Italy is a country of dreams. With one of the richest cultures and heritages in the world, the nation has been the epicentre of the Holy Roman Empire for millenniums and is home to some of the world’s oldest architecture, all which tell the tale of the ancient European state. But it’s not just history in Italy; the country is also home to beautiful beaches, spectacular alpine scenery and mesmerizingly beautiful countryside. And of course, Italian food cannot be forgotten; Italy is home to pizza, pasta, risotto and numerous other dishes. The sights in Italy will take your breath away, but the country is tantalizing in every other sense as well. In a country as rich and diverse as Italy, one can easily be confused about where to start planning your Italy travels from! Here are just some of the amazing places to consider for your Italy vacations.
ROME AND VATICAN CITY
Rome, the capital of Italy has been one of the most significant European cities for the last two millenniums, and it’s legends and stories can be felt just by walking the streets. Whether you’re soaking up the history of the Trevi Fountain or marvelling at the Colosseum, visiting Rome is an overwhelmingly sensory experience to be relished.
If you are done with ancient history, check out some of the art galleries that the city is famous for, which range from the historic Basilica of Our Lady to the much more contemporary Macro on Via Nizza, which showcases some of Italy’s best modern art.There is something for everyone in Rome, and exploring its most famous sites will give you a greater understanding of not just the individual city or country, but the whole world.
Check out and book Rome tours in advance.
Vatican City is officially the world’s smallest country by both size and population but feels very much just part of Rome. The Vatican City has been an independent country since 1929, but has been the home of the Pope since the 14th century and is the global epicentre of Catholicism. Architecture fans will be delighted at some of the oldest, largest and most intricate Catholic buildings in the world, and religious folk especially will find the links to deities unique and captivating. From entering the country by Saint Peter’s Square, you will be surrounded with some of the most distinguishably beautiful and ancient architecture in the entirety of Italy – and perhaps the world!
The iconic Saint Peter’s Basilica contains Michelangelo’s famous Pieta and the ornately decorated Sistine Chapel. Underneath are the remains of a 4th-century church and St Peter’s Tomb. Visiting the Vatican City is an experience like no other, and the history and cultural significance of the country within Rome makes it a must-visit on your Italian bucket list.
Book skip-the-line tickets for Vatican City so you don’t have to queue up for hours.
Vatican City
VENICE
The jewel in the Adriatic’s crown, the city of Venice has been sparkling for centuries, and its allure can easily be felt through a trip here. The north-eastern Italian city is a place absolutely bursting with history; the city has rigidly strict rules about the preservation of its canals and historic buildings, meaning that you’ll feel like you’ve been whisked away to an era long forgotten.
Any architecture fans will be in their element in Venice; it is the home of 14th-century Venetian Gothic architecture – a Gothic building looming from the waters of a canal is a common sight of the city. Venetian masks are another thing that the Italian city is famous for, and there is a certain glitz and glamour to going into one of the mask stores and seeing some of local artists’ finest – or even purchasing one of your own. In fact, you can take some tours to learn all about mask-making in Venice too.
And of course, any trip to Venice wouldn’t be complete from its most unique angle – the water. Take a trip on a gondola or one of the other boats and watch the breathtakingly beautiful city go by at its relaxed pace. The globally renowned and unique city of Venice has the distinctly Italian air and is without a doubt one of the must-visit places in the European country. If you have time, head over to Lake Garda while you are in the region or visit some Prosecco vineyards!
READ: Rowing a boat in Venice and exploring like a local
ALSO: A foodie’s guide to Venice: Eat and drink like a local
The only city where I was greeted with a view of the lovely blue waters soon after exiting the Railway station
AMALFI COAST
It’s surely up there with one of the most picturesque coastlines in the world; the Amalfi Coast is the perfect destination for photographers and sun seekers. Set alongside the Tyrrhenian Sea on Italy’s west coast, the 60 kilometre UNESCO coastline road encompasses scenic towns, historic houses and ancient churches.
