25 Best Places To Visit In Italy By Region

Trying to figure out the best places to visit in Italy can be overwhelming. Even though Italy is a relatively small country (roughly the size of Arizona in the United States), there’s so much beauty and diversity in every corner.

The truth is, there are hundreds of amazing places in Italy. Each town, village, and city has its own personality, cuisine, and unique experiences to offer. As an Italian, I love everything about my country and never miss an opportunity to explore – though granted, it’s easy for me to explore my backyard!

If you’re planning a trip to Italy, you’ll have to narrow down the places you want to visit. For that reason, I’ve chosen some of the best places to visit in Italy for tourists and especially first timers. In this travel guide, I’ll review different cities, towns and areas to visit in Italy organized by region.

Are you ready to learn about all the places that are worth adding to your travel itinerary? Let’s get started!

25 Best Places In Italy By Region

Northern Italy

Milan (Lombardia)

What are the best places to visit in Italy in the north? Milan has to be at the top of the list. Milan is the bustling capital city of the Lombardy region in northern Italy, the heart of Italy’s financial life, and one of the fashion capitals of the world.

Some of the best things to do in Milan include visiting the many beautiful churches and museums and wandering through the many contemporary art galleries. The Last Supper by Leonardo Da Vinci in the Santa Maria delle Grazie church is an unmissable sight, together with Milan Duomo, in Piazza del Duomo, the city’s main square.

Another great thing about Milan is the amazing public transportation system. Not only can you easily get around the city, but it’s a great starting point for day trips to other places in northern Italy.

Bergamo is one of my favorite day trips from Milan and a great place to visit in Italy to escape the big city vibes. It’s just 45 minutes from Milan, with direct trains, buses, and day tours leaving every day.

My post How To Visit Milan In One Day shares tips to make the most of the city in a short time.

Lake Como (Lombardia)

Lake Como is one of the most popular day trips from Milan, as it’s only about a 2-hour train ride from the city. However, this part of northern Italy is so magnificent and picturesque that it’s worth a few days to itself.

There are several villages around Lake Como, but Varenna and Bellagio are two of the best places to visit along Lake Como. You can also stay in the city Como itself, which is truly lovely.

You should ride the funicular in Como to Brunate village. It’s a really fun experience with great views.

Venice (Veneto)

Venice is arguably one of the most romantic places in the world, and definitely in Italy, home to some of the most visited landmarks in the country. When you think of Venice, you likely think of the gondola rides through the canals with sweet, romantic music playing in the background.

A gondola ride through the canals is a must-do while in Venice, but there’s so much more to this city. I recommend visiting Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica, St. Mark’s Square, and the Jewish Ghetto.

If you have more time, you can also visit some nearby islands. Burano and Murano are two of the best and most easily accessible from the city.

When traveling to Italy, consider the weather. In my opinion, Venice is too hot in the summer and cold and miserable in the winter. Therefore, it’s one of the best places to visit in Italy in September or during the shoulder seasons.

My post What To See And Do In Venice highlights all the unmissable attractions in the city.

Verona (Veneto)

Speaking of romantic, Verona is another of the best places to visit for charm. This is actually the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. You can even visit Juliet’s balcony, which you will surely know from the balcony scene in the play.

The Verona Arena is another great tourist attraction in the city. The Arena was built in 30 AD and is actually still in use. If you’re lucky enough, you can attend one of the most impressive opera performances in the world right at this theater.

While in the city, I also recommend visiting Ponte Scaligero, Piazza delle Erbe, Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore, and Piazza Castel San Pietro.

Lake Garda (Veneto and Trentino)

Not too far from Verona and about halfway between Milan and Venice, we have the magnificent Lake Garda. It’s also the largest lake in Italy and the third-largest lake in the Alps.

There are actually more than 50 villages and towns scattered around the lake, so there’s no shortage of things to do and places to go.

I recommend visiting Sirmione on the southern side of the lake or Riva del Garda, Desenzano del Garda, and Peschiera del Garda on the northern side of the lake.

No matter where you go, you’ll be treated to great views (and sunsets), good food, and lots of interesting experiences. You can also go on a boat trip around the lake, which might be the best option if you’re short on time and want to see more of the region’s natural beauty.

