Italy is a country steeped in history, culture and mountains of delicious pasta and the best gelato spots on every street . If you’re not rolling back to your hotel in a pasta-induced haze, you’re not doing Italy right! From the gorgeous towns of Southern Italy , cities like Florence and Naples, the Amalfi Coast to Cinque Terre, you’re gonna be spoilt with heaps of choice on places in Italy to visit.
Now, to make things easier for you, we’ve mentioned in some of the spots you can’t miss up and down Italy. This way, regardless of what region you fly into, you’ll be guaranteed to find a few gems close by.
1. ROME
Rome, The Eternal City, the epicentre of perhaps the mightiest European empire ever, the stomping ground of the Vatican, the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the regal Platine Hill, the winding Tiber River, the elegant gardens of the Villa Borghese, the totemic works of Caravaggio and Michelangelo, Rafael and Bernini – the list goes on! A truly bucket list city if there ever was one, the Italian capital draws everyone from history buffs to honeymooners. Whether you hit the streets of the Centro Storico and the bustling al fresco pizzerias of Piazza Navona, the romantic alleys of Trastevere or the even the two-millennium old stones of the Via Appia Antica that run out of town, this city is sure to impress.
2. VENICE
A Gorgeous city located in north east Italy and the capital of the Veneto region. It is known for its beautiful settings, artwork and a predominantly Venetian Gothic architecture. A Mesmerizing city known for its interconnected canals and its gondola rides. Equal measures of romance and culture makes this city beautiful and breathtaking. This place is like nothing you imagined, even if you have seen it in movies and photos, it is totally dreamlike! Water shimmers everywhere in this breathtaking city, with canals where the streets should be. Unrelentingly romantic and beautifully chaotic, Venice is a land of art, history, magic, tradition and diversity. The palaces and churches reflect the glorious past of a place that was once a wealthy trading centre. Getting lost in the alleys of Venice is a part of the experience and the most magical way of uncovering the glimpses of this mystical city. Venice is wonderful by day, but magical by night. It is like a magician which will enfold you in its spell and make you realise that some spells are too hard to break!
3. POMPEII
Once a thriving Roman city, Pompeii was completely destroyed by a catastrophic eruption of its temperamental neighbour, Mt. Vesuvius – which completely obliterated the city.
Nowadays, this vast archaeological and UNESCO World Heritage site is a must-see place if you’re travelling between the Amalfi Coast and Naples. It’s a totally easy spot to visit.
Just be sure to give yourself a good few hours to wander the whole site. Oh, and if you want to avoid the crowds, go first thing in the morning; this spot can fill up fast.
4. AMALFI COAST
Cruise down the alluring Amalfi Coast, a postcard-like paradise of colorful cascading hotels and villas, marvelous blue seas, sandy coves, and flowering trees. Nestled along the Amalfi Coast, you’ll find the charming towns of Positano, Sorrento, Ravello, and of course, Amalfi! From peaceful beaches and cliffside hikes, to mouthwatering seafood restaurants and shopping and nightlife, the Amalfi Coast is every type of travelers’ dream destination.
5. FLORENCE
The Tuscan capital is a inevitable chocolate box of treats for the culture vulture. It was here, during the Italian power boom of the 15th century, that the city became the incubator of the European Renaissance. That means galleries like the famed Uffuzi come packed with masterworks by the likes of Caravaggio, Botticelli and Albrecht Durer, while the Museo Galileo chronicles the successes of the era’s forward thinking scientists. There are also the revered contours of Michelangelo’s David in the Galleria dell’Accademia, while the Old Town’s Duomo is amongst the most glorious in Italy. Shopping in the jewellers of the handsome Ponte Vecchio is also a hit, as is Florence’s lively summertime nightlife.
The beautiful streets, stunning architecture and the medieval Ponte Vecchio Bridge makes this one the best places in Italy if you’re visiting Florence for the first time.
6. MILAN
Milan is the fashion capital and one of the best places in Italy to visit if it’s your first time visiting (and in the north of the country). A first-time visit to Milan will have a massive mix of epic spots to see, from; the Milan Cathedral, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Pinacoteca di Brera to the impressive and somewhat ominous Sforza Castle, too. Importantly, do not forget
to pack your umbrella ; the weather in Milan is notoriously unpredictable.
7. TUSCANY
Tuscany has always been the center of business, art, and politics in Europe. Among the most amazing places to visit in Italy, the city also gained a lot of prominence as a major city of the Renaissance Period. Beautiful work of art can be seen and enjoyed by the art lovers coming to this city. City is also famous for its unique crafts. Materials used to create amazing craft items are wood, metal, leather, marble, wool, and more.
Key attractions in Tuscany includes , The Gallery of Uffizi known for its amazing museums, treasures, palaces, and churches; amazing views of Siena and the Palio; the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa and Piazza dei Miracoli for their unique architecture; beautiful villages; and the scenic vineyards of Chianti.
8. BOLOGNA
Bologna is famous for its beauty, wealth, cuisine, and left-wing politics. Its flat streets are lined with arcades, making it a good walking city in every kind of weather. It has one of Europe's oldest universities , a nice medieval center, and several attractive squares, lined with buildings with porticoes. Bologna is the biggest city in northern Italy's Emilia-Romagna region and its Piazza Maggiore is one of the biggest squares in Europe. Even among Italians, it's considered the culinary capital of the country.
9. SICILY
Climb up Mount Etna, unwind on dazzling beaches, discover old Greek temples, and indulge in creamy cannoli – Sicily is waiting! The largest Mediterranean island , is known as a cultural land filled with natural wonders. Hike through caves until you reach the bright turquoise water of the sea! For dinner, treat yourself to some decadent seafood risotto or pasta alla norma, a scrumptious traditional medley of tomatoes, eggplant, ricotta cheese, and basil. Visit the famous cities of Palermo, Taormina, Catania, Siracusa, Agrigento, and tons of other villages along the way. Sicily is a must in your travel bucket list.
10. CINQUE TERRE
Referred to as “The Five Lands”, Cinque Terre is one of the prettiest must see places in Italy. Beautiful vistas on the rugged coastline of Sicily are worth admiring. The five fishing villages are connected through walking trails and exploring them is a great idea. Moreover, this entire region has been declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site. The marine coastline is protected and conserved to ensure preservation of marine life as it has been since centuries. If you are looking for sightseeing in Italy, then this is a must-visit!
Key attractions here includes , Vernazza fishing village for its steep cliff, 12th Century Manarola fishing village for its Groppo and Ruins of Fortifications, Monterosso village for its churches and Monastery, Riomaggiore village for its craggy hills, Corniglia for its 382 stairs and the 12 km Blue Path.
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