25 Best Places to Visit in Italy

After six trips to Italy, these are the 25 places to visit in Italy we keep recommending — the ones that reward first-timers and repeat visitors alike, from the iconic cities of Rome and Florence to lesser-known gems like Matera and Puglia.

We’ve been to Italy six times over the past ten years, and we’re still not done. Every trip has taken us somewhere new, from the sun-scorched heel of Puglia to the jagged peaks of the Dolomites, and with every visit, our list of must-see destinations has evolved. These are the places to visit in Italy that made the cut.

Italy is one of those rare countries where the famous landmarks actually live up to the hype, and the places you’ve never heard of surprise you even more. Whether you have one week or one month, the challenge isn’t finding something worth doing, it’s deciding what to leave for next time. We’ve done our best to help you prioritize.

At the end of this guide, we link out to detailed itineraries so you can build a real trip around these destinations. But first, here are our 25 favorites.

This guide started as our list of 15 favorite places in Italy and has grown over the years as we returned to Italy again and again. Today, it includes 25 of the best places to visit in Italy, plus advice on how to choose the right ones for your trip.

How to Choose Where to Go in Italy

Italy is big, and two weeks still isn’t enough to see everything on this list. The destinations below are all worth visiting — but the right ones for you depend on how much time you have and what kind of traveler you are. Use this as a quick starting point before diving into the full list.

Not sure where to start? Jump to our Italy itineraries at the end of this guide.

Best Places to Visit in Italy

The Classic Cities

1. Rome

Rome is one of the best places to visit in Italy for first-timers and repeat visitors alike, with an extraordinary concentration of history, art, and food in a walkable historic center.

Our first visit to Rome was also the start of our 13-month trip around the world. We chose to begin that journey in one of the world’s oldest and grandest cities, and for three busy days, the four of us toured Rome’s most iconic sights. It was an unforgettable start to an unforgettable adventure.

But if we’re being honest, Rome didn’t fully win us over on that first visit. We enjoyed it, but we also found it chaotic, crowded, and a little overwhelming.

More recently, Tim and I returned on our own, and that was the trip when we really fell in love with Rome. Walking down an ordinary city street, you are surrounded by layers of history, with buildings hundreds, and sometimes thousands, of years old all around you.

We searched out rooftop bars for Negronis with a view, revisited Rome’s legendary landmarks, lingered over long dinners, and finally saw the city in a slower, more rewarding way. Rome has since become one of our favorite cities in Italy.

The view of Rome from the Altar of the Fatherland

Top Experiences: The Colosseum, the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, and the Borghese Museum. Walk through the historic heart of Rome, explore Piazza Navona and Campo de’Fiori, and have dinner in Trastevere.

Our favorite experiences: In a city like Rome, it’s almost impossible to choose just one. Tyler and Kara loved renting bikes and cycling the Appian Way, a fun break from Rome’s busy streets and crowded landmarks. Tim and I loved our early morning tour of the Vatican’s secret rooms, which included low crowds in the Sistine Chapel and rooms filled with ancient treasures. And we’ll never forget our evening at Oro Bistrot rooftop bar, watching the setting sun turn the Altar of the Fatherland shades of pink and orange.

Add Rome to: A first Italy itinerary, a 7- to 10-day Rome/Florence/Venice route, or a southern Italy trip with Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento, and the Amalfi Coast.

Rome Travel Guides

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2. Florence

Florence is one of Italy’s essential cities, especially for first-time visitors. This is the birthplace of the Renaissance, home to Michelangelo’s David, Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, Brunelleschi’s dome, and some of the most beautiful architecture in Italy.

But Florence is not just a city of museums. It is compact, walkable, full of lively piazzas, rooftop views, wine bars, leather shops, and some of the best food in Tuscany.

We’ve visited Florence twice, once with Tyler and Kara and more recently with just the two of us.

Our favorite moment was seeing the Duomo for the first time. No matter how many photos you’ve seen, nothing quite prepares you for the size, color, and detail of this cathedral when you turn a corner and suddenly it fills your view. Climbing Brunelleschi’s dome for views over the red rooftops of Florence is another unforgettable experience.

Florence

Top Experiences: See Michelangelo’s David, climb the Duomo, tour the Uffizi Gallery, stroll across Ponte Vecchio, eat lots of gelato, visit the rooftop bars and restaurants, and watch the sunset over Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo.

Our favorite experiences: Seeing the Duomo for the first time is one of those Italy moments we’ll never forget, and climbing to the top of the dome made it even better, with sweeping views over Florence’s terracotta rooftops. Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo is a very close second. Some of our photos from that evening, with Florence glowing in the warm light, are still among our favorites from Italy.

Add Florence to: a first Italy itinerary, a 7- to 10-day Rome/Florence/Venice route, a Tuscany road trip, or a longer northern Italy itinerary with Bologna, Venice, Milan, and the Dolomites.

Florence Travel Guides

2 Days in Florence: Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary

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30 Best Things to Do in Florence, Italy (2026 Guide)

Florence is one of the most rewarding cities in Europe, and the best things to do in Florence range from climbing Brunelleschi’s iconic dome to watching the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo. We know this firsthand, having visited Florence twice. Our first trip was a quick day and a half visit in July with our kids. […]

3. Venice

Venice is one of the most unique places to visit in Italy, and one of the few cities in the world with no real equivalent anywhere else.

Built across a lagoon and connected by canals, bridges, and narrow pedestrian lanes, Venice feels unlike anywhere else in the country. Yes, it can be crowded, especially around St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge, but wander just a few streets away and you can find quiet canals, hidden squares, and some of the most atmospheric city views in Italy.

