Italy is a favorite of many. Not without reason, as the country has almost every characteristic natural sight from high mountains to wonderful coastlines. Its historical past awaits us with countless monuments.
Italy has been the home of many well-known, influential European cultures, such as the Etruscans, Greeks, and Romans.
It is one of the most visited countries in the world. Its tourist appeal is very diverse, with cultural, archaeological, natural sights, as well as winter and summer sports and vacation opportunities making it an attractive destination.
Table of Contents
Best places in Italy
Tuscany
Perhaps the most beautiful and authentic region of Italy. It’s impossible to select just one specific place; the entire region deserves to be on the list.
Tuscany boasts significant historical heritage due to the Etruscans and became a true cultural center for the arts and literature in the Middle Ages.
Its main city, Florence, rightly called the cradle of the Renaissance, is detailed separately on the list below.
The wonderful countryside hills hide one of the most famous wine varieties, Chianti. Among these vine-covered hills, beautiful villages and towns are nestled.
Amalfi Coast
The stretch of coast south of Naples is one of Italy’s most visited areas.
The steep cliffs offer breathtaking views of the sea, and visitors are enchanted by the sight of mountains rising over 1000 meters in the area.
The central part, including the towns of Amalfi, Positano, and Ravello, situated on the hillside, forms the iconic image of the Amalfi Coast.
If you enjoy hiking, don’t miss the Path of the Gods. This nearly 8 km trail offers stunning views at every turn, rightfully making it one of Europe’s most beautiful hiking routes.
Rome
The capital, which was perhaps the most significant city of the ancient world, is a must-visit.
As the center of the Roman Empire, ancient buildings and monuments are found at every turn. Don’t limit your list to just the Colosseum or the Pantheon; Rome offers much more!
Its significance is further enhanced by the Vatican, whose museum collection is among the most important and largest in the world.
Milan
One of the capitals of fashion, Milan, cannot be missed among the most beautiful places.
Popular with tourists, Milan’s main attractions are located in the city center, making them easily accessible on foot. The Cathedral, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Sforza Castle, and Brera Art Gallery are just a few of the many beautiful sights.
Cinque Terre
This small peninsula on the Ligurian Sea consists of five towns, making it one of the most beautiful places for Italy enthusiasts.
The name itself means „five lands” referring to the five towns nestled between the vibrant green, steep hillsides and the turquoise sea.
The pastel-colored houses built on the cliff tops offer a unique, fairy-tale view, making Cinque Terre a world-famous destination.
The steep hillsides have long been terraced to cultivate grapes, herbs, olive trees, lemons, and oranges.
Naples
There’s a saying that goes, „See Naples and die” indicating the magnificent experience awaiting visitors to this southern Italian city.
The consensus is that it’s not primarily the attractions but the atmosphere that captivates those who visit.
But don’t stop exploring the city! A short boat ride takes you to the islands of Procida or Capri, and by train, you can easily reach Pompeii (and from there by bus to Mount Vesuvius) – all must-visit destinations!
Caserta Royal Palace
A few kilometers from Naples stands the former residence of the Bourbon kings. Its significance is evident as it was the largest European construction project of the 18th century.
The museum, which opened in the late 1950s, includes the royal apartments, the court theater, and the gardens. With its grandeur, size, and accompanying gardens, it stands alongside the palaces of Versailles, Madrid, and Saint Petersburg as one of the largest and most impressive royal palaces in Europe.
The castle park is also stunning. Along the central avenue, there is a series of fountains and pools, fed by an artificially created waterfall cascading down the side of the Briano hill.
Royal Palace of Caserta: Italy’s Versailles and the Masterpiece of the Bourbons
Venice
Home to one of the world’s most famous carnivals, Venice is easily accessible from our country, making it a popular destination.
The city’s beauty is reflected in its nicknames: „Queen of the Adriatic”, „City of Water”, „City of Light”.
With its canals and houses standing on stilts, Venice has become a world-famous tourist destination. In St. Mark’s Square, marriage proposals are often witnessed.
Alberobello
In the Puglia region, about 50 km from the city of Bari, there is a town known worldwide for its unique houses.
These houses, called trulli, are cylindrical or square buildings with conical roofs, built entirely of stone without any mortar or wooden supporting structures.
Their origin has an interesting story: a count once decreed that houses should be easily dismantled and rebuilt to avoid a tax on homes. When tax collectors came, the houses were taken down and then rebuilt after they left.
Wandering through the many streets of trulli, you can spend hours enjoying the labyrinthine walks.
Florence
I previously mentioned Florence as the center of Tuscany, but it also deserves its own spot among the most beautiful places in Italy!
Often referred to as the cradle of the Renaissance, the city was greatly influenced by the Medici family. Its historical center is rightfully part of UNESCO’s World Heritage.
Among Florence’s famous buildings are the Ponte Vecchio and the cathedral, but the city is most renowned for Michelangelo’s statue of David.
Sicily
Much like Naples, Sicily, though rich in attractions, captures tourists with its atmosphere.
Its capital, Palermo, is a chaotic yet wonderful city. Strolling through the city, you’ll almost always find a market where you shouldn’t miss the seafood dishes.
