Looking for the best places to visit in Italy?

Italia! I’ve spent over a year’s worth of time traveling and going to language school in Itlay, and I look forward to my next trip.  There are so many “Best places to visit in Italy”- and the list keeps getting longer.  This amazing country is rich in culture and history, has beautiful and diverse scenery, and of course– incredible food.  From the famous historic big cities, to the beautiful and relaxing beach towns, to ancient hill towns surrounded by green olive trees and vineyards, there is so much to see and experience in Italy.

Keep reading to find out the best cities to visit in Italy

While traveling in Italy, I like to talk to the locals. One of the questions I ask (besides, “Where is the best place to eat?!”) is… “Where is the best place to visit in Italy?” This has been one of the best ways to find out about the less touristy places, and of course, all of the most beautiful places in Italy.

It’s fun to stay in a local town and only hear Italian spoken. Some of the places below are Italian vacation spots where you almost only see Italians on vacation.

So many travelers go to Italy and only visit Rome and Florence, and sometimes Venice. These are must-see cities, but there is so much more to see and experience in this beautiful country.

Where to go in Italy?

Italy is divided into 20 regions which are diverse in scenery. You can check out the regional map of Italy below.

There are many beautiful cities in Italy. Each is unique and has its own customs and culture with different food specialties. I have listed some of the best places to visit in Italy, in order from north to south.

This list is a quick reference guide on the best cities to help you plan your next Italy vacation.

Where to visit in Italy…

Best Places to Go in Italy and Most beautiful cities in Italy

The best Italian cities to Visit…

Italy Best Places in the Lombardy Region

Lake Como –Varenna, with a side trip to Bellagio

Set on the east side of the magnificent Lake Como, Varenna is a beautiful, small, and colorful village and is one of the must see places in Italy. Stroll on the path along the lake, go to the beach and swim in the refreshing blue water, and take a half day boat trip over to the famous and prestigious town of Bellagio.

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The best places to visit in Northern Itlay

Lake Garda- Sirmione

Enter through one of the most preserved castles in Italy sitting on the gorgeous blue-green Lake Garda, one of the many beautiful places in Italy.

This town has lots of charm and is great for walking around.

Enjoy staying in one of the many stunning lakefront accommodations, jump in and go for a swim. Sirmione is one of the best places to visit in Northern Italy.

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Where to go in Italy

Italy Best Places to Visit Veneto Region

Venice

There is no other place like Venice. It’s one of the best cities in Italy. Take a boat on the Grand Canal. Wander the narrow ancient streets. Sit at the iconic St. Mark’s Square (get up early, and you can almost have it to yourself.)

Tour Doge’s Palace and walk over the Bridge of Sighs. Relax and take a gondola ride on the canals. Venice is one of the top places in Italy.

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Italy cities to visit

Verona

Stop by the setting of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” if you are driving between Venice and the Lakes.

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Italy Best Places to Visit Liguria Region- Best Places to Visit in Northern Italy

Cinque Terre: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Manarola

The beautiful Cinque Terre is a great place to visit with kids of any age and is a must see in Italy. Take some time and slow down. This is the vacation part of your travels.

Stay in Monterosso, either in the old part with lots of charm or in the new, with a great sandy beach and aqua-blue waters. Take one of our all-time favorite hikes into Vernazza. Have lunch, then sit and gaze from the harbor or jump in and go for a swim. You can then visit Manarola or go back to Monterosso by boat or train.

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Top Places to Visit in Italy

Santa Margherita Ligure, with a day trip to Portofino

A gorgeous area to slow down, rest, and enjoy the Italian beach town culture. The scenery is some of Italy’s best. There are lively rocky beaches to enjoy and countless hiking trails in the green area. Take a day trip to pristine Portofino (one of the most beautiful places in Italy) and see some unbelievable yachts!

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Sestri Levante

This is a beach resort where the Italians vacation. Enjoy this fun family beach town while taking advantage of the hikes, walks, beach activity and great food.

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Finale Ligure

I haven’t been here yet, but it is another Italian’s vacation destination and there is a nice sandy beach. This will be the town where we slow down and relax on our next trip to Italy.

