Italy Attractions: The 22 Most Beautiful Places to Visit

The 22 Most Beautiful Sights in Italy on a Map

For a first overview, we’ve marked the most important Italy attractions on a map.

The 7 Top Highlights in Italy

Colosseum

What you need to know: The Colosseum is one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, the top attraction in Rome, and the most visited sight in Italy. It’s 2,000 years old and the largest amphitheater in the world. Right next to the Colosseum are the excavation sites of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill — both absolutely worth seeing.

Is it worth it? Yes — the Colosseum is an absolute must-see in Italy, but it’s also incredibly crowded. To escape the masses as much as possible, book your time slot for early morning or midday.

Our tip: All Colosseum tickets include admission to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. The most affordable option is the Colosseum ticket with audio guide. That said, we’d really recommend booking a guided tour of the Colosseum if you can.

Our hotel tip: Doria Palace Boutique Hotel – just a 15-minute walk to the Colosseum.

Canals in Venice

What you need to know: Venice is one of those places you simply have to see. Where else in the world do gondolas glide through canals instead of cars driving through streets? A gondola ride is the top activity in Venice — and rightly so. Other iconic highlights include St. Mark’s Square, the Rialto Bridge, and the islands of Burano & Murano.

Is it worth it? Absolutely. We do recommend traveling to Venice in winter (November through March), though. During all other months, you’re more likely to be squeezing past crowds than enjoying a relaxed sightseeing experience.

Our tip: Try “Cicchetti” in Venice — small slices of bread with all kinds of toppings, truly and authentically Venetian. You’ll find these snacks at a Bacaro, the small local bars scattered around the city.

Our hotel tip: Ca’ del Campo – central location and really great value for money.

Val d'Orcia in Tuscany

What you need to know: The Val d’Orcia is a stunning valley in Tuscany, famous for its scenic roads lined with cypress trees. The historic hilltop villages are real highlights and fantastic photo opportunities — we especially love Pienza and Monticchiello.

Is it worth it? Oh yes! You could easily spend an entire week in the Val d’Orcia — there’s just so much to see. We strongly recommend doing a road trip through Tuscany by car so you can explore every corner of the valley.

Our tip: Stay overnight at a winery in the Val d’Orcia for a true Tuscan experience.

Beautiful winery to stay at: Borgo Sant’Ambrogio

Dolomites

What you need to know: In the far north of Italy lie the Dolomites — mountain ranges made of dolomite rock, rising up with jagged walls and extraordinary peaks. The photo opportunities here are incredible. Countless hiking trails and scenic roads wind through the area, and the most famous points of interest in the Dolomites are the Three Peaks and Lake Braies.

Is it worth it? Yes, especially for mountain lovers. In the Dolomites you can tackle great hiking trails, discover turquoise mountain lakes, and unwind at wellness hotels.

Our tip: Explore the Dolomites on sunny days during the summer months between May and October. In winter they’re covered in snow, and when it’s overcast they’re often wrapped in fog — you won’t see much at all.

Our hotel tip: Linder Cycling Hotel – a modern wellness hotel in South Tyrol in the Grödner Valley, where everything revolves around cycling.

Amalfi Coast

What you need to know: The Amalfi Coast is a stretch of coastline south of Naples where quintessentially Italian villages cling to hillsides right above the sea — and it looks absolutely stunning. Popular spots include Positano, Amalfi, and Sorrento. You can also do spectacular hikes like the Path of the Gods or cool off in the sea.

Is it worth it? Yes, especially in spring and fall, when it’s warm and not too crowded. In summer, the Amalfi Coast gets very busy.

Our tip: Hotels on the Amalfi Coast are pricey, but absolutely gorgeous. Treat yourself to a room with a sea view here — it’s seriously worth it!

Our hotel tip: Hotel Il Nido – beautiful sea views and great value for money.

Lake Garda

What you need to know: Lake Garda has a well-earned reputation as a favorite vacation spot for European visitors — and honestly, we totally get why. From charming villages like Limone and Sirmione to the mountain panorama and the many small beaches along the shore, there’s plenty to discover.

Is it worth it? Yes, especially if you’re arriving by car or want to go camping, Lake Garda is a wonderful destination in Italy. Personally, we find the northern part far more beautiful than the southern end.

Our tip: Great bases at Lake Garda are Riva del Garda in the north, Salò in the west, and Garda in the east. The lake is also a fantastic spot for camping — there are good campgrounds spread all around it.

Our hotel tip: Villa Miravalle – great location in Riva del Garda with an excellent breakfast.

Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius

What you need to know: The story of Pompeii is incredible. In 79 AD, the city was completely buried by the eruption of Vesuvius. Today, only ruins remain — and you can visit them (get your Pompeii ticket here). Vesuvius is still active but currently dormant, and you can walk all the way to the crater rim. (Get your Vesuvius ticket here)

Is it worth it? Yes — both sites rank among the absolute top sights in Italy. The excavations at Pompeii are particularly impressive.

Our tip: Be prepared for a lot of sun. There’s almost no shade at either Pompeii or Vesuvius. It’s best to avoid the hottest summer days for a visit.

