Italy takes a high spot on most vacationers’ bucket lists, and for good cause, as you’re about to learn on this listing of one of the best locations to go to in Italy. Whether or not you’re searching for scrumptious meals, gorgeous coastlines, charming small cities, main cities, outside adventures, or artwork and style, the Boot of Europe has all of it.
Regardless of your pursuits, you will see part of Italy to fall in love with. On this article, we’re introducing you to 10 of probably the most stunning locations in Italy that spotlight the nation’s historic landmarks, pure magnificence, culinary delights, and creative achievements.
From Rome’s Colosseum and Milan’s Final Supper to the vineyards of Tuscany and the road meals of Sicily, let’s uncover one of the best locations to go to in Italy.
10 Greatest Locations To Go to in Italy
1. Rome
Rome, the Everlasting Metropolis, is normally individuals’s first cease in Italy. Not solely is Rome probably the most populous metropolis and the capital, nevertheless it additionally hosts among the nation’s most necessary historic landmarks and factors of curiosity.
Amongst them, the Colosseum, the most important historic amphitheater ever constructed, stands out. Accomplished in 80 AD, the Colosseum may host as much as 80,000 spectators who watched courageous gladiators battle wild animals – equivalent to crocodiles, elephants, and leopards – and one another.
Subsequent door to the Colosseum, you’ll discover the Roman Discussion board and Palatine Hill the place you’ll be able to stroll within the footsteps of Historical Roman residents, together with Julius Caesar, Marc Anthony, and Augustus, previous spectacular Roman ruins.
Historical past and structure lovers may even wish to admire the right dome contained in the Pantheon, climb the Spanish Steps, toss a coin within the Trevi Fountain, and people-watch at one among Rome’s well-known squares, equivalent to Piazza del Popolo or Piazza Navona.
These passionate concerning the arts gained’t wish to miss the well-known Galleria Borghese and Borghese Gardens. A tour by the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica may also be necessary for artwork lovers, in addition to non secular pilgrims.
With a lot to see and do in Rome, you’ll have simply sufficient time to squeeze in a chew of Rome’s well-known pasta, equivalent to pasta carbonara or cacio e pepe, and a scoop of gelato earlier than heading off to your subsequent must-see sight.
As a result of Rome is such a well known metropolis, it receives seven to 10 million guests yearly. In the course of the summer time or non secular holidays, equivalent to Easter, put together for the town middle to be very crowded. If you happen to’re visiting Italy with JayWay although, relaxation assured that any must-do actions, equivalent to a tour of the Vatican Metropolis or the Colosseum, are booked nicely prematurely and embody skip-the-line entry.
2. Venice
Few cities conjure up as romantic a notion as cruising down the canals, a gondolier singing behind you, when you take within the sights and sounds of the Grand Canal and the remainder of Venice. But, Venice isn’t just for {couples}. Pals and households can benefit from the car-free bridges and waterways of The Floating Metropolis as nicely.
Whereas in Venice, you’ll wish to stroll throughout – or admire from the water on a gondola experience – the town’s well-known bridges, the Rialto Bridge and the Bridge of Sighs. You’ll additionally wish to go to St. Mark’s Sq. the place you’ll discover Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica, and dwell music pouring out of the neighboring eating places.
On a day journey, head out to the close by islands of Murano – well-known for glass blowing – and Burano – well-known for its lace traditions and colourful homes. Along with your digicam full, it’s the right time to fill your abdomen with some Venetian specialties, like bigoli pasta, squid ink pasta, and cicchetti, the Venetian model of Spanish tapas.
Venice’s recognition and busy cruise ship port imply this metropolis is usually heaving with crowds, particularly in the summertime months. Fortunately, it’s simple to keep away from them by staying for just a few nights, reasonably than doing a fast day journey. By night, many of the metropolis has emptied, leaving you a lot of area to get splendidly misplaced within the slim streets of Venice, positively probably the greatest locations to go to in Italy.
3. Tuscany
Rolling inexperienced valleys, iconic cypress bushes, many a hilltop city, lush wineries, world-famous Renaissance artwork, and among the greatest produce in all of Italy, all this awaits you on a visit to Tuscany in Central Italy.
Very similar to Italy itself, Tuscany is a area of contrasts. You can begin your journey within the bustling metropolis of Florence, a mecca for artwork historical past lovers. A UNESCO World Heritage Web site, the historic middle of Florence has no scarcity of treasures.
Stroll throughout Ponte Vecchio, people-watch at Piazza della Signoria, see unimaginable artwork within the Uffizi Gallery and Accademia, climb to the highest of the Duomo – the wonderful Santa Maria del Fiore – and watch the sundown from Piazzale Michelangelo.
