Italy is one of the most visited countries in the world and for good reason. From the mountains to the coast, there are soooo many beautiful places to visit in Italy!
I’ve visited Italy several times and I’m always in awe of how magical each region can be. Whether you’re dreaming about the Amalfi Coast, Tuscany’s rolling hills, or the colorful villages of Cinque Terre, there’s truly something anyone will love!
In this guide, I’m sharing 10 of the most stunning places to travel in Italy (in my opinion) including some of the best destinations in Italy I’ve experienced firsthand and a few that are still on my bucket list.
As a travel writer and certified travel advisor, I’ll share why these spots are worth visiting and where to stay, so you can start planning your perfect Italian getaway.
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Here are some of the prettiest places to visit in Italy!
I’ll start with the places I have personally been then add a few on my bucket list!
1. Amalfi Coast
I’ve traveled to more than 20 countries and the Amalfi Coast remains one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. The way the sea sparkles is truly unlike anywhere else. Soaring cliffs dotted with lemon groves, pastel villages stacked on the mountainside, and the charming fishing towns like Atrani feel straight out of a dream.
You can wander through bustling piazzas, get lost in narrow stairways, and eat your bodyweight in fresh seafood and gelato. Read all about our trip to the Amalfi Coast here.
But nothing compares to seeing the coastline from the water. A boat day here is pure magic. You’ll cruise past hidden coves, glide beneath dramatic cliffs, and watch Positano come into view like a postcard brought to life!
Where to Stay
If you want to be in the center of the action (and soak up those iconic views), Positano is the place to be. But if you prefer a more intimate, relaxed stay without the tourist crush, I loved Borgo Santandrea in Amalfi. It has its own private beach club, beautiful gardens carved into the cliffs, and the kind of Mediterranean glam that makes you want to pinch yourself.
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2. Rome
Okay, Rome completely surprised me. I expected a big, hectic city, but what I found was so much prettier and more charming than I ever imagined. I really love Rome and it’s one of my favorite cities!
Ancient ruins peek around every corner. Cobblestone streets lead to gorgeous piazzas filled with locals sipping espresso. And then there are the icons: the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, the Vatican… each one somehow more impressive in person.
We visited in May when flowers were blooming everywhere! There was jasmine climbing up stone walls and bright planters lining balconies truly added to the magic.
I loved wandering through Campo de’ Fiori’s lively market, strolling along the Tiber River at sunset, and escaping into the greenery of Villa Borghese when we needed a quiet moment. Read all about our 3 days in Rome here!
Where to Stay
We stayed at The Hoxton, which is stylish and affordable with a fun vibe. If you’re looking for a more luxurious stay, Six Senses Rome, J.K. Place Roma, and Sofitel Villa Borghese are all stunning options in great locations. Each one will make your Roman holiday feel even more special.
3. Lake Como
When we visited Lake Como for our babymoon, I instantly understood the hype. This place is magical. The lake is much larger than I expected with deep blue water surrounded by towering mountains and colorful villages that look like they were painted onto the hillsides. Every time we turned a corner, I wanted to stop and take another photo!
Our favorite day was spent cruising along the lake. There’s nothing like gliding past grand villas, tiny harbors, and gardens spilling out over the shoreline.
We hopped off to explore Bellagio and yes, it’s touristy, but once you’re wandering through those charming lanes and sipping an aperitivo with a waterside view, you’ll see exactly why everyone loves it.
Where to Stay
We stayed at Il Sereno, and it was an absolute dream with sleek design, a lakeside pool, and those iconic Como views.
If you’re looking for other luxury favorites, Mandarin Oriental, Villa d’Este, and Grand Hotel Tremezzo are legendary for a reason. You truly can’t go wrong.
4. Florence
Florence is easily one of the best places to visit in Italy as it is a true masterpiece of art, history, and architecture. The moment you arrive, you’re surrounded by Renaissance beauty: terracotta rooftops, grand piazzas, and the iconic Duomo dominating the skyline.
That said, Florence gets busy in the summer. Like, shoulder-to-shoulder busy and it kind of took away from the experience. Waking up early or visiting in the off-season is definitely worth it if you can!
There’s no shortage of things to see: climb the Duomo for panoramic views, cross the Ponte Vecchio at golden hour, visit Michelangelo’s David, stroll along the Arno River, and wander the Boboli Gardens when you need a little escape.
It’s one of the best destinations in Italy if you love art, culture, and gelato breaks (which who doesn’t?!).
Where to Stay
We stayed at Collegio alla Querce – Auberge Resorts Collection and it instantly became one of my favorite hotels ever. It’s set in a former college with amazing bones — grand hallways, big windows, hidden courtyards — paired with next-level design and comfort. If you’re deciding where to travel in Italy and want a luxury stay that feels special, this is it!
5. Tuscany
Tuscany is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Italy and it feels like stepping into a painting. Rolling vineyards, winding country roads, stone farmhouses, and medieval hilltop towns — the whole region has this soft golden glow that makes every moment feel cinematic.
Some of my favorite towns to explore are Siena and smaller villages like Castellina in Chianti, where life moves slower and wine tastings are practically a way of life. If you’re choosing where to travel in Italy for scenery, food, and romance, Tuscany should be high on your list.
We came with family and stayed in a countryside villa (check it out here). Mornings sipping espresso with vineyard views were unmatched.
You’ll eat incredible farm-to-table meals, sip Chianti where it’s made, and wander through ancient streets that have barely changed in centuries.
