Planning a trip to Italy? Check out this list of the best places to visit during your trip to Italy.
Italy, oh beautiful, wonderful, and lovely Italy! So, uh hey guys… And welcome to my amazing (at least I thought so myself) article on the best places to visit in Italy!
Italy is one of the most popular destinations in the world and it really isn’t that hard to understand why. You can literally find everything in Italy, whether you want to explore lovely cities, impressive landscapes, or charming islands.
Do you want to spend your time in Italy relaxing on long sandy beaches, exploring historical sights, shopping in designer shops, or tasting world-class food? No problem, you can actually do it all on a single trip to Italy. That sounds great, doesn’t it?
As you can see, there are so many great reasons to travel to Italy! But do you know where to stay in Italy? If not, you should read this list of the very best places to visit in Italy. I promise you’ll not be disappointed!
Table of Contents
1. Rome
A trip to Italy isn’t complete without visiting the Italian capital of Rome. Although it’s obviously a big city, it’s still one of the most romantic cities in the world that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime.
Rome has been an important center of power, culture, and religion for more than 2,500 years and is filled with history, ruins, art, and architecture.
The Italian capital is best known for its world-famous attractions such as the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Spanish Steps, and the Vatican City. But you must also not forget to explore the cozy little streets, the delicious Italian food and wine, the fashion boutiques, and the modern areas of Rome.
2. Cinque Terre
The Cinque Terre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and consists of the five villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Riomaggiore, Manarola, and Corniglia. The colorful villages cling impressively to the steep cliffs of the Mediterranean along a stretch of coastline with some of the most beautiful landscapes in Italy.
Cinque Terre is definitely one of the best places to visit in Italy. And did you know that it’s also a perfect place to shoot some amazing Instagram photos?
The villages of the Cinque Terre are located close to each other and are connected by one of Italy’s most popular hiking trails. The steep surroundings contribute to the fact that there isn’t any direct road between the villages and therefore you cannot just drive. You’ll have to either walk from town to town, sail along the coast or take a short train ride through a myriad of tunnels.
3. Verona
Verona is one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in Italy with lots of history, culture, and delicious taste experiences. It was already an important city about two thousand years ago when Julius Caesar traveled here on vacation. Verona is also the city where Shakespeare’s tragic love story of Romeo and Juliet takes place in the 16th century.
Piazza Bra is the compact historic center of Verona with a myriad of restaurants, sculptures, and ancient buildings. The most popular attraction is the Arena di Verona, which is believed to be one of the absolute best-preserved amphitheaters in the world. So, forget about the Colosseum in Rome and visit this fascinating amphitheater in Verona instead.
Also, don’t forget to discover the invented sites from the love story of Romeo and Juliet. Find the balcony of Juliet’s house, the tomb of the fictional characters and so much more.
4. Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast stretches along the southern part of the Sorrento Peninsula and is another popular destination in Italy inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Amalfi Coast is said to be one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the world. Her you’ll find breathtaking views, picturesque coastal towns, lemon and orange groves, lush valleys, dramatic cliffs, and the sparkling turquoise sea.
One of the most beautiful and romantic towns along the Amalfi Coast is Positano. Here you’ll find pebble beaches and pastel-colored houses in the steep cliffs. In contrast, the largest town along the coast is Amalfi, which offers cozy squares with fashion boutiques and a myriad of world-class restaurants.
Finally, the city of Sorrento has been one of the most popular cities for tourists for many years. The city is located on a cliff with a great view of the bay and the island of Capri.
5. Pisa
When hearing the word Pisa, you probably immediately think of the world-famous symbol of the city, the Leaning Tower of Pisa. But Pisa offers much more than the opportunity to take the most iconic picture in all of Italy. Yes, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is spectacular and of course, you must not forget to experience the tower. But the ancient medieval city of Pisa also offers historical ruins, Roman remains, and a great atmosphere that you must not miss.
Spending an entire day in Pisa is easy with the many attractions and sights. An absolute must-see is Piazza dei Miracoli, which is the historical, cultural, and religious heart of the city with all the most famous sights of Pisa.
Most travelers only choose to make a quick stop in Pisa on their way from Florence to the Cinque Terre. But Pisa is worth a visit when you’re in Italy, especially if you’re already nearby.