We’ve visited Venice three times, and our favorite moments have always been the simplest ones: wandering along the canals, crossing tiny bridges, getting a little lost, and seeing what we find around the next corner. Venice rewards slow, aimless exploration, especially early in the morning or in the evening, when the day-trippers leave and the city feels softer and quieter.

Venice

Top Experiences: Wander along the canals, take a gondola ride through the city, see St. Mark’s Square, walk across the Rialto Bridge, and visit the Doges’ Palace and Saint Mark’s Basilica.

Our favorite experiences: Simply wandering the canals is our favorite thing to do in Venice. Skip the expensive gondola and ride the vaporetto instead. For just a few euros, you cruise the entire Grand Canal, which is one of the most unexpectedly spectacular budget experiences in all of Italy. For a quieter hidden gem, climb the cupola of the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute. The view over Venice is unique, and since only a small number of people are allowed to climb each hour, it feels much more peaceful than the city’s more famous viewpoints.

Add Venice to: a first Italy itinerary, a 7- to 10-day Rome/Florence/Venice route, a northern Italy itinerary with Verona, Milan, Lake Como, and the Dolomites, or a longer trip through Italy by train.

Venice Travel Guides

20 Best Things to Do in Venice, Italy (2026 Guide)

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One Day in Venice: 3 Different Ways to Plan Your Itinerary

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4. Milan

Milan is Italy’s fashion and design capital, but for most travelers, its biggest draws are the Duomo and Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper. It does not have the same ancient, layered feel as Rome or the Renaissance charm of Florence, but Milan is still worth visiting, especially if you are traveling through northern Italy or flying in or out of the city.

We visited Milan on a day trip and made it a point to see its two most famous sights: The Last Supper and the Milan Duomo. Seeing Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece in person is a memorable experience, but the highlight for all four of us was climbing onto the rooftop of the Duomo. Walking among the spires, statues, and marble details, with views across Milan, was our favorite thing we did in the city.

Duomo in Milan

Top Experiences: See The Last Supper, visit the Milan Duomo, climb to the rooftop terraces of the Duomo, stroll through Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, visit Sforzesco Castle, explore the Brera neighborhood, and have an aperitivo in Navigli.

Our favorite experience: Climbing onto the roof of the Milan Duomo is one of the best cathedral rooftop experiences in Italy.

Add Milan to: a northern Italy itinerary, a trip that includes Lake Como, Verona, Venice, or the Dolomites, or a one-day stop if you are traveling by train through northern Italy.

Milan

Milan Day Trip: One Day Itinerary from Florence, Venice & Cinque Terre

How to plan a day trip to Milan.

Central Italy: Tuscany, Umbria & Emilia-Romagna

This is the Italy most people picture: hill towns, vineyards, medieval cathedrals, and some of the best food in the country.

5. Tuscany

Tuscany is one of the best places to visit in Italy, whether this is your first trip or your fifth. This region has a little bit of everything: Renaissance cities, medieval hill towns, rolling vineyards, cypress-lined roads, beautiful countryside, and some of the best food and wine in the country. You can visit Florence and Siena by train, but to really experience Tuscany, rent a car and spend a few days road-tripping through the hill towns and wine regions.

We’ve visited Tuscany twice, first with Tyler and Kara on a budget, using a mix of buses and a rental car to get around. More recently, Tim and I returned and spent nine days here, visiting Florence, Siena, and many of Tuscany’s smaller towns. That second trip gave us time to slow down, revisit favorite places, and better appreciate what makes this region so special.

San Gimignano

Top Experiences: Tour the hill towns of Tuscany. Siena (mentioned next) is one of the larger towns and, like Florence, makes a great home base for exploring this region. Top hill towns include San Gimignano, Pienza, Montalcino, Montepulciano, and Volterra.

Our favorite experience: Visiting the Val d’Orcia and the trio of Montalcino, Montepulciano, and Pienza in one day. We’ve done this twice, and it remains one of our favorite days in Tuscany. For wine lovers, tasting Brunello di Montalcino in Montalcino is a must, as is touring the underground wine cellars in Montepulciano. Pienza is small, beautiful, and easy to visit, with gorgeous streets, sweeping countryside views, and plenty of places to try pecorino cheese.

Add Tuscany to: a first Italy itinerary with Rome, Florence, and Venice; a 10- to 14-day Italy trip; a wine-focused getaway; or a slower road trip through central Italy.

Tuscany Travel Guides

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6. Siena

Siena is one of the best places to visit in Tuscany, especially if you love medieval cities, beautiful cathedrals, and atmospheric streets.

Smaller and quieter than Florence, Siena has a very different feel, with narrow lanes, brick buildings, grand palaces, and Piazza del Campo, one of the most beautiful main squares in Italy. It is wonderful as a day trip, but Siena also makes a great home base for exploring Tuscany’s hill towns and wine regions.

On our first visit to Italy, we fell in love with Siena. We spent five days here, using it as our base for day trips to nearby Tuscan towns.

One of our favorite experiences was visiting the Siena Cathedral, with its zebra-striped marble interior, mosaic floors, and ornate details. Even Tyler and Kara were amazed by it. In the evenings, we would bring a soccer ball to Piazza del Campo and kick it around while the city settled into a slower rhythm. Sometimes other kids would join in, and those simple evenings became some of our favorite memories from Tuscany.

Siena

Top Experiences: Wander the cobblestoned streets, overlook Siena from Torre del Mangia, visit the Siena Cathedral, and spend time in Il Campo.

Our favorite experiences: The Siena Cathedral was the highlight of our sightseeing, and it remains one of our favorite churches in Italy. But our favorite memories are just as much about the evenings we spent in Piazza del Campo, kicking around a soccer ball with Tyler and Kara while other kids occasionally joined in. Tim and I later returned to Siena on our second trip to Tuscany, again using it as a home base for day trips, and it was just as enjoyable the second time around.

