Italy, with its amazing history, secret societies, and famous facades breathing art through every brick and stone is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe. Praised for its grandeur, history and top-class cuisine, this country has so many delights and mesmerising sights to offer that it might take a lifetime to explore it.
Italy is truly a heavenly place that should be on every traveler’s bucket list. With its passionate people, breath-taking landscapes, trendy fashion and art treasures is a charming European hub that never fails to amaze travelers.
Want to travel to Italy, but don’t know where to start? Wondering where to go in Italy? We’ve compiled some of the best can’t-miss places to visit in Italy, to make your travel planning experience a breeze.
Italy North to South
Milan
Milan, one of the fashion capitals in the world, offers endless opportunities for lavish and chic shopping. Hit Via Monte Napoleone for expensive, exclusive boutiques and the artsy Brera neighborhood for top-notch leather goods. The enchanting glass vaults and mosaics of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II make shoppers feel like they are strolling inside a painting. Take a much-needed break from your shopping spree, and be wowed by the iconic Duomo. Afterward, pay a visit to the other sought-after monuments and attractions in Milan, such as the Castello Sforzesco, San Siro, Pirelli Tower, Brena art gallery and La Scala.
Lake Como (Can also be a day trip from Milan)
Holidays to Lake Como guarantee dramatic mountain backdrops, colorful villages, romantic villas, and peaceful gardens. Framed against a breathtaking landscape of steep, pine-swathed mountains, Lake Como is famed for its atmospheric sense of calm and elegance. The wishbone-shaped lake is over 20 miles long, and is one of the deepest in Europe – its bed is more than 200 meters below sea level. Its shores are dotted with a collection of rainbow-colored towns and villages, whose surrounding hills offer lovely walks and even lovelier views. The whole effect is a blend of regal Italian charm and Caribbean-esque beauty.
Bergamo (An enjoyable day trip from Milan by train/car)
A Medieval Town of Art and Architecture Near Milan. Bergamo is a unique city located in the Lombardy region of Northern Italy and is characterized by its split lower and upper sections that are segregated by the immense historic Venetian walls. As a tourist destination, Bergamo has a wonderful combination of historical architecture such as the Colleoni Chapel, combined with its strange dual height Upper & Lower cities, and a plethora of gorgeous Piazzas and high-quality shopping streets.
Venice
No list of the best cities to visit in Italy is complete without the inclusion of Venice. With its irresistible romantic charm, amazing restaurants, canals, and gondolas, Venice is, without a doubt, a city for everyone’s bucket list. Historic churches, places and waterfront palazzos make drifting down the world-renowned Grand Canal feel like a cruise through a timeless painting. To experience the true feel of Venice, you must linger in the art gallery’s exhibit hall, nibble pastries and fresh pasta, and go to a classical music performance or the opera.
Florence
Cradle of the Renaissance, romantic, enchanting and utterly irresistible, Florence (Firenze) is a place to feast on world-class art and gourmet Tuscan cuisine. Visit it once, and you’ll see why Florence has inspired so many writers and artists. With its cobblestoned streets, graceful buildings and showstoppers like Palazzo Vecchio and the Duomo, Florence is a feast for the eyes. An art historian’s dream, Florence also flaunts a ton of world-class museums and art galleries filled with wondrous works of art. The Galleria dell’ Accademia, for instance, burst with masterpieces from Caravaggio, Titian, Raphael, and Leonardo da Vinci.
Cinque Terre (Can also be a day trip from Florence)
Nestled amidst some of the world’s most dramatic scenery, Cinque Terre is a colorful, bright and bewitching Italian paradise that can uplift even the most jaded of spirits. Listed in 1997 as UNESCO World Heritage site, this heavenly place will leave you in awe with its steeply terraced cliffs, pastel houses, and vernacular architecture. Set amid some of the most dramatic coastal scenery on the planet, these five ingeniously constructed fishing villages are no longer the isolated hamlets they once were, but there’s still a feeling of authenticity, with few roads, perfectly preserved architecture and a network of stunning coastal and mountain trails.