6. Sicily
Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean and offers the best of all that Italy has to offer. Long white sandy beaches, charming towns, beautiful landscapes, lush vineyards, dormant volcanoes, historical sights, and amazing dining experiences. The climate is pleasant and sunny all year round and the locals are very friendly.
Over time, the island’s strategic location in the Mediterranean has been extremely popular and therefore Sicily has been under many different dominions throughout history. The Romans, Greeks, Arabs, and many other ethnic groups have all left their own unique influence on the island.
The so-called capital of Sicily is the city of Palermo, which is a thriving cultural city with lots of exciting things to do and attractive nightlife. You can also visit Taormina, a beautiful town located on a cliff with an extremely stunning view.
If you want to be active, you can hike up the giant craters of Mount Etna. Etna is the largest active volcano in Europe and is notorious for having a fierce temper. There are rarely many years between the aggressive eruptions of the volcano.
7. Naples
Naples is the largest city in southern Italy and has unfortunately gained a slightly bad reputation. It may seem like an insanely chaotic city, but what else to expect from one of the most densely populated cities in Europe?
Still, there’s something about the city’s worn and dilapidated palaces and medieval castles that creates a completely unique authentic atmosphere. Naples is often called the hometown of Pizza because this is where the pizza was invented! So, of course, it’s obvious to eat the world’s best pizzas when you’re in town anyway.
Naples is full of exciting sights and is surrounded by beautiful nature and the volcano Mount Vesuvius. In the historic center of the city, you’ll find a myriad of museums, art galleries, underground corridors, palaces, shops, and restaurants. Do not forget to visit the Theatro San Carlo, which dates back to 1737 and is the oldest opera in the world. A short drive from Naples you’ll find Pompeii, a fascinating missing city that was excavated under a volcano.
8. Lake Garda
Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy and is one of the very best places to visit in Italy too. The lake is located approximately midway between the cities of Venice and Milan. It is safely located between the large mountains that provide the area with shelter and a pleasant climate. There’s fantastic nature at Lake Garda, especially on the mountainous northern stretches.
Lake Garda offers a myriad of hotels, holiday homes, and campsites in all price ranges. When visiting Lake Garda, you can enjoy your holiday with a swim, sunbathing, diving or perhaps a boat trip on the lovely lake.
You can also explore the surrounding nature with the many vineyards and mountains or the idyllic seaside resorts with monuments, shops, and restaurants. Or how about taking an excursion to romantic Venice or fashionable Milan? The possibilities are endless on Lake Garda and it’s a perfect destination in Italy for families as there’s something for everyone.
9. Genoa
Genoa is the largest port city in Italy and was already one of the country’s most important port areas back in the 12th century. In fact, this was where one of the world’s most famous adventurers of all time was born, Christopher Columbus himself. Genoa is easily overlooked in the shadow of Rome, Venice, and Florence, but that’s a bit of a shame because it’s a great city.
Genoa is home to one of the largest medieval neighborhoods in Europe with narrow and winding streets, colorful houses, and beautiful palaces. There’s so much beauty in Genoa that the city is often called la Superba, which means the magnificent one.
Of course, you must experience life in the port environment, but you must also not miss visiting the Aquarium of Genoa, known as the largest aquarium in Europe. In addition, you can also experience several exciting museums, ancient palaces, churches and much more.
10. Milan
Milan is known for being the fashion capital of Italy with all the shops you could ever dream of in any price range. But Milan offers much more than shopping! It is also a paradise for anyone who loves art and culture.
Milan was severely damaged by bombings during World War II but was later rebuilt and is today one of the richest cities in Europe. Unfortunately, this has meant that large parts of the city have been replaced by boring skyscrapers and high-rise buildings. Milan thus no longer feels like a typical Italian city, but fear not, there are still plenty of historical and cultural experiences that hide just below the surface.
Visit one of the world’s largest cathedrals, the Duomo di Milano or Milan’s most beautiful square, the Palazzo Marino. Inside the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, you can experience Leonardo da Vinci’s world-famous masterpiece “The Last Supper”. Go shopping on the exclusive shopping street Via Monte Napoleone or visit the more affordable streets Corso Buenos Aires and Corso Vercelli.
