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Best places to visit in italy.

Tourists and travel experts have long agreed that Italy is a special place, so much so that the country has become a de facto bucket list destination for just about everyone. Famous for its incredible food, rich historical sites, highly regarded art, charming small towns and picturesque cities, countrysides and coastlines, it's safe to say Italy's offerings are unmatched. U.S. News rounded up the best places to visit in Italy considering a number of factors, from affordability and seasonality to sights and crowds, to help you decide exactly where to go. Have a favorite destination in Italy? Cast your vote below to influence next year's ranking.

Amalfi Coast

Cinque terre, tuscany, italy.

A standard stop on many European vacation itineraries , Rome is not to be missed. Italy’s capital city is a globally renowned cultural and historical powerhouse, boasting everything from ancient ruins and tranquil parks to Michelin-starred restaurants. Here, you'll find the most important relic from the Roman Empire (the Colosseum), some of Michelangelo's greatest works (in the Sistine Chapel), an 18th century Baroque-style fountain (the Trevi Fountain) and, of course, the center of Catholicism (Vatican City). Other can’t-miss tourist attractions in the Eternal City include the Pantheon, the Roman Forum and St. Peter’s Basilica, the world’s largest church.

Situated in the scenic Tuscan valley, Florence woos travelers with old-world avenues leading to picturesque piazzas big and small. While you're soaking up the city's splendor, make sure to stop by the Piazza del Duomo, where the breathtaking Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral is located, and the romantic Ponte Vecchio, a 14th century bridge overlooking the Arno River. Once central to the Renaissance movement, Florence also offers art aficionados the opportunity to see famous pieces by Michelangelo and other iconic artists of that period. As an added bonus, Florence is ideal for a daytrip to the Chianti wine region.

The journey to the cliff-side Amalfi Coast involves heart-stopping, hairpin turns on narrow roads, but travelers agree this is part of the fun. The region covers more than 30 miles of coastline and is home to 13 colorful seaside towns, each with its own story. Positano and Amalfi are the most popular, housing numerous hotels and sights. While here, hike, relax on the beach and eat to your heart's content (there are multiple Michelin-starred restaurants along the Amalfi Coast). For something more off-the-beaten-path, set your sights on Atrani. This humble fishing village boasts medieval whitewashed architecture, winding alleys and authentic Italian charm.

There are few destinations in the world that are quite like Venice. Its uniqueness can largely be attributed to the canals that run through this northern Italian city like roads, carrying water taxis and buses in addition to its fleet of famous gondolas. As such, there is a palpable bustle here that may surprise some first-timers. For a relaxing Venice vacation, seek out the smaller streets and canals away from the busy Grand Canal and St. Mark's Square. Just be sure to stroll across Rialto Bridge and tour the grand St. Mark’s Basilica at least once.

Cinque Terre, located on Italy's northern Ligurian coast, is made up of five picturesque towns – Manarola, Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia and Riomaggiore. Manarola, the region’s oldest town, boasts scenic vineyards, olive groves and a centuries-old bell tower. Meanwhile, Vernazza, often considered one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, is well-known for its picture-perfect houses and grand medieval castle. The Cinque Terre offers an abundance of exciting activities, from boat tours and hiking to cooking classes and wine tastings. While here, don’t forget to save time for exploring the cliff-side Footpath Monterosso trail, a beautiful hiking path connecting Vernazza and Monterosso.

For centuries, this small island off the coast of southern Italy has attracted plenty of famous faces, from emperors to movie stars, due to its gorgeous scenery. Some of Capri's most amazing sights are best seen by boat, including the Faraglioni rock formations and the Blue Grotto, where sunlight turns the water into an unbelievably vivid shade of blue. On land, the Gardens of Augustus and Villa Jovis, an imperial palace, also provide spectacular views. Meanwhile, in the town center, visitors will find high-end shops and restaurants where they can relax after a long day of sightseeing.

Considered the land of the sirens in Greek mythology, Sorrento continues to lure people with its charm and stunning views. Here, vacationers can explore enchanting piazzas or relax near the water before watching the sun set behind the cliffs. Plus, lemons are big in Sorrento – both in size and in popularity – and the area is known as one of the best places in the world to taste authentic limoncello, a lemon-flavored liquor. It's also the perfect base for daytrips and boat tours to nearby Capri, the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii and other popular Italian locales.

Italy's second-largest city is best known for its high fashion, playing host to Milan Fashion Week each winter and home to iconic fashion houses including Giorgio Armani, Prada and Versace. Visitors can peruse such high-end brands at the dazzling Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade. But Milan's architecture (including the Gothic Milan Cathedral and grand Teatro alla Scala opera house) and sites like Castello Sforzesco (which holds nearly 10 museums and exhibitions) are worth a visit on their own. What's more, the city is incredibly walkable, so feel free to explore on foot – with or without designer stilettos.   

Located about 30 miles from Verona, Lake Garda tends to be more approachable and wallet-friendly (if a bit more touristy) than Lake Como. Activities in this recreational hot spot include swimming and windsurfing, as well as hiking and taking a funicular to Mount Baldo. Lake Garda also attracts families with Gardaland Resort, which includes themed hotels as well as an amusement park, water park and aquarium. If you're looking to get away from the crowds, go beyond the main tourist sites to the quieter northern side of the lake, where you'll find the highest mountains and tucked-away towns.

If you're looking for Italy without the crowds, Tuscany is really all it's cracked up to be. Italy's famous countryside offers travelers spectacular landscapes dotted with romantic villas and castles equipped with wineries and superb restaurants. Don’t miss out on a visit to the walled city of San Gimignano, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its medieval towers. What's more, Tuscan locales like Pisa (which offers much more than its leaning tower) and Siena are an easy drive from top destinations such as Bologna and Cinque Terre, perfect for daytrippers who don't want to stay in one place for too long.

Assisi, a medieval town with religious connections, sits on a hilltop in the lush landscapes of Umbria, just more than 100 miles north of Rome. This peaceful town's biggest draws are its sights dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi, one of Italy's patron saints, including the Basilica of San Francesco, which houses his tomb as well as colorful frescos, and The Woods of San Francesco. Beyond its religious heritage, Assisi is worth a visit for its picturesque streets and sweeping views, while its location also makes it ideal for a truffle hunting excursion or wine tasting tour.

As the location of several ancient Greek legends, Sicily has an almost mythical quality. Once you visit for yourself, you'll see why so many writers were inspired by this island, which happens to be the largest in the Mediterranean. Be enchanted by Sicily's crystal-clear waters and golden beaches. Marvel at Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe, or try hiking up it in summer or skiing down it in winter. Also save time for taking in the many cultures that have called this island home at its various cathedrals and archaeological sites.

This former Roman city in southern Italy is equal parts chilling and impressive. Pompeii was left almost completely intact after it was buried in ash after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79. Its astonishingly well-preserved ruins now provide present-day visitors a glimpse into what life was like during ancient times. True history buffs might also enjoy a trip to nearby Herculaneum, another city that was preserved by the same eruption, while more adventurous explorers should consider hiking to the top of Mount Vesuvius for jaw-dropping panoramas of the Bay of Naples and the Sorrento Peninsula.

Best known for its Shakespeare ties, Verona appeals to fans of "Romeo and Juliet" with themed tours of the sights that allegedly inspired the play. But there is more to this city than its literary link. Verona, located about 15 miles east of Lake Garda, is also home to several impressive attractions and historic buildings (the whole city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, after all). Travelers won't want to miss the Arena di Verona, a first-century Roman amphitheater that is still in use, and Giardino Giusti, a beautifully sculpted Renaissance garden.

Sardinia provides the best of both worlds. Costa Smeralda is all about luxury, with its lush beaches and coves overlooking yacht-filled waters. And away from all of the glitz and glamour of Costa Smeralda, you'll find a more laid-back side of the island, including small medieval towns where Sardinians still practice sheepherding and wear traditional clothing. What's more, Sardinia features several ancient ruins, such as UNESCO World Heritage-listed Su Nuraxi di Barumini.

If you really want to treat yourself on your next vacation, Lake Como is where you want to be. Here, opulent villas and hotels line the shores and sandy beaches beckon to sun seekers. You'll see sleek sailboats and speedboats coasting in the middle of the lake, which is the perfect place to admire the region's surrounding hills. Meanwhile, for a lesson in luxury, tour one of the region’s grand villas; top picks among travelers include Villa Melzi d’Eril, Villa Carlotta and Villa Balbianello. Later, check out the Como Cathedral, a magnificent structure boasting Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architectural styles.

The small, crescent-shaped village of Portofino is known as a vacation hot spot for the rich and famous. The water surrounding Portofino is often filled with yachts and is great for swimming and diving. Plus, the area's beauty and tranquil atmosphere make it an excellent place to unwind. When travelers need a break from relaxing, they can venture just outside of Portofino to check out historical sites like Castello Brown, an ancient military fortress with incredible views of the Marina di Portofino, and Abbazia di San Fruttuoso, a 10th century monastery that can only be reached by foot or ferry.

Thought to have been inhabited 12,000 years ago, Matera is one of the world's oldest continually occupied towns. Located in the Basilicata region in southern Italy, just west of Puglia, Matera's distinguishing features are its sassi (cave dwellings), which were inhabited until the 1950s. While here, look out for the many viewpoints, called belvederes, for a glimpse of the breathtaking cliffside. Visit Sasso Caveoso for the Casa Grotta cave house (inhabited until 1957) and the Santa Maria de Idris, a rupestrian church carved from the rocky landscape. Meanwhile, in Sasso Barisano – the oldest part of the city – you'll find modern comforts like hotels, restaurants and shops.

There are several reasons why Bologna, the capital of northern Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, is often called "la dotta, la grassa e la rossa" ("the learned, the fat and the red"). For one, it's home to the oldest university in Europe, the University of Bologna. The city is also a food lover's dream thanks to its world-renowned cuisine, which includes Italian staples like tortellini and lasagna Bolognese. Bologna even features a gelato university and the food-themed amusement park, FICO Eataly World. Plus, the city boasts an array of terra cotta-roofed medieval buildings, including a pair of leaning towers.

Located in the northwest corner of Italy, Turin is the perfect city break brimming with grand architecture, museums and delightful cuisine. Must-visit attractions include Mole Antonelliana (a former synagogue turned into a cinema museum), the 16th-century Royal Palace of Turin and the Museo Egizio (Egyptian Museum). Once you've toured the top sights, settle into local life by enjoying the city's riverside parks, street markets, football games and historic cafes. At the latter, you'll find unique coffee blends and decadent chocolate, as well as elaborate aperitif hours. On the long list of things Turin does right, you can find these three items at the top.   

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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!

Touropia Travel

Discover the World

23 Best Places to Visit in Italy

By Becky Griswold · Last updated on May 4, 2024

Located in Southern Europe, this boot-shaped country is one of the world’s most popular travel destinations for a number of reasons that include art treasures, charming towns, passionate people and top-class cuisine. It’s a place where you can see some of the most iconic sites in the world – the leaning Tower of Pisa, the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain, to name but a few.

There’s the chance to see renowned Renaissance masterpieces and shop for high-end fashion too. Italy offers a magnificently rich array of sumptuous natural scenery and numerous opportunities to get out into nature. Cinque Terre, Sardinia, and the Dolomites all boast incredible landscapes and fantastic hiking routes.

You could spend your time in this culturally rich land learning about the lives of the Romans, discovering the destruction caused by Mount Vesuvius at Pompeii, or simply lazing alongside one of the many Italian lakes and languishing in the opulence of the Amalfi coast. Italy offers so much to see and do that it would take a lifetime to explore. Plan your trip to this wonderful Mediterranean travel destination with our list of the best places to visit in Italy.

Map of Italy

23. Portofino

One of the most picturesque towns along the Italian Riviera , Portofino lies just a 45 minute drive southeast of Genoa. For centuries, it has been a popular day-trip destination due to all the pretty pastel-colored houses clustered about its small, scenic harbor.

Backed by gorgeous green hills, the tiny fishing village has a very relaxed feel with many of the world’s elite often heading here on holiday. As well as admiring all the impressive yachts bobbing about the bay, you can enjoy its fine views and fantastic seafood restaurants. Loads of high-end boutiques also line its small, cobbled square.

While most come to take in its ambience and aesthetic, there are some interesting sights to see. Aside from the historical Church of San Giorgio, there is the sixteenth-century Castello Brown and all its old antiquities and art exhibitions to explore. From its lovely, lush gardens, there are yet more fabulous panoramas over the stunning town and sparkling Ligurian Sea .

22. Bologna

Famed for not just its phenomenal food and prestigious university but its countless covered porticos too, Bologna is the lively, historic capital of the Emilia-Romagna region . Although it is often overlooked in favor of Florence, Rome and Venice, all its amazing medieval towers and atmospheric piazze make it well worth a visit.

Due to its strategic location in the northeast of Italy, the city slowly developed into a center of culture, trade and learning. As such, elegant palazzi and churches popped up everywhere with its important university having been founded in 1088. The oldest in the Western world, its sizeable student population creates a vibrant, youthful feel around town.

While many of its old buildings are, unfortunately, coated in graffiti, its large historic center is well-preserved for the most part. Due to the distinctive ruddy hue of its porticos, houses and churches, the city is often called ‘ La Rossa ’. Besides strolling about Piazza Maggiore and staring up at its two iconic leaning towers, you just have to try some of Bologna’s delicious cuisine before continuing with your trip around the country.

21. The Dolomites

With their soaring, jagged peaks and ginormous, sweeping valleys, the Dolomites are surely one of the most spectacular natural sites in Europe. Offering up all kinds of exciting outdoor activities, the majestic mountain range covers a massive part of northeastern Italy.

Formed over the course of many millennia, the ‘ Pale Mountains ’ are so named due to their dramatic dolomite rock formations. Beneath their striking silhouettes are idyllic alpine lakes and meadows with historic towns also dotted about. These include the charming Castelrotto and chic Cortina d’Ampezzo – the ‘Queen of the Dolomites’. In summer, many come to hike, bike or rock climb with the snowy winter months instead enticing skiers and snowboarders.

Among its most spellbinding sights are the famous outlines of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo and the six rocky spires of the Vajolet Towers . Cable cars can also transport you up to the 3,343 meter summit of Marmolada – the region’s tallest peak. From high up above the clouds, you can bask in breathtaking views over all the Dolomites’ awe-inspiring scenery.

While Genoa has a reputation for being a bit gritty and grimy, its huge historic center is also home to plenty of grand palaces and gorgeous churches. Getting lost amidst all its caruggi – narrow, claustrophobic alleyways – is lots of fun as architectural gems appear around every corner. The city also has a world-class aquarium and maritime museum to check out too.

Long an important seaport, the city was one of the Mediterranean’s most powerful maritime republics from the eleventh century up until its fall in 1797. Due to its considerable wealth, elaborate palaces and art-filled churches were erected all around its piazze. Must-see sights include its Palazzo Reale and Cathedral of San Lorenzo, both of which boast lavish interiors.

Other than admiring the immense riches on show, you can amble along Corso Italia, taking in its delightful views and architecture. At its Old Port, historic-old ships and museums teach you more about its seafaring past. Not to be missed is the enormous Aquarium Genoa which displays everything from seals and sea cows to dolphins, penguins and jellyfish.

Best known as the setting for Shakespeare’s play “ Romeo and Juliet ,” Verona is a picturesque city filled with Roman ruins, Renaissance palaces and medieval buildings. Located between Milan and Venice in Northern Italy, the city receives a bit less attention from travelers than its more celebrated neighbors but not for lack of attractions . Verona offers visitors the chance to enjoy all of the charms of an ancient Italian city without constantly battling crowds.

Although the first stop for many visitors is “Juliet’s House” with its recently added balcony , it’s important to remember that Romeo and Juliet were characters from fiction, not reality. Nevertheless, the house and its courtyard attract lovers from all over the world who come to reenact the balcony scene in person.

Of the city’s historical sites, the grand Roman amphitheater is the most famous. The third largest Roman arena in the world, the 1st-century amphitheater is remarkably well preserved. Plays are still performed in the 25,000-seat arena. Among the best representations of the Renaissance period is the Duomo, with its recently restored frescoes and marble interiors.

At dusk, Verona’s star attraction is the Via Mazzini, a broad thoroughfare where locals take their evening stroll, or “ la passeggiata .” The parade ends in the Piazza delle Erbe where visitors can relax at a sidewalk café to enjoy an aperitivo or shop for mementos of their trip to city of star-crossed lovers.

Home to some of the most famous cave dwellings in the world, the fascinating city of Matera is perched atop a rocky outcrop right in the south of Italy. Each year, thousands of tourists come to explore all the enchanting old sassi that are carved into the mountainside.

Believed to be among the very first human settlements in the country, its captivating caves have been used since around 7,000 BC. Remarkably well-preserved, its innumerable houses and churches are hewn out of large, limestone cliffs bordering its old town. Connecting them all together are steep staircases and narrow, winding streets.

Wandering about its extensive system of caves is an unforgettable experience with fantastic viewpoints and photo stops popping up all the time. While some dwellings still house cafes, businesses and even families, most are now abandoned. One of Southern Italy’s top tourist attractions, Matera and its many sassi really are unique to explore.

17. Sardinia

Renowned for its marvelous mountains and long, lovely coastline, the scenic, unspoiled island of Sardinia lies just south of Corsica . Aside from sunbathing and swimming at the beautiful beaches, it has some interesting historic cities and archaeological sites to see.

The second-largest island in the Mediterranean after Sicily, it is delightfully under visited in comparison with mainland Italy’s other regions. Due to its remote location and Sardinians’ strong sense of identity, it also looks and feels quite unlike the rest of the country. You can explore its unique history and culture in its capital Cagliari or at the ancient Su Nuraxi ruins.

Most people come though to enjoy its rugged hinterlands and romantic coastline with hiking, camping and watersports all being particularly popular pastimes. Countless little coves and hidden beaches stud its shores which lie alongside twinkling turquoise waters. In addition to trying tasty local dishes, colourful celebrations help shine a light on Sardinia’s rich heritage.

16. Alberobello

Appearing as if out of a fairytale are all of Alberobello’s adorable little trulli. These traditional dry-stone buildings with their cute conical roofs are the small town’s main sight with people visiting from all around to see them. Set right down south in Puglia , it can easily be reached from Bari, Brindisi or Taranto.

Actually meaning ‘ beautiful tree ’ in Italian, it has around 1,500 of the unusual-looking houses. While the eye-catching buildings originated in the fifteenth century, most ‘only’ date to the 1800s. Ingeniously enough, they are impressively assembled without any mortar being used. This was so the ruling counts could always have them dismantled if they wanted.

Ambling around the tiny town is a very pleasant way to spend a few hours with some of the small stone structures also containing cozy cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops. You can also take some great photos by their bright white-washed walls and grey, conical roofs.

Most known for being the birthplace of St. Francis, Assisi has an attractive old town to stroll about alongside the ginormous basilica of the patron saint. Perched atop a hulking great hill in Umbria , not far from Perugia , the small medieval city makes for a wonderful day trip from either Florence or Rome.

Very easily explored on foot, its historic heart is centered around the picturesque Piazza del Comune . After taking in its fantastic fountain and clock tower, you can see all the Cathedral of San Rufino’s ornate friezes and fine facade. Plenty of other charming churches are dotted about with there also being an excellent Roman archaeological museum to visit.

The highlight though, is, of course, the Basilica of San Francesco d’Assisi itself which sprawls across a massive part of the hilltop. Completed in 1253, it contains the tomb of the revered saint with exquisite frescoes and artworks decorating the important pilgrimage site.

14. Lake Garda

Long a popular holiday destination, Lake Garda lies in the north of Italy surrounded by little colourful towns and incredible craggy mountains. A must-visit for many, its relaxing shores, superb restaurants and romantic villas offer a tantalizing taste of la dolce vita .

The largest lake in the country, its reflective waters are overlooked by the Alps to the north while its southern reaches are bordered by the flat plains of the Po Valley. As well as pretty olive groves, orchards and gardens, you’ll also find cute towns like Sirmione and Desenzano del Garda lining it.

Other than seeing their ancient hot springs, castles and Roman ruins, they have tons of top restaurants to try. You can also go kayaking, windsurfing and sailing or take boat trips about the lake to its islands. As Limone sul Garda , Malcesine and Torbole also have lovely lakefront promenades and views, you really can’t go wrong wherever you go.

Located in the center of Puglia’s Salentine Peninsula, right down in the heel of Italy, is the stunning city of Lecce . Most known for its beautiful Baroque buildings and historic churches, it is often called the ‘Florence of the South’.

Mostly made out of the light-colored Lecce stone, its atmospheric-old streets were founded over 2,000 years ago. While dozens of ornately decorated churches like Lecce Cathedral and the Basilica di Santa Croce are dotted about, the amazing Roman amphitheater at its heart has to be the city’s standout sight. All of these highlight how Lecce thrived as an important trading town and political center.

Besides strolling about taking in all its outstanding architecture, you can check out the fine artworks in its churches. Alberobello also makes for a nice day trip as do the idyllic beaches hugging its nearby coastline. With lots of tasty dishes to try and cool archaeological sites to explore, it is no wonder the lively yet laidback Lecce is one the best cities to visit in Italy.

Nearly destroyed from heavy bombing during WWII, Milan has since reconstructed and now shines as one of the wealthiest cities in Europe. Widely regarded as a mega fashion center teeming in designer shops, Milan also attracts many to its surviving world famous treasures like Leonardo da Vinci’s painting, The Last Supper , the La Scala Opera House, the Castello Sforzesco and one of the world’s largest Gothic cathedral .

See also: Where to Stay in Milan

Located in Italy’s northwestern region of Lombardy near the Alps and the scenic Lake District, Milan is a fast-paced city excelling in business, shopping and football. More of a glamorous city with modern architecture and attractions , Milan appears less Italian compared to the country’s predominantly historic cities.

One of the busiest metropolitan cities in the country, Naples is the capital of the Campania region in Southern Italy . As it is nearby famous sites like the Bay of Naples and Pompeii, Naples presents an ideal base to stay while exploring the area.

Naples itself features one of the world’s largest historic city centers with one of the highest concentrations of historical monuments, Baroque churches and Roman ruins, offering an endless feast for lovers of history and art.

Extending beyond the city center, tourists will find scenic landscapes, picturesque villas, stylish hotels and castles in addition to ancient Roman baths and volcanic craters. Top attractions in Naples include the grand Piazza del Plebiscito, the royal palace of the Capodimonte Museum and the National Archaeological Museum , which showcases a marvelous collection of artistic works and artifacts excavated from the ruins of Pompeii .

Many favorite Italian foods originated in Naples and its surrounding area such as pizza , spaghetti and parmigiana. These dishes are taken seriously in Naples and usually feature fresh, locally grown ingredients. Other Naples food specialties include fresh seafood, mozzarella cheese and pastries such as baba, zeppole and sfogliatella.

Located along the Arno River in the northwestern region of Tuscany , the city of Pisa still bears the striking remnants of its former golden days as a commercial empire during the Middle Ages. While the Leaning Tower is a must see, visiting this city only to take a photograph of it’s most popular landmark is like looking at one tree and missing the whole forest. Pisa is so much more than just the Leaning Tower.

Surrounding the famous landmark is one of Italy’s most beautiful squares, the Campo dei Miracoli, or Field of Miracles . This remarkable plaza contains magnificent examples of Italian Renaissance that include the Duomo Cathedral, Baptistry and Camposanto Monument, all of which contain marble features, sculptures, frescoes and historic relics. Sprinkled throughout the plaza are various shops selling souvenirs and bakeries offering tasty biscotti.

Beyond the Field of Miracles, the beauty of the Arno River is what often leaves a lasting impression on many tourists. Because Pisa is divided by the river, there are several charming bridges connecting one side to the other such as the Ponte di Mezzo. The riverbanks on each side present a picturesque setting of residential houses, impressive buildings and greenery.

With 60,000 students, the University of Pisa provides the city with an atmosphere of youth and animation. The streets and waterways of Pisa often play host to lively cultural events such as the Luminara Festival, the Regatta of the Ancient Maritime Republics boat race, and the Game of Bridge, a friendly, medieval contest between the city’s two sections.

9. Lake Como

Nestled in the heart of Italy’s Lombardy region, Lake Como is a very popular destination for those seeking a blend of natural beauty, Italian charm, and a touch of luxury. Picture yourself cruising on the shimmering waters, surrounded by rolling hills and mountains that seem to dive right into the lake. The scenery is straight out of a postcard, with colorful villas and sleepy villages dotting the shoreline.

When you’re not gazing at the stunning views, you can explore the quaint streets of lakeside towns like Bellagio , known as the “Pearl of the Lake,” or Varenna , with its romantic promenade. Indulge in some Italian gelato, grab a slice of authentic pizza, or sit down for a leisurely meal at a lakeside restaurant to sample local specialties with a glass of wine.

For the adventurous, there’s plenty to do: hiking trails offer panoramic vistas, and the lake itself is perfect for water sports. And if history’s your thing, you’ll find historic villas and gardens that tell the tales of Como’s glamorous past.

The largest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily lies just across from the southern tip of Italy, on the narrow Strait of Messina. Due to its location, it has long acted as a crossroads, so is very distinct from the rest of the country in terms of its history, culture, and cuisine.

This is best exemplified by Palermo , Sicily’s capital and largest city, which was remarkably founded more than 2,700 years ago. Since then, it has been ruled by everyone from the Phoenicians and Romans to the Arabs and Normans, with each civilization leaving behind artistic and architectural treasures and culinary influences.

In addition, a wealth of important archaeological sites lie scattered around the island; these now make for some of Sicily’s most popular tourist attractions . The impressive ruins of the Ancient Theater of Taormina and the age-old edifices in the Valley of the Temples date to the Ancient Greeks; others, such as the mountaintop castles of Erice , were built in medieval times.

Renowned for its rugged beauty, Sicily’s rugged cliffs and secluded beaches are lined by sparkling waters, while fertile farmland and mountains dot its interior. Towering over everything is Mount Etna , one of the world’s most active volcanoes and the highest peak in Italy south of the Alps.

Established upon three hills in the heart of Tuscany , Siena offers tourists a step back into the Middle Ages with its well-preserved historic center and medieval horse racing tradition, famously known as Il Palio . Formerly a wealthy city, the historic center of Siena is one of the most popular places to go in Italy as it still retains many of its stunning works of art and architecture from that time period.

Siena’s Piazza del Campo is regarded as one of the finest Medieval squares in Europe. This fan-shaped plaza is noted for its architectural treasures such as the Fountain of Joy, the Palazzio Pubblico and the Mangia Tower.

Another of Siena’s architectural gems is its Duomo, a stunning black and white cathedral of Italian Romanesque design with exquisite features like marble floors, stained glass, sculptures, paintings and carvings. The piazza is also a good place to relax, watch people and enjoy the local delights of wine, coffee, pizza, focaccia and gelato.

Hosted twice every summer in the Piazza del Campo, the Palio horse race draws huge annual crowds. This 700-year old tradition involves representatives from 17 different districts racing bareback on the cobblestone plaza. Siena is also home to one of Italy’s oldest public universities, the University of Siena, widely recognized for its Schools of Medicine and Law.

6. Cinque Terre

Five quaint fishing villages awash with colors of blue, yellow and pink all hug cliff sides that slope down to the sea. These villages and the surrounding green hills make up the Cinque Terre National Park, one of Italy’s popular tourist destinations. Located in Italy’s northwestern coastal region of Liguria , the villages of Cinque Terre feature some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes that include wine terraces dating back to hundreds of years.

Meaning “Five Lands,” Cinque Terre comprises the five villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Vernazza, Monterosso and Corniglia. Riomaggiore boasts a medieval castle and the bustling main street of Via Colombo while Manarola is filled with colorful boats, swimming holes and caves.

Surrounded by olive groves, Vernazza offers a lively nightlife scene. The beautiful beach of Monterossa is lined with resorts while sloping vineyards adorn Corniglia . Rich in agriculture and fishing, the Cinque Terre villages are teeming in cafes and trattorias, which serve locally grown wine, olives, cheeses, pasta, seafood and homemade breads.

Among its many gems, Cinque Terre boasts a centuries-old complex of hiking paths that offer some of Italy’s most stunning coastal views. The Blue Trail, also known as Trail No. 2, is a paved trail connecting all five of the villages and is suitable for all ages.

There are very few cars in Cinque Terre as the villages are all small and easy to get around in by foot. However, all the villages are linked by a rail system that runs regularly from Genoa and La Spezia. Serving all five villages.

5. Amalfi Coast

Situated in Italy’s southwestern region of Campania , the Amalfi Coast is known for its extraordinary beauty that makes it one of Italy’s top tourist destinations . Stretching 30 miles along the southern side of the Sorrento Peninsula, the Amalfi Coast is prized for its picturesque coastline that features shimmering bays, craggy cliffs, lemon tree gardens, multicolored villas and ritzy resorts.

One of the most romantic and posh towns along the Amalfi Coast, Positano ‘s many calling cards include beautiful pebbled beaches, pastel houses, scenic mountains, waterfalls and a 13th century Black Madonna.

One of the larger towns, Amalfi , features lovely plazas lined with restaurants and souvenir shops. Perched on a hill overlooking Amalfi, the town of Ravello is favored for its beautiful villas of gardens and art works as well as its lively art and music festival. Often called the Painted Town because of its many mural-painted houses, Furore also features an enchanting bay.

One of Italy’s most visited tourist destinations, Pompeii is a famous Roman city which was buried under several feet of volcanic ash for nearly 1,700 years after the cataclysmic eruption of Mt. Vesuvius . Excavation of Pompeii began in 1748, and the site is yet to be totally unearthed. The site is located near the modern city of Naples .