Our hotel tip: Relais Country House – great location in Pompeii with views of Vesuvius.

Historic Landmarks in Italy

Florence Cathedral

What you need to know: Florence is the capital of Tuscany and one of Italy’s most beautiful cities. The centerpiece is the cathedral right in the heart of the city. Admission to the nave is free — which is why there’s usually a long line, though it moves. For all other areas of the cathedral complex, you’ll need a ticket.

Is it worth it? Yes, though we personally find the cathedral more impressive from the outside than the inside. Don’t miss the other top things to see in Florence either, like the Uffizi Gallery or the Ponte Vecchio.

Our tip: The Brunelleschi Pass covers all the highlights of the Florence Cathedral complex. Buy it at least two weeks in advance so you can lock in your preferred time slot for the dome — it sells out fast.

Our hotel tip: Your Florence – cozy B&B in the historic center of Florence.

Leaning Tower of Pisa

What you need to know: It’s a true tourist hotspot — the Leaning Tower of Pisa — and it really is as tilted as it looks in photos. The lean is about four degrees, and every day countless visitors stand in front of it to snap a fun photo. You can also climb the tower, by the way.

Is it worth it? We think so. The tower is often called overrated, but we still find it impressive. And watching all the tourists trying to get their photos is pretty entertaining too.

Our tip: Pisa is more than just the Leaning Tower. The city has a lot more going for it — an impressive cathedral and beautiful riverside promenades along the Arno River among them.

Our hotel tip: Il Giardino Dei Semplici – from here you can easily walk to the Leaning Tower.

Matera

What you need to know: Matera is one of the oldest cities in the world, continuously inhabited for 10,000 years. What you’ll find here today are cave dwellings in the Sassi di Matera neighborhood — a place that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

Is it worth it? Oh yes. Matera is one of our absolute favorites among Italy’s must-sees. It’s no longer under the radar, but it’s still nowhere near as overcrowded as other highlights.

Our tip: For a truly unique experience, spend the night in a cave hotel in Matera. There are several options in the Sassi di Matera neighborhood.

Our tip for a cave hotel: Il Palazzotto – we stayed here and absolutely loved it.

Milan Cathedral

What you need to know: Milan is Italy’s second-largest city and the country’s fashion capital. The standout attraction is the cathedral — with its white facade and elaborate ornamentation, it’s a genuine masterpiece and a fantastic photo subject. Basic admission costs 12 euros. If you also want to see the cathedral terraces, you’ll pay 26 euros.

Is it worth it? Yes — the cathedral is a must on any city trip to Milan, and you should definitely see the inside too. We can highly recommend the terraces as well. Get your Milan Cathedral ticket with terraces here.

Our tip: Beyond the cathedral, we especially recommend the Navigli neighborhood. It’s particularly lovely for an evening aperitivo.

Our hotel tip: The Street Milano Duomo – stylish design hotel close to the cathedral.

Arena di Verona

What you need to know: Verona isn’t just the city of Romeo and Juliet — it’s also home to a remarkably well-preserved amphitheater: the Arena. In summer, concerts and operas are even held here, making for a truly unique setting. Outside of events, the Arena is open to visitors as usual.

Is it worth it? Absolutely! We actually find the Arena di Verona far more impressive than Juliet’s balcony — another highlight in Verona.

Our tip: Due to concert preparations or similar events, the Arena is often closed. Check in advance whether it’ll actually be open during your visit.

Our hotel tip: Hotel Milano – charming boutique hotel in Verona with views of the Arena.

St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican

What you need to know: The Vatican — and especially the massive St. Peter’s Basilica — is another essential stop in Rome. This church is simply gigantic. Admission is free, and while the line out front is usually long, it moves quickly. You do need a ticket for the dome, though, which was designed by Michelangelo.

Is it worth it? Absolutely! St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the most impressive churches we’ve ever seen. St. Peter’s Square in front of it and the Vatican Museums are also well worth a visit.

Our tip: If you want to visit the dome, do it with a guided tour. Otherwise, you’ll have to join the long ticket line on-site.

Our hotel tip: Eccelso Hotel – comfortable, spacious rooms just ten minutes from St. Peter’s Basilica.

Trulli in Apulia

What you need to know: Trulli are white circular houses with cone-shaped stone roofs — they’re characteristic of the Apulia region in southern Italy. In the past they were used mainly for agriculture; today the trulli serve as homes, souvenir shops, or guesthouses. They also have a clever natural climate control: they keep you cool in summer and warm in winter.

Is it worth it? Yes — the trulli are a lesser-known sight in Italy, so you can still explore them at a relaxed pace. The best place to see them is the town of Alberobello, where you can also spend the night in a trullo.

Our hotel tip: Trulli Holiday Albergo Diffuso – stunning rooms in traditional trulli.

Piazza del Campo in Siena

What you need to know: Siena is the little sister of Florence, with a beautiful historic center in classic Tuscan style. The standout is the large main square, the Piazza del Campo, encircled by historic buildings. Every year, the famous Palio takes place here — one of Italy’s most important horse races.

