Are you planning a vacation to Italy, and want to make sure to hit the highlights? Then check out this guide to the 7 most beautiful places in Italy.
Italy is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. 34 million people visited last year because of it. But, where do you start in planning your Italian vacation? You know you want to visit the highlights like Vatican City and Venice. But, you don’t want to be wading through throngs of tourists your whole trip either. Here we give you our top seven list of the most beautiful places in Italy. We have included some popular destinations and some others you may not have thought of. This way you get a nice mix of tourist top hits and serene beauty.
7 Most Beautiful Places in Italy to Add to Your Bucket List
Here is our list of the top seven must-see places in Italy. Some you will expect and others you may have never heard of. Let’s get started.
Matera, Basilicata
When you think about how beautiful Italy is different things come to mind. Maybe you think of ruins, or perhaps you think of ocean views. With Matera, you should think a little differently. This is one of the most ancient settlements in all of Italy and the world. Its conglomerate of small cave dwellings is impressive in its simplicity and old-world beauty. You’ll find ancient frescoes still adorning the walls and ceilings here in this city formation that has existed since prehistoric man. In addition to the interesting cave formations, you’ll find a resurgence of visitor-friendly hotels and restaurants. You’ll find traditional home-style food in Matera that you won’t find anywhere else in Italy.
Rome
When people begin to consider places to go in Italy, the top of the list is Rome. Of course, it is. This city is not only steeped in ancient history but is also one of the most beautiful cities in the world. With its interesting mix of city, piety, and countryside Rome has it all. Wander the streets and sample some of the delicious food. Not just the pasta and pizzas we expect but incredible hearth roasted vegetables as well. This is also the birthplace, some say, of risotto. If you’re looking for a convenient way to get shuttled around the city, check out our blog on seeing the city with a Rome limousine service. You can see the sights in the most luxurious way and have your own personal concierge, the driver, at your beck and call.
Ravello, Amalfi Coast, Campania
If you’re looking for breathtaking Italy scenery views, Ravello is your ticket. Unlike Positano, the more visited city in the Amalfi Coast, Ravello is set on top of a hillside and gives you an eagles eye view of the entire area. It’s an elegant and glamorous place with unique gardens and dizzying sights of the Mediterranean Sea far below. Some of the folks who have frequented Ravello are Greta Garbo and Tennessee Williams. Come and see why in this gorgeous Italian hilltop village.
The Isle of Capri
A list of the most beautiful places in Italy would not be complete without a mention of Capri. Another gem of the Amalfi Coast it is a stunner. With its azure waters, gardens, and natural rock archway formations this place is a sight to see. Check out the Blue Grotto while you are here. Only accessible by rowboat, this cave has the tiniest of entrances. You’ll have to lay down in the rowboat to enter, but after you’re in you witness one of the most beautiful caves you’ve ever seen.
Marettimo, Aegadian Islands
Looking for something a little less popular than Capri? Maybe with more walking trails and a more unspoiled landscape? Then Marettimo is for you. A closely guarded secret of locals and seasoned travelers in the know, Marettimo offers a quaintness and beauty that is different from any of the other islands in Italy. You arrive there by boat and there are practically no cars. If you want to lounge on a quiet undisturbed beach or wander through lush greenery without being interrupted by tourists, this is your best bet.
Piazza Duomo, Syracuse, Sicily
Known as one of the most beautiful plazas in Italy, Piazza Duomo is not to be missed. Treat yourself to an after-dinner coffee in the plaza to enjoy the gorgeous nighttime lighting. The cathedral is incredible lit up under the night sky.
Genoa
While it doesn’t come to mind right away like Venice or Rome, Genoa is a sight to behold. One of the oldest port cities in Italy, it offers sea views and a city lifestyle. Walk through the historic Via Garibaldi with it’s hanging umbrellas or check out the Mura Della Citta which is the second longest wall in the world (second only to China’s Great Wall). Walking through this metropolis is all you’ll be able to do. The city is known as the “tightest topographical tangle in the world”. Its streets are narrow and winding. There’s a surprise around every turn. One of the best things about Genoa is that it’s very close to the French border. Genoa is only about a 3-hour drive to Nice, France so you could see two countries in one trip. Check out our blog here for 8 incredible things to do in Nice, France.
All of Italy is Worth the Trip
We hope this helps you in your travels and finding the most beautiful places in Italy. There are tons more amazing places in Italy to visit and we hope you explore on your own as well. Italy is so unique in that you can have a mountain ski vacation, city shopping extravaganza, history lesson, and sun on the beaches all in one trip. From the top of the boot to the tip of the heel, you can’t go wrong with any of the beautiful cities or coastlines that Italy has to offer. Looking to make even more of your Italian vacation? Looking for more things to do, guided tours, or help planning events? We have got you covered. Read more here about the vast array of services we offer to make the trip one you’ll remember for a long time.
