When it comes to deciding where to travel this summer, Italy is renowned for its delicious food, rich history, and stunning weather. You can have many types of holidays while visiting Italy, whether you are there for the top tourist places or if you want a break from city life to enjoy the natural landscapes and long vineyards. Italy offers the best of both worlds so why not do both? Here we will delve into some of the top tourist attractions that Itlay has to offer and you must tick them off your bucket list.
Rome
Starting strong, we have the beautiful capital city of Rome. Surely you’ve heard of it, as it is one of the most visited cities in Europe, bringing in people from all over the world. You can go visit everything from the Vatican City home to the pope or take a humble and relaxing stroll through the parks on your way to an independent restaurant. Let’s not forget the grand Colosseum dating back to the Roman Empire. This city is full of history, culture, and wonder and is highly sought-after when it comes to booking trips to Italy.
Florence
Situated in the beautiful Tuscan valley, surrounded by many vineyards and showstopping landscapes, it's the beautiful city of Florence. This charming area brings in visitors from all over for its culture and unique personality. Be sure to make time for the Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral and the Ponte Vecchio for a bit of romance on your trip and you cannot miss the opportunity to gaze upon Michelangelo’s masterpieces amongst other dazzling pieces of artwork.
Amalfi Coast
Take a journey to the cliff-side of the Amalfi Coast while it’s full of your narrow road and all of the ups and downs that attract tourists for its unique personality and charm. Home to 13 colorful seaside towns, you’re truly spoilt for choice for where to stay, there will be a town for you that offers little quirks you won't find anywhere else. This destination is perfect for those who want an active holiday to reap its beauty. There are many trails for hikes or if you want something more chilled, they have many stunning beaches for you to pass the time in the sun.
Venice
Venice is one of the world's most similar travel destinations. Its distinctiveness is mainly due to the canals that flow through the city of northern Italy, like highways, transporting buses and water taxis, in addition to its renowned gondola fleet. Look for the smaller streets and canals away from the crowded Grand Canal and St. Mark's Square if you want to have a peaceful vacation in Venice. Just make sure you visit the magnificent St. Mark's Basilica and stroll across the Rialto Bridge at least once.
Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is a group of five quaint towns on the northern Ligurian coast of Italy: Manarola, Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, and Riomaggiore. The oldest town in the area, Manarola, is home to picturesque vineyards, olive groves, and a bell tower that dates back centuries. In the meantime, Vernazza, which is frequently cited as one of Italy's most picturesque villages, is renowned for its magnificent medieval castle and immaculate homes.
Capri
Because of its breathtaking scenery, this little island of Capri, just off the coast of southern Italy, has drawn a lot of famous people over the years, including emperors, movie stars, and even mentions in the odd film. The Blue Grotto, where sunlight casts the water an astonishingly vivid shade of blue, and the Faraglioni rock formations are two of Capri's most breathtaking sights that are best seen by boat. Magnificent views can also be had on land at the Gardens of Augustus and the imperial palace, Villa Jovis. After a tiring day of sightseeing, tourists can unwind at the upscale stores and eateries located in the town center.
Sorrento
Sorrento, known as the "land of the sirens" in Greek mythology, never fails to entice visitors with its allure and breathtaking vistas. Visitors can unwind by the water or explore the charming piazzas here before seeing the sunset behind the cliffs. In addition, Sorrento is renowned for being one of the greatest places in the world to sample real limoncello, a liquor with a lemon flavor. Lemons are abundant in the region, both in terms of quantity and popularity. Additionally, it's the ideal starting point for day trips and boat tours to Capri, the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, and other well-known Italian destinations.
Cervinia
If you are looking for somewhere different for ski season, then be sure to consider Cervinia. Here you will find most of the ski resorts and add something different when visiting the wonder place of Italy. Be sure to pack your men’s hoodie sale before you embark on this journey. Incredibly, in one month you can get the hot summer and still come back the same year for a whole different experience. You won’t go without having some wild nights at Cervinia.
Milan
How could we make a list of the top tourist destinations and miss out on Italy’s second-largest city, Milan? A truly iconic place known for its love of fashion, it is home to some of the largest names like Armani, Prada, and Versace. You can make the most of this fabulous city by dining in some of the finest restaurants or taking in some of the great architecture, such as the Gothic Milan Cathedral, the Teatro alla Scala opera house, and the Castello Sforzesco.
