One of the trickiest questions I frequently get asked as an Italian is what are the best places to visit in Italy.
Italy is a special country—and I don’t just say that because it is my country. Here, you will find beautiful cities and quaint villages, mighty mountains and paradisiac beaches, art and archeological sites like nowhere else (this is the country with the highest concentration of UNESCO World Heritage Sites), delicious food, and even better wine.
With so much on offer, I can’t possibly include all the places to visit in Italy in just one post. Besides, it would take you a lifetime to visit them all. So, I have selected the best places to visit in Italy for the first time, and try my best to answer your question “what are the best places to visit in Italy?”
Of course, everything I write here is based on my own experience. I travel around Italy all the time – it honestly is my favorite place to explore!
29 Best Places To Visit In Italy
Rome
Number one on the list of the best places to visit in Italy has to be Rome. This city has so much history and art, so much good food, and it looks so breathtakingly beautiful that you could spend months without ever getting tired of it.
Rome has an incredible range of attractions. The places you can’t miss in the Eternal City are the Colosseum, Borghese Gallery, and the Pantheon.
You should also make it a point to visit one of the markets, such as Campo de’ Fiori, and the many squares, like Piazza Navona and Trevi, where you can admire the beautiful Trevi Fountain.
Most visitors will also use Rome as the access point to visit St. Peter’s Basilica and its Dome, as well as the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.
If that isn’t enough, there are too many hidden gems in Rome to even talk about. There’s no question you can stay busy for weeks if you have the time for it.
I recommend this Rome In A Day Tour with Vatican, Colosseum, and Historic Center. It’s one of the most comprehensive day tours of Rome, hitting all the most popular tourist destinations. This is definitely the easiest way to explore Rome without having to spend too much time planning and purchasing tickets to all the different attractions.
HOW LONG TO STAY: To see the city properly, you need three to five days in Rome at minimum, but some try to see it in a day—I don’t recommend it because it is too rushed. Four days in Rome is a pretty good medium, and it’ll give you plenty of time to see almost everything.
Viterbo and Tuscia
Viterbo is a lovely mid-sized city at the heart of Tuscia. You will find it about 100 km from Rome. Not many people outside of Italy have heard of it, so you’ll find a city that has yet to be discovered by mass tourism and with an interesting history.
The medieval center is very well preserved. Viterbo held the papal seat for about 24 years in the 13th century, so you will find a gorgeous papal palace.
Make sure to also visit the Duomo of San Lorenzo and the Church of Santa Maria Nuova and walk the narrow alleys of San Pellegrino. For a real steal, go to the thermal baths, which are open to the public.
If you visit at the beginning of September, stay for the Santa Rosa festival on the night of 3 September. It’s been added to the list of UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage, and it is a real treat to see it.
If you want to visit Civita di Bagnoregio on a day trip from Rome, I recommend this Orvieto & Civita di Bagnoregio Private Tour From Rome. This is a fun, personalized tour of the towns. of Umbria with a local guide. You’ll first go to Orvieto, then Civita di Bagnoregio, and even a local winery.
HOW LONG TO STAY: Many visit Viterbo on day trips from Rome, but you should plan a few days for a road trip around Tuscia. Places such as Bomarzo and Soriano nel Cimino, in the Cimini Hills; Bagnaia with the stunning Villa Lante; Vitorchiano; Bracciano with its Odescalchi Castle and the more famous Civita di Bagnoregio (known as the Dying City) all deserve a visit.
Naples and Pompeii
Naples is one of the best cities to visit in Italy. With its buzzing atmosphere and delicious food, this is an easy favorite of Italians and foreigners alike.
Piazza del Plebiscito, Castel d’Ovo, San Severo Chapel with the stunning Veiled Christ statue, San Gennaro Catacombs, the Archeology Museum, the Royal Palace and the Cathedral are all a must-see. You should also do a Naples Underground tour to learn more about the past of the city – from the funding by the Greeks and then the Romans to the WWII events.
Naples will give you easy access to Pompeii, the city that was abandoned in 79 AD when Mount Vesuvius erupted, killing more than 2,000 people and covering it in a blanket of ashes.
There’s a lot to take in here – theaters, Roman baths, private villas, brothels, frescoes, mosaics and more – so a guided tour is a good idea to get at least an overview of the ancient town before you continue exploring on your own.
