Table of Contents
- 1 Most Beautiful Cities in Italy
- 1.1 Rome
- 1.2 Florence
- 1.3 Milan
- 1.4 Venice
- 1.5 Bologna
- 1.6 Verona
- 1.7 Portofino
- 1.8 Naples
- 1.9 Positano
- 1.10 Puglia
- 1.11 Most Beautiful Destinations in Italy
- 1.12 Cinque Terre
- 1.13 Lake Como
- 1.14 Lake Garda
- 1.15 The Dolomites
- 1.16 Capri
- 1.17 Sicily
- 1.18 Sardinia
- 1.19 Planning a Trip to Italy
- 1.20 Conclusion
- 1.21 PIN IT FOR LATER
Last updated on March 8th, 2023
Italy is one of my favorite travel destinations. The food, history, and architecture are just some of the many reasons people flock to the country yearly. From the northern mountains to the southern beaches, you can find various of the most beautiful cities in Italy, if not Europe.
But with so many alluring places and stunning landscapes, the hardest part is to decide what parts of the country to visit. Would you rather experience the larger cities with their bustling streets and quaint piazzas or take a road trip through the countryside? Or maybe you’d rather spend time near the turquoise water.
There is no shortage of magnificent places to visit in Italy. To help, we will focus on the cities ranging from large and well-known urban destinations to smaller countryside getaways.
This list features 20 of the most beautiful cities in Italy to add to your travel bucket list. I’ve also included other incredible Italian destinations with many terrific places to see.
And even though you won’t be able to see all of these in one trip to Italy, I hope to give you some travel inspiration for future trips too! The following map can help you narrow down which you’d like to see as part of your itinerary.
To further help you plan, I’ve included the top reasons to visit each city, things to do, and a general guide on how long to spend in each place.
Most Beautiful Cities in Italy
Rome
Rome is one of the most famous and the largest city in Italy. The Eternal City has a remarkable history and famous landmarks such as the Trevi Fountain and Sistine Chapel. Being one of the oldest cities in Europe, there are many historical sites to see, making this one of Italy’s top places to visit.
Visit the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum as part of a group or self-guided tour. Take a trip to Vatican City to see St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museum, and Sistine Chapel. For a romantic nighttime experience, enjoy a stroll around the Trastevere neighborhood (my favorite area in Rome!).
Also, remember to throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain, check out the Borghese Museum and Gardens, Pantheon, and lounge on the Spanish Steps. All of these attractions are worth visiting and should be part of anyone’s first experience in Rome.
At a minimum, give yourself 3 days in Rome to see the main sites and explore the city center. If you’d like to tour the outskirts of Rome or experience the less touristy parts of the city, add a couple more days to your itinerary.
Florence
Florence in my opinion is the most beautiful city on this list and my personal favorite. Sitting in the heart of Tuscany, it is a terrific base location to explore the countryside and a must-see for anyone’s first time in Italy.
Florence is also known as the birthplace of the Renaissance. The influence of the period is present in the beautiful architecture and works of art around the city. You get the feel of Rome but on a smaller and quieter scale.
If you are an art lover, Florence is the place for you! The city is full of art museums, such as the Uffizi and Accademia Galleries, for visitors to enjoy.
Other things to do are climb to the top of the Duomo, walk around the Ponte Vecchio, visit the Palazzo Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria, explore the Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens, and do some shopping at San Lorenzo Market.
With so much to see here, plan to stay at least 2-3 days to see the main sights and not feel rushed.
If you want to explore the Tuscan countryside or visit nearby towns like Siena and Montepulciano, stay for a few extra days. There are some spectacular day trips from Florence which make it a great base for traveling through Tuscany!
Milan
Milan is a large and fast-paced city known for its fashion and museums. Unlike most other cities in Italy, Milan is much more modern and a great place to go shopping.
In addition, it is a great stopping point for many other northern areas in Italy, such as Lake Como, Lake Garda, and Venice.
The Galleria Vittoria Emanuele II is the best place to shop. Other must-see places in Milan are the Duomo, the Castello Sforzesco, La Scala Opera, and The Galleria.
