Protect Your Trip »
Best places to visit in italy.
Tourists and travel experts have long agreed that Italy is a special place, so much so that the country has become a de facto bucket list destination for just about everyone. Famous for its incredible food, rich historical sites, highly regarded art, charming small towns and picturesque cities, countrysides and coastlines, it's safe to say Italy's offerings are unmatched. U.S. News rounded up the best places to visit in Italy considering a number of factors, from affordability and seasonality to sights and crowds, to help you decide exactly where to go. Have a favorite destination in Italy? Cast your vote below to influence next year's ranking.
Amalfi Coast
Cinque terre, tuscany, italy.
A standard stop on many European vacation itineraries , Rome is not to be missed. Italy’s capital city is a globally renowned cultural and historical powerhouse, boasting everything from ancient ruins and tranquil parks to Michelin-starred restaurants. Here, you'll find the most important relic from the Roman Empire (the Colosseum), some of Michelangelo's greatest works (in the Sistine Chapel), an 18th century Baroque-style fountain (the Trevi Fountain) and, of course, the center of Catholicism (Vatican City). Other can’t-miss tourist attractions in the Eternal City include the Pantheon, the Roman Forum and St. Peter’s Basilica, the world’s largest church.
Situated in the scenic Tuscan valley, Florence woos travelers with old-world avenues leading to picturesque piazzas big and small. While you're soaking up the city's splendor, make sure to stop by the Piazza del Duomo, where the breathtaking Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral is located, and the romantic Ponte Vecchio, a 14th century bridge overlooking the Arno River. Once central to the Renaissance movement, Florence also offers art aficionados the opportunity to see famous pieces by Michelangelo and other iconic artists of that period. As an added bonus, Florence is ideal for a daytrip to the Chianti wine region.
The journey to the cliff-side Amalfi Coast involves heart-stopping, hairpin turns on narrow roads, but travelers agree this is part of the fun. The region covers more than 30 miles of coastline and is home to 13 colorful seaside towns, each with its own story. Positano and Amalfi are the most popular, housing numerous hotels and sights. While here, hike, relax on the beach and eat to your heart's content (there are multiple Michelin-starred restaurants along the Amalfi Coast). For something more off-the-beaten-path, set your sights on Atrani. This humble fishing village boasts medieval whitewashed architecture, winding alleys and authentic Italian charm.
There are few destinations in the world that are quite like Venice. Its uniqueness can largely be attributed to the canals that run through this northern Italian city like roads, carrying water taxis and buses in addition to its fleet of famous gondolas. As such, there is a palpable bustle here that may surprise some first-timers. For a relaxing Venice vacation, seek out the smaller streets and canals away from the busy Grand Canal and St. Mark's Square. Just be sure to stroll across Rialto Bridge and tour the grand St. Mark’s Basilica at least once.
Cinque Terre, located on Italy's northern Ligurian coast, is made up of five picturesque towns – Manarola, Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia and Riomaggiore. Manarola, the region’s oldest town, boasts scenic vineyards, olive groves and a centuries-old bell tower. Meanwhile, Vernazza, often considered one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, is well-known for its picture-perfect houses and grand medieval castle. The Cinque Terre offers an abundance of exciting activities, from boat tours and hiking to cooking classes and wine tastings. While here, don’t forget to save time for exploring the cliff-side Footpath Monterosso trail, a beautiful hiking path connecting Vernazza and Monterosso.
For centuries, this small island off the coast of southern Italy has attracted plenty of famous faces, from emperors to movie stars, due to its gorgeous scenery. Some of Capri's most amazing sights are best seen by boat, including the Faraglioni rock formations and the Blue Grotto, where sunlight turns the water into an unbelievably vivid shade of blue. On land, the Gardens of Augustus and Villa Jovis, an imperial palace, also provide spectacular views. Meanwhile, in the town center, visitors will find high-end shops and restaurants where they can relax after a long day of sightseeing.
Considered the land of the sirens in Greek mythology, Sorrento continues to lure people with its charm and stunning views. Here, vacationers can explore enchanting piazzas or relax near the water before watching the sun set behind the cliffs. Plus, lemons are big in Sorrento – both in size and in popularity – and the area is known as one of the best places in the world to taste authentic limoncello, a lemon-flavored liquor. It's also the perfect base for daytrips and boat tours to nearby Capri, the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii and other popular Italian locales.
Italy's second-largest city is best known for its high fashion, playing host to Milan Fashion Week each winter and home to iconic fashion houses including Giorgio Armani, Prada and Versace. Visitors can peruse such high-end brands at the dazzling Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade. But Milan's architecture (including the Gothic Milan Cathedral and grand Teatro alla Scala opera house) and sites like Castello Sforzesco (which holds nearly 10 museums and exhibitions) are worth a visit on their own. What's more, the city is incredibly walkable, so feel free to explore on foot – with or without designer stilettos.
Located about 30 miles from Verona, Lake Garda tends to be more approachable and wallet-friendly (if a bit more touristy) than Lake Como. Activities in this recreational hot spot include swimming and windsurfing, as well as hiking and taking a funicular to Mount Baldo. Lake Garda also attracts families with Gardaland Resort, which includes themed hotels as well as an amusement park, water park and aquarium. If you're looking to get away from the crowds, go beyond the main tourist sites to the quieter northern side of the lake, where you'll find the highest mountains and tucked-away towns.
If you're looking for Italy without the crowds, Tuscany is really all it's cracked up to be. Italy's famous countryside offers travelers spectacular landscapes dotted with romantic villas and castles equipped with wineries and superb restaurants. Don’t miss out on a visit to the walled city of San Gimignano, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its medieval towers. What's more, Tuscan locales like Pisa (which offers much more than its leaning tower) and Siena are an easy drive from top destinations such as Bologna and Cinque Terre, perfect for daytrippers who don't want to stay in one place for too long.
Assisi, a medieval town with religious connections, sits on a hilltop in the lush landscapes of Umbria, just more than 100 miles north of Rome. This peaceful town's biggest draws are its sights dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi, one of Italy's patron saints, including the Basilica of San Francesco, which houses his tomb as well as colorful frescos, and The Woods of San Francesco. Beyond its religious heritage, Assisi is worth a visit for its picturesque streets and sweeping views, while its location also makes it ideal for a truffle hunting excursion or wine tasting tour.
As the location of several ancient Greek legends, Sicily has an almost mythical quality. Once you visit for yourself, you'll see why so many writers were inspired by this island, which happens to be the largest in the Mediterranean. Be enchanted by Sicily's crystal-clear waters and golden beaches. Marvel at Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe, or try hiking up it in summer or skiing down it in winter. Also save time for taking in the many cultures that have called this island home at its various cathedrals and archaeological sites.
This former Roman city in southern Italy is equal parts chilling and impressive. Pompeii was left almost completely intact after it was buried in ash after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79. Its astonishingly well-preserved ruins now provide present-day visitors a glimpse into what life was like during ancient times. True history buffs might also enjoy a trip to nearby Herculaneum, another city that was preserved by the same eruption, while more adventurous explorers should consider hiking to the top of Mount Vesuvius for jaw-dropping panoramas of the Bay of Naples and the Sorrento Peninsula.
Best known for its Shakespeare ties, Verona appeals to fans of "Romeo and Juliet" with themed tours of the sights that allegedly inspired the play. But there is more to this city than its literary link. Verona, located about 15 miles east of Lake Garda, is also home to several impressive attractions and historic buildings (the whole city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, after all). Travelers won't want to miss the Arena di Verona, a first-century Roman amphitheater that is still in use, and Giardino Giusti, a beautifully sculpted Renaissance garden.
Sardinia provides the best of both worlds. Costa Smeralda is all about luxury, with its lush beaches and coves overlooking yacht-filled waters. And away from all of the glitz and glamour of Costa Smeralda, you'll find a more laid-back side of the island, including small medieval towns where Sardinians still practice sheepherding and wear traditional clothing. What's more, Sardinia features several ancient ruins, such as UNESCO World Heritage-listed Su Nuraxi di Barumini.
If you really want to treat yourself on your next vacation, Lake Como is where you want to be. Here, opulent villas and hotels line the shores and sandy beaches beckon to sun seekers. You'll see sleek sailboats and speedboats coasting in the middle of the lake, which is the perfect place to admire the region's surrounding hills. Meanwhile, for a lesson in luxury, tour one of the region’s grand villas; top picks among travelers include Villa Melzi d’Eril, Villa Carlotta and Villa Balbianello. Later, check out the Como Cathedral, a magnificent structure boasting Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architectural styles.
The small, crescent-shaped village of Portofino is known as a vacation hot spot for the rich and famous. The water surrounding Portofino is often filled with yachts and is great for swimming and diving. Plus, the area's beauty and tranquil atmosphere make it an excellent place to unwind. When travelers need a break from relaxing, they can venture just outside of Portofino to check out historical sites like Castello Brown, an ancient military fortress with incredible views of the Marina di Portofino, and Abbazia di San Fruttuoso, a 10th century monastery that can only be reached by foot or ferry.