Add Siena to: a Tuscany road trip, a first Italy itinerary with Florence and Rome, a 10- to 14-day Italy trip, or a slower stay focused on hill towns, wine, and countryside.

Siena Travel Guides

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The Best Things to Do in Siena, Italy

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7. Assisi

Assisi is one of the most beautiful hill towns in central Italy, best known as the birthplace of St. Francis. The Basilica of Saint Francis is the main reason many people visit, and it is well worth seeing, both for its religious significance and its fresco-filled interior. But Assisi is also a wonderful place to slow down, wander the steep stone streets, and enjoy a quieter side of Italy.

Tim and I spent two days in Assisi, which gave us time to visit the major sights and learn more about St. Francis. But our favorite experience was walking through town in the evening, when the day-trippers had left and the limestone buildings glowed under the street lamps. Assisi’s side streets are a joy to explore, with quiet lanes, stone arches, small piazzas, and beautiful views tucked around unexpected corners.

Assisi

Top Experiences: Visit the St. Francis Basilica, enjoy the view from Rocca Maggiore, stroll through the historic city center, visit the Basilica of Santa Chiara and Chiesa di Santo Stefano, and tour the Carceri Hermitage.

Our favorite experience: Walking the streets of Assisi after sunset. The town takes on a completely different feel in the evening, when the stone buildings glow in the lamplight and the narrow lanes become quiet and atmospheric.

Add Assisi to: a Tuscany or Umbria road trip, a central Italy itinerary with Siena and Orvieto, or a longer trip between Rome and Florence.

8. Bologna

Bologna is one of Italy’s most underrated cities and one of the best places to visit if food is a major reason you travel. It does not have the same blockbuster landmarks as Rome, Florence, or Venice, but that is part of its appeal. Bologna feels lively, local, and wonderfully authentic, with miles of porticoes, colorful streets, excellent restaurants, historic markets, and one of the best food scenes in Italy.

We did not visit Bologna until our sixth trip to Italy, and it quickly became one of our favorite cities in the country.

Our favorite experience was photographing and dining in the Quadrilatero, Bologna’s historic market district. The narrow lanes, food shops, wine bars, fresh pasta, hanging meats, and outdoor tables make this one of the most photogenic and fun places to explore in the city. Taking a cooking class, where we learned how to make fresh pasta, was another highlight.

Top experiences: Explore Piazza Maggiore, climb the Asinelli Tower, wander the Quadrilatero, walk beneath Bologna’s porticoes, visit the Basilica di San Petronio, see the Archiginnasio, take a food tour or cooking class, and day trip to nearby cities such as Modena, Parma, or Ferrara.

Our favorite experiences: Photographing and dining in the Quadrilatero was our favorite thing to do in Bologna. It is colorful, lively, delicious, and exactly the kind of place where you can wander without much of a plan and still have a fantastic afternoon. Our pasta-making class was another highlight, and walking beneath Bologna’s long porticoes is not to be missed. We also day-tripped to the supercar museums, including Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Pagani. They were interesting to see, but for us, the food, markets, and atmosphere of Bologna were far more memorable.

Add Bologna to: a northern Italy itinerary, a food-focused trip through Emilia-Romagna, a route between Florence and Venice, or a second trip to Italy once you’ve already seen the classic cities.

The Ligurian Coast

Two very different stops that pair naturally together on a trip between Florence and the north.

9. Cinque Terre

The Cinque Terre is one of the most scenic stretches of coastline in Italy, with five colorful villages tucked between steep hills and the Ligurian Sea.

It is famous for its hiking trails, sea views, pastel-colored buildings, and small harbors, and it is a great choice if you want to add coastal scenery to an Italy itinerary. The villages are compact and easy to connect by train, but to really appreciate Cinque Terre, spend at least one full day walking the trails or exploring by boat.

We spent two and a half days in Cinque Terre in July with Tyler and Kara. Our visit started with dinner and sunset in Riomaggiore, a beautiful introduction to this part of Italy. The following day, we hiked between the Cinque Terre towns. It was hot, crowded in places, and a tough hike for Kara, who was only 9 at the time, but it was also a gorgeous way to experience the coastline, with views of terraced hillsides, vineyards, blue water, and colorful villages along the way.

Riomaggiore

Top Experiences: Exploring the five towns…Riomaggiore, Vernazza, Monterosso al Mare, Manarola, and Corniglia. If you like hiking, you can hike between all five towns in one day. The more you hike the more gelato you get to eat. 😉 End in Monterosso and cool off with a quick swim in the Mediterranean.

Our favorite experience: Our favorite memory from Cinque Terre was spending our final afternoon on the beach in Monterosso. We rented a floating boat with a slide, and Tyler and Kara had an absolute blast jumping, sliding, and playing in the water. After a hot day of hiking, it was the perfect way to slow down and enjoy the coast as a family.

Add Cinque Terre to: a first Italy itinerary with Florence, Rome, and Venice; a northern Italy trip; a Tuscany itinerary; or a coastal-focused route through Liguria and the Italian Riviera.

Cinque Terre

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10. Pisa

Pisa is best known for one thing: the Leaning Tower. While there is more to the city than its famous tilted landmark, most travelers visit Pisa for a few hours to see the tower, cathedral, baptistery, and Piazza dei Miracoli. It works well as a quick stop while traveling between Florence, Tuscany, and the Cinque Terre.

We visited Pisa in transit between Siena and the Cinque Terre, with just enough time to see the Leaning Tower and explore Piazza dei Miracoli. It was a short visit, but still a memorable one. Our favorite part was taking those somewhat cheesy photos with the tower, and Tyler and Kara loved every minute of it.

