Italia. Open to meraviglia.
Mountains, lakes, beeches and chamois in Marsica: the Abruzzo Park
In Syracuse in the footsteps of the Greeks
Italy in bloom: a palette of colours
Landscapes that will take your breath away, rich history, and delicious food, your trip to italy will be nothing short of unforgettable. , unmissable sites.
- UNESCO sites
Food and wine
Grand Tour impressions a stone's throw from the thermal baths of Abano and Montegrotto
Viaggio Italiano
A dream called Lake Como: a tour to discover 5 unforgettable villas
Puglia Fuori Rotta, 5 unusual stops for a surprising itinerary
The 10 must-see exhibitions in April in Italy
Abruzzo, the green region of Europe
The best trails in UNESCO heritage sites in Italy: 10,000 steps amid nature and beauty
The 15 Italian UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage excellences
Artistic masterpieces and gastronomic marvels in Modena
The Dolomites: the most beautiful architectural work in the world
Cilento, between unspoilt beaches, wild nature and charming hamlets
Alberobello, the Trulli capital, a fairy tale experience
Emilia-Romagna
Small and proud, with a focus on sustainability. Here are the most charming rural villages to visit in Italy
Cycling around nature and historic hamlets in Abruzzo
Tax breaks for moving to the charming villages of central and southern Italy
Seaside Villages
Castelmola, a window on the sea a few steps from Taormina
Frosolone: one of the most beautiful Italian villages, in Molise
Castel del Monte: the fortress of mysteries in Andria
In the beautiful Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle in South Tyrol
Alto Adige: Merano amid castles, Art Nouveau buildings and spas
The Aosta Valley and Its Castles
Castelli Romani Regional Park
Castles of the Duchy of the Piacenza and Parma area
Restourants
Umbria, on the pursuit of flavor
Tuscany's extra virgin olive oil villages
Modica’s chocolate
Gastronomic tourism: a tour to discover the cheeses of Lombardy
Sweet or bitter? The fine cuisine of traditional Abruzzo
Festa del Redentore a Venezia 2024
Comicon Naples: the most important network of pop events in Italy
Pre-Raphaelites: Modern Renaissance
Best Wine Stars 2024
Only Wine Festival
Rimini Wellness 2024
May Day concert
Van Gogh in Trieste
2024 MONZA FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX
Giro d’Italia 2024
Catania Book Festival
Salone del Mobile 2024
Arezzo Antiques Fair
Turin International Book Fair
Made in Italy and Emilia Romagna Formula 1 Grand Prix
ITALIAN OPEN BNL
FIM Superbike World Championship
The Pistoia Dialogues
Amber Wine Festival
Discover italy.
Aosta Valley
The Aosta Valley is a paradise for visitors seeking outdoor experiences in nature while exploring history and traditions The smallest region in Italy, dotted with the highest peaks in the Alps, it is the ideal destination for anyone who enjoys winter sports and high-altitude walks. Its green valleys and fairy-tale castles make the Aosta Valley an enchanting place to experience all year round.
Piedmont is sure to enchant you with its mountains, hills, typical flavours and uniquely elegant cities An extraordinary heritage of art and history, culture and nature, characterises Piedmont, a region with a thousand faces, one more interesting than the other: cities of rare elegance, mountains that lend themselves to splendid skiing or walking, fascinating villages, hills that are among the best known in the world for their extraordinary wine production.
Lombardy: a dynamic land immersed in the present and reaching toward the future, but with an extraordinary heritage of art and nature Lombardy is a region in the north of Italy known for its industry and finance, of course, but also for its art and extraordinary landscapes, starting with the picturesque lakes and its mountains, Valcamonica and Valtellina in primis. Capital and symbolic city, Milan represents the industrious heart that goes hand in hand with other cities with a vibrant spirit.
Trentino is sure to amaze you with its immense natural heritage, the spectacular splendour of the Dolomites and fascinating sites steeped in history Discover Trentino’s culture of slow travel, taking the time to savour every corner among nature and cultural trails and educational farms. You will find hundreds of hotels offering wellness centres for truly relaxing holidays for the whole family in some of Italy's most beautiful villages, set in unique landscapes.
South Tyrol
Alto Adige is a dream place to discover all year round amidst green valleys and snow-capped peaks Combine the relaxation of spa treatments with the pleasure of fun in the snow for a real wellness boost amidst Alpine lakes, beautiful villages and state-of-the-art ski facilities suitable for all ages. All this and more in the majestic scenery of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Alto Adige.
Veneto, a region of wonder, with cities of art of undisputed beauty, as well as the most pristine nature The beauty of Lake Garda, the charm of the Dolomites, the sea of Jesolo, the hills covered with vineyards and the relaxing thermal baths, on top of an immense artistic and historical heritage, elegant cities such as Venice and Verona, quaint villages and breathtaking landscapes. Veneto is all this and much more.