Thought to have been inhabited 12,000 years ago, Matera is one of the world's oldest continually occupied towns. Located in the Basilicata region in southern Italy, just west of Puglia, Matera's distinguishing features are its sassi (cave dwellings), which were inhabited until the 1950s. While here, look out for the many viewpoints, called belvederes, for a glimpse of the breathtaking cliffside. Visit Sasso Caveoso for the Casa Grotta cave house (inhabited until 1957) and the Santa Maria de Idris, a rupestrian church carved from the rocky landscape. Meanwhile, in Sasso Barisano – the oldest part of the city – you'll find modern comforts like hotels, restaurants and shops.
There are several reasons why Bologna, the capital of northern Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, is often called "la dotta, la grassa e la rossa" ("the learned, the fat and the red"). For one, it's home to the oldest university in Europe, the University of Bologna. The city is also a food lover's dream thanks to its world-renowned cuisine, which includes Italian staples like tortellini and lasagna Bolognese. Bologna even features a gelato university and the food-themed amusement park, FICO Eataly World. Plus, the city boasts an array of terra cotta-roofed medieval buildings, including a pair of leaning towers.
Located in the northwest corner of Italy, Turin is the perfect city break brimming with grand architecture, museums and delightful cuisine. Must-visit attractions include Mole Antonelliana (a former synagogue turned into a cinema museum), the 16th-century Royal Palace of Turin and the Museo Egizio (Egyptian Museum). Once you've toured the top sights, settle into local life by enjoying the city's riverside parks, street markets, football games and historic cafes. At the latter, you'll find unique coffee blends and decadent chocolate, as well as elaborate aperitif hours. On the long list of things Turin does right, you can find these three items at the top.
Vote to Add these Destinations to the Rankings
Naples, Italy
Burano Island
The Dolomites
You may be interested in.
Best Beaches in Italy
Best Places to Visit in Spain
Best Places to Visit in France
Best places to visit in europe for 2023-2024.
Best Cheap European Vacations for 2023-2024
Best Beaches in Portugal
If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.
Recommended
The 28 Best Water Parks in the U.S. for 2024
Holly Johnson|Timothy J. Forster May 8, 2024
The 18 Best Napa Valley Wineries to Visit in 2024
Lyn Mettler|Sharael Kolberg April 23, 2024
The 25 Best Beaches on the East Coast for 2024
Timothy J. Forster|Sharael Kolberg April 19, 2024
The 50 Best Hotels in the USA 2024
Christina Maggitas February 6, 2024
The 32 Most Famous Landmarks in the World
Gwen Pratesi|Timothy J. Forster February 1, 2024
9 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in Florida for 2024
Gwen Pratesi|Amanda Norcross January 5, 2024
24 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in the U.S. for 2024
Erin Evans January 4, 2024
26 Top Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts for 2024
Zach Watson December 28, 2023
Solo Vacations: The 36 Best Places to Travel Alone in 2024
Lyn Mettler|Erin Vasta December 22, 2023
26 Cheap Beach Vacations for Travelers on a Budget
Kyle McCarthy|Sharael Kolberg December 4, 2023
Explore Italy like a local
From iconic attractions to amazing experiences, your journey begins here, like a local, how to go to, hidden gems, itineraries, unconventional sardinia, latest news, best places to visit in italy, art and culture, food and flavours, places and tours, unesco sites, history and traditions, best tours and experiences, best to visit in italy, destinations.
From L'Aquila to Montesilvano and Gran Sasso
From Matera to Potenza and Melfi
From Tropea to Sila Park and Reggio Calabria
From Naples to Sorrento and Capri
Emilia Romagna
From Bologna to Rimini and Parma
Friuli Venezia Giulia
From Trieste to Udine
From Rome to Anagni and Viterbo
From the Cinque Terre to Portofino and Genoa
From Milan to Lake Como and Garda
From Pesaro to Urbino and Conero
From Termoli to Campobasso
From Turin and Asti and Venaria
From Polignano a Mare to Alberobello and Vieste
From Cagliari to Alghero and Olbia
From Palermo to Catania and Agrigento
From Florence to Pisa and Siena
Trentino-Alto Adige
From Dolomities to Ortisei and Riva del Garda
From Perugia to Assisi and Spoleto
Aosta Valley
From Courmayeur to Aosta
From Venice to Verona and the Dolomites Park
Italy like a local
Things to do in summer in Italy like a local: 10 suggestions
Elba Island like a local: 10 things to do
What to do in Trapani like a local: 10 travel tips
Modena: 10 things to do like a local
Palermo: 10 things to do like a local
What to see in Bobbio, one of the most beautiful villages ...
Centuripe, what to see in the amazing human-shaped village ...
Nerano in Campania: a gem between the Amalfi Coast and ...
What to see in Genzano di Roma, the town of bread and ...
What to see in Casoli, the olive oil town in Abruzzo
The 19 most important events in Sardinia in 2024
Springtime in Gallura: what to do and to see in Sardinia's ...
Sailing in Sardinia: a dreamy itinerary in 5 stops to ...
Slow travel in Sardinia: 5 itineraries to experience the ...
Discovering typical Sardinian products on a 5 stops ...
How to get to Ostia: an enchanting journey between sky, ...
How to go to the Carnival in Venice 2024: guide and tips
How to reach Lake Como: the complete guide
How to get to Boboli Gardens in Florence and visit it
How to get from Ravello to Amalfi: all the ways to get there
What to do in italy.
Giro d'Italia 2024: a journey with the "Corsa Rosa" among unique cities and landscapes
On April 25th free museums throughout Italy: find out where
The 10 most attractive sites and museums in Italy at Easter and Easer Monday and 5 less crowded alternatives
Best cruises in Italy: 10 unforgettable experiences
21 outdoor activities in Italy to live this summer
Motor Sports, 10 events in Italy you cannot miss this summer
Luxury experiences in Italy: 7 things not to be missed in 2024
10 things to do before coming to Italy: everything you can plan in advance
The best 20 cycle paths in Italy to discover this spring
What to do in spring in Italy: must-see destinations in 2023
Thermal baths in Italy: the 20 most famous Italian thermal areas
Valentine’s day in Italy
Thermal tourism in Italy: tours to discover the best thermal destinations
Carnival in Italy: origins, traditions, typical sweets and the most famous masks
Where to ski in Italy: how to choose slopes and ski areas
New Year's Eve in the Mountains 2023: 20+1 atmospheric destinations in Italy
Living cribs in Italy: discover the best nativity scenes
Christmas traditions: curiosities, symbols and typical dishes in Italy
The 20 Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Italy
New Year's Eve in Italy: what to do on the last day of the year in Italy in 2024
Italian Christmas songs: 10 tracks for the music of your holidays
Christmas trips in Italy: rites, destinations and regional recipes
Foliage in Italy: visit the most beautiful places of the autumn season
Italian lakes: 4 good reasons to visit them
Easter traditions in Italy: 12 unmissable religious festivals
Epiphany in Italy: all the events to not be missed in 2024
The tradition of Easter Monday in Italy
Explore Italy like a local. From iconic attractions to amazing experiences, your journey begins on visititaly.eu 🇮🇹 Tag us and use #visititaly
Plan Your Trip to Italy: Best of Italy Tourism
Explore Italy
Essential italy.
Dig Into Italy
Italy Is Great For
Art & history.
Eat & drink
- Destinations
Italy: a first-timer’s guide
Feb 28, 2024 • 8 min read
One of the best things to do in Italy? Spend time on the water (coast, lake or canal) © Catherine Falls Commercial / Getty Images
With its iconic monuments, timeless landscapes and irresistible food, Italy is one of Europe’s most alluring destinations. Its historic cities promise thrilling art and architecture at every turn while its varied coastlines and Alpine heights provide a stunning outdoor playground.
In fact, the country is so packed with possibilities that it can seem almost overwhelming. Where should I go? How do I get there? How much will it cost? This planning guide tackles these questions and provides clear practical advice on how to get the most out of your first Italian trip.
When should I go to Italy?
The short answer is anytime. Spring and fall are best for sightseeing , touring and seasonal food. It’s warm without being stifling and nature is in full color. But with the glorious blue-sky weather come crowds and high-season prices in the main cities.
Summer sees cities empty as holidaymakers head to the coast. Prices skyrocket in popular areas, peaking in mid-August when beaches are packed and resorts full. Meanwhile, the festival season swings into gear with high-profile events such as Il Palio di Siena, featuring a wild bareback horse race around Siena 's Piazza del Campo , and Spoleto’s Festival dei Due Mondi , with musicians, artists and actors performing to passionate throngs.
Winter is generally quiet – except in ski resorts – and it can be wet and cold. But low season rates and empty museums make it a decent option for a city break.
How much time do I need to visit Italy?