On the eastern side of Sicily, Catania with Mount Etna and Syracuse with its island old town showcase the magical side of the region.
Bologna
The capital of the Emilia-Romagna region boasts a rich history and an impressive cultural heritage.
In Bologna’s historic center, numerous stunning buildings and palaces can be found. Piazza Maggiore, the main square, is home to one of Europe’s largest Gothic basilicas. Additionally, the Two Towers, Asinelli and Garisenda, are iconic symbols of the city.
The arcades are particularly noteworthy. Bologna is home to the world’s longest arcade system, stretching over 62 kilometers! Thanks to this, the city has been added to the UNESCO World Heritage list.
La Pelosa
Sardinia is abundant in beautiful beaches, making it essential to include one in any itinerary.
La Pelosa is not just a beautiful beach; with its white sand and turquoise blue waters, it could easily be mistaken for a tropical paradise.
If you’re vacationing in Sardinia, don’t miss this stunning beach!
Gradara
Not far from Rimini, this picturesque small town is dominated by a very impressive castle.
The castle rising above the town (Rocca di Gradara) is one of the best-preserved and most spectacular medieval fortresses in Italy, and within its walls lies a small village.
Inside the castle, you can explore rooms furnished with medieval furniture, a chapel decorated with frescoes, and the armory. Walking along the castle walls, you can enjoy a wonderful view of the surrounding area.
They have also played an important role in culture. According to legend, one episode of Dante’s Divine Comedy takes place here, where the tragic love story of Paolo and Francesca comes to an end. This story further increased the fame of Gradara and its castle.
Tropea
Located in the Italian „boot” in the Calabria region, this city is known for its magnificent beaches.
Tropea’s Old Town, known as the „Coast of the Gods”, is worth visiting not just for its narrow beaches. The old town is built on a 40-meter-high limestone cliff, offering fantastic views of the Gulf of Saint Euphemia.
On the beach, a Benedictine monastery, Santa Maria dell’Isola, stands alone on a limestone rock.
But don’t just stop here; the area has many small yet beautiful beaches waiting to be discovered. Feel free to explore them!
Turin
Unfortunately, Turin tends to be overshadowed by Rome, Milan, and Naples, despite being one of Northern Italy’s most significant cities.
The cultural richness of Turin is evident from the fact that it has the most museums in the country. Notably, it hosts four national museums, including the Museo del Risorgimento with the memorial room of Lajos Kossuth.
Located at the foot of the Alps and along the Po River, Turin’s iconic building is the Mole Antonelliana. Standing 167.5 meters tall, its dome lights up at night with the numbers of the Fibonacci sequence. It also houses the National Museum of Cinema.
Another main feature is the over 18 km of arcades, of which 12 km are interconnected. The first arcades were built in the Middle Ages, but the existing ones started in the 17th century.
Seceda
The Dolomites, the Italian part of the Alps, are home to numerous stunning locations.
The 2519-meter-tall Seceda is one of the most well-known peaks, easily accessible. A cable car runs to the base of this peak near Bolzano, from where it’s an easy walk to the top, even for children. The view from there is unparalleled.
Matera
The city’s highlight is the Sassi di Matera, a complex of historical cave dwellings that make up the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1993 and the European Capital of Culture in 2019.
The cityscape, particularly the Piazza Duomo built on the city’s highest point, is visible from almost everywhere.
People lived in the mentioned cave dwellings without electricity and water until the 1950s. Today, they are uninhabited and open for visitors, known as the country’s largest open-air museum.
Burano
And while in Venice, don’t miss the town of Burano on a nearby island!
Its main attraction is the brightly colored houses. Since the island’s heyday, the local government has regulated the colors that houses can be painted, resulting in streets adorned with a variety of pastel hues.
Burano is also famous for its lace-making. The Lace-making School established in 1872 showcases this craft.
Ostuni
If you’re visiting Alberobello, it’s worth making a trip to the nearby town of Ostuni.
Built atop a hill, this town is famous for its whitewashed houses. Honestly, it reminded me of Santorini when I saw the pictures.
The old town, surrounded by a wall, is charming to walk through, with its white houses and narrow alleys and streets. It’s aptly nicknamed „La Città Bianca” or The White City.
Sirmione
While Lake Garda as a whole deserves its own post, the town of Sirmione on its southern shore is particularly noteworthy.
The narrow but long peninsula has been a popular resort since Roman times, thanks to its stunning location. The famous ancient Roman poet, Catullus, had a villa here.
You enter the town through a castle, which offers a spectacular panoramic view from its walls.
With its narrow streets and colorful houses, Sirmione is not only one of the most beautiful spots on Lake Garda but also in Italy!
Lake Garda and its surroundings: attractions and activities
Trieste
One of the most unique cities in Italy, Trier is located on the Adriatic coast, on the border with Slovenia.
Its rich history and cultural diversity are a result of a mixture of ancient Roman, Austro-Hungarian and Italian influences. It is famous for its café culture and literary past, which has attracted writers such as James Joyce.
Highlights include Piazza Unità d’Italia, one of Europe’s largest seaside squares, the Cathedral and fortress of San Giusto and the Miramare Castle.
