Plan your trip to Italy with us. Italy is a beautiful country with many locations for traveling, whether it’s historical places, architectural marvels, famous cuisines, Beaches, romantic getaways, etc. If you ask any travel experts, they will agree that Italy is a special country for traveling. In this article, we are sharing with you the 15 best places to visit in Italy to help you plan your dream vacation. Each place we are going to mention is worth visiting.
Best Places to Visit in Italy
Italy is an extraordinary country to visit. Many things to do in Italy can confuse you when choosing what to do first and last. By considering these parameters, check out the best 15 places to visit in Italy and also what activities you need to keep on priority during the visit.
1. Cinque Terre
It is a beautiful location in the Liguria region of Italy, famous for its scenic beauty and vibrant seaside villages. Cinque Terre means “Five Lands,” which means it consists of 5 villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Visitors can hike the trails that connect these 5 villages. In 1997, Cinque Terre was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The place is also significant for its delicious seafood and Ligurian Cuisine. Cinque Terre tops our list of best places to visit in Italy, which means it is a must-visit destination.
2. Lake Como
Nestled in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, it is one of the country’s most beautiful and largest lakes. When you observe Lake Como deeply, it is shaped like an inverted Y, spanning around 146 square kilometers. The lake is surrounded by a charming town that makes it one of the best places to visit in Italy. When you visit this lake, don’t forget to explore Villa del Balbianello, a historic villa featured in various films. Explore the lake through the boat to get the best view. A variety of water sports like sailing, windsurfing, and Kayaking are available here for adventure enthusiasts.
3. Colosseum
It is located in the heart of Rome and lures millions of visitors annually. The Colosseum is also famous among travelers by the name “Flavian Amphitheatre.” This place majorly attracts travelers who are history enthusiasts and archaeologists. The Colosseum is also a symbol of endurance. It stood firmly even after various disasters, which shows ancient Roman engineering and architectural prowess. Restoration work goes on to save this historical marvel from earthquakes and fires.
4. Milan
What comes to mind when you hear the word “Milan”? Is it something related to Fashion? If yes, you are thinking in the right direction. Milan is one of the leading fashion capitals. The most popular fashion event is also Milan Fashion Week. The city is also home to the most famous design and luxury brands.
It also has a rich history with famous places like the Cathedral of Milan (Duomo di Milano) and the historic Sforza Castle. Milan is also home to world-class museums, which include Pinacoteca di Brera. People worldwide visit this museum to see the exclusive collection of Italian Renaissance art. Whether it’s famous cuisine or opera music at night, you will get everything in Milan that makes it the best place to visit in Italy.
5. Lake Resia
In the list of 15 best places to visit in Italy, Lake Resia secured the 5th spot. The beautiful lake is located in the Italian Alps. The Austrian border is very close to the lake. It is famous among travellers, especially for its submerged bell tower. The tower was constructed in the 14th century and submerged when the lake was made. Lake Resia is also a winter sports hub for adventure enthusiasts. It is paradise for those who love to kayak, windsurfe, and fish. Beyond its natural beauty and sports activities, Lake Resia also has specific significance regarding history. The regions surrounding the lake have trails that offer hiking opportunities.
6. Amalfi Coast
Amalfi is a UNESCO world heritage site and a must-visit destination on our list of 15 best places to visit in Italy. When you arrive at the Amalfi coast, you will be amazed by seeing coastal landscapes with cliffs, vibrant villages, and mesmerizing views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The coast is surrounded by famous towns, Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello, each providing an opportunity to delve into medieval history. If you are a nature lover, hike along the coastal hills and be rewarded with stunning vistas. After spending a long day exploring this coastal heaven, don’t forget to enjoy the fresh seafood, handmade pasta, and locally grown lemon used to make the Limoncello liqueur.
7. Pantheon, an Architectural Marvel
The Pantheon in Rome is an epitome that showcases ancient Roman engineering and design. Pantheon’s open oculus at its apex that allows natural lights into the interior makes it different from others. Inside this architectural marvel, you can see the tombs of famous persons like the artist Raphael and King Vittorio Emanuele II. When it was made, it was a temple for all gods. Later, it was converted to a Christian church. The building is also famous as it has been rebuilt several times for various purposes. It is a famous site that lures thousands of visitors every year.