Realistically, you’ll need at least two or three days in top cities such as Rome , Florence and Venice . That won’t give you enough time to cover everything, but it will allow you to get a feel for the place and explore some of the headline attractions.
If you’re happy to move fast, you could cover Italy’s highlights on a whistle-stop 10-day tour. That would give you a couple of days each in Venice and Florence, a day in Bologna , Pisa and Naples , and three days in Rome. Alternatively, you could focus on a particular area. For example, with a week you could explore southern Tuscany and parts of neighboring Umbria , or cut a swathe through Sicily’s baroque southeast .
Is it easy to get in and around Italy?
Italy is well served by air with flights from across the world. Major airports include Rome Fiumicino (officially Leonardo da Vinci) and Milan Malpensa , the two main intercontinental gateways, Venice Marco Polo , Pisa International (for Florence and Tuscany), Naples International and Catania (Sicily’s busiest airport). There are also excellent rail and bus links, especially to northern Italy, and ferries to Italian ports from across the Mediterranean.
Once in Italy, you've got transport options . Trains are best between major cities and along the coasts, while buses are better for the mountains and hilly inland areas. For more remote parts you’ll really need your own wheels. Most major cities have decent public transport, though you can often cover their historic centers on foot.
Top things to do in Italy
Tour rome’s greatest hits.
First port of call for many travelers is Rome, Italy’s charismatic capital. You’ll never be able to cover all of its monuments and masterpieces, but there are some you won’t want to miss. The Colosseum and Pantheon are obvious highlights, along with the Roman Forum and Palatino . Then there’s the Vatican where you’ll find St Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel (in the Vatican Museums ). And, of course, you’ll want to toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure you return to the Eternal City.
For a taste of authentic Roman cuisine, try a slice of pizza from Forno Roscioli or a pasta carbonara at Flavio al Velavevodetto in the Testaccio neighborhood.
Marvel at masterpieces in Florence
One and a half hours north of Rome by train, Florence is the second of Italy’s ‘big three’ (Venice completes the trio). Visitors have been rhapsodizing about the city for centuries and still today it thrills with its Renaissance palazzi (palaces), frescoed churches and artworks such as Michelangelo's David at the Galleria dell'Accademia , Botticelli’s Birth of Venus at the Galleria degli Uffizi , and Brunelleschi’s red dome atop the landmark Duomo . Art apart, there are markets and boutiques to explore and Negroni cocktails to be sampled, including at the historic Caffè Rivoire .
With more time, you could add a day-trip to Siena or a tour of the Chianti wine country .
Get lost in Venice’s backstreets
As soon as you set foot in Venice you know it’s special. And confusing. To get your bearings take vaporetto (water bus) No 1 along the Grand Canal to Piazza San Marco where you’ll find several landmark sights. Chief among these are the Basilica di San Marco and the Gothic Palazzo Ducale , former residence of the ruling Doge. Elsewhere, you can catch modern art at the world-class Peggy Guggenheim Collection and browse colorful produce at the centuries-old Rialto Market .
To fuel your wanderings, Venice is famous for its cicchetti (bar snacks). A top spot for these is the canal-side Bracaro ae Bricoe bar in the Cannaregio sestiere (neighborhood).
Feast on pizza, art and street life in Naples
With Mt Vesuvius brooding on the horizon, Naples is sprawling, loud, sometimes edgy and often magnificent. Its Dickensian backstreets are a joy to explore and its regal palaces showcase world-class collections of Greco-Roman antiquities and baroque art – check out the Museo Nazionale Archeologico and Cappella Sansevero for a glimpse. Then, of course, there’s the city’s revered pizza, served at historic pizzerias such as Da Michele .
Beyond the city, Pompeii is an easy day trip and the Amalfi Coast is within striking distance via the sunny resort town of Sorrento .
Cruise the Italian Lakes
Ringed by brooding Alpine summits and steep wooded slopes, the Italian Lakes have been a popular holiday spot since ancient times. At Lake Maggiore , you can explore the Isole Borromee with their ornate palaces and lavish gardens, while further east you can go celeb-spotting on Lake Como , cruising around its exquisite villas and villages.
To reach the lakes you’ll often have to pass through Milan , Italy’s northern powerhouse. A day here would be enough to take in some of its signature sights: Leonardo Da Vinci's Last Supper , the fairy-tale Duomo , the Quadrilatero d’Oro shopping district.
My favorite thing to do in Italy
Italy’s obvious beauty and blockbuster sights abound, but what I love are its simple pleasures: a leisurely lunch in a favorite trattoria, the sight of pine trees towering over Roman ruins, a glass of prosecco on a Venetian canal-side.
I also love wandering around Rome and seeing how its life plays out against a backdrop of ancient monuments and historic palazzi . There’s always something going on and even without trying I usually come across something special, an amazing baroque fountain or a teeming market in a medieval square. The city’s streets really are an experience in themselves. I mean where else can you wait for a tram just yards from where Julius Caesar was stabbed?
How much money do I need for Italy?
Italy isn’t cheap. Accommodation rates vary enormously between places and seasons but prices are universally high in popular destinations. That said, you can still find deals if you book early and avoid peak periods. Sightseeing can also add up with top sites charging top dollar. On the plus side, eating out doesn’t have to cost the earth, especially if you stick to pizza and gelato.
Some average daily costs:
- Double room in an agriturismo (farm stay) €40-80
- B&B room €60-140
- Coffee (standing at a bar) €1.10
- Midrange meal €25-35
- Glass of wine €5-8
- Museum admission €10-20
- Public transport ticket (Rome) €1.50 for 100 minutes unlimited travel (but only one metro ride)
- High-speed train ticket Rome to Florence €55
Frequently asked questions
This is italy, so do i have to dress up all the time.
In a word, no. When sightseeing go for comfort, especially when it comes to shoes – you’ll be walking a lot and cobbled streets can be murder on the feet. Note also that major religious sights often enforce dress codes, so make sure you can cover your shoulders, torso and thighs. For going out in the evening, smart casual is the way to go.
What’s the score with tipping?
Tipping is not strictly necessary in restaurants as most places add servizio (service) to the bill. If they don’t or if you want to leave something, a few euros is fine in pizzerias and trattorias; 5% to 10% in smarter restaurants.
What’s this about not drinking a cappuccino after 11am?
Italy has a whole (unwritten) rule book on the dos and don’ts of drinking. As a foreign visitor you’ll get a pass if you order the wrong drink at the wrong time, but it helps to know that Italians regard cappuccinos as breakfast drinks, call an espresso un caffè , and drink beer with pizza.
What’s the card vs cash situation?
Businesses are legally obliged to accept digital payments but it’s always best to have some cash on you. You probably won’t have any problems but it’s not unheard of for payment machines to be mysteriously broken in smaller bars, shops, museums or restaurants. Major credit cards are widely accepted (Amex less so).
This article was first published May 24, 2019 and updated Feb 28, 2024.
Explore related stories
Aug 7, 2020 • 2 min read
Businesses in Italy are reviving the tradition of selling wine and other drinks from tiny wall hatches known as wine windows.
May 7, 2024 • 11 min read
May 7, 2024 • 4 min read
Apr 20, 2024 • 9 min read
Apr 19, 2024 • 4 min read
Apr 12, 2024 • 9 min read
Apr 9, 2024 • 7 min read
Apr 5, 2024 • 10 min read
Mar 18, 2024 • 4 min read
Mar 16, 2024 • 6 min read
25 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Italy
Written by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Aug 17, 2023
As the birthplace of the Roman Empire and the Renaissance, it's not surprising that Italy should be so rich in masterpieces of art and architecture, or that it should have more UNESCO World Heritage cultural sites than any other country in the world .
But Italy's top attractions for tourists are not all art and architecture; the country is blessed with lakes, mountains, and a dramatic coastline that give it outstanding natural attractions, as well. You could plan an entire itinerary inspired by a single interest, from Renaissance art to hiking, but most first-time visitors like to get a sampling of the best Italy offers in several different kinds of experiences.
The attractions that follow show off Italy's art, architecture, stunning landscapes, and history, as well as places to relax and enjoy Italian life.
1. Colosseum, Rome
2. florence duomo santa maria del fiore, 3. the grand canal in venice, 4. leaning tower of pisa, 5. vatican city: basilica of st. peter, sistine chapel & vatican museums, 6. the uffizi gallery in florence, 7. cinque terre, 8. lake como, 9. pantheon, 10. trevi fountain, rome, 11. amalfi coast, 12. st. mark's basilica and doge's palace, 13. verona's roman arena and historic center, 14. pompeii and mount vesuvius, 15. roman forum, 16. the valley of temples in agrigento, sicily, 17. milan duomo, 19. rialto bridge, venice, 20. st. francis basilica (basilica di san francesco), assisi, 21. piazza del campo and duomo, siena, 22. strada delle dolomiti (dolomite road), 23. san vitale and byzantine mosaics, ravenna, 24. portofino, liguria, 25. costa sud and costa verde beaches, sardinia.
