The 15 top destinations to explore in Italy, from Venice to the Cinque Terre

Renowned for its exceptional art, historical landmarks, and culinary delights, Italy boasts a variety of landscapes that can rival those found across entire continents. This country enchants, inspires, and captivates its visitors like few others.

With cities overflowing with art and architecture alongside a remarkable array of natural beauty – from stunning coastlines to tranquil lakes, majestic mountains, and those iconic rolling hills – narrowing down your travel choices in this incredible country is a challenging task.

How do you choose your destinations? It ultimately hinges on what you seek in your Italian adventure, whether that's history, art, beaches, hiking, or gastronomy. Regardless of your interests, our selection of 15 essential locations in Italy will serve as your guide.

1. Rome

Ideal for history buffs

Once known as caput mundi (the capital of the world), Rome was famously founded by a boy raised by a she-wolf, grew into a mighty empire, established itself as the center of the Catholic Church, and now stands as a treasure trove of over two thousand years of art and architecture.

If this is your first trip to Italy, Rome should undoubtedly be the highlight, but there's simply too much to explore in one go, from the Pantheon and the Colosseum to Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel and numerous masterpieces by Caravaggio. Like many before you, toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain and vow to come back.

Travel tip: There's a staggering array of sights to see, and given the limited public transport in the city center, selecting the right hotel is vital. Plan your must-see attractions ahead of time – for instance, if you aim to visit the Vatican at opening time, avoid accommodations near the Colosseum.

Discover more: Italians share their hidden gem vacation spots in Italy

2. Tuscany

Perfect for a Renaissance experience

From Botticelli’s Venus, shyly rising from the waters at the Uffizi Gallery, to the stunning dome of its cathedral, Florence is a visual delight. This city was the heart of the Renaissance, showcasing iconic figures at every turn – Michelangelo in the Accademia, Donatello in the Bargello, and Leonardo and Raphael in the Uffizi.

Venturing beyond Florence, Tuscany reveals a picturesque landscape of winding cypress trees, olive groves, and cherished regional gems. Marvel at the Gothic splendor of Siena and the striking skyline of medieval San Gimignano before wandering through the vineyards of Chianti, Italy's most renowned wine region, and the cypress-laden hills of Val d’Orcia.

Travel tip: If you’re focusing on major towns and cities, it’s best to avoid a car since Tuscany has an excellent rail network. However, to fully enjoy the countryside, a car is essential.

3. The Dolomites

Ideal for stunning mountain vistas

While you can find taller and more geologically active peaks around the world, few can rival the enchanting beauty of the pink-hued granite of the Dolomites.

Perhaps it's the rugged, jagged peaks, the vibrant wildflowers of spring, or the treasure trove of Ladin folklore. It might also be the allure of wealth and glamour at Italy's iconic ski resort, Cortina d'Ampezzo, or the charming mountain village of Sappada. Whatever the reason, this small corner of northern Italy elevates seductiveness to extraordinary levels.

4. Amalfi Coast

Best for timeless beauty

Italy's renowned coastline is a breathtaking panorama where coastal mountains dive into the azure sea, creating a dramatic scene of steep cliffs, sun-kissed villages, and towering peaks. Hiking trails perched between land and sea offer breathtaking Tyrrhenian views worthy of the gods.

While some may claim that Liguria's Cinque Terre or Calabria's Costa Viola boast the peninsula's most stunning coasts, it is the Amalfi Coast that has captivated and inspired luminaries like Tennessee Williams, DH Lawrence, Elizabeth Taylor, Virginia Woolf, and Jackie Kennedy. Its extraordinarily romantic scenery also makes it one of Italy's top destinations for couples.

Travel tip: While driving along the Amalfi Coast is renowned as one of the ultimate road trips, it often feels like every other traveler has the same plan. Expect heavy traffic and scarce parking. Consider taking the ferry between towns or using public transport instead.

5. Pompeii

Best for a journey back in time

Frozen in its final moments, the time-locked ruins of Pompeii transport you back 2000 years. Stroll through Roman streets marked by chariots, lavishly adorned villas and bathhouses, bustling food markets, theaters, and even an ancient brothel.

