Italy is a charming country with lots to see and do, making planning a vacation tricky as you try to figure out which cities and destinations to visit. To help you, we’ve compiled a list of Italy’s best places.
Italy, a country renowned for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, offers an abundance of captivating destinations that should be on every traveler’s bucket list.
From the iconic cities of Rome, Florence, and Venice to the breathtaking coastlines of the Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre, Italy boasts diverse experiences that cater to every interest.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best places to visit in Italy, delving into their unique charms, must-see attractions, and practical tips to help you plan an unforgettable Italian adventure.
Rome
Commonly, the first place that pops into people’s minds when they think about traveling to Italy is Rome. It is a must-visit city that should be on anyone’s bucket list.
One of the most well-known cities in the world, Rome houses some of the most famous landmarks in world history and offers picturesque backdrops of beauty and history around every turn. One of the best things to do in Rome is to take a Colosseum Skip-the-Line tour and check out the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.
Whether you’re hoping to visit the Colosseum or see Michelangelo’s masterpiece at the Sistine Chapel, Rome has got you covered. In Rome, you can visit some of the best Museums in the world and be sure to embrace the local Italian culture. No matter your hopes for the visit, you’ll be happy with your choice to visit Rome.
Venice
Roughly a third the size of Rome, Venice offers many activities to plan your trip in a much more compact city. If you want to take a romantic vacation or a trip with the family to see the incredible architecture, amazing tours, and historic sites, or walk through the city along the beautiful canals, Venice is perfect.
If you’ve ever watched a scene in a movie and saw people being rowed through a beautiful city in a gondola, that was more than likely Venice you were looking at. A gorgeous city rich with history, Venice is a great destination to add to your Italy trip.
Milan
When planning your trip to Italy, consider Milan a possible stop along the way. Like many other major cities in Italy, Milan is full of history. One of the neat things about Milan is how history converges with modern life in a unique way that makes the city worth a visit.
If you’re an art buff, you can book a tour to view Leonardo DaVinci’s famous “The Last Supper.” If art isn’t your thing and you’re a sports fanatic, plan your visit to Milan when one of their famous football (soccer) clubs is playing, AC Milan or Inter Milan. Better yet, visit the city when they are playing each other for the full derby experience!
See Related: Best Time to Visit Milan
Sicily
If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting the Mediterranean, what better spot to visit than the largest island the area has to offer? Sicily offers visitors beautiful sand beaches and incredible views of the surrounding area, but it’s more than just a beach destination.
Mount Etna, the second most active volcano in the world, resides in Sicily and is a hot spot for visitors and hikers alike. You can book a private tour exploring Mount Etna. Spend days exploring ancient ruins, taking an adventure by climbing Mount Etna, or visiting some of the historic castles on the island before relaxing on the beach. Sicily has it all, no matter what you want to get from your trip to Italy.
Pisa
One of the biggest tourist attractions in the region lies in the small city of Pisa. You’ve probably guessed by now that you can visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa on a half-day tour. Although the famous structure is the most well-known thing in Pisa, there’s plenty more to do in the historic city once you’re finished with the visit to the tower.
If architecture is your thing, this is the city for you. Besides the tower, you’ll want to check out the rest of the structures in the Square of Miracles, many of which are 800 or more years old. With the city’s gorgeous architecture and the restaurants and shops all around, you’ll be happy you took a day to visit Pisa while in Italy.
Florence
Arguably the center of the Renaissance movement centuries ago, Florence is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Italy. As the hub of the Renaissance, Florence is flush with work from some of the era’s biggest names, including DaVinci and Michelangelo.
Along with the city’s artwork and beautiful architecture, Florence boasts some of the best views in Tuscany and fun guided tours because of all the towers from which to climb and peer over the city. A stunning city in every way; you’ll want to spend a day in Florence to take it all in.
Tuscany
An easy addition to any trip involving a visit to Florence is to explore the whole region of Tuscany. Since Florence is the region’s capital city, feel free to leave the hustle and bustle of the city (or any of the other major cities in the area) and adventure out into the vast reaches of Tuscany. You can explore Tuscany on your own or join tours.
Known for its gorgeous backdrop of hills, trees, and fields, Tuscany offers visitors some of the best landscapes in the country. One of the biggest draws of the region is the incredible wineries. So, if authentic Italian wine is your thing, be sure to visit Tuscany!
Pompeii
This one is more for those who want to see the ancient ruins of a famous city rather than those who want to visit a modern-day city full of life. The city of Pompeii was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius nearly 2,000 years ago, but the ruins remain today for visitors to journey through.