This huge amphitheater, the largest of its kind ever built by the Roman Empire and the largest of their constructions to survive, remained a model for sports facilities right up to modern times. Built by Vespasian in 72 CE and enlarged by the addition of a fourth story by his son, Titus, the Colosseum was a venue for public spectacles and shows - even mock sea battles.
A wooden floor that was 83 by 48 meters covered two additional underground stories with tunnels, rooms, cells, and passages that provided space for gladiators, workers, wild animals, and storage.
Today, the structure stands in stark contrast to the modern development that surrounds it and is a prominent reminder of ancient times and the extensive history of Rome.
Tip to parents: The Colosseum is one of the most popular places for families in Rome , and you can make a visit even more memorable for your kids by enrolling them in a gladiator lesson. They (and you) can don replica gladiator helmets and shields and learn swordplay with wooden swords.
Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Rome
Regarded as one of the finest cathedrals in the world, the Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore, or the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore , dominates the Florence skyline. The cathedral was built between the 13th and 15th centuries, with the most famous piece being the extraordinary dome , completed by Filippo Brunelleschi in 1434.
The cathedral's bell tower stands close beside the cathedral in Piazza del Duomo, covered in the same patterned marble typical of Tuscan Romanesque architecture.
Designed by Giotto, the campanile stands 82 meters tall, and you can climb the 414 steps up to a viewing platform with fantastic views of the city and the dome.
Opposite the Duomo is a magnificent baptistery , famed for its bronze paneled doors by Lorenzo Ghiberti. To see the original, exquisitely crafted panels, which have been replaced by exact replicas to protect the originals from weathering, visit the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo , the cathedral museum.
Author's Tips: As is true of many cathedrals in Italy, tourists wearing shorts or tank tops will not be admitted. You can climb the more than 450 steep steps to the top of the dome, inside the dark, narrow space between the inner and outer shells. While climbing, although there is a barrier, you are looking down more than 40 meters into the church below. I've never thought the view was worth it.
Giotto's bell tower has almost as many steps, but they are in a more conventional stairway setting.
Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Florence
A gondola ride through the canals of Venice is a tradition that travelers have been enjoying for centuries. Venice is a city of islands, and the canals have long been the city's main streets, connected by a labyrinth of narrow passageways.
The Grand Canal is the largest and most famous of these waterways, cutting a wide S-shaped route through the city. Along its sides are the grandest of the palaces once owned by the wealthiest and most powerful families of the Venetian Republic. The best way to see many of the grand palaces, whose fronts face the water, is from a Vaporetto ride along the Grand Canal.
Be sure your gondola ride - and your sightseeing explorations on foot - include some of the more atmospheric smaller canals, lined by old buildings that have remained relatively unchanged for hundreds of years.
Author's Tip: For a uniquely Venetian experience, cross the Grand Canal as the locals do when they are between bridges, on a small gondola called a traghetto. Stripped of decoration and seating, these little boats scuttle back and forth between Ca' Rezzonico and San Samuel, between the San Angelo and San Toma vaporetto stops, and several other points, including one not far from St. Mark's Square.
Although Venetians stand during the crossing, you can sit on one of the narrow benches if you feel uneasy. The small fare saves long walks between bridges.
- Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Venice
The Leaning Tower of Pisa (La Torre Pendente) is just one of many attractions in the city of Pisa , one whose world fame comes not from the considerable elegance of its design, but from a flaw. Work began on the tower in the 1100s, and the sinking, which led to the lean, began by the time the tower reached the third story.
Leaning more and more over the centuries, before restoration work in the 1990s, it was predicted to topple over by the year 2000. Today, visitors can climb up the stairs of the tower for a fabulous view over the city.
The Leaning Tower stands on the Piazza dei Miracoli, a setting it shares with the beautiful Romanesque Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and a round freestanding baptistery. Each of these features outstanding works of medieval stone carving.
Author's Tip: For the best view of the Leaning Tower, take advantage of the admission to the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo (Cathedral Museum), included in your ticket to the cathedral. The large windows on the upper floor overlook the tower; while in the museum, don't miss seeing the priceless masterpieces of silver and gold work from the cathedral's treasury.
The Vatican is home to some of the world's most priceless art and art collections. The centerpiece is the great Basilica of St. Peter, with the tomb of St. Peter and one of Michelangelo's most poignant works, the Pieta .
Outside is St. Peter's Square, where the Pope addresses followers. Because Vatican City has so many places to visit, you could easily spend a day or more here.
The walls and ceilings of the Sistine Chapel are covered with frescoes by Michelangelo, depicting the creation as described in the Book of Genesis, with scenes that include separating light and darkness, creating Adam and Eve, continuing through the story of Noah and other Biblical events, concluding with the powerful Last Judgement.
After you've seen the interior of the basilica and the Sistine Chapel, if you have any energy left for more sightseeing, tour the magnificent Papal Apartments in the Palace of the Vatican to see the magnificent series of frescoes by Raphael. Like Michelangelo's frescoes in the Sistine Chapel, Raphael's represent the zenith of Renaissance painting.
In addition to being one of the world's foremost art museums, the Uffizi Gallery is a one-stop history of Italian Renaissance art. Although it contains works by some of the great masters of western art, its greatest treasure is its collection of paintings that show step-by-step the evolution in painting that occurred here from the 14th to the 16th centuries.
Here, you will see the first experiments with perspective, as well as some of the early portraits as painters moved beyond religious art, and some of the first use of naturalistic and scenic backgrounds in religious art.
Be sure to see the Uffizi's most famous work: Botticelli's Birth of Venus .
Tip for Parents: Although art museums, especially ones this large, are not common choices for traveling families, the Uffizi has created tours for children that follow themes, such as monsters in art. You can download the brochure from the Uffizi website and follow it like a treasure hunt to find the artworks.
- Read More: Visiting the Uffizi Gallery in Florence: Top Highlights, Tips & Tours
Cinque Terre is a lovely coastal region with steep hills and sheer cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean. The five picturesque villages of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola , and Riomaggiore can be reached by several means, joined to each other by walking paths, a railroad that tunnels through the headlands to emerge at each town, or a scenic narrow road high on the hillside above.
Hiking between the villages is one of the most popular things to do as it gives travelers the chance to enjoy the landscape. The small towns have maintained a feel of old-world fishing villages and offer a sense of remoteness even in the face of modern tourism. Because landslides can close portions of the trail, it is important to check current conditions before planning a hike.
If you are coming from Florence or Milan , several transportation options are available. If your time is limited, at least see the two most picturesque and charming, Vernazza and Riomaggiore.
Author's tip: The shortest and easiest part of the path carved along the cliffs between the villages is called Via dell'Amore (Path of Love) and connects Riomaggiore and Manarola. Closed by a landslide more than 10 years ago, this paved path reopened in midsummer 2023.
Lake Como is one of Italy's most scenic areas, surrounded by mountains and lined by small picturesque towns. A haunt of the wealthy since Roman times, the lake has many opulent villas and palaces along its wooded shores; Villa Balbianello and Villa Carlotta are the best known, both surrounded by gardens that are open to the public.
The mild climate that makes the lake shore ideal for gardens is also a draw for tourists, with characteristics similar to that of the Mediterranean. Along with the resort towns around the lake, there's an 11th-century abbey.
At the foot of the lake, the small city of Como, important since Roman times, is a short train ride from Milan . From its waterfront, you can embark on excursions around the lake on regularly scheduled steamers that make visiting the lakeside attractions easy.
Author's Tip: The most scenic part of the lake is from the town of Como to the center where the three arms join. A cross-lake ferry links the towns of Bellagio, Varenna and Tremezzo. A good way to see the highlights of the lake and explore these towns, where you'll find most of the attractions, is by taking the Navigazione Laghi tour boat from Como to one of the three and hopping onto ferries to visit the others. Then return to Como on a later boat.
The Pantheon, an exceptionally well-preserved remnant from Roman times , reveals the incredible architectural achievements of the Roman Empire.
The precise proportions of the building, dedicated to the planetary gods, with the height equal to the diameter, and a single beam of light entering the room from the top of the dome, were intended to represent the firmament and the sun.
Disused after early Christian kings forbade the use of a pagan temple as a church, it was later consecrated by the Pope in 609 CE. Italian Kings, the Renaissance painter Raphael, and other great Italians are buried in the Pantheon.
- Read More: Visiting the Pantheon in Rome: Highlights, Tips & Tours
Immortalized in films from La Dolce Vita to Roman Holiday, The Lizzie McGuire Movie and Three Coins in a Fountain , Trevi Fountain is a beloved icon that's a traditional stop on any visit to Rome. A coin tossed over the left shoulder (with the right hand) is supposed to guarantee a return trip.