Friuli-Venezia Giulia
Friuli-Venezia Giulia Friuli Venezia Giulia: a treasure chest nestled between sea and mountains A border region sandwiched between the Friulian Dolomites and the Upper Adriatic, blessed with an immense cultural heritage resulting from the influence of different cultures and peoples, cosmopolitan and modern, Friuli Venezia Giulia will also seduce you with its temptations of relaxation, sport and fun.
Tucked-away villages, secret little beaches and superb nature: how enchanting Liguria is! Liguria is a wonderful strip of land enclosed between the sea and the mountains, with pastel-coloured houses and breathtaking views. With lush unspoilt nature, many small towns to discover and an incomparable culinary tradition, it enraptures the eye and the heart.
Emilia Romagna, a region of unrivalled charm, with immense artistic beauty and unparalleled hospitality Emilia Romagna with its Riviera Romagnola offers beach tourism that attracts families and young people to its shores every summer. Rich in sites of historical and cultural interest, this region boasts a world-renowned wine and food tradition. Skilful hospitality does the rest, making Emilia Romagna an ideal holiday destination in every season. Video credits: Oliver Astrologo
Tuscany will win you over with its unique landscapes, cities of art, thousand-year-old history and fantastic food Tuscany’s magical atmosphere evolves day by day as you stroll around the cities of art, cycle in the parks, enjoy the sea or savour its typical products, in a region with a one-of-a-kind natural, cultural and historical heritage that has fascinated visitors for centuries.
From Assisi to Perugia, via Gubbio, Lake Trasimeno and Marmore Falls: Umbria is a truly enchanting tourist destination Peaks covered in lush forests and large valleys outlined by rivers, lakes and waterfalls; sorrounded by villages and castles, crossed by paths steeped in history, art and culture, in a natural environment that helps to restore the body and soul: Umbria, the Green Heart of Italy, is all this and much more.
Le Marche, a plunge into the history, art and architecture of a region with the scent of the sea and redolent of traditions and hospitality A great variety of landscapes and an infinite range of colours that make the area's natural beauty incomparable, plus an artistic heritage that fears no comparison: this is how the Marches, with an area of no more than 10,000 square kilometres, will captivate you forever.
Sardinia: a journey to the island of the emerald sea, nuraghi, unspoilt nature and millenary traditions Crystal-clear waters, beaches of soft, white sand, granite rocks framed by wild, fragrant Mediterranean scrub: welcome to Sardinia, an island of a thousand contrasts that will also seduce you with its unique archaeological heritage and its people's innate sense of hospitality.
Lazio is not only Rome: landscapes and monuments of Lazio Rome, the capital of Italy and a unique open-air museum in the world, is enough to make Lazio one of the most beautiful and interesting regions. Even in terms of landscape, it boasts an area of great impact and remarkable variety, with its long coastline, beautiful hills and Apennine mountains. A destination to fall in love with.
Abruzzo, a journey through history between sea, mountains, flavours and unspoilt nature in parks and protected areas A region in central Italy, Abruzzo has two souls and one heart. Predominantly mountainous and hilly, it overlooks a beautiful stretch of the Adriatic Sea. Here, you will find the highest peaks of the Apennines, such as the Gran Sasso and the Majella massif, as well as the only Apennine glacier, but also some of the most popular beaches.
Campania offers landscapes, history, culture and a gastronomic tradition that the whole world envies A consistently mild climate, lush nature framing breathtaking landscapes, unspoilt villages and fairy-tale coastlines: this is Campania, a region that sums up centuries of cultures, between West and East, in a single Mediterranean jewel known for its unparalleled hospitality. A destination for the soul, the eyes and the palate.
Molise, a tiny region with grandiose landscapes: come and discover its history and culinary tradition Molise is a region steeped in history, characterised by numerous tasty food and wine delicacies, but also by rich nature reserves and villages that seem crystallised in history. A destination yet to be discovered, amid marvellous seashores and breathtaking high cliffs
Apulia: the sunny region between two seas and warm hospitality in places rich in history Located in the heart of the Mediterranean, it is a magical combination of artefacts, history, art and unspoilt nature, amidst beautiful coastlines and picture-postcard landscapes. This is Puglia, a region of golden beaches and crystal-clear waters, intense flavours and fascinating destinations: Castel del Monte, the trulli, the islands passing through towns kissed by a unique and unforgettable light.
Basilicata, a region of ancient origins, suspended between two seas and with mountains of great beauty Basilicata is a region where the passage of man has left its mark since prehistoric times. With the ancient name of “Lucania”, it is enriched by an incredible artistic heritage. Not to mention its never-boring panorama, which ranges from the Lucanian Dolomites to the Pollino Park, passing through two seas.