Leaning Tower of Pisa

Top experiences: See the Leaning Tower of Pisa, take photos in Piazza dei Miracoli, visit the Pisa Cathedral and Baptistery, climb the Leaning Tower, and stroll through the historic center if you have extra time.

Our favorite experience: Taking silly photos with the Leaning Tower. It is touristy, but it was also a lot of fun, especially with kids.

Add Pisa to: a Tuscany itinerary, a Florence day trip, or a travel day between Siena, Florence, Lucca, and the Cinque Terre.

Pisa

Pisa Day Trip: How to Visit the Leaning Tower from Florence

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Northern Italy

Often overlooked in favor of the classic cities, northern Italy rewards travelers who venture up into the Alps and the lake district.

11. The Dolomites

The Dolomites are our favorite place in Italy. If you love hiking, mountain scenery, and the outdoors, this is one of the most spectacular places to visit in Italy, and one of the most beautiful mountain destinations in the world.

The jagged peaks, alpine meadows, turquoise lakes, and winding mountain roads are so stunning that they can feel almost unreal. Even if you are not a big hiker, the Dolomites are still worth visiting, since scenic drives and a network of cable cars make many of the best views easy to reach.

We’ve visited the Dolomites twice. On our first trip, Tyler and Kara were still kids, and we spent three days here. We loved it so much that we were already planning a return trip before we left. Later, we came back when they were young adults and spent nine memorable days exploring more of the region. Those scenic drives through mountain passes, connecting small towns, alpine lakes, and trailheads, are part of what makes the Dolomites so special.

Seceda

Lago di Braies

Top experiences: Drive the mountain passes, ride the cable cars, hike Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Puez Odle Altopiano, and Cadini di Misurina, visit Lago di Braies and Lago di Misurina, spend time in Val Gardena, and have lunch at a mountain rifugio with panoramic views.

Our favorite experiences: Our favorite hikes in the Dolomites are the Puez-Odle Altopiano, Tre Cime di Lavaredo, and Cadini di Misurina. But our favorite day in the Dolomites began with Cinque Torri, continued with a hike to Rifugio Averau and Rifugio Nuvolau, and ended with a cable car ride to Tofana di Mezzo. Having lunch at a rifugio surrounded by panoramic mountain views was unforgettable, and finishing the day with even more sweeping views from Tofana di Mezzo made it one of our favorite days in Italy.

Add the Dolomites to: a northern Italy itinerary, a road trip through northern Italy, or any Italy trip focused on hiking, scenery, and the outdoors.

Dolomites Travel Guides

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See all of our articles on the Dolomites

12. Verona

Verona is one of northern Italy’s most captivating cities, with Roman ruins, colorful streets, lively piazzas, and a historic center that is a joy to explore on foot. It is best known as the setting of Romeo and Juliet, but there is much more to Verona than Juliet’s balcony.

The city has a beautiful Roman arena, elegant squares, riverside views, and a relaxed feel that makes it a wonderful alternative, or addition, to Italy’s more famous cities.

Tim and I visited Verona as a day trip, and it quickly became one of those places we wished we had given more time. The streets were fun to wander, the historic center felt less crowded than many other Italian cities we visited, and the city had an easygoing charm that really won us over. We would love to return on a future trip to Italy and spend a night or two here.

Verona

Top Experiences: Walk across Ponte Scaligero, visit Piazza delle Erbe, visit the Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore, overlook Verona from Piazzale Castel San Pietro, and stroll through the town in the evening (the passieggiata). The busiest spot is Juliette’s house, but it’s a must see.

Our favorite experience: Simply exploring the historic city center. Verona is one of those cities where the best moments come from wandering without much of a plan, turning down side streets, lingering in the piazzas, and enjoying the slower pace.

Add Verona to: a northern Italy itinerary, a route between Milan and Venice, a Lake Garda trip, or a longer itinerary with the Dolomites, Bologna, and Venice.

Verona

12 Best Things to Do in Verona, Italy (+ One Day Itinerary)

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13. Lake Garda

Best for: lake views, scenic towns, boat rides, hiking, northern Italy road trips
How long: 2 to 3 days
Best time: May, September, early October

Lake Garda is Italy’s largest lake, with colorful lakeside towns, mountain views, beaches, boat rides, castles, and scenic roads that circle the shoreline. The northern end of the lake feels more alpine, with dramatic mountains and great hiking, while the southern end is warmer and more resort-like, with towns such as Sirmione that are fun to explore on foot. It is a great addition to a northern Italy itinerary, especially if you want a mix of scenery, small towns, and time by the water.

We spent three days at Lake Garda during the start of a European heat wave in July, beginning in Riva del Garda and working our way south to Sirmione, where we spent several nights. The lakeside towns are gorgeous and fun to visit, and we thoroughly explored the lake, including a boat ride and a hike to Punta Larici, which has some of the best views over Lake Garda.

Lake Garda

Top Experiences: Visit Sirmione, explore Scaligero Castle, take a boat trip to Isola del Garda, spend the afternoon in Riva del Garda, and visit the lakeside towns of Malcesine and Limone sul Garda.

Our favorite experience: Hiking to Punta Larici. The trail leads to a spectacular viewpoint over Lake Garda, with sweeping views of the lake, mountains, and shoreline. It was one of the highlights of our time here and a great way to experience the more dramatic northern end of the lake.

Good to know: Lake Garda is beautiful, but visiting in the hot, crowded peak of summer was not our favorite experience. We think it would be much more enjoyable in May or from mid-September into early October, when the weather is cooler and the crowds are lighter.

Add Lake Garda to: a northern Italy itinerary, a trip with Verona and Venice, a Dolomites road trip, or a longer route through Milan, Lake Como, and the Italian Lakes.