A tour of Pompeii offers a fascinating insight into the everyday life of the ancient Roman world. Visitors can walk along the ancient streets to see the remains of shops, bars, bakeries, brothels, baths and residential homes as well as buildings that served as commercial and religious centers.

Some of the most significant structures include the Amphitheatre , the Forum, the Temple of Apollo, the Basilica and the Granary Market, which contains a large number of artifacts and plaster casts of people and dogs that died during the catastrophe. Within the architecture of Pompeii’s ancient buildings, there is a large number of art works and frescoes depicting erotica, mythological characters and hunting scenes.

Near the entrance of the Pompeii site, visitors will find several souvenir shops as well as food vendors selling snacks and beverages. While there are only a few dining options within the site itself, there are several cafes and restaurants located around the nearby train station.

One of Italy’s top travel destinations, Venice is a unique city in that is built upon a lagoon surrounded by the Adriatic Sea. Located in northeastern Italy, Venice is an archipelago of 118 islands all connected by hundreds of beautiful bridges and scenic canals. Of the canals, the Grand Canal is most famous and divides the city into two sections. Picturesque waterways and historic architecture make Venice one of the most romantic cities in the world.

Venice is often crowded and expensive but well worth visiting to see its magnificent landmarks like Saint Mark’s Square and Basilica, Doge’s Palace and Rialto Bridge . One of the most popular things to do in Venice is to take a gondola ride along the Grand Canal. However, it is just as equally enjoyable to ride a vaporetti along the quiet back canals.

Every year, Venice hosts one of Italy’s liveliest Carnival festivals where the streets are filled with people dressed in colorful costumes and masks, and the Grand Canal is packed with fleets of decorated boats and gondolas. A popular souvenir to purchase in Venice is one of the beautifully crafted carnival masks.

See also: Where to Stay in Venice

There are no cars in Venice, so people either walk or ride the water taxis along the canal system. Travelers should note that Venice frequently experiences high water in the spring and fall.

2. Florence

The capital of Tuscany , Florence is often described as a colossal outdoor museum because of its mass of art and architectural treasures. Internationally renowned as the birthplace of Italian Renaissance, Florence is also credited with propagating many artists, inventors, writers, scientists and explorers as well as inventing opera and the florin currency, which lifted Europe from the Dark Ages.

Additionally, Florence is known as the home of the wealthy and powerful Medici dynasty that produced several kings and popes, impacting the entire world in a number of ways culturally, economically and politically.

Florence’s hoard of art masterpieces are found all over the city, contained within the large numbers of museums, stunning churches, like the domed Santa Maria del Fiore , and internationally esteemed art galleries like the Ufizzi and Pitti Palace.

The Piazza della Signoria , the main square, is home to beautiful buildings and world famous sculptures like Cellini’s Perseus with the Head of Medusa, Ammannati’s Fountain of Neptune and Michelangelo’s Statue of David.

Walking is the best way to see the major sites in the city center. Some of the best places to walk include the Ponte Vecchio , a beautiful bridge spanning the Arno River and featuring a number of jewelry shops. Florence’s markets are another good place to spend some time before heading back to your accommodation . The San Lorenzo markets are among the most popular where tourists can find an array of locally grown foods and handcrafted goods.

Formerly the capital of the Roman Empire, Rome today is the government seat and capital city of Italy. Located in the country’s central region of Lazio, Rome is a vast and complex city that is both historic and modern at the same time.

Best known for housing ancient Roman structures and the Vatican City , Rome has endured for more than 2,500 years as an important center for culture, power and religion.

Rome is divided into several districts with its center, the Colosseo district, containing the most ancient attractions like the Colosseum , the Forum of Augustus, Capitoline Hill and the Roman Forum. On the outskirts of the center is Old Rome, featuring the Pantheon, stunning cathedrals, plazas and Renaissance architecture. The Vatican is well known for St. Peter’s Basilica , the Apostolic Palace and Sistine Chapel.

There is so much to see and do in Rome , that it could take months to see it all. However, one way for tourists to experience the best of the city is by taking a hop-on, hop-off bus tour. This bus tour stops at major places of interest and top museums , and tourists are free to get off and on as they wish.

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Reader interactions.

May 12, 2017 at 9:28 am

I have only been to Rome and absolutely love it! we are going to be in Croatia for 3 weeks and I would like to go to Venice or Naples for a couple days, but can’t decide, which one would you go to?

July 13, 2016 at 1:02 am

The best place to visit in Italy is Naples. Its the real Italy and its built right on the water, so the water views are spectacular and since the tourists have not found it the prices are still reasonable. From Naples, it also seems like there are more day trips than the other tourist destinations. From Naples, you can hit Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast very easily, the island of Capri is straight out from Naples, which is a great day trip, but I prefer the Islands of Ischia and Procida. You can hike to the top of Mount Vesuvius, check out Herculaneum, which I like just as much as Pompeii and it is better with kids than Pompeii. Also, if you like shopping, I find that Naples has the best shopping I have found. Much better than Milan. The shops are more reasonably priced than any other city and there are lots of leather or fabric factories right in Naples that you can buy from shops on Via Toledo and other shopping districts and I almost forgot to mention Christmas alley and Spaccanapoli. Probably one of my favorite neighborhoods in Naples. If you are in Rome and you miss the Naples area, you probably made a big mistake. It is too close and there is too much to miss out on this beautiful area.

September 16, 2015 at 12:58 am

every place in Italy I’ve been to is very unique. I love the character of each city. however, having to choose from, yet the best is RomanTIC Venice.

August 24, 2015 at 6:28 pm

I recently visited Italy. I would say that it is one of the most beautiful places in the world. I visited it as part of an overall Europe trip and wanted to stay longer. We visited Rome first. Next we visited Cinque Terra staying in Manarola but completing many of the available walks to the other towns. Absolute bliss. Anyways I believe that cinque Terra should definitely be on your list if you are planning to visit and should definitely be further up this list. I loved Rome and believe that it deserves to be equal with Cinque Terra as they were both divine for their own reasons.

May 7, 2015 at 9:10 am

I absolutely adore Italy. Been to a few both on cruise and by plane ( and Eurostar too ). How I LOVE Sicily ( becos of Godfather ) ; Venice ; Bologna ; Lake Como ; Sardinia ; Milan ; Rome ; Verona ; Naples ; Florence ; Pisa, Livorno….beautiful food, wine, people, scenery. I used to love the UK esp London but now it has to be Italy and everything about it. France comes a close third although it is getting rather tired and shabby.

December 10, 2014 at 5:32 am

Nice Article, if you can not go for longer, the best places have been mentioned. If I could add something, as I am Italian from Venice I could suggest to visit the close places around like Treviso, Castelfranco and the beautiful Bassano del Grappa, the gorgeous Asolo.

Happy travel, Chris

August 14, 2014 at 8:40 pm

Just spent 3 weeks in Italy. travelling through Rome, Florence, Bologna, Amalfi, Sorrento, Pompeii, Venice, MIlan, and went to Pisa on a day trip. MY ORDER of these: 1. Amalfi – Amafli and the Amafli coast is absolutely unbelievable. The most beautiful place I travelled to on this trip. The beach, food and atmosphere is to die for. 2. Venice – what can I say, everyone knows Venice. I found it was a massive tourist trap and over crowded but, the city is beautiful and would go back. 3. Florence. Close to everything, a day trip to Bologna or Pisa is so close, and with attractions like academia (david) and uffizi museums plus much more it is a must do. 4. Rome – Colosseum is amazing, a true wonder and vatican is a must see. So as the city will keep you busy with history and attractions. Didn’t like the atmosphere. BUT is a must 5. Pompeii. Stayed in the actual town of Pompeii as I heard naples was dirty, and all you want to do there is see the ruins. But trust me they were awesome. A must do and could have found itself higher on the list = 6. sorrento and milan – would go to see Capri (Sorrento) and last supper (milan) 8. Bologna – Nice but it was nothing exciting. would just go from Florence if you had half a day to spare

Hope this helps Travellers

August 6, 2014 at 7:09 am

I have been to Rome, and the Amalfi Coast…..both deserve to be there. I think Salerno in the Campania region deserved to be there too.

July 27, 2014 at 1:29 am

You have totally forgotten places in the southern Italy such as Bari, Otranto, Gallipoli, Lecce…. And I think that Dolomites are beautiful too ;).

June 29, 2014 at 12:54 pm

I spent only 5 days in Sicilia. NOT ENOUGH. It’s such a lovely place to visit. Food and people are equally our favorite in Italia. What such an unique experience to climb and walk onto the dark land of Etna at 10000 feet and admire the mediteraneen sea almost smaller than you. I don’t know about Gene and Milan but I will return back to the south for sure. Pompei should replace Pisae. No kidding.

April 22, 2014 at 4:21 pm

you guys sure hit South Italy too, it’s beautiful at well at North Italy.

Grazie Ci Vidiamo Presto!

April 18, 2014 at 2:13 am

Hi guys. I’m Italian, and I’m from Milan. Many people, most of all are Italians, think that Milan is a poor cultural city. That isn’t the truth: Milan has got many treasures that nobody knows.

March 17, 2014 at 4:43 am

I’m Italian and I don’t agree with this list. First of all, Naples is one of the poorest, dirties cities in Italy, second of all, in Milan there are just few things worth visiting (duomo, scala, galleria, castello and Leonardo’s “last supper”) but, of course it’s the city of shopping. Then, Genoa is really dirty too (less than Naples) Finally, In Pisa besides the field of miracles there’s nothing else! I don’t mean that there are the worst cities but they shouldn’t be in the top 10 best Italian cities! I would rather suggest you to visit: Turin, Ferrara, Urbino and Siracusa. But I mean, there are so many beautiful places that it’s hard to tell you which one is the best!!

March 10, 2014 at 5:44 am

This place seems awesome & I can’t wait to go out there in the summer!

September 19, 2013 at 2:45 am

Nothing to say against Genoa but honestly maybe another city from south will be better on that ranking. I mean Palermo. Unfortunaly is knows as the city of the mafia, but it’s so charming and extremely beautiful or Val Di Noto in Sicily there are the most beautiful baroccan churches in Italy and the look-out of the Etna. Sicily have 6 world heritage sites is the second region in Italy after Tuscany that have 7. And deserve to stay in the ranking. No way! From a not Sicilian Guy. I’m from Apulia

August 16, 2013 at 8:53 am

Beautiful Italy!! Fantastic world-known attractions, but also its less frequented areas can also offer an authentic experience, idyllic landscapes and lots of culture, history, enogastronomy. For example, the Maremma in southern Tuscany.. or the Salento in Apulia.. or the Tuscia in Latium

July 23, 2013 at 11:25 am

Verona is a beautiful city. I went there this summer and it was amazing! Lake Garda is also a beautiful place with lots of small villages and towns nearby for shopping!

May 21, 2013 at 12:22 pm

I totally agree that Rome is the best, although I much love Norther Italy, Rome is the best place ever!

May 6, 2013 at 6:18 am

For me, Venice is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is truly magnificent how the place is surrounded by waterways that made the city more unique than other cities.

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25 Best Places to Visit in Italy (+ Map to Find Them!)

Brainstorming the best places to visit in Italy before planning a big trip?

We have you covered: despite our temptation to list a hundred places to go in Italy on this list, we’ve narrowed it down to the top Italy travel destinations… plus thrown in just a few curveballs for good measure.

Italy has long been one of our absolute favorite places to travel, and despite cumulatively spending months exploring, we’ll be returning to enjoy the most beautiful places in Italy again and again for the rest of our lives.

Here are the best places to visit in Italy, from iconic cities to charming small towns to colorful islands!

Table of Contents

How to Choose Where to Go in Italy

The best cities to visit in italy, incredible small towns to visit in italy, nature-focused beautiful places in italy, map of the best places to visit in italy.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

It’s downright impossible to visit all the best places to visit in Italy on one trip–so once you’ve compiled your personal bucket list, you’ll need to narrow it down!

We have almost 100 blog posts about Italy here on Our Escape Clause, covering everything from detailed breakdowns of what to do in certain cities, to the best day trips, to food guides for cities like Rome and Florence .

I’ll link many of our Italy blog posts throughout this guide to the most beautiful places in Italy, but to find additional posts on a specific place (some places, like Rome, have over a dozen), use the search bar in the top-right corner of the screen (or if you’re browsing on mobile, on the pop-out menu).

You can use these posts to help put the backbone of your Italy trip together, as well as plan the more detailed aspects of your vacation.

After reading this guide to where to go in Italy, we recommend reading our suggested 2-week Italy itinerary (with classic suggestions for first-time visitors), our guide to spending a week in Italy that provides several options for structuring your trip, and our step-by-step-guide to planning an Italy trip .

You may also want to check out our Italy road trip guide , our 101 top Italy travel tips , and our suggested Italy packing list .

Nicknamed the Eternal City, Rome is a sprawling, complex city dotted with 2,000+ years of ruins, relics, and memories–and in our opinion, it’s one of the most captivating places to visit in Italy… and also in the world overall.

No trip to Rome is complete without visiting the Colosseum and Roman Forum, strolling up the Spanish Steps, stopping by Vatican City , eating a plate (or several) of carbonara, and tossing a coin in the Trevi Fountain to ensure you return to Rome.

We also highly recommend exploring a couple of Rome’s magnificent art museums, whether that’s the iconic Borghese Gallery or quieter options like Palazzo Spada .

Beautiful, walkable Florence is known primarily for two things: its art, and its food.

As both the Cradle of the Renaissance and the capital of Tuscany, neither of these is surprising!

Touring the famous Uffizi Gallery and visiting Michelangelo’s David at the Galleria dell’Accademia is a must-do for art lovers in Florence. 

Be sure to also stop by the Duomo, stroll across the Ponte Vecchio, watch the sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo, and eat plenty of delicious Tuscan food ! 

Of all the best places to go in Italy, Venice is arguably the most unique: there is simply nowhere else on the planet like the regal city of canals, with its iconic gondolas and architecture hinting at the history of the wealthy empire that once ruled from it.

The best things to do in Venice include visiting Piazza San Marco, marveling at St. Mark’s Basilica, taking a classic Venetian gondola ride, and wandering aimlessly through the less-crowded (but still stunning) corners of the city.

When looking for the best places to visit in Lombardy , you can’t start with anywhere except Milan.

The fashion and business capital of Italy is known for its luxury brands, beautiful architecture, and more modern vibe as compared to many Italian cities–but it still has plenty of history behind it, too, and belongs on any list detailing where to go in Italy.

Visiting Milan’s incredible Duomo (and especially its epic rooftop) belongs at the top of any list of things to do in Milan, followed by getting a peek at Leonardo Da Vinci’s Last Supper.

Other sights include the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Castello Sforzesco, and of course Milan’s famous La Scala Opera House.

The capital of Emilia-Romagna is known, above all else, for its food, which just might be the best in Italy. 

Its charms don’t end there, though. Bologna boasts 3 nicknames: la dotta (the educated, for its history university), la rossa (the red, for its unique architecture), and la grassa (the fat, for the aforementioned epic food). It lives up to all of them.

While in Bologna, be sure to climb the Asinelli Tower for incredible views of the city, hunt down the city’s hidden canals, and visit the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca.

Plus, of course, enjoy plenty of food: tagliatelle al ragu, mortadella, and traditional balsamic vinegar are just a few of the delicacies that the region is known for.

The bustling port city of Naples isn’t everyone’s cup of tea–some would even argue that it doesn’t belong on a list of where to go in Italy. We disagree, though.

Naples has a very, very different vibe than Italian cities located further north, but its unique history, interesting things to do, and of course, pizza, make it well worth a visit.

In Naples, be sure to visit the Piazza del Plebiscito, get underground at the Bourbon Tunnel, San Gennaro Catacombs, or Naples Underground, and visit the magnificent archaeological museum, which is one of the best in Italy and where many of the most impressive artifacts from Pompeii ended up!

Plus, of course, visiting Naples means eating at least a couple of classic Napoli-style pizzas –they truly are better there than anywhere else.

Sicily’s stunning capital city is certainly a bit rougher around the edges than many of the best places to visit in Italy, but that’s no reason to stay away.

With a long and storied history impacted by half a dozen empires or so, plenty of palm trees, and even catacombs filled with mummies, Palermo is an unforgettable place, and utterly captivating if you give it the chance to be.

A trip to Palermo should definitely include a visit to the Palermo Cathedral, a food tour through the city ( Sicilian food is distinctly different from what many foreigners associate with Italian food–plus, you get to eat cannoli), and a stop to check out the Quattro Canti.

The city of Romeo and Juliet is located along the Adige River in Veneto and is arguably one of the most beautiful cities in Italy.

Packed with gorgeous views, colorful architecture, and interesting sights, Verona gets far fewer international visitors than, say, Venice or Florence–but it is easy to add onto a typical Italy vacation and well worth the effort!

While in Verona, be sure to enjoy the view from Castel San Pietro, visit Juliet’s House, and walk across the Ponte Pietra.

Tuscany’s second city was once the military rival of Florence–today, it is better known for its oval-shaped central piazza, its excellent food, and the Palio di Siena, a bi-annual horse race that takes place in the Piazza del Campo, and is a tradition that dates back around 800 years!

Visiting Siena’s Duomo (considered by some to be even more beautiful than Florence’s!) is a must-do when visiting the city, as is strolling around the oval-shaped Piazza del Campo and enjoying the view from the top of the Opera della Metropolitana.

Located on the eastern coast of Sicily, the beautiful city of Siracusa is home to beautiful views and history that dates back to the ancient Greeks (fun fact: the famous Greek mathematician Archimedes was from Siracusa!).

The best things to do in Siracusa include wandering the island of Ortigia (home to Siracusa’s old town), stopping by the many baroque churches (especially the Duomo), visiting the ancient Greek and Roman ruins scattered around, and seeing the Fort of San Giovannello.

Alberobello

With its distinct white-washed trulli (round buildings with cone-shaped roofs), Alberobello is one of the most unique places to visit in Italy and Puglia’s most famous inland sight.

The trulli are absolutely the biggest draw of Alberobello, so the most important thing to do in town is stroll through the Rione Monti, where you will find the biggest concentration of them! However, the quieter part of town, Aia Piccola, also has plenty of trulli and is well worth a visit.

Cinque Terre

Technically, I could list each of the five villages of Cinque Terre separately here (in order: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore), but even though they are technically separate places, Cinque Terre as a whole is one of the best travel destinations in Italy.

These five traditional fishing villages are known for their colorful buildings, their location right on the sea, and of course, their seafood.

When in Cinque Terre, hike from Monterosso al Mare to Vernazza (if you have limited time for hiking, this is the one to do!), enjoy a meal featuring seafood and/or pesto, and watch the sunset over Manarola.

If you have time, consider making it a point to visit all five villages and choose your favorite–ours are Vernazza and Riomaggiore, but ask me again tomorrow. It’s nearly impossible to choose!

Located in the Basilicata region of southern Italy, Matera is known for its ancient “sassi” cave dwellings, which were forcibly emptied by Mussolini in 1952.

Today, the city has reopened and been given new life, and its remarkable beauty has made it one of the most unique places on this guide of where to go in Italy.

In Matera, be sure to visit the Church of Saint Peter and its incredible viewpoint, see the city’s rock churches, and take a walking tour through the maze-like city center in order to learn about complex history dating back 10,000 years while also seeking out incredible views along the way!

Polignano a Mare

As one of the most picturesque beach towns in Italy , Polignano a Mare is primarily known for its visually stunning Cala Porto beach–but like other places in Puglia, the whitewashed architecture, historical buildings, and seafood also shine.

Visiting Cala Porto is at the top of everyone’s Polignano al Mare bucket list–be sure to also enjoy the view of it from above at Balconata sul Mare!

Montepulciano

Truthfully, there are many hilltop towns in Tuscany that are worthy of being considered among the most beautiful places in Italy, but I chose Montepulciano to include here because it is such a delightful example of an idyllic Tuscan town.

With its winding cobblestone streets, beautiful churches, fantastic views of the countryside, and excellent local wine, Montepulciano is not to be missed!

When in Montepulciano, sample the delicious Vino di Montepulciano (ideally at the wine cellar in the center of town), seek out views of the beautiful Church of San Biagio and snap photos at Piazza Grande.

Val di Noto’s Baroque Towns

The Baroque towns of Sicily’s Val di Noto are known for their remarkable architecture, excellent food (especially Modica’s chocolate), and incredible natural setting. They’re also, collectively, a UNESCO World Heritage site!

Siracusa, also included in this guide to beautiful spots in Italy, is technically among these towns, as is the city of Catania. However, the grouping of Ragusa (home to stunning views), Scilici, and Modica (home to incredibly unique chocolate) are a popular and worthy collection of villages to visit in their own right!

Pompeii isn’t exactly a small town, of course, but this incredibly famous archaeological site doesn’t quite fit into any of our categories on this guide to the best places to see in Italy, so I’ll include it here.

In 79 AD, Pompeii (as well as other nearby cities like Herculaneum) was buried by an enormous volcanic eruption from Mount Vesuvius… and it wasn’t seen again until the 18th century.

For this reason, Pompeii offers a positively incredible look into daily life in the ancient Roman empire.

Tour the city on foot (we highly recommend a guided tour), see the haunting plaster casts of victims who were buried alive, and marvel at the small details of life 2,000 years ago that are on display in Pompeii.

Glamorous Lake Como has long been considered one of the most beautiful places in Italy, and the resort-style feel of the gorgeous villas and villages that dot the lake is a testament to its overwhelming beauty.

While visiting Lake Como, be sure to sample a few of the different villages on the lake ( Bellagio , Varenna, and Como are all popular), tour a villa or two, take a hike above the lake for stunning views, and hit the water in a boat!

The stunning island of Capri has been captivating visitors with its gorgeous vistas and otherworldly grottos since the time of Roman Emperors–and 2,000 or so years later, it’s still just as captivating.

When visiting Capri, be sure to take a boat tour around the island, admire the views from the Garden of Augustus (don’t miss the view of Via Krupp looking straight down), ride the chairlift up Monte Solaro, and if you have enough time, tour the magical Blue Grotto.

The magnificent Dolomites are arguably one of the most dramatically beautiful mountain ranges in all of Europe, and whether you’d like to visit for a summer hike or a winter ski session, they are absolutely among the best places to visit in Italy.

The best things to do in the Dolomites include visiting the charming small cities of Bolzano and Cortina d’Ampezzo, hiking to stunning mountain lakes, taking funicular rides to small mountainside towns, and road-tripping the Great Dolomites Road.

Lago di Braies

Instagram-famous Lago di Braies is known as one of the most beautiful places in Italy. 

Framed by the Dolomites and populated by picturesque wooden rowboats, it’s truly a sight to behold.

Renting a rowboat to admire the lake from the water and hiking the circumference of the lake (it takes about 1.5 hours) are among the best things to do at Lago di Braies.

Tuscan Countryside

Known for its rolling hills, golden light, beautiful vineyards, charming villages, and even its hot springs, Tuscany has long been one of the most popular places to visit in Italy–for a very good reason.

In addition to touring its cities and small towns (Florence, Siena, and Montepulciano are also included on this list and are in Tuscany), consider visiting a hot spring, taking a cooking class, going for a hike, and of course enjoying several wine tastings while in the Tuscan countryside.

The Amalfi Coast

Of course, no list of the most beautiful places in Italy would be complete without mentioning the utterly magical Amalfi Coast, which is home to quite possibly some of the best coastal views on the planet.

When visiting the Amalfi Coast, be sure to village-hop a bit–Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello are among the most popular–enjoy views of the coast from the water with a boat tour or rental, and for some of the best views of all, hike the aptly-named Path of the Gods.

The gorgeous island of Sardinia gets far fewer non-Italian–and especially non-European–visitors than coastal retreats like the Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre, or even Sicily, but that’s too bad… because it is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful places in Italy.

Sardinia’s beaches are known for being some of the best in Italy (and in Europe overall) , so be sure to add several to your list of things to do on the island! 

Visiting ancient ruins, sailing around the island (either yourself or on a tour), visiting the charming city of Cagliari, and checking out the many unique castles and caves all also belong on your list of what to do in Sardinia.

Mount Vesuvius

Mount Vesuvius, primarily known for the 79 AD eruption that buried Pompeii and Herculaneum, is the most famous volcano in Italy and an incredible place to visit.

Visit the crater of Mount Vesuvius (it’s about a 25-minute walk up, you can drive most of the way) to marvel at the smoldering volcano crater and to soak in magnificent views of the Bay of Naples.

Take This Map With You! Click each highlight to pull up the name of the destination. To save this map to “Your Places” on Google Maps, click the star to the right of the title. You’ll then be able to find it under the Maps tab of your Google Maps account! To open the map in a new window, click the button on the top right of the map.

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About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

6 thoughts on “25 Best Places to Visit in Italy (+ Map to Find Them!)”

Kind of glad you didn’t mention my favorite place in Italy, Luca. Let’s keep it under the radar.?

Ah, if I included everywhere amazing in Tuscany, the post would never end! Lucca is my grandmother’s favorite too, we’ve spent some lovely trips there. 🙂

You’re welcome! 🙂

I will be visiting Italy in Sept 2023 for 8 days. Is it reasonable to spend time in Rome, Florence and Cinque Terre in that time period? If so, how would you recommend I break up the trip?

It’s a tight squeeze, but doable, especially if you visit Cinque Terre on an organized day trip from Florence.

Assuming the 2 days on either end of the trip are travel days, I’d recommend 3 full days in Rome, 1 day in Cinque Terre, and 2 days in Florence.

We talk a lot more about planning a week in Italy here: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/7-days-in-italy-in-a-week/

And we talk about visiting Cinque Terre from Florence here: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/florence-to-cinque-terre/

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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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Reader Interactions

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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Italy Travel Guide

More than pizza, pasta, and gelato – Italy has impressive mountains, beaches, famous museums, and stunning architecture.

Best time to visit Italy

Best things to do in italy, best places to visit in italy, saturnia hot springs in tuscany – italy’s best-kept secret, 9 things to do in lake como, italy, best things to do in siena, italy, 11 best things to do in venice (city trip guide), map of italy, weather in italy.

Italy sees a Mediterranean climate, making it great to visit any time of the year. Summers are hot and dry (the perfect beach weather), and winters are mild, ideal for exploring cities. Coastal areas like Sicily have sunny weather, while inland regions see more distinct seasons.

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Discover san marino: the perfect day trip from italy, 11 best things to do in bergamo, italy, 8 best things to do in florence, italy, 11 best things to do in pisa, italy, 9 best things to do in rome, italy (3-day guide), 16 best things to do in umbria, italy, perugia, italy: 11 best things to do in umbria’s capital city , rasiglia, italy: explore little venice of umbria, 13 best things to do in assisi, italy, how to rent a car in italy, how to plan a trip, best travel insurances.

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Why is Italy worth visiting?

From spectacular cities full of history and art to gorgeous natural scenery, buzzing beaches, and world-renowned cuisine, Italy is a dream destination for countless reasons. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins or savoring a delicious pizza on the coast, Italy offers a perfect blend of culture and beauty.

Is Italy cheap to visit?

Though popular with many high-end hotels and restaurants, Italy can also be affordable. Enjoy delicious pasta for only $10 and gelato for $3, and stay in budget-friendly hotels (starting around $50), proving that La Dolce Vita is for every type of traveler.

Can I drink tap water in Italy?

In Italy, sip confidently from the tap – the water is safe and refreshing to drink! Bring a reusable bottle to top up at one of the many fountains, and stay hydrated while reducing plastic waste.

Do I need a visa for traveling in Italy?

Most travelers from the EU, the US, and many other countries can enter Italy for up to 90 days without a visa. Check your specific requirements, pack your bags, and get ready for pasta-filled adventures!

What language do they speak in Italy?

Italian, the language of love, art, and delicious food, is like music to your ears. Embrace the bella lingua as you travel through the country, offering a friendly ‘ciao’ (hello or goodbye) everywhere you go.

Do I need travel insurance for Italy?

Travel insurance is your safety net for your city-exploring and Vespa-riding escapades, making sure you have peace of mind whilst making unforgettable memories. It protects you against unexpected events, whether it’s a canceled flight or an accident.

Is Italy safe?

Italy’s timeless beauty and warm hospitality make it a safe destination for travelers. Crime levels and risk of natural disasters are generally low. In big city centers, like Rome or Milan, petty crime is more common (like pickpocketing or car theft).

What power plug type does Italy have?

Italy uses both Type F and Type L power plugs, so it’s a good idea to carry adaptors for both plug types when traveling to Italy. Type F has two round pins, while Type L has three in a row.

Why do people love Italy?

Italy is loved by people from all over the world for its rich culture, landscape, and cuisine. Whether you’re looking to stroll through century-old Florence, sip wine in Tuscany’s stunning vineyards, or relax on the Amalfi Coast, there’s something for everyone.

Travel to Italy

Beauty lies in the details in Italy, whether it’s elderly people enjoying their morning espresso, the stringy mozzarella on a perfect pizza, or the joyful Vespa driver as he drives through the Tuscan sunflower hills. All these beautiful scenes on a vacation in Italy leave travelers deeply in love with the country.

How to Plan Your Trip to Italy

Follow our Italy travel guides to plan your ultimate trip! Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins in Rome, savoring Neapolitan pizza on the coast, or admiring the lively towns in Umbria , we’ve got you covered with our informative guides. Discover all the best places in Italy, or check out our 7-day Italy itinerary.

2 Weeks in Italy also makes the perfect time for a road trip, allowing you to see much more of this diverse Mediterranean country.

Best Time to Visit Italy

Whether you’re skiing in the Dolomites, enjoying a glass of wine in Siena, or touring ancient Roman ruins, the weather adds its own magic to your Italy holiday.

High Season: Italy’s weather is different throughout the country and the year. Summers (June to August) are the perfect time for beach bumming in coastal areas like the Amalfi Coast and Sicily. This is, however, also peak travel season, so prepare for crowds.

