7 Places To Visit In Italy At Least Once In A Lifetime!

Some of our links are affiliated, we will earn a commission when you buy a service or product. This will have no extra cost for you. For further info please refer to our Privacy Policy

Florence is one of the greatest cities to visit in Italy.

The capital of fashion, delicious food, Renaissance, beautiful architecture, superb beaches, picturesque scenery, gorgeous weather, dons and godfathers. Italy has it all. Surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, this wonderful country with such an abundance of culture and history is worth a visit (or many visits).

With so much to see and do, it’s hard to start planning a trip and choose which places to visit in Italy for the first time. But don’t panic; we are here to help.

Here is a list of some of the top places and attractions you must visit in Italy, classic destinations that are the perfect introduction to the country’s best.

7 unmissable Places to Visit in Italy

A visit to Italy is not complete without a stop in Rome, the Italian capital is stunning.

1. Rome:

The ancient capital of the Roman Empire and the current capital of Italy is an important hub for religion and culture. Rome has an abundance of ancient history. You can spend days wandering around the city viewing the many attractions Rome has to offer.

Walk around the remains of iconic Roman structures, the Vatican City, or take a tour around the many stunning cathedrals and plazas this beautiful city has to offer. 

If you are traveling to Rome for the first time, here is a good Rome travel planning guide that can help you get started.

Tuscany is a diverse region to visit in Italy with breathtaking views.

2. Tuscany:

Considered one of Italy’s most famous regions, Tuscany is a region made up of extensive rolling hills, scattered with olive groves, cypress trees, and is a patchwork of vineyards.

There is no better place to escape from all your problems than Tuscany. Along with stunning countryside and the amazing castles in Tuscany, there are also beautiful cities to explore such as Florence with its wealth of Renaissance art and Pisa which is home to the iconic leaning tower of Pisa

If you're looking for romance, Cinque Terre is the place you must visit in Italy.

3. Cinque Terre:

Located in the Northwestern coastal region of Italy, Cinque Terre which means ‘five lands’ is a beautiful cluster of five villages, Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Monterosso and Vernazza.

Cinque Terre offers breathtaking scenery consisting of panoramic sea views, steep cliffs, quaint coves and wine terraces. If you are looking for a romantic getaway Cinque Terre is the place to be. The area is great for hiking with many established hiking trails such as the Blue Trail which connects all the villages.

A view of small towns overlooking the sea on the Amalfi Coast.

4. Amalfi Coast:

The Amalfi Coast is an absolute dream destination. Imagine breathtaking cliffs plunging into the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea. The picturesque coastal towns nestled along the rugged coastline are equally mesmerizing. 

Places like Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello exude charm and offer stunning views at every turn. Another reason to visit is the delectable cuisine. Indulge in mouthwatering fresh seafood, handmade pasta, and the famous limoncello, all while enjoying the panoramic vistas.  It is recommended to plan your Amalfi Coast Itinerary well in advance because this stunning destination can get really busy during the summer months.

5. Sicily:

Sicily is the largest Mediterranean island located just off the coast of southern Italy. This island has a strong sense of Mediterranean culture as well as a diverse mix of Greek temples, Baroque palazzos, and Norman churches. There is much to do there, check this guide to the best places to visit in Sicily, and you will be amazed. Relax on one of many beautiful beaches along the southern coast or trek to Mount Etna, one of Europe’s active volcanoes. Sicily has a mild to hot climate, making it an attractive destination all year round for sun-seekers.

Photo by Sardinia expert, Claudia Tavani.

6. Sardinia:

Sardinia could not be more different than Sicily. The second largest island in the Mediterranean, Sardinia has a unique history and its very own culture and languages. In fact, you will find two main languages spoken here other than Italian: Sardinian, of which there are several varieties, and Catalan (yes, the same language of Catalonia!), only spoken in Alghero, a small city on the west coast. 

The island is a popular summer destination, when travelers and locals alike enjoy the many gorgeous Sardinia beaches. There’s something for all tastes: long, sandy beaches; small hidden coves that can only be reached by boat or on a hike. The one thing they have in common is the gorgeous clear waters that are perfect for snorkeling and diving.

But there’s more than gorgeous beaches in Sardinia. Throughout the year, you can explore unique archeological sites (the most famous one is Su Nuraxi of Barumini, currently Sardinia’s only UNESCO site); enjoy quaint colorful small towns such as Bosa or Carloforte; appreciate Sardinian food and wine tasting in the many vineyards scattered along the island. 

7. Italian Lake District:

Stretching across Northern Italy is the Italian Lake District, composed of five major lakes each with unique distinctions. The landscape surrounding the lakes is composed of both flat plains and rugged peaks. Combining attractive scenery with good weather ensures the Italian lake district should be top of the list when visiting Italy. There are plenty of accommodation options surrounding the lakes for all budgets and plenty of activities to do on the lakes including boat rides offered by many companies all around the lakes.

For more travel inspiration read all our Italian guides and blog posts here! 

Travel Advice:

Don’t forget your Travel Insurance! You don’t want anything to ruin your trip, right? So don’t take the risk! Reliable travel insurance can help you in case of travel issues, from accidents to health problems, travel delays, and lost luggage.

There are many insurances in the market, our picks are HeyMondo and SafetyWing. We used both and always had a good experience. Click on the insurance names to get a quote.

Leave a Comment