Years ago, my husband and I were honeymooning in Italy and I fell completely head over heels for the history, cuisine, and Italian culture. I was also charmed by the stunning landscapes and became obsessed with exploring the vast range of beaches and cities!
In just a few weeks, I'll be returning to Italy for an autumn getaway. As my excitement levels skyrocket higher and higher, my itinerary-making gets more and more intense! If you're like me and you live for a comprehensive travel itinerary, I've got you!
Here is a look at my 25 must-see places in Italy for every type of adventurer. Let's dive in!
Ponte Vecchio in Florence
The Ponte Vecchio is one of Florence's most famous romantic destinations and is not to be missed when visiting the city. It is no ordinary bridge, as it is lined with hanging houses where craftsmen live, making it a truly special place.
The Colosseum
One of the most visited tourist attractions of Italy is a monument of architecture of ancient Rome–the Colosseum, which is also known by another name–Flavius Amphitheater.
The huge stadium of the ancient world, built as an amphitheater, dates back to the I century AD and is located between the Esquiline, Palatine, and Caelian Hills in Rome.
The Canals of Venice
The canals of Venice are the main highlight of the city. The Venetian charm comes gradually and irrevocably. Once it happens, there is nothing you can do about it. This place is one of the most photographed places in Venice.
Ragusa
In the southern tip of the island of Sicily, slightly removed from the sea, stretches the city of Ragusa, the center of the province of the same name. The towns of Sicily are famous for their turbulent history and complex character, but even against their backdrop, Ragusa stands out.
Lake Garda
As far as scenic places in Italy go, Lake Garda is among the best. The lake has many villas and castles along its wooded shores. Many are surrounded by public gardens. The mild climate makes the lakeshore ideal for growing these gardens.
Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre, which translates as "five villages", is a lovely coastal region with steep hills.
The fabulously beautiful villages of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore can be reached in different ways, but they are all linked by narrow paths along the mountains or walking trails.
Many travelers choose to walk between the villages to enjoy the scenery fully. The small towns have retained their old atmosphere and offer a sense of peace.
Pompeii
Did you know that Pompeii is Italy's most visited tourist destination? The ancient city was formed in the 6th century BC.
If not for the eruption of the volcano Vesuvius, which burned the entire city to the ground, covering it with a huge layer of volcanic ash, Pompeii would still exist not far from Naples.
Now it is a ruin, which UNESCO has listed as a World Heritage Site. A tour of this city offers fascinating sights. Visitors can also stroll through the ancient streets.
Tuscany
Tuscany has images of beautiful mountains, groves, vineyards, and cypress trees. But there is more than just meets the eye! The delights of Tuscany include wine tasting.
Elba is the largest of several Tuscan islands. It offers many picturesque beaches.
Juliet's house in Verona
This magnificent palace is located in the Piazza Delle Erbe, and there you can see the beautiful medieval balcony where Juliet may have looked up to see her love, Romeo.
In a way, it is an opportunity to go back to another era and one of the most romantic stories ever told. Don't miss the chance to see the town of Verona, a small and quiet place with medieval buildings.
Gargano, Puglia
Gargano is a national park with long beaches and magnificent pine forests. Here you can enjoy the nature of Italy and relax away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Marettimo, Aegadian Islands
Marettimo is located off the west coast of Sicily. Many people constantly vacation here because the place is really picturesque. The water is a beautiful blue color, and the surroundings are breathtaking.
Tower of Pisa
The Tower of Pisa is just one of the many sights in the city of Pisa, but its fame for its imperfection is known all over the world. Work on the tower began in the 1100s, and it began to lean when the builders started on the third floor.
Before restoration work in the 1990s, the tower was expected to lean completely by the year 2000. However, this did not happen, and today tourists can climb the tower to enjoy a magnificent view of the city.
Lake Como
Lake Como is one of Italy's most beautiful landscapes, surrounded by mountains and charming small towns. Traditionally considered a holiday destination for the rich, Lake Como's shores are home to many villas and palaces.
