What’s in this article
Have you heard of all the beautiful places to visit in Italy?
With such rich history and culture, the country is insanely beautiful.
No wonder Italy is such a popular travel destination – people everywhere want to know what all the hype is about!
Whether you prefer lively cities or quiet countryside, there is something for everyone.
Urban areas buzz with energy and beauty, while countryside takes your breath away with its sceneries.
Italy has so much to offer – the food and wine are world class, the architecture and art is everywhere you look, people have such a great enthusiasm for life so I’d love to hear if any places have piqued your interest.
And, in this post I will tell you about some of the really amazing places you can visit in Italy this year.
Rome
Rome, the capital of Italy, is a city that is steeped in history and culture, making it a popular destination for travellers from all over the world.
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Rome is the Colosseum, an ancient amphitheatre that was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles.
It’s a must-see for any history buff and a testament to the ancient Romans’ engineering and architectural skills.
Another iconic attraction in Rome is the Vatican.
The Vatican City is the smallest sovereign state in the world and is home to the Pope.
The Vatican Museums, which are open to the public, contain an incredible collection of art and artifacts, including the Sistine Chapel, which is famous for its frescoes painted by Michelangelo.
The Pantheon is another must-see attraction in Rome.
It’s an ancient temple that has been well preserved over the centuries.
It’s a great example of ancient Roman engineering and architecture, and it provides an unparalleled glimpse into the past.
Rome is also home to many beautiful churches, palaces, and museums that showcase the art and architecture of the city.
The Galleria Borghese, for example, is a museum that houses an impressive collection of sculptures and paintings from the Renaissance and Baroque periods.
Rome is also known for its delicious food and rich cultural heritage.
You can enjoy a variety of traditional Roman dishes such as pasta alla carbonara, amatriciana, and cacio e pepe, as well as gelato, which is a must-try.
Rome is also a great place for shopping, with a wide range of shops and markets selling everything from designer clothing to handcrafted souvenirs.
Additionally, the city offers a vibrant nightlife, with a variety of bars, clubs, and live music venues to choose from.
Discover the top must-see attractions in Rome.
Florence
Florence is another city in Italy that is rich in art, architecture, and culture.
It is home to some of the most famous art museums in the world, such as the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia Gallery.
These museums house an incredible collection of Renaissance art, including works by Botticelli, da Vinci, and Michelangelo.
Florence is also known for its beautiful architecture.
The city is home to many historic buildings and monuments, such as the Duomo, also known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, which is an enormous Gothic cathedral known for its pink, white, and green marble façade.
You can climb to the top of the dome for panoramic views of the city.
The Basilica di Santa Croce, the Palazzo Vecchio, and Ponte Vecchio are other important architectural highlights of the city.
Florence is also a city with a rich cultural heritage.
Apart from the city’s many museums and art galleries, you can also explore the city’s libraries, such as the Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale di Firenze (National Central Library of Florence).
Florence is also famous for its delicious food and wine.
Here you can enjoy traditional Tuscan dishes such as ribollita, pappardelle al cinghiale, and bistecca alla fiorentina, as well as a taste of the local wines.
Florence is also a great place for shopping, with a wide range of shops and markets selling everything from designer clothing to handcrafted souvenirs.
The San Lorenzo Market and the Mercato Centrale are two of the most famous markets in the city.
The best way to explore the city and learn about its history and details is through the eyes of a professional local guide.
Venice
Venice is a unique and beautiful city in Italy, known for its canals, gondolas, and unique architecture.
The city is built on a group of small islands and is connected by a network of canals, which are lined with beautiful buildings and are a great way to see the city.
You can take a gondola ride through the canals, which is a unique and romantic way to experience Venice.
The architecture of Venice is also quite unique and worth seeing. The city is famous for its colorful, ornate buildings, many of which are adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures.
You can explore the city’s many palaces, churches, and museums, such as the Basilica di San Marco and Palazzo Ducale, both located in Piazza San Marco, and the Gallerie dell’Accademia.
A guided tour that includes St. Mark’s Basilica with Terrace and the Doge’s Palace with the Bridge of Sighs is highly recommended.
Venice is also a city with a rich cultural heritage.
You can explore the city’s many art galleries and libraries, such as the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and the Galleria Giorgio Franchetti alla Ca’ d’Oro.
Venice is also famous for its delicious seafood and traditional Venetian dishes such as sarde in saor, risotto al nero di seppia, and baccalà alla veneta.
The local wines, such as Chardonnay, Cabernet, and Merlot, are also a must-try.
Venice is also known for its many festivals and events, such as the Venice Film Festival, the Venice Carnival, and the Biennale di Venezia, which is a major international contemporary art exhibition.
To avoid long lines, it’s essential to pre-book your tickets.
The Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast, of course, could not be left out of this list of the best places to visit in Italy. It’s a stretch of coastline located in the Campania region of southern Italy.