Lake Garda Travel Guides

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14. Lake Como

Lake Como is one of the most beautiful places to visit in northern Italy, with elegant villas, colorful lakeside towns, mountain views, and ferries that connect the small towns along the water. It feels more polished and refined than Lake Garda, and even with just one day, you can get a wonderful introduction to the lake by visiting Bellagio, Varenna, or Como and taking a boat ride past the villas.

We visited Lake Como on a day trip from Lugano and enjoyed it even more than Lake Garda. Our favorite experience was walking the streets of Bellagio, one of the prettiest towns on the lake. Its steep lanes, lakefront promenade, flower-filled balconies, and boutique shops make it a joy to explore, even if you only have a few hours.

Bellagio

Bellagio and Lake Como

Top Experiences: Visit classy Bellagio, explore the town of Varenna, cruise past the villas on Lake Como, and visit Villa Carlotta and Villa del Balbianello

Our favorite experiences: Walking through Bellagio was our favorite part of Lake Como. I especially loved photographing Salita Serbelloni, with its stone steps, colorful buildings, and classic Lake Como charm. A one-hour boat tour to see the villas was a close second, and it was a beautiful way to experience the lake from the water.

Add Lake Como to: a northern Italy itinerary, a trip with Milan and the Dolomites, a Swiss-Italy itinerary, or a longer route through the Italian Lakes.

15. Aosta Valley (Valle d’Aosta)

Aosta Valley is one of Italy’s best destinations for mountain scenery, outdoor adventures, and a quieter alpine experience.

Tucked into the far northwest corner of Italy, this region is bordered by France and Switzerland and is home to some of the highest peaks in the Alps, including Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa, and the Matterhorn. It is a wonderful place to visit if you want hiking, skiing, castles, cable cars, scenic drives, and small mountain towns.

So far, we have only driven through Aosta Valley, but it is high on our list for a future trip to Italy. Even from the road, the mountain scenery is spectacular, and this region feels very different from the classic Italy itinerary of Rome, Florence, and Venice. Nearby, we rode the cable car from Courmayeur toward Chamonix, one of the most dramatic cable car experiences in the Alps, and it made us even more eager to return and spend more time in this part of Italy.

The Panoramic Mont-Blanc cable car

Aosta Valley | shutterstock.com/leoks

Top Experiences: Tour the castles in Aosta Valley, ride the Panoramic Mont-Blanc cable car, and go hiking in Gran Paradiso National Park. This is also a top skiing destination in Italy in the winter months.

Add Aosta Valley to: a northern Italy itinerary, an Alps-focused road trip, a Switzerland and Italy itinerary, or a return trip to Italy once you’ve already visited the classic cities.

Southern Italy & the Amalfi Coast

The south moves at a different pace, and this cluster of destinations is best explored together. Most travelers base themselves in Sorrento and day trip from there.

16. The Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s most dramatic and beautiful coastlines, with colorful towns clinging to steep cliffs, winding roads, beach clubs, lemon groves, boat tours, and some of the most famous views in the country.

It is gorgeous, but it can also be crowded, expensive, and challenging to get around, especially in summer. Even so, the Amalfi Coast is one of those places that can feel truly unforgettable, particularly if you give yourself enough time to slow down and enjoy it from the water, the hiking trails, and a terrace with a view.

We’ve visited the Amalfi Coast twice. Our first visit was with Tyler and Kara during our first trip to Italy. It was summer, hot, and crowded, but one of our favorite memories from that trip was renting kayaks in Positano. On a hot summer day, paddling along the coast was the perfect family-friendly break from sightseeing, and it gave us a completely different perspective of Positano from the water.

Tim and I later returned and spent two weeks in the area, including one week in Sorrento. On this trip, our favorite memory was our splurge stay at Villa Boheme in Positano. We had a wide terrace with panoramic views over Positano, where we started each morning with breakfast and ended the day watching the sunset. It was one of our most memorable hotel stays in Italy.

Positano

Top Experiences: Visit the towns on the Amalfi Coast such as Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello. Take a boat tour along the coast, go shopping, hike the Path of the Gods, dine with a view of the sunset, relax on the beach, and go wine tasting on the Amalfi Coast Wine Road.

Our favorite experiences: Kayaking in Positano was our favorite memory from our first visit with Tyler and Kara. On our return trip, hiking the Path of the Gods was another highlight, as was spending an afternoon wine tasting at Tenuta San Francesco. We also drove the entire Amalfi Coast road and took a private full-day boat tour along the coast, which was one of the best ways to appreciate just how beautiful this coastline really is.

Add the Amalfi Coast to: a first or second Italy itinerary, a southern Italy trip with Naples, Pompeii, Capri, and Sorrento, a romantic getaway, or a longer route from Rome through Campania.

Amalfi Coast Travel Guides

17 Beautiful Towns on the Amalfi Coast (+Map & Photos)

Dotting the dramatic coastal cliffs of the Amalfi Coast are small, colorful towns that are a delight to explore. Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello are some of the most famous, but some of the smaller, less known towns, such as Tramonti and Nerano, are well worth some of your precious time. In this guide, we list […]

How to Plan an Epic Amalfi Coast Itinerary | From 2 Days to One Week

Visits to beautiful coastal towns, wine tastings, dinner and drinks with a view, shopping, boat tours, relaxing on the beach…these are all the wonderful experiences that you can have on the Amalfi Coast. If you are planning your Amalfi Coast itinerary, there are multiple ways to do it. For those on a whirlwind tour through […]

17. Sorrento

Sorrento is one of the best places to stay in southern Italy if you want to day trip to the Amalfi Coast, Capri, Pompeii, and Naples. It does not have the cliffside drama of Positano or the island glamour of Capri, but it is more practical, with good transportation connections, a wide range of hotels, lots of restaurants, and beautiful views across the Bay of Naples. For many travelers, Sorrento makes visiting this part of Italy much easier.