Shoulder Seasons: The shoulder seasons of spring and fall are the best time to visit Italy. During this time, the weather is pleasant, and landscapes burst in color. Florence and Tuscany are particularly stunning during this time, with milder temperatures perfect for exploring historical sights and vineyards.

Low season: Winter makes a great time to visit the north (especially the Italian Alps) if you’re into snow sports. Venice , Milan, and Rome can be a bit chilly but are just as enchanting and will have fewer tourists. Down south on the coast, winters are milder, making them also a great off-season escape.

Coastlines and Beaches

Once you’ve absorbed all the Italian history and art that there is to offer, head to the idyllic Italian shores. The country boasts a coastline that’s as diverse as it’s stunning, offering a beach experience for every traveler. Best of all, the warm Mediterranean climate in Italy and the hot sun that shines on a deep blue sea make it the perfect summer destination.

Discover areas such as the Cinque Terre , where layers of colored houses sink into the olive groves and cliffs, or cool off in the cool waters in front of Puglia’s unique coast dotted with hidden grottoes.

Alternatively, leave the mainland, and head to the island of Sardinia, where white sandy shores line with azure blue waters. For history lovers, Sicily offers a blend of beautiful beaches and ancient ruins like the impressive Valley of the Temples.

Italy’s beaches are more than just a place to soak up the sun – try different watersports, explore cute coastal towns, and dive into the different gelato flavors.

Food, Culture, and Religion in Italy

Italy is known as a cultural hub where food, culture, and religion come together and create a beautiful blend of traditions.

Food: Italian cuisine is renowned globally, but each region has its own flavors and culinary delights. Lombardy in the north is famous for its creamy risotto, while Sicily in the south boasts dishes like pasta alla norma, and Naples is the birthplace of pizza.

Culture: Everywhere you go in Italy feels as if you’re walking in a living museum adorned with ancient ruins like the Colosseum in Rome or the remarkably preserved city of Pompeii. Use our Italy travel guides to explore timeless art in Florence or slowly drift down the canals in Venice, taking in all the enchanting architecture.

Religion: Religion also holds a significant place in Italy’s culture, with the majority being Roman Catholic. Vatican City, nestled in the heart of Rome, stands as the epicenter of the Catholic Church. Pilgrims used to flock to sites like Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis, for spiritual journeys, and there are many religious festivals all throughout the country, showing Italy’s rich cultural heritage.

Why You Should Travel to Italy

With its romantic settings, delicious cuisine, cultural heritage, history, and art, it’s easy to see why people from all over the world travel in Italy. Visitors can tread the paths of the ancient Romans and stroll through century-old streets, all while savoring fresh seafood and pasta. Later, enjoy your food coma, while relaxing along the coast or waterfront in stunning locations like Lake Como .

Tip: Some of the best things to do in Italy lie more off the beaten path, like the lush region of Umbria. Discover cute towns and water villages tucked between rolling hills covered in vineyards. Or, head into its Tuscan neighbor and explore the Elsa Trail and Diborrato Waterfall .

Safety and Travel Advice in Italy

Although Italy is a safe destination to travel to, it’s always good to be up-to-date about safety measures and tips for traveling to the country.

Natural disasters: Though they rarely happen, Italy does see minor earthquakes and sometimes experiences heavy rainfall (winter). Stay informed by registering with your embassy to receive emergency updates on your trip. If you plan on doing any winter sports, always take advice on local weather and avalanche conditions before you travel to Italy.

Crime and safety in Italy : Crime levels are generally low, but in crowded areas, like the city centers in Rome and Milan, petty crime (pickpocketing) does happen. Leave valuables at home and carry your bag on the front if possible. Be particularly careful with your belongings on trains to and from the airport, as well as left unattended on the beaches.

Learn more about travel safety

Traffic: Depending on where you travel to and the time of your visit, there can be quite some traffic in Italy. If you’re driving a rental car in Italy, always watch for traffic signs and stick to the rules (even when locals don’t). In Italy, it’s also important to know which part of the city is a ZTL (zona traffico limitato), as this is a permit-only zone.

Car theft: Though rare, car theft does happen from rental cars, especially in Southern Italy. Because of this, always be mindful of where you park, and don’t leave anything on display inside. Try to remove all valuables and luggage if you can.

Travel Insurance: One of the things we always recommend for your Italy holiday is purchasing travel insurance. Whether it’s lost luggage or an accident – travel insurance gives you more peace of mind. Check out these best travel insurances .

Top Cities to Visit

Must-Try Foods

Two-Week Itinerary

Things to Do

Best Beaches

Best Museums

Dolomites Guide

Where to Go Hiking

Where to Go Skiing

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Best Destinations

The 15 Best Destinations in Italy

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

There's a corner of Italy for every type of traveler. If you want art- and history-filled cities, Italy has them by the dozens. Small towns where you can slow down and absorb local culture? Italy has thousands , each prettier than the last. Beaches? Whether you want endless sands or pebbly shores set under windswept cliffs, you'll find them in Italy. Alpine lakes, UNESCO-listed archaeological parks, thermal springs, glacier-carved valleys, pristine islands, and even volcanos—Italy has them.

To help you choose from Italy's embarrassment of riches, we've created a list of the top 15 destinations in Italy, with a little information about why each one deserves a visit. But remember, no list of the best places to see in Italy could ever be exhaustive or complete, so use this as a stepping-off point for creating your own ideal itinerary for a vacation in Italy.

Much of the history of Europe was shaped in Rome, and the past is still palpable here at every turn. From the ancient relics of the Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine Hill to medieval Trastevere, Baroque churches and fountains, and the glories of Vatican City , there's a reason so many Italian vacations start or finish here. There's enough to see in Rome to fill a lifetime, but you can make a pretty good dent in four or five days. Reserve in advance for must-see places like the Colosseum and the Vatican Museums, and make time to slow down, sit in a piazza or sidewalk café, and watch Roman life go by.

Florence, the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and the largest city in Tuscany, offers art museums, historic landmarks, narrow cobblestone streets, and a feel altogether different from Rome. In a few busy days here, you can see the major museums , including the Uffizi and the Accademia (reserve ahead for both), explore Florence's bustling markets, walk its many bridges, and discover the Oltrarno (its Left Bank). That will still leave you time for sampling Florentine cuisine , paired with some nice wine from the Tuscan countryside. Florence is also reputed to have some of the best gelato in Italy, but you'll have to decide that for yourself.

Despite its bad press of late—overcrowding and record flooding—Venice is still Venice, and it's simply intoxicatingly magical. Base yourself several days in a hotel in one of the city's sestieri (quarters) and set off on foot or by vaporetto (water bus) to explore this water-soaked land of Byzantine architecture and glorious decay. Marvel at the interior and exterior of St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace , have an overpriced drink on St. Mark's square, eat cheap cicchetti (tapas-like snacks) in an authentic Venetian wine bar, get lost in the Dorsoduro or Cannaregio districts, and go ahead and spring for that pricey gondola ride —because there's only one Venice, after all.

SlowImages/GettyImages 

With its Greek ruins, North African-influenced cuisine , Spanish Baroque architecture, and all those blond Italians—the lingering effects of Norman rule—you might be excused for thinking Sicily is an entirely different country from Italy. This fascinating island—Italy's largest—has a rich history in its earthy cities like Palermo and Catania and UNESCO-listed archaeological sites at Agrigento and Syracuse. Plus, with gorgeous beaches all around the island and an active volcano where you can ski in the winter, Sicily is full of surprises. A week or more here is just scratching the surface.

Beautiful, chaotic, vibrant, and intensely historic, Naples feels like Italy's most lived-in city. A few days here could be quickly filled up. See the city's archaeological museum—which is perhaps the finest in Italy—and tour its hundreds of churches and religious complexes. Visit castles and palaces where Norman, Spanish, and French kings held court, or dive into the Centro Storico, where you'll be met with delicious street food. Go underground to discover Greek and Roman ruins, and eat seafood fresh off the fishing boat at a seaside trattoria. Naples is simply enchanting, if not for the faint of heart.

TripSavvy / Deanna Mazzola 

A refuge for Roman Emperor Tiberius and the booty of countless wars, Capri has always had a certain cache. The crowds have dimmed that aura of exclusivity a bit, but Capri still has that something special. Spend a couple of days here shopping, wandering down narrow covered alleyways, hiking up to Tiberius's villa, and taking a boat ride into the ethereal Blue Grotto.

Emilia-Romagna

One part heartland, one part industrial powerhouse, the Emilia-Romagna region of north-central Italy often gets passed over in favor of Venice, Milan, or Tuscany—but this varied, prosperous land has a lot to offer. Bologna has history, wide-open squares, and youth-infused nightlife. Parma has its culinary traditions that go well beyond ham and cheese, while Modena is known for its balsamic vinegar and sports car industry. On the Adriatic, Ravenna is the city of mosaics, while Rimini is one of the biggest beach resorts in Europe. Each of these cities warrants a day or more of your time.

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Beyond its charming trulli , or conically shaped traditional homes, Puglia has great red and white wines, rich food traditions based on olive oil (the region is Italy's number one producer), burrata mozzarella, and local fish and grains. The area's gentle rolling hills are ideal for biking, and its glorious coastline—the longest in Italy—is dotted with beautiful beaches and dramatically sited towns.

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For yet another region of Italy that feels apart from the rest of the country, head to the Dolomite Mountains, within the Alto Adige (Sud Tirol) region. A UNESCO World Heritage Region, the Dolomites are comprised of numerous peaks above 3,000 meters (9,800 feet), great for skiing, hiking, and challenging climbing. Their valleys hold cute Tirolean mountain towns that seem more Austrian than Italian, harkening to the region's past as part of Austro-Hungary. You'll also find chic ski resorts like Merano and Cortina d'Ampezzo, as well as the regional capital of Bolzano . Home to Otzi the Iceman—the Copper Age mummy found decades ago in a receding glacier—Bolanzo's museum dedicated to him and related finds is one of the finest in Europe.

Tuscany is sort of archetypally etched in the minds of travelers and would-be travelers, whether they've ever visited it or not. The rolling hills are covered in lush grapevines, medieval hamlets, elegant hill towns, and fields of cheerful sunflowers—it's all here. Base yourself in Siena , home of the Palio horse race; the walled city of Lucca ; or Pisa , with its leaning tower. Or sample life in a smaller hill town like Montepulciano, Pienza, or Montalcino, and explore wineries , thermal springs, and the bucolic countryside.

The Tuscan Islands

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The Tuscan islands of Giglio and Elba are a worthy side trip for anyone who wants to experience Mediterranean Italy without taking a plane or a long ferry ride. Elba is just 40 minutes from the mainland and is known for its dozens of family-friendly beaches, clear waters, seaside towns with waterfront promenades, and a rugged interior suited to hiking and mountain biking. Tiny Giglio, an hour from the mainland, has three small towns. Here, you'll find a pretty port, a few decent beaches, and a wild landscape carpeted in grapevines and untamed Mediterranean scrub. Both are idyllic places to spend a few days.

Veneto (Padua, Verona, Treviso)

The cities of the Veneto often get overlooked in favor of their more famous cousin, Venice. But a trio of lovely, storied cities makes for great day trips from Venice or destinations in their own right. North of Venice, Treviso is also an elegant city of canals, though on a much more subdued scale than Venice. Padua has art-filled churches and a UNESCO-listed botanical garden, plus a thermal spa area just to its south. Posh Verona , the fictional home of Romeo and Juliet, rests heavily on that romantic legacy, but it also has a spectacular Roman arena, regal piazzas, and high-end shopping.

Islands of the Venetian Lagoon

If you're already in Venice, extend your stay long enough to explore some of the islands of the Venetian Lagoon. The less-visited islands of Burano , Chioggia, Torcello, and Murano reveal a great deal about the history of how Venice developed. Even more, it shows visitors a quieter, more authentic side of life on the lagoon, where the day moves according to the tides, fishermen still go out at night and come back at dawn with their catch, and women still tat lace by hand. If you have the time, try to arrange an overnight on one of the islands to really get a taste of lagoon life.

The Lakes Region

Italy's Lakes Region has long been a summertime playground for European and Hollywood jet-setters, but it offers plenty of diversions for mere mortals as well. Lake Garda, the largest of the lakes, has a dramatic alpine backdrop, family-friendly lakeside towns, and one of Italy's largest theme parks—Gardaland. Lake Como has a celebrity cache and achingly beautiful waterfront areas. Lakes Lugano and Maggiore both share waters and shorelines with Switzerland. All of the lakes compete for the most stunning scenery. In the summer, boat rides, swimming, and lakeside dining are top activities.

Milan is well known as the fashion capital of Europe and the home of Leonardo DaVinci's masterpiece, "The Last Supper." But there's more to Milan than fashionistas and a fragile fresco. The busy, modern northern Italian city holds several excellent art museums, Roman ruins, a medieval fortress, and a young, upwardly mobile population that helps create a buzzy nightlife scene . Reserve your tickets in advance for "The Last Supper," tour the lace-like Duomo, sample Milan's café culture, then head to the Navigli neighborhood for an evening out on the town.

The Top 23 Things to Do in Italy

A Map of Italy's Regions and Which Ones to Visit

Your Trip to Milan: The Complete Guide

The 15 Best Things to Do in Tuscany

The 14 Best Day Trips from Rome

Northern Italy's UNESCO World Heritage Sites and Cities

Siena Guide: Planning Your Trip

Italy Guide: Planning Your Trip

The 15 Best Cities in Italy

May Festivals in Italy

Italy in Winter: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

Getting Around Tuscany

Weather in Italy: Climate, Seasons, and Average Monthly Temperature

The Best Day Trips in Italy

Two Weeks in Italy: The Perfect Itinerary

The Best Small Cities to Visit in Italy

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29 Most Beautiful Places in Italy

From dreamy islands to charming small towns, these picture-perfect Italy destinations were made for your Instagram feed.

Elizabeth Heath is a writer and editor living on a hill in Umbria, from where she writes about travel in Italy, the rest of Europe, and farther afield.

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Choosing the most beautiful places in Italy is like being asked to pick your favorite child. You love them all for different reasons, and it’s virtually impossible to express a preference. Italy is filled with epically gorgeous locales — we could name dozens in Rome alone — and has so many different kinds of beauty, from iconic ruins to romantic cities, dazzling islands to seascapes, spectacular mountain ranges to sparkling lakes, plus a thousand small towns and villages, each more picturesque than the next. 

But choose we must. We tried to cast a wide net in terms of vistas large and small, and defined “beauty” in its broadest terms — not just for how a place looks, but how it feels to be there, its cultural significance, and its one-of-a-kind quality. So that nobody feels left out, we also included at least one location in each of Italy’s 20 regions.

Like all sibling rivalries, there will be hurt feelings and accusations of being mom or dad’s favorite. But hopefully, this unranked list of the 29 most beautiful places in Italy includes at least a few of your favorites, and introduces some new temptations for your next trip.

View From Capitoline Hill, Rome

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One of the best things to do in Rome is absolutely free: Walk to the top of Capitoline Hill — up a staircase designed by Michelangelo, no less — and around to the back of Palazzo Senatorio. There, you’ll take in a stunning panorama — the ruins of the Roman Forum, with the Palatine Hill to the right and the Colosseum rising in the near distance. On a summer night, there is no dreamier place in all of Rome.

Grand Canal, Venice

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Cue the romantic music. Despite the crowds, the bad restaurants hawking tourist menus, and, yes, occasionally the smell, Venice remains a visual stunner — there’s simply no place else like it on earth. So, tune out the fracas behind you as you soak up the marvel of the Grand Canal, Venice’s wide, serpentine waterway. Popular opinion varies widely on this, but we say a twilight gondola ride is worth the splurge.

Val d’Orcia, Tuscany

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Tuscany unfurls in all its glory in the Val d’Orcia, the bucolic area south of Siena known for its archetypal landscapes of wind-rippled fields, rolling hills, neatly kept vineyards, and rows of cypress trees. Famous hill towns like Montalcino, Pienza, and Montepulciano appear on the horizon, where lucky travelers can sample the valley’s hearty red wines, aged cheeses, and cured meats.

Ortigia, Sicily

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While everyone else heads to Taormina for their White Lotus moment , travelers who head further down the eastern Sicilian coast can get lost in the narrow streets of ancient Ortigia. This island adjacent to Siracusa (Syracuse) has been inhabited since the 14th century B.C.E. and has the architectural pedigree to prove it. Visit Greek temples, baroque cathedrals, and one of Italy’s most beautiful seaside promenades.

Golfo di Orosei, Sardinia

Don’t visit the Golfo di Orosei for sandy beaches or cocktails with paper umbrellas. The beauty here is in the raw nature — wild, stunning, and just a little dangerous. Some of Sardinia’s most beautiful and hard-to-reach cale , or coves, are on this stretch of Tyrrhenian Sea coastline. Hire a zodiac boat to deposit you on Cala Mariolu or Cala Goloritzé, or swim in the Piscine di Venere (Pools of Venus), whose beauty is worthy of its mythic moniker.

Piazza del Campo, Siena

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Siena’s clam-shell-shaped, 13th-century main plaza has witnessed plagues, sieges, and warring clans, and has remained an architecture lesson in medieval city planning — it’s no surprise that Ambrogio Lorenzetti’s "Allegory of Good and Bad Government" hangs in the city hall adjacent to the piazza. Spring for an overpriced spritz and look out on a view for the ages, or book well in advance for a ringside seat to the city’s famous Palio.

View of Ponte Vecchio From Ponte Santa Trìnita

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Like Venice, Florence is a victim of overtourism. But the unobstructed view of the Ponte Vecchio from the next bridge downriver — Ponte Santa Trìnita — especially when viewed in the evening light, will help you forget the crowds and noise.

Fioritura of Castelluccio di Norcia, Umbria and Marche

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Time your trip to Umbria right and you’ll be in for a visual show: the blooming of seasonal wildflowers — the fioritura — on the vast plains of Castelluccio. Sure, the flowers get a little human help in order to bloom so prolifically, but the kaleidoscope of red poppies, yellow tulips, blue cornflowers, and other flowering beauties is an ephemeral delight.

House of the Vettii, Pompeii

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Newly reopened after a decades-long closure and restoration, Pompeii’s House of the Vettii offers a mesmerizing look at how the other half lived in the first century C.E., before Vesuvius blew its top and cemented the city’s place in history. More remarkable still is that the owners of this palatial home were freed slaves — a testament to ancient social mobility. Vivid frescoes in some parts of the home leave little to the imagination, and illustrate some of the more lurid business practices that took place under its roof.

Basilica di San Vitale, Ravenna

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Students of art history will instantly recognize the glittering gold and colored mosaics of this sixth-century basilica, constructed when Ravenna was part of Byzantium. It's now part of a combined UNESCO World Heritage Site. For our money, there are arguably few more breathtaking scenes in all of Western art. Look for the hand of God emerging from the clouds to stop the sacrifice of Isaac, and check out Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora in full regalia.

Lecce, Puglia

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The sand-colored limestone of Lecce lends itself to carving. And carve they did. The provincial capital is practically bursting with elaborate baroque facades — not just on its many churches, but on palaces, municipal buildings, and ancient city gates. The Romans carved a thing or two here as well, including a remarkably well-preserved amphitheater in the center of the old town.

Lago di Braies, South Tyrol

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This high-altitude lake in the Dolomites is one you’ve likely seen photos of — the still, blue-green water with craggy, often snowcapped mountains reflected on its surface. The daring will swim in the brisk lake in the summertime, but even if you don’t dip a toe in, you can still soak up this perfect Alpine scene by way of a hike or lakeside lunch.

Duomo di Milano, Milan

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The façade of Italy’s largest cathedral drips with ornamentation — a model of Gothic perfection that dominates a huge piazza lined with historic buildings, including the venerable Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade. A stroll around the rooftop of the Duomo lets you observe the stonework up close and offers a bird's-eye view of the city. Make time for an evening passeggiata to stroll in the shadow of this beauty.

Spaccanapoli, Naples

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Calling Spaccanapoli — the street that “splits” Naples’s centro storico in half — beautiful might stretch the definition of the term. But this narrow, cacophonous street, perpetually shaded by the decaying apartment buildings that line it, is all the gritty, pulsing beauty of Naples in a single corridor. Pizza joints, fish markets, hip-grazing scooters passing at all hours, and a plethora of colors, sounds, and smells will either put you off or enthrall you — we hope the latter.

Matera, Basilicata

Daniel Craig whizzed through the streets of Matera in an Aston Martin in his last turn as James Bond, but we recommend seeing it at a slower pace. Basilicata’s best-known city is famous for its enigmatic caves, which have been inhabited since the Paleolithic era — though you’ll hardly feel like a troglodyte at one of the UNESCO-designated site’s many boutique cave hotels. Walk up to Piazzetta Pascoli for a glorious nighttime view of the city.

Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods), Amalfi Coast

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The best-known hiking trail along the Amalfi Coast stretches between the mostly anonymous inland towns of Bomerano and Nocelle. Along the way, it takes in sweeping views of the Bay of Naples and colorful towns that cling to the coast — the views of Positano are especially delightful. The relatively easy five-mile trail takes a few hours to complete and is a high point — literally and figuratively — of an Amalfi Coast visit .

Como-Brunate Funicular

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Getting there is at least half the fun, and the views aren’t too shabby, either. This historic funicular railway has been hauling residents and visitors back and forth between the shores of Lake Como and the small town of Brunate. The nearly one-mile-long ride climbs about 1,640 feet on a single track and a very steep grade. Along the way, the vistas of the lake and surrounding Alps are magnificent.

Campo Imperatore, Abruzzo

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Its nickname is “Little Tibet,” and while the altitudes might not compare, the 4,921- to 6,561-foot Campo Imperatore shares some characteristics with its Himalayan cousin — it’s a remote, undulating plateau of flowering meadows in the summer and impressive snowfall in the winter. The campo, which forms part of the 150,000-hectare Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park, is best accessed via cable car. The Apennines tallest peak, the Corno Grande, looms large and is the objective of many hikers and climbers.

Walk Between Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare, Cinque Terre

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You won’t have this two-mile stretch of the Sentiero Azzurro, or Blue Path, to yourself, as it’s one of the most popular hikes in the Cinque Terre . But the views make up for sometimes congested trail conditions on this stunning hike, which is somewhat easier with Vernazza as the starting point. Expect dense, fragrant stands of Mediterranean macchia (scrub), terraced vineyards, and jaw-dropping views of the sea and the iconic Cinque Terre villages.

View From Monte Bianco Cable Car, Aosta Valley

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The only way to get any closer to Monte Bianco (Mont Blanc), the highest peak in the Alps, is to climb it. Instead, this 360-degree revolving cable car carries skiers, hikers, and sightseers on a three-mile ascent to Pointe Helbronner, where the 13,000-foot mountain, which straddles the Italian border with France, will seem close enough to touch. On a clear day, the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa, and other Alpine heavy hitters are in view.

Langhe, Piedmont

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Think of the Langhe as Piedmont’s answer to Tuscany’s Val d’Orcia. This fertile northern territory is the land of hearty Barolo and Barbaresco red wines, sparkling Asti, and pungent, precious white truffles from Alba. Walks through the gently rolling vineyards, wine and food tours, and visits to delightful small towns are the draws here. The scenery is simply gorgeous, and all without the crowds of Tuscany.

Sunset at Piazza Unità d'Italia, Trieste

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Europe’s largest waterfront square is grand and elegant by day, and beautiful at sunset, when the streetlights turn on and the piazza takes on a peaceful glow. While there’s been a piazza here for centuries, the present look was perfected in the 19th century, when Trieste was an important crossroads and port for the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Tropea, Calabria

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That southern Italian beach you’ve seen photos of, with the crescents of white sand, clear turquoise water, and the antique town sitting up on a chalky bluff? It’s Tropea, one of the most visually stunning seaside locations in all of Italy. Set on Calabria’s “Coast of the Gods,” Tropea is a buzzing beach destination for vacationing Italians , and one that international tourists are increasingly discovering.

Temples of Paestum, Campania

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Sure, the ruins in Rome are pretty old and iconic, but the mighty temples at Paestum were there when Roma was just a swampy settlement. This complex of extraordinarily well-preserved Greek temples sits south of Naples, in part of the area once known as Magna Graecia. Careful site planning means that walking among these ruins really does feel like stepping into the past, and the adjacent archaeological museum is first-rate.

Polignano a Mare, Puglia

Even though this gorgeous seaside village is among the most Instagrammed spots in Puglia, you’ll still feel like you’ve discovered something fairly miraculous. Polignano a Mare is home to the oft-photographed Lama Monachile, a small, sheltered cove and pebbly beach carved into the massive bluff on which the town sits. Book a room in a cliffside hotel and that perfect sea will seem like it’s all yours.

Urbino, Marche

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A monument to the Renaissance ideals of balance, symmetry, elegance, and celebration of the humanities, Urbino is an under-sung gem of central Italy. The art-filled Ducal Palace, where the influential humanist Federico da Montefeltro once hosted the 15th-century’s most creative thinkers, speaks to Urbino’s bygone influence. This Marche destination is far enough off the beaten path to make getting there a bit of an adventure.

Termoli, Molise

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Dominated by an 11th-century fortress and set atop a defensive wall, Termoli is the most important coastal town in the small southern region of Molise. Its long stretch of sheltered sandy beaches, a cozy medieval heart, and rich history make it one of the most enticing destinations in Molise. You may not have heard much about this tiny, little-known area of southern Italy, but we predict it will have its moment — and soon. And when it does, pretty little towns like this won’t be so secret anymore.

Spiaggia dei Conigli (Rabbit Beach), Lampedusa

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Dig your toes into the sand at Rabbit Beach and you may soon forget every other beach you’ve ever laid eyes on. The wide sandy arc is lapped by clear, shallow water and protected by tiny Isola dei Conigli (Rabbit Island), which you can wade out toward. Bonus: As Italy’s southernmost island and with heavy influences from North Africa, Lampedusa offers more to see than this spectacular cove.

Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Dolomites

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Search for photos of the Dolomites and you’ll invariably see images of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, three jagged, conjoined peaks that sit on the border between the South Tyrol, Trentino, and Veneto regions. The trio can be viewed up close from the well-trodden Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop, a moderate hiking path that will take between three and five hours to complete, depending on how many breaks you make for photos or to eat at one of the cozy rifugio .

Related Articles

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.

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The 10 most beautiful places in Italy

Italy's list of stunning destinations is seemingly endless. The most beautiful places in Italy? Look no further

Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful countries on earth, Italy is full of beautiful places to visit. With its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes and long-standing traditions, there’s a lot to uncover on a trip to Il Bel Paese.

The enduring popularity of Italy means many areas of the country suffer from over-tourism. We’ve done our best to cover the most beautiful places in Italy while highlighting some of the unique destinations you can visit within them to avoid (some of) the crowds. Next time you visit Italy, don’t miss these unique attractions showcasing the best of its nature, culture and history.

RECOMMENDED: 🏝️ The best  Italian islands 🏖️ The best places to visit in Italy 🇮🇹 Italy's most beautiful villages and towns 🍝 The best restaurants in Italy

Livia Hengel  is a travel writer based in Rome. At Time Out, all of our  travel guides  are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our  editorial guidelines . This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our  affiliate guidelines . 

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Most beautiful places in Italy

1.  Val d’Orcia

Tuscany needs little introduction. A region beloved for its picturesque landscapes, vast vineyards and curving roads lined with cypress trees, it’s a destination everyone dreams of visiting once in a lifetime. The Val d’Orcia, located south of Siena, is one of our favourite parts of Tuscany to explore, with its charming hilltop towns and numerous wine estates. Don’t miss visiting the thermal village of Bagno Vignoni, with a large pool in its central piazza, wineries around Montalcino, which produce the area’s fabled Brunello red wine, and La Foce, a 15th-century estate with one of Italy’s most beautiful, manicured gardens.

2.  Burano

Venice is more than Saint Mark’s Square. This beautiful, floating city comprises 118 islands scattered throughout the Venetian Lagoon. Hop on a vaporetto and head north in the lagoon to Burano, a small fisherman’s island with candy-coloured houses, lace workshops and tiny alleyways. Don’t miss seeing the leaning tower in the central piazza and enjoying lunch at one of Burano’s trattorias, serving local specialties, including sardines, fish risotto and bussolai (traditional cookies). You can also cross over a footbridge to reach Mazzorbo, a sleepy agricultural island where artichokes and grapes grow in a small vineyard.

📍 Check out more of the best day trips from Venice

3.  Tuscia

The glory of Rome tends to overshadow the Lazio region, which is full of fascinating places that are well worth a day trip. Tuscia, an old Etruscan stronghold located a couple of hours’ drive north, is the perfect region to escape the crowds while enjoying cultural and natural sights. Villa Farnese a Caprarola, a pentagonal 16th-century villa, houses incredible Renaissance frescoes, while the nearby Villa Lante in Bagnaia has exquisite gardens known for their water features. From Viterbo’s thermal waters to Lago di Bolsena’s lakeside towns, there’s a lot to see in the area. Don’t miss the Civita di Bagnoregio, a fairytale village sitting atop a tufa rock foundation, seemingly suspended above a vast valley.

📍 Discover the best things to do in nearby Rome

4.  Costa degli Dei

If you’re looking for an alternative to the crowded streets of Positano, head further south to the Costa degli Dei – the Coast of the Gods – in Calabria. As its name suggests, this pristine coastline is an otherworldly marvel with crystal-clear turquoise water and soft, sandy beaches. The uncontested ‘pearl’ of the coastline is Tropea, a hilltop town overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, which offers mesmerizing views, Slim Aarons-style. Adventurous travellers will enjoy the Marina di Zambrone (which requires a hike to reach the beach), while Capo Vaticano has beach clubs with loungers for rent.

