Use our best guide to Italy while planning your vacation in Italy. Below you’ll find our options for where to go in Italy, including major cities, romantic destinations, mountain villages, and seaside destinations.
The best Italian cities for travelers
Italy has many beautiful and historic cities with great things to see and do. Traveling by train is the easiest way to visit Italian cities, as driving and parking are difficult. Each city has its own character and attractions, so use this guide to find the cities you want to visit.
The best romantic getaways in Italy
Italy is a very romantic country full of picturesque towns, landscapes, lakes, and seaside getaways. Our picks range from the beautiful city of Venice on the water to a top-notch seaside town on the island of Sicily. Take a look at the best romantic spots in Italy.
Italy’s must-see sights and attractions
These are Italy’s best-known attractions and must-see places. When visiting one of Italy’s popular tourist attractions, it’s generally best to book tickets in advance to avoid waiting in a long tidket line.
The best places to go in southern Italy
Southern Italy has beautiful beaches and scenic coastlines, an abundance of Roman and Greek sites, and several unique attractions. In general, most of southern Italy sees fewer tourists, has a slower pace, and often has lower prices than the more popular tourist destinations.
Hill top cities in Italy
When people think of mountain towns, they often think of Tuscany, but there are mountain towns in many parts of Italy. Here are my favorite picks for Italian mountain towns.
Best Italian lakes
Italy has many beautiful lakes that are good vacation destinations. Popular travel getaways since Roman times, Italy’s lakes offer charming villages, resorts, hiking trails, and a host of water activities. From the famous and popular Como and Garda lakes of northern Italy to the smaller lakes of central Italy, use this guide to find your favorite lake in Italy.
Amalfi Coast and Bay of Naples
The Amalfi Peninsula in southern Italy has some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in Italy. In summer it is very crowded, but its mild temperatures make it a year-round destination. Sorrento is easily accessible by public transport and is a good base for those without a car. During high season, ferries are the easiest way to get around, but buses run around the peninsula all year round. There are good shops here and you can also visit the nearby attractions of the Bay of Naples, such as Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius.
The best towns on the Italian Riviera
Towns on the Italian Riviera like Cinque Terre are popular seaside destinations, especially in summer. With a relatively mild climate, most towns can be visited almost any time of the year. Public transportation is good and most of the area can be visited using trains, buses, or ferries. You can use one city as a base and explore the rest of the coastline on day trips. In addition to spectacular beaches and landscapes, there are also castles and good seafood.
The best Italian islands
The islands of Italy are excellent vacation destinations. Most of them have beautiful beaches, which makes them especially popular in summer, but they also have picturesque landscapes, charming villages, archaeological and historical sights, and excellent food.
The best smaller Italian cities
If you have visited major cities in Italy or prefer to travel to smaller cities with fewer tourists, consider these recommendations for less visited but interesting Italian cities. Most of them can be visited as day trips from larger cities, but they are also good places to spend a few days.
Best of Tuscany – Top Hill Towns and Attractions
Tuscany is a top region for Italian vacations. Tuscany has historic hill towns, wine regions, and beautiful landscapes. Parts of Tuscany, such as Florence and Siena, can be explored by train, while a car is best for visiting smaller towns and touring the countryside. This is a good region if you want to stay in an agritourism, ranging from simple, inexpensive accommodation to luxurious suites and apartments.
The best of Umbria: the green heart of Italy
Umbria, often called the Green Heart of Italy, has medieval villages, Etruscan sites, and natural parks. Umbria also has one of the largest lakes in Italy, spectacular waterfalls, and an interesting collection of mummies. A little less expensive than neighboring Tuscany, Umbria is becoming more popular as a tourist destination.
Buy tickets for Italian museums and sites
It’s a good idea to buy tickets in advance for museums and popular sites in Italy so you don’t waste time standing in queues. You can purchase advance tickets in US dollars through Select Italy.
