Summary
Home to an exceptional array of artworks, historical monuments, and gastronomy, Italy captivates, inspires, and moves its visitors like few other countries. The variety of landscapes, which often require traversing continents to witness elsewhere, enhances Italy’s allure.
From cities brimming with art and architecture to its remarkable natural diversity—comprising dramatic coastlines, serene lakes, pristine mountains, and those iconic rolling hills—selecting just a few destinations to explore within this magnificent country is a formidable challenge.
Therefore, how does one determine where to visit? Your preferences will dictate your journey through Italy, whether you seek history, art, beaches, hiking, or exceptional cuisine. Regardless of your interests, our compilation of 15 essential destinations in Italy serves as an excellent initiation.
1. Rome
Ideal for history enthusiasts
Historically recognized as caput mundi (the capital of the world), Rome was legend-driven from the tale of a boy raised by a she-wolf, evolved into a sprawling empire, became the seat of the Catholic Church, and is now a repository for over two thousand years of art and architecture.
Rome should unquestionably be the focal point of your journey if you are visiting Italy for the first time. However, there is simply too much to explore in a single trip, from the Pantheon and the Colosseum to Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel and numerous masterpieces by Caravaggio. Hence, follow in the footsteps of many before you: toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain and vow to return.
Advice for planning: With an overwhelming array of sights to experience, and limited public transportation options in the city center, the selection of your accommodation is vital. Prioritize mapping out the locations that interest you before making arrangements—if you aim to be at the Vatican during opening hours, for instance, do not opt to stay near the Colosseum.
2. Tuscany
Ideal for a Renaissance experience
From Botticelli’s Venus, emerging gracefully from the water in the Uffizi Gallery, to the astonishing dome of its cathedral, Florence is a visual feast. This city was the heart of the Renaissance, boasting an array of world-renowned artists, including Michelangelo in the Accademia, Donatello in the Bargello, and Leonardo and Raphael within the Uffizi.
In the surrounding Tuscany—a region held in high esteem—one encounters rolling hills adorned with sinuous cypress trees and olive groves, as well as remarkable regional treasures. Revel in the Gothic splendor of Siena and the striking skyline of medieval San Gimignano before exploring the vineyards of Italy’s most celebrated wine area, Chianti, and the picturesque, cypress-strewn hills of the Val d’Orcia.
Advice for planning: Avoiding a vehicle is advisable if you plan to visit major towns and cities, as Tuscany boasts a well-functioning rail network. However, if countryside exploration is your goal, a car will be necessary.
3. The Dolomites
Ideal for dramatic mountain scenery
Globally, there are numerous taller, larger, and more geologically active mountains; however, few can rival the enchanting pink-hued granite of the Dolomites.
This captivating region entices with its rugged, jagged peaks, vibrant wildflower-laden meadows, and rich repository of Ladin folklore. The allure may also stem from its status as a celebrated ski destination, notably in Cortina d’Ampezzo, or the whimsical village of Sappada. Whatever the reason, this distinctive area in northern Italy exudes a charm that is truly mesmerizing.
4. Amalfi Coast
Ideal for quintessential beauty
Italy’s most renowned coastline presents a dramatic landscape, where coastal mountains descend steeply into the strikingly blue sea, creating an unforgettable visual spectacle that includes steep cliffs, sun-kissed villages, and towering heights. Hikers will discover mountaintop trails offering breathtaking views of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Although some may contend that Liguria’s Cinque Terre or Calabria’s Costa Viola boast more beautiful coasts, it is the Amalfi Coast that has charmed and inspired countless luminaries, from Tennessee Williams to Jackie Kennedy. Naturally, its romantic aesthetic renders it one of the premier destinations for couples in Italy.
Advice for planning: While navigating the Amalfi Coast is celebrated as one of the world’s most iconic road trips, it may often feel that every traveler has the same idea. Consequently, traffic can be congested, and parking options are nearly nonexistent. A preferable alternative is to take ferries between towns or utilize public transportation.
5. Pompeii
Ideal for experiencing history
Suspended in time, the haunting ruins of Pompeii transport visitors back over two millennia. Stroll through streets worn by chariot wheels, opulently decorated villas, bathhouses, food markets, theaters, and even an ancient brothel.
Amid the somber tranquility, gazing upon the imposing Mt Vesuvius, contemplate Pliny the Younger’s harrowing depiction of the town’s final moments: “Darkness returned, again ashes, thick and heavy. We repeatedly rose to shake them off; otherwise, we would have been buried and crushed by their weight.”