In the haunting silence, with the ominous Mt. Vesuvius looming, reflect on Pliny the Younger's chilling description of the town's last moments: “Darkness returned, followed by thick and heavy ashes. We rose repeatedly to brush them off; otherwise, we would have been buried and crushed beneath their weight.”

Travel tip: If you have the chance, consider visiting Herculaneum, another significant city lost to the eruption. Although smaller than Pompeii, its structures are remarkably well-preserved, and its setting—encircled by the modern town of Ercolano—adds to its intrigue. Like Pompeii, it's easily accessible via the Circumvesuviana train.

6. Emilia-Romagna

Best for culinary enthusiasts

In a region that’s a paradise for food lovers like Emilia-Romagna, it’s no surprise that its capital, Bologna, is affectionately called “La Grassa” (the fat one). This city is the birthplace of many beloved Italian dishes, including mortadella, tortellini, and tagliatelle al ragù. Stroll through the bustling Quadrilatero district, home to food stalls since medieval times, then take a train to Modena to enjoy its renowned aged balsamic vinegar.

Make sure to visit Parma, known for its exquisite parmigiano reggiano cheese and the unmatched prosciutto di Parma. Wherever you dine, don’t forget to raise a glass or two of Emilia-Romagna's celebrated Lambrusco – a far cry from the overly sweet varieties previously exported.

7. Lago di Como

Best for a taste of luxury

If it’s a favorite of the Clooneys and the Obamas, it’s bound to impress everyone else too. Nestled beneath the Rhaetian Alps, stunning Lago di Como is Lombardy's crown jewel. Its opulent Liberty-style villas are the retreats of Hollywood elite, fashion icons, and even royalty. The lake beckons visitors to explore gardens at Villas Melzi d'Eril, Carlotta, and Balbianello, which bloom with pink camellias, azaleas, and rhododendrons during April and May.

The city of Como is a treasure trove of captivating architecture, featuring the Gothic cathedral and Palazzo Terragni – a structure commissioned by the Fascists as their headquarters, representing classic 1930s Italian Rationalism and a sobering reminder of the regime's dark past.

Planning tip: Como experiences heavy traffic similar to the Amalfi Coast, making parking a nightmare. Opt for public transport instead; there’s an excellent network of ferries, buses, and a train line along the eastern shore of the lake.

8. Sardinia

Best for stunning beaches and coastline

Words often fall short in capturing the stunning array of blues, greens, and even deep purples found in Sardinia’s waters. While models, ministers, and sun-kissed celebrities indulge in fine dining and sailing along the glamorous Costa Smeralda, much of the island – the second largest in the Mediterranean after Sicily – remains a wild and untamed haven.

Discover its rugged coastal charm, from the weathered boulders of Santa Teresa di Gallura and the sculpted cliffs of the Golfo di Orosei to the striking dunes along the wind-swept beaches of Costa Verde.

Venture inland, and you’ll encounter some of Europe’s most remarkable prehistoric sites: enigmatic nuraghi (ancient megalithic structures), grand burial sites known as “giants’ tombs,” and the mountain villages of Barbagia, where age-old traditions continue to thrive.

9. Naples

Best for authentic italianità

Pizza, Pompeii, and an abundance of style – Naples is unlike any other city. Its history unfolds like layers of lasagna, with ancient Greek and Roman roads beneath your feet, while above ground, you find exquisite churches, baroque palaces, and a palpable presence of Maradona – Maradona everywhere.

Towering above the city, Vesuvius watches over the preserved sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum, and living under the shadow of this volcano instills a sense of urgency in daily life. This is what makes Naples a truly unique place.

Planning tip: The chaos of Naples diminishes when viewed from the water. Taking a ferry isn't just for reaching islands like Ischia and Procida; you can also catch a boat to Sorrento, Positano, and the Amalfi Coast directly from the city.

10. Venice

Best for a fairytale city

The word “unique” may be overused, but it perfectly captures the essence of Venice. This city is a dreamlike realm filled with intricately designed palaces, opulent churches, and world-renowned museums, all set upon water and interconnected by serene canals.

