino), in the Piedmont region of northwest Italy, is a major cultural hub with excellent museums, elegant shops, and good restaurants. There are also some very nice examples of Baroque architecture and historic palaces, famous coffee houses, artisan workshops, and streets with covered arcades.

Genoa is Italy's principal seaport, located in Liguria on the northwest coast of Italy. Genoa has a fascinating modern aquarium, an interesting port area, and a historic center said to be the largest medieval quarter in Europe, with a wealth of churches, palaces, and museums.

Perugia, in central Italy's Umbria region , is a very cosmopolitan city and home to two universities. It hosts a world-famous jazz festival in the summer and its University for Foreigners is a great place to learn Italian. It's a walled city on a hilltop with great views over the valley and has several important monuments and a good central square. Its history goes back to the 9th century B.C.

Cinque Terre

OK, the Cinque Terre is technically five villages but considering that the group as a whole is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, all of them are worth a visit. And they're so close to together that visitors can walk from one town into the next without much effort. This popular tourist destination is famous for the colorful buildings, fresh seafood, impressive hikes, and stunning views. Corniglia is smallest and one of the least crowded villages (it lacks sea access) while Monterosso is the largest and busiest.

Parma may not be on most tourists' radar but the Northern Italian city offers noteworthy food, architecture, and art. Foodies will delight in tasting Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and Parma ham in addition to stuffed pasta. Meanwhile, architecture lovers will be spoiled by the wide-ranging styles on display here. Especially the pink marble Baptistery. That's in addition to a museum of artifacts from the Middle Ages and a national gallery of art with collections spanning 600 years.

Traveling by Train in Italy

Travel between big cities is best done by train as driving in Italian cities may be very difficult and the extensive Italian rail system is fairly inexpensive. Most city centers are well-suited to walking and parts of the city centers are closed to cars without permits. Large Italian cities generally have good public transportation, too.

The Top 23 Things to Do in Italy

The Most Romantic Places in Italy

The 15 Best Destinations in Italy

Where to Go on Italy's Mediterranean Coast

5 Must-See Towns on Italy's Amalfi Coast

Best Places to Go in Northern Italy's Veneto Region

Top 6 Tourist Attractions in Italy

The 14 Best Day Trips from Rome

Your Trip to Milan: The Complete Guide

The Most Beautiful Castles in Italy

Best Italian Lakes to Visit on Your Vacation

Italian Nativity Displays and Christmas Scenes

20 Best Things to Do in Florence, Italy

Siena Guide: Planning Your Trip

Your Trip to the Amalfi Coast: The Complete Guide

Italy UNESCO World Heritage Sites - Southern Italy

Touropia Travel

Discover the World

14 Best Places to Visit in Southern Italy

By Alex Schultz · Last updated on February 5, 2024

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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Exploring The Beauty Of Italy: Top 4 Must-See Attractions

Italy is a country with a rich history, stunning architecture, delicious cuisine, and beautiful landscapes.

From the ancient ruins of Pompeii to the towering heights of Mount Vesuvius, there are plenty of amazing places to visit in Italy.

In this article, we will explore four top attractions in Italy that you must see when you visit this beautiful country.

The Colosseum, Rome

The Colosseum is one of the most iconic structures in Rome, and it's a must-visit for anyone interested in ancient Roman history.

This massive amphitheater was built over 2,000 years ago and could hold up to 50,000 spectators.

It was the site of many gladiator battles, wild animal hunts, and other public spectacles.

Today, you can tour the Colosseum and learn about its history and significance. You can also explore the underground tunnels where the gladiators and animals were held before their battles.

Be sure to book your tickets in advance to avoid long lines.

The Vatican City, Rome

The Vatican City is a tiny, independent city-state located within the city of Rome. It's the smallest country in the world, but it's also one of the most important centers of Christianity.

The Vatican City is home to many amazing attractions, including St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums.

When you visit the Vatican City, be sure to take a guided tour to learn about its history and significance. You can also climb to the top of St. Peter's Basilica for stunning views of the city.

And don't forget to visit the Sistine Chapel to see Michelangelo's incredible frescoes.

Things To Do In Pompeii

Pompeii is an ancient Roman city that was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The city was buried under layers of ash and pumice, which preserved many of its buildings and artifacts.

Today, Pompeii is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a fascinating place to visit.

When you visit, there are several things to do in Pompeii , you can explore the ruins of the city and see how the ancient Romans lived.

You can see the remains of houses, public buildings, and even a brothel.

You can also see plaster casts of the eruption's victims, which give a haunting glimpse into the city's final moments.

Mount Vesuvius Tickets

Mount Vesuvius is the volcano that destroyed Pompeii and is still an active volcano today. Visitors can hike to the summit of the volcano to see incredible views of the surrounding landscape.

The hike is challenging but rewarding, and it's a unique way to experience the natural beauty of Italy.

Before you book Mount Vesuvius tickets, be sure to purchase your tickets in advance.

You can buy tickets online or at the entrance to the park. And be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water for the hike.

Italy is a beautiful country with many amazing attractions to explore.

From the ancient ruins of Pompeii to the towering heights of Mount Vesuvius, there are plenty of unique experiences to be had.

Whether you're interested in history, art, or natural beauty, Italy has something for everyone.

When you visit Italy, be sure to plan ahead and book your tickets in advance. Many popular attractions, like the Colosseum and Mount Vesuvius, can have long lines and wait times.

But with a little bit of planning, you can make the most of your time in this incredible country.

The post Exploring The Beauty Of Italy: Top 4 Must-See Attractions appeared first on Kellys Thoughts On Things .