Visitors to the Amalfi Coast can enjoy both the spectacular natural beauty of the region on hikes such as Il Sentiero Degli Dei, which runs from Positano to Agerola and the quaintly atmospheric towns of Ravello and the busier Sorrento on the western end.
An Amalfi Coast self-drive trip is a somewhat hair-raising experience; Italian drivers are fast and the road is rather infamous for being a little treacherous, but you’ll be rewarded with unbelievable views at almost every turn.
But if the weather is not the best, or if you’ve had enough of laying in the sun, there is incredible architecture such as an 11th century church cathedral in Ravello, Roman ruins throughout the whole coast and ceramic vases, tiles and urns to admire and purchase in the adorable village of Vietri Sul Mare.
Amalfi Coast is one region I have been dreaming of for a long time.May can be a good time to visit Amalfi before it gets too crowded and warm.
Check out some of the Amalfi Coast tours here:
CINQUE TERRE
Sometimes the world’s most photographed sites are so for a reason. Nobody could deny the beauty of the Cinque Terre; which is why it was made a UNESCO world heritage site in 1997 and the reason for so many people to frequent the site to this day.
Cinque Terre is nested within a valley of the mountainous Italian Riviera, between Genoa and Pisa in the north-west of the country. The area is comprised of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore – five villages which date back to medieval times, each which has its own distinct character and charm.
Cinque Terre is not just ideal for keen photographers but great for history fanatics as well; it’s hard not to be absolutely enchanted by the fabled stories contained within each medieval village. And if you’re into hiking, Cinque Terre is your dream destination. With extraordinary mountains to climb and spectacular vantage points at almost every corner, the sheer natural beauty of this spot of Italian coastline makes trekking a mesmerizing experience.
Exploring the Cinque Terre, whether it be on foot, rail or by boat is one of the most uniquely Italian things you can do which makes it a staple on your bucket list.
Cinque Terre means ‘five villages’. You can easily get there from Florence.Although some people go for a day trip, it would be much better to spend a few days there, savouring the views and going on hikes.
For your dose of history and architecture, you can visit Florence.
READ: Exploring Florence on foot
SICILY
There is nowhere on this planet with as many UNESCO world heritage sites as Sicily. The island, located off the coast of the Italian peninsula, is packed with ancient Roman architecture, Greek ruins and some of the best food that you’ll eat on your entire trip to Italy.
Popular Sicilian spots can be best enjoyed on a road trip around the island, passing by the best spots and ending in its capital city, Palermo; Sicily can also be encompassed on a Southern Italy road trip. A must-visit for history enthusiasts, a trip around Sicily will help you understand the Ancient Greek influence over southern Italy; and it’s also a fantastic part of the country for foodies to enjoy.
Life in Sicily moves at a slower pace than that on the mainland, leaving visitors refreshed and recharged. Exploring Sicily by car is the perfect Italian road trip to soak in some quintessential Italian history and culture.
Europe Diaries Tip- Check out Wanderjack for private, customised experiences in Sicily. I had a wonderful experience in Venice with them and would try them out in Sicily too.
Sicily, italy
THE DOLOMITES
Northern Italy is renowned for its mountain ranges, and the Dolomites in the north-east of the country, not too far from the Austrian border, are a spectacular place to get a little lost in. In the summer, the spectacular mountain ranges offer clear, fresh air and cooler temperatures than the lowland part of the country.
Hikers will love the plethora of intertwining walking trails leading into quaint mountainous villages that could not be found anywhere other than the alps ranges. They are perfect to take a day hike or enjoy a walking holiday, stopping at various Alpine villages on the way. The Dolomites are also a renowned world heritage site and fossil archipelago, with a fascinating and enthralling amount of natural history.
If you are more into snow sports, head to the Dolomites during the winter season where the villages and towns get a white blanket and are transformed to some of Italy’s favourite skiing and snowboarding destinations, with adrenalin pumping pistes during the day and lively bars by night.