Turin (Piedmont)

Only an hour or so from Milan in northern Italy, we have the historical city of Turin (Torino in Italian). This was actually the first capital of unified Italy and is filled with some of the most well-known religious sites, churches, and artwork in the country.

The Shroud of Turin has been kept here since the 1700s. It is in the Chapel of the Shroud, which is connected to the royal palace and the Turin Cathedral. If you’re interested in cathedrals, the Cathedral of San Lorenzo is one of the most beautiful cathedrals in northern Italy.

And if you’re interested in views, I recommend going up the Mole Antonelliana.

Museo Egizio (Egyptian Museum) in Turin has one of the most impressive collections of Egyptian artwork, artifacts, and history outside of Egypt.

Because of its proximity to Milan, most people visit Turin on a day trip. However, I strongly recommend 3-4 days in Turin alone. There are so many amazing attractions and even some great day trips you can take from Turin.

The Dolomites (Trentino Alto Adige)

We can’t talk about the best places to visit in Italy without talking about the Dolomites. These northern Italian peaks are every hiker and outdoor enthusiast’s dream.

You honestly can’t beat the mountains, natural beauty, and stunning views of the Dolomites. I’d argue it’s one of the best places in Europe for hiking and winter sports.

In the summertime, you can enjoy endless hiking trails for all skill levels. You’ll find plenty of shorter hikes that only take a few hours, and other full-day adventures. In the wintertime, people flock to the Dolomites for world-class skiing.

The only problem with the Dolomites is you can easily waste away your entire Italy vacation in this region, especially if you love the outdoors. But you can also spend 3-4 days here and see most of the highlights.

Cinque Terre (Liguria)

Cinque Terre is another of the most scenic parts of northern Italy. It is a small region on the Mediterranean Sea, on the edge of the Italian Riviera.

It’s symbolized by five small, colorful villages set on cliffs overlooking the sea, with secret beaches and coves. It’s actually one of the best places to visit in Italy during the summer months, though that’s also when they are most crowded.

I actually recommend visiting in the spring so that you can enjoy the hikes! Indeed, one of the best ways to explore Cinque Terre is to hike along the coast, walking from village to village, and soaking up the unbeatable views.

As a bonus, this region is world-renowned for its olive oil and wine production. So, make sure you sample the local cuisine and maybe even bring home a small bottle for your own kitchen, and go on a wine tasting tour.

Despite being in northern Italy, the Cinque Terre are also a popular day trip from Florence (which is on the northern edge of Central Italy). I recommend staying at least one night, however, as day trippers will leave when the sun goes down, and you’ll enjoy a more peaceful atmosphere.

Make sure to read my post The Best Places To Visit In Cinque Terre for more ideas on what to see in the region.

Central Italy

Rome (Lazio)

Rome has to be one of the most persuasive reasons to visit Italy. Everyone knows Rome. Everyone loves Rome, and for good reason.

This is where the most well-known monuments, historical sites, and churches are in Italy. You can explore the Pantheon, the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Borghese Gallery, and the famous Trevi Fountain, among other places.

It’s also a great starting point to explore Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.

Not only is it one of the best places to visit in Italy for tourist attractions, historical sites (famous ones and lesser known ones like the Jewish Quarter), and museums, but it also has some delicious food. Honestly, if you only have time to visit one place in Italy, and it is your first time in the country, Rome should be your choice.

I recommend spending 3-5 days in Rome. Some people try to cram it all in one or two days, and while you technically could do it, you won’t enjoy it as much. You want a little more time to enjoy it truly.

My post What To See And Do In Rome will guide you into the unmissable attractions in the city.

Florence (Tuscany)

Florence is another of the most popular places in Italy, and for good reason. I highly recommend several days in this city, especially for art lovers. It’s home to some of the best galleries, architecture, and impressive views in the country.

The Florence Cathedral (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore) is a fine example of Gothic architecture dating back to the 1300s. You can walk through the Cathedral and admire the stunning architecture you won’t find anywhere else.