Finally, you must see the famous Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci at Santa Maria delle Grazie.
Milan has a large airport and train station, so many people will have to pass through the city during their trip through northern Italy.
Make a stop in the city for the afternoon to see the main sights and shops before heading to your next destination.
Venice
Venice is unlike any other place in Italy. The entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its medieval buildings and hundreds of canals.
The city is made of over 100 little islands connected by footbridges, making gondolas the main form of transportation. It is the perfect city for a Romantic getaway!
The best way to experience the city is by riding a gondola or boat. Other great things to do in Venice are to visit St. Mark’s Square and Basilica, explore Doge’s Palace, ride down the Grand Canal, and walk along the Rialto Bridge.
Venice is an expensive city, so many people only stay for 1-2 days. That is enough time to see the main sites. Most people visit Venice to eat fresh seafood and explore the beautiful city, making it a great stop on your Italy itinerary.
Bologna
Bologna is a historical city in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. The city is known for its architecture, museums, and cuisine. There are lots of fantastic attractions here to see.
The most famous are the Two Towers, Asinelli, and Garisenda. For views of the city, make sure to climb up Asinelli Towers. The Bologna Cathedral and Santuario Madonna di San Luca are other great things to see here.
There are many museums to explore in Bologna as well. Some must-see ones include the National Art Gallery, the Civic Museum of Archaeology, and the Medieval Museum. After sightseeing, take a walk to Quadrilatero Market for delicious food or take a food tour or cooking class.
You can visit Bologna as a day trip from Florence or stay 2-3 nights here. This city is a great place to stay and one of Italy’s best places to eat.
Verona
Verona is a small city near Venice and Milan, home to the famous Romeo and Juliette. Verona is a romantic place with beautiful architecture and hundreds of years of history. The town can be seen in one day and is a lovely retreat from the more touristy northern cities.
While in Verona, visit the Roman amphitheater and the Tower of Lamberti. The amphitheater is open for tours and hosts many night concerts and events.
The most popular attraction here is Juliet’s balcony at the Casa di Giulietta, where you can visit her balcony, bronze statue, and museum. Verona also has great squares like the Piazza Bra and Piazza della Erbe, where you can relax or stop for a meal.
Other things to do are walk along the river, stroll across the Ponte Pietra bridge, explore the old town, and overlook the city from Castel San Pietro.
Verona can be explored as part of a day trip. The town is only 70 miles from Venice and 35 miles from Milan, making for a quick stop. Many group tours will take you to the city for the day, or you can always take the train if you want more freedom to explore independently.
Portofino
Portofino is a quaint fishing village on the Ligurian Coast. It is known for its pastel-colored houses and beautiful harbor. The small village is known as a luxurious getaway for the rich and famous.
While there, walk around the main square, shop at the designer stores, visit Castello Brown, and explore the Portofino Regional Nature Park.
Portofino is a small town and can be seen in one day. Add Portofino to your itinerary along with the Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre. I highly recommend spending one night here. It is such a romantic and beautiful place to stay.
Siena
Tuscany is a picturesque region of Italy full of small towns, vineyards, and lush landscapes. The region is so beautiful that it can be hard to narrow it down to just one place.
Siena is one of the most loved of the Tuscan cities and another base for those who want to explore the area. Florence and Siena were rivals for centuries, adding to the city’s intrigue. It is full of beautiful buildings, small pedestrian streets, and open piazzas.
Siena is much more laid back than the larger cities. Most people come here to relax, enjoy the countryside, and do some Chianti and Brunello wine tastings.
While in Siena, grab lunch on the Piazza di Campo, explore the many churches, and climb the Duomo for spectacular countryside views.
If you happen to visit in July and August, you will want to see the famous Palio horse race. This traditional race has been taking place for centuries and is one of the best experiences. If you want to learn more about the Palio, my post covers everything you need to know.
And, of course, give yourself time for a wine tasting at the local vineyards while you are here. Tuscany is home to some of the most delicious wines in the world.
Some people opt to take a day trip to Siena from Florence. Guides will take you through the city with stops in other towns, such as Montepulciano and San Gimignano.