Siena (Can also be a day trip from Florence)
A Step back to Medieval Tuscany, Siena is likely Italy’s loveliest medieval city, and a trip worth making even if you are in Tuscany for just a few days. Siena’s heart is its central piazza known as Il Campo. Piazza del Campo is the heart of Siena, where you just must spend some of your time once in town. It’s a huge square and is also considered one of Europe’s greatest medieval squares. You can enjoy it while sipping a coffee in one of the several bars located there. It’s no secret that Tuscany is home to the best wine in Italy. Siena is no exception. The city is located between the Chianti region and Montalcino, so it’s like a heaven for wine enthusiasts.
Pisa (Can also be a day trip from Florence)
Want to snap a photo of Italy’s most iconic tower? Don’t forget to swing by Pisa during your trip to this splendid European nation. One of the most photographed landmarks in Italy, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is breathtakingly spectacular, and even more so in person than in photographs. But, there’s more to Pisa than this bizarrely beautiful architectural marvel. The medieval city boasts a plethora of museums and monuments that will surely take your breath away, such as the Duomo di Pisa, Battistero, tine Romanesque churches, Museo Nazionale di San Matteo, and a whole lot more.
Lucca (Can also be a day trip from Florence combined with Pisa )
This is is one of the cities most loved all of Tuscany, a stop that can not really miss in a classic itinerary to the discovery of the region. Most of the attractions in Lucca today show its ancient history: from the trace of the Roman amphitheater that can be seen in the shape of the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro to the archeological remains under the 12th-century church of Saints Giovanni and Reparata (the first city cathedral, located just around the corner from the present-day cathedral of San Martino), to the various towers and villas from the 12th to 16th centuries.
Montalcino (Tuscany)
This magical place is located in the “Tuscany of your dreams”. A magnificent spectacle unfolds for your eyes: rolling sunny hills dotted with yellow and red flowers, ancient oak trees, picturesque olive groves, scenic country roads winding through perfect vineyards and isolated cypress trees atop hills. Here time seems to slow down in the closeby picturesque towns of Pienza, a real jewel known as the “Ideal City”, the beautiful Palazzo Piccolomini or the little town of Castiglion d’Orcia with its fortress
Rome
Rome, Italy wasn’t built in a day, and you certainly need much more than a day to take in this supremely beautiful and timeless city. Often ranked as one of the best tourist destinations in the world, the capital of Italy are a real-life collage of fabulous historical sites, open-air markets, and piazzas. As you visit this historic city, you’ll get a chance to catch sight of some of the world’s must-visit and most iconic sights, such as the Vatican, Roman Forum, Piazza Navona, Basilica San Clemente, Trevi Fountain, and the Colosseum.
Naples
There’s a good reason why Italians call it Bella Napoli – or beautiful Naples in English. It is home to some of the best theatre and opera houses in the world and is often called a lovely open-air museum, thanks to its wealth in historic monuments and statues. Many Italian favorite staples originated in Naples, such as parmigiana, spaghetti, and pizza. These staples are seriously taken here, and usually feature locally grown and fresh ingredients. Since it is nearby famous sites like Pompeii and the Bay of Naples, the capital of the Campania region presents the great and ideal base for those who want to explore the area.
Ischia
The island of regeneration, of energies, of beauty and history. A volcanic island in the Tyrrhenian Sea, It lies at the northern end of the Gulf of Naples, about 30 kilometers from the city of Naples. It is the largest of the Phlegraean islands and is roughly an hour’s ride by ferry from the port of Naples. The island measures approximately 10 km east to west and 7 km north to south. The highest peak on the island is Mount Epomeo 2,585 feet. Ischia’s main industry is tourism, centering on thermal spas catering to tourists eager to enjoy the fruits of the island’s natural volcanic activity, its hot springs, and its volcanic mud. It is an intriguing mix of sprawling spa towns, abundant gardens, buried necropolises, and spectacular scenery, with forests, vineyards and picturesque small towns
Capri
Capri is so magical, you might easily spend every minute of every hour of every day of your vacation on the island. Capri is beautiful – seriously beautiful. There’s barely a grubby building or untended garden to blemish the splendor. Steep cliffs rise majestically from an impossibly blue sea; elegant villas drip with wisteria and bougainvillea; even the trees seem to be carefully manicured. The only way to reach Capri is, obviously, by sea. Ferries depart from Naples and Sorrento.