The origins of the tradition are not clear, but the fountain itself began as a public water source, connected to an aqueduct built in the first century BC. By 1629, Pope Urban VIII wanted a more attractive fountain and asked Bernini to design the revisions. When the Pope died, so did Bernini's plan, and the present design of Neptune, horses, and shells was completed in 1751 by Nicolò Salvi.
The Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a stunning stretch of coastline along the Sorrentine Peninsula, south of Naples and Sorrento . Hillside towns are built precariously along the steep mountainsides that cascade down to the sea.
The main towns along here are Positano and Amalfi, with its colorfully domed cathedral. You can tour the coast by road, or hop between towns by boat for different perspectives of the dramatic and almost vertical shore.
While walking paths stretch all along the coast, the most breathtaking scenery for walkers is the Sentiero degli Dei, Footpath of the Gods, at the western end from Positano. My favorite viewpoint is far above the Amalfi Drive, in the village of Ravello. Clinging to the steep mountainside in terraces, Ravello was a sizable town in the 13 th century and the gardens of its former villas make scenic belvederes for enjoying flower-framed views of the coast below.
Author's tip: If you're hoping to spot celebrities, one of the best places to go is the Marina Grande in Positano. One of the largest beaches on the Amalfi Coast , it's also the most crowded. For a quieter experience, try the sandy Maiori Beach at the Amalfi coast's eastern end.
- Read More: Exploring the Top Attractions of the Amalfi Coast: A Visitor's Guide
One of the most important tourist sites in Venice is St. Mark's Basilica, whose ornate Byzantine-inspired façade and domes overlook Piazza San Marco , St. Mark's Square . The building itself is a work of art, with a mix of architectural styles heavily influenced by the Byzantine Empire, showing Venice's long trade connections to the East.
Highlights of the vast interior are the brilliant mosaics that line its domes and vaults, and the high altar covered in gold and jewels. The Treasury contains more glittering gold and jewels.
For an unforgettable view of St. Mark's Square, the tall campanile and the clock tower, climb to the porch to stand among the iconic horses.
Next to the basilica is the Doge's Palace , also filled with priceless masterpieces of Italian art. A tour of the Doge's Palace often includes a chance to visit the prison where Casanova escaped over the rooftops. To get there, you will cross the famous Bridge of Sighs .
- Read More: Exploring St. Mark's Basilica in Venice: A Visitor's Guide
One of the largest and best-preserved Roman amphitheaters still in existence , Arena di Verona is the centerpiece of the centro storico – the town's historic center. It is one of several features from ancient times, when Verona was an important Roman city. In naming it a World Heritage Site, UNESCO notes that "Verona has preserved a remarkable number of monuments from antiquity, the medieval and Renaissance periods."
Verona continued to thrive under the rule of the Scaliger family in the 13th and 14th centuries and as part of the Republic of Venice from the 15th to 18th centuries. The imposing Castelvecchio was both palace and a defensive fortress (now an outstanding art museum), overlooking the beautiful castellated Ponte Scaligero , a 14th-century bridge.
Throughout the old center are Romanesque churches, regal buildings with characteristic Venetian Gothic windows, and stone gates that are more reminders of its Roman origins. And, of course, in a courtyard close to Piazza del Erbe's daily market, you'll find Juliet's Balcony (which was actually built in the 1930s as a tourist attraction).
Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Verona
The still-smoking volcano of Mt. Vesuvius looks down on the remains of the city it destroyed in AD 79. But that same eruption also preserved many of the city's art treasures: frescoes, mosaics, and sculptures that were encased in the lava as it cooled.
Several centuries of excavations at Pompeii have revealed the remains of houses, markets, baths, temples, theaters, streets, and human remains. Visitors can tour the site , walk along the old streets scarred by the tracks of chariots, and see the engineering used by Romans more than 2,000 years ago.
Near Pompeii is the excavated city of Herculaneum , destroyed by the same eruption in 79 CE, but buried in lava and ash that solidified and froze the town just as it was. You can combine visits to the two sites in one day, but a longer stay allows time to ascend to the very rim of still-active Vesuvius.
Pompei is an easy day trip from Naples or from Sorrento.
The Roman Forum may require a little imagination – or a good tour guide – to understand exactly what this area once looked like and how it was used. However, its historical significance as the heart of the Roman Empire cannot be overstated.
Temples were built first, then public buildings, and soon the area became Rome's governmental center. Commerce followed with the building of market halls that made the Forum the hub of public life for the city, and eventually the Roman Empire.
Today, only pillars, partial structures, and foundations of former temples, market halls, courts, and public buildings pay tribute to Ancient Rome, which survived here for a thousand years.
Author's Tip: The Forum, the Colosseum, and Palatine Hill are included in a single two-day ticket. Because the Forum and Palatine Hill both require a lot of walking, if you plan to visit all three, it's best not to do those two on the same day.
- Read More: Visiting the Roman Forum: Highlights, Tips & Tours
UNESCO lists this complex of ancient Greek temples as a World Heritage Site not only for the number of these remaining, but for their remarkable state of preservation. Unlike most other ancient Greek settlements, the temples in Agrigento have not been overlain by building in later eras, so they preserve not only the structures themselves but the landscape of the original community.
The highlight is Tempio di Concordia, one of the most perfect Doric temples surviving anywhere. Almost as large is the Tempio di Juno Lacinia. The columns of the largest, Temple of the Olympian Zeus , were toppled by an earthquake. UNESCO cites the Valley of Temples as "among the most extraordinary representations of Doric architecture in the world."
Address: Valle dei Templi, Agrigento, Sicily
Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Sicily
Milan's magnificent Cathedral of Santa Maria Nascente , "Il Duomo" to the locals, is one of the world's largest churches and probably the best example anywhere of the flamboyant Gothic style. Its statue-studded façade (the exterior of the cathedral has a grand total of 2,245 marble statues) and the 135 carved stone pinnacles that crown its roof make quite a first impression, which is reinforced as you step inside.
Fifty-two immense pillars support the soaring ceiling of the nave, and its walls are decorated by the world's largest stained-glass windows. Highlights in the nave are the tomb of Gian Giacomo Medici and a 12th-century bronze candelabrum.
Below the high altar is the crypt and the octagonal chapel with the gold reliquary of San Carlo Borromeo. Under Piazza del Duomo, and reached by stairs near the entrance, are the foundations of a fourth-century baptistery and basilica.
An elevator will take you partway to the roof, where you can walk at a dizzying height among the carved stone pinnacles.
Address: Piazza del Duomo, Milan
- Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Milan
The Blue Grotto is one of the most visited spots in all of Italy, but there are other reasons for taking the short boat ride from Naples , Sorrento, or the Amalfi Coast to the fabled Isle of Capri . The steep rocky island juts from an intensely blue sea, its craggy cliffs softened by green pines and tropical plants.
The Blue Grotto is only one of the sea caves that cut its cliffs, and the best way to see these, along with the three signature rocks off the south coast known as the Faraglioni, is on a boat tour around the island. Several villas and gardens are open to tourists, and walking trails invite exploration.
From almost anywhere on the island, you can be certain of a good view. The beautiful Villa San Michele has perhaps the finest views on the island from its gardens, which overlook the Marina Grande from the village of Anacapri, high above. You can get there by bus or, for the energetic, by climbing the ancient Phoenician stairs carved into the steep hillside.
Read More: From Rome to Capri: Best Ways to Get There
Standing on more than 10,000 wooden pilings – the originals placed at the time of its construction in 1588 – the stone Rialto Bridge is both an icon of Venice and an essential link between two sides of the city . Until the Accademia Bridge was built in 1854 it was the only way to cross the Grand Canal on foot. It is still the busiest.
Its architect won the commission to design the bridge over such stiff competition as Michelangelo and Palladio, proposing a bridge with three walkways. The outer two are perpetually crowded with tourists catching views of the Grand Canal and its steady boat traffic, while the wider central walk is lined by shops catering to visitors.
Venetians do their shopping at the other side of the Rialto Bridge, in the bustling food market in San Polo. Along that side of the bridge, the canal is lined by restaurants, and you'll find smaller – and better – choices by following the narrow streets into the neighborhood of small shops and artisans.
Author's Tip: Do cross the bridge to wander in these little streets of San Polo. Here you'll find shops devoted to paper, bookbinding, mask and costume making, even one where skilled wood smiths carve the intricately balanced forcole, the oar posts for gondolas.
Although it is one of the world's most important pilgrimage destinations, Assisi and the 13 th -century St. Francis Basilica hold an important place in art history, as well. This dual importance prompted naming the birthplace of St. Francis and of the Franciscan order as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Begun in 1228, at the time of the saint's death, the basilica consists of two churches, the lower in a vaulted Romanesque style and above it a soaring Gothic church. In both of these, you'll find frescoes by masters including Giotto and Cimabue. This is the oldest Gothic church in Italy .