Advice for planning: If your schedule permits, consider visiting the other notable city affected by the eruption, Herculaneum, which offers a more compact experience and boasts superior preservation. Surrounded by its modern successor, Ercolano, the site is conveniently accessible via the Circumvesuviana train.
6. Emilia-Romagna
Ideal for culinary enthusiasts
In a region as culinary-centric as Emilia-Romagna, it is unsurprising that its capital, Bologna, is referred to as “La Grassa” (the fat one). Many beloved Italian dishes, such as mortadella, tortellini, and tagliatelle al ragù, are derived from this city. Explore the deli-filled Quadrilatero district—which has hosted food stalls since medieval times—then embark on a train journey to Modena, celebrated for its exquisite aged balsamic vinegar.
Be sure to visit Parma, the birthplace of parmigiano reggiano cheese and the incomparable prosciutto di Parma. Wherever you choose to dine, savor a glass or two of Emilia-Romagna’s illustrious Lambrusco—a far cry from the overly sweet varieties that were previously exported.
7. Lago di Como
Ideal for a taste of luxury
If it is deemed desirable by celebrities such as the Clooneys and the vacationing Obamas, then it certainly warrants exploration. Nestled under the Rhaetian Alps, the stunning Lago di Como is the most magnificent lake in Lombardy. Its opulent, Liberty-style villas provide residence to entertainment industry elites, fashion icons, and members of royalty. Visitors can also enjoy the gardens at Villas Melzi d’Eril, Carlotta, and Balbianello, which showcase splendid displays of camellias, azaleas, and rhododendrons during the spring months.
The city of Como itself is replete with striking architecture, featuring the Gothic cathedral and Palazzo Terragni—a structure emblematic of 1930s Italian Rationalism, originally constructed by the Fascists to serve as their party headquarters, serving as a sobering reminder of the regime’s historical atrocities.
Advice for planning: Como faces challenges similar to the Amalfi Coast, with congested roads and scarce parking. Opting for public transportation is advised, as the ferry and bus networks are excellent, in addition to train connectivity along the eastern shoreline of the lake.
8. Sardinia
Ideal for beaches and coastlines
The English language struggles to capture the spectrum of blue, green, and—in the deepest shadows—purple hues of Sardinia’s waters. While models, public figures, and perpetually tanned celebrities enjoy the high-glamour life along the illustrious Costa Smeralda, much of the island—being the second largest in the Mediterranean after Sicily—remains a pristine wilderness.
Discover the island’s rugged coastal charm, from the weathered boulders of Santa Teresa di Gallura and the windswept cliffs of the Golfo di Orosei to the untamed beauty of the solitary beaches of Costa Verde.
Additionally, dedicate time to exploring the interior, where you’ll uncover some of Europe’s most distinguished prehistoric sites: enigmatic nuraghi (megalithic structures), expansive burial grounds known as “giants’ tombs,” and the highland villages of Barbagia, where the locals maintain centuries-old customs.
9. Naples
Ideal for authentic Italian vibes
Pompeii, pizza, and an abundant flair—Naples is unlike any other city. Layered akin to lasagna, each layer of history stacks atop another. This vibrant locale allows for exploration of ancient Greek and Roman pathways most easily accessed through underground routes, while above ground, opulent churches and baroque palaces share space with the ubiquitous homage to Maradona—Maradona everywhere.
Outside the city limits, Vesuvius looms protectively over the relics of Pompeii and Herculaneum, while life in this capital city entwined with a volcano imparts an exhilarating urgency. All of this combines to create a destination that is genuinely unparalleled.
Advice for planning: The city takes on a calmer demeanor when viewed from the water. Utilizing the ferry is a practical option not only for reaching islands like Ischia and Procida, but it also allows for convenient transport to Sorrento, Positano, and the Amalfi Coast.
10. Venice
Ideal for a picturesque escape
The term “unique” may be overused, yet it aptly describes Venice. This enchanting city features intricately decorated palazzos, opulent churches, and world-class museums, all harmoniously positioned on water and interconnected by serene canals.
Resist the urge to rush through to witness the popular attractions; the true essence of Venice lies in its tranquil canals and narrow alleys, which enchant all who traverse them. While marking off the Rialto Bridge and Piazza San Marco, extend your stay to fully appreciate this delicate and extraordinary destination.
