Italy is a country that needs no introduction. Home to some of the world’s most famous and iconic cities and with scenery familiar the world over thanks to being the backdrop of countless films over the years, Italy is, year after year, the 5th most popular country in the world when it comes to tourist visitor numbers. But, what if you’re visiting for the first time? What are Italy’s top 10 places to visit if you’re looking to make some inroads into your Italian bucket list?
Rome
Where better place to start than Italy’s capital city? Once the capital of the world, Rome has been home to the Roman Catholic church for centuries. Home to the Pantheon, Colosseum and Vatican (in turn home to Michelangelo’s Sistene Chapel ceiling), walk around Rome and you’ll find a living history lesson waiting for you around every corner.
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Florence
A key city during the Renaissance period, Florence is a delight for art lovers. The Uffizzi Gallery is home to some of the most important artworks in the world including paintings and sculptures by Michelangelo and Boticelli. Other iconic buildings include the Duomo, Galleria dell’ Accademia and the Ponte Vecchio bridge. However, Florence is also renowned for its beautiful gardens, among them the Boboli Gardens, Giardino Bardini and Giardino delle Rose. This is a city with plenty of green spaces which provide respite from Florence’s charming cobbled streets.
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Venice
Surely the most famous city in the world, Venice is built on a lagoon and is characterised by charming narrow streets and waterways. Marble palazzos, sparkling mosaics, striking domes, Gothic arches and a network of canals have made Venice famous the world over but there is still a hidden Venice beyond the tourist trail waiting to be discovered.
Cinque Terre
Made up of five picturesque villages – Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore, the Cinque Terre has to be explored on foot. Don those sensible shoes and hike along the clifftop paths from village to village.
Italian Lakes
In the North of Italy, easily accessible from Milan lies Italy’s lake region. Lake Garda, Lake Como, Lake Maggiore, Lake Iseo, Lake Lugano and Lake Orta make up its principal lakes. All are equally stunning but all have their own unique character – think of Lake Como as home to spectacular art nouveau villas and lakeside gardens with celebrities flocking to buy their second homes there. In contrast, think of Lake Orta as sleepy and laid back and as Lake Maggiore as seductive today as when it was when Ernest Hemingway stayed there to write ‘A Farewell to Arms.’ Whilst here, make sure you visit Italy’s financial and fashion capital – Milan.
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Tuscany
Italy’s oldest tourist destination, Tuscany was a prominent destination as early as the 18th century as part of the Grand Tour. Home to some of Italy’s most famous cities – Florence, Siena and Pisa – Tuscany is also where you’ll also find Italy’s most famous wine-making region – Chianti. Rolling hillsides dotted with vineyards and olive groves and broken up by tall cypress trees lead to idyllic smaller towns and villages including Lucca, San Gimignano, Cortona and Montepulciano. Tuscany is a region that needs no introduction but, if you’re visiting Tuscany for the first time, expect to have a number of ‘goosebump moments’. This is an awe-inspiring place to visit!
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Sicily
Our favourite of Italy’s islands, Sicily is a real melting pot of cultures, with influences from both East and West and from both Europe and Africa. With a history that stretches back into ancient times, its ancient Greek and Roman ruins are second to none whilst its beaches are sensational and its towns and cities simply fascinating. It’s also home to some of Italy’s best cuisine. For those with a sweet tooth, make sure to try cannoli and cassata before you leave.
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Sardinia
Home to some of Italy’s best beaches, Sardinia is an extremely diverse island. Whilst the North East of the island around Costa Smeralda may attract the ultra rich and famous, the South of the island is much more rugged and rural. Sardinia must surely be the most diverse of all Italy’s regions.
Amalfi Coast
Home to some of italy’s most dramatic scenery (I challenge anyone to drive the cliffside road between Sorrento and Ravello and not have to close their eyes in sheer terror at least once!!), the Amalfi Coast is characterised by vertical cliff tops that drop into the turquoise sea below, dotted with pastel coloured villages, small coves and beaches. Fly into Naples (the birthplace of pizza) and visit one of Italy’s most fascinating archaeological sites – Pompeii – whilst you’re here.
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Puglia
Puglia was hardly known amongst tourists as little as 20 years ago but now it’s one of Italy’s most popular tourist spots. Not surprising when you take a look at the incredible coastline and stunning beaches that it boasts along with the plethora of charming towns and villages that are dotted throughout its idyllic countryside. Being a relatively new destination for tourists, you’ll also find a lot of the accommodation options here much more contemporary even if they’re enclosed within ancient trullo walls.
Check out our Puglia villa rentals here and enjoy reading our Puglia travel guide so that you’re familiar with all the things to see and do in Puglia when you visit.