Although the upper church sustained serious damage in a 1997 earthquake, restorations were completed within two years and the church has returned to its earlier appearance. The order of Poor Clares was also founded in Assisi, in honor of St. Clare, a disciple of St. Francis, and the Gothic Basilica of Santa Chiara was built in 1265.
A hilltop castle, la Rocca, and a cathedral with quality frescoes and medieval stone carving are good reasons to spend some time sightseeing in Assisi , and you can visit the nearby hermitage of Le Carceri, where St. Francis retired to pray.
Assisi is a good day trip from Florence and you can get to Assisi from Rome by bus, train, car, or tour.
Among the most famous public squares in Italy, the oval Piazza del Campo in Siena is surrounded by noble palaces, their facades of red clay brick curving to enclose the sloping piazza. Dominating the scene is the elegant Palazzo Púbblico (Town Hall) and its exceptionally tall tower. The severity of the imposing façade and its battlements is relieved by rows of windows with curved Gothic arches.
The slender Torre del Mangia, at 102 meters in height must have been a leap of faith for Medieval architects and builders, especially with its battlemented platform at the top. The Piazza del Campo is best known as the scene of the madcap bareback horserace , the Palio , held twice each summer and one of the top things to do in Italy .
In startling contrast to the red brick elsewhere in the city, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and its tall campanile are clad in dramatic stripes of black and white marble. Its façade is even more dramatic, a symphony of arches, gables, columns, reliefs, and pinnacles decorated in intricately detailed stone carvings and statues by Renaissance genius Giovanni Pisano.
Inside Siena's cathedral are works by Pisano, Donatello, Bernini, Ghiberti, and other Renaissance masters, which combine with paintings, sculptures, mosaics, gold and silver work, illuminated manuscripts, mosaics, and stone and wood carving for a collection to rival those of many of the most eminent museums.
This largesse reflects the fact that in the 13th and 14th centuries, Siena rivaled Florence in wealth and for its art and architecture. Although once separate seats of power, today Siena is a short day trip from Florence.
In naming Italy's Strada delle Dolomiti a World Heritage Site, UNESCO described "some of the most beautiful mountain landscapes anywhere, with vertical walls, sheer cliffs, and a high density of narrow, deep, and long valleys."
Long known to climbers and winter sports enthusiasts for some of Europe's finest hiking and skiing (the town of Cortina D'Ampezzo is one of the top ski resorts in Italy and site of the 1956 Winter Olympic Games), the Dolomites are just as appealing for sightseeing and relaxing vacations.
Dotted with charming small villages in breathtakingly beautiful settings, the road between Bolzano and Cortina D'Ampezzo is easy to tour by car. Unlike many such dramatic mountain routes, the Strada delle Dolomiti is well maintained and without the perilous sharp curves and steep drop-offs of many Alpine roads.
Bolzano , at the western end of the route, is worth a stop to see Ötzi, the man who was been preserved in ice, deep inside a glacier for 5,300 years , and the clothing and equipment, frozen there with him.
Author Tip: Do venture off the main road to find some of the villages tucked into valleys, where you'll see houses pained in Alpine frescoes. My favorite stop is in Arabba to take the funicular up Col Burz for panoramic views. Several other lifts that carry skiers in the winter are operating for hikers and tourists in the summer.
From 402 CE, when Emperor Honorius moved his court here from Milan, the Adriatic port of Ravenna was the capital of the Western Roman Empire. Honorius and his sister, Galla Placidia, began the process of making Ravenna a center for Byzantine mosaic art, an effort that was continued in the reign of sixth-century king Theodoric the Great.
The results remain today almost as these emperors saw them, lining churches and monuments in extravagant splendor. The dome of San Vitale is completely decorated (apart from a few frescoes added in the Baroque era) in pictures formed by tesserae so minute, that they combine to look like a painter's fine brushstrokes. More line the walls and chapels, comprising the largest and best-preserved display outside of Constantinople.
In the neighboring Mausoleum of Galla Placidia , the tiniest of tesserae create an intimate and other-worldly space under a low vaulted ceiling of intense blue. In a third building, the octagonal Neonian Baptistery, the entire dome is covered in intricate mosaic pictures.
Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Ravenna
No great art treasures or momentous historic sites put the little Ligurian village of Portofino on the must-see list, but for pure eye candy and a dose of la dolce vita , it's worth a day-trip from Genoa or a detour on the way to the Cinque Terre.
Looking as though it were built as a film set (no, the Masterpiece series Hotel Portofino , although set here, was not filmed here) with a semicircle of pastel houses facing a cozy harbor filled with boats, Portofino begs to be photographed.
A favorite watering hole for high-flying celebs (you never know who you'll spot in its cafes) and the paparazzi that pursue them, Portofino is filled with stylish boutiques and chic restaurants. But don't be put off; the town's picturesque charm will make you glad you stopped.
Leading the list of the top beaches in Italy , the miles of white sand southwest from the capital of Cagliari slope into clear blue-green water and are backed by a spectacular landscape of rocky promontories and protected wildlands.
Choose your favorite style of beach, from tiny secluded coves hidden between headlands to the three-mile-long sands at Porto Campana, where you can rent kiteboard or paddleboard equipment and take lessons, or go scuba diving in the clear water. Spiaggia Sa Colonia is another long stretch of beach with a gentle, shallow drop-off that makes it a good place to go for families with young children.
Near Chia you'll find Tuerredda Beach , whose warm blue-green waters invite swimmers and snorkelers. For a more intimate experience, beautiful Porticciolo Beach is a secluded crescent of white sand. Most remote of all are the wide white sand beaches of the Costa Verde, farther west, where the coast of Sardinia curves northward.
The miles of white sands are backed by dunes, some of which are the tallest in Europe. Don't expect a lot of tourist services here, but do expect long stretches of white sand where, even in busy August, you can find a spot without other people in sight.
More on Italy
- Travel, Tourism & Hospitality ›
- Leisure Travel
Travel and tourism in Italy - statistics & facts
What are the leading inbound travel markets in italy, what are italians’ preferred travel destinations, key insights.
Detailed statistics
Travel and tourism's total contribution to GDP in Italy 2019-2022
Distribution of travel and tourism expenditure in Italy 2019-2022, by type
Travel and tourism's total contribution to employment in Italy 2019-2022
Editor’s Picks Current statistics on this topic
Travel, Tourism & Hospitality
International tourist arrivals in Italy 2019-2022, by country
Monthly number of international tourist arrivals in Italy 2018-2024
Further recommended statistics
- Basic Statistic Travel and tourism's total contribution to GDP in Italy 2019-2022
- Basic Statistic GDP share generated by travel and tourism in Italy 2019-2022
- Premium Statistic Monthly tourism balance in Italy 2019-2024
- Basic Statistic Distribution of travel and tourism expenditure in Italy 2019-2022, by type
- Basic Statistic Distribution of travel and tourism spending in Italy 2019-2022, by tourist type
- Basic Statistic Travel and tourism's total contribution to employment in Italy 2019-2022
Travel and tourism's total contribution to GDP in Italy 2019-2022
Total contribution of travel and tourism to GDP in Italy in 2019 and 2022 (in billion euros)
GDP share generated by travel and tourism in Italy 2019-2022
Share of travel and tourism's total contribution to GDP in Italy in 2019 and 2022
Monthly tourism balance in Italy 2019-2024
Monthly tourism balance in Italy from January 2019 to January 2024 (in million euros)
Distribution of travel and tourism spending in Italy in 2019 and 2022, by type
Distribution of travel and tourism spending in Italy 2019-2022, by tourist type
Distribution of travel and tourism spending in Italy in 2019 and 2022, by type of tourist
Travel and tourism's total contribution to employment in Italy 2019-2022
Total contribution of travel and tourism to employment in Italy in 2019 and 2022 (in million jobs)
Inbound tourism
- Premium Statistic Total number of international tourist arrivals in Italy 2015-2022
- Premium Statistic International tourist arrivals in Italy 2006-2023
- Premium Statistic International tourist arrivals in Italy 2019-2022, by country
- Premium Statistic Inbound business travelers in Italy 2015-2022
- Premium Statistic Number of inbound tourist overnight stays in Italy 2014-2022, by travel reason
- Premium Statistic Average length of stay of international tourists in Italy 2009-2022
- Premium Statistic Inbound tourist expenditure in Italy 2007-2022
- Premium Statistic Inbound tourist expenditure in Italy 2019-2022, by country
Total number of international tourist arrivals in Italy 2015-2022
Total number of international tourist arrivals in Italy from 2015 to 2022 (in million travelers)
International tourist arrivals in Italy 2006-2023
Number of international tourist arrivals in Italy from 2006 to 2023 (in millions)
Number of international tourist arrivals in Italy from 2019 to 2022, by country of origin (in millions)