It is known for its picturesque towns, beautiful beaches, and stunning coastline.
The towns of Amalfi, Positano, and Ravello are some of the most popular destinations on the Amalfi Coast.
They are famous for their colourful houses, narrow streets, and beautiful churches. The towns are located on cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, providing you with breathtaking views.
The Amalfi Coast is also known for its beautiful beaches, such as the Spiaggia Grande in Positano, which is a popular spot for sunbathing and swimming.
The coast is also popular for boat trips and ferries, which provide an excellent opportunity to explore the coastline and the nearby islands of Capri and Ischia.
Additionally, the Amalfi Coast is also a great place for hiking, as it offers beautiful trails with panoramic views and great natural landscapes, like the Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei) that links the towns of Bomerano and Nocelle.
The Amalfi Coast is also known for its delicious local cuisine and wines.
You can enjoy traditional dishes such as seafood, pasta with seafood, and pizza margherita, as well as the local wines, such as the Aglianico and the Falanghina.
The Amalfi Coast is also a great place for shopping, with a wide range of shops selling everything from handmade ceramics and lemon-based products to fashion and jewelry.
You can book a guided tour here or private transfer service here.
Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is a collection of five villages located along the coast of the Italian Riviera in the Liguria region of Italy: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore.
Each village has its own unique character, but all are known for their colourful houses and buildings, charming streets, and beautiful coastal views.
Monterosso al Mare is the largest of the five villages, known for its long beach, lemon groves, and wine production.
Vernazza is considered one of the most picturesque villages, known for its historic castle and picturesque harbor.
Corniglia is the only Cinque Terre village that is not directly on the coast, but rather perched on a hilltop overlooking the sea.
Manarola is known for its colourful houses and picturesque fishing harbor.
Riomaggiore is the southernmost village, known for its narrow streets, colourful houses, and stunning views of the sea.
You can take a train or boat to travel between these villages, which allows you to enjoy the different landscapes, cultures, and traditions of each village.
You can also book a boat tour at sunset that includes a tasting of local delicacies such as pesto and focaccia.
Or you may love to paddle alongside an expert guide, exploring hidden coves and rugged cliffs.
Lake Como
Lake Como, located in the northern part of Italy, is known for its stunning scenery, elegant villas, and luxurious resorts.
You can enjoy activities such as boating, hiking, and biking along the lake’s shores, as well as exploring the charming towns and villages that dot the area.
Some of the top places to visit on Lake Como include:
Como, which is the largest town on the lake, is located at the southern end of the lake.
You can explore the historic city centre and visit the Cathedral of Como, the Basilica of San Fedele, and the Broletto.
Bellagio, known as the “pearl of the lake,” is a charming town located at the point where the three branches of Lake Como meet.
You can explore its winding streets, enjoy the views of the lake, visit the Villa Melzi gardens, and perhaps learn to make ravioli while sipping wine with a beautiful view.
Varenna is a charming village located on the eastern shore of Lake Como and is known for its narrow streets, picturesque houses, and beautiful views of the lake. You can take a boat ride to the nearby village of Menaggio or visit the Villa Monastero.
Tremezzo is a village located on the western shore of the lake and is known for its grand villas and beautiful gardens, such as the Villa Carlotta.
You can also take a boat to the nearby village of Lenno.
Cernobbio is a town located on the western shore of the lake and is known for its luxurious resorts and the famous Villa d’Este.
You can also explore the town’s historic centre and take a stroll along the lakefront promenade.
The Borromean Islands
The Borromean Islands archipelago is a group of small islands located in northern Italy, in the Piedmont region, on the shores of Lake Maggiore.
There are three islands (Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola dei Pescatori), one islet (Isolino di San Giovanni), and one rock (Malghera).
Isola Bella is the most famous of the three islands, and it’s known for its beautiful Baroque palace, Palazzo Borromeo, which was built in the 17th century.
You can explore the palace and its beautiful gardens, which are filled with exotic plants and sculptures.
The palace also features several art collections, including paintings by famous artists such as Tintoretto and Titian.
Isola Madre is known for its lush botanical gardens and its beautiful 19th-century villa.
Here you can wander through the gardens and admire the many different types of plants, including camellias, azaleas, and rhododendrons.
The villa is also open to visitors and features several rooms decorated with beautiful frescoes and antique furniture.
Isola dei Pescatori, or the Island of the Fishermen, is the smallest of the three islands and it’s known for its charming fishing village.
It’s also known as Isola Superiore and is the only permanently inhabited island in the Borromean Archipelago.
You can stroll along the narrow streets and enjoy the picturesque views of the lake. The island also features several small restaurants where you can try the delicious local fish specialties.
All islands are connected by ferry, and you can take a boat tour around the islands to appreciate the beautiful panoramic views of the lake, the surrounding mountains, and the charming villas and gardens on the shore.