For skip-line tickets to Pompeii, I recommend this Pompeii: Entry Ticket and Guided Tour with an Archeologist. This is definitely the best way to experience Pompeii because you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about its complex history with an expert.
Pizza was invented in Naples in 1830, which is just a super neat fact about the city if you’re a pizza-lover like most of us. Here, you can choose between many kinds: pizza a portafoglio (folded), pizza frittata (fried), and the classic one. You honestly can’t go wrong!
Consider joining a street food tour to try everything the city has to offer. I recommend this Naples: Savor Tasty Neapolitan Street Food on a Guided Tour. The food tour takes you through the historical center with a local, where you can sample all the best dishes and bites.
HOW LONG TO STAY: Spend 2 days in Naples and Pompeii before moving on to the Amalfi Coast.
Make sure to read my posts, The Best Things To Do In Naples, How To See Naples In One Day and A Complete Guide To Visiting Pompeii. You definitely want to make sure you’re making the most of your time in Naples and Pompeii.
Amalfi Coast and Sorrento
A favorite of tourists, the Amalfi coast will steal your heart. A road trip along the coast is the best way to take in all the scenic views. The scenic small towns of the Amalfi Coast are all perched on the hills and overlook the blue Mediterranean Sea. They aren’t easy to explore – there’s a lot of climbing to do. But it’s rewarding.
Don’t miss Positano (my personal favorite with its lovely small beach), Amalfi, Sorrento (which in fact is not part of the Amalfi Coast) and Ravello. Take your time to walk through the narrow alleys, spot the many shops and buy souvenirs, spend some time at the beach and relax the Italian way.
From Sorrento, you can also catch a ferry to the nearby island of Capri, another Italian gem and home of the Blue Grotto.
And if you enjoy eating fish or seafood, you will be in for a real treat. Don’t worry if you eat too much: you can wash everything down with limoncello at the end of the meal. Alternatively, hike the Path of the Gods!
Visiting Amalfi Coast on public transportation can be a bit of a hassle, so you may want to do a guided tour. I recommend this From Naples: Amalfi Coast Full-Day Trip. The tour includes plenty of free time in Amalfi and brief stops in Sorento, Positano, and Ravello.
Driving in this part of Italy may not be a great idea if you aren’t used to narrow, winding streets, so you might also want to consider hiring a private driver for the journey.
HOW LONG TO STAY: A day or two is enough to take in the views. However, to make the most of it, plan to spend at least three nights.
Make sure to read my post, The Best Things To Do On The Amalfi Coast, especially if you have a few days to spend there. There are so many great things to do, no matter your interests and preferences, so it’s good to do a little research beforehand.
Capri
This small mountainous island is easily visited from Naples and Sorrento, where there are direct ferries and boat tours.
The most impressive sight is by far the Blue Grotto, a cave with an opening right to the sea and the bluest waters. The chairlift on Mount Solaro is another must-do for breathtaking views. Make sure also to spot the Faraglioni and head to Anacapri, a small but beautiful town.
For a boat tour of Capri departing from Naples, I recommend this From Naples: Gulf of Naples & Capri Sightseeing Boat Tour. The activity includes five hours of free time in Capri, which is just enough time to get a good feel for the island. And the boat ride is fun, as well.
If you’d rather depart from Sorrento, this From Sorrento: Coast and Capri Boat Trip with Limoncello is a fantastic option. You’ll admire all the most popular attractions by boat and get several hours to explore the island of Capri before returning.
HOW LONG TO STAY: While you can go there for just a day, you may want to linger on a bit longer to take in the relaxing atmosphere and all the sights. However, be prepared: Capri isn’t exactly cheap.
Florence
Easily one of the best places to visit in Italy for the first time, Florence is synonymous with art. Visit, and you won’t stop marveling at all that it has to offer.
Visit the Duomo and climb the Brunelleschi Dome for stunning views of the city; then check out the Battistero before going up Giotto’s Bell Tower for even more views.
Take your time at the Uffizi Gallery (one of the most famous museums in the world where you can admire the best paintings by Botticelli, Leonardo, Michelangelo, Titian, Caravaggio and many more.