Florence Cathedral
Florence Cathedral is considered one of the most magnificent cathedrals in the world. The cathedral was built in the period between the 13th and 15th centuries. Its 414 steps lead up to the viewing platform at the top of the cathedral, which offers fantastic views of the city.
Vatican City
The Vatican is home to some of the world's most precious art collections. Besides St Peter's Basilica and St Peter's Square, the Vatican has countless attractions. The famous Sistine Chapel is like an art gallery–its walls and ceilings are covered with paintings by Michelangelo and other known Italian artists.
Roman Forum
It may take a little imagination to understand exactly what the Roman Forum used to look like. However, its historical importance as the heart of the Roman Empire is far from exaggerated. The foundations and remains of former temples, market squares, courts, and buildings are a reminder of Ancient Rome.
Pantheon
The Pantheon, a remarkably well-preserved remnant of Ancient Rome, shows the remarkable architectural achievements of the Roman Empire.
The precise proportions of the building, with its height equal to its diameter and a single beam of light illuminating the space from its dome, give it a unique atmosphere. Italian kings and other important people are buried in the Pantheon.
Amalfi Coast
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Amalfi Coast is a fantastic stretch of coastline on the Sorrento peninsula. The mountain towns are built along steep hills that stretch all the way to the sea. One of the most popular towns in the region is Positano.
St Mark's Basilica
One of Venice's many highlights is St Mark's Basilica. Tourists strolling around Venice also end up in the famous St Mark's Square, in front of the Basilica.
The cathedral is home to various works of art, but the building itself is also a work of art, combining several architectural styles.
Milan Duomo
Milan's magnificent Santa Maria Nascente Cathedral, known locally as "Il Duomo", is one of the world's greatest churches and perhaps the finest example of the enchanting Gothic style in the world.
The cathedral's exterior has a total of 2,245 marble statues, and the 135 carved stone spires that cover its roof are definitely the first thing you notice when you go inside.
Capri
The Blue Grotto is among the most visited places in Italy, but there are other reasons to take a short boat trip from Naples, Sorrento, or the Amalfi Coast to the imaginary island of Capri.
It is characterized by its steep and rocky islands, its intense blue sea, its roaring cliffs, and its tropical plants. From almost anywhere on the island, you can be sure of a good view.
The Palazzo Ducale
The Palazzo Ducale or Duke's Palace is a Renaissance building in Urbino. Built in the 15th century, it is huge and has a maximum of 600 inhabitants.
The Palazzo Ducale is now open to the public, and many rooms have been restored to look as they did in the 15th century. The palace is also home to the Marche National Gallery, which houses a huge and GORGEOUS collection of Renaissance paintings!
Trevi Fountain in Rome
The Trevi Fountain is known as the place to toss a coin to secure a return trip to Rome, and two coins can ensure a loving relationship with a Roman man or woman. At night, the fountain is illuminated, making it a magical and romantic place for those visiting Italy.
Valle Dei Templi
Valle Dei Templi is an archaeological site in Sicily. The destination is home to several Greek temples, all built in the Doric style, most of them dating back more than 2400 years.
Although the whole site is worth visiting, the most famous of the temples is the Temple of Concordia, which was restored in the 18th century and is now the best preserved of the buildings.
Siena
Set on three hills in the center of Tuscany, Siena offers tourists a step back into the Middle Ages with its well-preserved historic center and the medieval horse-racing tradition known as Il Palio.
The historic center of Siena, once a wealthy city, is one of the most popular places to visit in Italy, as it still
preserves many of the stunning works
of art and architecture of the time.
You could spend time in this culturally rich land to learn about Roman life, discover the ruins of Mount Vesuvius in Pompeii or just laze by one of Italy's many lakes.
The country offers so much to see and do that it could take a lifetime to explore. So plan your trip to this wonderful Mediterranean travel destination with my list of the best places to visit in Italy and share your adventures with me on Instagram!
