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The capital of fashion, delicious food, Renaissance, beautiful architecture, superb beaches, picturesque scenery, gorgeous weather, dons and godfathers. Italy has it all. Situated in Europe surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, this wonderful country with such an abundance of culture and history is defiantly worth a visit. With so much to see and do, it’s hard to start planning a trip and choose which places to visit in Italy. 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.
6 unmissable places to visit in Italy
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. Wander 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.
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.
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.
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.
6. 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 compiled 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!