See Michelangelo’s David, Piazza della Signoria, go up Arnolfo Tower and admire Ponte Vecchio, and go all the way to Piazzale Michelangelo for a magnificent sunset view over the city. Get off the beaten path in the Oltrarno District or, even better, in lesser known (and equally beautiful) Sant’Ambrogio.
I recommend this Florence In A Day With David, Duomo, Uffizi & Walking Tour. This 3.5-hour adventure allows you to see many of the main highlights with a local guide.
HOW LONG TO STAY: The city’s top tourist attractions can be visited in a day, but don’t race it. In fact, I recommend spending at least 3 days in Florence to take in most (definitely not all) of its sites. Art deserves patience! You will probably need to get a few tickets in advance for the top attractions.
Make sure to read my post, The Best Things To Do In Florence, because there are honestly too many to list in one small section.
Pisa
Internationally famous thanks to its Leaning Tower, Pisa has a lot more to offer than just the tower! Sure enough, the tower is a good starting point to explore and the views from it are breathtaking.
Plan to spend enough time browsing around Piazza dei Miracoli and also to visit the Duomo and the Baptistery, both dating back to the 11th and 12th centuries.
The historic center of town is also pleasant to walk around – you’ll find lovely shops, nice cafés and plenty of good restaurants where you can enjoy some of the staples of Tuscan food.
To make the most of the city, you could join a guided tour such as Pisa: All-Inclusive Guided Tour with Optional Leaning Tower. The tour goes through the Square of Miracles, the Cathedral of Pisa, and the Baptistery of Pisa. You can choose to add on a guided tour of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, as well.
HOW LONG TO STAY: Most tourists spend just a day in Pisa, usually on day trips from Florence that also go to Siena and other places. My post The Best Things To Do In Pisa In One Day will help you plan your day in the city.
Siena and Tuscany
I love love love Siena. I actually like it better than Florence, not so much in terms of sights, but the atmosphere is simply magical.
When in Siena, spend some time wandering the narrow alleys, climbing Torre del Mangia for incredible views of the city, visiting the Cathedral, and hanging out in Il Campo—the city’s main square. This is where the famous Palio di Siena takes place every year.
Other places to visit in Tuscany include San Gimignano, Lucca, which is actually a real hidden gem, and Montepulciano.
If you feel like pushing yourself to southern Tuscany, I recommend visiting Pitigliano, a beautiful small town perched on a rocky outcrop, much like Civita di Bagnoregio. Pitigliano is also known as the Piccola Gerusalemme (Little Jerusalem) for it was home to a large Jewish population.
You will be able to wonder the lovely narrow alleys, take in the magnificent views, taste local traditional food, visit the Jewish heritage sites of the small town.
To make the most of Siena, consider joining a guided tour. I recommend this Siena: Guided Walking Tour With Cathedral Entry. It only lasts around an hour, but it’s just enough time to learn the most important history lessons of the city and cathedral.
For something a little longer and private, I recommend this Siena: 3h Private City Walking Tour With Optional Cathedral. This one is much longer and more in-depth, giving you even more time to learn about the fascinating history.
HOW LONG TO STAY: Many people visit Siena and other places in Tuscany on day trips from Florence. If you’re interested in doing so, I recommend this From Florence: San Gimignano, Siena, and Chianti Wine Tour. But if time is not an issue, plan to spend a night there and book yourself in one of the local trattorie for a fabulous meal.
Cinque Terre
The incredibly scenic Cinque Terre is a series of extremely colorful, charming small towns that sit on the cliffs and sides of the mountain, overlooking the beautiful sea.
The best way to enjoy Cinque Terre is on a hike – you can walk from village to village and thus visit Manarola, Riomaggiore, Vernazza, Monterosso al Mare, and Corniglia.
If hiking is not your thing, you can still make the most of this lovely part of the country by touring by boat (there are hop-on hop-off cruises you can join), or using the very convenient train to move from one village to the other.
This is also one of the best places to visit in Italy with beaches and to taste the delicious food—some of the best olive oil in Italy is produced here, as well as the famous sciacchetrà wine.
Some people do a day trip from Florence to Cinque Terre. I really don’t recommend this, but it is possible. If you have no other choice, I recommend this From Florence: Cinque Terre & Porto Venere Seaside Day Tour. You’ll have plenty of time at several places in Cinque Terre, and all transportation organized for you.