📍 Find more of the best beaches in Italy

5.  Alta Murgia

Once regarded as the ‘shame of Italy’ for its troglodyte caves and underdeveloped infrastructure, Matera’s lunar landscapes are quickly becoming one of southern Italy’s leading attractions. It’s worth spending a couple of nights in the city before venturing across the vast Murgia park to explore smaller towns like Altamura, famed for its local bread production, and Gravina in Puglia, with its verdant canyons. The park is ideal for nature enthusiasts who will enjoy hiking, cycling and birdwatching across its limestone plateaus, while culture hunters should pay a visit to Castel del Monte, a 13th-century octagonal castle with towering views over the surrounding landscape.

📍 Discover more of the best things to do in Italy

6.  Sorrentine Peninsula

One of the world’s most popular honeymoon destinations, the Sorrentine Peninsula is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful parts of Italy – if not the world. This scenic stretch of coastline, which includes the Amalfi Coast and Sorrento Coast, is filled with dozens of famous seaside towns, cliffside villages, rocky bays and sandy coves that capture the essence of  la dolce vita . It’s hard to beat the crowds, but you’ll find more space – and locals – if you head to towns like Cetara, known for its anchovy production, and Vietri sul Mare, famed for its ceramics.

📍 Check out more of the most romantic places in the world

7.  Villa Romana del Casale

The largest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily is a true microcosm of Italy – one which has seen empires rise and fall over millennia. As such, it is filled with ancient Greek and Roman relics, from temples and theatres to ornamental estates. Villa Romana del Casale, located in Piazza Armerina (a small town in central Sicily), is one of these. This large, 4th-century villa is best known for its well-preserved mosaics, the ‘Bikini Girl’, featuring young women playing sports and exercising —an extremely rare depiction that challenges gender roles and stereotypes of the time.

8.  La Strada del Sagrantino

As one of the biggest global producers and consumers of wine, Italy is filled with vineyards up and down the boot. Instead of heading to more famous regions, why not explore Umbria’s rich wine heritage on your next trip? A full-bodied red wine made near Montefalco, Sagrantino pairs well with the region’s flavourful cuisine, which includes wild boar, black truffles and gingerbread with candied fruits. And with its rolling hills and fall foliage, the Sagrantino Wine Trail is every bit as beautiful as Chianti or Le Langhe. Nearby, you can visit charming medieval towns, including Todi, Spoleto and Assisi.

9.  Riviera del Conero

Situated on the eastern shore of Italy, Le Marche is blessed with a long and picturesque coastline along the Adriatic Sea – and fewer crowds. Its highlight is the Conero National Park, a nature reserve that covers 18km of nature trails and cliffs overlooking secluded beaches where you can swim in crystalline water. La Spiaggia delle Due Sorelle (‘Beach of the Two Sisters’) is the prettiest bay in the park and is named for two large rock formations that emerge from the sea. You can reach it by sea with ferries from the port of Numana.

📍 Find more of the best hikes in the world

10.  Residences of the Royal House of Savoy

A collection of 22 palaces and castles built by the House of Savoy in Piedmont, these castles in Turin are some of the most lavish residences ever built on Italian soil. The House of Savoy was a European royal dynasty that ruled from the 11th century until the monarchy was abolished in 1946. An enormously wealthy and influential family, the Savoy built several estates to house its members, enjoy recreational activities and host governmental functions. The 17th-century Venaria Reale, often referred to as the ‘Versailles of Italy’, is the most famous venue thanks to its grand hall with intricate stucco features and checkered floors.

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12 spectacular destinations to visit in Italy

There are countless photogenic corners, cultural hotspots and gastronomic delights to discover

Does Italy have a bad angle? If so, we haven’t found it. Instead, the country has an endless array of spectacular places, from the mountains of the Dolomites to the Adriatic- and Ionian-edge coastline of Puglia, via beautiful, historic cities, and more stylish shorelines and holiday-playground islands to which its effortlessly chic denizens have flocked to come summer for decades.

Among the most incredible places in Italy are the jet set’s regular summer destinations, from the always-yacht-studded marina of Portofino on the country’s Ligurian coast, to the glamorous isle of Ischia in the Gulf of Naples.

Then there are the dramatic landscapes of Italy’s volcanic islands, such as the Aeolian archipelago and Pantelleria, technically off the coast of Sicily , but actually closer to Africa.

Feeling inspired? Here are 12 of the most spectacular places in Italy…

Positano, Amalfi Coast

It’s hard to narrow down the most spectacular part of the Amalfi Coast in southern Italy’s Campania region. There’s the fishing village Conca dei Marini, where monasteries cling to the cliffside; romantic Ravello, high above the Tyrrhenian Sea and home to hallowed homes such as Villa Cimbrone; and peaceful Praiano, a little away from the action, and all the better for it. Then there’s perfect Positano, a “vertical” town with colourful buildings stacked along its precipitous coast. John Steinbeck was right when he wrote in the May 1953 issue of Harper’s Bazaar that “Positano bites deep”. He continued: “It is a dream place that isn’t
quite real when you are there and becomes
beckoningly real after you have gone.” We couldn’t agree more.

Where to stay: You’ll likely have seen images of Le Sirenuse , since it’s undoubtedly one of the most attractive hotels in the world, run by the Sersale family since 1951. For something a little more modern, check in to the minimalist Casa Angelina , a short drive along the coast in Praiano.

Venice, the Veneto

Italy’s great cities are all spectacular in their own right but few capture the imagination like Venice does. The Floating City is adrift in the Adriatic, built on more than 100 islands in the Venetian Lagoon. There are must-do tourist activities, whether it’s ordering a Bellini at Harry’s bar, heading over to the Cipriani for a dip in its Olympic-size swimming pool, or parting with a small fortune for an espresso at one of the two iconic cafés on St Mark’s Square – Caffè Florian has been serving coffee on this site since 1720. For a more local feel, don’t miss art district Dorsoduro, or visit other islands, such as colourful Burano.

Where to stay: Back in 2014, Amal and George Clooney staged some rather spectacular nuptials in Italy and one backdrop was provided by the Aman in Venice, a converted palazzo with a mesmerising view of the Grand Canal.

Portofino, Genoa

There’s a reason Portofino’s harbour is awash with super-yachts come high summer. The former fishing village is south-east of Genoa, with Italy’s signature pastel-hued houses lining the coastline, plenty of designer boutiques and a cobbled square overlooking the port. It’s an excellent base for exploring the Italian Riviera, especially if you want to see the colourful, captivating villas of the Cinque Terre, a Unesco World Heritage Site an hour’s drive away. For something a little off the beaten track, head to Lerici and the Bay of Poets, where Percy Bysshe Shelley drowned in 1822.

Where to stay: As splendid as its name suggests, Splendido Mare, a Belmond Hotel , has long been one of Portofino’s most sought-after stays, favoured by the jet set since the 1950s. It is set in what was once a Benedictine monastery.

Aeolian Islands

Travellers who venture a little further are always rewarded and this is certainly the case with the Aeolian Islands, a volcanic archipelago in the Tyrrhenian Sea off the north coast of Sicily . There are no airports on the islands themselves – you’ll have to touch down in Palermo or Catania in Sicily and travel onwards by boat. The main islands are Lipari (the largest), Salina, Stromboli and the aptly named Vulcano (there are seven in total, and each has its charms). Your itinerary should, naturally, involve taking to the water, whether that’s with a sunset tour around Lipari’s faraglioni rocks, or spending the week at sea on a cruise with Cognoscenti Travel , where all the logistics will be taken care of for you.

Where to stay: On the second-largest Aeolian island Salina (mostly famous for its delicious dessert wine – and capers), Hotel Signum has a spa and a Michelin-starred restaurant with a female chef at the helm.

The Dolomite Mountains

Travel to the very top of Italy, and you’ll be swapping sun-soaked beaches for spectacularly scenic mountain ranges. The Dolomites, which stretch across several regions, are a breathtaking destination to visit in spring and summer, when the temperatures rise and the snow subsides to reveal a canvas of rolling green hills. Vineyards abound here, meaning oenophiles are in for a treat, while you’ll also find some of the best spa hotels in Europe , where bracing hikes are bookended by serious sauna sessions.

Where to stay: My Arbor , perched high above the South Tyrolean town of Brixen, is a shiny new wellness hotel with a serious reputation. Perched on stilts, this architectural marvel combines morning yoga and walking trails with a world-class spa and tasting menus worth lingering all evening over.

Ischia, Gulf of Naples

We don’t have a bad word to say about any of the isles in the Neapolitan Archipelago, but less-frequented than its super-glamorous neighbour Capri is Ischia. This volcanic island in the Gulf of Naples has thermal waters, with rock pools heated by underground volcanic activity, Roman ruins and sandy beaches with panoramic views, including out to the mediaeval Aragonese Castle, on a small tidal island but connected by a stone bridge. One of its most picturesque towns is Lacco Ameno, at the foot of Mount Epomeo. Even less visited by tourists is the colourful island of Procida, Italy’s official Capital of Culture a couple of years ago.

Where to stay: For an unforgettable setting, book a stay Faro Punta Imperatore , located within a lighthouse in a remote corner of Capri – the views are as incredible as you’d hope.

Lake Orta, Piedmonte

When imagining Northern Italy’s scenic lakes, your mind likely goes to the famous Lake Como. But for something a little off the beaten track, Lake Orta has plenty to offer. Perched on the peninsula, main town Orta San Giulio offers postcard-perfect streets dotted with authentic restaurants and independent, artsy shops.

Where to stay: Chateaux Villa Crespi is a 14-room palatial wonder, where the stately rooms are studded with antiques and a double-starred restaurant awaits you downstairs.

Norcia, Umbria

In the central Italian region of Umbria , Norcia is the place that gave us charcuterie – the term norcineria denotes the art of processing pork and the techniques that have been handed down since the Middle Ages in this part of the country. The beautiful countryside that surrounds the mediaeval town is especially scenic come early summer, when the lentil fields flower before the harvest. It’s the Italian destination for you if you want to get out into the great outdoors, since the village of Castelluccio di Norcia, one of the highest settlements in the Apennines, is the perfect base for hiking and mountaineering. The town is in the province of Perugia – to the namesake city, which is the capital of Umbria, it’s around an hour and 20 minutes’ drive north of Norcia.

Where to stay: Palazzo Seneca is a refined Relais & Châteaux property close to the town square (sadly affected by the earthquake in 2016) in Norcia, with supremely stylish bedrooms and a Michelin-starred restaurant (with cookery classes available to show you the ropes).

Ostuni, Puglia

Dazzling Ostuni is all the way down south in the heel of Italy’s signature k nee-high boot, with bright white buildings, and lots of scenic surrounding countryside and shorelines. The whitewashed old town is complemented by a cathedral with Gothic, Romanesque and Byzantine architectural accents, and the Porta San Demetrio, one of the city’s original mediaeval gates. While you’re here, Puglia has many more places that are worthy of a visit, including the Baroque beauty Lecce, affectionately known as the Florence of the South, sleepy seaside towns such as Castro and Gallipoli, and gourmet haven Nardò, flocked to by foodies in the know.

Where to stay: Paragon 700 is a boutique hotel housed within a palazzo in Ostuni, with a vaulted restaurant and a swimming pool you’ll be grateful for when the scorching summer heat hits.

Lake Como, Lombardy

Lake Como is a worthy winner of a slot on our most spectacular places in Italy shortlist – and we’re sure George Clooney would agree. The fork-shaped lake in Lombardy, a swift drive north of Milan, is lined with stately private homes (including, of course, Casa Clooney), beautiful towns such as Bellagio, and swimming pools suspended over the water. You can get around the lake by ferry, but really the only way to see it in style is on board a glossy wooden Riva boat.

Where to stay: The grande dame of the lake is Villa d’Este , which has one of the region’s signature over-water pools, gorgeous grounds that feature a mosaic with a path leading up to a fountain, a spa and various restaurants, including the refined Veranda. Alternatively, you could book a stay at the place recently crowned the best hotel in the world, Passalacqua , or check in to the sleek, chic Il Sereno , with its contemporary design, world-class facilities and breathtaking views.

Matera, Basilicata

The main attraction in millennia-old Matera in the south is its Unesco-protected Sassi, a complex of cave dwellings carved into the edge of a mountain, inhabited since the Paleolithic period until as recently as the early 1950s. It’s thought to be one of the oldest cities in the world, up there with the likes of Jericho and Aleppo. Unsurprising for somewhere this photogenic, it’s no stranger to film crews – James Bond fans will have spied it in No Time To Die . The city – in the Basilicata region, which borders Puglia and Calabria – is built on a rocky outcrop with a canyon backdrop. More history awaits at its rock churches, some of which are graced by 13th-century frescoes.

Where to stay: If you want to experience what it might have been like for the cave dwellers of Matera, stay at the atmospheric Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita . Or be a temporary member of the Coppola clan with a sojourn to their Italian casa , Palazzo Margherita , in the walled 15th-century town of Bernalda.

Pantelleria, Strait of Sicily

Made famous by the film A Bigger Splash back in 2015, Pantelleria was until then one of Italy’s best-kept secrets. The island is in the Strait of Sicily , and fewer than 70 kilometres from the coast of Tunisia. As with many of Italy’s isles, it’s volcanic, with lava rock formations, beautiful bays, an ancient castle, lots of old churches, narrow cobbled streets to stroll and vibrant markets to browse. It’s home to several lakes, including the heart-shaped Specchio di Venere, along with acclaimed wineries and orchards producing prized olives, dates and capers.

Where to stay: Sikelia Luxury Retreat is a boutique retreat that can be hired as a whole to create a private island paradise for you and a select fortunate few.

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10 Best Summer Holiday Destinations in Italy

An Italian song says: give me a Vespa, and I’ll take you on vacation . With this song in mind, we are going to share with you some tips for a great summer in Italy. If you want to be the protagonist of your own song, all you need to do is follow the itinerary we have designed for you. We will lead you to discover the best summer destinations in Italy . No matter which one you pick, you will have a truly unforgettable experience and enjoy a unique vacation. Let’s get started!

10 Best summer holiday destinations in Italy

Since the Eternal City needs no presentation, we decided to exclude Rome from our gallery. We will explore some Italian regions together, outside Lazio, simply following the alphabetical order, and we will let you discover truly unmissable summer destinations in Italy. If you’re planning a summer holiday to Italy with your family, you might want to check out some of our other articles too, such as the best water parks in Italy , but not only! We’ve got covered almost all the country with the best things to do, places to go, food, restaurants, airports , car rentals , hotels, and more!

1. Campania: Naples, Capri and the Amalfi Coast

If you are wondering where to go to Italy in summer, we suggest Naples. And if you’re wondering why the answer is very simple! This city is like a beating heart. There you can savor the taste of authentic life, feel the warm breath of the Neapolitan people and experience a thousand-year history.

The historical center of Naples is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers many incredible attractions to visit, such as the underground city, the Catacombs of San Gennaro, San Severo Chapel, or the Royal Palace. A short boat trip from the port of Naples and you can reach Capri . What makes this island unforgettable are the breathtaking landscapes that surround it. If you’re looking for the most affordable towns in the Amalfi Coast and Sorrentine Peninsula, make sure you check our list of the best Sorrento hotels too!

Capri, Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast – Italian summer holiday destination tips

Take a boat ride for an unforgettable view of the iconic Faraglioni, the three massive limestone stacks that emerge from the sea, and the Blue Grotto, so named for the extraordinary optical effect created by the sunlight that bounces off the cave walls and makes the water blue. Visit the town of Anacapri, from where you can take the chairlift to the top of Monte Solaro.

But don’t miss the island of Capri either, with its famous attractions such as the Piazzetta, where you can sit at the outdoor café tables for an espresso or an Aperol Spritz and stroll along the surrounding shopping streets. It stretches for just 50 km, but driving along the winding coastal roads will take your breath away. Also, don’t miss out on the best hotels in Capri !

You will be enchanted by Amalfi, the ancient Maritime Republic that gives its name to the coast; in particular by the Arab-Sicilian cathedral of Sant’Andrea Apostolo, with its scenic staircase and the suggestive cloister.

Ravello , which rises 350 meters above sea level, and its panoramic gardens of Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone will be a joy for your eyes. Positano, with its white houses brightened by purple bougainvilleas, which slope gently towards the sea, is absolutely stunning. In short, the Amalfi Coast offers idyllic beauties.

2. Emilia Romagna: the historic cities of Bologna and Ravenna

Some Italian cities have a nickname that recalls their origin or describes their character, such as Rome, the Eternal City. Bologna has three: La Dotta (the learned), La Grassa (the fat), La Rossa (the red). The first is due to its University , the oldest in Europe, founded in 1088. The second refers to its amazing culinary traditions since Bologna is the homeland of fresh pasta, such as tagliatelle or tortellini . The third comes from the color of the terracotta bricks used in the Middle Ages to build its towers and palaces.

The essential starting point for a visit to the historic center of Bologna is the Basilica of San Petronio in Piazza Maggiore, the first stone of which was laid in 1390. After paying homage to the towers Garisenda and Asinelli, get lost in the alleys of the Jewish Ghetto, have a walk under UNESCO heritage-listed porticoes, sit in a tavern to taste the local mortadella , and stop in one of its renowned artisan shops. Bologna is easy, open, informal, is the destination where everyone comes to play their chance and is an endless laboratory of novelties. You will love it!

Ravenna is an easy day trip from Bologna , but be sure to leave early, to have enough time to explore the terrific UNESCO-protected artworks, like Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, the Basilica of San Vitale, and the Mausoleum of Galla Placida. As soon as you enter, your eyes will be captured by the beautiful mosaics that decorate the ceiling or walls. Dazzling works created between the 5th and 6th centuries, when the city was the capital of the Western Roman Empire and then an outpost of the Byzantine one.

On top of this, the crowded bars of the city center, the endless flow of bicycles , the fragrant pine forests that line its lagoon, and the long beaches with fully-equipped bathing establishments, make Ravenna one of the best summer destinations in Emilia Romagna and in Italy. In the region of Emilia Romagna, you can also consider a road trip including towns such as Ferrara, Parma , Modena, and Piacenza . Especially as this region is the most famous for its food .

3. Liguria: Cinque Terre

The Cinque Terre in Liguria is certainly one of the best summer destinations in Italy for those seeking relaxation by the sea but are also eager to visit enchanting villages, without neglecting art and culture. Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. These five picturesque villages are scattered along a spectacular coastline overlooking the sea. The villages are connected by a small train and also by the Sentiero Azzurro, a path that offers splendid views to hikers.

These places still retain the atmosphere of the old fishing villages. Take a seat in one of the nice bars and typical trattorias in Cinque Terre that line the harbor and savor the local seafood specialties, or the famous Ligurian pesto, while sipping a good glass of white wine . Porto Venere and Portofino are also worth a detour, with their high pastel-colored houses around the harbor. Thanks to their undisputed beauty, the Cinque Terre has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

4. Lombardy: Lake Garda and Sirmione

There aren’t just beaches in Veneto , or Venice. Lake Garda is one of the best summer destinations in Italy. Surrounded by three distinct regions (Lombardy, Trentino Alto Adige, and Veneto), the lake’s environmental diversity attracts crowds of people. Surrounded by three distinct regions (Lombardy, Trentino Alto Adige, and Veneto), the lake’s environmental diversity attracts crowds of people. Sailboats, kite surfers, and windsurfers plow the waters of the lake, while a new 140 km cycle path allows cyclists to explore Italy’s largest lake .

On the shores of the lake, you can find numerous enchanting villages. Among them, Sirmione, a small town that enchants its visitors for the breathtaking landscapes and the surprising architecture, deserving the name of “Perla del Garda”. Do not miss a visit to the Scaligero Castle, one of the best-preserved castles in Italy dating back to the 13th century, and to the Grotta di Catullo, a Roman villa built in the 1st century. There are great places for glamping as well!

5. Puglia: Polignano, Lecce and Alberobello

Fine sandy beaches of Puglia and an incredibly turquoise sea with shallow waters. A magnificent unspoiled countryside, dotted with olive groves. Wonderful cities of art and enchanting little villages. Luxury masserias , sophisticated boutique hotels, or cozy bed-and-breakfasts nestled in little whitewashed villages. There is a place in Italy where you can find all this, it is Puglia.

It is really difficult to choose among the numerous wonderful destinations offered by Puglia. But, we want to report at least three! The historic center of Lecce and its Baroque palaces and churches, entirely built with a local white stone. The picturesque village of Alberobello with its typical trullos , the little houses built with dry stone walls and a characteristic conical roof. The ancient village of Polignano a Mare, a small town erected on a rocky spur overlooking the sea, where the tiny white houses lean against each other and stand out against a turquoise sea.

While wandering around Puglia, make a detour to the Baia dei Turchi, a white beach protected by a pine forest on a turquoise sea. The region is also famous for its food in Puglia !

6. Sicily: Syracuse and the Valley of the Temples

The beauty of Sicily is undisputed, and Syracuse is certainly one of its most striking examples. Its ancient Greek ruins, the lush citrus groves that surround it, the tables that follow one another in the splendid Baroque squares, and the stone of its buildings that shines in the sun. Everything in Syracuse exudes beauty and enchants visitors.

The beating heart of Syracuse is the island of Ortigia, connected to the city by a small bridge, which stretches out towards the cobalt blue sea. Its history began in 734 BC when the Greeks founded the first settlement. Almost three millennia later, it is possible to visit the ruins of the “new city” in the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, one of the largest in Sicily . Ortigia the most beautiful corner of Syracuse and offers visitors beautiful views and interesting options for sleeping, eating, and shopping.

If your summer in Italy includes a visit to Syracuse, don’t miss the other gems of the Sicilian southeast, also known as Noto Valley. This region encompasses stunning baroque towns, like Modica, Noto, Ragusa Ibla, and Scicli, and thanks to its undisputed beauty it has become part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The main attraction of the southern coast of Sicily is undoubtedly the wonderful Valley of the Temples. The spectacular archeological site that encompasses the ruined ancient city of Akragas is 13-sq-km wide. A short walk will lead you to three of the most remarkable and best-preserved temples. The Temple of Hera from the 5th century BC, the Temple of Concordia, which has survived almost intact since its construction in 430 BC, and the Temple of Hercules, the oldest, dating from the end of the 6th century BC.

Don’t miss the chance to visit this impressive site at night when the temples are brilliantly floodlit. It is really an unparalleled experience: you will have the feeling of going back through the centuries to the time of the ancient Greeks. If we consider also the beaches in Sicily , this is definitely one of the best places to visit in Italy in summer. Oh, and don’t forget about Sicilian cuisine !

7. Sardinia: archipelago of La Maddalena

Budelli, Caprera, Maddalena, Spargi, Santo Stefano: these are just 6 out of the 63 islands and islets that form the archipelago of La Maddalena, in the north-east of Sardinia , off the Costa Smeralda. Crystal clear waters, whose color ranges from emerald to turquoise, from azure to intense blue. The beaches in Sardinia are just beyond!

Pristine beaches, a myriad of little inlets, and wonderful seabeds make the archipelago of La Maddalena the ideal destination for boat trips and diving. Sardinia offers visitors a unique natural environment. On the coast and inland, vast surfaces have remained intact, covered with lush woods and populated by deer, wild horses, mouflons, and eagles.

Among the Sardinian wonders, you will discover the Nuragic complexes scattered throughout the territory. These huge towers, built with large blocks of stone, are unique monuments in the world and testify to an ancient and still partly mysterious culture. If you want to visit Sardinia, make sure to check out the best hotels , luxury hotels , and beach clubs in Sardinia too!

8. Trentino Alto Adige: Dolomites and Lake Braies

Are you dreaming of a holiday surrounded by nature? Do you love hiking in the woods or along mountain paths? If so, one of the best places to visit in Italy in the summer is the Dolomites, in Trentino Alto Adige. Over there, you will find relaxation, tranquility, pure air, and traditions. If you want to spend more time here, check out the best Dolomites hotels too!

For an intense and authentic experience, choose a malga for your stay. The malgas are cozy huts surrounded by grazing cows and enjoying a wonderful view. You can dine together with malgaro’s listening to the tales of local legends. At night, you will look at the stars, and then very early in the morning, you will start the typical activities: grazing the cows, making cheese, and even milking, before having the typical breakfast prepared by the farmer.

Situated at 1.496 meters above sea level, within the Fanes Senes Braies Natural Park, Lake Braies is a unique place. It looks like an emerald set between the peaks of the Dolomites. Green-turquoise waters, wooden boats that seem to be suspended on the surface of the water, and, all around, fir forests and majestic mountains, this is the scenario that will welcome you when arriving at the lake. One of the best ways to get there is on a bicycle. The Braies Valley is in fact crossed by beautiful cycle paths and a visit to the lake is for sure a splendid detour of a ride on two wheels.

9. Tuscany : Florence and the countryside

Still wondering where to go in Italy for a summer holiday? Well, you cannot really miss Florence and the Tuscan countryside! Florence , the cradle of the Renaissance, is one of the most important art cities in the world. There is so much fine art and exquisite architecture within its ancient walls that you can feel overwhelmed. 

The beating heart of Florence is Piazza del Duomo, with its monumental complex of the Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore, the San Giovanni Baptistery, and the Giotto’s Bell Tower. Piazza della Signoria hosts Palazzo Vecchio, the town hall of Florence and one of the most symbolic monuments of the city. Not far away, the eternal wonder of the Uffizi Gallery, which exhibits the masterpieces of Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raffaello, and many other masters. 

But there are not only museums and monuments. Florence is teeming with artisan shops and excellent restaurants, many of them along the renowned Ponte Vecchio. From Florence you can easily plan a day trip to other Tuscan cities of art such as Arezzo, Siena, Pisa and Lucca.

Known everywhere in the world, the Tuscan countryside offers spectacular landscapes. Its verdant hills are crossed by long rows of vines and dotted with enchanting villages and churches. Among them, you will find Montepulciano, located between Val D’Orcia and Val di Chiana and renowned for its delicious red wine . Besides the nice village or the beaches in Tuscany , we suggest you pay a visit to the underground cellars and take part in one of the many wine tastings. Make sure you don’t get too drunk… too quickly!

10. Veneto: Venice and Verona

Respectively the setting for Shakespeare’s Moor of Venice and Romeo and Juliet , Venice, and Verona is simply stunning. When stepping out of the Santa Lucia station, the view over the Venice lagoon will take your breath away. In this city, there are no streets but canals, including the Grand Canal, flanked by splendid Renaissance and Gothic palaces.

You just need to turn a corner or cross a bridge to access a quiet campo (square) or find a church to visit. By the way, do not miss the visit to the Basilica of San Marco, fully decorated with Byzantine mosaics, and of the bell tower of San Marco, from where you can admire the red roofs of Venice. And what about the sunset in Piazza San Marco? Simply dreamy! Check out our posts for great restaurants in Venice , and hotel suggestions .

Verona is also a wonderfully fascinating city and makes even a short holiday an unforgettable experience. Enjoy an opera show in its Arena. As you walk the cobbled streets that lead down to the Roman amphitheater, you will feel an authentic Italian atmosphere. Not to be missed!

Did you like our top 10 of the best summer destinations in Italy?

If so, all you need to do is pack your bag and jump on a plane or train, and even on a Vespa if you like, and come to Italy as fast as possible! You will find art cities, medieval villages , mountains, lakes, beaches , islands, and countryside. But also fabulous food, charming people, and a unique lifestyle. Still there! Hurry up… your summer in Italy is waiting for you!

PIN IT: 10 Best Summer Vacation Destinations in Italy

3 thoughts on “ 10 Best Summer Holiday Destinations in Italy ”

Lake Garda looks amazing, I will definitely go there!

Italy is such a beautiful country, there is so many diversity, everyone can find his own little paradise ☺️

This country is on my “Place to go” list. I can’t wait to be able to take some days off and go to adventure!

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The Mindful Traveller

Eco Travel Blog & Photography

Most Scenic Road Trips in Italy: 10 Epic Routes

28 May 2024 · In: Italy , Road Trip

Are you looking for the  most beautiful and scenic road trips in Italy ? Adventure lovers, you have come to the right place! This article walks you through  10 road trip ideas to add to your bucket list  for an unforgettable holiday, whether you are travelling for 7 days or 2 weeks.

Italy is a stunning  European country  known for its rich history, beautiful landscapes and delicious cuisine, making it a  dream destination for road trip enthusiasts . From the sunny coastlines and rolling vineyards to impressive mountains and charming medieval towns, you will find  plenty of things to do and places to see  on an Italian road trip, both in summer and winter.

Italy is  one of my favourite countries  to explore! I never get tired of it and absolutely love its culture and atmosphere. It is actually the country  I have visited the most times , which includes Tuscany ( Florence , Pisa, Siena), Milan, Bologna, Venice and Rome . Each place always has something new to offer. Whichever  road trip  you choose, I am sure you will  have a wonderful time !

So, are you ready to discover the  top 10 Italian road trips that you must experience ? Let’s get started! And, of course, let me know in the comments below if you have any other suggestions 🙂

Disclosure : Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning that at no additional cost to you, we will receive a commission if you click through and make a purchase. For more information, please  read our full affiliate disclosure .

Overview: 10 epic Italian road trips

• Amalfi Coast
• Ligurian Coast

Best Italy road trips – Map

10 breathtaking road trip routes in Italy

Here are 10 road trips to inspire your next Italian adventure. Each of these routes is easily accessible by car, campervan or motorbike. But be sure to also check road conditions, especially in winter, and book your accommodation in advance.

Best car rental options

Looking for the best car rental deals for your road trip in Italy?

Check out Rentalcars.com to search and compare which one is best for you. From affordable to luxury, they make it easy to choose and have a great selection of rental agents.