8. Naples
Do you know Naples is considered the birthplace of pizza? So make sure when you visit this place, enjoy the authentic Neapolitan pizza at the place of its origin. Naples is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, which explains why it is one of the best places to visit in Italy. The narrow streets in the city are lined with ancient churches, Baroque architecture, and bustling markets. Also, the city offers a national archaeological museum that contains Greco-Roman antiquities.
9. Pisa (Leaning Tower)
Pisa, also famous among visitors as a leaning tower, is one of the best architectural marvels globally. It arouses curiosity with its unintentional tilt. Millions of travelers visit Pisa, which makes it one of the best places to visit in Italy. Pisa is also a UNESCO world heritage site. The Leaning Tower is a part of the Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles). The other places in the majestic square that showcase the medieval architectural marvel are the Cathedral of Pisa, the Baptistery, and the Camposanto Monumentale. The peculiar thing about the Pisa is that it offers a vibrant atmosphere with a mix of students, tourists, and locals. In our opinion, it is a must-visit destination that you should add to your bucket list.
10. Emilia Romagna
The place is famous worldwide for its famous cuisine. You will be amazed to know that it is the birthplace of Parmesan cheese, balsamic vinegar, and prosciutto. With cuisine, Emilia Romagna also became significant among travelers for its medieval architecture, especially the iconic Two Towers. If you like sports cars, don’t forget to visit the Ferrari Museum in Maranello and the Lamborghini Museum in Sant’Agata Bolognese. The locals welcome the tourists with warmth and a genuine sense of community. The friendly behavior of locals, when combined with other things, makes Emilia Romagna one of the best places to visit in Italy.
11. Sicily
Head to Sicily to explore the famous archaeological sites such as the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. Mount Etna, an active volcano in Europe, is also a famous landmark of Sicily that attracts thousands of visitors every year. The city is also home to ancient theatres that are well preserved. One ancient theatre you should visit is the Greek Theater of Taormina. Beyond all these marvels, Sicily also offers pristine beaches with turquoise waters where you can relax peacefully.
12. Pompei
The city was ruined in 79 AD with the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Pompei is a well-preserved ruin of ancient Rome. When excavated, the site revealed frescos and murals that provide daily life insights. Anyone who has a bit of interest in history must visit this place. You can even visit Pompei with your kids to arouse their curiosity in history. There is also a famous Archaeological museum in Naples that displays Artefacts and treasures of the past. Visit this theatre to deeply understand the city’s history and culture.
13. The Grand Canal, Venice
Visit the Rialto bridge that is on the Grand Canal, one of the most famous bridges in Venice among locals and tourists due to its unique architecture and bustling market area. It is a perfect bridge to take the pictures. When you enter the Grand Canal, you will see Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, an iconic church that depicts Venetian Baroque architecture. The walkway along the canal offers you glimpses of daily life and the timeless beauty of the peculiar Venetian waterway.
14. Scanno, Abruzzo
It is a small, beautiful village surrounded by forest-covered hills. To reach Scanno, you can take a bus from Rome and Sulmona. You can explore Molise National Park in this tiny village. There is also a famous Lake here that you can discover by boat. Before leaving this beautiful place, don’t forget to taste their traditional chocolate and Almond Biscuit.
15. Verona
If we have to name one perfect location for romantic getaways, it is Verona. It is famous for its romantic ambiance, inspiring Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” It is believed that Juliet’s house was the inspiration for Shakespeare’s play. Travelers across the globe visit the famous balcony and leave love notes on the walls in the courtyard. Verona is undoubtedly the best place for couples to visit in Italy. Beyond this, it is also famous for its wine and traditional dishes like risotto and polenta.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q. What are 2 must-visit cities in Italy?
Ans. Rome and Venice are 2 must-see cities to visit in Italy. In the article, you will get a proper explanation of why they must visit the destination for the travelers.
Q. What part of Italy should I visit first?
Ans. Venice is the place you should visit first in Italy. It is a little bit expensive but worth visiting.
Q. What is the best month to travel to Italy?
Ans. The best months to travel to Italy are May, June, September, and October.
Q. How do I decide where to go in Italy?
Ans. There are several factors that come into the picture when you have to decide the location to travel in Italy. It is a large country where countless options are available for traveling. We narrowed down the list to 15 best places to travel in Italy. You can choose from them that best suits your interests.
Q. What are the three most famous cities in Italy?
Ans. The three most famous cities in Italy are Rome, Venice and Florence.