Local advice: Venice is not conducive to a rushed itinerary. Allocate ample time to roam through the alleyways, explore the churches and artisan shops that catch your eye, and embark on a vaporetto ride that takes you across the lagoon’s islands.
11. Parco Nazionale del Gran Paradiso
Ideal for trekking enthusiasts
If you crave a clear-minded retreat, don your hiking boots and set off on the over 500 kilometers (310 miles) of designated trails and mule paths meandering through the “Gran Paradise.”
As part of the Graian Alps and one of Italy’s earliest established national parks, Gran Paradiso’s pristine landscapes encompass 57 glaciers and verdant alpine meadows enriched with wildflowers like pansies, gentians, and alpenroses. The park was originally established to safeguard the population of Alpine ibex, which still thrives here. At 4061 meters (13,323 feet), the eponymous Gran Paradiso is the park’s only summit, which can be accessed from tranquil Cogne.
12. Mount Etna
Ideal for excitement seekers
Historically known by the Greeks as the “column that holds up the sky,” Mt Etna stands as both Europe’s tallest volcano and one of the most active on the planet. Ancient beliefs included the notion that the giant Tifone witnessed the volcano’s spectacular displays, which today are simply referred to as idda or “her.”
At 3326 meters (10,912 feet), she dominates Sicily’s Ionian Coast. You may complete the ascent on foot, participate in guided 4WD excursions, or remain on the lower slopes, where some of Italy’s most exquisite wines thrive in the fertile volcanic soils. Sicily presents itself as one of the most enchanting areas to explore, with its remarkable historical richness, stunning coastline, and welcoming Sicilian culture.
13. Cinque Terre and the Liguria coast
Ideal for pristine coastal experiences
Liguria’s remote Cinque Terre is the epitome of coastal Italy at its most breathtaking. Five coastal villages, set amidst cliffs, encircled by a national park, are interconnected by scenic footpaths, showcasing a harmonious coexistence of human habitation and nature spanning thousands of years. Locals have sculpted terraces into the steep cliffs and cultivated grapes since Roman times. Up until the 20th century, connectivity was primarily by sea or footpath.
The villages themselves are exquisite, yet also consider taking a hike along the Sentiero Azzurro, the most traversed route linking them. Cinque Terre may boast incredible fame, yet Liguria’s coastline is adorned with picturesque coastal towns—additional highlights include Portofino, Portovenere, and Santa Margherita Ligure.
Advice for planning: This is another area where driving may prove impractical. While ferry options are available, the best method is the train, which operates along the coastline and stops at each village.
14. Valle d’Itria
Ideal for picturesque villages
Resembling hobbit homes, these charming conical-roofed cottages, often combined to create larger dwellings, are enchanting in any format. Puglia, the heel of Italy’s boot, is renowned for its trulli, although they are not ubiquitous across the entire region.
Journey southward from Bari, inland from the coastline and up onto the elevated karst plateau, where you will encounter the Valle d’Itria, where green fields surrounding towns like Cisternino and Locorotondo are punctuated with trulli. The town of Alberobello is the epicenter of this architectural marvel—a district entirely paved with these unique structures. This is one of Italy’s most picturesque locales.
15. Milan
Ideal for an urban experience
Italy’s fashion capital is often misjudged—perceived as too international, overly organized, or lacking in chaos. Do not succumb to these misconceptions. Where else can one transition from a Gothic cathedral, initiated in the 14th century, to encounter Leonardo’s masterpieces (his Last Supper fresco in Santa Maria delle Grazie stands as an exalted highlight, alongside the Sala delle Asse in the Castello Sforzesco, adorned with a trompe l’oeil forest landscape painted by the artist) in a single day?
Milan’s dining establishments curate culinary excellence from across Italy, and the city boasts one of the nation’s few thriving cocktail scenes. Moreover, its fashion houses actively reshape the city’s modern art landscape with innovative spaces like Fondazione Prada, a former distillery now featuring works from contemporary luminaries such as Jeff Koons and Damien Hirst, alongside prestigious temporary exhibitions.
Advice for planning: Unlike other regions of Italy, Milan does not experience distinct high and low seasons; instead, accommodation rates fluctuate dramatically based on local events. If you are budget-conscious, it is wise to avoid visiting during Design and Fashion Weeks.
This article was initially published on June 3, 2021, and updated on November 19, 2023.