1- Amalfi Coast

⏰  Duration : 5 days 📅  When to go : spring & summer (May-September)

The Amalfi Coast road trip is a breathtaking journey along the winding coastal road of southern Italy , offering impressive views of rugged cliffs plunging into the azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

As you travel this iconic route, you will come across charming pastel-coloured villages perched on the cliffsides, such as Positano, Amalfi and Ravello, each with its own unique character and beauty. 

Along the way, you can stop to explore historic sites like the ancient ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, sample delicious local cuisine and soak in the sun on picturesque beaches . 

At every turn on the road, the Amalfi Coast road trip promises unforgettable views and experiences that symbolise the romance and charm of coastal Italy .

Itinerary 

Here is an example of a  5-day itinerary  covering the main highlights of the Amalfi Coast:

Day 1: Naples to Sorrento

• Start your journey in Naples .
• Explore the historic centre and enjoy authentic Neapolitan pizza.
• Drive to Sorrento , a charming coastal town known for its lemon groves and panoramic views.
• Wander through the narrow streets of its historic centre.
• Visit the scenic Villa Comunale Park overlooking the Bay of Naples.
• Spend the evening dining on fresh seafood and limoncello in one of the seaside restaurants.

Day 2: Sorrento to Positano

• Drive along the breathtaking coastal road to Positano.
• Stop at viewpoints along the way to admire the stunning scenery.
• Explore its picturesque streets lined with pastel-coloured buildings, boutique shops and art galleries.
• Relax on one of its beautiful beaches, such as Spiaggia Grande or Fornillo Beach.
• Enjoy dinner with a view at one of the cliffside restaurants, overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Day 3: Positano to Amalfi

• Continue your journey along the Amalfi Coast to the historic town of Amalfi.
• Pass through charming villages like Praiano and Furore.
• Visit the iconic Cathedral of Saint Andrew in Amalfi, located in the heart of the main square.
• Explore the winding streets of its historic centre.
• Browse local shops selling handmade ceramics and limoncello.
• Take a boat tour along the coast to see hidden coves, sea caves and dramatic cliffs.

Day 4: Amalfi to Ravello

• Drive up to the hilltop town of Ravello, known for its stunning views and beautiful gardens.
• Visit the Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone gardens, which offer panoramic views.
• Explore its historic centre and see the Duomo di Ravello, an 11th-century cathedral with beautiful mosaics.
• Enjoy a relaxing lunch overlooking the sea at one of the scenic restaurants.

Day 5: Ravello to Naples

• Drive back to Naples, stopping along the way to take in any last-minute views of the Amalfi Coast.
• Option: you can also stop at Pompeii , known for its ancient city which was buried by the 79 A.D. eruption of Mount Vesuvius. 

Amalfi Coast Map

Click on the top left of the map to display the list of stops and locations.

⏰  Duration : 6 days 📅  When to go : spring (April-May) & autumn (September-October) 

This Tuscany road trip is a journey through the outstanding countryside of Italy, characterised by rolling hills covered with vineyards, olive groves and cypress trees . 

Along the way, you will encounter charming medieval towns and cities full of history and culture, such as Florence, Siena and San Gimignano, each featuring magnificent art, architecture and culinary delights. 

Scenic drives through the Chianti wine region also offer opportunities to taste world-renowned wines and explore smaller picturesque villages nestled in the Tuscan landscape. 

Whether exploring ancient hilltop settlements or wandering through sun-drenched vineyards, a Tuscany road trip guarantees an enchanting immersion into the heart of peaceful Italian life .

Here is an example of a  6-day itinerary  covering some of the most iconic stops in Tuscany:

Day 1: Florence

• Start your Tuscany road trip in Florence , the cultural capital of the region.
• Discover iconic landmarks such as the Florence Cathedral , Uffizi Gallery and Ponte Vecchio.
• Wander through the charming streets of the historic centre, stopping at local cafés and gelaterias.
• In the evening, enjoy a traditional Florentine dinner at a local trattoria.

Day 2: Chianti Region

• Drive south into the scenic Chianti wine region, known for its rolling hills and vineyards.
• Visit wineries for tastings of Chianti Classico wines and olive oil.
• Explore charming hilltop towns like Greve in Chianti, Radda in Chianti and Castellina in Chianti.
• Enjoy a relaxing lunch at a local agriturismo, sampling Tuscan specialities paired with regional wines.

Day 3: San Gimignano and Siena

• Drive to San Gimignano , known as the “Town of Fine Towers” for its well-preserved medieval towers.
• Stroll through its picturesque streets and climb one of the towers for panoramic views.
• Head to the medieval city of Siena , famous for its Gothic architecture and historic Palio horse race.
• Explore the UNESCO-listed historic centre, including the Piazza del Campo and Siena Cathedral.

Day 4: Val d’Orcia

• Drive south to the Val d’Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its picturesque landscapes.
• Visit the charming hilltop towns of Montalcino, Pienza and Montepulciano.
• Take in the views of rolling hills, vineyards and cypress trees characteristic of the Tuscan countryside.
• Consider visiting a local thermal spa for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Day 5: Cortona and Arezzo

• Head east toward the town of  Cortona , perched on a hill overlooking the Val di Chiana.
• Explore the medieval streets and visit the Museo dell’Accademia Etrusca.
• Enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
• Continue to the historic city of Arezzo , known for its beautiful churches, Renaissance architecture and local market.
• Spend the afternoon wandering through the historic centre.
• Admire works by Piero della Francesca and other Renaissance masters.

Day 6: Return to Florence

• Drive back to Florence, taking the scenic route through the Tuscan countryside.
• You may have some extra time to explore the city or relax before heading home.

Tuscany Map

3- Dolomites

⏰  Duration : 6 days 📅  When to go : all year-round

Embark on a captivating journey through the majestic Dolomites, a stunning mountain range in northeastern Italy , where spectacular peaks glide against the backdrop of azure skies. 

On this road trip, you will drive through winding mountain passes, offering breathtaking views of rugged cliffs, serene alpine lakes and lush valleys dotted with picturesque villages. 

Along the way, you will also have plenty of opportunities for hiking in summer and skiing in winter , whilst charming towns like Cortina d’Ampezzo and Bolzano provide cultural immersion and delicious local cuisine. 

Whether admiring the sunrise over impressive peaks or enjoying the tranquillity of nature, a Dolomites road trip is perfect for any nature lover looking for a memorable exploration of the alpine wonders of Italy .

Here is an example of a  6-day itinerary  offering a taste of the best that the Dolomites have to offer:

Day 1: Bolzano

• Start your road trip in Bolzano , the capital of South Tyrol.
• Explore the charming streets of the historic centre.
• Visit attractions such as the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, home to Ötzi the Iceman.
• Stroll through the fruit markets and sample local specialities like speck (smoked ham) and strudel.
• Consider visiting the Renon Plateau by cable car for panoramic views of the Dolomites.

Day 2: Val Gardena

• Drive to Val Gardena, a picturesque valley surrounded by stunning peaks.
• Spend the day hiking or mountain biking along scenic trails.
• Take a cable car ride for panoramic views.
• Visit the charming villages of Ortisei, Selva di Val Gardena and Santa Cristina, known for their traditional wooden houses and artisan workshops.
• Relax and unwind at a local spa or wellness centre.

Day 3: Cortina d’Ampezzo

• Head east to Cortina d’Ampezzo, one of the most famous ski resorts in the Dolomites.
• Take a scenic drive along the Great Dolomite Road.
• Stop at different viewpoints and alpine lakes along the way.
• Explore the chic boutiques, art galleries and cafés in the historic centre.
• Take a guided tour of the nearby Dolomite peaks or visit the Cortina Olympic Ice Stadium.

Day 4: Tre Cime di Lavaredo

• Drive to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, one of the most iconic landmarks in the Dolomites.
• Hike the loop trail around the three towering peaks, enjoying breathtaking views.
• Visit the Rifugio Auronzo mountain hut for a traditional mountain lunch.
• Explore nearby attractions such as the Prato Piazza plateau or the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park.

Day 5: Alta Badia

• Head south to Alta Badia, a scenic region known for its alpine meadows, lush forests and charming villages.
• Explore the Alta Badia ski area, which offers a variety of outdoor activities year-round.
• Visit the village of Corvara and take a cable car ride to the Piz Boè summit for panoramic views.
• Enjoy a traditional Ladin dinner at a local restaurant, sampling delicious dishes.

Day 6: Return to Bolzano

• Drive back to Bolzano, taking the scenic route through the Dolomites.
• You may have some extra time to explore the town or relax before heading home.

Dolomites Map

4- Sardinia

⏰  Duration : 6 days 📅  When to go : summer (June-September) 

Venture on a journey of discovery along the rugged coastline and pristine landscapes of Sardinia, a large Italian island in the Mediterranean Sea.

This road trip will take you through emerald waters, golden beaches and ancient ruins , offering glimpses of the rich history and natural beauty of the island at every turn. 

Explore charming villages like Alghero and Cagliari, where narrow cobbled streets lead to vibrant piazzas and traditional markets. Enjoy the flavours of Sardinian cuisine and immerse yourself in the unique culture and traditions of the island . 

With its diverse landscapes and captivating charm, a Sardinia road trip is ideal for those seeking a fun adventure off the beaten path .

Here is an example of a  6-day itinerary  covering some of the best highlights of Sardinia:

Day 1: Cagliari

• Start your road trip in Cagliari , the capital city of Sardinia.
• Explore the historic Castello district, home to the Citadel of Museums and Cagliari Cathedral.
• Wander the narrow streets of the Marina district, lined with colourful buildings, cafés and shops.
• Relax on Poetto Beach, one of the longest beaches in Sardinia.
• Enjoy a seafood dinner at a beachfront restaurant.

Day 2: Costa Verde

• Drive west along the Costa Verde, a rugged coastline known for its wild beauty and pristine beaches.
• Visit the towering sandstone cliffs of the Pan di Zucchero and the beaches of Piscinas and Scivu.
• Stop at the old mining town of Ingurtosu and explore the abandoned mines and sand dunes.
• Spend the night in a cosy agriturismo or beachside resort along the Costa Verde.

Day 3: Oristano and the Sinis Peninsula

• Head north to Oristano and explore its historic centre, including the 13th-century Torre di San Cristoforo.
• Visit the archaeological site of Tharros on the Sinis Peninsula.
• Relax on the beautiful beaches of Is Arutas and Mari Ermi, known for their unique quartz sand.
• Enjoy a traditional Sardinian dinner featuring local specialities.

Day 4: Alghero

• Drive northwest to the charming coastal town of Alghero , known for its Catalan heritage and beautiful beaches.
• Explore the historic centre, including the 16th-century walls, Cathedral of Santa Maria and Piazza Civica.
• Walk along the scenic seafront promenade known as the Bastioni Marco Polo.
• Watch the sunset over the Mediterranean Sea.
• Enjoy dinner at a seafood restaurant in the Old Town, sampling Catalan-style lobster and bottarga.

Day 5: Costa Smeralda

• Drive northeast to the exclusive resort area of Costa Smeralda, known for its stunning beaches and luxury hotels.
• Spend the day relaxing on the white sand beaches of Porto Cervo, Porto Rotondo and Capriccioli.
• Explore the upscale shops, art galleries and restaurants in the chic marina of Porto Cervo.
• Enjoy the panoramic views of the coastline and crystal-clear waters.

Day 6: Return to Cagliari

• Drive back to Cagliari, taking the scenic route along the east coast of Sardinia.

Sardinia Map

⏰  Duration : 6 days 📅  When to go : spring (April-June) & autumn (September-October) 

Experience a captivating journey through the historic landscapes of Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean , where ancient ruins, bustling cities and natural wonders await you at every turn. 

This fascinating road trip will guide you through historic sites like the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento and the Greek Theater in Taormina, offering a deeper insight into the rich past of the island. 

Discover the impressive slopes of Mount Etna , the most active volcano in Europe, relax on the sunny beaches of the Mediterranean coast and sample the diverse cuisine of Sicily, from savoury arancini to sweet cannoli.

A Sicily road trip offers a memorable adventure through one of the most beautiful regions of Italy thanks to its unique blend of cultures, from Greek and Roman to Arab and Norman. 

Here is an example of a  6-day itinerary  for a great mix of cultural, historical and natural attractions in Sicily:

Day 1: Palermo

• Start your road trip in Palermo , the vibrant capital city of Sicily.
• Explore the historic centre, including the Norman Palace, Palermo Cathedral and Ballarò market.
• See the Byzantine mosaics at the Palatine Chapel and the catacombs of the Capuchin Monastery.
• Enjoy dinner at a traditional trattoria, sampling Sicilian specialties like arancini, panelle and cannoli.

Day 2: Agrigento

• Drive south to Agrigento and visit the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring ancient Greek ruins.
• Explore the well-preserved temples of Concordia, Juno and Hercules.
• Visit the Archaeological Museum of Agrigento to learn more about the history of ancient Sicily.
• Relax on the beaches of San Leone or Scala dei Turchi, known for its white cliffs and turquoise waters.

Day 3: Syracuse

• Head east to Syracuse , one of the most important ancient Greek cities in Sicily.
• Explore the historic island of Ortygia, home to the Temple of Apollo, the Fountain of Arethusa and the Cathedral of Syracuse.
• Visit the ancient Greek theatre and the Ear of Dionysius, a limestone cave with remarkable acoustic properties.
• Relax in the picturesque piazza and enjoy a seafood dinner overlooking the harbour.

Day 4: Catania

• Continue north to Catania, the second-largest city of Sicily, located at the foot of Mount Etna.
• Explore the historic centre, including the Baroque Cathedral of Saint Agatha and the fish market.
• Visit the Ursino Castle, a 13th-century fortress housing a museum of Sicilian art and artefacts.
• Enjoy a traditional Sicilian meal at a local trattoria, sampling local dishes.

Day 5: Mount Etna

• Drive to Mount Etna , the tallest active volcano in Europe, located on the eastern coast of Sicily.
• Take a guided tour of the volcano, exploring craters, lava caves and panoramic viewpoints.
• Visit the town of Taormina, perched on a hill overlooking the Ionian Sea.
• Explore its ancient Greek theatre and charming streets.
• Enjoy dinner at a restaurant with views of Mount Etna and the surrounding countryside.

Day 6: Return to Palermo

• Drive back to Palermo, taking the scenic route along the northern coast of Sicily.
• You may have some extra time to explore the city or relax before heading home.

6- Ligurian Coast

Set out on a picturesque journey along the enchanting Ligurian Coast, also known as the Italian Riviera . 

This road trip follows the stunning coastline of the Ligurian Sea, where colourful fishing villages stick to steep cliffs and charming harbours are filled with fresh seafood and seaside cafés . 

Explore the iconic Cinque Terre , a series of five picturesque cliff-top villages, and discover the historic charm of Portofino with its elegant harbour and pastel-coloured buildings. Along the way, indulge in Ligurian cuisine whilst soaking up the relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere. 

With its breathtaking views and timeless beauty, a Ligurian Coast road trip is perfect for those seeking a mix of exploration and relaxation on one of the most iconic coastlines of Italy.

Here is an example of a  6-day itinerary  covering some of the most iconic attractions along the Ligurian Coast:

Day 1: Genoa

• Start in Genoa , the historic port city known for its rich maritime heritage and vibrant culture.
• Explore the narrow streets of the medieval Old Town (Centro Storico).
• Visit landmarks such as the Palazzo Ducale, San Lorenzo Cathedral and the Genoa Aquarium.
• Wander along the waterfront promenade, the Porto Antico, lined with shops and restaurants.
• Enjoy a traditional Genoese dinner featuring local specialities like pesto, focaccia and fresh seafood.

Day 2: Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure

• Drive along the scenic coastal road to the charming fishing village of Portofino .
• The town is famous for its colourful harbour, luxury yachts and upscale boutiques.
• Explore the historic centre and visit the 16th-century Castello Brown for panoramic views.
• Relax on the pebble beach or take a boat tour of the coastline.
• Continue to Santa Margherita Ligure, a picturesque seaside town.
• See the pastel-coloured buildings, scenic waterfront promenade and lively harbour.
• Enjoy a relaxing lunch at a seaside trattoria, sampling Ligurian cuisine and local wines.

Day 3: Cinque Terre

• Take a day trip to the Cinque Terre , a UNESCO World Heritage site comprising five colourful villages.
• Start in Riomaggiore and hike along the famous Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail) to Manarola.
• Pass through vineyards, olive groves and scenic viewpoints along the way.
• Explore the charming villages of Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare.
• Swim in the crystal-clear waters and enjoy fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant.

Day 4: La Spezia and Lerici

• Drive to La Spezia , a bustling port city located at the head of the Gulf of La Spezia (Golfo dei Poeti).
• Visit the Naval Museum and stroll along the promenade overlooking the harbour.
• Enjoy views of the Apuan Alps and colourful fishing boats.
• Continue to Lerici, a charming coastal town.
• Discover its medieval castle, scenic beaches and picturesque harbour.
• Explore its historic centre and visit the castle for panoramic views of the Gulf of Poets.
• Relax on the sandy beach or take a boat tour to nearby islands.

Day 5: Camogli and Chiavari

• Drive back to Chiavari, a charming town.
• Discover its medieval Old Town, lively piazza and scenic promenade lined with palm trees.
• Continue to Camogli, a picturesque fishing village.
• See its colourful buildings, pebble beach and historic harbour.
• Explore its historic centre and visit the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta.
• Climb to the top of the Punta Chiappa lighthouse for panoramic views.
• Enjoy a traditional Ligurian meal at a local trattoria, sampling local dishes.

Day 6: Return to Genoa

• Drive back to Genoa, taking the scenic route along the Ligurian coastline.
• You may have some extra time to explore the town or relax before heading home.

Ligurian Coast Map

Venture on a scenic journey through the central region of Italy , often called the green heart of the country, with this fascinating Umbria road trip.

You will travel through lush valleys, rolling hills and ancient forest s, encountering picturesque medieval towns like Assisi, Perugia and Spoleto along the way. 

Explore historic sites , such as the Basilica of Saint Francis and the majestic fortress of Rocca Maggiore in Assisi, and savour the culinary delights of the region, from earthy truffles to rich wines. 

With its tranquil countryside atmosphere and rich cultural heritage , an Umbria road trip offers a perfect immersion into the charm of central Italy.

Here is an example of a  6-day itinerary  covering some of the most popular attractions in Umbria:

Day 1: Perugia

• Start your road trip in Perugia , the charming capital city of Umbria.
• Explore its historic centre, including Palazzo dei Priori, Fontana Maggiore and Rocca Paolina fortress.
• Visit the Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria to see works by Umbrian artists.
• Wander through the underground city, a network of medieval streets and chambers.
• Enjoy dinner at a traditional trattoria, sampling Umbrian specialities.

Day 2: Gubbio

• Drive to Gubbio , a picturesque medieval town nestled in the foothills of the Apennine Mountains.
• Take a ride on the Funivia Colle Eletto cable car for panoramic views.
• Explore the historic centre, including the Palazzo dei Consoli, Duomo and Piazza Grande.
• Enjoy dinner at a traditional osteria, sampling local dishes.

Day 3: Assisi & Spello

• Drive to Assisi , a UNESCO World Heritage site and the birthplace of Saint Francis.
• Explore the Basilica of Saint Francis, home to magnificent frescoes by Giotto and Cimabue.
• Visit the Basilica of Saint Clare, where the saint’s relics are enshrined.
• See the Rocca Maggiore fortress for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
• Continue to Spello, a charming hilltop town known for its floral displays and Roman ruins.
• Wander through the narrow streets of the historic centre, stopping at local artisan shops and cafés.

Day 4: Spoleto

• Head south to Spoleto , a picturesque hilltop town known for its medieval architecture.
• Visit the Romanesque Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta.
• See the Ponte delle Torri, a 13th-century aqueduct bridge.
• Explore the historic centre, including the Rocca Albornoziana fortress and the Roman theatre.
• Attend a performance at the annual Festival dei Due Mondi, held every summer.

Day 5: Orvieto

• Drive to Orvieto , a charming hilltop town known for its stunning cathedral and Etruscan heritage.
• Visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, a masterpiece of Italian Gothic architecture.
• Admire its intricate facade and frescoes by Luca Signorelli.
• Explore the underground city, a network of tunnels, caves and Etruscan tombs.
• Enjoy a wine tasting at a local vineyard, sampling Umbrian wines.
• Take a walk along the medieval walls and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Day 6: Return to Perugia

• Drive back to Perugia, taking the scenic route through the Umbrian countryside.

8- Lake Como

⏰  Duration : 5 days 📅  When to go : spring (April-May) & autumn (September-October) 

Embark on a scenic adventure around the picturesque shores of Lake Como, an upscale resort area nestled in the foothills of the Italian Alps. 

Drive along winding roads that hug the shoreline, passing elegant villas, charming lakeside towns and lush gardens . Explore iconic attractions such as the historic town of Como, the enchanting village of Bellagio and the stunning Villa del Balbianello. 

Indulge in peaceful strolls along the waterfront promenades, scenic boat rides on the lake and exceptional dining experiences overlooking the calm waters. 

With its stunning natural beauty and timeless elegance, a Lake Como road trip is perfect for those seeking ultimate charm and tranquillity .

Here is an example of a  5-day itinerary  covering some of the most beautiful parts of Lake Como:

Day 1: Como

• Start your road trip in the city of Como , located at the southern tip of Lake Como.
• Explore the historic centre, including the Cathedral of Como and the picturesque Piazza Cavour.
• Stroll along the lakeside promenade, the Lungolago, and enjoy views of the lake.
• Visit the Villa Olmo, an 18th-century neoclassical villa with beautiful gardens overlooking the lake.
• Enjoy dinner at a lakeside restaurant, sampling local specialities.

Day 2: Bellagio

• Drive north to Bellagio, often referred to as the pearl of Lake Como for its scenic beauty and charming atmosphere.
• Explore its historic centre, including the narrow streets lined with shops, cafés and gelaterias.
• Visit the Villa Melzi d’Eril and its beautiful gardens, featuring exotic plants and sculptures.
• Take a scenic boat ride to nearby Varenna or Menaggio.
• Enjoy dinner at a lakeside trattoria, savouring delicious local dishes.

Day 3: Varenna and Menaggio

• Drive to Varenna, a charming lakeside village known for its colourful waterfront, historic villas and scenic views.
• Visit the Villa Monastero and its botanical gardens, located along the lakeside promenade.
• Explore the medieval streets, stopping at local cafés and shops selling ceramics and crafts.
• Continue to Menaggio, another picturesque town on the western shore of Lake Como.
• Take a walk along the lakeside promenade, enjoying views of the lake and surrounding mountains

Day 4: Tremezzo and Lenno

• Drive to Tremezzo.
• Visit the famous Villa Carlotta, an elegant 18th-century villa with gardens overlooking the lake.
• Explore the historic centre and enjoy lunch at a lakeside restaurant.
• Continue to Lenno and visit the Villa del Balbianello, an iconic villa with terraced gardens.
• Explore the picturesque village of Lenno, stroll along the lakeside promenade and relax on the beach.

Day 5: Return to Como

• Drive back to Como, taking the scenic route along the western shore of Lake Como.

Lake Como Map

Set out on an adventure through the rugged landscapes of Abruzzo, a region known as the green lung of Italy . 

Drive through impressive mountains, untouched national parks and charming hilltop villages , such as Santo Stefano di Sessanio and Scanno, each offering an insight into traditional Italian life. 

Explore ancient ruins, medieval castles and fortified towns , like Rocca Calascio and Pacentro, steeped in history and culture. Along the way, savour the flavours of Abruzzese cuisine , from hearty mountain dishes to fresh seafood along the Adriatic coast. 

With its breathtaking landscapes and cultural diversity, this Abruzzo road trip is ideal for discovering one of the hidden gems of Italy .

Here is an example of a  6-day itinerary  offering an overview of the best that Abruzzo has to offer:

Day 1: L’Aquila

• Start your road trip in L’Aquila, the capital city of Abruzzo.
• See the impressive Spanish Fort, the Basilica of Santa Maria di Collemaggio.
• Discover the Fountain of the 99 Spouts.
• Visit the Museo Nazionale d’Abruzzo to learn about the history and culture of the region.
• Enjoy dinner at a traditional trattoria, sampling local specialities.

Day 2: Gran Sasso National Park

• Drive to Gran Sasso National Park, one of the largest national parks in Italy and home to the highest peaks in the Apennine Mountains.
• Take a scenic drive through the park, stopping at viewpoints and hiking trails along the way.
• Visit the town of Santo Stefano di Sessanio, a well-preserved medieval village.
• Explore the Rocca Calascio, a mountaintop fortress with panoramic views.
• Enjoy dinner at a local agriturismo, sampling dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.

Day 3: Abruzzo Coast

• Drive to the Abruzzo coast and explore the charming seaside towns of Pescara and Vasto.
• Spend the morning relaxing on the beach, swimming in the Adriatic Sea and soaking up the sun.
• Visit the Pescara Waterfront, lined with cafés, bars and gelaterias.
• Discover the Castello Caldoresco, the Cathedral of San Giuseppe and the Palazzo d’Avalos.
• Enjoy dinner at a seafood restaurant.

Day 4: Majella National Park

• Drive to Majella National Park, known for its rugged landscapes, ancient forests and abundant wildlife.
• Take a hike through the park, exploring trails like the Orfento Valley and the Valle dell’Orso.
• Visit the town of Caramanico Terme, known for its thermal baths and medieval architecture.
• Explore the Hermitage of San Bartolomeo in Legio, carved into the rock face of the Majella Mountains.
• Enjoy dinner at a local agriturismo, sampling dishes made with ingredients from the park.

Day 5: Sulmona and the Peligna Valley

• Drive to Sulmona, a charming town known for its medieval architecture, confetti and the poet Ovid.
• Discover the Piazza Garibaldi, the Church of Santa Maria della Tomba and the medieval aqueduct.
• Visit the Museo Civico Pelino, dedicated to the art of confetti-making, and sample some.
• Explore the Peligna Valley, a scenic area known for its vineyards and olive groves.
• Stop by picturesque villages like Pacentro and Pettorano sul Gizio.
• Enjoy dinner at a local trattoria.

Day 6: Return to L’Aquila

• Drive back to L’Aquila, taking the scenic route through the Abruzzo countryside.

Abruzzo Map

⏰  Duration : 6 days 📅  When to go : spring (May-June) & autumn (September-October) 

Experience a captivating drive through the sunny landscapes of Apulia , also known as Puglia , in southern Italy. 

Make your way through olive groves, vineyards and whitewashed villages with conical-roofed trulli houses , such as Alberobello and Ostuni. Explore the rich history and cultural heritage of the region at iconic landmarks like the baroque city of Lecce and the ancient ruins of Matera.

Do not forget to indulge in the flavours of Apulian cuisine , from fresh seafood to hearty pasta dishes, and relax on the pristine beaches of the Salento Peninsula . 

With its stunning scenery, historic charm and culinary delights, an Apulia road trip promises a unique adventure through the southernmost region of Italy .

Here is an example of a  6-day itinerary  for exploring Apulia:

Day 1: Bari

• Start your road trip in Bari , the capital city of Apulia.
• Discover the Basilica of Saint Nicholas, Castello Svevo and the alleyways of Bari Vecchia.
• Visit the bustling Mercato Coperto to sample local delicacies like fresh seafood.
• Wander along the Lungomare Nazario Sauro promenade.
• Enjoy dinner at a traditional trattoria, sampling Apulian dishes.

Day 2: Alberobello and Locorotondo

• Drive to Alberobello , a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its unique trulli houses.
• Explore the Rione Monti district, home to over 1,500 trulli clustered together in a maze of narrow streets.
• Visit the Trullo Sovrano, a two-story trullo house that serves as a museum.
• Continue to Locorotondo, a picturesque hilltop town.
• Admire its whitewashed houses and panoramic views of the Valle d’Itria.
• Wander through its maze of narrow streets and visit the Church of San Giorgio.

Day 3: Cisternino and Ostuni

• Drive to Cisternino, a charming village known for its traditional trattorias.
• Enjoy lunch at a local butcher shop, sampling grilled meats and traditional dishes.
• Continue to Ostuni , the “White City” perched on a hill overlooking the Adriatic Sea.
• Explore the historic centre, including the impressive Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta.
• Wander through the narrow streets lined with whitewashed houses, shops and cafés.

Day 4: Lecce

• Drive to Lecce , the “Florence of the South” known for its baroque architecture.
• See the Basilica di Santa Croce, Piazza del Duomo and the Roman amphitheatre.
• Visit the Castle of Charles V and the Palazzo dei Celestini, now home to the University of Lecce.
• Wander through the streets of Old Town, admiring the ornate facades of the baroque buildings.
• Stop at local cafés and gelaterias.

Day 5: Gallipoli and Otranto

• Drive to Gallipoli, a picturesque seaside town known for its historic centre and sandy beaches.
• Explore the Old Town, including the Angevin Castle and the Cathedral of Saint Agatha.
• Relax on the beach or take a boat tour to explore the coastline and nearby islands.
• Continue to Otranto, a charming coastal town located at the easternmost tip of Italy.
• Visit the Cathedral of Otranto, known for its stunning mosaic floor depicting the Tree of Life.
• Explore the Aragonese Castle.

Day 6: Return to Bari

• Drive back to Bari, taking the scenic route through the Apulian countryside.

Shop the printable road trip planner

Plan and create an unforgettable road trip in Italy!

Tips for reducing your impact on a road trip

Are you looking forward to your unforgettable road trip? I understand! 

Road trips are a fantastic way of travelling as they allow us to move freely and discover many incredible places at our own pace. 

However, they can also have negative environmental impacts. That is why considering our carbon footprint and adopting  eco-responsible habits  is essential.

