Best Places To Visit In Italy - Try Not To Miss These Places

Not only does Italy have just a warm Mediterranean climate that is suitable for year-round travel, but it is also a tourist country that attracts more than 50 million visitors per year.

The best places to visit in Italy come in many varieties: priceless ancient ruins and unique architecture and attractions. Besides Italy's places to visit, there is also the rich and unique culture-food-fashion fusion.

Italy is one of the most unique and wonderful representatives of European tourism that we must mention - an ancient country with Western culture and charming, romantic scenery.

Coming to this location, every visitor's heart is captured by how romantic this country is. Italy has long been known for its ancient architectural beauty, as well as the unique cultures of each region. Beautiful tourist destinations in Italy include Amalfi Town, Portofino fishing village, Bellagio village, Millan, Adriatic Sea, and others listed below.

Pro tip: Austria and Italy are close neighbours, so there’s no reason not to include two of them for one big trip! Check out the perfect places to spend your days exploring in Austria here.

Amalfi

Amalfi is a lovely old town on the Amalfi Coast. It is located in the province of Salerno in Southern Italy. The coastal town was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 due to its stunning landscape of cliffs, rocky coastline, sprawling towns, and breathtaking lush forests.

The town's architecture is unique, with beautiful whitewashed houses and picturesque narrow winding streets. When visiting the greatest places to visit in Italy like these, it’s best to not only admire the poetic scenery but also sample the local delicacies. 

The beautiful romantic scene on Italy's Furore coast. Photo by Sebastian Leonhardt on Unsplash

If you have the chance to explore and drive along the Amalfi coast, you will get to see 13 different villages and towns on the way. Each mysterious land you pass through will leave an imprint on your mind. The spirit of adventure compels you to feel more and explore to the fullest. 

Amalfi Street is a maze of narrow streets lined with grand villas surrounded by gardens. Locals value ancient craft traditions like Amalfi brocade, ceramics, handmade paper, and so on.

As a result, there are numerous small souvenir shops in the area. Furthermore, the Amalfi Coast is well-known for its Limoncello wine, which is made from local lemon varieties that are succulent, juicy, and aromatic.

Portofino

Portofino is a small fishing village on the Italian coast of Liguria. This fishing village is famous for its rare beauty and has become one of the most attractive Italy's places to visit. Hollywood stars like Elizabeth Taylor, Julia Roberts, Tom Cruise, and Beyoncé adore and love to pay it a visit for relaxation.

This commune has a peaceful, rustic, but poetic setting. The warm yet cool climate, as well as the seclusion afforded by the hills and vegetation, make Portofino a sought-after getaway immersed in nature.

The Bobbio Monastery of Saint Columbanus used to own the village. Portofino, like many other European cities and towns, has gone through a period of change of ownership. It was once owned by a noble, who sold it to another noble, and so on.

Visitors coming to the main square can enjoy traditional specialities or simply sit and gaze out at the vastness of the Ligurian Sea. The bustling centre is surrounded by a plethora of shops, art galleries, and restaurants, making it an ideal gathering spot. You should also try a cable car in Portofino, Italy, to appreciate the ocean's majestic blue beauty.

The beautiful city of Riomaggiore in Cinque Terre, Italy. Photo by Kristine Tanne on Unsplash

On the picturesque winding alleys are shops selling high-end goods such as Gucci and Prada products. There are also oil paintings or porcelain paintings depicting Portofino scenes on sale. Visitors can spend hours looking at or purchasing a few souvenirs about a land blessed by nature on all sides.

Rome

Rome is the capital of Italy. With a history of over 2500 years and unique architecture, it is undoubtedly one of Italy's best cities. Come to Rome to see exemplary and ancient architecture from the ancient Roman empire, as well as modern European-style buildings.

When visiting Italy, every visitor should take some time to admire the eternal beauty of an ancient citadel in a mysterious atmosphere mixed with charming scenery. We are sure you won’t regret it! 

Colosseum in Rome - one of the seven wonders of the world. Photo by David Köhler on Unsplash

The Vatican city, located in the heart of Rome, is the world's smallest independent country. It is considered the centre of the Roman Catholic Church and a great place of pilgrimage for believers.