Calabria is the region of crystal-clear sea, the Riace Bronzes, Reggio Calabria and Capo Vaticano, a captivating mix of history and beauty Calabria, also known as the tip of the Italian boot, is a region in Southern Italy characterised by the incredible diversity of its landscapes, with the proximity of mountains to a splendid sea that attracts tourists from all over the world.
A dive into Sicily, where a sea of art, culture and nature will seduce you and become eternal love A predominantly hilly and mountainous area, but one that wins the hearts of tourists from all over the world with its wonderful sea and rich cities with a charm all their own. Sicily is a picture-postcard island characterised by the indelible marks of the people who have lived there and made it unique, amidst artistic and cultural testimonies of enormous value.
The source of inspiration for your Italian adventures
6 unmissable destinations in Italy featured in famous novels
The Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics are approaching: here's what to expect
7 unique experiences to enjoy in Italy even while on a business trip
Discovering Italy's most important theatres, special destinations for a unique experience
Rediscover your Italian roots
Italian cuisine around the world: a treasure that knows no boundaries
Create your ideal journey.
Art and culture
Relax and wellness
Spirituality
Shopping & Markets
Cycling Tourism
Social Wall
Italy seen by you.
Join the @italiait community and post your experiences
Continue living like an Italian
Subscribe to the Newsletter so as not to miss places, events and experiences for experiencing the best side of Italy: the authentic one.
Keep up to date
Would you like to learn about the most authentic experiences to be had in Italy, stay up to date on the most interesting events, discover our special offers and receive lots of insider hints and tips?
Save your favorite places
Create an account or log in to save your wishlist
Do you already have an account? Sign in
Esplora l'Italia come un local
Da attrazioni iconiche a esperienze straordinarie, il tuo viaggio inizia qui, come un local, come arrivare, gemme nascoste, unconventional sardinia, ultime notizie, cosa fare in italia, arte e cultura, cibo e sapori, luoghi e itinerari, siti unesco, storie e tradizioni, tour ed esperienze, il meglio da visitare in italia, destinazioni.
Da L'Aquila a Montesilvano e Gran Sasso
Da Matera a Potenza e Melfi
Da Tropea al Parco della Sila e Reggio Calabria
Da Napoli a Sorrento e Capri
Emilia Romagna
Da Bologna a Rimini e Parma
Friuli Venezia Giulia
Da Trieste ad Udine
Da Roma ad Anagni e Viterbo
Dalle Cinque Terre a Portofino e Genova
Da Milano al Lago di Como e Garda
Da Pesaro ad Urbino e Conero
Da Termoli a Campobasso
Da Torino ed Asti e Venaria
Da Polignano a Mare ad Alberobello e Vieste
Da Cagliari ad Alghero ed Olbia
Da Palermo a Catania ed Agrigento
Da Firenze a Pisa e Siena
Trentino-Alto Adige
Dalle Dolomiti a Ortisei e Riva del Garda
Da Perugia ad Assisi e Spoleto
Valle d'Aosta
Da Courmayeur ad Aosta
Da Venezia a Verona e il Parco delle Dolomiti
Italia come un local
Palermo: 10 cose da fare come un local
Cosa fare a Noto come un local: 10 consigli di viaggio
Aosta come un local: 7 cose da fare
Ravenna come un local: 10 cose da fare
Calabria come un local: 10 cose da fare
Cosa vedere a Castelluccio di Norcia, gioiello ...
Cosa vedere a Craco, l'incredibile città fantasma della ...
Cosa vedere a Passignano sul Trasimeno, la gemma lacustre ...
Castelsardo: cosa vedere e cosa fare nel gioiello del Nord ...
Civita di Bagnoregio: dove si trova, come arrivare e cosa ...
Sardegna in barca a vela: un itinerario in 5 tappe per ...
5 itinerari slow in Sardegna per vivere l'isola fuori ...
Alla scoperta dei prodotti tipici sardi in un itinerario in ...
Cosa vedere in Sardegna oltre il mare: itinerario tra ...
Posti magici in Sardegna: un itinerario in 5 tappe
Imperdibili.
Come raggiungere Ostia: un viaggio incantevole tra cielo, ...
Come andare al Carnevale a Venezia 2024: guida e consigli
Come raggiungere il Lago di Como: la guida completa
Come arrivare al Giardino di Boboli di Firenze per ...
Come si arriva da Ravello ad Amalfi: tutti i modi per ...
Cose da fare in italia.