READ MORE:  How to Plan an Epic (Eco-Friendly) Road Trip

Here are some  sustainable tips  for making your Italy road trip more eco-friendly and having a positive impact on the places you visit:

Prepare your route in advance

I know getting lost on a road trip can feel fun and exciting, but when trying to lower your footprint, it is best to plan your route to minimise driving distance and avoid unnecessary detours. The shorter the distance you travel, the less fuel you will use and the less harmful emissions you will produce. In addition, consider alternative transportation options such as public transport or using a bike for shorter distances. 

Bonus tip: get offline maps to stay on track even if you lose signal. 

Plan your meals

Another great way to reduce your impact on the road is to plan your meals. Throughout your journey, eat at local restaurants or wander through local markets to buy fresh produce. You will have the opportunity to try the local Italian cuisine whilst contributing to the local economy. 

Stay in green accommodations

Stay in eco-friendly accommodations such as eco-guesthouses, hotels with green certifications or campsites with sustainable practices. Look for accommodations that prioritise energy efficiency, waste reduction and water conservation.

It is not always easy to determine whether an accommodation has eco-conscious practices, but try to look on their website for green credentials and ask questions. You can also use  Bookdifferent  or  Ecobnb  to help you decide.

Make your trip plastic-free

As you might know, plastic packaging is a significant environmental issue and causes concerns for wildlife and the preservation of natural landscapes. Therefore, avoid plastic as much as possible and bring reusable items instead. Choose eco-friendly alternatives, like reusable tote bags, cutlery, plates and more. 

Bonus tip: buy a  filtered water bottle  to refill anywhere. 

Check your car and drive smoothly

Make sure your vehicle is in the best possible condition for the road: check the engine, oil level and tyre pressure before your trip. In addition, use the available features in your car, like cruise control, to help you maintain your speed and reduce excess emissions. And even better, drive an electric or hybrid vehicle if possible!

Leave a place better than you found it

Aim to live by the principle: leave no trace. And even better, leave a place better than you found it. For example, dispose of your waste appropriately and pick up any trash you encounter. Be respectful of the land and do not drive over protected areas. Finally, stay on marked trails when hiking, as going off can be dangerous for the ecosystem.

Adopt a responsible attitude towards wildlife

Be mindful of your surroundings and adopt a responsible attitude towards wildlife, on land and in the sea. Do not come close to, feed or touch animals. Remember that you are only a guest in their home.

Always respect the local heritage

Treat people and their surroundings with respect. Sustainable travel is not only about the environment but also about the local communities. So, always be respectful and try to learn a few Italian words!

More inspiration for your green vacation:

• Best Travel Apps for Exploring Sustainably
• 15 Travel Books to Inspire Your Next Eco-Adventure
• Best Ecotourism Activities Around the World

Eco-friendly gear you might love:

• 10 Best Sustainable Backpacks for Travel & Hiking
• 10 Best Reusable & Eco-Friendly Travel Mugs
• 8 Best Filtered Water Bottles for Travel & Hiking

Check out  this page  for more inspiration on eco-friendly products & gear.

Italy travel planning guide + tips

🚑 Should I buy travel insurance to travel to Italy? Yes, buying insurance is always valuable when travelling abroad. Enjoy your road trip in Italy stress-free with one of my favourite providers,  Nomad Insurance .

💧 Can you drink the water in Italy? Yes, tap water is safe to drink all over Italy. However, I also recommend travelling with the  UltraPress Purifier Bottle , a lightweight filtered water bottle perfect for reducing plastic and staying hydrated.

🚗 Is it easy to rent a car in Italy? Yes, renting a car in Italy is easy and a great way to explore the country freely. I recommend booking yours with  Rentalcars.com  – they offer a variety of operators for all budgets.

🏨 How to book accommodation in Italy? The best way to book your accommodation in Italy is with  Booking.com  – my favourite platform to compare and reserve places to stay each night, from affordable guesthouses to luxury resorts.

✈️ What is the best site to buy a flight to Italy? I recommend booking your plane with  Skyscanner . It has been my favourite platform for years, as it allows me to book the cheapest flights whilst lowering my carbon emissions.

📱 What is the best road trip application? The best road trip planner app I recommend you download on your phone is Roadtrippers . It will help you build your perfect itinerary with the top stops along the way.

Best road trips in Italy – FAQ

Yes, Italy is excellent for road trips! The country offers diverse landscapes, from the rolling hills of Tuscany and the dramatic coastlines of the Amalfi Coast to the scenic routes through the Dolomites and the charming villages of the Ligurian Coast.

Driving in Italy can be easy, but it comes with some challenges. Its roads are generally well-maintained and the motorway network is extensive, making long-distance travel easy. However, driving in city centres can be difficult due to narrow streets and limited parking.

And you, what is your favourite road trip in Italy ? Let me know in the comments below!

With love ♡ Lucie

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Italoblog » Travel ideas » Best Places to Visit in Italy During the Summer

Best Places to Visit in Italy During the Summer

Experience Italy’s summer magic with its vibrant festivals, stunning landscapes, and warm climate. Perfect for both relaxation and adventure seekers.

The Magic of the Italian Summer

Alpine wonders: exploring the aosta valley and its lakes, the wild heart of sardinia: adventures in supramonte.

• The Lakes of Italy: Luxury, Leisure, and Landscapes

Cala Goloritzé: Sardinia’s Unspoiled Cove

The turquoise shelters of polignano a mare, puglia.

• Abruzzo: Parks, Castles, and Unspoiled Nature

Sicily: Ancient History and Diverse Landscapes

Paragliding in the majestic dolomites, kayaking among the caves of the amalfi coast, canyoning in lombardy, ziplining in valtellina.

• Cycling and hiking in Trentino-Alto Adige
• Why Avoid Art Cities in Summer?

Summer in Italy offers an enchanting blend of vibrant cultural festivities, breathtaking landscapes and an inviting climate, making it a quintessential destination for those seeking a memorable vacation. From the sun-kissed beaches of the coast , to the serene hills and bustling piazzas, during the summer months Italy is a paradise that caters both to peace seekers and to adventure lovers.

Unveiling the Tapestry of the Italian Summer: Beyond the Beaten Path

Tucked away in Italy’s North-Western corner, the Aosta Valley presents a cooler alternative to Italy’s often sweltering summer heat. This region is famed for its pristine alpine lakes and breathtaking mountain vistas.

Hiking or cycling through these rugged landscapes not only offers relief from the summer heat, but also a chance to witness the tranquility of Italy’s lesser-known natural wonders .

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The Supramonte region in Sardinia is a rugged terrain of limestone cliffs and deep gorges . Summer is the perfect time to explore this wild heart of Italy , with its unexplored caves and trails that offer thrilling adventures away from the crowded beaches . The area is also steeped in ancient history, home to Nuragic civilizations that date back thousands of years.

Italy’s Lakes: Luxury, Leisure and Landscapes

Italy’s lakes are famed for their luxurious surroundings and serene beauty. Lake Como and Lake Garda are popular choices, but exploring lesser-known lakes like Lake Iseo or Lake Orta during the summer reveals a more relaxed pace of life and less crowded scenes . These lakes provide a cooling respite from the heat , with opportunities for boating, swimming and savoring lakeside gelato .

Reach Peschiera del garda by high speed train

Secrets of the sea: italy’s lesser-known seaside paradises.

Located on the eastern coast of Sardinia , Cala Goloritzé is accessible only by a trek or by boat , making it an ideal spot for those looking to escape the summer crowds . Its crystal-clear waters and towering cliffs make it one of the most picturesque beaches in Italy.

Polignano a Mare, in the region of Puglia , is renowned for its dramatic cliffside views and ancient caves . The summer brings out the vibrant life of the town with its cliff diving competitions and bustling beach life , making it a must-visit for thrill-seekers and culture enthusiasts alike.

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Abruzzo: parks, castles and unspoiled nature.

Abruzzo is a gem in central Italy, known for its national parks and medieval castles . Its coastline boasts tranquil beaches that are perfect for a summer day . Inland, the region offers lush landscapes and historic sites , providing a perfect blend of relaxation and cultural exploration.

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In Sicily , every corner tells a story, weaving a tapestry of ancient civilizations and vibrant modern life. Beyond the iconic Valley of the Temples , explore the baroque splendor of cities like Noto and Modica . The island’s rich cultural heritage complements its stunning natural beauty, offering a comprehensive summer adventure.

Visit the beauties of Sicily with Italo High Speed Train

Summer adventure camps in italy: where excitement meets landscape.

The Dolomites offer some of the best summer adventure opportunities in Italy , with paragliding being a top choice. Soaring over these majestic peaks provides unparalleled views and an adrenaline rush unlike any other.

The Amalfi Coast is not only about leisurely beach days and limoncello. Kayaking tours allow visitors to explore hidden caves and secluded beaches , adding an element of adventure to the picturesque coastline.

Lombardy is home to some of the most exciting canyoning adventures in Italy . The region’s rivers and gorges offer thrilling descents for all levels of adventurers , providing a cool retreat from the summer heat.

Visit the beauties of Lombardy with Italo High Speed Train

Valtellina offers an exhilarating way to view its stunning landscapes through ziplining . This adventure is perfect for those looking to combine scenic beauty with a bit of thrill .

Cycling and Hiking in Trentino-Alto Adige

Trentino-Alto Adige, nestled in the heart of the Italian Alps, offers a picturesque landscape perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. With its majestic mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and charming villages, this region beckons cyclists and hikers alike to explore its breathtaking beauty.

Cycling enthusiasts flock to Trentino-Alto Adige for its diverse range of cycling routes, catering to both leisure riders and seasoned cyclists. From scenic lakeside paths to challenging mountain ascents, there’s something for everyone here. The region’s well-maintained cycling infrastructure, including dedicated bike paths and mountain bike trails, ensures a smooth and enjoyable ride for all.

Trentino-Alto Adige is also a hiker’s paradise , offering a myriad of trails that wind through lush forests, alpine meadows, and rugged mountain terrain. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely stroll or a challenging summit trek , you’ll find it here. The region is home to several natural landmarks, including the UNESCO-listed Dolomites , which provide awe-inspiring panoramic views.

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Travel tips: how to make the most of italy’s summer charms, why avoid art cities during the summer.

While Italy’s art cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice are popular, they can be overwhelmingly crowded and hot in the summer . Opting for less frequented destinations not only provides relief from the crowds, but also offers a more authentic Italian summer experience , allowing you to explore Italy’s rich tapestry in more tranquil settings.

Embracing the Italian summer means stepping into a season filled with profound beauty, adventure and relaxation . Italy’s summer promises a journey through iconic landscapes, all wrapped in the warmth of Italian hospitality. Whether you seek solitude in the alpine heights, or the thrill of a vibrant life in seaside towns , spending the summer in Italy is an experience that beckons travelers to return year after year.

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25 magical Italian agriturismos

Italy’s farmstays are local in flavour and affordable too — and whether you want yours with added pool, vineyard or olive grove, our expert has the best of the bunch.

T his slice of la dolce vita comes with a pot of homemade honey and the rustle of vine leaves in a balmy summer breeze. Agritourism is flourishing across Italy, and if you’re looking for a holiday that’s rooted in the land and intensely local in flavour, the nation’s farmstays are hard to beat.

Half a century after it was launched there’s more to the sector than spartan bedrooms and chickens. Most of Italy’s 25,000 officially recognised agriturismos offer accommodation of some kind, and, not surprisingly given the mind-boggling range of its agricultural enterprises, agritourism comes in many forms.

Among our top picks are a house that teeters on a terraced hillside high above the Amalfi coast, an aristocratic baglio (estate) bobbing beside an ocean of Sicilian wheat, and a family-owned Piedmont winery. All offer a taste of their produce as well as a sense of comfort and hospitality that would put many hotels, B&Bs and self-catering stays to shame.

Many of them are positively chic — the top end of the agritourism market reaches into five-star territory, although prices are generally lower. There’s a good geographical spread too. According to Ronan McLoughlin of the specialist website farmstayplanet.com, Tuscany is still Italy’s agritourism heart, but there’s a growing interest from British tourists in Sicily and Sardinia. And there’s no need to end your search there. From the Alps to the Ionian Sea you’ll find a wide range of properties, all registered at agriturismoitalia.gov.it (although they will sometimes be listed under the name of the business rather than the accommodation).

Beach days, mountain hikes, bike rides and kayaking are possible from at least one of these farms. For fans of Renaissance architecture there’s a grand villa on the edge of Vicenza, home of the magnificent Basilica Palladiana. Although of course you may prefer to stay put, with your feet up, in the garden. This, after all, is rural Italy, and by staying in an agriturismo you’ll be helping to preserve it.

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1. Villa Lena, Tuscany

Aristocratic hilltop estate with chic rooms Agritourism does not have to be rough-hewn — just look at this aristocratic estate southwest of Empoli, west of Florence, which comes with posh modern bedrooms, standalone villas and drop-dead gorgeous views from the pool. The style is not, however, stuffy. Two bars and the estate’s own Osteria San Michele restaurant keep things buzzy, as does its programme of yoga, perfume and art retreats. Meanwhile, the delicious estate produce creates a powerful sense of place — whether it comes from Villa Lena’s vineyards, olive groves or its five-acre kitchen garden. Details B&B doubles from £295 (villa-lena.it). Fly to Pisa

2. Podere Le Olle, Umbria

Cookery courses and truffle hunts on a hillside farm It may only be a 15-acre plot, but this dreamy hillside farm, just south of Montebaggione, goes big on local flavours, courtesy of its cookery courses. Umbrian EVO (extra virgin oil), pressed from the farm’s own olives, forms the backbone of every meal, along with homemade pasta and whatever’s fresh from the kitchen garden. Add some wine tasting, truffle hunting and a day trip to cliff-perched Orvieto into the mix — along with the odd afternoon by the pool, staring at the sky — you’ve got the makings of a proper, five-day feast. Details Five nights’ full board from £1,590pp, including activities (responsibletravel.com). Fly to Perugia

3. Baglio Occhipinti, Sicily

Retreat with a citrus grove-surrounded swimming pool Bring a stack of good books because chances are you won’t be going far once you’ve settled into this rambling and relaxed country estate in Sicily’s southeast. Rooms and suites are characterised by exposed stone walls, colourful majolica tiles, rustic beams and (in some cases) private gardens. Outside, the swimming pool sits in a citrus grove, while most of the veg comes from the kitchen garden. Baroque Ragusa is a 30-minute drive, when — eventually — a change of scene is required. Details B&B doubles from £137 (baglioocchipinti.it). Fly to Catania

4. Tubla, South Tyrol

Alpine farm with soaring mountain views It’s a simple proposition: an Alpine farm, an unfussy guesthouse and the most gobsmacking panorama of towering rock you’ll ever lay eyes on. From here, the two stars of the Dolomites — the Sassolungo and Sella massif — are both visible, and their slab-sided 10,000ft peaks reward no end of gawping. Just be sure to make time for a little hiking too. Tubla is set on the sunny side of the famous Val Gardena, and although its peaks are spiky, the lush green meadows beneath them are not. It’s a ravishing spot for a walk. Tours of the farm are available too. Details B&B doubles from £77 (tubla.it). Fly to Bolzano or Innsbruck

5. Salvadonica, Tuscany

Medieval manor majoring in oil and wine Rescued from dereliction in the 1980s this hilltop medieval manor offers a chic B&B stay alongside its red wine and cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil. The bedrooms are cool and white — celebrating the property’s original features rather than trying to upstage them with designer flourishes. With Florence only 12 miles north, you’re bound to do some day-tripping. But save time for a cookery class and a guided wine tasting back at base. Both its restaurant and its Chianti Classico reds are highly rated. Details B&B doubles from £95 (farmstayplanet.com). Fly to Florence or Pisa

6. Filippo de Raho, Puglia

A masseria with restaurant fuelled by local produce You wouldn’t know the city of Lecce is only four miles off. Here, in the sanctuary of a fortified masseria, surrounded by 10,000 olive trees, the pace is unhurried and the atmosphere relaxed. Yes, by all means go to the Puglian coast for a morning swim and don’t miss the evening passeggiata through Lecce’s flamboyant 17th-century streets, but be sure to root your day around lunch in the masseria’s vaulted restaurant. It’s a celebration of whatever’s freshest from the farm and its immediate surroundings — whether that’s artichokes, tomatoes, figs or prickly pears. Details B&B doubles from £100 (sawdays.co.uk). Fly to Brindisi

7. Podere Prasiano, Emilia-Romagna

An organic farm with infinity pool In the hills south of Modena, Massimo Cavani and Emanuela Grotti have been working wonders on their organic farm. It’s not just the neat and well-equipped self-catering accommodation they’ve created, or the infinity pool they’ve installed in their flower-filled garden. It’s the fact they’ve helped rescue the local festasio wine from oblivion, while producing a crop of organic fruit from sour cherries to strawberries. Most exciting of all, they have their own casks of aged balsamic vinegar. Perfect for drizzling over an alfresco salad, on one of their shady summer terraces. Details Four nights’ self-catering for two from £823 (podereprasiano.com). Fly to Bologna

8. Agrivilla I Pini, Tuscany

A hilltop farm with stylish outlook and organic restaurant There’s a lot of growing going on at the Agrivilla I Pini, a 35-acre project, within sight of San Gimignano. The Tuscan hilltop farmhouse has become a bastion of vegan and organic principles. Guests will also appreciate the aesthetics — terracotta floor tiles and handmade linen duvets served alongside the estate’s natural wines and olive oil in the farm restaurant. On the menu: everything from sourdough bread, fresh from a wood-fired oven, to roasted vegetables with homemade kimchi. Details Half-board doubles from £315 (ipinitoscana.com). Fly to Florence or Pisa

9. Collelago, Le Marche

Perfect spot between the Sibillini Mountains and the sea At Collelago, olive oil is the focus — produced from the 1,200 trees ringing this 18th-century farm. Guest accommodation is in six small but cute bedrooms in a recently revamped outbuilding — with seasonal fruit, yoghurt and and homemade cakes the backbone of every breakfast. It’s served downstairs on a shady terrace next to the pool, while you consider your day-tripping menu. Will it be the sandy beach less than three miles east of here at Ponte Nina, the Sibillini Mountains or the hilltop Roman town of Fermo? Details B&B doubles from £73 (collelago.it). Fly to Pescara

10. Sommavalle, Verona

A hilltop retreat with rooms in a converted barn If you’ve picked up a hire car from Verona airport and want to catch your breath before heading to Lake Garda or the Dolomites, this is the spot to do it. On the first foothill north of the city, Sommavalle offers guests a serene retreat, in a neat, well-tended garden. Most bedrooms are in a converted barn, whose walls are striped in the local style. But step inside and you’ll find the decor has a distinctly African flavour. Meanwhile, the local suburban bus service will whisk you into the city to see its famous Roman amphitheatre. Details B&B doubles from £103 (booking.com). Fly to Verona

11. Abbazia Sette Frati, Umbria

A former monastery turned arty stay Once there were Benedictine monks in this tall, 12th-century monastery. Now the artist Sara Sposini is in residence, and everyone is welcome to share her extraordinary home. You can take your pick of her simply furnished bedrooms and apartments and, when it’s time to cook supper, help yourself to her garden produce. Guests who don’t have their own kitchen can use the giant communal one, decorated with Sposini’s paintings. In between you’ll be sitting slack-jawed in the loggia, with 15th-century frescoes overhead and the occasional Benedictine ghost gliding by. Details B&B doubles from £72 (booking.com). Fly to Perugia

12. Cascina Bine, Piedmont

Wine tasting and a sense of quiet Bine is a 27-acre, family-run winery south of Novi Ligure, with a growing reputation for its small-batch reds. Primo Ottobre is the most highly rated, and if you drop in for a tasting as part of a Piedmont wine tour, there’s no need for a designated driver — the winery now has its own digs. Based in the old family home, they mix modern comfort with a sense of history. Think walk-in showers, the occasional antique and a deep sense of quiet after dark. Details B&B doubles from £120 (bine.wine). Fly to Milan or Genoa

13. Agriturismo Bannata, Sicily

18th-century farmhouse with enticing menu Most visitors come to Piazza Armerina for one thing only: the vast and extraordinary mosaics of the Villa Romana del Casale. But here’s a reason to prolong your visit. Bannata is an 18th-century farmhouse set in 600 acres of land and blessed with enough produce — from wheat and meat to cheese, fruit, almonds and honey — to make its farm-to-fork menu more than a marketing ploy. The update of the farmhouse has been sensitively done — knobbly walls, freestanding baths and a smattering of antiques — with a pool outside beckoning. Details B&B doubles from £85 (bannata.com). Fly to Catania

14. Masseria Torre di Albidona, Calabria

Fine dining overlooking the Ionian Sea The instep of Italy is an underdeveloped place but here, not far from Borgata Marina’s clifftop castle, is a slice of modernity. It comes not just from the low-rise expansion of a fortified farmhouse and its well-planned bedrooms and apartments (the colourful floor tiles are the most eye-catching features), it’s in the restaurant too. The chef, Pietro Acciardi, is rigorously local in his search for ingredients and eschews garlic, spices and even sautéed butter so that each has a chance to shine. The view is straight across an apricot orchard to the Ionian Sea. Details B&B doubles from £85 (farmstayplanet.com). Fly to Lamezia Terme

15. Locanda Fontelupa, Tuscany

Serene stay with a herd of horses There’s just a handful of rooms here and a small herd of horses, set in a quiet pocket of the Maremma, close to the coast. There’s no riding school, but guests can meet their equine neighbours and discuss herd dynamics with their owners. Back at base, the style is friendly but attentive and the decor richly textured. Together, the earth-toned Uzbek tapestries, Anatolian carpets and Indonesian daybeds have a soothing effect. Just like the horses outside. Details B&B doubles from £168 (hotels.com). Fly to Pisa

16. Lama di Luna, Puglia

National park views and sunrise yoga Like many agriturismos, Lama di Luna sits at the heart of a wider regeneration project. So alongside the restoration of its masseria, turning sharecroppers’ lodgings into spacious bedrooms, there’s the small matter of 10,000 olive trees, 10,000 vines, 2,000 almond trees and 1,000 cherry trees, all of them organic. The result is magnificent — not least because the masseria sits on the edge of the Alta Murgia National Park, overlooking the 520-acre farm. Sunrise yoga sessions await, as do feasts of estate produce on the restaurant’s terrace. Details Room-only doubles from £188 (lamadiluna.com). Fly to Bari

17. Il Fontanaro, Umbria

Cooking classes and tastings from a lovely estate Sure, the villas and apartments on this estate are lovely: rustic, comfortable and blessed with pools and shady terraces. But it’s the extra activities on offer that make them irresistible. The owner, Lucia Pinelli, runs tastings of her award-winning olive oil. Her daughter Alina guides wine tours that finish in her own sensational cellar, and both work together on the farm’s cookery classes (even if they don’t always agree on the ingredients). They can also organise guided hikes, bike rides and even Vespa tours. Details Seven nights’ self-catering for six from £3,063 (vrbo.com). Fly to Perugia

18. Follonico, Tuscany

The simple pleasures, inside and out Come in May if you can, when this south Tuscan valley is flushed with spring greens and Follonico’s garden fills with flowers. Set in a recently restored farmhouse, the six rooms and suites have been remade in a modern style, mixing historic wood panels and leather armchairs with splashes of magenta, sage and Prussian blue. Most have balconies or private terraces; all gaze out onto forests, fields and trees. Once you’ve had your fill of lazing by the pool, day-tripping to Siena is a cinch. Details B&B doubles from £232 (follonico.com). Fly to Perugia

19. Is Cheas, Sardinia

Private lodges near the west coast Circular, thatched suites that pay homage to historic Sardinian architecture are the signature accommodation at this estate, but if you fancy something more conventional, five super-luxe lodges are opening this spring. Whatever style you pick, these serene and private refuges are the ideal spot from which to contemplate the day ahead, lounging in your own garden beside a plunge pool. The soft sands of Is Arenas are only 20 minutes’ drive away, or there are the Bronze Age Nuraghe towers to the north. You could, of course, stay put; after all, this 25-acre farm has its own vineyard and offers wine-tasting tours and cookery classes. Details Seven nights’ half-board from £863pp, including flights (justsardinia.co.uk)

20. Villa Ghislanzoni, Veneto

Delusions of grandeur await Never mind the well-watered organic wheatfields, check out the farmhouse: a proper 18th-century mansion on the outskirts of Vicenza with statues of Flora and Bacchus standing guard and long ranges of colonnaded outbuildings flanking the main house. Here you’ll find seven simple but spacious apartments, and the promise of yet more eye-popping architecture nearby. Vicenza was where the 16th-century master-architect Andrea Palladio made his name with the magnificent basilica in Piazza dei Signori. Details One night’s self catering for two from £99 (booking.com). Fly to Verona or Venice

21. Agriturismo Canales, Sardinia

Take a kayak tour or head to the beach You get a mountain holiday and a beach holiday for your money at this cute ten-bedroom hotel. Guided kayaking trips are available along the sinuous Lago del Cedrino, immediately beneath the hotel, while a wiggling 25-minute drive brings you to the the dramatic beaches of the Gulf of Orosei. Back at base, there are spectacular views of limestone cliffs and upland forests to be enjoyed, as well as the fruits of 170 acres, among them goats’ cheese, suckling pig and homemade cakes and quiches. Details B&B doubles from £108 (booking.com). Fly to Olbia

22. 8 Grappoli, Trentino

A contemporary Adige valley base Set in the family’s vineyard on a hillside above Trento, 8 Grappoli is a new larch-fronted building, complete with minimalist bedrooms and friendly, organic breakfasts. Each of the eight rooms has been carefully soundproofed, and the whole building is energy efficient, making for a snug and friendly base from which to sample the Adige valley’s skyscraping splendour. The farm’s grapes are used to make rich, deep trentodoc spumante sparkling wine, so a tasting in one of the local wineries, such as Cantina Sociale di Trento, is a must. Details B&B doubles from £73 (8grappoliagritur.com). Fly to Verona

23. Orrido di Pino, Campania

Spectacular Amalfi perch There’s more than one way to make the Amalfi coast amazing, so wind your way up from Conca dei Marini to hilltop San Lazzaro and step into this narrow farmhouse for views that are normally reserved for soaring eagles. Just below your strip of lemon trees is the gorge that deepens into the Furore fjord, while in every direction there’s a leafy serenity completely at odds with the bustle of the coast below. The three simple bedrooms are pretty and air conditioned; the perfect place to rest your feet after walking the nearby Path of the Gods. Details B&B doubles from £131 (farmstayplanet.com). Fly to Naples

24. Costa di Faraggiana, Liguria

Pretty hilltop B&B near the coast Yes, you’re just beyond the fabled Cinque Terre coast, but that will seem of little consequence as you dive into the infinity pool at Costa di Faraggiana, looking at the same landscape of deep forested valleys and sparkling sea. This hilltop B&B is surrounded by its olive grove and offers seven pretty, rustic-chic bedrooms as well as a sauna, steam room and lots of outdoor terracing. The sandy beach at Levanto is only a five-minute drive away. Details B&B doubles from £180 (costadifaraggiana.com). Fly to Genoa or Pisa

25. Susafa, Sicily

Chic, hilltop estate with cocktail bar Susafa is on a different scale to most agriturismos — and no wonder, given that in the late 19th century it was essentially a fortified village and home to 500 people. Now it sits at the heart of a 1,500-acre estate, mouthwateringly chic and breathtakingly remote. The big old wine-pressing hall is the cocktail bar, the restaurant sits beneath soaring gothic arches, and the stables, armoury and cheesemaker’s apartment have all become bedrooms. Just north of here, you’ll find the Madonie mountains; drive a little further, and you’ll hit Cefalu. Details B&B doubles from £334 (hotels.com). Fly to Palermo

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The Best Summer Honeymoon Destinations for a Luxe, Sun-Soaked Retreat

By Shelby Wax

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Couples who get married from June to September should find it relatively easy to dash abroad after they say “I do.” After all, so many of the best summer honeymoon destinations are in their prime during peak wedding season. Craving the summer glamour of Europe? The comfortable winter temperatures of tropical destinations below the equator? Whether you wish to escape to the beach, explore historic towns, or just enjoy each other’s company alongside a private pool, there’s a dream destination to fill your heart’s desire.

To help narrow down your search, here are some of the best summer honeymoon destinations around the globe—all ideal for kicking back, relaxing, and reconnecting after the rush of wedding planning is over.

The Cycladic Islands of Greece are at peak season in the summertime, as warm temperatures coincide with the opening of beach clubs and restaurants in the region. Crowds of tourists might make visiting tricky in July and August, but locals prefer heading to the islands in June and September for a calmer retreat. The Domes group has two stunning properties on Mykonos and Santorini that are perfect for honeymooners hoping to island hop. Each hotel is located a five to 10-minute drive away from the islands’ most popular spots and offers stunning sunset views and delicious, regionally-informed fine dining. Plus, many of the luxury suites have their own private pools for couples looking to balance alone time with the excitement of the bustling islands. In Mykonos, there are beach clubs like Soho House outpost Scorpios and boat trips to the ancient ruins of Delos; honeymooners in Santorini can enjoy the views of Oia and enjoy local cuisine and sip on Assyrtiko at the popular winery Domaine Sigalas .

South Africa

If exploring the wildlife of South Africa has always been a dream for you and your spouse-to-be, book a honeymoon safari from May to September. For a romantic escape in nature, consider a suite at the Great River Fish Lodge on the Kwandwe Private Game Reserve. Guests can enjoy large viewing decks and private plunge pools from their spacious suites and adventure on daily game drives. Another excellent option for safaris is the &Beyond Tengile River Lodge on the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. The hotel’s eco-friendly design features glamorous, bespoke interiors that create a lovely respite after a day out with guides. A few nights in Cape Town are also a must. Book a stay at the waterfront One&Only Cape Town and be sure to make time to explore the region’s many vineyards .