HOW LONG TO STAY: Although you can visit Cinque Terre on day trips from Florence, I recommend spending at least a night there. When all day-trippers leave, you get to have the place all to yourself, and it’s just special!
Milan and Bergamo
Milan is one of the most interesting cities in the country. The heart of Italian economic life, it’s where all trends start. It’s a cosmopolitan city where old meets new, and contemporary art galleries are next to museums and beautiful churches. It also has one of the best selections of restaurants in Italy.
You will have to visit the magnificent Duomo – make sure to climb to the top; and the world-famous Last Supper, for which you need to buy tickets months in advance.
It’s very important to book all tickets in advance or even join a guided tour. This Fast-Track Milan Cathedral and Terraces Guided Tour is a great option that covers some of the best sites in Milan, including the Duomo Museum.
And don’t forget The Last Supper! I recommend this Skip-the-Line Guided Walk and “The Last Supper”. The activity includes professional line and skip-the-line tickets to The Last Supper (which can be really useful during busy hours).
Bergamo, Italy, is a true hidden gem. There are tons of little villages that are among the best places to visit in Italy that aren’t touristy. It’s just 45 minutes from Milan. If you’re looking for something a little different and a good reason to get out of the city, this is the perfect opportunity.
HOW LONG TO STAY: Most will tell you that a day in Milan is enough, but I recommend spending two to take in all that it has to offer. If you manage to rush through all the attractions, you can just go shopping!
Lake Como
Often visited on day trips from Milan, Lake Como is a truly pleasant place to explore. At the foot of the Alps, it’s one of the most romantic destinations in the country—and the fact that George Clooney owns a villa here and is regularly spotted only adds to its fame!
Varenna and Bellagio are two must-sees near Lake Como. For incredible views, ride the funicular Como-Brunate.
For guided tours of Lake Como departing from Milan, I recommend this From Milan: Lake Como & Bellagio By Bus & Private Boat Tour. The tour includes 1.5 hours in the city of Como, 1.5 hours in Bellagio, and several other scenic stops along the way, as well as a boat ride on Lake Como.
HOW LONG TO STAY: If you are short on time, a day in Lake Como is enough. You can tak a day trip from Milan or just spend one night on the lake.
Lake Garda
Located about halfway between Milan and Venice, close to Brescia and Verona, Lake Garda is a fantastic destination. This is the biggest lake in Italy, and scattered along its shore, there are many lovely towns and villages, a bunch of nice beaches and more.
On the southern side of the lake, Sirmione is the most popular place to visit, thanks to the Castello di Sirmione and the Grotte di Catullo. If you want to explore the northern side, head to Riva del Garda, Desenzano del Garda, Peschiera del Garda, Malcesine, and Limone Sul Garda.
To make the most of the lake, hop on a boat tour to visit the many small towns. I recommend this Full-Day Lake Garda Tour: Bus & Public Boat with Guide. The tour includes stops at various villages around the lake, transportation from most places around the lake, and a guide.
If you’d like to visit on a day trip from Verona, I recommend this Sirmione and Lake Garda Day Tour. The tour includes transportation from Verona, several stops along Lake Garda and around Sirmione, a boat cruise, and even some free time in certain locations.
HOW LONG TO STAY: You can easily see Lake Garda on day trips from Verona. If you have time to spare, plan to stay 2 or 3 days.
Turin
The first capital of the country, Turin, is a truly beautiful city packed with things to see and do. The city is known to Christians around the world as the place where the shroud depicting the face of Jesus is kept.
Another must-see is the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, an impressive baroque church. The Mole Antonelliana is the best place to go for views of the city.
Finally, the Egyptian Museum is home to the finest collections of Egyptian art and archeology outside of Egypt (Make sure to book tickets and a Guided Egyptian Museum Tour in advance). When in Turin, you should also try Gianduiotti – the city’s famous chocolate pralines.
HOW LONG TO STAY: While you can visit Turin easily on day trips from Milan (it’s just one hour away), the city deserves at least 4 full days to take in the main sights and the surroundings.
Genoa and the Italian Riviera
Genoa is the largest port in Italy and a good starting point to explore the Riviera Ligure. The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A maze of tiny alleys, it’s simply a pleasure to walk around aimlessly.