Inbound business travelers in Italy 2015-2022
Number of international business tourists in Italy from 2015 to 2022 (in millions)
Number of inbound tourist overnight stays in Italy 2014-2022, by travel reason
Number of international tourist overnight stays in Italy from 2014 to 2022, by travel reason (in millions)
Average length of stay of international tourists in Italy 2009-2022
Average length of stay of international tourists in travel accommodation establishments in Italy from 2009 to 2022 (in number of nights)
Inbound tourist expenditure in Italy 2007-2022
Total international tourist expenditure in Italy from 2007 to 2022 (in billion euros)
Inbound tourist expenditure in Italy 2019-2022, by country
International tourist expenditure in Italy from 2019 to 2022, by country of origin (in million euros)
Outbound tourism
- Premium Statistic Number of outbound tourists from Italy 2015-2022, by type
- Premium Statistic Number of outbound trips from Italy 2019-2022, by destination
- Premium Statistic Number of outbound tourist overnight stays from Italy 2015-2022
- Premium Statistic Overnight stays for outbound trips from Italy 2019-2022, by destination
- Premium Statistic Expenditure of Italian outbound tourists 2007-2022
- Premium Statistic Expenditure of Italian outbound tourists 2019-2022, by destination
- Premium Statistic Share of outbound holiday trips taken by Italians 2023, by purpose
- Premium Statistic Share of outbound holiday trips taken by Italians 2022, by destination type
- Premium Statistic Travel intentions of Italians in the next six months 2024, by destination
- Premium Statistic Italian travelers' preferred European countries for trips in the next six months 2024
Number of outbound tourists from Italy 2015-2022, by type
Number of outbound tourists from Italy from 2015 to 2022, by type (in millions)
Number of outbound trips from Italy 2019-2022, by destination
Number of outbound trips from Italy from 2019 to 2022, by country of destination (in 1,000s)
Number of outbound tourist overnight stays from Italy 2015-2022
Number of outbound tourist overnight stays from Italy from 2015 to 2022 (in millions)
Overnight stays for outbound trips from Italy 2019-2022, by destination
Number of overnight stays for outbound trips from Italy from 2019 to 2022, by country of destination (in 1,000s)
Expenditure of Italian outbound tourists 2007-2022
Total expenditure of Italian tourists abroad from 2007 to 2022 (in billion euros)
Expenditure of Italian outbound tourists 2019-2022, by destination
Expenditure of Italian outbound tourists from 2019 to 2022, by country of destination (in million euros)
Share of outbound holiday trips taken by Italians 2023, by purpose
Distribution of holiday trips abroad taken by Italian residents in 2023, by purpose of trip
Share of outbound holiday trips taken by Italians 2022, by destination type
Share of holiday trips abroad taken by Italian residents in 2022, by type of destination
Travel intentions of Italians in the next six months 2024, by destination
Share of individuals intending to travel in the next six months in Italy as of April 2024, by destination
Italian travelers' preferred European countries for trips in the next six months 2024
Preferred European countries for a trip in the next six months among travelers in Italy as of April 2024
Domestic tourism
- Premium Statistic Number of domestic trips in Italy 2014-2022
- Premium Statistic Domestic trips in Italy 2019-2022, by accommodation type
- Premium Statistic Overnight stays for domestic trips in Italy 2019-2022, by region of destination
- Premium Statistic Domestic business trips in Italy 2015-2022
- Premium Statistic Overnight stays during domestic business trips in Italy 2022, by destination
- Premium Statistic Number of same-day domestic trips in Italy 2019-2022, by purpose
- Basic Statistic Domestic tourism spending in Italy 2019-2022
Number of domestic trips in Italy 2014-2022
Number of domestic trips in Italy from 2014 to 2022 (in 1,000s)
Domestic trips in Italy 2019-2022, by accommodation type
Number of domestic trips in Italy from 2019 to 2022, by type of accommodation (in 1,000s)
Overnight stays for domestic trips in Italy 2019-2022, by region of destination
Number of overnight stays for domestic trips in Italy from 2019 to 2022, by region of destination (in 1,000s)
Domestic business trips in Italy 2015-2022
Number of trips by domestic business tourists in Italy from 2015 to 2022 (in 1,000s)
Overnight stays during domestic business trips in Italy 2022, by destination
Number of nights spent by domestic business tourists in Italy in 2022, by region of destination (in 1,000s)
Number of same-day domestic trips in Italy 2019-2022, by purpose
Number of same-day domestic trips in Italy from 2019 to 2022, by purpose (in 1,000s)
Domestic tourism spending in Italy 2019-2022
Domestic tourism expenditure in Italy in 2019 and 2022 (in billion euros)
Accommodation
- Premium Statistic Number of hotel and non-hotel accommodation in Italy 2019-2022
- Premium Statistic Number of hotels in Italy 2012-2022, by rating
- Premium Statistic Number of hotels in Italy 2022, by region
- Premium Statistic Revenue of the hotels industry in Italy 2019-2028
- Premium Statistic Leading international hotel chain brands in Italy 2023, by number of hotels
- Premium Statistic Leading domestic hotel chain brands in Italy 2023, by number of hotels
- Premium Statistic Number of bed and breakfasts in Italy 2010-2022
- Premium Statistic Number of agritourism establishments in Italy 2012-2022
- Premium Statistic Distribution of trips made by Italians 2023, by accommodation
Number of hotel and non-hotel accommodation in Italy 2019-2022
Number of hotel and non-hotel accommodation establishments in Italy from 2019 to 2022
Number of hotels in Italy 2012-2022, by rating
Number of hotel establishments in Italy from 2012 to 2022, by rating
Number of hotels in Italy 2022, by region
Number of hotel establishments in Italy in 2022, by region
Revenue of the hotels industry in Italy 2019-2028
Revenue of the hotels market in Italy from 2019 to 2028 (in billion U.S. dollars)
Leading international hotel chain brands in Italy 2023, by number of hotels
Leading international hotel chain brands in Italy in 2023, by number of hotels
Leading domestic hotel chain brands in Italy 2023, by number of hotels
Leading domestic hotel chain brands in Italy in 2023, by number of hotels
Number of bed and breakfasts in Italy 2010-2022
Number of bed and breakfasts in Italy from 2010 to 2022
Number of agritourism establishments in Italy 2012-2022
Number of agritourism establishments in Italy from 2012 to 2022
Distribution of trips made by Italians 2023, by accommodation
Distribution of trips taken by Italians in 2023, by type of accommodation
Further reports
Get the best reports to understand your industry.
Mon - Fri, 9am - 6pm (EST)
Mon - Fri, 9am - 5pm (SGT)
Mon - Fri, 10:00am - 6:00pm (JST)
Mon - Fri, 9:30am - 5pm (GMT)
She never hides her years, but still wears them well: after all, Rome is the Eternal City
A walk through the streets of Rome is a stroll through History with a capital H. One of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, it offers and almost demands endless new discoveries, thanks to the enormity of its artistic heritage. As a matter of fact, it is home to two capitals in one city: the Italian capital and the home of the Pope in the Vatican, a place of universal pilgrimage to St Peter's Square.
What to see in Rome
- Art & Culture
- Must-see places
- Surroundings
2 days in Rome: the itinerary
Rome is the perfect destination for sustainable tourism
Rome: the irresistible allure of the Eternal City
Rome: The Imperial Fora
Rome in 7 stages: on the sets of the TV series Skam Italia, the everyday life of people in Rome
Exclusive aperitifs in Rome's most evocative locations
At the MAXXI museum in Rome, art combines sustainability and inclusion
The Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, wonders second to none in the world
Michelangelo's Moses at San Pietro in Vincoli
The 'great beauty' of Palazzo Sacchetti, in the heart of Rome, set of the Oscar-winning film by Paolo Sorrentino
At MAXXI in Rome, data becomes matter
The works by Caravaggio in Rome
Roman Forum
Basilica of Saint Peter
Campidoglio
Trevi Fountain
Piazza Navona
Borghese Gallery and Museum
Jewish Ghetto of Rome
Campo de' Fiori
Trips into the countryside starting from Rome
The parks of Rome. Ideas and suggestions for full-immersion in nature in the heart of the Eternal City
The 5 favourite destinations for Romans to ski near Rome
Castelli Romani Regional Park
Seven sites of art, history and culture just one hour from Rome
Murals and graffiti colour villages and towns
Golden Gala
Rock in Roma 2024
2024 ITTF WORLD MASTERS TABLE TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS
The irresistible allure of the Eternal City
The beauty of Rome and its 3,000 years of existence is that it always knows how to surprise, including with unusual places to explore, such as the Coppedé Quarter, the Orange Garden or the Jewish Ghetto, some of the oldest in the world. To be immersed in the Roman way of life, you of course also have to sample the typical cuisine of the capital, and it never disappoints; after all, humble but delicious dishes such as cacio e pepe, carbonara, and gricia were born here.
She never hides her years, but still wears them well: after all, Rome is the Eternal City. A walk through the streets of Rome is a stroll through History with a capital H. One of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, it offers and almost demands endless new discoveries, thanks to the enormity of its artistic heritage. As a matter of fact, it is home to two capitals in one city: the Italian capital and the home of the Pope in the Vatican, a place of universal pilgrimage to St Peter's Square.