If you are short on time, day trips are a great way to expose yourself to the region. However, if you plan on experiencing some tours and visiting other towns, you will need to spend 3-5 days in Siena if you can.
Naples
Naples is the most popular of the southern Italian cities. It is also home to the pizza Margherita and is known for its delicious cuisine.
While in Naples, climb to the Piazza del Plebiscito, explore the Spanish Quarters, and visit the Royal Palace and Galleria Umberto. There is also lots of great shopping in Naples and, of course, water sports.
To make the most of the city, schedule 3-days in your travel itinerary. There are many things to see and do here, and Naples is also a great place to explore other nearby areas, such as the island of Capri, the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, and Sorrento.
Positano
The Amalfi Coast is a popular destination due to its long coastline and picturesque hilltop villages. The area spans the towns of Salerno and Sorrento along the southwest coast of Italy. Thousands of people travel to the Amalfi Coast for a relaxing getaway on the water and to explore the coast.
Of all the towns that make up the Amalfi Coast, Positano is the most beautiful. The village’s colorful houses sit high on top of the hill, offering spectacular views of the Mediterranean no matter where you are.
The town is full of restaurants, shops, and accommodations and has a spectacular beach. Positano is the perfect place to come for rest and relaxation! Due to its location, Positano is also an excellent base for exploring the coast.
Many people like to stay in Positano as a base to travel to other towns along the Amalfi Coast, including Sorento and Amalfi. You are also a train or ferry ride away from Pompeii and Naples. In addition, you can hop on a ferry and visit the island of Capri and its famous Blue Grotto.
If you’d like to explore the main villages and take a day trip to Capri, you should spend at least four days here. That will give you enough time to explore Positano, relax, and take an excursion to nearby areas. You can also experience the Amalfi Coast as a day trip from Naples through this tour.
Puglia
Puglia is a charming region in southern Italy near the “heel” of the country. Puglia is also known as Apulia and sits on the Adriatic Sea. It is best known for its circular-shaped trulli houses in Alberobello and the cliffside town of Polignaon a Mare.
These houses were built with stone and painted white with grey roofs and are found in the town of Alberobello. These traditional cottages are still used as homes today and used as vacation rentals.
While in Puglia, visit Polignano a Mare, explore the Gargano National Park, and spend time at Torre Sant’Andrea. These coastal cliffs are wonderful places to swim and soak up the sun.
You can visit the town of Alberobello in just one day, but if you would like to explore more of the region, you will need around three days. If you plan on seeing multiple areas, you can spend at least a week there.
Most Beautiful Destinations in Italy
Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is home to five small fishing villages on the Italian Riviera. The towns include Monterosso al Mare, Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, and Vernazza.
These colorful towns sit right on the water and offer some spectacular views. There is little to do in Cinque Terre in terms of attractions. People come here mainly to relax, dine on fresh seafood, and enjoy the water.
The most popular activity here is hiking. The towns connect by miles of hiking trails that bring you along the water and through vineyards.
Day trips allow you to get to Cinque Terre from Florence and several other larger cities. You could join a tour group or take the train from village to village. Exploring all five villages can be done in just one or two days.
Lake Como
This glacier lake is just north of Milan and can be reached in under an hour by train. Lake Como has gained popularity over the last several years due to its famous villas and celebrities calling it home.
Lake Como is easily identified on a map by its Y-shape. The most popular towns of Bellagio and Varenna sit near the center of the lake where the three branches of water meet.
Either of these towns makes a perfect base location to visit the rest of the lake. You can quickly jump on a ferry that will take you to some of the other towns.
While in Como, rent a boat and explore the area and the beautiful villas. Some top attractions include Villa Balbianello, Villa Carlotta, and Melzi Gardens.
Como also has some great hiking trails on the outskirts of the lake and up into the mountains. Bellagio is the largest and more popular town, with many things to do.
My favorite is Varenna; it is less touristy than Bellagio and has many charming waterside restaurants and hotels. It is one of the most beautiful towns on the lake and offers quick access to other popular towns. Another great town to visit is Tremezzo which is across the water.