The city is also home to an aquarium that strives to promote the respect of marine life. You should purchase your Genoa Aquarium of Genoa Entry Ticket in advance as it’s one of the most popular aquariums in Europe.
When in Genoa, you will want to taste the local version of focaccia and pesto—a basil-based sauce especially used on pasta. Other places to visit in the Riviera that you should not miss include Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure, and Camogli.
HOW LONG TO STAY: Spend at least 4 full days in the area to see everything it has to offer.
Venice
Venice is a city I never tire of. Crowded with tourists, it’s extremely hot in the summer and humid and miserable in the winter. However, it’s a place full of history, art, mystery, and romance. Riding a gondola through the canals gives you a new perspective of the city.
Among the places you should visit in Venice are Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica and its Bell Tower and St. Mark’s Square, the Rialto Bridge and Market, the Jewish Ghetto, and the small nearby islands of Burano and Murano.
One of my Venice travel tips is to actually consider taking guided tours around the city and to the popular attractions, especially if you’re short on time. They can make your trip much easier and hassle-free.
If you’re looking for a guided tour of St. Mark’s Basilica, I recommend this Skip The Line: St. Mark’s Basilica Guided Tour. It’s very informative, so definitely a good option if you want to learn about St. Mark’s on a deeper level.
Care for a gondola ride? You can also plan that in advance. I recommend this Venice Private Gondola Ride. You’ll meet at the designated meeting point and then jump on for a romantic, 30-minute ride around the canals.
HOW LONG TO STAY: Venice deserves at least three days—between the city and a day trip to Burano and Murano, that’s really a minimum!
Verona
The city of Romeo and Juliet, Verona, truly deserves more visitors—though you’ll surely wish it maintained its local character and welcoming atmosphere.
You likely know about Verona for being the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Here, you can visit the Capulety family home (though there isn’t much evidence they lived here), which is the house where Juliet’s Balcony is also located. Not far from it, you can also see Juliet’s Tomb.
Among its top sights are the Arena di Verona – a Roman Arena (Arena di Verona) located in Bra Square that dates back to the 1st century AD and is still hosts concerts and operas in the summer months.
Ponte Scaligero, Piazza delle Erbe, and the Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore are other places you should visit. Make sure to also go to Piazzale Castel San Pietro for great views of the city.
Consider joining a guided bike tour to explore the city. I recommend this popular The Classics and the Unknown: Original Verona Bike Tour. It’s a really fun way to see all of the city with a knowledgeable guide, so you’ll also learn a lot.
For the Arena, I recommend this Verona Skip-the-Line Guided Tour. It’s a fantastic tour with a licensed tour guide around the magnificent Verona Arena.
HOW LONG TO STAY: Verona deserves a full day to be explored, and possibly more if you want to appreciate its atmosphere.
The Dolomites
One of the best places to visit in Italy that hardly ever makes it on first-timers’ itineraries is the Dolomites. Spread across the Northwest of the country, this mighty mountain range is best accessed from the region of Trentino.
Your experience in the Dolomites will vary depending on the season you visit. Go in the winter, and you will be hitting the slopes.
Visit in the summer, and it will all be about Dolomites’ world-class hikes, lakes, open-air concerts, charming small towns such as Mezzano di Primiero, Fiera di Primiero, San Martino di Castrozza, and Moena, as well as the beautiful main city, Trento. Actually, the Dolomites is one of the best places to visit in Italy summer.
Oh, and there is obviously all the food and the delicious wine!
HOW LONG TO STAY: If you really want to make the most of the Dolomites, plan to spend at least 3 or 4 days there.
Bologna and Emilia Romagna
Bologna is one of the best cities in Italy for food lovers. I just got back from it and I can tell you I ate my way around town, there’s such a great offer here! A large student town, it is considered Italy’s liveliest city, with an excellent restaurant, bar, and nightlife scene.
When visiting Bologna, you shouldn’t miss Piazza Maggiore, the Palazzo del Podestà, the Pinacoteca, the two towers (Asinelli and Garisenda Tower), and San Petronio church. I am also a fan of the Teatro Anatomico (also known as Archiginnasio) and the Santuario della Madonna di San Luca.
You will also enjoy walking under the porticos Bologna is famous for, which provide shelter from the rain, and shade from the sun!
