7 Must-Visit Spots in Italy for 2023

If you're eager to explore Italy, you're in good company. The country is poised for a record year in tourism. According to ENIT, the national tourism board, about 141,000 visitors flocked to Italy during Easter week in spring 2023, marking a 29 percent rise from the previous year. Notably, the influx of American travelers surged by 50 percent. This is just the start of the season. Luxury travel company Imago Artis Travel predicts it will welcome twice as many visitors to Italy this year compared to last.

With cultural hubs like Rome, Florence, and Milan, charming villages, beautiful countryside in Tuscany and Umbria, over 4,700 miles of coastline, and the stunning islands of Sicily and Sardinia, there’s an abundance to see and experience in Italy, far beyond a lifetime's worth. While the iconic attractions remain, there are also numerous new hotels, restaurants, art exhibitions, and cultural events. So, how do you decide where to go and what to experience in Italy? Here’s our guide to the latest happenings and up-and-coming destinations to explore this season, regardless of the type of trip you seek.

Where should I begin my adventure in Italy?

Rome

While many first-time visitors to Italy often follow the traditional route of exploring Rome, Florence, and Venice, trying to visit all three in one trip can lead to sensory overload. It’s wiser to focus on just one destination. Currently, Rome is one of the most vibrant cities in Italy, revitalized by a post-pandemic surge of energy, showcasing a wave of new attractions. Over a dozen new hotels are reshaping the city’s hospitality landscape, introducing fresh dining options, trendy bars, innovative designs, and enhanced opportunities for local engagement. Notable recent openings include the Bulgari Hotel Rome, Six Senses Rome, Rome Edition, and the InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace, all of which launched in the last few months.

This summer, the Eternal City is also buzzing with exciting exhibitions and cultural events. A retrospective showcasing the work of Michelangelo Pistoletto, a prominent figure in Italy’s arte povera movement from the late 1960s, is available at Chiostro del Bramante until October 15. Following the success of the exhibition Casa Balla: From the House to the Universe and Back, MAXXI (the museum of 21st-century art) has reopened Casa Balla, the apartment of futurist artist Giacomo Balla, for public visits. A new walking tour led by ArcheoRunning’s founder Isabella Calidonna, who is both an art historian and personal trainer, invites participants to explore Michelangelo’s contributions to Rome beyond the Sistine Chapel. Additionally, a new Vespa tour created by the leading company Scooteroma exclusively for Hotel de la Ville celebrates the 70th anniversary of Roman Holiday, guiding guests to the iconic locations featured in the film.

Where to stay

Check into the Hotel de la Ville located atop the Spanish Steps, boasting one of the finest rooftop bars in the city, or reserve a stay at the new wellness-oriented Six Senses Rome, which opened in March 2023, allowing you to unwind in the spa and enjoy the Roman baths after a day of city exploration.

I’m passionate about art, architecture, and design. What should I visit?

Milan

As Italy's design capital, Milan is an essential destination for lovers of architecture and design, offering a rich array of attractions from timeless favorites to thrilling new exhibitions.

Architecture enthusiasts should not miss Villa Necchi Campiglio, a 1930s design masterpiece by Piero Portaluppi that featured in Luca Guadagnino’s 2009 film I Am Love. At Triennale Milano, the city’s design museum, the exhibition Ettore Sottsass: La Parola explores the significance of the written word in the works of this influential artist and one of the founders of the Memphis movement. Adjacent to the stunning Gothic architecture of the Duomo, the Palazzo Reale di Milano is showcasing Argentine contemporary artist Leandro Erlich’s first major solo exhibition in Europe, running until October 4. Additionally, the Museo del Novecento presents Futurliberty: Avant-garde and Style, which highlights the works of futurist artists such as Giacomo Balla, Gino Severini, and Umberto Boccioni.

Where to stay

The newest sensation in town is the Portrait Milano, restored by the Ferragamo family from a 16th-century seminary, opening its doors to the public for the first time. The residential-inspired design by esteemed architect Michele Bönan exemplifies Italian elegance, featuring polished wood, art books, archival Ferragamo sketches, and luxurious marble bathrooms. Be sure to reserve a table at the hotel’s 10_11 restaurant to savor chef Alberto Quadrio’s sophisticated interpretation of pasta in bianco for lunch or dinner.