We’ve stayed in Sorrento twice. On our first visit, it was our home base for exploring the Amalfi Coast and Capri with Tyler and Kara. More recently, Tim and I returned and spent a full week here, using Sorrento as a base while also enjoying the town itself. It is a great place to settle in for a few days, especially if you want to mix day trips with relaxed evenings, good food, and sunset views.

Sorrento

Top experiences: Use Sorrento as a base for Capri, Pompeii, Naples, and the Amalfi Coast, stroll through the historic center, visit Marina Grande, watch the sunset over the Bay of Naples, take a cooking class, go limoncello tasting, and have dinner with a view.

Our favorite experiences: Eating was our favorite part of Sorrento. We had two amazing dinners at Ristorante Lorelei, a Michelin-starred restaurant with beautiful views; the first dinner was so good that we went back again. Fauno Bar became our favorite place for Gnocchi alla Sorrentina, and we also had a wonderful lunch at Ristorante Bagni Delfino in Marina Grande. Sorrento may be best known as a home base, but for us, the food was one of the highlights.

Add Sorrento to: a southern Italy itinerary, a trip with the Amalfi Coast, Capri, Pompeii, and Naples, or a first Italy itinerary that includes Rome and the Campania region.

18. Capri

Capri is one of Italy’s most famous islands, known for its dramatic coastline, sea caves, luxury hotels, designer shops, beach clubs, and sweeping views over the Bay of Naples.

Many people visit Capri as a day trip from Sorrento or the Amalfi Coast, which works well if you want to take a boat tour, see the Blue Grotto, and explore Capri town or Anacapri. Stay overnight, and you’ll get to experience a quieter side of the island once the day-trippers leave.

We’ve visited Capri twice, first with Tyler and Kara and later with just the two of us. On our first visit, the highlight was taking a boat tour around the island and visiting the Blue Grotto. It was a beautiful way to see Capri’s cliffs, caves, and bright blue water, although Tyler was on the verge of getting seasick in the hot July sun.

On our return trip, Tim and I rented a scooter and spent the day exploring more of the island, which was a lot of fun and gave us much more freedom.

Capri

Via Krupp, Capri

Top Experiences: Take a boat ride around the circumference of the entire island, visit the Blue Grotto, or take the chairlift up to Monte Solaro for views like this photo.

Our favorite experience: Taking a boat tour around Capri and visiting the Blue Grotto was our favorite experience on the island. It is touristy, and conditions can be hot and crowded in summer, but seeing Capri from the water is unforgettable.

Add Capri to: a southern Italy itinerary, a trip based in Sorrento or the Amalfi Coast, a first Italy itinerary that includes Rome and Campania, or a romantic coastal getaway.

Capri Travel Guides

One Day in Capri: How to Plan the Perfect Capri Day Trip

Planning a day trip to Capri from Sorrento, Naples, or Positano? One day in Capri is absolutely enough time to hit the highlights: a boat tour around the island, the Blue Grotto, the Monte Solaro chairlift, and a stroll through Capri town, if you plan your time well and get an early start. We’ve done […]

The Best Things to Do in Capri, Italy (And What to Skip)

The island of Capri, Italy is one of the most spectacular places to visit on the Amalfi Coast. The best things to do in Capri include taking a boat tour around the island, visiting the glowing Blue Grotto, riding the chairlift up to Monte Solaro, and exploring the towns of Capri and Anacapri. But the […]

19. Pompeii

Pompeii is one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in the world and one of the best places to visit in Italy if you are interested in ancient history. Buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, the city is remarkably well preserved, with streets, homes, shops, temples, bathhouses, frescoes, and even fast-food counters that give you a vivid look at daily life in ancient Rome.

We visited Pompeii while staying in Sorrento, and our favorite experience was simply walking through the ancient streets and seeing the ruins up close. It is one thing to read about Pompeii, but it is something else entirely to stand inside the city, surrounded by buildings that are nearly 2,000 years old, and imagine what life was like here before the eruption.

Pompeii

Top experiences: Walk the ancient streets, visit the Forum, see the House of the Faun, tour the bathhouses, visit the amphitheater, see the frescoes and mosaics, and add on Mount Vesuvius if you have a full day.

Add Pompeii to: a southern Italy itinerary, a trip based in Naples or Sorrento, a Rome-to-Amalfi Coast route, or a first Italy itinerary that includes Campania.

The Deep South & Islands

These are the destinations that turn Italy lovers into Italy obsessives. These places are wilder, less visited, and completely different in character from the north.

20. Puglia

Puglia is one of the best places to visit in Italy if you want beautiful towns, coastal scenery, unique architecture, and a quieter alternative to the country’s more famous destinations. Located in the heel of Italy’s boot, Puglia is best explored by car, with time to visit its whitewashed towns, seaside villages, olive groves, beaches, and historic cities.

Tim and I spent about eight days in Puglia, staying in Vieste, Alberobello, and Lecce. Alberobello was the highlight of our trip. Sleeping in a trullo and photographing the town’s cone-shaped houses made this one of the most memorable places we visited in southern Italy. Vieste was also very nice, with its old town, sea views, and access to the Gargano Peninsula.

We visited at the beginning of October, when some hotels and restaurants were just starting to close for the season. It was a very quiet time to be here, which we enjoyed, but it is something to keep in mind if you visit late in the season.

Alberobello

Grotta Palazzese in Polignano a Mare

Top Experiences: See the trulli houses in Alberobello, go swimming or take a boat tour of the coastal cliffs at Torre Sant’Andrea, visit Polignano a Mare, and visit Gargano National Park.