Visitors to the Dolomites will feel refreshed and rejuvenated and the spectacular vistas and a fantastic array of activities on offer are reasons to put visiting the Dolomites on the top of your European bucket list.
If you are in the mood of exploring a mountainous area, head over to the Dolomites in Italy.
LAKE MAGGIORE
There’s nothing quite as refreshing as breathing in the clear air of an alpine lake; especially when it’s as large and as spectacular as Lake Maggiore. Straddling the Swiss-Italian border in the north-west of the country, Maggiore is famed as Italy’s second largest lake, but what fewer people are aware of is that it’s one of the country’s most spectacular sights as well.
Visit as part of a skiing holiday in the winter, or head to Maggiore in May or June for stunning wildflowers and warmer weather. Take a hike around the lake itself and admire lookouts which showcase the best of the mountainous surroundings. Or alternatively, you could kick back in one of the many charismatic villages on the western shore of the lake. Stresa encompasses ancient villages and a cable car to the scenic Monte Mottarone, and Arona which contains a gorgeous ancient castle.
Positioned proudly in the middle of the waters are the Borromean Islands, which are open to visitors and only add to the irresistible beauty of the lake itself. Visit Maggiore to feel refreshed, rejuvenated and revitalised; that and the glorious beauty of the lake are enough to push it to the top of your Italian bucket list.
Lake Maggiore
VIA FRANCIGENA
Part of an old route that connected Canterbury in the UK to Rome, the Via Francigena is a rediscovered pilgrimage-style route through some of Europe’s best countryside. The Italian portion stems through the Po Valley, into Fidenza, through Tuscany and finally toward the Mediterranean Sea, heading southwards to Italy’s capital.
The journey can be enjoyed in its entirety or as sections, as a road trip or hikes which can range from day walks to week-long treks. Nature fans will love the tranquillity and serenity that the track provides, as it winds through some of Italy’s most loved countryside; but history lovers will be equally in their element as they retrace the steps of so many before on this ancient route.
There are also plenty of quaint towns to explore, which of course contain some of Italy’s most well-known characteristics; ancient buildings and great food. Exploring the Via Francigena will give you a tremendous sense of achievement; a pride at completing a quest, and will also educate travellers as to how the pilgrims journeyed over a thousand years ago.
This eye-opening journey will give you an insatiable lust to explore even more of historic Europe, which is why it is a must-visit for all travellers to the continent.
Via Francigena
SARDINIA
You’re not exactly pushed to find a beautiful bay in mainland Italy, but in mesmerizing Sardinia, an Italian-owned island in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, there’s stunning bays and azure waters on every corner. Sardinia has been part of Italy since 1861 and the island has 2,000 kilometres of coastline.
It is an ideal place to visit once you’ve explored some of Italy’s hectic cities; here in Sardinia, where the entire population enjoys a far more relaxed pace of life than on the mainland. But if you’re seeking adventure, don’t rule Sardinia out – the hinterland of the island is packed with hiking trails up steep mountain paths, offering magical forests to explore and spectacular coastal vistas from vantage points.
Or search for the nuraghi that Sardinia is famous for – Bronze Age stone ruins, some of which date back to 1500 BC. Sardinia has something for everyone: tasty food, great Italian wine, adventurous hikes and plenty of sun-soaked beaches perfect for soaking some rays. Head to the Italian island to both relax and adventure, and enjoy some authentic Mediterranean culture while still in the wonderful country of Italy.
Check out some tour options in Sardinia.
Sardinia: Dream destination in Italy
Which of these places will you consider for your next trip? Do you have a favourite city/region in Italy? Share your thoughts in the comments below and do share this article with your friends and family on Facebook/Twitter.
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Written by Claire from Claire’s Footsteps.
Claire is a British travel blogger on a mission to get to the heart of places by overland adventures. She writes about eco-travel and travelling with purpose on her blog, and she is currently back in the UK, plotting her next adventure! Keep updated with her travels on her blog.
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