The Torre degli Asinelli is certainly the best place for views of the city, but it is currently closed for renovations. Alternatively, you can go up the Prendiparte Tower nearby – however it is only open on the weekends. The views from there are stunning!
Make sure to also sign up for a food tour and a cooking class—this is where lasagne was invented, and you will want to unveil all their secrets. Foods you should try other than lasagne include tortellini, tagliatelle al ragu, cotoletta alla bolognese and mortadella.
Don’t miss Ravenna, a beautiful city with a fine collection of Byzantine mosaics (the city was the seat of King Theodoric the Great, who was from Constantinople). The mosaics are found in the seven UNESCO-listed buildings around the city. The most impressive is the 5th-century Neonian Baptistery.
To make the most of Bologna, consider exploring with a local guide. I recommend this Bologna With a Local: Customized Private Meet-Up. Since it’s private, the itinerary is dependent on what you’re interested in the most. And it’s led by a friendly local who’ll also share some local secrets.
Because Bologna also has some of the best local Italian cuisine, you should also consider a food tour. I recommend this Tastes & Traditions of Bologna: Food & Market Tour. This food tour is very different from most, and you’ll really get some of the best (and most secret) local bites in the city. I took the tour myself last Saturday, when I visited with my sister and brother in law, and we all loved it!
HOW LONG TO STAY: I recommend spending at least two days in Bologna and an additional three to explore other places in the region.
San Marino
This tiny independent country completely surrounded by Italy can be easily visited when in Emilia Romagna. I know it is not technically Italy, yet it feels ok adding it to this post as chances are you’ll explore it during a trip to Italy.
When in San Marino, Rocca della Guaita Fortress is definitely a must-see. You should also climb Cesta Tower for views and explore the city—Piazza della Libertà is a lovely spot to people-watch.
HOW LONG TO STAY: Although you can easily explore San Marino on day trips from Bologna, spending a night there will allow you to take in the beautiful atmosphere.
Urbino
Chances are you’ve never heard of Urbino – yet this small hilltop town in the region of Marche isn’t just a UNESCO World Heritage Site but also a splendid example of Renaissance architecture. It’s a great place to go if you want to get off the beaten path.
The main attraction in Urbino is the 15th-century Ducal Palace, which was the residence of Federico di Montefeltro, Duke of Urbino. Located inside is the National Gallery of the Marche, where you can admire paintings by Titian and Raphael—who actually came from Urbino!
For more paintings by Raphael, visit the house where he grew up. Another must-see is the Cathedral.
HOW LONG TO STAY: A day is enough to take in the main sights in Urbino, but you should probably plan a night there to enjoy the pleasant local atmosphere.
Cagliari
Have you ever heard of Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia? I bet you haven’t. It hardly ever makes the list of the best places to visit in Italy. But I promise you it is worth the flight—and I am not just saying this because it’s my hometown.
Perched on the hills and overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, Cagliari abounds in history but also offers the best nature experiences.
Make sure to visit the Roman Amphitheater, the historical district of Castello, where you will find the Cathedral, the two watchtowers, and the Archeology Museum. Walk to Via Santa Croce for the best city views (the photo above was taken from there, and it gets even better at sunset!) and head to Poetto Beach for a day in the sun.
From Poetto, you can also access Molentargius Nature Reserve, a haven for pink flamingoes. If you fancy a hike, head to Calamosca Beach and hit the trail to Sella del Diavolo.
HOW LONG TO STAY: Cagliari deserves at least 2 full days, more if you want to use it as a base to explore southern Sardinia.
La Maddalena Archipelago
If you are looking for heavenly beaches and one of the best places to visit in Italy in the summer, you have found it. La Maddalena Archipelago, at the northeastern tip of Sardinia, is a series of small islands with some of the most beautiful coves in the world.
The most famous islands in the archipelago are Maddalena, Caprera – where you can visit the home of Italian unification hero Garibaldi and the stunning Cala Coticcio; Budelli, home of a gorgeous pink beach; and Spargi. Most of the archipelago is protected and you can only access the beaches via a short hike or during a boat tour.
If you’re interested in checking out one of the boat tours of La Maddalena, I recommend this From Palau: La Maddalena Archipelago Catamaran Tour. A catamaran tour is a really fun way to explore La Maddalena and one of the most beautiful day trips in Italy.