Exploring the city’s ancient ruins offers a unique perspective on the area’s history. It provides history buffs and site seekers alike with an unforgettable experience that is well worth the time during your trip.
Verona
Have you ever heard of Romeo and Juliet? Of course, you have; it’s one of the — if not the — most famous plays of all time. Written by Shakespeare in the late 16th century, the romantic tragedy is set in, you guessed it, Verona. With that in mind, visiting locations of the play, such as Juliet’s house, is one of the main activities you’ll find in Verona.
The small city is full of other adventures, including more gorgeous architecture and Italian culture to explore. Stroll through the streets, stop in different cafes and shops, or climb to the top of one of the many towers for unparalleled city views.
Lake Como
At the base of the beautiful Alps mountain range sits one of the country’s best spots for a romantic getaway with that special someone: Lake Como. Offering picturesque landscapes and unique views of the area in a much quieter setting than any of the major cities listed here, Lake Como is a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Taking a boat ride across the lake and viewing the mountains, landscape, and villas is an unforgettable experience and can be a great way to spend a day in Italy. Within a short distance of Milan and close to Bellagio, there is plenty to do in the area, and you’ll be happy it was included in your trip.
Pantelleria
The little-known island Pantelleria is one of the prettiest and most secluded places to visit. Take a dip in the warm waters nearby and explore the natural spring and volcanic sand at the island’s center for an idyllic experience that offers more relaxation than possible on a busy trip to Italy.
To be as secluded as possible, swim in the island’s coves and stay at one of the resorts that will allow you to disappear into your vacation and be off the grid from the rest of the world. It is an ideal place for an archaeological tour.
Ravenna
As a former capital city of the Roman Empire, Ravenna should be on your shortlist of Italian destinations while you plan the trip. It is the home of eight UNESCO World Heritage sites and one of the most visited cities in the Emilia Romagna and Bologna regions.
Rich with the history of the surrounding areas, Ravenna also hosts a music festival, guided tours, and some of the most delicious food you’ll find anywhere in Italy. So whether you’re a history buff, a music lover, or a foodie, Ravenna might end up being one of your favorite stops along the way as you travel through Italy.
Sardinia
Following closely behind Sicily and coming in as the second-largest island in the Mediterranean, Sardinia offers visitors many potential activities to tackle while in Italy. You can enjoy a sailboat tour or book a beach tour by Tuk Tuk.
The island’s interior is plush with mountains and is a must-see for any hikers out there, as it offers as many trails and amazing views as one can hope for. You’ll find incredible white sand beaches and beautiful towns along the coast as you get to the island’s outer reaches.
Interestingly, Sardinia offers extremes on both sides of the spectrum regarding culture. You’ll find extremely affluent people and waters filled with yachts on one side of the island. Travel a short distance to the other side, and you’ll find people tending to sheep and making traditional clothing by hand.
Dolomite Mountains
Undoubtedly, one of the most underrated and oft-overlooked places to visit in Italy is the stunning Dolomite Mountains. If you enjoy hiking and taking in some of the most breathtaking views imaginable, the Dolomites are perfect. They aren’t only for those who love hiking, though, as cable cars will take visitors to some of the best places to get a view of — or from — the incredible mountain range.
The area is so incredible that it’s worth spending a couple of days alone here to drive, hike, and explore all the beautiful views the Dolomites offer. With delicious restaurants and plenty of lodging in the area, the Dolomite Mountains could be an entire self-contained Italy trip in and of itself.
Aeolian Islands
If you’re the beach-going type, a trip to the Aeolian Islands should be on your list. Once you decide to visit the Aeolian Islands, be sure to check out some of the incredible beaches and its active volcano tour. You’ll also want to take in the breathtaking views you won’t find anywhere else.
Surrounded by volcanoes and hills, the beaches of the Aeolian Islands will provide unmatched relaxation and beauty while you soak in the Mediterranean sunlight. After your day on the beach, spend the evening at quaint coastal towns for the full island experience.
Get Started Planning Your Trip to Italy Today
As you can see, Italy provides some of the world’s most incredible places to visit. Whether you’re looking for popular tourist locations like the Colosseum or the Leaning Tower of Pisa or hoping for a more unique and secluded area, like Sardinia, Italy has it all. With many of these destinations, you can plan your trip around visiting a few or making entire trips out of each.
You can plan a trip that will be perfect for you, no matter what you’re looking for. After visiting any of the places on this list, you’ll be ready to start planning the next trip back to Italy as soon as you get home!
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