Lake Garda
About thirty miles from Verona, Lake Garda is generally more affordable and approachable than Lake Como, despite being a little more touristy. This popular recreational area offers hiking, windsurfing, swimming, and a funicular ride up Mount Baldo. Families are also drawn to Lake Garda because of the Gardaland Resort, which has an aquarium, water park, and theme hotels in addition to an amusement park. For those seeking solitude, venture past the popular tourist destinations to the more sedate northern shore of the lake, which is home to the tallest peaks and hidden villages.
Assisi
Situated on a hilltop amid the verdant Umbrian landscape, Assisi is a religiously significant medieval town situated over 100 miles north of Rome. The main attractions of this tranquil town are the sites honoring Saint Francis of Assisi, one of Italy's patron saints, such as The Woods of San Francesco and the Basilica of San Francesco, which contains his tomb and vibrant frescoes. Beyond its religious past, Assisi is worth visiting for its gorgeous streets and expansive views. Its location also makes it a great place to go wine tasting or truffle hunting.
Sicily
If you are a fan of the old mafia classics such as The Godfather, you must have wanted to visit Sicily as much as I have. Of course, let’s not diminish the fact that it is home to several ancient Greek legends you can visit during your stay. The whole air is just full of passion, and with its mythical and beautiful qualities, it’s hard not to fall head over heels for it. You can enjoy a relaxed day surrounded by the clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea while gazing up at the tallest active volcano in Europe. Sicily has a lot to offer and is attractive for many travelers.
Pompeii
This impressive and eerie former Roman city is located in southern Italy. Following Mount Vesuvius' eruption in 79 A.D., visitors can now get an insight into ancient life by exploring its remarkably well-preserved ruins. For those who are truly interested in history, there is also Herculaneum, a nearby city that was spared from destruction by the same eruption. For those who are feeling particularly daring, there is Mount Vesuvius, which offers breathtaking views of the Bay of Naples and the Sorrento Peninsula.
Verona
Verona, best known for its connections to Shakespeare, lures "Romeo and Juliet" enthusiasts with tours that focus on the locations that the play is said to have been inspired by. However, this city is more than just its literary connection. About 15 miles east of Lake Garda, Verona is also home to several remarkable sites and historic structures; after all, the entire city is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The stunningly sculpted Renaissance garden, Giardino Giusti, and the Arena di Verona, a first-century Roman amphitheater still in operation, are must-see destinations for tourists.
Sardinia
Sardinia is full of natural beauty, and Costa Smeralda is very luxe with its pristine beaches that overlook countless yachts covering the water. It’s truly for those who want a boujee holiday and I do not blame them. If you want less of the glitz and glamour, there is a small island in the area that is home to medieval towns where Sardinians still practice sheepherding and wear traditional clothing. One second, you are in the most modern setting and the next, you’ve traveled back in time. It is truly a unique experience and place.
Lake Como
Lake Como is the place to go if you truly want to spoil yourself on your next holiday. Here, luxurious hotels and villas line the shores, luring sun worshippers to the sandy beaches. Sleek sailboats and speedboats can be seen coasting in the middle of the lake, which is an ideal location to take in the surrounding hills. Visit one of the magnificent villas in the area to get a lesson in luxury; popular choices among visitors are Villa Melzi d'Eril, Villa Carlotta, and Villa Balbianello. See the magnificent Como Cathedral later on, which features Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architectural elements.
Turin
Nestled in the northwest region of Italy, Turin offers the ideal getaway with its impressive architecture, museums, and mouthwatering cuisine. The 16th-century Royal Palace of Turin, the Egyptian Museum Museo Egizio, and the former synagogue transformed into a cinema museum, Mole Antonelliana, are must-see sights. After seeing the main attractions, immerse yourself in the local way of life by taking advantage of the riverfront parks, street markets, football games, and storied cafes.
Bologna
Bologna, the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region in northern Italy, is often referred to as "la dotta, la grassa, and la Rossa" (literally, "the learned, the fat, and the red") for several reasons. First of all, the University of Bologna, the oldest university in Europe, is located there. Thanks to its internationally recognised cuisine, which features traditional Italian dishes like tortellini and lasagna Bolognese, the city is also a food lover's paradise.