St. Peter's Basilica, located in the square of the same name, is a late Renaissance-style Catholic church. The place is home to some of the most famous paintings and sculptures in the world.

The Vatican's economy is unique in that it is supported by sales of postage stamps and tourist souvenirs, museum admission fees, and religious and cultural publications.

The Colosseum is where Rome's past glory, as well as its brutal heart, is revealed. The oval amphitheatre is the embodiment of Rome. Full of glory, brutality, genius, and fear, the Colosseum is a must-see if you want to take a look back at the glorious history of the Roman Empire.

Venice

Venice, famous for its canals and beautiful small bridges, is poetic, romantic, and ancient. Many people dream of visiting it. Venice is one of the best places in Italy. The “city of canals” is bathed in charming and polite beauty, just like the people who live here.

The whole place is a great treasure that no tourist visiting Italy should miss. Venice is a work of art, with a network of canals crisscrossing the city centre and ancient Roman architectural works. Visitors can rent small boats to travel and experience the peaceful life of the people here.

View of Venice's Grand Canal - a spectacular scenery anyone must visit once in their life. Photo by Kit Suman on Unsplash

The city is alluring and full of history. It has over 120 renaissance-style churches, 100 bell towers, 40 palaces, and so on. Every year, more than 25 million tourists visit Venice to experience the landscape, architecture, and way of life of this Northeastern Italian city.

Piazza San Marco, also known as St Mark's Square, is one of the most famous squares in the world, representing the soul of the Venetians. The attraction’s scope includes many landmarks such as the Basilica of San Marco, the Doge's Palace, the Campanile Bell Tower, and so on. Thousands of tourists visit the Square every day during the peak tourist season.

Florence

Florence, no matter what time of year, is always one of the top destinations in Europe and the world. The city is located in the heart of Italy and is consistently ranked among the world's most popular tourist destinations.

Among the Italian places to visit (and maybe even in Europe), you won't find another place like it. Coming here, you'll be transported back in time as you experience the splendour of the Renaissance and admire some of Florence’s most beautiful monuments.

Florence Church - the fourth largest church in the world. Photo by Ali Nuredini on Unsplash

Many travellers agree that the best time to visit Florence is between April and June, or between September and December. Because the weather is pleasant at this time of year, neither too hot nor too humid.

The low season, when the number of tourists drops, is ideal for walking and exploring beautiful tourist destinations. However, rainfall may happen during this time, so take some umbrellas and waterproof bags for precaution.

UNESCO has designated the Florence area as a world cultural heritage site. True to the title, there is no place in this city that does not draw the attention of visitors. If you enjoy European Renaissance history, don't skip Florence on your itinerary. Michelangelo's David, Boboli Gardens, and Pitti Palace are some of Florence's most famous landmarks.

Manarola

Manarola is located near the Mediterranean Sea in the Cinque Terre region. It is the area’s oldest village, dating back to the 14th century. To get to the Cinque Terre region, visitors have to take the train from La Spezia.

This brilliant fishing village in Northern Italy has been designated a world cultural heritage site by UNESCO. Manarola is made up of five small fishing villages with colourful houses built on craggy rocky peaks. 

Spectacular Cinque Terre Village, Manarola, Italy. Photo by Bjorn Snelders on Unsplash

The weather here is much warmer than in most other places in the same region. Among the four seasons, the ideal time to visit Manarola villages is from April to October. In Manarola, this is the summer and early fall seasons. For reference, the best time to visit Italy is May or October.

The entire city is built on a towering rocky mountain with a deep ocean beneath. Although there are no sandy beaches, the deep puddles are ideal for young people who enjoy exploring and swimming. Manarola is well-known for its colourful houses perched on cliffs overlooking the sea, but that is not the only attractive tourist attraction in the village.

You can go to the San Lorenzo Church, which was built in 1338. This is the work that depicts Manarola's long history. When you visit this beautiful structure, you will be awestruck by the combination of gothic and baroque styles.