I 10 siti e musei più visitati in Italia a Pasque e Pasquetta e 5 alternative meno affollate
Migliori crociere in Italia: 10 esperienze indimenticabili
21 avventure in Italia all’aria aperta da vivere quest'estate
Motor Sports, 10 eventi in Italia da non perdere questʼestate
Esperienze di lusso in Italia: 7 cose da non perdere nel 2024
10 cose da fare prima di venire in Italia: tutto quello che puoi pianificare in anticipo
Le 20 ciclovie in Italia più belle da scoprire questa primavera
Cosa fare in primavera in Italia: le mete da non perdere nel 2023
Terme in Italia: le 20 aree termali italiane più prestigiose
Festa di San Valentino in Italia
Turismo termale in Italia: scopri le mete termali più blasonate
Carnevale in Italia: origini, tradizioni, dolci tipici e le maschere più famose
Dove sciare in Italia: come scegliere piste e comprensori sciistici
Capodanno in montagna 2023: 20+1 mete suggestive in Italia
Presepi viventi in Italia: scopri i più affascinanti
Tradizioni natalizie: curiosità, simboli, usanze e piatti tipici dell’Avvento in Italia
I 20 mercatini di Natale più belli in Italia
Capodanno in Italia: cosa fare l'ultimo dell'anno in Italia nel 2024
Canzoni di Natale italiane: 10 brani per la musica delle tue feste
Viaggi di Natale in Italia: riti, mete e ricette regionali
Foliage in Italia: visita i luoghi più belli della stagione autunnale
Laghi italiani: 4 buoni motivi per visitarli
Tradizioni pasquali in Italia: i 12 eventi più emozionanti
Befana in Italia: tutti gli eventi da non perdere nel 2024
Pasquetta in Italia, le tradizioni del lunedì dell’Angelo
Esplora l'Italia come un local. Da attrazioni iconiche a esperienze straordinarie, il vostro viaggio inizia su visititaly.eu 🇮🇹 Taggaci e usa #visititaly
The 15 best places to visit in Italy, from Venice to the Cinque Terre
Nov 19, 2023 • 11 min read
Rome should be the centerpiece of your trip if you’re going to Italy for the first time © Kathrin Ziegler / Getty Images
Home to some of the greatest artworks, historical monuments and food on the planet, and with the kind of varied landscapes that you often have to cross continents to see, Italy elates, inspires and moves its visitors like few other countries.
From its art- and architecture-stuffed cities to its astonishing diversity of natural landscapes – dramatic coastlines, serene lakes, pristine mountains, and those famous rolling hills – picking just a handful of destinations to visit in this wonderful country is no easy task.
So how do you decide where to go? It all depends on what you’re looking for in your Italian odyssey, whether that’s history, art, beaches, hiking or even food. No matter your passion, our list of 15 must-see places in Italy should be your starting point.
Best for history
Once caput mundi (capital of the world), Rome was legendarily spawned by a wolf-suckled boy, developed into a vast empire, rooted itself as the home of the Catholic church, and is now the repository of more than two millennia of art and architecture.
Rome should definitely be the centerpiece of your trip if you’re going to Italy for the first time, but there's simply too much to see in one visit, from the Pantheon and the Colosseum to Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel and countless works by Caravaggio. So do as countless others have done before you: toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain and promise to return.
Planning tip: There’s an overwhelming amount to see here, and with limited public transport in the city center, your choice of hotel can be crucial. Map out the sights you’re most interested in before you book – if you want to be at the Vatican at opening time, for example, don't stay near the Colosseum.
Read more: Italians reveal their under-the-radar vacation spots in Italy
Best for a Renaissance fix
From Botticelli’s Venus , emerging coyly from the water in the Uffizi Gallery , to the mind-boggling dome of its cathedral, Florence is a feast for the eyes. This was, of course, the seat of the Renaissance, and there are knock-out names at every turn – Michelangelo in the Accademia, Donatello in the Bargello, Leonardo and Raphael in the Uffizi.
Further afield in Tuscany – Italy's most romanticized region – is an undulating landscape of sinuous cypress trees, olive groves and coveted regional treasures. Glory in the Gothic majesty of Siena and the Manhattan-esque skyline of medieval San Gimignano before exploring the vineyards of Italy's most famous wine region, Chianti , and the rolling, cypress-studded hills of the Val d’Orcia.
Planning tip: You’re best off without a car if you’re sticking to major towns and cities since Tuscany has a good rail network. But if you want to explore the countryside, you’ll definitely need a car.
3. The Dolomites
Best for dramatic mountains
Scour the globe, and you'll find plenty of taller, bigger and more geologically volatile mountains, but few can match the romance of the pink-hued granite Dolomites .
Maybe it's their harsh, jagged summits, the vibrant skirts of spring wildflowers, or the rich cache of Ladin legends. Then again, it could just be the magnetic draw of money, style and glamor at Italy's most fabled ski resort, Cortina d'Ampezzo , or the linguistic curiosity of picture-postcard mountain village Sappada . Whatever the reason, this tiny pocket of northern Italy takes seductiveness to dizzying heights.