After just a few busy days in Florence, it’s time to take a look at the opposite aspect of Tuscany. Head to the Tuscan countryside the place you’ll be able to loosen up by having an Italian villa all to yourselves, pop into historic hilltop cities, like San Gimignano or Siena, and go to family-run wineries for scrumptious wine tastings and lengthy, leisurely lunches.
The countryside of Tuscany is the right place to loosen up, decelerate, and respect the pure fantastic thing about Italy. It’s additionally a terrific place to understand Italy’s produce as you get pleasure from contemporary truffles, olive oil, fruit, greens, and much more.
At JayWay Journey, we at all times ensure that our friends be a part of one of the best small-group excursions of Tuscany. Alternatively, we will prepare distinctive personal excursions by the area’s gorgeous surroundings, definitely a novel method to take a look at among the greatest locations to go to in Italy.
4. Amalfi Coast
Simply south of Naples lies the attractive Amalfi Coast the place properties are steeped on mountainsides that seem to crash into the ocean. Whereas it’s identified for attracting A-list crowds to its luxurious shores, you don’t should personal a megayacht to get pleasure from just a few days on the Amalfi Coast.
The Amalfi Coast is made up of a sequence of cities, every providing one thing barely completely different. We propose staying in a single city and becoming a member of day excursions to go to the others.
For a handy keep, select Sorrento. This city, on the north coast, is the one one on the Amalfi Coast that’s accessible by practice. It’s simple to go to Naples, Pompeii and Capri from Sorrento. It’s additionally the unique dwelling of limoncello, which is a must-try whereas on the Amalfi Coast.
For postcard-perfect views, select Positano. This is without doubt one of the hottest cities on the coast, owing to its stunning dramatic cliffs, sandy seashores, and nice procuring.
For historical past and nice meals, select Amalfi. The city of Amalfi, which shares its identify with the coast, is steeped in historical past and hosts a shocking Cathedral that’s nicely price visiting. Amalfi can also be identified for excellent meals and a quieter ambiance, good should you’re a foodie searching for some peace.
Take into account that the Amalfi Coast is a seasonal vacation spot, usually visited from early April till late October, with July and August seeing probably the most guests. Bigger cities, like Sorrento, are open year-round however many of the smaller cities’ eating places, retailers, resorts, and ferries shut down outdoors the height season.
5. Milan
Milan is undoubtedly the style capital of Italy, in addition to one of many world’s 4 style capitals, alongside New York, London, and Paris. This northern Italian metropolis is understood for its type and distinct tradition that’s seeped into its meals, artwork, structure, and, in fact, style.
In case you have a ardour for style, Milan is the right place to browse designer retailers, be impressed, and add to your wardrobe. However should you dread procuring, there’s tons extra so that you can do, see, and eat in Milan.
Stare up on the imposing Duomo di Milano then take a stroll by the equally spectacular Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II subsequent door. Study Renaissance royalty on the Castello Sforzesco or take a science lesson on the Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Know-how.
See a present on the Teatro Alla Scala opera home and revel in a meal of well-known Milanese risotto. Milan is dwelling to loads of artwork galleries, church buildings, squares, and parks you’ll be able to get pleasure from, too.
One factor you’ll be able to’t miss in Milan is a go to to Santa Maria delle Grazie, the house of Leonardo da Vinci’s well-known portray, The Final Supper. As that is a particularly well-liked portray, it’s greatest to see it on a guided tour that may be organized by your professional JayWay journey planner method prematurely.
6. Naples
Whereas it’s the third largest metropolis in Italy, Naples’s checkered historical past saved guests away for a very long time. Fortunately, these days are over and guests are heading to Naples as soon as once more. Regardless of not being probably the most picturesque metropolis, Naples’s appeal is in its grit. It’s a metropolis of actual Italians with layers of wealthy historical past round each nook.
One factor that undeniably retains guests coming again to Naples is the town’s pizza. Naples, the birthplace of pizza, serves up among the greatest plates within the nation.
From easy however scrumptious choices at L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele – made well-known by Julia Roberts in Eat, Pray, Love – to lengthy menus and plenty of toppings at Gino e Toto Sorbillo to any hole-in-the-wall pizzeria you’ll uncover at random, get pleasure from tasting your method by Naples’s pizza scene.
And should you occur to get sick of pizza, if that’s even doable, you’ll be able to strive different well-known Neapolitan dishes like cuoppo (fried avenue meals), ragu pasta, spaghetti puttanesca, and sfogliatelle (layered pastry).
In addition to consuming, there’s tons to find in Naples. Take a stroll by the historic middle, go to one among Naples’s many castles, pop into church buildings and galleries, and dig into the town’s tradition on the Nationwide Archaeological Museum.