Lake Como

There is no way you should miss Lake Como in the Italian Lake District if you like the charming and peaceful landscape of a place that is like a quiet ink painting. Lake Como, Italy's third largest lake after Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore, is located at the foot of the world-renowned Alps. The lake water is very green and clean because it is entirely sourced from the snow mountain. 

The village of Varenna on Lake Como in Lombardy, Italy. Photo by Damian Chojnacki on Unsplash

Lake Como has an inverted Y shape. As a result, the distance between Lake Como and Milan will vary depending on where you depart from Lake Como. The gentle and peaceful beauty of Como with its clear lake water, cool air, and majestic mountains will calm your soul and allow you to temporarily get away from worldly troubles.

Como is home to ancient villas from the Roman Empire as well as beautiful gardens. Come to Lake Como to immerse yourself in the mythical tranquillity of Bellagio Village, Lake Como's "Pearl."

It is well-known for its old mediaeval houses and stunning natural scenery. When you arrive, you will notice many shops, quaint inns, and the small square of Piazza Mazzini, which is crowded with tourists. Bellagio's climate is always cool and pleasant all year round due to its location at the foot of the Alps. Behind Lake Como are the majestic mountains, from which you can take in all of Italy's natural splendour. If you enjoy nature, you should go to Mount Etna. The place is a World Heritage Site thanks to its volcanic activity.

Aside from Mazzini Square, the villas and palaces are the perfect Italy holiday destinations on Lake Como. Visitors are always impressed by the luxurious Bellagio resorts with lakeside promenades and cobblestone streets.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is a bell tower in the Italian city of Pisa. It is a famous place in Italy due to its distinctive appearance. The Pisa Tower has a 3.97-degree tilt, according to the Guinness Book of Records. 

Leaning Tower of Pisa and Cathedral of Pisa. Photo by Anika Mikkelson on Unsplash

If the Tower of Pisa hadn't been completely tilted to one side, it would have been just like any other tower. The main reason why the tower leans is because of the city’s geographical features. Pisa city is built on soft ground, with mud, sand, and clay as the primary building materials.

Furthermore, the foundation of the Pisa Tower is made of a clay mixture and is approximately three metres (3.2 feet) deep. This foundation is not strong and deep enough to support the weight of the tower. 

As a result, the Tower of Pisa is, bit by bit, titled even more. Thanks to its unique tilt, the wonder is a testament to its unique beauty. Because of all its magnificence, those who have the opportunity to visit Italy should not pass up the opportunity to see this strange structure.

Pompeii

The Italian city of Pompeii, buried under a layer of pumice six to nine metres (19 to 29.5 feet) thick 2000 years ago, attracts visitors due to its ancient buildings that remained intact after excavation. The ancient city of Pompeii is one of the great places to visit in Italy with mysterious archaeological sites.

Today, a portion of the ruins in the Pompeii citadel has gradually emerged to tell people the tragic story that occurred thousands of years ago. Visitors coming to the forgotten city will have the opportunity to learn about the once-prosperous civilization.

Moreover, they can also experience the entire history of the Roman empire at the time by visiting this fulfilling historical structure. This is a place for those who enjoy learning about ancient life and history.

Photo by Nick Night on Unsplash

Just two kilometres (1.2 miles) from the centre of Naples is Pompeii, the world-famous archaeological site.

The ruins of Pompeii are currently listed by UNESCO as a world heritage site and are among the top tourist attractions in Italy, with an average of 2.5 million visitors coming per year. Travellers will be overwhelmed as they enter the area of the ancient city of Pompeii, with a series of greeting gates, temples, cathedrals, etc.

Walking down the ancient stone streets will take visitors by surprise. Along with buildings bearing the typical architectural imprint of ancient Rome, modern-style shops line both sides of the pavement. These include a food market, a bakery, an operating room, and some ideal cheap places for everyone to travel here.

Milan

Milan is a city that embodies the essence of Italy. There is almost no field that Milian does not contribute to - whether it is history, culture, economics, or fashion. As a result, it has become one of Italy's most well-known tourist destinations.​​

The crowded Naviglio Grande district in Milan. Photo by Cristina Gottardi on Unsplash

After Rome, Milan is Italy's second-largest city. This Northern Italy city is the administrative centre of the Lombardy region. Milan is only 166 kilometres (103 miles) north of the Swiss border, making it an easy gateway to access Switzerland. Furthermore, Milan serves as Italy's industrial and service centre.