Pompeii
Pompeii, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an ancient Roman city frozen in time, due to Mount Vesuvius’ devastating eruption in 79 AD. As with most of the top places to go in Italy, Pompeii has no shortage of sights and delights. Here, you may treat your eyes to a myriad of amazing historic sites, such as the Temple of Apollo, Great Palaestra, Amphitheatre, House of the Tragic Poet, and many more.
Sorrento
Nicknamed as the land of colors, lemon groves, orange and mermaids, this small city in Campania, Italy has earned quite a few alluring monikers and names for its mystique and beauty. Famous or its magnificent sea cliffs, Sorrento’s steep slopes offer outstanding views of the azure waters to the Bay of Naples, Capri, and Ischia. In addition, the town has excellent hiking trails, appetizing restaurants, boat cruises, great sea fishing, and good diving.
Positano
Located on the sumptuous Amalfi Coast, Positano is a rustic village in Italy’s Campania region. Positano holidays are always unforgettable.
Built-in an enclave in the hills, this quaint and beautiful destination’s cobbled streets lead down to a stunning coastline with breathtaking beaches. A historic and important port in the Amalfi Republic, Positano is peppered with the ancient relics that inspired the gorgeous village it is now. With beautiful beaches, amazing weather, fine dining and great hospitality, what’s not to like? Positano is the perfect place for you to escape the hustle and bustle.
Ravello
Situated high in the hilltops above the glorious Amalfi Coast, Ravello offers a dose of quiet sophistication. From its stunning surroundings and famed gardens to its infectious culture and tantalizing cuisine, there’s certainly more to this region than pasta dishes and prosecco. Ravello offers a reserved elegance. Away from tourist-filled beaches and bustling streets, this town is sheltered high up in the mountains, offering a place of retreat with spectacular views of the bay below. Its iconic neighbor is Amalfi, just a 15-minute drive away, where you’ll find a busy seafront and plenty of nightlife options. The enchanting town of Ravello has become a favored setting for intimate weddings, as well as a popular honeymoon spot. A region steeped in history awaits you, alongside some of the most beautiful gardens in Europe.
Taormina, Sicily
Sicily’s legendary resort town Taormina, with volcanic Mount Etna and the Ionian sea providing the cinema worthy backdrop, is one of Sicily’s most popular summer destinations, a chi-chi resort town popular with holidaying high-rollers and those wanting a taste of Sicilian dolce vita. Sicily – the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea is the home of Mount Etna, The Godfather and lovely Taormina featuring an unbelievable landscape, lovely beaches, and precious ancient remains. Taormina is a popular and fashionable tourist resort with famously stunning views and a picturesque Graeco-Roman theatre, high above the sea and facing the volcanic and still active Mount Etna.
Vulcano
Vulcano is a small volcanic island of 21 sq. km. in the Tyrrhenian Sea, about 25 km north of Sicily and is the southernmost of the eight Aeolian Islands. With its visibly smoking crater, Vulcano makes an indelible first impression. The island’s volcanic nature has long been impressing visitors: the ancient Romans believed it to be the chimney of the fire god Vulcan’s workshop, and today it remains famous for the therapeutic and healing properties of its mud baths and hot springs. This island chosen as home by over 700 inhabitants is also the holiday destination of choice for many celebrities. Vulcano has not the typical sites you may find on the other islands. The best part of the stay is to make a day trip to Stromboli, the most active volcano on our planet, where you can view a volcanic eruption literally every 15 minutes.
Palermo
Palermo – the capital of Sicily – has a wide variety of intriguing monuments, attesting to its rich and long history. One of the most underrated tourist destinations in Italy, Palermo has a ton of natural and cultural attractions that offer a pretty interesting experience to its visitors, such as the Palermo Cathedral, the Zisa Palace, Royal Palace, and Palatine Chapel and the Cathedral of Monreale.