4. Amalfi Coast
Best for classic beauty
Italy's most celebrated coastline is a gripping strip: coastal mountains plunge into the piercing blue sea in a prime-time vertical scene of precipitous crags, sun-bleached villages and cliffs rearing up behind. Between sea and sky, mountaintop hiking trails deliver Tyrrhenian panoramas fit for a god.
While some may argue that the peninsula's most beautiful coast is Liguria's Cinque Terre or Calabria's Costa Viola, it is the Amalfi Coast that has seduced and inspired countless greats, from Tennessee Williams and DH Lawrence to Elizabeth Taylor, Virginia Woolf and Jackie Kennedy. Of course, its staggeringly romantic looks also make it one of the best places in Italy for couples.
Planning tip: Yes, driving along the Amalfi Coast is one of the world’s most famous road trips, but often it feels like everyone else on the planet has the same idea as you. Traffic can be nose-to-tail, and parking is effectively nonexistent. Instead, take the ferry between towns or travel by public transport .
Best for stepping back in time
Frozen in its death throes, the time-warped ruins of Pompeii hurtle you 2000 years into the past. Wander through chariot-grooved Roman streets, lavishly frescoed villas and bathhouses, food stores and markets, theaters, and even an ancient brothel.
Then, in the eerie stillness, your eye on ominous Mt Vesuvius, ponder Pliny the Younger's terrifying account of the town's final hours: “Darkness came on again, again ashes, thick and heavy. We got up repeatedly to shake these off; otherwise, we would have been buried and crushed by the weight.”
Planning tip: If you have time, the other major city destroyed by the eruption, Herculaneum, is also worth a visit. Much smaller than Pompeii, its buildings are better preserved, and the location – surrounded by its modern descendant, Ercolano – makes the site even more piquant. Like Pompeii, it’s easily reached on the Circumvesuviana train.
6. Emilia-Romagna
Best for foodies
In a region as overwhelmingly foodie as Emilia-Romagna , it's only natural that its capital, Bologna , is dubbed “La Grassa” (the fat one). Many belt-busting Italian classics hail from here, including mortadella, tortellini and tagliatelle al ragù. Shop in the deli-packed Quadrilatero district – home to food stalls since medieval times – then hop on the train for an afternoon in Modena for world-famous aged balsamic vinegar.
Leave room for Parma , hometown of parmigiano reggiano cheese and the incomparable prosciutto di Parma. Wherever you plunge your fork, toast with a glass or three of Emilia-Romagna's renowned Lambrusco – a world away from the sickly sweet wine that was exported in the past.
7. Lago di Como
Best for a slice of luxury
If it's good enough for the Clooneys and vacationing Obamas, it's good enough for mere mortals. Nestled in the shadow of the Rhaetian Alps, dazzling Lago di Como is Lombardy's most spectacular lake. Its lavish Liberty-style villas are home to movie moguls, fashion royalty, and literal royalty, while the lake's siren calls include gardens at Villas Melzi d'Eril , Carlotta , and Balbianello that blush pink with camellias, azaleas and rhododendrons in April and May.
The city of Como itself is a hotbed of arresting architecture, from the Gothic cathedral to Palazzo Terragni – built by the Fascists as their party headquarters, it’s a classic example of Italian 1930s Rationalism and a striking reminder of the atrocities committed by the regime.
Planning tip: Como is like the Amalfi Coast – the roads are clogged, and parking is a huge problem. Instead of driving, use public transport; there’s an excellent ferry and bus network, as well as a train line along the eastern edge of the lake.
8. Sardinia
Best for beaches and coastline
The English language cannot accurately describe the varied blue, green and – in the deepest shadows – purple colors of Sardinia’s seas. While models, ministers and perma-tanned celebrities wine, dine and sail along the glossy Costa Smeralda , much of the island – the Med’s second largest after Sicily – remains a wild, raw playground.
Explore its rugged coastal beauty, from the tumbledown boulders of Santa Teresa di Gallura and the wind-chiseled cliff face of the Golfo di Orosei to the windswept beauty of the Costa Verde's dune-backed beaches.
But spend time inland too, and you’ll find some of Europe’s finest prehistoric remains: mysterious nuraghi (megalithic buildings), burial sites so grand they’re known as “giants’ tombs,” and the mountain villages of Barbagia, where locals still practice centuries-old traditions.
Best for sheer italianità
Pompeii, pizza and a whole lot of panache – Naples is a city like no other. Layered like lasagna, each strip of history on top of the last, this is a place where (underground) you can walk along ancient Greek and Roman roads, while at street level there are sumptuous churches, baroque palaces and Maradona – Maradona everywhere .
Outside the city, Vesuvius looms over the time capsules of Pompeii and Herculaneum, while in town, living in the shadow of a volcano gives life a sense of urgency. All that makes for a place like nowhere else .