Our favorite experiences: Alberobello was our favorite place in Puglia, especially staying overnight in a trullo and photographing the town in the quieter hours of the day. Lunch at Grotta Palazzese was another highlight, with its dramatic cave setting overlooking the sea.

Add Puglia to: a southern Italy road trip, a second or third trip to Italy, a route with Matera and the Amalfi Coast, or a longer itinerary focused on beaches, small towns, and quieter destinations.

Puglia

15 Beautiful Places to Visit in Puglia, Italy

Our favorite places to visit in Puglia.

21. Matera

Matera is one of the most unique places to visit in Italy. Famous for its ancient cave dwellings, rock churches, and honey-colored stone buildings, Matera looks completely different from the classic Italy destinations of Rome, Florence, or Venice. It is one of those places that feels both historic and atmospheric, and it is especially rewarding for photographers and travelers who enjoy exploring on foot.

We loved Matera. Our favorite thing to do was simply wander the side streets and photograph the city, which is incredibly photogenic from almost every angle. Staying overnight in a cave hotel made the experience even more memorable and gave us a chance to enjoy Matera after the day-trippers left.

Matera

Top Experiences: Sleep in a cave, stroll the streets of the old town, visit Murgia Materana Park, visit the Rock Church, take photos from the viewpoints throughout town, watch the sunset, and dine in Matera’s fantastic restaurants.

Our favorite experiences: Exploring the side streets and photographing Matera was our favorite part of visiting the city. It is one of the most photogenic places we have been in Italy. Staying in a cave hotel was also a highlight and made the experience feel even more special. We also really enjoyed hiking in Murgia Materana Park, where you get a different perspective of Matera from across the gorge.

Add Matera to: a southern Italy road trip, a trip through Puglia and Basilicata, a longer itinerary with the Amalfi Coast and Puglia, or a return trip to Italy once you have seen the classic cities.

22. Sicily

Sicily is one of the best places to visit in Italy if you want a mix of ancient ruins, dramatic landscapes, coastal towns, lively cities, and incredible food.

This island feels very different from mainland Italy, with Greek temples, Norman cathedrals, Baroque towns, volcanic scenery, beaches, and a long, layered history. It is best explored with a car and enough time to move slowly, especially if you want to see more than one region of the island.

Sicily was our most recent trip to Italy, from the end of October into November. Tim and I road-tripped the entire perimeter of the island, visiting coastal towns, historic cities, archaeological sites, and Mount Etna. Hiking on Mount Etna was one of the highlights. We could not go all the way to the summit since the volcano was active, but standing on its slopes was still thrilling and one of the most memorable experiences of the trip.

Ancient Theater in Taormina

Valley of the Temples

Top experiences: Hike Mount Etna, visit Taormina, explore Palermo, visit Monreale Cathedral, road trip through the Val di Noto, see the Valley of the Temples, visit Cefalù, explore Ortigia and Syracuse, and try Sicilian specialties such as arancini, cannoli, granita, and pasta alla Norma.

Our favorite experiences: Hiking on Mount Etna was one of the most exciting things we did in Sicily. We also loved Taormina, with its gorgeous setting, beautiful streets, coastal views, and fun restaurant scene. It was the kind of place where we enjoyed wandering at all hours of the day and trying a new restaurant each night. Other highlights of our Sicily road trip included Cefalù, the Val di Noto, the Valley of the Temples, and Monreale Cathedral.

Add Sicily to: a second or third trip to Italy, a southern Italy itinerary, a food-focused trip, or a longer road trip for travelers who want beaches, ancient ruins, historic towns, and volcanic landscapes.

Sicily Travel Guides

The 15 Very Best Things to Do in Sicily

Explore ancient Greek ruins, go hiking on Mount Etna, visit charming coastal cities and hillside towns, relax on the beach, go wine tasting, and see how many cannoli you can eat…these all top the list of things to do in Sicily. We are frequent visitors to Italy, and Sicily completely won us over. Tim and […]

The Ultimate Two Week Sicily Road Trip Itinerary

This two week Sicily itinerary is done as a road trip, making one loop around the island. On this itinerary, explore Sicily’s most beautiful cities, climb Mount Etna, explore ancient Greek temples, stroll through picturesque hill towns, taste Modica’s famous chocolate, and spend some time on the beach. We spent just over two and a […]

7 Days in Sicily: Easy to Plan & No Car Required

There are many different ways to plan a trip to Sicily. For those with limited time, this 7-day Sicily itinerary includes a few of the island’s must-see spots and is very easy to plan. You’ll need flights in and out of Catania, one hotel reservation, and a few tours. One of the best things about […]

23. Sardinia

Sardinia is one of Italy’s top destinations for beaches, turquoise water, rugged coastline, and island scenery. Located west of mainland Italy, this large island is best explored with a car and enough time to visit several coastal areas, small towns, archaeological sites, and beaches. Sardinia is especially popular in summer, but June, September, and early October are better choices if you want warm weather with fewer crowds.

We have not been to Sardinia yet, but we could not leave it off this list. With its famous beaches, boat trips along the Gulf of Orosei, hiking trails, historic towns, and unique island culture, Sardinia is one of the places in Italy we most want to visit on a future trip.

mitchFOTO/shutterstock.com

Top Experiences: Costa Smeralda (the Emerald Coast); Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia; visit Su Nuraghe of Barumini, an archaeological site that dates back to 1900 to 730 BCE; relax on the beaches; cruise around the island

Add Sardinia to: a beach-focused Italy trip, a summer island getaway, a second or third trip to Italy, or a longer itinerary for travelers who want to pair culture with time on the coast.

Hidden Gems

Small enough to visit in half a day, but worth going out of your way for.

24. Castelmezzano

Castelmezzano is one of Italy’s most picturesque small towns, tucked into the jagged peaks of the Dolomiti Lucane in southern Italy. Tiny, scenic, and far less visited than Italy’s major destinations, it is a great stop if you enjoy road trips, mountain scenery, and places that feel a little more unexpected.

