The 17 Best Places to Visit in Italy
Rome – Italy’s most popular destination holds many lifetimes worth of monuments, museums, and places of worship decorated with art. Large attractions like the Colosseum and the Vatican Museums (home of the Sistine Chapel) draw huge crowds so trying to reserve tickets in advance is wise. Spring and autumn offer the best times to visit as the top hotels in Rome are frequently fully booked months ahead.
Florence – The center of the Renaissance era, Florence possesses some of Italy’s most esteemed works of art. You will also discover hundreds of trattorias, cafes and sophisticated drinking locations, perfect for sampling the nearby Chianti wine. Make advance reservations for key attractions such as the cathedral, Uffizi Galleries, and Accademia Gallery.
Venice – With its intricate waterways, traditional boats and striking Gothic architecture, Venice possesses a singular charm. Once sightseeing of St Mark’s Square and prominent landmarks is complete, set aside any maps to explore winding side streets at random – getting lost has its appeal. Drop by in February for lively Carnival revelry.
Milan – The second largest city in Italy, Milan focuses on fashion, finance and innovative design. Shoppers and nightlife lovers have a surplus of choices while sightseers can admire the fairytale Duomo and Leonardo da Vinci`s The Last Supper. Fly into Malpensa or Linate airports.
Cinque Terre – Towering cliffs, steeply terraced hillsides and five charming villages – the Cinque Terre features one of Italy’s most spectacular coastlines. It’s best explored on foot, though a Cinque Terre card must be purchased to access its scenic walking paths. Reach it by train from Genoa or La Spezia.
Siena – This stunning medieval town can easily be visited on a day trip from Florence, its historic rival. The focal points are the Gothic cathedral and Piazza del Campo, site of the twice-yearly Palio horse race. Be sure to book ahead when visiting around Palio times (July 2 and August 16) to experience the festivities.”
Lucca – Everybody`s idea of a classic Tuscan town. Surrounded by monumental Renaissance walls, its beautifully preserved historic center is a glorious place to spend time. Pisa (known for the Leaning Tower) is a half-hour train ride away.
San Gimignano – Nestled deep in the Tuscan countryside, San Gimignano is a classic daytrip destination. Expect picturesque roadways, medieval skyscrapers and plenty of local Vernaccia wine. Buses run direct from Siena or via Poggibonsi from Florence.
Orvieto – A classic hill town located in Umbria that amazes visitors with its spectacular Gothic cathedral and medieval streets. After exploring the sights, refuel on truffles and hearty Umbrian cuisine at one of its many authentic family-run restaurants. Situated midway between Rome and Florence, it makes an excellent day trip option.
Naples – Nowhere encapsulates drama and energetic street life better than this great metropolis in southern Italy. With a Unesco-listed historic center, excellent museums, views over Mt Vesuvius and famously delicious pizza, it has much appeal. The nearby ancient city of Pompeii is accessible by train.
Sicily – Sun-drenched Sicily provides the full southern Italian experience. Reflect on dreamy beaches, artistic treasures, fiery volcanoes and fantastic cuisine. Palermo and Catania are the primary cities but make time for Mt Etna, Syracuse and Taormina.
One of the most well known islands located in the Bay of Naples is Capri. Its natural beauty, whitewashed towns, and renowned Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra) ensure a steady influx of visitors. You can see it on a day trip from Naples or Sorrento but remaining longer allows a more relaxed experience.
Amalfi Coast – The celebrated shoreline along Italy’s country is every bit as beautiful as its high reputation specifies. Lovely cities like Positano and Amalfi sit wedged between plunging slopes while elegant Ravello controls spectacular views from its lofty hillside placing. Coaches and summer watercraft ply the coast from Sorrento and Salerno.
Matera – Situated surrounding a deep ravine in the southern region of Basilicata, Matera is a recent European Capital of Culture. Highlights involve the ancient sassi (cave residences) that clutter its rocky landscape. Excellent dining establishments and boutique lodgings, some in renovated sassi, add to the appeal.
A visit to Turin offers a blend of history and contemporary art alongside renowned museums, exciting cuisine, and art-nouveau cafes. Both the fascinating Egyptian museum and the landmark Mole Antonelliana tower, which adorns Italy’s two-cent coin, deserve viewing.
Bologna – Renowned for its delectable dining and venerable university, Bologna ensures a memorable visit. Its medieval center constructed from terra cotta brick is a delight to explore, while the sizable student body guarantees lively bars, family-run eateries, and clubs.
Perugia – With its hilltop medieval center, historic lanes, and vibrant university scene, Perugia makes a great base for exploring Umbria. To experience the town in festive mode come in July for the renowned Umbria Jazz festival.
The Best of Italy
Best beaches in Italy
1. Cala Goloritzé (Baunei, Sardinia)
2. Punta Prosciutto (Porta Cesario, Puglia)
3. San Vito Lo Capo (Trapani, Sicily)
4. Spiaggia delle Due Sorelle (Sirolo, Le Marche)
5. San Fruttuoso (Camogli, Liguria)
6. Tropea (Vibo Valentia, Calabria)
7. Sabaudia (Latina, Lazio)
Best vacation spots in Italy
1. Amalfi Coast (Campania)
2. Taormina (Sicily)
3. Villasimius (Sardinia)
4. Lake Como (Lombardy)
5. Val d’Orcia (Tuscany)
6. Cortina d’Ampezzo (The Dolomites, Veneto)
Best wine regions in Italy
1. Piedmont (Barolo, Barbaresco, Asti Spumante)
2. Veneto (Prosecco, Soave, Valpolicella)
3. Tuscany (Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, Vin Santo)
4. Umbria (Orvieto Classico, Sagrantino di Montefalco)
Prime Dining Destinations in Italy
1. Emilia-Romagna (Parma ham, parmigiano-reggiano cheese, mortadella, balsamic vinegar)
2. Naples and the surrounding Campania region (known for pizza, buffalo mozzarella cheese, and sfogliatella pastries)
3. Umbria (noted for black truffles, cured meats from Norcia, wild boar dishes, and strozzapreti pasta)
4. Puglia (known for olive oil, orecchiette pasta, burrata cheese, and seafood)
5. Piedmont (white truffles, risotto, chocolate)
Best Agriturismo in Italy
1. Tuscany (around Pienza, San Gimignano)
2. Umbria (around Lake Trasimeno, Perugia, Assisi)
3. Puglia (the southern Salento area)
Best small towns in Italy
1. Mantua
2. Ravenna
3. Urbino
4. Assisi
5. Pienza
6. Alberobello
Best coastal towns in Italy
1. Positano
2. Portofino
3. Alghero
4. Otranto
5. Sperlonga
6. Cefalù
7. Vernazza (Cinque Terre)
Italy Itinerary – Where to Travel
– One Week in Italy: Rome and Florence. Do a day trip from Florence. Train between the two cities.
• 10 Days in Italy: Rome and Florence, plus Venice or Naples. Do a day trip from Florence. Use trains between the three cities. Fly into and out of different locations.
• A Two Week Trip to Italy: Rome, Florence, Siena, Naples, and Venice. Take 1 or 2 day trips from Florence. Travel between all cities by train. Fly into and out of different cities.
• Rome, Florence, Siena, Perugia, Orvieto, Matera, Naples, and Venice comprised a trip through Italy that took place over three weeks. Day trips were done from Florence to one or two nearby locations via train, which connected all the cities visited. Flying into and out of different cities.