Planning tip: Naples becomes less chaotic from the water. Taking the ferry isn’t only an option if you’re going to islands like Ischia and Procida – you can also take a boat from the city to Sorrento , Positano and the Amalfi Coast.
Best for a fairytale city
“Unique” is an overused word, but in the case of Venice , there’s no better description. This really is a dreamscape of intricately carved palazzos, gilded churches and world-class museums, all floating on water and crisscrossed by quiet canals.
Avoid the temptation to do a quick drop-in visit to see the main sights – the real Venice is in the silent canals and narrow alleyways, which cast a spell on all who move through them. Tick off the Rialto Bridge and Piazza San Marco , but then stay on to experience this most precious, and precarious, of cities.
Local tip: This is not the place to run a tight schedule. Leave time to wander the alleys , look inside the churches and artisan shops you pass, and hop on a vaporetto that’ll chug through the islands of the lagoon.
11. Parco Nazionale del Gran Paradiso
Best for hiking
If you're pining for a mind-clearing retreat, lace up your hiking boots and explore over 500km (310 miles) of marked trails and mule tracks traversing “Grand Paradise.”
Part of the Graian Alps and one of Italy's very first national parks, Gran Paradiso's pure, pristine spread encompasses 57 glaciers and alpine pastures awash with wild pansies, gentians and alpenroses, not to mention a healthy population of Alpine ibex, for whose protection the park was originally established. At 4061m (13,323ft), the eponymous Gran Paradiso is the park's only peak, accessed from tranquil Cogne.
12. Mount Etna
Best for thrill seekers
Known to the Greeks as the “column that holds up the sky,” Mt Etna is not only Europe's largest volcano, it's one of the world's most active. The ancients believed the giant Tifone (Typhoon) lived in its crater and lit the sky with spectacular pyrotechnics; today they simply call it idda , or “her.”
At 3326m (10,912ft), she literally towers above Sicily's Ionian Coast . Tackle the climb on foot, on a guided 4WD tour, or stick to the lower slopes, where you’ll find some of Italy’s most exciting wines being grown in the uber-fertile volcanic soil. Sicily is one of the nicest places in Italy to visit, thanks to its extraordinary wealth of history and architecture, its jaw-dropping coastline and, of course, the ever-welcoming Sicilians.
13. Cinque Terre and the Liguria coast
Best for classic coastline
Liguria’s remote Cinque Terre area is coastal Italy at its most spectacular. Five seaside villages wedged between cliffs, encircled by a national park and connected by clifftop footpaths, this is a place where humanity has lived in symbiosis with nature for thousands of years. People have chiseled terraces into the steep cliffs and grown wine here since Roman times; until the 20th century, the locals got about by sea or footpath.
The villages themselves are gorgeous, but spare some time for a hike along the Sentiero Azzurro, the most popular of the paths connecting them. Cinque Terre may be the best known, but Liguria’s coastline is one showstopper coastal village after another – additional highlights include Portofino , Portovenere and Santa Margherita Ligure .
Planning tip: This is another area where it’s not worth driving – there are ferry services, but our favorite option is the train, which runs along the coast and stops at each of the villages.
14. Valle d’Itria
Best for picture-perfect villages
They look like hobbit houses – small conical-roofed cottages, often stitched together to form a bigger home but always fairytale pretty, whatever the size. Puglia, the heel of Italy’s boot, is famous for its trulli, but you won’t find them all over the region.
Head south of Bari, in from the coast and up onto the high karst plateau, and you’ll find the Valle d’Itria , where the green fields around towns like Cisternino and Locorotondo are dotted with trulli. Alberobello is the center of it all – the centro storico of the town is nothing but streets of them. This is one of the prettiest parts of Italy – truly.
Best for a real city break
Italy’s fashion capital often gets a bad rap – too international, too organized, not chaotic enough. Don’t believe it. Where else can you go from a Gothic-style cathedral, started in the 14th century, to masterpieces by Leonardo (his Last Supper fresco in the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie is a showstopper, but so is the Sala delle Asse in the Castello Sforzesco , which he painted as a trompe l’oeil forest bower)?
Milan's restaurants pull together the best food from the Italian peninsula, it’s home to one of Italy’s rare cocktail scenes, and its fashion houses are transforming the city’s modern art scene with venues like Fondazione Prada , an old distillery now housing works by the likes of Jeff Koons and Damien Hirst, as well as putting on top-notch temporary exhibitions.
Planning tip: Milan doesn’t really have high and low seasons like the rest of Italy does; instead, its hotel rates rocket up and down depending on whether there’s a major event in town. Avoid Design and Fashion Weeks if you're traveling on a budget .
This article was first published June 2021 and updated November 2023
Explore related stories
Tips & Advice
Apr 15, 2024 • 10 min read
From chilling on the beaches of Bora Bora to eating shellfish in Cape Cod, USA, here are the best places to visit in June.