Many people compare Milan to Paris, one of the most wonderful places you can visit in France. If you are one for the bustling and energetic urban atmosphere, go for Paris. Milan also has its own charm. Many people feel drawn to the museums and foods of the fashion capital of Italy.

The Cathedral of Milan (Duomo di Milano), located in the heart of Milan, is one of the most beautiful churches in the world. The overall church is shaped like a cross and covers an area of nearly 12,000 m2 (129,000 mi2) with white marble panels.

This Milan Italian tourist attraction began construction in 1386 but was not completed until 1965. The Duomo church is a mix of architectural styles, the most prominent of which are Gothic and Romanesque, as a result of centuries of construction. This is Italy's holiday destination every visitor mustn’t miss! 

Sorrento

When it comes to experiencing the Mediterranean sun and wind, Sorrento, Italy's Southernmost coastal city, is always the first and best place to visit in Italy. Sorrento, located in Southern Italy, has a unique location: it is perched on the cliffs of the great mountains by the Gulf of Naples, creating one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. 

 

The Amalfi Coast and the Sorento are one of the best destinations Italy has to offer. Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash

The most beautiful coastline in the world, surrounded by beautiful bays, colourful houses perched on cliffs, and typical Italian flavour specialities. When visiting Sorrento on a sunny day with a strong wind, visitors can sail to the surrounding bays. Everyone can also swim in the cool, clear blue water if they wish.

Piazza Tasso, the city centre, is an ancient square and a very attractive Italian place to visit. The sounds of traditional Sorento music played by local musicians always linger around here. This large, open space is surrounded by Italian-style cafes and restaurants. Visitors can sit and enjoy the flavour of Italian coffee while relaxingly doing some people-watching.

The old town area also has streets that evoke the Middle Ages atmosphere. It will be an interesting experience to take a stroll around here. Visitors appear to be lost in the ancient world's deep but equally exciting depths. If you get hungry, you can enjoy the local specialties at some Spaghetti restaurants or sip the signature lemonade limoncello.

Furthermore, if you have the chance to visit Southern Italy, you should not miss the town and hamlet of Castellabate, a municipality in the province of Salerno, Campania.

Verona

Verona is the capital of the Verona province in the Veneto region. The city is situated at the banks of the Adige River, which flows through the Padana Plain, approximately 30 kilometres (18 miles) east of Lake Garda. Come to the Southern end of the Lessini Mountains, 59 metres (193 feet) above sea level, and you will reach this beautiful place. 

Verona's image gradually becomes more beautiful at night. Photo by Luca Dalge on Unsplash

The ancient and beautiful city is an Italy holiday destination for exploring the Veneto region, Northern Italy, or as a day trip from the romantic city of Venice. In the city centre, you can feel and admire the old Piazza Delle Erbe, the Market's square, which is surrounded by ancient Roman architecture.

Today, this is a lovely outdoor market as well as a gathering place for people's political and cultural activities. Because of its majestic and splendid appearance, this is Verona's most famous square.

Naples

Italy is romantically beautiful, shaped like a boot, with poetic and majestic landscapes and artworks stretching from North to South. Tourists who have the opportunity to visit Italy will always select Naples as a must-see destination. 

Furthermore, cuisine plays a role in making Naples appealing. Sipping a glass of wine or eating some of the world's most famous pizzas will round out your European adventure. 

Naples' coast is majestic and beautiful. Photo by Danilo D'Agostino on Unsplash

The three-story Museo Archeologico Nazionale will impress anyone visiting Naples from the moment they arrive. Visitors can see mummies and antiquities, as well as nearly two hundred thousand finds and artefacts dating from the Prehistoric to the Mediaeval periods.

One of Italy's most important archaeological collections is on display at the Museo Archeologico Nazionale. On the first floor, there will be many semi-nude or nude sculptures carved in a modern style. The second floor is reserved for adults only, and it features a hidden room decorated with murals of male and female body parts.