The highlight of our visit was riding the Angel’s Flight zipline from Castelmezzano to Pietrapertosa. It is one of the most unique ziplines we’ve ever done, soaring between two mountaintop towns with incredible views along the way. Beyond the zipline, both villages are tiny, charming, and quick to explore, making this a fun and memorable stop on a southern Italy itinerary.

Castelmezzano

Top experiences: Ride the Angel’s Flight zipline, explore Castelmezzano, walk the streets of Pietrapertosa, enjoy the mountain scenery, and take in the views on a scenic drive through Basilicata.

Add Castelmezzano to: a southern Italy road trip, a trip with Matera and Puglia, or a return visit to Italy if you want something more off the beaten path.

25. San Marino

San Marino is one of the smallest countries in the world, completely surrounded by Italy, and it makes a wonderful day trip if you are traveling through Emilia-Romagna or the Adriatic coast. Perched on Mount Titano, the historic center is small, scenic, and easy to explore, with stone streets, medieval towers, sweeping views, and a setting that feels very different from the rest of this Italy itinerary.

Tim and I visited San Marino on a day trip and loved it. The mountaintop setting is spectacular, with views stretching across the countryside and toward the Adriatic Sea. The town itself is compact and fun to wander, with steep lanes, viewpoints, small shops, and castle-like towers that make San Marino feel more like a fairytale hill town than a capital city.

San Marino

Top experiences: Climb the towers of San Marino, walk between the fortresses, explore the historic center, visit Piazza della Libertà, take in the views from Mount Titano, and wander the narrow streets and viewpoints.

Our favorite experience: Climbing the towers for even better views over San Marino and Italy. I had raced IRONMAN Italy the day before, so the hills and stair climbs were challenging and more than a little painful, but the views from the top made the effort worth it.

Add San Marino to: a northern or central Italy road trip, a route through Emilia-Romagna, a trip with Bologna and Ravenna, or a longer Italy itinerary if you want to visit one of Europe’s smallest countries.

Places to Visit in Italy: On a Map

Italy Itinerary Ideas

Once you have a few places picked out, these itinerary guides can help you turn them into a realistic route:

• 10 Days in Italy: Our most popular Italy itinerary guide, with five different ways to plan a 10-day trip.
• 14 Days in Italy: Two-week Italy itinerary ideas, including classic routes and options for northern and southern Italy.
• Northern Italy Itinerary: Milan, Lake Como, Verona, Venice, the Dolomites, and more.
• Tuscany Itinerary: Florence, Siena, the Val d’Orcia, hill towns, wineries, and scenic drives.
• Amalfi Coast Itinerary: Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, Capri, Pompeii, and Sorrento.
• Southern Italy Itinerary: Campania, Basilicata, Puglia, and some of the best road trip destinations in southern Italy.
• Sicily Itinerary: Palermo, Cefalu, Taormina, Mount Etna, Syracuse, Ortigia, Val di Noto, Valley of the Temples, and Monreale.

When is the Best Time to Visit Italy?

Spring (April to June)

This is a great time to visit Italy. The weather is warm but not too hot, wildflowers are in bloom, the fields in Tuscany are green, and crowds are smaller than in summer. Spring is perfect for sightseeing in cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice, as well as hiking along the Amalfi Coast or Cinque Terre.

Summer (July to August)

Expect hot temperatures and big crowds, especially in major cities and coastal areas. Beaches are lively, but hotel prices are highest. This is the best time to go hiking in the Dolomites.

Autumn (September to November)

This is our favorite time to visit Italy, specifically from late September through mid-October. The weather is still warm, plus there are fewer tourists and lower prices. Vineyards are active with harvest, and it’s a fantastic time to visit the major cities, Tuscany, and Sicily.

Winter (December to March)

Cities are quieter (except around Christmas), prices drop, and it’s a great time to explore Rome, Florence, or Venice without the crowds. Go to the Dolomites or Aosta for skiing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the number one place to visit in Italy?

Rome is the best place to start for most first-time visitors because it has ancient ruins, world-famous landmarks, Vatican City, excellent food, and easy connections to other parts of Italy.

What are the best places to visit in Italy for a first trip?

Rome, Florence, and Venice are the best places for a first trip to Italy. With more time, add Tuscany, the Cinque Terre, the Amalfi Coast, or the Dolomites.

How many places can you visit in Italy in 10 days?

For 10 days in Italy, plan on visiting three to four places. A classic route is Rome, Florence, and Venice, with time for a day trip or a short stay in Tuscany or the Cinque Terre.

What is the prettiest place in Italy?

This depends on your travel style, but the Dolomites, Amalfi Coast, Lake Como, Cinque Terre, Venice, and Tuscany are among the most scenic places in Italy.

What is the best place in Italy for hiking?

The Dolomites are the best place in Italy for hiking, with spectacular trails, mountain huts, cable cars, and some of the most dramatic alpine scenery in Europe.

What is the best month to visit Italy?

May, June, September, and October are some of the best months to visit Italy, with generally pleasant weather and fewer crowds than July and August.

Final Thoughts

Italy is the kind of country you can return to again and again and still feel like you have only scratched the surface. On a first trip, Rome, Florence, and Venice are hard to beat. But some of our favorite memories have come from going beyond the classic route: hiking in the Dolomites, wandering the streets of Bologna, road-tripping through Tuscany and Sicily, kayaking in Positano, and watching the evening light settle over Assisi.

If this is your first visit to Italy, choose a few places that fit your travel style and give yourself enough time to enjoy them. And if you leave with a list of places you still want to see, that is completely normal. Italy has a way of pulling you back.