If you are curious about more beaches in Sardinia, check out my Guide To The Best Beaches In Sardinia. As a local who loves the beach, I definitely have the best advice for you on this front!
HOW LONG TO STAY: You can explore the archipelago on boat trips departing from nearby Palau. If time is not an issue, plan to spend 4 or 5 days.
Asinara Island
The small island of Asinara, at the northeastern tip of Sardinia, is all about beautiful beaches. A barren landscape and lots of wildlife make this a special place.
Asinara is uninhabited. Since the mid-19th century, it has been a prison, a leper colony, and eventually a high-security prison. When the high-security prison was finally closed, it became a national park.
The best way to explore the island is biking or hiking, and if it is too hot for that, you can opt to rent an electric golf cart. This way, you can hit the many beaches and viewpoints, which include Cala Sabina, Punta della Scomunica, and Cala dei detenuti.
Make sure to visit the Diramazione Centrale, where the main branch of the prison is located. A guided visit will take you to the cells of mafia bosses Riina and Provenzano.
For more information about this magical place, make sure to read my post, A Complete Guide To The Island Of Asinara, Sardinia.
HOW LONG TO STAY: Most visitors visit on day trips departing from Porto Torres or Stintino, but I recommend staying overnight to enjoy the surreal atmosphere, the silence, and the starry night.
Lecce and Salento
Lecce is one of the best cities to visit in Italy and is extremely underrated. Located in the southern region of Puglia, this medium-sized town is famous for its baroque architecture and for its historical center, which is entirely built in white stone.
Among the places you should not miss are the beautiful Cathedral, located in the airy Duomo Square; the amphitheater; and Porta Napoli. A walk along the narrow streets will reveal a plethora of lovely shops, bars, cafés (have a pasticcio, thank me later), and restaurants.
I recommend this Lecce: Walking Tour, especially if this is your first time visiting Italy. The walking tour lasts 1.5-2 hours and is the perfect introduction and mini-history lesson in the historical center.
HOW LONG TO STAY: You can use Lecce as a base to explore Salento. Factor in at least 4 days to explore at a leisurely pace.
Valle d’Itria
Also part of the region of Puglia (Apulia), Valle d’Itria is the perfect place for a road trip. Mostly famous for its trulli—dry stone huts with a conical roof—it will amaze you with its lovely landscapes, quaint villages, pretty coastal towns, and delicious food, wine, and olive oil.
Alberobello, the town of the trulli, should be your first stop. Ostuni and Polignano a Mare are two scenic coastal towns that are pleasant for a walk. Egnazia is a nice archeological site that will provide insights into the region’s past.
The lesser-known towns of Locorotondo, Cisternino, and Martina Franca also deserve a visit.
HOW LONG TO STAY: You will encounter sites that tell you a day is enough to explore Valle d’Itria, but I disagree. Such a scenic place calls for slow travel, so plan to spend at least three days in the area.
Matera
Added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1993, the lovely city of Matera is one of the best places to visit in Italy. This medium-sized city in the region of Basilicata, in Southern Italy, is famous for its Sassi—literally “stones,” which defines the typical architectural style the city became famous.
Plan to get lost in the Sassi, where you can visit some traditional homes. Casa Noha is a good place to start your visit as it will show a documentary about the history of the city. The city’s cathedral and the rupestrian churches are also a must-see.
You can also explore the cisterns of Palombaro Lungo and head to the Parco della Murgia for the most impressive sunset views.
To make the most of Matera, consider joining a guided tour. I recommend this From Matera: Sassi di Matera Tour with Entry to Cave Houses. The tour includes eight total stops, some of which are brief photo opportunities and others are short guided tours. It’s jam-packed with all the best Matera highlights.
HOW LONG TO STAY: A day is probably enough to visit Matera—you can check it out on the way to Lecce from Naples. But I recommend spending a night or two there to take in the unique atmosphere.
Catania
Catania is one of the most lively cities in the country. Between the beautiful churches, the airy squares, the markets and the delicious food, and the access to many beautiful nearby places such as Mount Etna.
Make sure to visit the Cathedral and the Roman Amphitheater, explore the markets where you should opt for a food tour, and don’t miss Mount Etna and the fabulous wineries on its slopes. From Catania, you can enjoy day trips to the nearby Syracuse, Ortigia, and Noto. Taormina is also easily accessible from Catania.