You should also climb Brunelleschi’s Dome in the cathedral, and Giotto’s Bell Tower right next to it for stunning city views.

I also recommend the Uffizi Gallery in the city’s historical center. It has a widespread collection of art and sculptures from the Middle Ages to the Modern Period. And you can’t forget about Michelangelo’s David, which is in Galleria dell’Accademia in Florence.

Florence is one of the best places to visit in Italy because of its museums and art galleries. But make sure to purchase tickets to attractions well in advance. This goes for all major tourist attractions in Italy. Things sell out and fill up very fast, and the last thing you want is to miss a must-see attraction because of poor planning.

My post The Best Places To Visit In Florence shares more details about all the attractions you should not miss. You should also read my Guide To Tuscany.

Siena (Tuscany)

Florence is the capital of the Tuscany region, but there are so many other places to visit in Tuscany, as well. Siena is one of my favorite places in Tuscany, I actually enjoy it more than Florence itself.

Although Siena has fewer museums and tourist attractions, it has a magical atmosphere that will trap you and make you want to stay forever (and that’s a good thing).

Siena is one of Europe’s nicest medieval cities. One of the best things to do here is to walk the narrow alleyways and admire the Gothic architecture. The center square, Piazza del Campo, has some great attractions and is the cultural and literal center of the city – and that’s also where the famous Palio di Siena takes place every summer.

I also recommend climbing Torre del Mangia for great views of the city, walking through Siena Cathedral, and visiting Basilica Cateriniana San Domenico.

Most people visit Siena on a day trip from Florence. While it’s certainly possible if you’re short on time, I recommend at least a few days to yourself. From there, you can also explore the gorgeous Val d’Orcia and the medieval towns of Montalcino and Pienza.

Pisa (Tuscany)

Pisa is another popular day trip from Florence, but you can also spend a full one or two days exploring the historical center and beautiful architecture.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is perhaps one of the most recognizable monuments in Italy, so it’s definitely worth visiting. However, there are also many other things to do here.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is inside Piazza dei Miracoli, which is a large grassy area that also encompasses the Cathedral of Pisa, Baptistry of St. John, Museum of Sinopie, Fountain of Angels, Monumental Churchyard, and other places worth visiting.

You can also spend a full day exploring the rest of the historical center. There are endless shops, restaurants, cafes, bars, and, as usual, lovely architecture.

Bologna (Emilia Romagna)

Bologna is actually in central-northern Italy, making it an easy day trip from a handful of cities like Milan, Pisa, Florence, and Rome.

But it’s worth more than a day. I recommend at least two or three days in Bologna to explore all the sites and sample some of the world-renowned cuisines.

Bologna is indeed where you will find some of the best food in Italy. It’s the place where the traditional bolognese (ragù alla bolognese) was invented and the best place to try the delicious tagliatelle al ragù alla bolognese (it’s strictly tagliatelle though: there is no such thing as spaghetti alla bolognese in Italy!).

I strongly recommend taking a cooking class in Bologna; there’s no better place in the world than the city with some of the best Italian cuisine you know about.

The Piazza Maggiore, the Pinacoteca, the Palazzo del Podesta, the San Petronio Church, and the two towers (Torre Garisenda and Torre degli Asinelli) are other must-see attractions in Bologna. For the best views of the city, also including the two towers, you will have to climb Prendiparte Tower.

San Marino

San Marino is actually a microstate within Italy, so it’s technically not a part of Italy. However, it’s landlocked and nestled within the Italian land, so it’s very easy to visit while traveling around Italy.

The capital city, San Marino, has the same name as the state. It’s located on the slopes of Monte Titano, offering spectacular views from almost every corner. San Marino has also retained much of its history, charm, and architecture.

Rocca della Guaita Fortress and Cesta Tower are two must-see attractions in San Marino. The central plaza, Piazza del Libertà, is a great place to people-watch or enjoy a glass of wine.

The only way to get to San Marino is through Italy. There’s no border control or immigration upon entering, so the same Schengen visa you have for Italy to enter is all you need.

Southern Italy

Naples (Campania)

Naples is a big favorite in Italy for several reasons. First, Naples is the birthplace of pizza. And as the original founder of everyone’s favorite dinner, it sure does have some delicious restaurant options.

