23 amazing Italian destinations you should visit

The largest city in Tuscany could be a trip all on its own! Florence is full of amazing restaurants and houses the beautifully striped Duomo and Cathedral and Michelangelo’s David, of course. Make sure to hike up to the Piazzale Michelangelo for one of the best views in Italy.

Another Tuscan favorite and an easy day trip from Florence, Pisa is sure to delight. Most famous for the leaning tower you’ve seen all over social media, it’s also just a quick drive from the coast.

Lucca is lesser-known but still fantastic and home to amazing Renaissance walls. Lucca is for you if you’re looking for a small town nestled in the Tuscan hills!

Siena is a great alternative base in Tuscany to Florence. If you like a quieter pace and fewer crowds, this town is for you. It also has easy access to the Tuscan countryside and wineries.

Genoa is along the coast en route to France and is often overlooked by visitors. However, if you want a more off-beat city with some of the most affordable high-quality eats in Italy, it’s a great place to spend a few days on the cheap.

The Amalfi Coast is a dream destination for many, including Italians who will save up for years to experience this gem in their own country. Known for sharp cliffs along stunning beaches, driving here isn’t for the faint of heart!

Another hillside favorite for visitors to Italy, Cinque Terre is a famous part of the Mediterranean Coast. The pastel-colored towns built into the mountainsides have some of Europe's most Instagrammed beaches. And if you’re an active traveler, you can hike between villages along the sea.

After Rome, Venice is one of the most famous destinations in Italy. Make sure to explore the city via the canals — a unique experience and vantage point. And don’t forget to visit the islands known for glass blowing.

These mountain peaks near the border with Austria are actually part of the Alps. However, their unique appearance (more jagged than other mountains in the area) is so different that the Dolomites are a UNESCO site. They are perfect for hikers or skiers. 

Most famous for being the home of Romeo and Juliet, the village offers themed tours and visits to places that inspired Shakespeare. Roman ruins are also worth a visit, and there is plenty of water to walk along.

Located in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, Parma is best known for the cheese and ham that shares its name. Beyond food tours, the rainbow architecture and amazing frescoes are well worth more than a day to enjoy.

Matera is one of Italy’s most unique destinations. The stone city is layered upon itself, and people lived in ancient caves until a few decades ago. This creates a very odd look that amateur and professional photographers love to capture, especially in the evening when the layers are lit up. 

Another city you’ll recognize thanks to the food it shares its name, Bologna is worth a day or two of exploring. You can visit the Fountain of Neptune, the Basilica di San Petronio, and Piazza Maggiore and marvel at the Renaissance decadence. 

In the very northeast of the country is the region of Udine, which is distinct from the others. You’ll feel more like you’re in neighboring Austria or Slovenia with the alpine architecture and landscapes. It also has a delightful cuisine full of regional meats and cheese!

This city in Calabria (the “boot” of Italy) is a seaside gem that you won’t have to share with many other tourists. The electric blue water and bright homes on the cliff are akin to Cinque Terre — without the crowds or prices.

Known as the birthplace of pizza, any fan of the much-loved dish has to visit Naples at least once. The city doesn’t have the best reputation and can be a bit grittier than prettier cities like Venice or Florence, but it still has its charm and beautiful architecture. 

A popular day trip from Naples, Pompeii is an ancient Roman city that is now frozen in time. A volcanic eruption coated the city centuries ago and you can now wander the streets that haven’t changed much since the event.

The large island off of the country’s southern “boot,” not far from Malta, is unlike elsewhere on the mainland. It’s rough, has spicy cuisine (not common in much of Western Europe), and runs on its own time. The perfect place for those with an adventurous spirit!

Lecce is an interesting mix of styles, with a bit of everything on display, from Baroque buildings to Roman ruins and whitewashed stone. The best thing to do is explore the wine bars one evening and rent a car another day to explore the rest of the region.

This island off the coast of Naples is where you go to truly get away from it all. The rugged coastline, lemon groves, and pristine beaches are the stuff of fairytales!

Italy’s most celebrated lake is where the rich, famous, and general tourists relax. The beautiful scenery not far from Milan is the perfect retreat for those who love the outdoors but nothing too rustic. The location at the base of the Alps is a great base for hiking, but the resort vibe makes it feel much more luxurious than your average mountain escape.

Orta is Lake Como’s less-famous younger sibling. However, it is still stunning and an ideal summer getaway. You’ll also avoid the crowds that are almost inescapable at the other lake, no matter the time of year.

Lizzie McGuire might have inspired an entire generation to study abroad in Italy’s capital, but even if that movie never aired, it would’ve become a top tourist destination. The Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and Sistine Chapel (technically in the Vatican) are just a sampling of what Rome has to offer.