If you’re looking for an exciting adventure, I highly recommend this Etna: Trek to the 3000-Meter of Mount Etna with Cable Car. It includes a cable car ticket up and down the mountain’s start, about four hours of hiking, trekking equipment, a guide, and transportation.
For day trips to Syracuse, Ortigia, and Noto, I recommend this From Catania: Neapolis of Syracuse, Ortygia, and Noto Tour. The tour includes roundtrip transportation from Catania and about 1.5 hours to explore and tour each location. It’s a great way to see the region if you’re short on time.
HOW LONG TO STAY: You will need at least 4 full days to explore Catania and its surroundings properly.
The Aeolian Islands
Easily reached by boat from Milazzo, at about one hour’s drive from Messina, these volcanic islands dotting the bluest ocean and surmounted by mighty volcanoes are a sight to behold.
Start with Vulcano, where you will find some lovely beaches and the famous mud baths where you can immerse yourself—they are said to have great healing properties; a variety of hiking trails (the one to Gran Cratere will give you magnificent views, as pictured above) and then move to Stromboli, home to one of the most active volcanoes in the world.
Other islands to check out include Lipari, the largest island; Alicudi, Filicudi, Salina and Panarea.
To hike Mount Stromboli, you will need to join a guided tour. I recommend this Stromboli: Sunset Trekking at Sciara del Fuoco. The tour includes transportation, a rock helmet, and a headlamp (if you don’t have your own). It’s challenging, especially at sunset, but worth it.
HOW LONG TO STAY: I recommend spending at least four days in the archipelago. If you have the chance, take a sailing cruise!
Palermo
You’ve probably realized by now that Sicily deserves a trip of its own! Palermo, the capital, is one of the most interesting, unique, and beautiful cities in Italy.
The Norman Palace, also known as Palermo’s Royal Palace, is the city’s most important attraction. Its Palatine Chapel is an impressive example of the Arab-Norman-Byzantine style. Next to it is San Giovanni degli Eremiti church, another must-see.
A bit further away, the Cathedral of Palermo is another beautiful church. When in town, don’t miss Ballarò market—it’s literally a feast for your senses. For a quirky experience, visit Palermo’s Catacombs. And if you fancy a day in the sun, head to Mondello Beach and plan to hike Zingaro Nature Reserve.
To make the most of Palermo, consider joining a guided walking tour such as this Palermo: Guided City Walking Tour w/ Customizable Itinerary. This is a private tour with a lot of flexibility. You could opt for a shorter, 1-3 hour walking tour or a full-day six-hour tour. I recommend doing it toward the beginning of your trip, as you’ll likely learn a lot of really useful information.
Fancy a food tour? I recommend this Palermo: Experience Local History & Flavor on a Foodie Tour. Italy is arguably one of the best places in the world for food tours because we’re so well-known for our cuisine. So, this is the perfect way to combine history and food!
HOW LONG TO STAY: You need at least 3 full days to explore Palermo, more if you intend to visit the surrounding areas and smaller towns such as the lovely Cefalù. Consider basing yourself in the center of town for convenience, though there are many wonderful places to stay in Palermo.
Final Considerations
As I said at the beginning of this post, this list of the best places to visit in Italy is absolutely not exhaustive. You would honestly need a lifetime to appreciate everything that Italy has to offer—I was born and raised here, and I’ve yet to see it all.
If you are currently planning your trip to Italy, I recommend sticking to a smaller area and exploring that region more in-depth.
Each of the places mentioned in this post is a trip in and of itself! And you really can’t go wrong with any of them if you’re looking for the best places to visit in Italy for the first time. Head over to my post A Perfect Italy Itinerary for trip ideas and suggestions.
Further Readings
If you are planning a trip to Italy, make sure to read these other posts:
- 17 Reasons To Visit Italy As Soon As Possible
- 67 Extremely Useful Travel Tips For Italy
- 25 Most Beautiful Islands In Italy
- 13 Cool Things To Do In Bari, Italy
- What To Do And What To Avoid When Planning A Trip To Italy
- Tipping In Italy: When To Tip And How Much
- A Local’s Guide To The Things To Do In Sardinia
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