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We’ve compiled our list of the BEST places to go in Italy, one of our favorite countries in the world. Complete with romantic cliffside villages, medieval towns, breathtaking mountains, amazing wine regions and historic cities, Italy truly has something for everyone.
Let this list spark your Italian wanderlust and serve as a starting point for planning your trip to the best destinations in Italy. Though you likely won’t be able to get to them all in one trip, trust us that this country will keep you coming back for more!
>> Tip: combine many of these cities into an epic 2 week Italy Itinerary!
Overview of the best places to visit in Italy
- Florence
- Tuscany
- Cinque Terre
- Amalfi Coast
- Dolomites
- Island of Capri
- Siena
- Saturnia Hot Springs
- Pisa
- Venice
- Rome
Best places to go in Italy
1. Florence, Italy
The capitol of the Tuscany region, Florence, is certainly one of the best places to go in Italy. While the city is known for its Renaissance art and architecture, it also offers one of the most beautiful skylines.
From climbing the famous Duomo to being serenaded at Piazzale Michelangelo during sunset, visiting Florence is a must. We find the city to be truly intoxicating between the history, romance and incredible food and, as a result, we keep coming back time and time again!
>> Read more: 15 BEST things to do in Florence!
2. Tuscany
Tuscany is one of the most romantic and iconic places to visit in Italy. The capitol of the region is Florence, but the surrounding areas have so much to offer.
While simply driving through the hills will leave you speechless, this region also has amazing hilltop towns to visit. With the rolling hills, famous wine regions and medieval towns, Tuscany is a quintessential Italian experience.
>> Read: the PERFECT Tuscany Road Trip Itinerary
3. Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is made up of 5 colorful fishing villages and is a must-see in Italy. Each of the five villages has its own personality and unique character, so we recommend visiting all of them. While you’re in this part of the Italian Riviera you can hike between the villages and enjoy the sea.
Because they have done such a good job preserving it, the area was granted UNESCO status in 1997. While you can visit Cinque Terre as a Day Trip from Florence, we recommend staying a couple nights to really get a feel for the quaint towns.
>> Plan your trip: The Ultimate Guide to Cinque Terre
4. Dolomites (South Tyrol)
Although the Dolomites region is often overlooked on Italy itineraries, it’s one of the most beautiful places to go in Italy! Because the Dolomiti mountains are located in the South Tyrol region of northeastern Italy, the area offers a completely different landscape than the other places on this list.
The Dolomites are known for dramatic mountains, tons of hikes, magical lakes and views you have to see to believe. There are countless outdoor activities year-round in the Dolomites, so if you like adventure this spot is for you!
>> Read more: 8 MUST-SEE Places in the Dolomites
5. Amalfi Coast
Located in the south/central part of Italy, the Amalfi Coast is absolutely a bucket-list destination and one of the best places to go in Italy. This area is one of the most picturesque coastlines in the world, but it offers more than breathtaking scenery.
Here you can certainly spend multiple days boating, shopping, hiking, perusing art galleries, relaxing on a beach and cruising the coast. In short, if you’re looking for a summer getaway, the Amalfi Coast is the perfect spot!
>> Read more: Best things to do in Postiano, Amalfi Coast
6. Isle of Capri
In addition to exploring the mainland of the Amalfi Coast, visiting the Isle of Capri is a must! While it may look small on a map, this rugged island in the Bay of Naples is full of fun things to do and will leave you in awe.
On the island you’ll find amazing view points, shopping and luxury beach clubs, but you can also enjoy the island from the water. Because of the dramatic coastline of Capri and the grottos (caves) around it, boating around the island became one of our favorite experiences in Italy!
Whether you take a day trip from Positano or spend a few nights, it’s worth adding to your Italy itinerary.
>> Find details for visiting Capri here
7. Siena
Known as a popular medieval city in the Tuscany region, Siena is one of Italy’s best places to visit. The historic center of the city is a UNESCO site, and the town is even more charming than we expected.
While you’re in Siena you can spend a day or two wandering the cobblestone streets and admiring the architecture. Even if you’re just stopping through, you can’t miss Piazza del Campo or the Duomo di Siena.
Since it’s only an hour away from Florence, Siena makes for a great day trip from Florence. Similarly, Siena makes for a perfect stop on an epic road trip through Tuscany.
8. Saturnia Hot Springs
If you’re looking for a one-of a kind, relaxing experience, you have to visit Saturnia Hot Springs. While these thermal baths are located in Tuscany, they make you feel like you’re on another planet.
Because of the therapeutic properties and fun legends passed down for centuries, visiting Saturnia is a truly enchanting experience. Also, the thermal baths are a constant 99F/37.5C all year and are FREE to visit!
Whether you visit in 1 day from Florence or plan your stay as part of a Tuscany Road Trip, this is definitely one of the best places to go in Italy.
>> Read: Complete Guide to visiting Saturnia Hot Springs!
9. Pisa
Certainly it’s no secret that Pisa is an iconic town and is one of Italy’s best destinations. While the famous Leaning Tower is the main attraction, Pisa has much more to offer.
In addition to the tower, Pisa has a beautiful city center along the river bank, fantastic shopping and other great landmarks like the Cattedrale di Pisa.
Since the town is only a short train ride from Florence, it makes for a very accessible day trip.
>> Plan your trip: Pisa to Florence day trip
10. Venice
Venice is one of the most unique places to go in Italy and is known as the city of Romance. There is an air about this place unlike any other, and you definitely need to experience its endearing nature.
While Venice is referred to as one cohesive city, it’s actually made up of over 100 small islands connected by canals and 400+ bridges! Subsequently, there are no cars allowed in Venice, and the only way to get around is by foot or by taking a boat on the canals.
From getting lost in the narrow streets to taking a world-famous gondola ride down the canal, Venice is absolutely one of the best places to go in Italy.
11. Rome
We couldn’t make a list of the best places to go in Italy and forget the country’s capitol, Rome! Even though it’s a large metropolitan city, Rome is beyond charming.
The city is full of romance, history adventure, and home to world-famous landmarks like the Colosseum and Saint Peter’s Basilica. Whether you visit for a day or a week, Rome offers plenty of things to do.
From visiting some of the most impressive museums in the world, to making your wish in the Trevi fountain, Rome is a city everyone should experience in their lifetime.
Map of the best places to go in Italy
Below is a map of the best places to go in Italy so you can see their relative locations. Click the ‘star’ next to the map name in order to save this map under “your places” in Google Maps.
When to visit the top places in Italy
The summer is the best, and most popular, time to visit Italy. However, with the peak of tourist season being July and August, consider visiting in May, early June or September to avoid the crowds.
That said, if you are looking for a winter destination in Italy the Dolomites are a great option. While the region offers fantastic summer activities, it’s also well-known for its winter sports.
More details on the top places to visit in Italy
If you’re planning your trip, check out our 14 day Italy Itinerary. Also, make sure to check out all of our Italy Travel Blogs! In our blogs for each region we go much more in depth on what you should do, where you should stay, top tips for the region and more!
Enjoy your trip!
Kylie & Scott
(If you liked this article or have any questions, please comment below! And make sure to follow along on Instagram @LoveHardTravelOften)
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