Resist the urge to rush through the main attractions – the true essence of Venice lies within its tranquil canals and narrow streets, enchanting all who wander through. While you can check off the Rialto Bridge and Piazza San Marco, linger to truly embrace this delicate and treasured city.

Local tip: This is not a destination for a rigid itinerary. Allow time to explore the alleyways, peek into the churches and artisan shops along the way, and catch a vaporetto to glide through the lagoon's islands.

11. Parco Nazionale del Gran Paradiso

Best for hiking

If you’re yearning for a refreshing getaway, strap on your hiking boots and discover over 500 kilometers (310 miles) of marked paths and mule trails winding through “Grand Paradise.”

Nestled in the Graian Alps, Gran Paradiso is one of Italy's first national parks, featuring a pristine expanse that includes 57 glaciers and alpine meadows adorned with wild pansies, gentians, and alpenroses. It is also home to a thriving population of Alpine ibex, the very reason for the park's creation. The park’s sole peak, the 4,061-meter (13,323-foot) Gran Paradiso, can be accessed from the serene Cogne area.

12. Mount Etna

Best for thrill seekers

Known to the Greeks as the “pillar that supports the sky,” Mt Etna is not only Europe’s tallest volcano but also one of the world’s most active. The ancients believed the colossal Tifone (Typhoon) resided in its crater, illuminating the sky with dazzling displays; today, it’s affectionately referred to as idda, or “her.”

Soaring to 3,326 meters (10,912 feet), she dominates Sicily's Ionian Coast. You can embark on the climb on foot, join a guided 4WD tour, or explore the lower slopes, where Italy's finest wines thrive in the rich volcanic soil. Sicily is a top destination in Italy, boasting an incredible blend of history, architecture, stunning coastlines, and the warm hospitality of its Sicilian people.

13. Cinque Terre and the Liguria coast

Best for classic coastline

The remote Cinque Terre region of Liguria showcases Italy's coastal beauty at its finest. Five picturesque villages nestled among cliffs, surrounded by a national park and linked by scenic clifftop paths, this area reflects a harmonious relationship between humanity and nature that has persisted for thousands of years. Locals have cultivated terraced vineyards on the steep cliffs since Roman times; until the 20th century, they relied on the sea and footpaths for travel.

The villages themselves are stunning, but make sure to hike the Sentiero Azzurro, the most popular trail connecting them. While Cinque Terre is famous, Liguria's coastline offers an array of breathtaking coastal villages, including Portofino, Portovenere, and Santa Margherita Ligure.

Planning tip: In this region, driving isn't the best option. There are ferry services available, but our preferred choice is the train, which runs along the coastline and stops at each charming village.

14. Valle d’Itria

Best for picture-perfect villages

Resembling hobbit homes, these charming conical-roofed cottages often come together to form larger residences, enchanting regardless of their size. Puglia, the heel of Italy, is renowned for its trulli, though they aren't found throughout the entire region.

Traveling south from Bari, away from the coast and onto the elevated karst plateau, you'll discover the Valle d’Itria, where the lush fields surrounding towns like Cisternino and Locorotondo are sprinkled with trulli. The town of Alberobello is the heart of this region, with its historic center filled with these whimsical structures. It's truly one of the most picturesque areas in Italy.

15. Milan

Best for a real city break

Often criticized as too global, too structured, and lacking in chaos, Italy’s fashion capital is worth a visit. Where else can you seamlessly transition from a Gothic cathedral built in the 14th century to masterpieces by Leonardo, including his stunning Last Supper fresco in Santa Maria delle Grazie and the trompe l’oeil forest in the Castello Sforzesco?

Milan's dining scene showcases the finest cuisine from across Italy, features one of the country's unique cocktail cultures, and its fashion houses are revolutionizing the modern art landscape. Venues like Fondazione Prada, a converted distillery, now display works from artists such as Jeff Koons and Damien Hirst, alongside exceptional temporary exhibitions.

Planning tip: Milan lacks the typical high and low tourist seasons found elsewhere in Italy; instead, hotel prices fluctuate dramatically based on major events. If you're traveling on a budget, steer clear of Design and Fashion Weeks.