Naples can also be a terrific base for day journeys. From Naples, you’ll be able to go to the well-known archeological websites of Pompeii and Herculaneum, each destroyed when Mt. Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD. Talking of which, it’s also possible to go to Mt. Vesuvius. You’ll be able to even ferry to the island of Capri or the Amalfi Coast from Naples.
7. Lake Como
Simply north of Milan lies the attractive Italian Lakes district and its star, Lake Como. Created by melting glaciers and framed by the Alps, Lake Como hosts quite a few picturesque small cities round its shores – together with one the place George Clooney is a resident.
Begin your journey in Como, the principle metropolis on the lake. Cease into the Como Cathedral, go to Villa Olmo, and experience a funicular up the hill for an exquisite view.
Carry onto Bellagio, one of the crucial well-known and delightful cities on Lake Como. Right here, you’ll discover beautiful villas and gardens to discover, colourful properties, and rocky seashores. Subsequent door is Varenna, one other city identified for its historic websites, backyard villas, and lakefront views.
Spend your days on Lake Como enjoyable on the seaside, heading out on boat journeys, strolling alongside the various nature trails, and admiring the views.
8. Cinque Terre
Southern Italy has the Amalfi Coast however Northern Italy has Cinque Terre, a sequence of 5 cities alongside the Ligurian coast that boast unimaginable views, sharp cliffs, brightly coloured properties, and delightful blue waters.
Every city in Cinque Terre – Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore – presents one thing barely completely different. Monterosso is the most important and has the one sandy seaside, Vernazza is probably the most picturesque, Corniglia is the smallest and the one city not constructed on the ocean, Manarola is probably the most well-known, and Riomaggiore is the simplest to get to, plus nice for sunsets.
Spend your time on this magnificent a part of the Italian Riviera exploring the completely different cities, hitting the seaside, having fun with contemporary seafood, climbing, becoming a member of boat excursions, and appreciating the coastal views.
Whereas it’s doable to go to Cinque Terre on a day journey, we advocate staying no less than one night time to actually expertise the cities. Like many locations in Italy, Cinque Terre empties within the night, providing a very completely different ambiance for vacationers who keep the night time. Staying in a single day additionally provides you a head begin on exploring within the morning, earlier than the day trippers arrive.
9. Sicily
Simply off the toe of the boot of Italy lies Sicily, a area of the nation identified for its distinct tradition, Mediterranean climate and meals, Historical Greek landmarks, and mafia historical past. Whereas a lot much less visited than Rome or Venice, the island of Sicily is a superb place to get a unique style of Italy.
You can begin your exploration of Sicily in Palermo, the place you’ll discover UNESCO World Heritage Cathedrals and church buildings, in addition to a powerful avenue meals scene. Get pleasure from strolling by the markets or study extra about what you’re consuming by becoming a member of probably the greatest meals excursions.
Head south to Agrigento, the place you’ll be able to wander by The Valley of The Temples. This spectacular website of Historical Greek artwork and structure holds a number of temples, sanctuaries, and a necropolis.
Over on the east aspect of Sicily, you’ll be able to go to the traditional neighborhood of Ortigia in Syracuse, see the Baroque structure in Catania, and climb or cable automotive to the highest of Mount Etna. Up north, you’ll be able to loosen up on the attractive seashores of Cefalu or take a ferry over to the Aeolian Islands for extra seashores and volcanoes.
10. Sardinia
Sardinia, a big island situated within the Mediterranean Sea, is without doubt one of the greatest locations to go to in Italy for nature lovers. This island is well-known for its seashores, turquoise waters, and rock formations.
Adventurers may have tons to do in Sardinia. Spend your days biking by nationwide parks, crusing alongside archipelagos, climbing historic mining websites, exploring caves, and diving into historic shipwrecks. For a bit of extra tradition, you’ll be able to discover the ruins of Su Nuraxi, wander round Cagliari’s citadel, and uncover the archaeological websites of Nora and Tharros.
In fact, you’ll wish to strive a few of Sardinia’s world-class delicacies. Get pleasure from su porceddu (roast suckling pig), culurgiones and malloreddus pasta, pane carasau (crispy bread), pecorino cheese, and contemporary sea urchin.
Journey To Italy With Us
It’s no overstatement to say that, right here at JayWay, we all know Italy just like the again of our hand. From our professional journey advisors to our skilled journey planners to the educated locals who await to welcome you on the bottom, everybody will work collectively to craft the right Italy itinerary for you, tailor-made to your wishes and preferences.
So, if this listing of one of the best locations to go to in Italy conjures up you to journey to this breathtaking nation quickly, get in contact, and we’ll make your dream Italy trip come true.
Born and raised in Athens, Maria’s keen about journey and storytelling, a mix that makes her preferrred for her position as our content material supervisor.