Please note that the ferry ticket does not include access to the islands’ villas, which must be purchased separately.
If you are short on time, I recommend this private guided tour for a more in-depth experience.
You can also take a leisurely stroll along the lakeshore, or enjoy water sports like paddleboarding, kayaking, or sailing.
The islands are also a great place to relax, taking in the natural beauty and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.
The Dolomites
The Dolomites are a large mountainous region in northeastern Italy that is known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and unique geological formations.
They offer a variety of activities such as hiking, rock climbing, skiing, and mountain biking, as well as picturesque villages and breathtaking views.
Additionally, the Dolomites have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to their unique geology and natural beauty.
Some popular and centrally located towns in the Dolomites that may make good bases for your stay include:
Cortina d’Ampezzo, also known as the “Queen of the Dolomites,” is a popular resort town with a charming pedestrian-only center and great access to outdoor activities such as skiing and hiking.
Bolzano is the largest city in the Dolomites and serves as a great base for exploring the surrounding towns and villages.
It has a rich cultural heritage and is home to the famous Ötzi the Iceman, a Copper Age mummy discovered by chance by two mountaineers in 1991 on the Val Senales glacier. It’s on display in the Museo Archeologico dell’Alto Adige (South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology), complete with all of its clothing and equipment.
Canazei is a charming mountain village that offers great access to skiing and hiking, as well as other outdoor activities such as rock climbing and paragliding.
Selva Gardena is a ski resort town that’s known for its beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and its ski-in, ski-out accommodation.
It’s a good idea to research the activities you want to do ahead of time and find a location that best suits you and your plans.
Keep in mind that during peak season, lodging may be difficult to find and more expensive.
You may even prefer to take a full-day tour of the Dolomites and the charming town of Cortina from Venice.
Val D’Orcia
The Val d’Orcia is a beautiful valley located in the southern part of Tuscany.
It’s known for its picturesque landscapes, charming towns and villages, and rich cultural and historical heritage.
The area was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004 for its exceptional aesthetic qualities and for the way in which human activity has shaped the landscape over the centuries.
The Val d’Orcia landscape includes rolling hills, cypress trees, vineyards, olive groves, and picturesque towns like Pienza, Montalcino, and San Quirico d’Orcia.
The valley is also home to several beautiful villas and castles that are open to visitors.
The area is also known for its hot springs, and the towns of Bagno Vignoni and Bagni San Filippo are popular spots to soak in the hot springs.
Val d’Orcia is a great place to visit for those who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and horseback riding, as well as for food and wine lovers, as the area is renowned for its delicious wines such as Brunello di Montalcino and the traditional Tuscan cuisine.
Val d’Orcia is also known for its beautiful views, and the famous scenic road called “Strada della Crete Senesi”, which is a must-see for photography enthusiasts.
Join a Brunello di Montalcino wine tasting tour with lunch from Siena.
Urbino la Culla del Rinascimento ( the Renaissance Cradle)
Urbino is a town located in the region of Marche, which is known for its picturesque towns and rolling hills, making it a great base for exploring the surrounding area.
Specifically, Urbino is located in the province of Pesaro e Urbino in the northeastern part of the region.
It’s a popular destination for several reasons, one of which is its well-preserved Renaissance-era architecture.
The town was a major cultural centre during the Renaissance, and many of its buildings, including the Palazzo Ducale, were built during this time.
This palace was the residence of the Duke of Urbino and is now a museum that houses an art collection and frescoes by the famous Renaissance artist, Raphael.
Urbino is actually the birthplace of the artist Raphael, and the town has several museums dedicated to his life and work.
Furthermore, Urbino is also known for its University of Urbino, which was founded in 1506, is one of the oldest universities in Italy, and is the cultural centre of the town.
Additionally, Urbino is surrounded by beautiful countryside, making it a popular destination for hiking and nature activities.
All of these factors combined make Urbino a popular destination for art lovers, history buffs, and nature enthusiasts.
The Italian Islands
Italy is also home to many beautiful islands, many of which are popular tourist destinations during the summer months.
Sardinia and Sicily are both known for their stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, and picturesque towns.
The Tuscan Archipelago, which includes Elba and Capraia, offers a mix of rugged landscapes, charming villages, and historic sites.
Other popular Italian islands include the Aeolian Islands, the Tremiti Islands, and the Egadi Islands.
Each island has its own unique character and attractions, making them all worth visiting.
In conclusion, Italy is a country that offers something for everyone, from history and culture to art and natural beauty.
The places mentioned in this blog post are must-see destinations for any traveller visiting Italy.
Each of these destinations offers a unique and unforgettable experience, and they are the perfect starting point for your Italian adventure.
Ciao and safe travel planning!
This post may contain affiliate links or sponsored links, which are useful experiences that I would like to recommend to you. If you purchase from them, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. This will help fund my project and allow me to continue providing useful and up-to-date information about visiting Italy.
