Italy is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe and is a must-see country. The canals of Venice, the Tuscan wine regions, the cobblestone alleys of Rome, the Arno river flowing through Florence, the cliffs of Positano, and more are just a few of this stunning nation’s attractions.
Because of the architecture and surrounding scenery, Florence was one of my favorite cities. Seeing the sunset over the Arno River is an experience you will remember.
You may spend days getting lost in Rome, one of Europe’s most famous and popular tourist destinations. With VIP access and the opportunity to bypass the lengthy tourist lines, a Vatican tours is one of the greatest ways to see this important historical site. Cinque Terre and all the towns along the Amalfi Coast are the most stunning places in Italy. Here are the top things to do on the Amalfi Coast, which includes Positano, the region’s crown jewel and possibly the most scenic and romantic town in all of Italy.
Italy’s Top Attractions: What to See
It’s almost hard to choose the Italy monuments and attractions that every traveler should see once in a lifetime. Still, we’ve tried to select some of the top destinations and sites that will make your vacation to Italy more memorable.
The Colosseum, an immense tower that has survived over two thousand years of earthquakes, fires, riots, and wars, is perhaps Rome’s most impressive ancient landmark.
The Basilica di San Marco, Italy’s most opulent cathedral, is located in Venice’s gorgeous Piazza San Marco.
The most picturesque way to see Lake Como’s alluring scenery is by zipping between coasts in a boat, surrounded by lush slopes and towering mountains.
When in Florence, it’s hard to avoid gravitating directly toward Piazza del Duomo, which is drawn in by the amazing dome of the cathedral’s unique shape.
Pompeii and Herculaneum, buried by volcanic ash from Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, provide a unique look into everyday life and architecture in ancient Rome.
One of Italy’s most breathtaking itineraries has to be the Amalfi coast, a rocky section of shoreline. The lovely route is interspersed with secluded beaches and charming villages.
Best Activities to Do in Italy
Rome alone offers several historical sites that make it worthwhile to go there. Learn more about the beautiful ruins and architectural wonders of the Eternal City, including the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Spanish Steps, and the Vatican.
Florence is a beautiful city with beautiful art, and the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy, which houses masterpieces like Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus” and Caravaggio’s “Medusa,” to mention just a few, is the gem in its elegant crown. The Accademia museum is a must-see for art aficionados, even if walking around Venice’s winding lanes and canals seems like you’re visiting a museum (such is the city’s splendor and distinctively organized ambiance).
WaterSports
There are several sailing and windsurfing options along the long Italian coast. In Sicily and off the majority of the smaller islands, scuba diving is quite common. While river canoeing, canyoning, and rafting are popular in the country’s northern alpine regions, water activities are wider than just the shore. They can also be found in the lakes Como and Garda in the north and Trasimeno and Bolsena farther south towards Rome. Learn more about sports and outdoor activities with our Italy activity guide.
Beach-life
Of course, there are other activities to engage in along Italy’s shore. Its beaches are gorgeous locations for sunbathing, people-watching, posing, eating, drinking, and generally having a great time. Find Italy’s top beaches, which include hidden coves, bustling seafronts, and stunning cliff-backed harbors.
Snowboarding and Skiing
It’s simple to spend a weekend skiing or snowboarding from Milan, Turin, or Venice since the Alps are so close by. Sestriere and Bardonecchia in Piemonte and Val di Fassa in the breathtaking Dolomite Alps are a few of the most well-known ski areas. Learn more about the top ski resorts throughout the winter.
Bicycle and Hike
These mountain resorts are all excellent starting points for climbing and trekking in the summer. For instance, the Dolomites’ dramatic, spiky environment is ideal for walking, with its pathways sometimes susceptible to snow, ice, and blistering heat on the same day. This is epic tourism in Italy. Consider organizing a trip with an Italy travel guide who has local biking or hiking expertise if you’re looking for less taxing hikes over the rolling hills of Tuscany and Umbria.
What season is ideal for traveling to Italy?
Italy is a place that is accessible all year long; therefore, the answer to the question “what’s the best month to go to Italy?” will depend on your travel goals. However, the best seasons to visit Italy are spring (April to June) and fall (September to October). If you want to escape the crowds and the oppressive heat of the summer, come to Italy when the temperatures are warm.
Getting to Italy
The most convenient method to go to Italy is via air. Most of Italy is regularly served by direct flights from the UK, and you can travel directly to Rome and Milan from several US locations. Alternatively, reduce your carbon impact and enjoy the stunning countryside by taking the train to Italy. If you intend to stop along the way, an Interrail or Eurail pass is a fantastic deal (for citizens of Europe).
How to navigate Italy?
Apart from regional trains, which are often sluggish and only sometimes extend to everywhere you want to go, regional buses cover the corners the trains don’t reach. If you’re wondering how to get through Italy, the huge rail system is cheap, dependable, and rapid. You may board a boat or hydrofoil to go to the islands, and the northern lakes area has regular ferries outside of the winter.
Where should one stay in Italy?
Many types of lodging are available in Italy, including boutique hotels, hostels for young people, self-catering apartments, family-run B&Bs, rural farmhouses, and mountain monasteries. Although seldom inexpensive, standards are dependable, and lodging is well controlled. However, remember that even while there are plenty of places to stay, you’ll need to make reservations in advance if you want to secure a space in a popular resort or a busy city.
You must try the cuisine in Italy.
Savoring the diversity of excellent food and drink is one of the pleasures of visiting Italy. The rich butter and cream sauces of the northwest, the salamis, hams, black truffles of Umbria, and the Mediterranean vegetables of the south all reflect the region’s distinctive culinary traditions. Pasta is widely available almost everywhere, seafood rules the shore, and Naples is the birthplace of simple pizza. Italians are serious about their coffee, and their wine is world-famous, with Tuscany providing the traditional Chianti and Veneto generating the fizzy joy of Prosecco.
Is it safe to go to Italy?
Italy is a safe country for tourists, but you may lower your risk of petty theft by following commonsense security measures. Avoid flashing anything expensive, and make sure your baggage can’t be taken. You’re especially vulnerable in crowded locations, where pickpockets and “snatchers” on scooters known as scippatori are most likely to operate.