Is it worth it? Yes — for us, Siena is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in Italy, and the Piazza del Campo is its beating heart. The tall Torre del Mangia tower right on the square is also seriously impressive.

Our tip: Just 30 minutes from Siena are the Petriolo thermal baths — freely accessible hot springs in Tuscany.

Our hotel tip: Casatorre dei Leoni Dimora Storica – a beautifully designed hotel right in the center of Siena.

Natural Sights in Italy

Cinque Terre

What you need to know: Cinque Terre means “five lands” in Italian — but what it really refers to are five villages: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare. They’re perched along the stunning clifftop coast of Liguria, and with their colorful houses they look like something straight out of a storybook. You can hike from village to village or take the train.

Is it worth it? Definitely! The Cinque Terre is one of our favorite places to visit in Italy. Unfortunately, it gets very crowded in the summer months — we recommend spring (April and May) or fall (October and November) for a visit.

Our tip: Make sure to hike some of the trails — the paths offer the best views of the villages. Our favorite stretch was between Corniglia and Manarola.

Our hotel tip: Casa Catò – boutique hotel with beautiful views in Vernazza.

Beaches in Sardinia

What you need to know: Sardinia is an island off the western coast of Italy, famous for its beautiful beaches with crystal-clear water — making it perfect for a beach vacation. The north coast is the most popular, and that’s also where our favorite beach, Cala Capriccioli, is located. The beach town of Villasimius in the south is also really lovely.

Is it worth it? Absolutely! For us, Sardinia has the most beautiful beaches in all of Italy. If you’re after a mix of culture and sea, though, we’d point you toward other spots like Sicily.

Our hotel tip: Sandalia Boutique Hotel adults only – modern hotel with a pool in the village of Cannigione in northern Sardinia.

Mount Etna on Sicily

What you need to know: Sicily lies in southern Italy and is home to the famous Mount Etna volcano, which regularly spews ash. When it’s dormant, you can hike all the way to the crater — and that’s a fantastic experience. The volcano is about 3,300 meters high, and you can get almost all the way to the top by cable car and jeeps.

Is it worth it? Yes — the landscape on Mount Etna is truly unique, and on guided tours you’ll learn fascinating facts about the volcano. Book the guided tour of Mount Etna here.

Our tip: Sicily is overall a great travel destination in Italy. The food is delicious, the coastal cities are beautiful, and the beaches are stunning.

Our hotel tip: Valentina – small, family-run hotel in the center of Taormina (a great base for Mount Etna).

Scala dei Turchi

What you need to know: The Scala dei Turchi is another remarkable sight on Sicily. It’s a stretch of white limestone cliffs on the southern coast that descend in natural steps down to the water. Right next to the rock formations is a beach from which you can take great photos. If you want to climb the rocks, it costs 5 euros.

Is it worth it? Yes, if you’re doing a road trip around Sicily — the cliff is a great photo subject. For us, it’s not an absolute must-see in Italy, though.

Our tip: Not far from the Scala dei Turchi is the Valley of the Temples — a vast archaeological site with remarkably well-preserved temples. The detour is well worth it!

Our hotel tip: La Perla Scala dei Turchi – charming B&B with beautiful views.

Lake Como

What you need to know: In the far north of Italy, almost on the border with Switzerland, lies Lake Como — a popular vacation spot and easy day trip from Milan. Here you can explore charming towns like Como or Bellagio, go hiking, and admire beautiful villas — even George Clooney owns one here.

Is it worth it? Yes — you can easily spend a few days at Lake Como since there’s so much to do. It also pairs wonderfully with a city trip to Milan.

Our hotel tip: Agriturismo Cà Del Lago – beautiful accommodation in the north of Lake Como, with a pool and large garden.

Culinary Highlights in Italy

Eating Pizza in Naples

What you need to know: Eating pizza is by far the most delicious of Italy’s attractions — especially in Naples, where the world’s best pizza is supposedly made (and if you ask us, that’s absolutely true). In Naples you’ll find Neapolitan pizza: thin dough with a high, puffy crust. And you’ll usually pay around 5 euros for a Margherita.

Is it worth it? Absolutely. Pizza is always worth it, and in Naples especially so.

Our tip: The most famous pizzeria is L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele — but there’s always a long line. As an alternative, we recommend Pizzeria Gino e Totò Sorbillo and Passiona Mij.

Our hotel tip: Hotel Piazza Bellini & Apartments – central location in Naples and great value for money.

Trying Fiorentina Steak in Tuscany

What you need to know: Not quite as famous as pizza is the Fiorentina steak — a large beef steak that’s typical not just in Florence but throughout all of Tuscany. Bistecca alla Fiorentina tastes best with a glass of red wine. And if you’re enjoying it at sunset with a view of the Tuscan countryside, the Italian experience is absolutely perfect.

Is it worth it? Of course — unless you’re vegetarian. A wonderful restaurant serving a delicious Bistecca alla Fiorentina is the Ristoro di Lamole, set right in the middle of vineyards.

Our tip: Italians have a real food culture. To avoid any faux pas, check out our Italy etiquette guide.