While dry temperatures might be toasty in the South of France throughout the summer, it’s also an incredible time to explore the coastline and sip on the region’s famed rosé. If you want to enjoy the Mediterranean, head to The Maybourne Riviera for gorgeous modern interiors featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that reveal incredible cliffside views and a hopping beach club open all season. Spend a few nights out at Capelongue to experience a luxe, relaxing Provençal retreat with beautiful vistas of Lubéron and its own Michelin-starred restaurant, then head to the the gorgeous city of Aix-en-Provence for a stay at Villa Saint-Ange , which offers the rare luxury of a lush escape close to the city center. Pro tip: The region’s famed lavender fields are best seen in the earlier part of the summer before harvest begins in August.

The Northeastern United States

By Marie Bladt

By Jeanne Ballion

By Hannah Jackson

Couples getting married in the Northeast need not go far to enjoy a relaxing postnuptial vacation. If you’re hosting a New York City celebration, consider staying a night or two at the Ritz Carlton New York Central Park to enjoy unparalleled views of the park and a La Prairie spa treatment before jetting off to a distant honeymoon destination. Another excellent mini-moon option is the Auberge Collection’s idyllic Mayflower Inn & Spa in Connecticut, with charming interiors by Celerie Kemble, farm-to-table dining, and incredible grounds that are ready for both lazy and active summer activities—all ideal for some romantic R&R. Of course, honeymooners should absolutely take advantage of the inn’s beautiful spa retreat by The Well with its state-of-the-art facilities, holistic treatments, and dreamy design.

If the lush jungle and beaches of Bali have always called to you as your dream honeymoon destination, it’s best to book your trip during the dry season from May to October. Luxury comes at a lower price on the island, so an incredible experience awaits no matter your budget. If you wish to splurge on a clifftop contemporary retreat along the coast, book a stay at the Alila Uluwatu . Each villa is equipped with numerous amenities and private pools, while the top-tier service can be tailored to your taste from “discrete” to “indulgent.” If you prefer an escape immersed in the jungle, Como Shambhala Estate is the perfect resort to let you and your new spouse focus on wellness and relaxation.

June is one of the best times to embrace la dolce vita in Italy . With temperatures ranging from the 60s to 80s, honeymooners can explore the storied museums, vineyards, and coastlines before the crowds and humidity increase in July and August. Honeymooners who have already toured the historic cities of Rome , Florence, and Venice can avoid the rush of summer tourism and take advantage of the relaxing retreats throughout the country. If you’re looking for a White Lotus -inspired vacation (without the drama, of course), take a trip to Taormina in Sicily for a beachside honeymoon. Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel is a stunning property for your stay with old-world charm dripping from its wallpapered halls and six-acre gardens. For an intimate escape focused on food, wine, and wellness, head to the hills and relax after your nuptials at the Monteverdi Tuscany . Located in the UNESCO World Heritage site Val d’Orcia, the hotel brings next-level fine dining to the medieval town. Any architecturally minded honeymooners heading to Capri might want to book a few nights at Punta Tragara . Designed by Le Corbusier, the interiors are as much of a draw as the beautiful ocean views. If you want to infuse your classic holiday with a modern touch, you might want to stay a while at Il Sereno , a Lake Como hotel designed with a refined, minimalist sensibility by Spanish architect Patricia Urquiola.

If you want a perfect blend of beaches and stunning wildlife, head to the African island nation of Mauritius. June and September are the sweet spot months to avoid the extreme heat of the summer and slightly cooler temperatures of the winter—although numbers during the months of July and August rarely dip below the 60s. National parks offer beautiful jungle excursions while the coastline is famed for its incredible beaches. Lux* Grand Baie is definitely a hot spot on the island for couples that don't mind balancing relaxing spa visits with dj sets by the pool. For a more restful retreat, book a stay at the Maradiva Villas Resort perched above Tamarin Bay. It’s important to note for LGBT+ honeymooners that while same-sex marriages are not legal in the country, the government has banned all discrimination against same-sex couples.

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The 25 Essential Pasta Dishes to Eat in Italy

Two chefs, one cookbook author, a culinary historian and a food writer made a list of the country’s most delicious meals, from carbonara in Rome to ravioli in Campania.

Credit... Enea Arienti

Supported by

By Deborah Dunn ,  Vicky Bennison ,  Marianna Cerini ,  Robyn Eckhardt ,  Laurel Evans ,  Kristina Gill ,  Andrew Sean Greer ,  Lee Marshall ,  Elizabeth Minchilli ,  Marina O’Loughlin ,  Katie Parla ,  Rachel Roddy ,  Eric Sylvers and Laura May Todd

Photographs by Enea Arienti

• Published May 17, 2024 Updated May 22, 2024

For a food that begins with just flour, water or sometimes eggs, there are infinite variations of pasta. So what happens when you convene a panel of five Italian cuisine experts and ask them to determine the 25 most essential pasta dishes throughout Italy? “I’m sweating,” said Davide Palluda, the chef and owner of All’Enoteca restaurant and osteria in the Piedmont region. “This is too heavy,” he joked during the two-hour video call that I convened to debate his nominations and those of the four other panelists: Stefano Secchi, the chef and a co-owner of New York City’s Rezdôra ; the Tuscany-based cookbook author Emiko Davies ; the Umbria-based culinary historian Karima Moyer-Nocchi ; and the food writer and novelist Roberta Corradin, who lives in Florence, Sicily and Boston. A week before our call, I’d asked each to make their own list of 10 standouts (since he was a panelist, Palluda’s restaurants were automatically excluded); after an energetic debate and several more phone calls, emails and WhatsApp messages, we whittled that list in half. The final picks appear below in unranked alphabetical order, along with the ideal wine to drink with each pasta dish, as recommended by the chosen restaurants and reviewed by Davies’s husband, the sommelier Marco Lami.

This list is the latest in our T 25 series , which highlights significant achievements in the worlds of design, literature , fashion , architecture and food . Previous debates about where to eat right now were confined to major cities like Paris and Mexico City , but this time around, we wanted to see what we might learn if we surveyed the culinary landscape across an entire food-crazed country. We chose pasta because it’s the food most associated with Italy, and because it’s the subject of T’s new Travel issue . It’s also the staple that reveals just how much Italian cooking, even in 2024, remains firmly anchored to a specific place. While most countries have regional fare, Italy is particularly fixated on a recipe’s exact provenance — the town, the valley, the strip of coastline — which is why you’ll often find different pasta shapes or sauces, even over the span of just a few miles.

This culinary diversity informed many of the panelists’ decisions: sometimes, they opted to include a dish because it’s rarely made beyond its birthplace (see Lombardy’s pizzoccheri, No. 12); other times, they chose a favorite sauce (for example, carbonara) or simply a type of pasta like strangozzi (typical of Umbria) since it, like so many local specialties found in the countryside, is paired with different ingredients depending on the time of year.

Only two specific dishes were nominated by more than one panelist: the agnolotti del plin at Madonna della Neve in the Piedmont and the vincisgrassi at Osteria dei Fiori in the Marche region, both centuries-old dishes served at decades-old restaurants. The classics, in general, came up again and again. Even the more idiosyncratic dishes that merited inclusion were riffs on familiar fare: Secchi, for example, made an impassioned plea for the dish called the Crunchy Part of the Lasagna, the chef Massimo Bottura’s technical take on the beloved casserole, offered at his Francescana restaurant at Maria Luigia in Modena, Emilia-Romagna. “If we’re talking about transcendent pasta experiences, that’s it,” Secchi said. (Lasagna, in fact, made a strong showing on this list, which features three varieties.) Secchi suggested one reason the old favorites took primacy: relentless demand.

Northern and central Italy are also overrepresented, perhaps because that’s where most of the participants are based, though Corradin argued that she could easily make an entire list dedicated to any region. And Palluda worried about omitting gnocchi, though there was some disagreement about whether the dumplings usually made with potato and flour are even considered pasta. But Corradin had the final word: “No. Gnocchi is gnocchi. It’s a different chapter. Next time.” — Deborah Dunn

The interview portion has been edited and condensed.

1. The Agnolotti del Plin at Ristorante Madonna Della Neve

Cessole, piedmont.

Overlooking the Bormida valley, Ristorante Madonna della Neve sits opposite the 16th-century chapel for which it’s named. With large windows framing bucolic views, its classic osteria ambience is echoed in its menu of time-honored dishes. While agnolotti is a term used for many kinds of stuffed pasta, especially in Italy’s northwestern Piedmont region, it’s the agnolotti del plin — penny-size filled pasta that’s named for the pinch with which it’s sealed (“pinch” is plin in the Piedmontese dialect) — that are the real star. The manager, Piermassimo Cirio, whose grandparents opened Ristorante Madonna della Neve in 1952 and who sometimes heads up the kitchen, says that meeting the demand for agnolotti del plin requires a full day of filling and folding each week from a crew of staff and family members. And for many guests, the pasta — which is filled with a mixture of ground veal, pork and rabbit, Parmigiano-Reggiano, rosemary and borage — is, in itself, a multicourse meal. Start with the version served al tovagliolo, meaning on a linen napkin without sauce, allowing the gentle sweetness of the filling’s leafy greens to shine. Follow with agnolotti with sage and butter or, more bracingly, sage and lemon juice (Cirio’s invention). Next, try them with a sauce of Bolognese-ish ragù or, as an alternative, the juices and tender scraps of a beef roast (arrosto). For a final course, order a small bowl of agnolotti doused with Barbera wine. Suggested wine pairing: Isolabella della Croce Maria Teresa Barbera d’Asti 2022. — Robyn Eckhardt

2 Reg. Madonna della Neve

Roberta Corradin: I grew up in Piedmont and homemade agnolotti with a roasted meat filling is mandatory.

Karima Moyer-Nocchi: Madonna della Neve is an incredible experience.

Stefano Secchi : I was just there last year and it’s fantastic.

Davide Palluda: I took a picture with the almost 90-year-old [Piera Cirio, Piermassimo’s mother] a few years ago, and I asked her how many agnolotti she’s made in her life. I think a million. She has the forearms! She’s the one that [reminds] all the young chefs in Piedmont why we have to respect [the traditions]. The nicest way to have it is just boiled and naked, without sauce.

Moyer-Nocchi: Oh, yeah, that’s gorgeous. It’s homey and nurturing, and that humble way that it’s served makes it a transformative experience.

2. The Busiate at Duomo

Ragusa ibla, sicily.

The Sicilian chef Ciccio Sultano calls the busiate, an elegant but sturdy corkscrew pasta shape that was historically formed by wrapping the dough around knitting needles (or the stem of a local grass) , “matriarchal.” It’s a specialty of Trapani, on Sicily’s west coast, and usually served with pesto Trapanese: almonds, basil, garlic, tomatoes, pecorino, perhaps a touch of fresh mint. But at Duomo, a gastronomic institution in Ragusa Ibla, on the southern end of the island, Sultano goes much further, imbuing the pasta (always made in-house from heritage grains such as tumminia and perciasacchi) with intense local flavors. The busiate on the current menu features fragrant wild fennel and saffron and a ragù of glittering anchovies and mackerel. And to finish: grated red tuna heart. Another longtime favorite version, which resurfaces from time to time, is the busiate kneaded with rosewater and topped with plump, sweet Mazara prawns (pictured above). Opened nearly 24 years ago, Duomo, as the name suggests, sits in a handsome townhouse down the street from Ragusa Ibla’s dramatic Baroque cathedral, less than an hour from where Sultano took his first job in a kitchen, at a pastry shop, when he was just 13. Eating this dish, he suggests, evokes the island life, culinary influences via Sicily’s many centuries of invaders, from the Greeks and Arabs to the Normans, and the voluptuousness of a cuisine born of the sea. Suggested wine pairing: Pietradolce Archineri Etna Bianco 2018. — Marina O’Loughlin

31 Via Capitano Bocchieri

Corradin: Busiate are Sicily’s version of fusilli. In the western part of Sicily, they make long busiate, which are difficult to eat. If you’re a gentleman, the busiate will slap your tie. That’s the kind that Ciccio Sultano at Duomo makes. The rosewater he puts in the dough gives a hint of the region’s past, when it was under Arab domination. It bounces you back to another time.

3. The Cacio e Pepe at Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina

Made with only pasta, cheese and pepper, cacio e pepe seems downright simple, yet this classic Roman dish is mired with potential pitfalls: cooks know to beware the dreaded clumping. Not only does Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina make a perfect version, they’re unafraid to tweak it when necessary: If the pecorino is fresher, and so less intensely salty, the chefs use only that. If it’s older, they’ll perhaps add some Parmesan to temper the ferocity. Their special blend of ground black peppercorns — including the perfumed, potent Sarawak — makes this simple dish, prepared with tonnarelli (a spaghetti-like egg pasta), memorable. This, at a mere 20 years old, is one of the newer additions to the small Roscioli group of restaurants and bakeries in Rome (a pasticceria also opened 10 years ago). All are popular among tourists, but escaping the chaos of Campo dei Fiori for a seat at the counter here, a glass of red wine in hand, the cacio e pepe in front of you, feels like the real Rome. Suggested wine pairing: Damiano Ciolli Podere Ciriolino Cesanese di Olevano 2022. — M.O.

21 Via dei Giubbonari

Palluda: Cacio e pepe is easy to prepare but it’s not easy to make a good one. Roscioli cooks it the right way, with the right ingredients. If I have the chance I always go when I’m in Rome — if I can get in, it’s a small restaurant — and I always eat the cacio e pepe.

4. The Carbonara at Ristorante l’Arcangelo

Though Rome is the Italian city most often associated with antiquity, carbonara — arguably the most popular of its classic pastas, which also include cacio e pepe, amatriciana and alla gricia — is actually a 20th-century innovation. The dish’s creator and exact place of origin are unknown, but an often-told story involves the arrival of Allied troops in Rome in 1944: The soldiers, or someone cooking for them, allegedly mixed eggs, powdered milk and bacon with pasta. Today, carbonara is usually made with eggs, guanciale (cured pork jowl), pecorino cheese, black pepper and spaghetti. Some chefs use only yolks while others add the whole egg. Some stick to pecorino while others mix in parmigiano. Some pair the sauce with rigatoni instead of spaghetti. Every chef in the city likely believes they make the best version, but the rigatoni alla carbonara at Ristorante l’Arcangelo — a white-tableclothed establishment near Vatican City — has earned its place among the essential dishes of Rome. The silky sauce, salty but not overpowering, evenly coats the rigatoni, pooling just enough in the bottom of the plate so you can dip a piece of bread at the end. The fresh eggs give the dish a vivid yellow hue, and the hefty, crisp pieces of guanciale are doled out with precision; it’s said that the chef personally counts the seven pieces allotted to each plate. Suggested wine pairing: Tenute Filippi Ipazia 2022. — Kristina Gill

59 Via Giuseppe Gioachino Belli

Moyer-Nocchi: I was really torn between including [head chef of Ristorante l’Arcangelo] Arcangelo Dandini’s carbonara or Nabil Hadj Hassen’s. When Nabil was the chef at Salumeria Roscioli, he won a national competition, in 2008, for the best carbonara in Rome. He left Roscioli after 18 years and now he’s at Baccano [also in Rome]. It was a close call between Dandini and Hassen. Post-Covid, when everyone was sitting around thinking about what they were going to do with their lives, Arcangelo made adjustments to the cheeses he uses in the dish. He now uses 80 percent Pecorino Romano sourced locally, from a particular milking. And he’s added 20 percent smoked pecorino di Gavoi from Sardinia, which for him recalls the time when smoking was one of the ways of preserving foods. And he uses these eggs — you’re going to have to trust me — these are just outstanding eggs with the creamiest egg yolks ever. He’s a miraculously inventive chef in the way that he pulls history into his modern iterations of dishes.

Corradin: The carbonara is very good at Arcangelo, and it’s in Prati, a nice bourgeois neighborhood that I believe is also home to several kosher restaurants. It isn’t a place for tourists. Well, in Rome tourists are everywhere, but this is a classic location for real Roman families.

5. The Crunchy Part of the Lasagna at Francescana at Maria Luigia

San damaso, emilia-romagna.

Though it’s served with a fork and spoon, it’s hard to keep your hands off the chef Massimo Bottura’s famous recreation of the coveted corner slice of lasagna. The crispy tower begs to be broken apart with your fingers, the rich ragù and aerated béchamel scooped up, nacho-like, from the plate. To make the dish, Bottura boils spaghetti and then purées it to form a dough, which is divided into three parts, each mixed with a different sauce: basil, Parmigiano-Reggiano or tomato. After being rolled out, the pasta sheets are fried, smoked, and, finally, lightly charred with a torch. The result is somehow both familiar and disorienting: “It’s about feeding people with emotions,” Bottura says. Originally, he served his postmodern take on the homey favorite at his Osteria Francescana , which opened in 1995, but these days it’s available only at Francescana at Maria Luigia , one of the restaurants at Casa Maria Luigia, the guesthouse he opened with his wife, Lara Gilmore, in 2019 in San Damaso, just outside the city of Modena. Here, the sole offering is a nine-course tasting menu comprising Bottura’s well-known dishes, served at communal tables facing an open kitchen. Suggested wine pairing: Comte Lafond Sancerre 2022. — Laurel Evans

56 Stradello Bonaghino

Secchi: I’m biased because I worked at Francescana and I know what it takes [to prepare this lasagna]. It takes three or four days to make. That ragù alone isn’t just made with traditional beef: There’s cheek and side, tongue and a special ingredient I can’t name because Massimo [Bottura] would kill me.

Palluda: Especially in the last 15 years, Massimo Bottura never stops talking about his region, Emilia-Romagna. One of the things he always says is to make good food in Italy, you have to stay with your feet on the land and your brain in the clouds. In his dishes with ragù, you can feel this point of view. Like a lot of guys in Emilia, he probably grew up with the smell of [the sauce] in the house. It’s very important that someone as famous as Bottura still talks about his ingredients and his history — it makes the people and the producers of that region really proud of their home.

6. The Culurgiones at Hotel Ristorante Ispinigoli

Dorgali, sardinia.

From April until October, Hotel Ristorante Ispinigoli serves reimagined Sardinian classics overlooking a patchwork of terraced vineyards, olive groves and fruit orchards that descend toward the Gulf of Orosei on the east coast of Italy’s second-largest island. Among the restaurant’s specialties are culurgiones, fresh pasta parcels filled with a blend of potato, cheese, garlic and mint that are pinched closed, the seams resembling ears of wheat. Native to the Ogliastra subregion of Sardinia that’s about a 90-minute drive south, culurgiones have transcended their hyperlocal origins and are now served across the island, though the filling proportions change from cook to cook. At Hotel Ristorante Ispinigoli, the chef Giovanni Cossu, along with the chef Gian Nicola Mula, leads a multigenerational family-run kitchen that plates them in a novel way: They don’t toss and coat their culurgiones with tomato sauce in the rustic fashion but rather crown each with a spoonful, then top with a dusting of pecorino. Suggested wine pairing: Cantina Tani Taerra Vermentino di Gallura 2022. — Katie Parla

125 Strada Statale

Secchi: This restaurant has been in the family for three generations. It’s about an hour and a half from where my family is from and it has one of the best views in Sardinia. One of the chefs [the nephew of the head chef Cossu] used to work at Osteria Francescana [see No. 5]. He’s cooking traditional pasta, but also doing contemporary things because of his time at high-end restaurants on mainland Italy. I thought he’d go chase the stars, but it’s just the opposite — he wanted to bring everything he learned back home.

7. The Mezzanelli Alla Genovese at Coco Loco

Genoa, the city that lends its name to this meaty pasta sauce, is a good 400 miles from Naples, the place best known for it. Every local seems to have a different origin story for the dish, including the tale that credits Swiss mercenaries for bringing this slow-cooked beef and onion sauce to the southern Italian city sometime around 1495. Though it’s commonly ladled onto short cylindrical pasta shapes such as paccheri or rigatoni, at Coco Loco, which opened in the middle of Naples’s historic center in 1995, the chef and owner, Diego Nuzzo, prefers to use mezzanelli, a longer, skinnier version of ziti. He models his Genovese after the recipe used by monzù, private cooks to the city’s aristocracy in the 18th and 19th centuries who applied French culinary techniques to regional ingredients. Like the monzù, Nuzzo braises the beef shank and lots of red onions in lard rather than olive oil, intensifying the flavor of both ingredients. He then adds white wine, a few cubes of pork and simmers the sauce for up to five hours, adding a little tomato paste toward the end “just to give a touch of color.” But the real secret to the dish, he says, is to choose a dried pasta that doesn’t release too much starch (he prefers the Garofalo brand) to keep the sauce from getting too gluey. Suggested wine pairing: Quintodecimo Terra d’Eclano Irpinia Aglianico 2015. — Lee Marshall

4 Vicoletto Cappella Vecchia

Palluda: It’s difficult to explain to people that this is a [Neapolitan] dish and the name Genovese only refers to the people who moved from Genoa to Napoli. In Genoa, you usually get a pesto condimento [sauce]. Here, it’s a lot of meat and the protagonist of this recipe is the onions. You just color the onion with tomatoes.

Corradin: It’s one of the many geographically confusing dishes in Italian cuisine — like zuppa inglese; inglese means “English” and it’s not English at all. And it’s not a soup at all, it’s dessert. [We call them] false friends.

Moyer-Nocchi: It’s a fabulous dish. That five-hour braise renders something that tastes like a sweet, beef-flavored onion butter that loses whatever negative connotations onions have and becomes a larger-than-the-sum-of-its-parts dish. Diego Nuzzo is the most renowned for [pasta alla Genovese] and [he serves it] in a really elegant setting.

Corradin: And unlike most pastas, in Napoli, pasta alla Genovese is served as a main course.

8. The Minestra di Pasta Mista With Shellfish and Rockfish at La Torre del Saracino

Vico equense, campania.

A meal at La Torre del Saracino, in the seaside town of Vico Equense, is something of a ceremony. It begins in a Medieval watchtower overlooking the Bay of Naples where you’re welcomed with an aperitif (a sparkling Franciacorta, for example) and small bites (perhaps a free range-chicken cacciatora panino) while listening to music chosen by guests from the chef Gennaro Esposito’s vinyl collection, with plenty of 20th-century Neapolitan pop and jazz. Then you’re led down a winding stone staircase to a 20-seat main dining room with high arched windows overlooking the sea. The minestra di pasta mista con crostacei e pesci di scoglio, one of Esposito’s signature dishes, is a nod to the fish soup that the 54-year-old chef, a native of Vico Equense, grew up eating. In those days, it was made mostly with the catch that couldn’t be sold at the markets and typically took hours to prepare. Now, at La Torre del Saracino, it’s a symbol of gleeful abundance: Esposito uses more than a pound and a half of Mediterranean rockfish, shrimps, squid and prawns to make one portion. Still one of the more time-consuming dishes in his repertoire, it involves slow-cooking the rockfish in a light fish stock, then squeezing them in a French duck press to retain the juices. Once all the seafood and San Marzano tomatoes are left to simmer on the stove top, for several hours, he adds a mix of as many as 15 different pasta shapes, both tubes and spirals (families traditionally made minestre like this to use up those annoying bottom-of-the-package leftovers). The pasta is left to cook in the soup so that, in Esposito’s words, “it absorbs all its goodness.” Suggested wine pairing: Mastroberardino Stilema Fiano di Avellino 2015. — L.M.

9 Via Torretta

Palluda: Gennaro Esposito is one of the new generation of chefs from Campania, from Napoli. Twenty-five years ago, it wasn’t so easy to introduce new ideas in Campania — it seemed like you were fighting with tradition, but that’s not why he did it. He learned a lot of new techniques in France [and elsewhere] and then used products that were close to him. He made new recipes without losing the identity of the original one. A lot of young chefs followed him. His minestra pasta is a very interesting dish. You mix in a lot of types of pasta. Every spoonful is different. Like chocolate, you never know what you’re going to get. It’s a very rustic dish, but very technical.

9. The Orecchiette With Broccoli at Ricci Osteria

If you find yourself wandering the whitewashed back streets of a Pugliese town, you’ll likely encounter women gathered near the stoops of their houses, forming semolina flour dough into quarter-size orecchiette, which they leave to dry on netted boxes balanced atop wooden stands. Shaped vaguely like an earlobe (the name translates to little ear) orecchiette is often served with ragù or turnip greens, but among the most beloved variations is one made with broccoli. In Milan, some 550 miles to the north of Italy’s heel, the chefs Antonella Ricci and Vinod Sookar have created their own version of the recipe at the Pugliese-inflected mainstay Ricci Osteria, which opened in 2022. Usually, the dish is made by sautéing parboiled broccoli with garlic, anchovies and mildly spicy pepperoncini in extra virgin olive oil; theirs also includes sweet, soft confit tomatoes. The finishing flourish is a generous sprinkling of crunchy toasted bread crumbs, which serve as the ideal foil to the orecchiette’s chewy texture. Suggested wine pairing: a 2020 negroamaro from Agricola Felline. — Laura May Todd

27 Via Pasquale Sottocorno

Moyer-Nocchi.: Antonella Ricci is from Puglia and her husband and partner in the restaurant [Vinod Sookar] is from Mauritius. And together they really represent Milan. [The city] is a micro-melting pot in Italy that since the end of World War II has pulled in a great exodus from the rural south, because that’s where the jobs were, and then later, a great influx of people of Sri Lankan and Indian origin. It’s good to see a person of color in the position of chef as well, because Italy’s restaurants would not go on without this population.

Palluda : It’s a dish made with briciole [breadcrumbs], which is something you usually throw away. They call it the poor man’s Parmesan. And with these scraps, they’ve built this amazing dish.

10. The Paccheri Alla Vittorio at Da Vittorio

Brusaporto, lombardy.

What happens when a restaurant with such fine-dining pedigree takes on pasta with tomato sauce, one of the simplest of all the primi? You get a creamy, almost velvety rendition that’s become the calling card for Da Vittorio, a luxurious fixture of the northern city of Bergamo since 1966. In the early 2000s, Vittorio Cerea and his family, including his son, the current head chef, Enrico “Chicco” Cerea, moved the restaurant from the historic core of the city to a villa surrounded by parkland, less than five miles outside of town. From there, Enrico expanded the menu, offering innovative dishes like scampi with fermented miso and tempura sardines with a lemon sauce. But diners who come from Milan — about 30 miles to the southwest — and much farther (there’s a heliport and a hotel on the property) often have just one item on their mind: the paccheri alla Vittorio. A cork-size tubular pasta, paccheri are served here slightly al dente and swimming in a sauce made with three types of tomatoes, basil, olive oil and sautéed garlic, thickened at the end with butter and Parmesan. The dish, offered as part of an eight-course tasting menu, also comes with a bib — you’re invited to mop up the sauce with freshly baked farro bread. Suggested wine pairing: Vie di Romans Chardonnay 2020. — Eric Sylvers

17 Via Cantalupa

Palluda: It’s cooked like risotto, meaning that you cook it for just 80 percent of the time in the water, and then you finish the dish directly in the [sauce], and they do that at the table in front of the people.

Secchi: [They serve] it convivio, family-style, which is a beautiful way to do it.

Moyer-Nocchi: What makes the dish so worthy of this list is the sauce. My advice: Opt for the bib.

11. The Pasta con le Sarde at Trattoria Ferro di Cavallo

Palermo, sicily.

When your massive portion of pasta con le sarde at Trattoria Ferro di Cavallo in Palermo is set in front of you, your first thought is likely, “What is this mess of gloopy spaghetti covered with greenish-brown sauce?” But it’s precisely the dish’s aggressively ugly appearance that makes the first bite — and smell — so surprising. The rustic recipe is full of all the contradictions and complexities inherent to Sicilian cooking: High-end ingredients like plump sweet raisins and resinous pine nuts mix with sardines, the poorest of fish, barely boned, to form more of a stew than a pasta sauce; it’s also redolent of wild fennel. The warm, chaotic Trattoria Ferro di Cavallo, which opened in 1944 and is in the heart of the old city, doesn’t take reservations, but with the two big rooms inside, and the large covered terrace outside, you’ll rarely have to wait long. Suggested wine pairing: Tasca d’Almerita Regaleali Bianco 2022. — Elizabeth Minchilli

20 Via Venezia

Moyer-Nocchi: Pasta con le sarde doesn’t get as much attention as it should. Ferro di Cavallo puts a lot of care into it. They have an investment in the tradition of this dish. It’s a very colorful, classic trattoria.

12. The Pizzoccheri at Ristorante Quattro Stagioni

Mantello, lombardy.

Some pasta dishes demand you put aside restraint. Pizzoccheri certainly qualify — the fettuccine-like buckwheat pasta is typically tossed together with copious amounts of Valtellina Casera cheese and butter, potatoes and a vegetable (usually cabbage). Said to be born at least 200 years ago at the foot of the Alps in Valtellina — a valley that runs east from the northern shores of Lake Como — the hearty dish is still the perfect thing to eat at Quattro Stagioni, with its exposed beams, simple wooden chairs and stone fountain in the middle of the main dining room. The restaurant is part of the La Fiorida agriturismo, a working farm that doubles as a country inn, with 29 guest rooms, some 500 animals (mainly cows, goats and sheep), a cheese-making facility and 150 acres of cultivated fields. While the buckwheat is sourced from a nearby farm, nearly everything else used in the pizzoccheri comes from on site. This means that, depending on the time of year, you might find spinach or Swiss chard in your pizzoccheri. “There is no exact recipe because it’s always changing,” says the head chef, Gianni Tarabini. Suggested wine pairing: Nino Negri Inferno Valtellina Superiore 2019. — E.S.

12 Via Lungo Adda

Moyer-Nocchi: Very few pasta dishes use non-wheat flours but the pizzoccheri of Valtellina, made with mostly buckwheat, has been awarded European Union P.G.I. [Protected Geographical Indication] certification, bringing it into the panoply of Italy’s most highly valued traditional dishes. It’s a deeply comforting pasta.