Apr 7, 2024 • 11 min read
Apr 5, 2024 • 5 min read
Mar 30, 2024 • 4 min read
Mar 26, 2024 • 6 min read
Mar 26, 2024 • 4 min read
Mar 22, 2024 • 7 min read
Mar 21, 2024 • 6 min read
Mar 18, 2024 • 7 min read
Mar 18, 2024 • 4 min read
Visit Italy - Italy travel guide and tourism information
Find out the best places to visit and things to do
Experiences To
That's Amore
The biggest Italian lake
Visit Chiantishire
Simply Astonishing
Cinque Terre
Discover The City
Discover The Coast
Wine and Gourmet
Simply Magic
Discover The Island
Isola di Ischia
Colors, Tastes, Traditions
Fashion and Modernity
Pearl Of Sicily
Isole Eolie
City of Love
Living The Renaissance
Discover the Gulfs
Accommodation
Villas and apartments
Touristic village
Historical Villas
Bed and breakfast
The regions of Italy
Trentino Alto Adige
Emilia Romagna
Friuli venezia giulia, aosta valley, destinations to discover - trip ideas, madonna di campiglio, selva di val gardena, fai della paganella, abano terme, montegrotto terme, porto cesareo, useful addresses.
Castles, palaces and mansions
Art galleries
Bathing Establishments
Adventure Parks
Spas and spa
Suggestions for a holiday in Italy
Art and culture, wellness and spa, food and wine, snow and ski.
Guida ufficiale di Visit Italy
Visit Italy Official Guide
Guide officiel de Visit Italy
Guía oficial de Visit Italy
Offizieller Reiseführer von Visit Italy
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Terms of use
Covid-19 updates: information for tourists from italia.it
Enter your email address and subscribe to our newsletter
By clicking you authorize us to process the data entered. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking on the link in the newsletter.
The Venice Pass ®
From doge palace to guggenheim museums: discover the most exciting attractions in venice with venice pass. -->.
Why choose Venice Pass ?
Pick a 2, 3 or 5 days pass and enjoy all these included benefits.
Top attractions and activities included
Unlimited travel by public transport
One digital pass for seamless entry
Flexibility to decide on the day
Incredible savings
What is included with Venice Pass
Venice Pass is available in different versions. Choose your pass according to the days you will stay and to the area you plan to visit.
- Entrance to the Doge's Palace
- Campanile di San Marco: Skip the Line
- Peggy Guggenheim Collection: Fast Track
- Entrance to the Museo Correr
- Entrance to the Archaeological Museum
- Entrance to the Monumental Rooms of the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana
- Entrance to the Cà Rezzonico
- Entrance to the Palazzo Mocenigo
- Entrance to the Carlo Goldoni's House
- Entrance to the Ca Pesaro
- Entrance to the Glass Museum
- Entrance to the Lace Museum
- Entrance to the Natural History Museum
- Entrance to the Fortuny Museum
- Church of Sant'Alvise
- Church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli
- Entrance to the Church of San Polo
- Entrance to the Basilica San Pietro di Castello
- Discounts in the agreed activities
- Entrance to La Fenice Opera House: Skip The Line + Audio Guide
Some attractions you can explore with Venice Pass
Art, culture and events.
Easy access to the main museums and events in Venice
Exclusive benefits
Discounts at the most important and historical activities of Venice and Veneto
Digital guide
Visit Venice in a simple and safe way thanks to the complete guide of the city
Guided tours
Enjoy at a special price the best guided tours in Venice
How does it work?
With the practical guide of the Venice Pass , you will know how to reach every sight , its opening hours and where to find it on the map, so you will not waste time, planning your day. Whether you would like to eat in the best restaurant in Venice , lose yourself in the artistic richness and monuments of the city or simply want to wander the streets and alleys of the dense historic center of Venice, Venice Pass will be able to offer a unique experience . Here are the main advantages for tourists and for the local citizens:
✅ Download our app now on your smart phone ✅ Choose the version of the pass more suitable for your needs. ✅ Scan your pass to enter any of the attractions available.
7K+ People Downloaded Venice Pass
Top 5 star rating.
Real people, real stories. Hear from our community.
"Very easy to use and great value for money. Highly recommended!"
"Bought the two-day venice pass including transportation. Easily used and allowed me to visit Venice without having to book attractions. Recommended."
"I think this app is the completion of an excellent offer to visit the city's sights"
"Perfect, we visited the whole city and, thanks to the pass, apparently less interesting places turned out to be exceptional!"
Download the Venice Pass
App available for Android and Iphone.