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Best Places to Visit Italy Tuscany Region

Florence

Another town that speaks for itself- stunning, full of art and culture, the world-famous Duomo Museum… Get out early in the morning to beat the crowds and enjoy this beautiful Italian Renaissance city in peace. Florence is one of the top cities to visit in Italy.

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Lucca with a quick stop in Pisa to take a pic

A Western Tuscan town surrounded by a Renaissance wall circling the Historic center. You can stay in Lucca or outside the walls in the Tuscan countryside. Take a quick trip to Pisa to see the infamous Leaning Tower.

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San Gimignano

A favorite of the Tuscan towns. It sits on top of a hill surrounded by vineyards and is known for the fantastic skyline of medieval towers. It’s only an hour to drive into Florence. Stay outside of town in an agriturismo for a true Tuscan experience.

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Siena

A must see medieval Tuscany city with one of the best main squares in Europe. Piazza Del Campo is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to the famous Palio horserace. The grand cathedral was built in the 1200s and is full of outstanding art.

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Montepulciano

Our favorite town in Southern Tuscany- green, plush, full of vineyards, and another great place to stay in the countryside in an agriturismo.

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Saturnia

Take the long windy drive to swim or soak in some of the best natural hot springs in the world, Cascate del Mulino. It is an experience that the whole family will enjoy and it’s FREE!

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Best Places to Go in Italy Maremma, Western Tuscany

Magliano in Toscana

For Tuscany less traveled, this is your place. There are far fewer tourists in the Maremma (Western Tuscany) than in the areas above. It’s more rugged but it also feels more authentic.

This is a charming little walled medieval town, without the crowds. Eat at one of the many delicious Italian restaurants and pay less than the more touristy areas!

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Capalbio

Another great hill town in the Maremma. Can you ever get enough of charming towns with panoramic views of Vineyards and farmland? And let’s not forget all of the great food and wine!

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Porto Ercole, Agrigento

This is a great little colorful fishing village that feels off the beaten path. There are many choices for beautiful beaches in the area.

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Best Places in Italy Umbria Region

Assisi with a trip to Cortona

Assisi is the main attraction in Umbria with good reason. It’s a Historical hill town that was home to St. Francis, one of Italy’s patron saints. Cortona is well worth a walk around and lunch- home to Frances Mayes, author of Under the Tuscan Sun.

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Best Places in Italy Lazio Region

Best Cities to Visit In Italy

Rome

A brilliant city with historic splendor and countless things to do! I have been four times and always find new things to do and enjoy revisiting old favorites.

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Click here to read The Perfect Rome Itinerary : Top Things to Do In Italy’s Eternal City

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Get the Perfect Rome Itinerary: Top Things to Do in Italy’s Eternal City

Best Places in Italy Compania Region, Amalfi Coast

Sorrento with a day trip to Capri

Ahhh, the Amalfi Coast! Sorrento is our favorite base for a family trip in this area. Gaze out at the deep aqua blue sea from this lively town, full of shops and restaurants. Take a day trip on a hydrofoil to the spectacular island of Capri and see the Blue Grottos.

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Day Trip to Pompei Archaeological Site

A town buried by a volcano in 79 AD, frozen in time, and excavated in the 1700s. Need I say more?

Positano

This is a romantic small town that is posh and picturesque. The main narrow street is lined with shops and restaurants and meanders down to the beautiful rocky beach. There is some moderate to advanced hiking in the area with spectacular views.

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Naples

For a day trip or a short stay, this is gritty Italy. There is something about it…the energy of the people, the Neapolitan pizza, and one of our favorite museums. The fascinating contents of the city of Pompei are on display at the uncrowded National Archaeological Museum of Naples.

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Italy Map By Region

Find the best prices on flights to Italy here

Booking.com

Click here for a detailed Ideal Italy Itinerary: Best of Rome, Tuscany and Cinque Terre

You also may be interested in:

Best of Sicily Itinerary: Palermo, Syracuse & Taormina (delicious local food included!)

The Perfect Rome Itinerary: Top Things to Do In Italy’s Eternal City

The Perfect Greece Itinerary to Take Now! (Don’t Miss the Amazing Athens Itinerary)

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More Italy Travel Resources

Trip Advisor, Travel and Leisure, Forbes Travel, Travel Channel, Conde Nast Traveler, Rick Steves