Italy is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. It has so much to explore when it comes to history and beaches, making it one of the prime vacation spots. Here are 19 places to visit in Italy and why.
Rome
Rome is a city mixed with history while still having all of the latest amenities. It’s common to walk across ancient buildings on your travels through the city. For example, Creative Travel Guide writes, “The city’s history is so integrated into its soul that it has become interwoven with the modernization and technology you’ll also come across.”
Venice
Known as the city on water, Venice has some spectacular views. You can take a famous gondola ride along the canals or visit St. Mark’s Square and the Doge’s Palace. There’s so much unique architecture to explore in Venice, as well as lots of museums and galleries.
Florence
If you’re a fan of art, then Florence is the perfect place to visit in Italy. You can admire Renaissance paintings at the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia Gallery. There’s also the Florence Cathedral to visit, with the dome by Brunelleschi. Why not spend an afternoon strolling Ponte Vecchio and exploring the historic city center?
Milan
If you decide to head to Milan, you’ll want to visit Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting, The Last Supper, and the famous Gothic Duomo di Milano. There’s lots of high-end shopping available in Milan, as it’s a city heavily focused on fashion. You’ll find all your favorite Italian designers in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
Naples
Visit Naples writes, “A trip to Naples is a kind of experience that will give you surprises in every corner of the streets and, mostly, the desire to come back here again.” There’s so much to discover regarding the city’s history, which you’ll find in the historic center and the Naples National Archaeological Center.
Cinque Terre
You can enjoy the coastal landscapes that Cinque Terre has to offer by hiking between picturesque villages such as Vernazza and Corniglia. Cinque Terre also has delicious local cuisine to sink your teeth into, which you can eat with some spectacular views of the Mediterranean.
Amalfi Coast
There are so many beautiful coastal towns to explore on the Amalfi coast, such as Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello. It’s a scenic part of the country with cliffs and small beaches, and it’s famous for its lemon groves. For a day out, you can take a boat to Capri, a small island just off the coast.
Sicily
Sicily is an island in the south of Italy and it has so much to offer. You can visit the ancient Greek ruins in the Valley of the Temples and the Roman mosaics at Villa Romana del Casale. If you prefer a more adventurous vacation, then there’s Mount Etna to climb, which is Europe’s largest active volcano.
Sardinia
If you enjoy relaxing, then you’ll love the stunning beaches along Costa Smeralda in Sardinia. Otherwise, you can explore the Nuragic ruins and learn about the ancient history of the island. There are plenty of outdoor activities to keep you entertained, such as hiking, scuba diving, and sailing.
Bologna
You’ll find Bologna in the north of Italy. As the name suggests, it’s famous for its bolognese sauce, which you’ll want to try if you visit the city. Bologna is rich in history and has many medieval towers and the University of Bologna, which is the oldest in Europe.
Turin
Turin is the country’s fourth-largest city, and is especially exciting if you enjoy history. This is supported by Lonely Planet, which writes, “It has a fascinating historic center and a long list of monuments, galleries, and world-class museums.” You can also visit the Royal Palace of Turin or enjoy the view from Mole Antonelliana.
Verona
If you’re a fan of Shakespeare, then you’ll want to visit Verona for Juliet’s house in Romeo and Juliet. There are also plenty of other things for you to do, such as heading to the Roman Arena or strolling through the historic city center. There are also many delicious wines to try, such as the local Valpolicella.
Lake Como
If you decide to head to Lake Como, you’ll want to visit Bellagio, Varenna, and Como. These towns are all unique and have stunning views of the lake. You can enjoy activities such as boating on the lake or visiting the grand villas and gardens. Lake Como is a great place to relax thanks to its Alpine views.
Pisa
Pisa is famous for its leaning tower. You can walk up and explore the tower and you can even visit the adjacent cathedral. The city center is full of history, with bustling squares to stop off for a coffee and watch the world go by.
Genoa
Genoa has plenty of places to visit, such as the historic port, the aquarium, and the maritime museum. You can also take a stroll through the old town and see the famous palaces along Via Garibaldi. You may also want to take a day trip to the beautiful coastal village of Portofino.
Lucca
If you head to Lucca, you can visit the well-preserved Renaissance walls and enjoy walking or cycling to the top of them. Lucca also has many historic churches and palaces for you to discover in the city center. If you vacation in Lucca at the right time, you’ll be able to attend one of their cultural festivals.
Perugia
Città di Perugia tells us, “Perugia is a city full of ‘secrets’ to disclose: the suggestion is to explore it with curiosity to fully appreciate the excitement and fascination of discovery.” You can visit its medieval center and explore its historic buildings and Etruscan walls.
Aosta Valley
Aosta Valley has some incredible scenic views of the Alps, including Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn. While on your trip, you can visit ancient Roman ruins and medieval castles. If you head to Aosta Valley in the winter, then there’ll be plenty of winter sports to try out, and in the summer, you’ll have lots of hiking opportunities.
Matera
The ancient caves in Sassi di Matera became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993 and are well worth a visit if you head to Matera. You’ll also be able to learn about the city’s history and culture at the Casa Grotta, or Cave House, museum. Matera is full of unique landscapes and architecture with breathtaking viewpoints.
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