Staying for 3-4 days will give you enough time to visit the main towns of Bellagio and Varenna and the nearby villas. You can easily spend an entire week here, though!
Como is the perfect place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of the main cities. Each town also has a variety of vacation rentals and luxury hotels with everything you could need for an extended stay. The lake is also at the foot of the Alps so you could take a day trip to Switzerland.
Lake Garda
Lake Garda is a large lake located in northern Italy near Milan. It is one of the most scenic lakes in Italy due to the lush landscape and charming little towns. Some of the most picturesque villages include Sirmione, Limone Sul Garda, and Malcesine.
Most people come to Lake Garda to relax and enjoy the water. You can try many different water activities here, such as windsurfing and sailing.
Another great thing to do is tour the lake by ferry. It is much easier than driving and offers unbelievable views from the water.
Plan on spending 2-3 days here to take in the beautiful landscape. The main town for people to stay in is Sirmione, on the southern side of the lake. From here, you can easily travel to other areas.
The Dolomites
The Dolomite Mountains are a spectacular mountain range that covers over 140,000 hectares of land. They are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and worth a trip to the north of Italy.
The Dolomites have spectacular views, crystal clear lakes, charming towns, and great hiking trails. Best of all, they still need to be well-known and therefore can be enjoyed without large numbers of people.
The Dolomites are for outdoor lovers and hikers. There are miles of incredible trails to choose from. The most popular is Tre Cime di Lavaredo.
Besides hiking, there are many lakes to visit and towns to visit. Val Gardena and Cortina d’Ampezzo are two terrific areas of the Dolomites to explore and are the perfect place to stay.
Depending on how much hiking you plan, you can spend between 1-3 days in the Dolomites. Also, you could join a tour group from Venice or other surrounding areas or rent a car and drive.
Capri
Capri is a small island off the southern coast of Sorrento, Italy. The island is accessed only by ferry from the nearby towns of Naples, Sorrento, and Cinque Terre. You can explore the island for the day through tours, but it is a beautiful place to stay longer.
Visitors come to Capri to enjoy its beautiful natural landscape. The island is full of beautiful grottos and sandy beaches to relax.
Other great things to do here are boat tours around the island, visiting the Via Krupp, the Garden of Augustus, Monte Solaro, and exploring the Blue Grotto.
Sicily
Sicily is the largest island in Italy and sits in the Mediterranean Sea. The island is home to Mount Etna, one of Europe’s largest active volcanoes.
Sicily is a great place to enjoy the water and relax on the many beaches. It is also a terrific region for food, with Greek, French, and North African influences.
The top attractions in Sicily include climbing Mount Etna, visiting the Valley of the Temples, and Villa Romana del Casale. I also recommend taking a food tour, as there are many wonderful and unique dishes to try here.
Since Sicily is an island, you will want to spend a little longer here and account for time for travel. Give yourself 3-5 days to explore the main towns and attractions and plenty of time for the beach. Palermo is the capital of Sicily and is a great place to stay during your visit.
Sardinia
Sardinia is another large island in the Mediterranean. The stunning coastline and clear blue water make it a terrific vacation destination.
The interior of the island is more mountainous and offers more in terms of attractions than the coastline. Therefore, Sardinia is the perfect place to come for a relaxing beach getaway, with many sightseeing options.
Sardinia is a fantastic place for outdoor lovers. The island’s mountains offer miles of hiking trails, and the sandy beaches are some of the most beautiful in Italy.
The top attractions in Sardinia are the Costa Smeralda, Su Nuraghe of Barumini archaeological sites, and Gorropu Canyon. Many other activities are also available here, such as rock climbing, paddle boarding, and diving.
Depending on what you plan on doing here, you should stay anywhere between 3-7 days. You should also consider that it is further off the coast and will take several hours to get to by ferry. It is almost a 10-hour ferry ride from Genoa and can be even longer from other areas of Italy.
Planning a Trip to Italy
The Best Time to Visit Italy
Generally, the best time to visit Italy is between March and October. July and August are peak-tourist seasons due to summer vacation and impeccable weather. Try to visit during the shoulder season to avoid the larger crowds and high prices of these particular months.