I’ve enjoyed the wineries of Tuscany. Where should I go next?

Piedmont

Piedmont (Piemonte in Italian) is often overshadowed by Tuscany, except when it comes to wine tourism. This region is renowned for its premium barolos and barbarescos, which entice wine collectors eager to enhance their cellars. A standout winery is Gaja, led by Angelo Gaja, who was instrumental in elevating Piedmont’s status in the 1970s; they offer tours and tastings for those who donate at least €300 to a local charity. Additionally, there are numerous accessible wineries, such as the historic Cantine Damilano, featuring wine shops where visitors can sample and buy barolo, barbera, and dolcetto.

Where to stay

Casa di Langa, part of the Beyond Green portfolio of sustainable hotels managed by Preferred Travel Group, is ideally situated in the Langhe Hills, close to the region's top wineries. This 39-room hotel operates entirely on renewable energy, is plastic-free, and recycles all water used for vineyard irrigation. After visiting nearby wineries, unwind with a massage that features local honey and hazelnut oil at the spa.

I crave the stunning views of the Amalfi Coast, but without the crowds.

Ischia and Ponza

Consider exploring islands such as Ischia in the Bay of Naples or Ponza, situated off the Lazio coast. Ischia is becoming increasingly popular but retains a rugged charm compared to its glamorous sister island, Capri. Additionally, it's much larger, providing ample opportunities to discover its many beaches, delightful towns like Forio filled with lively restaurants, bars, and boutiques, as well as wineries and attractions such as La Mortella and the Giardini Ravino botanical gardens. Ischia has attracted visitors for its natural thermal hot springs since ancient Greek times; you can experience the island's mineral-rich waters at thermal parks like Negombo and Fonte delle Ninfe Nitrodi.

Ponza is favored by domestic tourists, particularly Romans, due to its closeness to Rome and affordability, but it doesn't attract the international crowd that visits Italy’s larger islands.

The scenery is reminiscent of the Amalfi Coast, featuring Mediterranean flora, winding roads that ascend steep cliffs, and stunning aquamarine waters, yet it offers a more laid-back and budget-friendly experience. Most activity takes place around the port, lined with pastel-hued buildings that host holiday homes, restaurants, bars, and shops. While many beaches are rocky, if you prefer a sandy spot, head to Cala Feola, a charming beach perfect for laying down your towel.

Where to stay

In Ischia, the Albergo della Regina Isabella, established by publisher and filmmaker Angelo Rizzoli in the 1950s, immerses guests in nostalgia with its hand-painted tile floors and original furnishings. In Ponza, the ideal choice is Hotel Chiaia di Luna, which captures the island’s relaxed retro vibe.

Alright, but where can I find the beaches that locals actually visit?

Puglia

With over 4,700 miles of coastline, asking 100 Italians for their favorite beach would likely yield 100 unique responses. However, during the summer months, Italians commonly head south to Puglia, Sicily, and Sardinia.

In the last decade, American tourists have begun to discover Puglia, a region that has long been a beloved summer getaway for Italians. Located at the heel of Italy's boot, Puglia boasts stunning beaches along both the Adriatic and Ionian coasts, particularly at its southern tip where the two seas converge. The picturesque Valle d’Itria, characterized by its whitewashed villages such as Alberobello, Polignano a Mare, Cisternino, and Ostuni, features gently rolling hills adorned with olive trees and trulli, traditional dwellings with conical roofs.

For top beach recommendations in Puglia, many locals favor those in Salento, the region's southernmost area. Notably, there's a beach known as Pescoluse, often dubbed “the Maldives of Salento.” The Ionian beaches are particularly appealing, offering expansive sandy shores and tranquil waters that are usually calmer than those on the Adriatic side.

Where to stay

This member of the Leading Hotels of the World in the lush Valle d’Itria was one of the first resorts in the area and remains a premier choice for accommodations. It offers numerous amenities, including a Michelin-starred restaurant, a beach club, an opulent spa, two pools, and cultural events like the annual cherry festival that provide guests with a taste of Pugliese life. Alternatively, you can rent a villa through The Thinking Traveller and stay in a trullo or a renovated masseria (farmhouse).

