With its breathtaking landscapes, passionate people, trendy fashion, and art treasures, Italy is charming European hubs that always amaze travelers around the world. Known for its history, grandeur and top-class cuisine, Italy has so many stunning sights to offer that it might take years to explore it. Praised as one of the world’s sought-after and gorgeous destinations, Italy is truly a heavenly place that should be on every traveler’s bucket list.
Planning to visit Italy, but not sure where to start? Wondering where to go, places to visit or planning a longer vacation and looking for better homes for rent in Italy? We’ve listed down some of the best places you shouldn’t miss when visiting Italy, to make the most of your vacation.
- The Amalfi Coast: The Amalfi Coast, considered as one of the most breathtaking seaside destinations in Europe, is an attractive haven that is appealing to every traveler with its perfect blend of cultural and natural wonders. It is also a 1997 UNESCO World Heritage site and admired by cinematographers and tourists for its stunning beauty and a perfect Mediterranean landscapes. No wonder why The Amalfi Coast is among the top destination in traveler’s bucket list because of its dramatic coastline covered with terrace cliffs, modern pastel-colored houses, and winding roads.
- Rome: This famous city wasn’t built in a day, so you definitely need much more than a day to see entirely this extremely beautiful and timeless city. Another city that topped a traveler’s list and is one of the best tourist destinations in the world. Rome, Italy is a real-life collage of fabulous historic sites, piazzas, and open-air markets. Some of the most popular destinations in this city that you shouldn’t miss are the Vatican, Roman Forum, Basilica San Clemente, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, and the Colosseum.
Aside from the famous landmarks, Rome is dotted with restaurants and eateries that offer some of the best dishes in Italy. Nightlife and shopping scene are enjoyable, In fact, Rome is regarded as one of the world’s fashion capitals.
- Cinque Terre: A colorful, bright and magical Italian paradise, Cinque Terre is one of a kind and is located amidst some of the world’s most dramatic scenery. This heavenly place will leave you astonished with its steeply terraced cliffs, pastel-colored houses and vernacular designs. Cinque Terre is also a 1997 UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Verona: Another destination that you should include to your Italy travel itinerary is the Verona. Although this city isn’t as popular as its neighbor Venice, it still is an attractive city that you every traveler should visit at least once in their life. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with jaw-dropping sights such as the Roman amphitheater, Roman gate Porta Borsari, Lamberti’s clock tower, Roman theater, and Juliet’s tomb and balcony. Another interesting fact about Verona is that it also serves as the backdrop to many of Shakespeare’s plays, and the most notable play is the Romeo and Juliet.
- Florence: Visit Florence and you’ll know why this city has inspired so many artists and writers. With its cobblestoned streets, elegant buildings and impressive Palazzo Vecchio and the Duomo, Florence is a feast for the eyes. This city is definitely an art historian’s dream, as it also displays a ton of world-class museums and art galleries filled with wondrous works of art. The Galleria dell’ Accademia, for example, burst with masterpieces from Caravaggio, Titian, Leonardo da Vinci, and Raphael.
- Naples: This city is one of the busiest metropolitan cities in the country. It is more chaotic and little grittier than the other cities in Italy. But, there are good reasons why Italians call this city beautiful Naples. It is home to some of the best opera house and theater in the world. Naples is often called a charming open-air museum, thanks to its wealth in historic statues and monuments.
Some of the most of favorite staples were originated in Naples, such as pizza, spaghetti, and parmigiana. These staples feature locally grown and fresh ingredients and are seriously taken here. The capital of Campania region is the ideal base for those who want to explore the area since it is located nearby famous sites such as Pompeii and the Bay of Naples.
- Milan: Known as one of the fashion capitals in the world, Milan offers endless opportunities for shopping. Hit Via Monte Napoleone for expensive, exclusive boutiques for best leather goods. Once you’re done from your shopping spree, visit and be amazed by the iconic Duomo. Another sought-after attractions and landmarks in Milan that you shouldn’t miss are the San Siro, Pirelli Tower, Castello Sforzesco, Brena Art Gallery and La Scala.
- Pisa: One of the most famous and most photographed landmarks in Italy is the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Want to take your own photo to this most iconic tower? Don’t forget to visit Pisa during your European tour. This tower isn’t just breathtakingly spectacular in a photograph but also in person. But, there’s more to visit in this medieval city than this magnificent architectural marvel. The city boasts a plethora of monuments and museums that visitors surely like such as Battistero, Duomo di Pisa, Museo Nazionale di San Matteo, tine Romanesque churches, and so many more.
- Rimini: Rimini is the largest beach resort on the Adriatic Sea and is the top seaside holiday destination for Italians and Russians. This historic city does have great food selections, energetic nightlife, helpful and friendly people. It boasts an impressive long shoreline that will give you a memorable and fascinating beach escapade.