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
From iconic attractions to amazing experiences, your journey begins on visititaly.eu 🇮🇹 Tag us and use #visititaly. Show all . Visit Italy is the first independent promoting channel for Italy in the world. Discover great holiday ideas for family holidays, weekends away, short breaks and days out in Italy. Destinations.
A special two-week tour to discover Italy's best! The Grand Tour is a journey from the North to the South, passing through the cities of art, villages and the most beautiful places in the country defined by Unesco as World Heritage Sites. The journey you have always imagined that you have always dreamed of, that you thought was impossible, is ...
Get ready, then, for the unimaginable. This 7-day itinerary promises a short but comprehensive Italian experience, encompassing the country's most famous art cities and major tourist attractions. With the added benefit of McArthurGlen Designer Outlets, you can indulge in some well-deserved shopping therapy while discovering Italy's rich culture ...
Here, then, are the 10 unmissable things to do in the beautiful Bologna. 10. A walking tour of the City of Porticoes. We anticipated this already in the introduction. One of the most interesting things to do in Bologna is precisely to walk through the streets of the city, going from one portico to another.
Other places of interest are the archaeological site of Morgantina in the province of Enna, the enchanting rock village near Calascibetta, and the lush Kolymbetra garden. 1. Things to do in Italy with family in the region of the Arzachena Park. alessandro.debianchi.
Unesco sites such as Castel del Monte and Alberobello, villages, cities of art such as Bari, the baroque Lecce and the green Itria Valley, all the way to Salento, home to charming seaside towns such as Gallipoli and Otranto, and beautiful beaches of pale sand, some of the most beautiful in Italy. Trulli Alberobello - Puglia.
6. Ischia. Ischia - a volcanic formation - is the largest of the islands located in the Gulf of Naples and is known as the Green Island. Its extension is also evidenced by the fact that it is divided into six municipalities: Ischia, Barano d'Ischia, Casamicciola Terme, Serrara Fontana, Forio and Lacco Ameno.
Como, Varenna and Bellagio are full of luxury residences. This idyllic corner of Lombardy is definitely worth visiting, in search of enchanting gardens, botanical gardens and works of art, both by boat or on a ferry.
Da attrazioni iconiche a esperienze straordinarie, il vostro viaggio inizia su visititaly.eu 🇮🇹 Taggaci e usa #visititaly. Vedi tutti . Visit Italy è il primo canale indipendente di promozione dell'Italia nel mondo. Scopri le migliori destinazioni per vacanze in famiglia, weekend, soggiorni brevi e gite in Italia.
14. Valle d'Itria. Best for picture-perfect villages. They look like hobbit houses - small conical-roofed cottages, often stitched together to form a bigger home but always fairytale pretty, whatever the size. Puglia, the heel of Italy's boot, is famous for its trulli, but you won't find them all over the region.
Best art cities such as Rome the eternal city, Florence the city where the renaissance began, Naples widely known for it swealth of historical museums, Venice the floating city, Milan Italy's most fashionable cities, Turin well known for its renaissance, baroque, rococo and art nouveau architecture, Palermo rich in history, culture, art and ...
Search for the town, the city, the area where you want to go and consult the contents of VisitItaly. Visit Italy - Italy travel guide and tourism information. Find out the best places to visit and things to do. Living The Renaissance. Florence. Pearl Of Sicily. Taormina. The Ethernal City. Rome. Discover The City. Naples. Sicily.
A luxury tour to discover Ischia, Capri and Procida, the first "covid free" islands in Italy. The tour includes private services and customizable guided experiences. You will have the opportunity to discover the island of Procida, European Capital of Culture 2022. You will be able to breathe in Capri's worldly life and enjoy its beauty.
Visit Italy, Milano. 846,983 likes · 1,531 talking about this. The official Facebook page for Visit Italy is a page for everyone who loves Italy.
10 Things to do in Avellino and Irpinia | https://bit.ly/AvellinoThingsIrpinia is a surprising land waiting to be discovered. Its tourist offer is a frame th...
In the video the emotions that a visit to Italy can convey are told through the most beautiful content shared by travelers on Instagram. Rest on a sailing sh...
4,397 posts. 1.2M followers. 239 following. Visit Italy ®. Local & travel website. Explore Italy like a local. From iconic attractions to amazing experiences, your journey begins on visititaly.eu 🇮🇹. Tag us and use. #visititaly.
Venice Pass: your city card to visit Venice in 1, 2 or 5 days. From the most iconic attractions to the most authentic experiences, explore the best of Venice.
10 cose da fare ad Avellino | https://bit.ly/CosaFareAvellinoAvellino è una destinazione sorprendente che aspetta solo di essere scoperta. La sua offerta tur...
Please try again in a couple of minutes or send us an email to [email protected]. Go to our Home Page. Plan your Visit to Italy with free Italy itineraries, guides, things to do and maps. Create your personal guide to Italy with full information on all top attractions.