May, June, and September are great times to visit northern and southern Italy as the weather is still warm, but the crowds are slightly less.
The cheapest time to visit is the off-season, between November and March. However, remember that many places will have an altered schedule for tourist attractions, and some may be closed altogether.
Getting Around Italy
Trains are a popular and easy way to travel within a city or to different destinations. ItaliaRail is an excellent resource for booking tickets in advance and looking up schedules. In addition, it cross-references information from other companies so that you don’t have to.
The one downfall of using trains is they tend to be more expensive than other forms of transport, especially for the fast trains. They are, however, convenient, fast, and perfect for longer trips.
Public transportation is also a great way to get around within the cities. Each town or city has its own transportation companies, which you will need to research beforehand. Tickets cost only €1-2 per trip, making travel very affordable.
In addition to city buses, some companies will take you to other destinations. These buses are generally located at or near the train stations, and just like trains, you can purchase tickets online or at the station.
Omio is a popular choice for purchasing bus tickets. Like ItaliaRail, the website pulls information from different sources to get you the best rates and the largest number of options available. On average, a ticket costs around €10 for a 2-3 hour trip. It is less expensive than taking the train but much slower.
Car rentals are ideal for traveling through the countryside but avoid them entirely if you are solely visiting more prominent cities. Most of the destinations on this like are challenging to drive in and have a lot of different rules that you may need to be used to.
If you are interested in renting a car and are a non-EU citizen, you will need to show proof of an International Driving Permit. These can be easily purchased online before your trip.
Conclusion
Although it was hard to narrow down, these are just 20 of the most beautiful cities in Italy, with some added regions that everyone should visit.
From fortified cities, to cliffside towns, Italy has it all. Check out the following travel guides for more information on a particular Italian city.
Know of some other beautiful cities or regions in Italy that you’ve recently visited? I’d love to hear about them!
Enjoyed this post? Here are some other Italian destinations!
Florence
- The 8 Best Day Trips from Florence
- Visit Florence Italy: Best Places to See, Stay, and Eat
- Travel Guide: How to Spend 3 Days in Florence
- Florence vs. Rome – A Detailed City Comparison
Rome
- 125 Captivating Rome Quotes to Inspire You
- Rome Travel Guide: How to Plan the Perfect Trip
- Travel Guide: How to Spend 3 Days in Rome
- Visit Rome on a Budget: Tips and Free Attractions
Tuscany
- Visit the Beautiful Medieval City of Siena, Italy
- Palio of Siena: Guide to the City’s Historic Race
- Amazing Things to do in Montepulciano, Italy
Lake Como
- Ultimate Travel Guide To Lake Como, Italy
- Ultimate Travel Guide To Lake Como, Italy
- Top 12 Best Things To Do in Lake Como
- Visit Villa del Balbianello – Lake Como’s Most Beautiful Villa
Other Italy Posts
Travel Planning Resources
BOOK YOUR FLIGHT
Skyscanner is one of the top search engines for finding and booking flights. They price check over 1,200 travel sites to help you find the best prices.
BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION
Booking.com is one of the best sites to book hotels and vacation rentals. They offer some of the cheapest rates and different payment options.
BOOK TRANSPORTATION
- Rental Car: RentalCars.com is my go-to site when booking rentals. They work with 900 companies worldwide to help you find the best car for your needs and budget.
- Trains: Rail Europe is the leading company in Europe for train travel in Europe. They help you easily book passage by looking at routes, timetables, and prices for 50 different train companies.
- Bus: Omio is an easy website to use for booking train and bus tickets. Similar to Skyscanner, the website looks at hundreds of transport companies to get you the best deals.
SCHEDULE YOUR TOURS
Get Your Guide is one of the top sites for tours, excursions, and activities. Viator is another terrific website for all types of experiences.
GET YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE
World Nomads is one of the top travel insurance companies. It will cover you if you must cancel your trip or if something unexpected happens.
Check out the resource page for additional travel planning resources.
PIN IT FOR LATER