You should definitely consider taking a food tour around Naples to find all the best spots and sample dishes you might not have otherwise had.

Naples is also the starting point for visiting Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius. Pompeii was an ancient city that was buried by an eruption of Vesuvius in 79 A.D. You can visit Pompeii and learn more about its fascinating history, and maybe even hike around Mount Vesuvius.

There are also tons of great things to do within Naples city itself. Piazza del Plebiscito is a large central square in the center of Naples. It’s lined with well-known monuments and things to do. It’s also near Via Toledo, one of the most famous shopping streets in Italy.

Castel d’Ovo, San Severo Chapel with the Veiled Christ statue, San Gennaro Catacombs, the National Archeology Museum of Naples, and the Royal Palace are also amazing places to see and visit in Naples.

You’ll need a minimum of 3 days to explore Naples and Pompeii. After you’re done here, you can head to Amalfi Coast for some beach time.

My post The Top Places To Visit In Naples highlights the unmissable attractions in the city.

Amalfi Coast (Campania)

Amalfi Coast is another one of the best places to visit in Italy because of its incredible viewpoints and charm. I highly recommend going on a mini road trip along the coast and taking your time for photoshoots at the many resting points.

There are tons of great towns and villages to visit along the coast. Some of the highlights include Amalfi itself, Sorrento (though technically not part of the Amalfi Coast), Ravello, and Positano. You can even take a ferry from Sorrento to the island of Capri.

One or two days is plenty of time to see the best of the Amalfi Coast, but more time is always appreciated, especially if you want to spend time on Capri or Ischia and take in the fantastic atmosphere. Just make sure to avoid visiting between June and September, as it gets terribly busy.

Valle d’ltria (Puglia)

Valle d’ltria (Itria Valley) is one of the best places to visit in Italy, especially if you plan on renting a car and going on a little road trip.

This region of Puglia is scattered with breathtaking landscapes, mesmerizing coastal towns, quintessential villages, and mouthwatering food and wine.

Alberobello, Ostuni, and Polignano a Mare are three must-see towns in the Itria Valley and Puglia region.

If you’re interested in history and culture, Egnazia is an ancient archeological city near Fasano that’s worth visiting. Or, if you want to visit some hidden gems, I recommend Locorotondo, Martina Franca, and Cisternino.

Some people visit Itria Valley on a day trip from Lecce or spend one or two days exploring It. However, Puglia is really a slow-travel destination. I highly recommend a bare minimum of 3-4 days, and longer if possible. Remember that you’ll want to rent a car to make the most of this beautiful region.

Lecce (Puglia)

Lecce is located on the southern end of Puglia and is one of the most underrated cities in Italy. It’s known for its historical center square (Piazza del Duomo), which is built with all-white stone. It also has great examples of baroque architecture and photo-worthy cobblestone streets and buildings.

In the city center, you can explore Lecce Cathedral, the Roman Amphitheater of Lecce, and the Porta Napoli (an archway to the old town entrance).

Lecce is also a great base to explore nearby Salento. So, once you factor in day trips and city exploration within Lecce, you’ll want at least 3-5 days for Lecce.

Matera (Basilicata)

Matera is a small, underrated city in southern Italy. Although it is a common stop for some travelers going from Naples to Lecce, I highly recommend adding a night or two to your itinerary.

Matera is best known for its unique architecture, and its two famous Sassi (Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano), cave dwelling inhabited since the Paleolithic period and still in use today.

Casa Noha is one of the best places to learn more about traditional homes and buildings. It’s a historical house that shows the history of Matera through several different media outlets, including a short video.

Palombaro Lungo is another must-see attraction in Matera. It is a cistern carved from rock just under the city’s main square, offering unique views of the city’s history and accomplishments.

Italian Must-See Islands

Palermo and Sicily

Sicily is the most famous Italian island on the southern tip of the mainland. Palermo is the capital of Sicily and a wonderful place to visit.

The Norman Palace, the Palatine Chapel, and the Cathedral of Palermo are some of the best tourist attractions and monuments in the city. The entire city is overflowing with charm, but Old Town Palermo is really something special.