Davies: I love pizzoccheri.

Palluda: I just don’t know if American people know about pizzoccheri.

Davies: Maybe that’s why it should be on the list.

Moyer-Nocchi: La Fiorida makes an excellent pizzoccheri, and it’s a beautiful agriturismo. Very small, local everything.

13. The Rasnal Soup at Maggese

San miniato, tuscany.

The faded grocery store sign still hangs above the door of Maggese in the ancient Tuscan hill town of San Miniato. Step into the small retro-modern interior, glance to the right and there, behind a two-seater counter, you’ll usually find Fabrizio Marino, fielding orders and greeting clients. Opening a vegetarian restaurant in meat-oriented Tuscany back in 2019 was a risk, Marino admits. But he needn’t have worried: Maggese books out days in advance. Rasnal — which he says means “of the Etruscans” — is a soup that’s been a fixture on the Maggese menu from the beginning. It pairs slow-braised seasonal vegetables — some foraged, some cultivated — like wild asparagus and artichoke with a sauce of local red heirloom beans. The dish’s pasta component consists of just four simple, bite-size eggless-pasta parcels made from heirloom flour. Their fillings can change with the seasons — they might be celeriac or chickpeas, pumpkin or carrot — but they always deliver a sweet note to balance the broth’s bitterness. Suggested wine pairing: Il Borghetto Montigiano Sangiovese 2019. — L.M.

29 Via IV Novembre

Davies : I love everything that they do at this restaurant. It’s in my town, San Miniato. We’re in the middle of a place that is very, very well known for red meat. They used to have seven butcher shops in this small town.

Palluda: They eat the vegans there.

Davies: When Maggese opened, it was like this breath of fresh air because everything they do is vegetarian. The owner and head chef [Marino] is from a nearby town and there are a few Japanese chefs [in his kitchen], and they often use ingredients like miso within their dishes. Not in a really obvious way; you just get this little kick of umami. This minestra [reminds me] of pasta e fagioli. When it arrives at the table, the pasta and the soup are separate so you can tip the pasta into the soup or you can eat them separately. It’s a joy.

14. The Ravioli With Ricotta, Walnuts and Burnt Garlic at Oasis Sapori Antichi

Vallesaccarda, campania.

Since the day it opened in 1988, Oasis Sapori Antichi, in the rural town of Vallesaccarda, a two-hour drive east of the Amalfi Coast, has had ravioli with ricotta, walnuts and burnt garlic on the menu. It’s a dish of happenstance: Founder Giuseppina Fischetti neglected a pan on the stovetop and a sauce was born. This could so easily be another accidental origin story, charming but entirely forgettable; but, more than three decades later, it’s become the cornerstone of an exceptional kitchen. Now in the hands of Giuseppina’s five children and grandchildren (both in the kitchen and front of house), Oasis Sapori Antichi focuses primarily on the ingredients grown just outside town, in the territory of Irpinia with its great natural resources. The garlic used in their sauce — toasted, rather than burnt, until it has a savory toffee-like flavor — is blended with the area’s malizia walnuts and olive oil produced by the Fischetti family less than a mile from the front door. The ravioli is also made daily and filled with local cow’s milk ricotta and flecks of minced parsley. The restaurant itself looks like a slightly theatrical living room, with its scattering of Persian rugs and tall candlesticks. But while the service is formal and elegant, the family’s natural ease warms the room. Suggested wine pairing: Boccella Rosa Taurasi Aglianico 2015. — Rachel Roddy

8/10 Via Provinciale

Corradin: The garlic tastes more smoky than burnt. I first had it 14 years ago, and I spent part of my life thinking about when I could go back. I’ve been back several times since.

Palluda: No one has said that to me in my life.

Corradin: The dream of each and every chef.

15. The Spaghetti all’Assassina at Al Sorso Preferito

Bari, puglia.

A few years ago, if you had asked anyone outside of Bari about spaghetti all’Assassina they’d have given you a blank stare. The dish was so specific to the capital of Puglia that only one or two restaurants served it. The method, which was handed down to Pierino Lonigro, the owner of the town’s Al Sorso Preferito, by the supposed inventor of this dish, in the 1960s, involves cooking the spaghetti into a tomato sauce filled with pepperoncini until the mixture forms a crust that’s spicy and slightly crispy. It’s a difficult technique to get right, but Lonigro credits his well-seasoned cast-iron pan that he’s been using for decades. He bought the restaurant in 1974; that same year, he moved it to its current location in the elegant Murat neighborhood. Most locals start with the mixed antipasto, an array of raw and cooked seafood, before having the Assassina. Legend has it that the name of this dish came from the fact that the spiciness of the sauce almost killed customers, though Lonigro’s version, a nice balance of sweetness and mild heat, presents very little danger. Suggested wine pairing: Paololeo Alture Susumaniello 2020. — E.M.

40 Via Vito Nicola De Nicolò

Moyer-Nocchi: While the concept is easy enough, it takes an experienced hand to produce the desired effect: crispy, fiery spaghetti. Al Sorso Preferito may be an unassuming, few-frills restaurant, but it’s the mecca for this dish.

16. The Spaghettone all’Amatriciana at Santo Palato

When you order spaghettone all’amatriciana at Santo Palato near the Basilica di San Giovanni in Rome, the servers tell you that it will take at least 15 minutes. This is both a courtesy and reassurance that the thick spaghetti will be boiled to order, not always the case in a city where, more often than you might imagine, the reliance on precooked pasta keeps service swift, but means the dishes can often lack texture. Santo Palato is a small trattoria, simply furnished and decorated with Futurist-style posters, the daily specials chalked-up on a blackboard. The chef and owner, Sarah Cicolini, sources the spaghettone from a Roman pasta maker called Pastificio Lagano, and the jarred cherry tomatoes from Agricola Paglione, a farm in Puglia. The pigs’ cheek guanciale and the sheep’s milk Pecorino Romano cheese she chooses are also from small producers. One of the four canonical Roman pasta dishes, amatriciana is the sum of these four parts, which Cicolini — often visible through an opening into the kitchen — brings together expertly. Suggested wine pairing: Cantina Ribelà Saittole 2020. — R.R.

4 A/B Piazza Tarquinia

Secchi: When I first went there, about seven years ago, Sarah was one of the very few women in this new avant-garde of Roman chefs, and she was cooking offal, which had always been butch men territory.

Moyer-Nocchi: Santo Palato is a seamless combination of an old trattoria and modern design and it reflects Sarah’s approach to the way she reconceptualizes traditional Roman food.

Secchi: She cooks all the four classic Roman pastas and she does it damn well.

17. The Squash Tortelli at Dal Pescatore Santini

Runate, lombardy.

Tortelli di zucca, a winter squash stuffed pasta, is made a little differently throughout Lombardy but perfected at Dal Pescatore, outside of Mantova (the dish’s supposed birthplace), in the village of Runate. Much can go wrong with this seasonal pasta (at its best in autumn), from the inclusion of amaretti cookies at some places to the addition of strange, mustardy candied fruits at others; it can be too sweet, too spicy, too sour or otherwise unbalanced. Perhaps worst of all, the dish can be oversauced, with a creamy topping drowning out the flavor and texture of the pasta. But at Dal Pescatore, the chefs Nadia and Giovanni Santini have made tortelli the centerpiece: from the slight bite of the outer rim to the tender interior that encloses the filling. The five pieces they provide — which aren’t so much coated with as touched by butter and Parmigiano-Reggiano — are just enough. Suggested wine pairing: Ca’ del Bosco Annamaria Clementi Franciacorta 2015. — Andrew Sean Greer

15 Riserva del Parco Oglio Sud

Secchi: It’s in the middle of nowhere, but they have a helicopter pad there, so people from Milano fly in and have dinner. That place is an institution.

Corradin: The first time I went to Dal Pescatore, Nadia realized I was sick and she cooked me tortellini en brodo [tortellini in broth]; after that, I could’ve eaten a 25-course meal. But I agree with Stefano that the iconic dish there is tortelli di zucca.

18. The Strangozzi at Enoteca L’Alchimista

Montefalco, umbria.

At first glance, strangozzi looks like spaghetti. But unlike that more ubiquitous pasta, which tends to originate in factories, the slightly chubbier strangozzi are hand-rolled, hand-pulled and mostly found in central Italy. At L’Alchimista, established in 2001 in the medieval Umbrian hill town of Montefalco, the chef and co-owner Patrizia Moretti makes it the old-fashioned way: with just water and extra-fine “00” wheat flour, which makes them pleasantly chewy. Go in the warm weather and you’ll likely be seated at an outdoor table in what might be one of Italy’s prettiest piazzas. This, too, is the time of year Moretti serves the pasta with tender greens foraged from nearby fields or with a pesto, made from two of the greens and wild garlic. If you come in summer, you might find your plate of strangozzi tossed with zucchini and in fall, topped with black truffles. Suggested wine pairing: a young trebbiano Spoletino from Tenuta Bellafonte. — E.M.

14 Piazza del Comune

Davies: When I was last there, there was a strangozzi with wild herbs — [ones] no one will have ever heard of that you collect in the Umbrian countryside. It’s just a very simple dish but it’s special . One is called strigoli and another is vitalba, whose English names are not very appetizing (bladder campion and old man’s beard). They’re herbs that need to be picked young and have been foraged for centuries — it’s a really ancient sort of dish.

19. The Tagliolino Cacio e Burro at Cibrèo Caffè

Cibrèo Caffè, the more informal outpost of a small, influential group of restaurants near Mercato Sant’Ambrogio (the locals’ preferred traditional food market), opened in 1983, and it’s still one of Florence’s most inviting places to stop in for a negroni and a snack (say, a pizzetta). But those in the know head straight for the cacio e burro. Here, the ultimate comfort food — pasta doused in melted butter and cheese — is approached with the same earnestness you might expect of fussier fare: Butter, Parmigiano-Reggiano and hot milk are blended together with enough force that it forms a paste, which melts into a cream on contact with the hot pasta — at Cibrèo, it’s tagliolini, the narrower, more delicate sibling of tagliatelle. Its yolk-yellow color, and faint sweetness, comes from the unlikely addition of boiled carrots into the purée. Suggested wine pairing: Podere Erica l’Erica Rosé Sangiovese 2022‌. — M.O.

5r Via Andrea del Verrocchio

Corradin: If we mention Cibrèo, we have to mention the tagliolino cacio e burro.

Secchi: Oh, I agree.

Emiko Davies: Cibrèo is my go-to restaurant in Florence. My husband worked there, as the head sommelier, but he doesn’t anymore. The cacio e burro is still one of my favorite dishes there. Fabio Picchi [the founder of Cibrèo who died in 2022] cheekily called it “rubato,” stolen, because it’s a revisitation of another iconic Florentine dish, the taglierini gratinati from Harry’s Bar, a favorite since the 1950s.

20. The Tagliolini With Lobster at Ristorante Cecio

Corniglia, liguria.

Set atop a steep hill on a particularly dramatic stretch of Italian coastline, Corniglia is considered the quietest of the touristy Cinque Terre villages. When you finally reach town, after climbing a 382-step brick stairway up a rocky cliff from the train station (or taking the shuttle bus), you’ll be ready for a large plate of pasta. Ristorante Cecio in Corniglia — which has been family owned and operated since 1976 — is the place to find it. The menu revolves around local seafood that’s sourced daily and pasta dishes by the head chef, Gabriele Pittavini, who’s honed his craft over the 20 years he spent operating a fresh pasta shop. One favorite is the tagliolini all’astice, a thin, homemade egg pasta with lobster, available for a minimum of two people. At first glance, it’s a flamboyant dish: a cherry-red claw reaches straight up from the ribbons of pasta, adorned with fat morsels of pink meat and a sprinkling of parsley. Half a lobster fills one side of the plate. Upon tasting it, however, you’ll find it showcases the fresh ingredients without overembellishing them. Be sure to reserve a table outside: The view from the veranda alone justifies a visit. Suggested wine pairing: Cinque Terre DOC 2023. — L.E.

58 Via Serra

Davies: I’ve been going here with my family for well over a decade — we love the Cinque Terre but it’s changed a lot and this trattoria has always stayed the same. The seafood is incredibly fresh. There’s nothing like a summertime dinner there.

21. The Tajarin al Ragù at Osteria da Gemma

Roddino, piedmont.

Gemma Boeri has been hand-rolling and cutting tajarin pasta for the locals in Roddino, a small town in southern Piedmont, for almost four decades. “Why would I stop? This is what I know how to do,” she says. The large glass window connecting the dining area of her hilltop trattoria with the prep room affords a view of Boeri and her helpers preparing the long, skinny strands of egg pasta (similar to spaghetti but with a golden hue), while the outside-facing windows overlook the Langhe hills known for producing quality food and wine, including Barolo. Boeri serves the tajarin (the Piedmontese word for tagliolini, a thinner version of tagliatelle) with a thick beef ragù sauce, which she says has won over diners because it reminds them of the comfort food they enjoyed when they were kids. “There’s no secret, I just prepare the food like nonna used to,” she says. It can take several months to get a reservation. Yet da Gemma has nonetheless remained relaxed and unpretentious: its walls lined with photos dating back to when Boeri first started serving customers in 1986. She serves only a single fixed menu that, in addition to the tajarin, includes Piedmontese classics, such as beef tartare and agnolotti del plin, the area’s signature stuffed pasta (see No. 1). Suggested wine pairing: Agricola Gianpiero Marrone La Pantalera Barbera d’Alba Superiore 2020. — E.S.

6 Via Guglielmo Marconi

Palluda: Every month I go see Gemma just to kiss her hand. It’s true, I’m not joking. She’s our pope.

Secchi: Her place is in the mountains. It’s very hard to get to, and it’s very blue-collar. When you sit down to eat, everything is served family-style, and the amount of food that comes to your table is … I mean, completely unnecessary. Gemma is like the original nonna. A few times a week, all the nonnas in the village come to roll pasta with her, and then they all sit down together for lunch. How does that tradition carry on when her time passes? There’s got to be a way.

22. The Tortelloni With Ricotta, Parmesan and Butter at Hosteria Giusti

Modena, emilia-romagna.

Salumeria Giusti , in operation since at least 1605, is reported to be the world’s oldest delicatessen, but that’s not its only claim to fame. Beyond the antique wood and marble counter a hallway leads to a tiny dining room with only four tables. Reservations here are among Modena’s most coveted, especially after the restaurant, a favorite of locals for decades, was featured on the Netflix series “Master of None” in 2017. Daniele Morandi, whose grandparents opened Hosteria in 1989, is in charge of the pasta making. He rolls out each sheet of dough by hand with a long wooden pin and shapes every raviolo and tortellino with skill and speed he learned from his grandmother. Among his most popular offerings are tortelloni — pillowy larger versions of typical Modenese tortellini — filled with a mix of local ricotta, aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, spinach and freshly grated nutmeg. Bathed in an emulsion of pasta water and unpasteurized French butter, the dish is a study in simplicity. (Lunch only, though dinner can be prearranged for groups of 12 or more.) Suggested wine pairing: Corte d’Aibo Spungola Sauvignon Blanc 2022. — L.E.

75 Via Luigi Carlo Farini

Secchi: I worked there when I first moved to Modena, but only after I went to 30 different places to taste fresh pasta. In terms of technique and ambience, Giusti blew my mind. And that tortelloni? I think the ricotta is still warm when it’s delivered to the kitchen. It just disintegrates in your mouth.

23. The Traditional Lasagna at Al Cambio

Bologna, emilia-romagna.

In a bland, busy neighborhood not far from Bologna’s exhibition center, Al Cambio has been drawing a business crowd during weekday lunches and couples and families for dinner and on weekends for the past three decades. After booking weeks in advance, they file into the spare, white and beige dining room, debate the offerings on the extensive wine list (dominated by varieties from the Emilia-Romagna region) and settle in for a long lunch or dinner of local specialties, from breaded veal cutlets and mortadella to sformatino (a type of potato soufflé). But the most ordered — and scrutinized — dish is the one that bears the city’s name: lasagna alla Bolognese. Like most places in town, Al Cambio offers a seven-layer lasagna made with jade-green spinach noodles sandwiched between coats of béchamel and ragù. But Al Cambio’s ragù is meatier than most, made with beef minced together with prosciutto and pork sausage, and then topped with a thick layer of the ragù, the “final flourish,” as the manager Piero Pompili says: “It’s our way of symbolizing Bologna’s food heritage.” Suggested wine pairing: San Patrignano Avi Sangiovese di Romagna Superiore Riserva 2019. — Vicky Bennison

150 Via Stalingrado

Stefano Secchi: People are going to have a lot of opinions about where to find the best [lasagna alla Bolognese in Bologna], but for me, this is it. It has the perfect amount of crispness and gooeyness.

24. The Trofie With Pesto at Antica Osteria di Vico Palla

Pesto alla Genovese — the pungent bright green sauce made from basil, extra-virgin olive oil, Parmigiano-Reggiano, pecorino, pine nuts, garlic and salt — can be tossed with almost any shape of pasta, from spaghetti to fusilli. Its most authentic pairing, however, is trofie, a short, hand-twisted noodle typical of Recco , just down the coast from Genoa. It’s here that the most commonly known pesto originated (what’s thought to be the earliest printed recipe appeared in the 1863 book “La Cuciniera Genovese”), and at Antica Osteria di Vico Palla the dish is served at its most elemental. The rustic restaurant — where patrons sit at simple wooden tables laid with brown paper place mats under vaulted brick ceilings that date back to the 1500s — serves its trofie pesto mixed with boiled potatoes and green beans, as local families have for generations. The menu changes daily; ask for this dish if you don’t see it. Suggested wine pairing: a young vermentino di Albenga from the Ligurian coast. — Marianna Cerini

15/r Vico Palla

Palluda: You can’t have a list of Italian dishes without pesto. It’s the most popular condimento in the world. It’s very light, it’s modern, and it’s easy to make. If you want to blend it, instead of making it with a mortar, and you want to make a good, lively pesto, you really should have cold ingredients.

Corradin : In Genoa, poor people added potatoes and green beans to their pasta with pesto to make it a piatto unico, richer in nutrients but still affordable. [It’s common] to eat it scarpetta, the Italian ritual of scraping up the remaining sauce with bread. But here you use potatoes instead of bread. The beauty of this kind of dish and this kind of trattoria is that they’re both reminders that, in Italy, you don’t have to be rich to enjoy a good meal.

25. The Vincisgrassi at Osteria Dei Fiori

Macerata, marche.

Tourists tend to flock to Macerata, a small hilltop city in the eastern part of the Marche region, for two reasons: The summer opera festival and the decidedly unsummery seven-layer baked pasta dish known as vincisgrassi. Letizia Carducci, one of the three siblings who have been running the 30-seat Osteria Dei Fiori, which opened in 1980 on a cobblestone street close to the main square, says the dish evolved from princisgras, a pasta casserole made with black truffles and prosciutto that was served to the local nobility in the 18th century. In the Marcerate province, resourceful housewives made a ragù using meat from various farmyard animals, including bones and offal; that’s the recipe that Iginia and her brother, Paolo (they cook; their sister Letizia is the maitre’d), have built on to make their vincisgrassi, which consists of duck, chicken, rabbit and a little pork. Dessert wine, vino cotto, also plays a key role: It’s added to the dough that the Carduccis knead into silk-thin pasta sheets, then used to saute the chicken and duck livers, which are stirred into the sauce at the very end. The meaty ragù covers the four bottom layers, while the top one is reserved for the nutmeg-inflected béchamel sauce. Baked in an oven, the whole thing is both earthy and luxurious, with subtle hints of smoke. Suggested wine pairing: Gàjole Verdicchio di Matelica 2021. — V.B.

61 Via Lauro Rossi

Secchi: What is vincisgrassi? I’ve never had it.

Corradin: It’s Macerata’s ancestral lasagna. One story says that it’s named for an Austrian officer named Windisch-Graetz who was stationed in Macerata province around the early 1800s.

Moyer-Nocchi: Lasagna has become a specific dish, associated with a specific place. The Maceratese prefer not to call their dish a lasagna, even though it, too, is a rich, layered pasta dish.

Palluda: When these dishes were born, there were no computers [people didn’t sit all day] and no radiators. They stayed warm with a fire, but with the food also. They expended calories to stay warm. People ate just one meal every day.

Moyer-Nocchi: Historically, you’d only eat these things once or twice a year. It’s not like you’d be picking these dishes off a menu every day. In the meantime, you’d be eating much more frugally: cabbage, beans, leafy greens.

Palluda: Somebody said to me, “Why don’t you make some of these traditional pastas lighter?” But that’s not the right way to respect the dishes. We can make the portions smaller, but you need to keep the flavor.

Photo editor: Lauren Poggi

Research editor: Alexis Sottile

Copy editor: Magnus Schaefer

An earlier version of this article misidentified the restaurant where Nabil Hadj Hassen was the chef in 2008; it was Salumeria Roscioli, not Antico Forno Roscioli.

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By Daniel Binns, business reporter

Pets At Home has reported a dip in profits – which it has partly blamed on owners spending less on toys and accessories for their animals.

The chain, which also provides vet services, said pre-tax profit for the year to March was £105.7m, down 13.7% on the same period the year before.

The retailer said on Wednesday that profitability had been "impacted by short-term availability issues as we transitioned to our new DC [distribution centre] and weaker performance of discretionary accessories".

However, the company also said it was confident in its growth strategy and insisted it was "not threatened" by a new watchdog investigation into the vet industry.

The Competition and Markets Authority recently launched the probe following concerns that pet owners could be paying too much for healthcare.

Pets At Home also reported that revenues for its vet business jumped 16.8% as it continued to expand into the sector.

It said total revenue grew by 5.2% to £1.5bn for the year.

Whoever wins the general election, one potential headache for the new administration will be Thames Water.

The current government has already drawn up contingency plans, known as Project Timber, for the possible collapse of a company currently saddled with debt of £15.4bn.

The scenario also features strongly on a dossier of potential crises compiled by Sue Gray, Sir Keir Starmer's chief of staff, that an incoming Labour government would face.

Talk of a potential collapse has moved up the agenda because Thames Water's owners, which include the Canadian pensions giant Omers, the Universities Superannuation Scheme, a unit of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and the China Investment Corporation, have declined to inject more equity into the business. They had previously offered to inject a further £3.25bn, on top of £500m last year, were Ofwat, the regulator, to support the company's plans.

But Ofwat is refusing to allow Thames to raise its levels of investment and customer bills to the extent that the company is proposing . 

Thames had asked Ofwat to approve an £18.7bn investment which would have entailed a 44% average increase in customer bills over the next regulatory period due to run from 2025-30. It tweaked this submission in April to raise investment to £19.8bn during the period with no extra increase in bills.

Ofwat was due to publish its "final deliberation" on investment plans and customer bills for the entire water industry, including Thames, on 12 June but has moved it back to 11 July due to the general election.

The Guardian reported earlier this week that Ofwat is set to refuse the requests of most water companies, including Thames, with some operators being allowed to raise bills by as little as half of what they had asked for.

Such an approach is consistent with Ofwat's historic approach of keeping water bills low as its main priority rather than, for example, permitting higher investment to tackle sewage spills.

However, there are signs that Ofwat may be prepared to compromise, at least to an extent.

The Financial Times reports today that the regulator is drawing up plans for a special "recovery regime" for Thames and other financially stressed UK water companies in a bid to avoid nationalisation.

It suggests that companies with "recovery regime" status could receive fewer or no regulatory penalties to encourage them to invest in infrastructure improvements instead, as well as being given more "realistic" targets for reducing sewage and water leaks and outages.

The regulator finds itself with a dilemma. Ofwat does not want Thames to collapse, not least because such an event would intensify criticism that the regulator allowed Thames's previous owners – most notably the Australian investment bank Macquarie – to load the company with debt while extracting enormous dividends (the current investors have received no dividends since 2017).

Ofwat's ministerial overlords – of both parties – will also be aware that an administration of Thames would deter the very international investors the UK desperately needs to attract to pay for infrastructure improvements.

On the other hand, though, Ofwat does not want to face accusations that it is being unduly lenient on a company that has been badly behaved in the past.

Now, it is fair to say that Ofwat is offering an olive branch here. Only two weeks ago, it said it was "minded" to punish Thames for breaching licence conditions over a £37.5m dividend paid to shareholders in October last year (Thames points out the payment was made to Kemble Water, its parent holding company, and was necessary to maintain the latter's solvency). That could result in another fine worth tens of millions of pounds.

The big question is whether this compromise will be enough to shore up Thames's financial situation. Ofwat has fined Thames £175m during the last three years which, while being a large sum, is a relatively trifling amount set against Thames's debts.

So it probably would not be enough, of itself, to persuade Thames's owner to pump more equity into the business. Omers, the biggest single shareholder in Thames, has already written down the entire value of its 31.7% stake in the company to nothing. USS, which has more than half a million scheme members in British universities and which owns nearly 20% of Thames, has written down the value of its shareholding from £956m at the end of 2022 to just £364.4m as at the end of last year.

What today's news reveals is that there is a compromise to be reached here. The extra month before Ofwat is due to publish its draft deliberation has bought both sides a little more time.

But it feels as if, with Ofwat in no mood to back down with Thames over its proposed increase in investment and customer bills, the latter's shareholders have run out of patience.

A "special administration" of Thames – something neither Rishi Sunak or Sir Keir Starmer would want to see – still feels like the way to be betting.

NOW Broadband is raising prices by an average of £3 a month from 5 July.

The company, owned by Sky, didn't raise prices in line with inflation in April - making it somewhat of an outlier.

But the summer raise will add an average of £36 a year to customer bills.

However, the company offers a no-penalty exit option.

Sabrina Hoque, telecoms expert at Uswitch.com, said: "Another mid-contract price increase unfortunately means bigger bills for already cash-strapped consumers. 

"However, it is encouraging that NOW Broadband customers have the option to leave penalty free if they don't want to accept this change."

By Sarah Taaffe-Maguire , business reporter

The pound reached a 19-month high against the euro this morning as £1 equalled €1.1784. 

Not since late August 2022 was sterling so strong against the currency of Eurozone states. 

So if you're going on holidays to somewhere using the euro, now would be a good time to exchange pounds as you'll be getting more for your money than you would have.

Rates have come down slightly this afternoon - though are still high at €1.1746.

The pound buying more euro will mean it's cheaper for UK importers to buy goods - so some prices could come down. 

It's happening because the interest rate-setters at the European Central Bank (ECB) look set to bring rates down at their meeting next week.

Manchester United staff have reportedly been given a week to decide whether to resign under Sir Jim Ratcliffe's plans to end working from home.

The club's non-football staff were invited to take redundancy by next Wednesday in an email sent on Tuesday, The Daily Telegraph reports .

Sir Jim has taken over the day-to-day running of the club and is making it compulsory for staff to work from their offices in Manchester or London from 1 June, the paper says.

Staff who do not wish to do so can quit and are being offered early payment of an annual bonus, it added.

A United spokesman told The Daily Telegraph the move "isn't a voluntary redundancy programme". 

They added: "The club recognises that not everyone wants to work from the office full-time so has provided options for staff who don't wish to return to the office to step away now."

Sky News has contacted Manchester United for comment.

Junior doctors in England are set to strike for five days starting next month - part of a long-running dispute over pay.

The strike is set to run from 7am on 27 June to 2 July.

It means the dispute clash with the  general election campaign, with polling day on 4 July.

Read the full story here ...

Parents see personal finance as a more important life skill than maths for schoolchildren, according to new research.

A poll by Nationwide suggests the majority (89%) of parents of children aged eight to 13 think finance education would help their kids understand the value of money.

The survey of 2,000 UK adults found that personal finance even ranked above maths, digital skills and cooking as vital skills for children - coming second only to literacy.

More than eight in 10 parents (84%) said their child hadn't had any finance education at school, despite the vast majority saying it was important for children to understand money.

The top subjects parents value at school are:

• Literacy (66%)
• Personal finance (59%)
• Maths (51%)
• Cooking (41%)
• Digital skills (26%)

Personal finance was deemed the most important subject for children and young people among parents polled in Brighton, Belfast and Newcastle. 

Amanda Beech, director of retail services at Nationwide, said financial education can "help young people get to grips with the world of money". 

One of the big gainers on the stock market this morning is International Distributions Services, the owner of Royal Mail.

Shares in the company are up more than 3% on the FTSE 250 index after the company's board announced it had agreed to a takeover by "Czech Sphinx" Daniel Kretinsky.

Read more on that here...

While the deal is yet to be approved by shareholders and regulators, investors are clearly excited at the prospect of the £3.6bn agreement.

At the other end of the scale, online delivery firm Ocado has plunged more than 6% in early trading.

It comes after reports that it is a leading candidate to be relegated from the FTSE 100 - along with asset manager St James's Place, which is down 1.6%.

The FTSE 100 overall is down 0.2% this morning amid ongoing uncertainty over interest rate cuts in the US.

Gainers include mining firm Fresnillo and water firm United Utilities, which are both up more than 2.4%.

On the currency markets, £1 buys $1.27 US or €1.17 - similar to yesterday.

A barrel of benchmark Brent crude has climbed to almost $85 (£66.60) this morning, a rise of nearly 1%.

Spotify subscribers have the chance to nab a slightly cheaper deal after it quietly launched new plans - but you'll have to be willing to give up one thing.

If you pay for an individual, duo or family subscription, you can save up to £24 a year by switching to one of the music platform's new "basic" plans, according to Money Saving Expert .

The catch, though, is that you'll lose audiobooks. All the other benefits such as no ads, song downloads and higher-quality audio will remain for existing subscribers.

The "basic" plans are the same price as Spotify's premium options used to be before it hiked prices last month. Most of the premium plans include 15 hours a month of audiobook listening time.

Only existing Spotify subscribers can get the new basic option for now - there's no date set for when they'll become available to everyone, Money Saving Expert said.

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