Aside from statues, paintings, pearls, and jewels, visitors coming to the museum will undoubtedly be impressed by the unique and strange living tools from ancient times.

Siena

With its cobbled streets and tall mediaeval buildings, Siena's old city is a truly beautiful destination. The ancient city of Siena is located approximately 200 kilometres (124 miles) north of Rome and 60 kilometres (37 miles) south of Florence in the heart of Tuscany, near the famous Chianti wine region that runs between Siena and Florence.

Siena is a popular Italian tourist destination. Many people love to attend the city's famous Palio horse race, which is held twice a year on July 2 and August 16. Palio is known to be a rather complicated event that has been supplemented with rules, traditions, and customs over the centuries, many of which are known only to members of the Contrada association. 

This festival will allow you to admire and learn more about the local people's culture and history. And certainly a place you must definitely visit is San Gimignano - a town in the province of Siena in Tuscany, Italy.

The heart of Siena is Piazza del Campo. It is considered a common symbol of the city, and you will be remiss if you do not visit it while in Siena. The unique shape of Piazza del Campo is just one of the reasons why UNESCO designated Siena as the ideal representation of a mediaeval city. It has a tiled floor and is surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and charming buildings. 

 

Beautiful view of Siena, a mediaeval city surrounded by 1,000 years-old walls. Photo by Antonio Ristallo on Unsplash

Narrow streets dating back to the Middle Ages lead you to the main square Piazza del Campo. This square is well known throughout the world for hosting the famous Palio horse race and becoming a great Italy place to visit. Moreover, if you are a movie fan, you may have noticed the ancient city of Siena and Palio in the James Bond film Quantum of Solace.

Sardinia

Sardinia, the second largest island in the Mediterranean after Sicily, is not far from Rome. Being an autonomous region of Italy, Sardinia always embraces a landscape and customs so different from the country.

Sardinia is a very safe place to visit; in fact, it is one of the safest places to visit in the Italian kingdom. This is a relatively wild sea, with few tourists and friendly locals, so you can completely relax and feel safe when exploring here. Sardinia is an island with a variety of landscapes. It has not only a long coastline but also mountain ranges and valleys in the interior.

The climate here is similar to that of most other Mediterranean destinations, with mild winters and hot summers. Therefore, Sardinia is the best place to visit in Italy between June and September.

 

Sardinia Islands - one of the most beautiful islands in Italy because of its blue and clear seawater. Photo by Rivan Ragozin on Unsplash

Sardinia, with its rich history and stunning natural beauty, has a diverse range of attractions and activities to explore. Because Sardinia is an island surrounded by water, one of its main draws is its beautiful beaches.

Secluded white sand beaches with turquoise waters can be found all over the place. Poetto near Cagliari, Porto Giunco near Villasimius, and Costa Rei in Sardinia's Southeast corner are some of the best beaches to visit.

Turin

Turin is located in Northwest Italy, close to the Alps, and is a famous place in Italy for trips throughout the Piedmont region. Turin is the ideal place for a Northern Italian vacation, with magnificent palaces, superb museums, impressive architecture, and beautiful urban nature. 

Photo by Fabio Fistarol on Unsplash

There are many monuments and statues for you to explore in the Metropolitan City of Turin.

Summers are warm but neither humid nor hot, and the temperature is just right in the winter. Turin's climate is generally pleasant, so there is no need for visitors to be too concerned about being uncomfortable when visiting this location.

Those who want to discover another hidden site of Turin can take a stroll through the mist along the banks of the Po River on a chilly autumn evening. You'll get lost in a maze of archways, tiny restaurants, and shops while wandering the pretty streets of Turin.

You may encounter a square as wonderful as Piazza San Carlo, and one of the highlights is Piazza Castello, home to some of the country's most popular and impressive historic buildings.

Similar to Switzerland and its breathtaking destinations, Italy offers many places and activities that are a real gem. You can spend days or weeks exploring all of the gorgeous sights and still find new things to do at any time.

The beautiful country of Italy's a strong appeal to the world's travel enthusiasts. Visit the top 16 most ideal places to visit in Italy right away to experience the unique beauty of nature, art, history, and people.

Vy Nguyen