It’s also a very lively part of Italy. It’s known to have one of the best nightlife scenes in the country.

Catania, on the other side of Sicily, is another must-see city in Italy. This city is most known for its close proximity to Mt. Etna, an active stratovolcano that you can hike around!

Make sure to set aside several days for both Catania and Palermo separately. They both offer such different experiences and are located on opposite ends of Sicily.

Aeolian Islands (Sicily)

The Aeolian Islands is an often overlooked archipelago nestled between Sicily and the Italian Peninsula. While it’s not as popular as Sicily itself, these are arguably the most beautiful islands and home to some unique scenery.

This is where the infamous Stromboli volcano is, which is a must-hike for all outdoor enthusiasts traveling to Italy. Vulcano is one of the other islands here, perfect for beach lovers, with mud baths, hiking trails, and turquoise waters.

Lipari is the largest island of the Aeolian Islands and is known as the “island of colors.” You’ll find vibrant colors in every corner, from the small houses to the blues of the water, the vibrancy of the fishing boats, and more.

Cagliari and Sardinia

Sardinia is the second-largest island in Italy, behind only Sicily, and is a little further out in the Mediterranean Sea. I’m from Sardinia, and I’m not just being biased when I say it’s the most beautiful part of Italy.

Sardinia is characterized by miles of beautiful coastline, beautiful beaches (some of the most gorgeous beaches in the country), mountainous hiking trails in the center of the island, and an overall amazing atmosphere.

Cagliari is the capital of Sardinia and is simply overflowing with great activities for everyone. It’s even one of the best places to visit in Italy with kids.

For outdoor activities, I recommend the Molentargius Nature Reserve, where you can see wild pink flamingos. For a fun hike in the city, you should head to the Devil’s Saddle Promontory: the trailhead is in Calamosca Beach, and once you reach the main viewpoint you can admire views of Poetto, Cagliari’s main beach.

You should also make time for the Cagliari Cathedral, the Archeology Museum, the bastions (the main one is the Bastione di Saint Remy) and the two watchtowers.

Asinara Island (Sardinia)

Asinara Island is on the northwest tip of Sardinia, though you’ll need to take a ferry from mainland Sardinia as they aren’t connected to the main island. You can get a ferry boat from Porto Torres or Stintino.

The islands are virtually uninhabited, but you can stay there overnight in the summer months, sleeping at a very basic hostel. You can also visit on one of the most memorable day trips.

Asinara Island is renowned for it’s stunning beaches, active marine life, as well as great hiking and biking trails.

The island also has a unique history. It was once a leper colony and a high-security prison, amongst other things. Now, it’s one of the most beautiful national parks in Italy.

La Maddalena Archipelago (Sardinia)

La Maddalena Archipelago is another must-see set of islands in Sardinia, this time on the northeast tip of Sardinia.

The main hub in this archipelago is La Maddalena itself, which is also the largest island and the only island with its own inhabited center. Caprera is another small island connected to La Maddalena via a bridge dam.

Caprera only has a small museum and a few houses, but they are definitely worth visiting. One of those is the home of Garibaldi, the famous Italian unification hero. Caprera is also where you’ll find a plethora of hiking trails taking you to gorgeous, hidden beaches such as the famous Cala Coticcio, Cala Brigantina and Cala Napoletana.

The best way to enjoy La Maddalena is on a guided boat tour around the archipelago. There are regular departures from La Maddalena town and even from Palau, in mainland Sardinia.

Summary Of The Best Places In Italy

Despite its small size, Italy is made up of so many different regions, climates, and diversity. In fact, understanding Italy’s regions is one of my biggest Italy travel tips. Because of that, it’s hard to pick my favorite places to visit in Italy.

The Dolomites in northern Italy, Rome in central Italy, Naples in southern Italy, and of course, my home in Sardinia, by far the best island in the world.

You won’t have time to visit all the amazing places in the country and also visit Italy off the beaten track, especially since you won’t want to rush things. But keep in mind that Italy will always be here. And you can always return for some of the other places that you missed last time.

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