Tuscany is truly one of the best places to go in Italy if you want that under-the-Tuscan-sun kind of magic.
Where to Stay
If you’re dreaming of luxury countryside bliss, Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco and Borgo Santo Pietro are two of the most stunning hotels in the region. Both offer postcard-worthy settings, incredible dining, and that dreamy Tuscan charm from the moment you arrive.
👉 BOOK YOUR ITALY HOTEL WITH MY VIP PERKS! If you want access to my VIP perks like complimentary upgrades, daily breakfast for two, a $100 resort credit, and early check in/late check out, reach out to me here with your travel dates and I can help book your hotel at no extra cost to you! And, I don’t charge any fees for hotel bookings!
6. Portofino
Portofino is absolutely at the top of my Italy bucket list. This tiny fishing village on the Italian Riviera is famous for its colorful harbor, luxe yachts, and picture-perfect streets lined with cafes and boutiques. Every photo you see feels like a movie scene and I can’t wait to wander those cobblestone lanes and soak in the charm myself.
If you’re dreaming about the best places to visit in Italy for both beauty and that exclusive Italian Riviera vibe, Portofino should be on your list.
Where to Stay
The ultimate splurge (and a bucket list stay for me!) is Belmond Splendido. With panoramic harbor views, impeccable service, and a famously glamorous history, it’s one of the most iconic hotels in Italy and exactly the kind of indulgence I want for my first visit to Portofino.
7. Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is also at the top of my Italy bucket list. It hasn’t been crossed off yet, but I’ve dreamed about it for years.
Five colorful villages cling to the cliffs along the Ligurian coast, each with its own charm, pastel houses, and sweeping sea views.
Hiking between the towns looks incredible. You pass terraced vineyards, hidden beaches, and those picture-perfect alleys that look like a postcard.
Even if you don’t hike, taking the train or a boat between villages seems like a stunning way to see the coastline. Monterosso’s beaches, Vernazza’s harbor views, and Corniglia’s quiet charm all look unmissable.
Cinque Terre is one of the best destinations in Italy if you love vibrant scenery, fresh seafood, and colorful, romantic villages.
Where to Stay
I’d love to stay in Monterosso for the beach access or Vernazza for that postcard-perfect village experience. Both look like ideal bases to explore all five towns when I finally make it here!
8. Sardinia
Sardinia is like the Maldives of Italy!! I haven’t visited yet, but I’ve dreamed about its turquoise waters, rugged coastline, and charming villages. The island looks like the ultimate Italian escape, full of hidden coves, dramatic cliffs, and beaches that feel completely untouched.
If you’re traveling from the US, Delta just launched a nonstop flight from JFK to Sardinia making it even easier to reach!
For me, Sardinia is one of the best destinations in Italy if you want breathtaking scenery, luxury, and relaxation. I can’t wait to explore the Costa Smeralda, wander the quaint towns, and take in those unforgettable Mediterranean views one day.
Where to Stay
Romazzino, A Belmond Hotel, Costa Smeralda is at the top of my bucket list. With private beaches, gorgeous Mediterranean views, and luxury at every turn, it’s the kind of hotel that makes Sardinia feel like a dream come true.
9. Puglia
Puglia is one of the most magical regions to visit in Italy. From the fairytale trulli houses of Alberobello to the “white city” of Ostuni with its sun-drenched, whitewashed buildings, and the dramatic cliffs of Polignano a Mare overlooking the Adriatic, every corner feels like a storybook.
This region perfectly blends history, charm, and incredible coastal scenery, making it one of the best places to go in Italy for both culture and beauty.
Wandering the narrow streets, tasting fresh seafood, and soaking up the unique architecture is exactly why Puglia belongs on your Italy bucket list. It’s a place where every village feels distinct, yet equally unforgettable.
Where to Stay
For a truly luxurious stay, Borgo Egnazia is iconic, combining beautiful architecture, private villas, and sprawling grounds.
Relais & Châteaux La Sommita in Ostuni is another favorite, with charming historic details and that signature Puglian charm that makes you never want to leave.
10. Dolomites
The Dolomites are one of the most breathtaking places to visit in Italy for its natural beauty. I haven’t been yet, but the jagged peaks, alpine meadows, and crystal-clear mountain lakes are calling me!!
This region is a paradise for hiking, skiing, and just soaking in some of the most dramatic scenery Italy has to offer depending on the season.
The Dolomites are one of the best destinations in Italy if you love outdoor adventure paired with serene landscapes. Whether it’s wandering through quaint alpine villages, taking in panoramic mountain views, or enjoying local cuisine with a backdrop of snow-capped peaks, this is a place that promises unforgettable moments.
Where to Stay
For a luxurious mountain escape, Aman Rosa Alpina and Forestis Dolomites are at the top of my bucket list. Both offer incredible design, world-class service, and access to the stunning natural beauty that makes the Dolomites so unforgettable.
The Wrap Up: Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Italy
Italy is full of incredible destinations, and these ten spots are some of the most beautiful places to visit in Italy. From the sparkling Amalfi Coast to the colorful villages of Cinque Terre, the rolling hills of Tuscany, and the dramatic peaks of the Dolomites, each region offers its own magic and unforgettable experiences.
Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or a luxury escape, these are the best places to go in Italy to soak up scenery, culture, and history. Wherever you decide to travel in Italy, you’ll find charming streets, stunning views, and memories that last a lifetime.
If you’re ready to make your dream Italy trip a reality, I’d love to help you plan every detail. Contact me to start creating your perfect Italian getaway today!
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