I’d like to blend the energy of a vibrant city with the tranquility of the countryside. Any suggestions for a great combination?

Florence and the Val d’Orcia

These two destinations form a classic duo. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of one of Italy's key cities, then retreat to the serene Tuscan countryside for some relaxation.

First-time travelers to Florence should prioritize the city’s iconic landmarks, such as the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, and Ponte Vecchio. Admire masterpieces at the Uffizi and Galleria dell’Accademia, and savor local delicacies like pici (a type of thick spaghetti) and the robust bistecca fiorentina, a steak from local Chianina cattle. To appreciate Florence’s major attractions, plan for at least two or three days. Don’t miss the Baptistery, where you can closely view the restoration of its stunning 12th-century mosaics. If time allows or for future visits, explore the artistic Oltrarno district across the river from the centro storico and visit smaller museums and galleries like Palazzo Strozzi, which hosts contemporary art exhibitions in a Renaissance setting.

After spending a few days in Florence, rent a car and head about 70 miles south to the picturesque Val d’Orcia in southern Tuscany. You can cycle through its rolling hills, visit the vineyards of Montalcino and Montepulciano, and take a cooking class at Podere il Casale, a working farm that produces cheese, charcuterie, olive oil, and wine. Spend an afternoon wandering the charming Renaissance town of Pienza, where you can enjoy the hanging gardens of Palazzo Piccolomini and meet local artisans like Paolo Porcu Rodriguez, who crafts leather bags, scarab jewelry, and vibrant scarves inspired by the geometric patterns of Monte Oliveto Abbey’s floors at Officine 904.

Where to stay

In Florence, consider a stay in Oltrarno to escape the tourist throngs. Betty Soldi and her partner Matteo Perduca—a contemporary Renaissance duo (he’s a lawyer and she’s a calligrapher)—operate several uniquely decorated B&Bs in historic buildings, including OltrarnoSplendid, AdAstra, and SoprArno Suites. In the Val d’Orcia, check into Borgo San Vincenzo, a cozy new resort set in several 18th-century buildings featuring a lovely pool, bicycles for guest use, and a dedicated concierge team to help plan your ideal itinerary of local attractions.

I travel for the food. What’s the next emerging foodie destination?

Caserta

You may have enjoyed delicious pizza in cities like Rome and Naples, but for the ultimate pizza experience, make your way to Caserta. This charming city, located about 25 miles north of Naples, is known for two main attractions: the Reggia di Caserta, an 18th-century royal palace built to rival Versailles, and its exceptional pizza. This region is famous for its mozzarella di bufala, and where you find great mozzarella, you’re sure to discover amazing pizza as well.

What sets this pizza apart isn’t just the high-quality ingredients. It’s also the pizzaioli, such as Franco Pepe and Francesco Martucci, who are reinventing these ingredients with creative techniques and equipment—think dehydrators, flash freezers, fermenters, and sous-vide machines—typically found in Michelin-starred restaurants rather than casual pizzerias.

Renowned for his innovative approach to pizza, Franco Pepe and his pizzeria Pepe in Grani are located in the hilltop village of Caiazzo, just 25 minutes north of Caserta, and were featured on the Netflix series Chef’s Table: Pizza.

Just a few minutes from the Reggia di Caserta, Pizzeria I Masanielli, managed by Francesco Martucci, has been named the world’s best pizzeria by the judges at 50 Top Pizza. Both establishments feature pizza tasting menus alongside à la carte selections. However, be prepared to secure a reservation one to two months in advance.

Where to stay

While Caserta lacks many upscale hotels, it does have a variety of cozy B&Bs, such as A Corte, which offers four rooms close to the medieval section of the city and has a welcoming owner who provides transportation to the site.

Our new series, The Next List, uncovers hidden gems in well-known destinations and highlights the next must-visit (less-crowded) places for this year. Explore our recommendations for where to go next in France, Europe, and Greece as well.