11. Sardinia
Sardinia is the second-largest island in the Mediterranean and is often called Europe’s answer to the Caribbean islands. In my opinion, though, it’s a bit exaggerated. However, there’s no doubt that it is an obvious place to go on a beach holiday in Italy. The island’s great contrasts make it a popular destination in Italy for any type of traveler, whether you are the active or relaxing type.
Sardinia is known for its long white sandy beaches and the crystal clear emerald green sea, which is said to be the purest water in the Mediterranean. It is an obvious place to snorkel, especially in the smaller bays and the nature reserve Bidderosa. The sardine also offers fantastic opportunities for cycling and hiking in the beautiful mountainous nature found everywhere on the island.
During your trip to Sardinia, do not forget to visit the medieval town of Bosa, which is influenced by the many different cultures that have lived in Sardinia over time. It is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy and is located on a small mountain overlooking the Mediterranean. You can also find many other charming towns on the island such as the seaside resort of Budoni, cozy Alghero, and beautiful Castelsardo.
12. Florence
Florence is the art capital of Italy. The entire city is one huge outdoor museum with one of the largest concentrations of art treasures in the world. This was where the Renaissance was born and many of the world’s greatest geniuses lived here hundreds of years ago. Individuals such as Leonardo da Vinci, Donatello, Michelangelo, and Dante Alighieri all had their daily walk in Florence.
The city’s famous cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore stands in the middle of the city and is an absolute must-see. The cathedral’s large dome towers high above the city and has become a popular landmark for Florence. The narrow medieval streets meander from the cathedral, creating a maze of charming alleys, old squares, and beautiful buildings. It’s easy to get lost in the small streets, but this is exactly what you need to do if you want to experience the real Florence.
13. Venice
I cannot write an article about the best places to visit in Italy, without mentioning the world-famous Venice. It is one of the most romantic and enchanting cities in the world. It’s just one of those places you must experience at least once in your life. Venice is built on 118 small islands and is supported only by poles in the middle of a lagoon. The many islands are connected by hundreds of beautiful bridges and idyllic canals.
Step into a gondola and go on a boat trip in Venice’s beautiful canals, which offer an experience of a lifetime. Enjoy the view along the Grand Canal as you sail past a myriad of pastel-colored buildings, sumptuous palaces, and romantic bridges. It feels almost completely unreal, but it’s real, this is Venice in all its glory!
Visit St. Mark’s Square which is one of the world’s most famous squares or St. Mark’s Church, a beautiful and popular attraction in Venice. Also, do not forget to take a walk across the Rialto Bridge, one of the oldest bridges in Venice. As you can see there’s a myriad of exciting things to do in Venice and this was just a small selection of them.
Read more: The Very Best Things to Do in Venice
14. Lake Como
Lake Como is located just an hour’s drive from Milan and is one of the most beautiful lakes in all of Italy, if not the most beautiful. It is located at the foot of the Alps, which creates a picturesque and scenic background. The lake’s clear deep blue water is perfect for water dogs and water sports practitioners who love to frolic in the water. Lake Como is shaped like the letter Y and is so narrow that you can see all the way to the towns on the other side of the lake.
Along the shore, there are lush forests as well as a myriad of colorful and charming towns right on the water. Visit Menaggio with its colorful houses or the artist town of Bellagio, which is often described as the most beautiful place on Lake Como. Other popular cities include the fishing town of Varenna, the industrial town of Como, and the adventurous Lecco.
Romance flourishes on Lake Como and it’s hard not to be gripped by the atmosphere. It’s also one of the best places to visit in Italy for celebrities, several of whom have had a house by the lake.
15. Siena
A trip to Siena is like a trip back to the Middle Ages. When you step behind the old city walls, you’ll be amazed at how little has changed since the city’s heyday in the 13th and 14th centuries. It’s as if time has stood still in the small Italian town, which is located on 3 hills in central Tuscany. The historic center of Siena is so well-preserved that it has earned a well-deserved place on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Siena is like being taken out of an adventure with a maze of narrow streets and alleys, Gothic churches, ancient palaces, and medieval squares. Start your visit to Italy’s most beautiful square, Piazza del Campo, a large clam-shaped square surrounded by ancient buildings. Then head up to the 102-meter-high bell tower Torre del Mangia which offers a beautiful view of the city’s roofs.
So that was my list of the best places to visit in Italy. What is your favorite place to stay in Italy? And which destination would you like to visit the next time you travel to Italy? Feel free to leave a comment.
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