Viterbo and surroundings The province of Viterbo lies in the Tuscia region, in northern Lazio. Renowned for its natural beauty dotted with Etruscan and Roman remains, this area also offers villages and towns perched atop hills. You can begin your exploration in Viterbo, the City of Popes. After admiring the majestic Palazzo dei Papi and the San Pellegrino quarter, you can enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the spa. Among the local villages, we recommend visiting Bagnaia and the magnificent Villa Lante with its Italian-style gardens, the medieval Caprarola with its impressive Palazzo Farnese, and the abandoned villages of Celleno and Civita di Bagnoregio, “the dying town”. Not forgetting Sutri, perched on a tuff cliff. Further down is ancient Sutri, with a Roman amphitheatre and necropolis. Be sure to visit Bomarzo, famous for its Sacred Grove, nicknamed the Park of the Monsters, with sculptures of mythological and grotesque creatures. For nature walks, check out the volcanic Lake Vico, a nature reserve surrounded by the Monti Cimini hills, or the shores of Lake Bolsena. To explore the area’s Etruscan origins, head to Tarquinia. Today it is a medieval village, but it preserves splendid Etruscan treasures, like the Monterozzi Necropolis with tombs cut into the rock decorated with frescoes.
In the footsteps of the Sabatini In the most authentic heart of Lazio, the province of Rieti stretches between rivers and lakes in a predominantly mountainous territory, surrounded by the Sabini and Reatini Mountains. Located in the north-east of the region, it borders, along the Tiber, the province of Viterbo, the capital and the region of Umbria. Unspoilt nature amidst parks and protected areas, history and ancient traditions, Franciscan sanctuaries, fortresses and castles come together in a province whose origins go back to the times of the ancient Italic people of the Sabines. Visiting the towns and villages that characterise the area is an experience not to be missed. Take a tour around the town of Sabina and be sure to visit the Abbey of Farfa, an ancient monastery named after the nearby river Farfarus. The regional capital, Rieti, is also called “the navel of Italy” due to its geographical location. Dominated by the summit of Terminillo, it is an excellent tourist destination particularly appreciated for its tranquillity and beauty. Among the monuments and main places of interest is the Basilica Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. Once you have finished exploring the surroundings, refresh yourself with traditional cuisine. Typical dishes include spelt with Leonessa truffles, strangozzi alla reatina and sagne scandrigliesi.
Testimony of 20th-century Italy The city of Latina lies in the heart of the Pontine Plain. Once known as Littoria, it still boasts rationalist architecture, bearing witness to the history of 20th-century Italy. The most iconic example is Palazzo M, built in the shape of Mussolini’s initial. For panoramic views of the city, you can climb the 32-metre-high civic tower. The province offers unexpected surprises: medieval villages, cliffs, caves and the beautiful Circeo National Park — what it lacks in size it makes up for in flourishing flora, fauna and architectural gems, like the ruins of the Villa di Domiziano. Near the capital are the towns of Formia and Gaeta. The latter still boasts an intact medieval historic centre (Gaeta Vecchia) and the Angevin-Aragonese Castle. We also recommend visiting the town of Sperlonga, on the Ulysses Riviera, surrounded by crystal-clear waters, with caves and breath-taking views around every corner. Don’t miss the Gardens of Ninfa, where plants grow among the ruins of an abandoned city. From the mainland, you can reach the Pontine Islands in a couple of hours by ferry. Ventotene, Ponza, Palmarola, Gavi, Zannone and Santo Stefano offer crystal-clear waters, beautiful beaches and wild nature.
A thousand-year-old city, among ancient Roman ruins and traces of papal history Between Rome and Naples, Frosinone is a city with a history dating back thousands of years. Traces of its glorious past can be found at the Roman Amphitheatre built in the 1st-2nd century AD, the town’s archaeological museum and the Tomb of Sant’Angelo in Maniano. The province, known as Ciociaria, is home to countless picturesque villages steeped in history, as well as natural areas such as Lake Canterno, also known as the “ghost lake”, due to its karst origin dating back to the early 19th century. We also recommend stopping by the Monti Simbruini Regional Park, a protected natural area where mountains, majestic panoramas, valleys and rivers reign supreme. Fumone, home to the Rocca Longhi De-Paolis castle, is famous not only for having served as the prison and place of death of Pope Celestine V, but also for its extraordinary, 800-metre-high hanging garden, the highest in Europe. Another location closely linked to papal history is Anagni, remembered in books for the famous, humiliating “slap” inflicted by Philip IV of France on Pope Boniface VIII in 1303. Ferentino is also worth visiting, with its spectacular remains of megalithic walls, which have been attributed to the Cyclopes due to their sheer scale.
Continue living like an Italian
Subscribe to the Newsletter so as not to miss places, events and experiences for experiencing the best side of Italy: the authentic one.
Keep up to date
Would you like to learn about the most authentic experiences to be had in Italy, stay up to date on the most interesting events, discover our special offers and receive lots of insider hints and tips?
Save your favorite places
Create an account or log in to save your wishlist
Do you already have an account? Sign in
- Search Please fill out this field.
- Manage Your Subscription
- Give a Gift Subscription
- Newsletters
- Sweepstakes
- Destinations
Italy Is Travel + Leisure's Destination of the Year — Here’s Why
A new Italian renaissance is waiting in the wings, and there’s no better time to start planning your next visit.
All you have to do, really, is close your eyes, and you’re there.
Your specific there might be the Val d’Orcia, where cypresses march in rows across low, undulating hills. Or it might be the vertiginous cliffs of the Amalfi Coast , where pastel-hued villages cascade down to pebble beaches and secret coves. Or perhaps it’s the plains of Puglia, with their thousand-year-old olive trees and frothy Baroque cathedrals.
Italy is a land made up of signifiers that the whole world recognizes and loves. Perhaps more than any European country, it informs our idea of the holiday; take, for example, the traveler in whose mind those brushstroke cypresses are indelibly imprinted — but who has never even set foot in Tuscany .
As I write this, Italy, like most of Europe, is still off-limits to American visitors . But whether you’re a neophyte or have explored the country from Liguria to Lecce, now is a good time to dive into that planning-and-dreaming sweet spot to which Italy lends itself so well.
Many of us have already found ourselves drawn there by a sense of compassion and fellow feeling. In the spring of this year, we watched as Italy became one of the first countries to be devastated by COVID-19 . (In the northern province of Lombardy alone, almost 17,000 people died in the first three months.) While throughout the summer other European countries had to impose and reimpose quarantines, Italy was able to take tentative first steps back to normalcy, opening its borders to the U.K. and much of Europe.
What awaits the traveler in 2021? Everything that has always made Italy alluring: the food, the wine, the artisan traditions, the fashion (oh, the fashion), cities that are palimpsests of history; the sea, and of course that ineffable but deeply desirable state known as dolce far niente — all of it’s still there to revel in. But there’s also something new in the air. Call it a deepened, or renewed, appreciation among Italians of the richness and breadth of their country’s patrimony.
When we can travel again, Italy will need us. That old cliché about hospitality being hard-coded into the Italian way of life is actually kind of true. And as a result, the Italian tourism ecosystem is vast. It comprises not just hotels and airports and cruise ships; it extends deep into the country’s socioeconomic fabric. The artisanal businesses that form the backbone of thoughtful travel experiences — boutique winemakers, olive farmers, innkeepers, craftspeople, boat captains, drivers, and, of course, guides — suffered profoundly this year. Some of the most venerated cultural institutions and sites in the world, ones that have shaped many of our lives (and rely enormously on tourism income), suffered, too.
Related : The Top 10 Italy Resort Hotels
The next year may well see them all flourish again. We can ensure this by being part of that renaissance. So peruse the following pages, and plan your next visit. The posterity of the things that say Italy to us — from an almond granita by the shore in Sicily to the illuminated façade of San Miniato al Monte in Florence — is in our hands.
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
Listed among Italy's Most Beautiful Villages, Frosolone is a small paradise surrounded by nature, perched among the central Apennines in the heart of Molise. About 900 metres above sea level, it is enveloped and embraced by vibrant greenery: a pristine, untouched environment home to ancient trees, ponds and lakes, white rocks and shelters.
Italy has so many delights for visitors, it's hard to know where to start. Lucky for you, we've made this list of the best experiences all over the country. Read article. Things to Know. With so many attractions, it's hard to know where to begin with a trip to Italy. Here's some local insight into the essential things to know before you go.
Cinque Terre. #5 in Best Places to Visit in Italy. Cinque Terre, located on Italy's northern Ligurian coast, is made up of five picturesque towns - Manarola, Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia and ...
Whatever the reason, this tiny pocket of northern Italy takes seductiveness to dizzying heights. 4. Amalfi Coast. Best for classic beauty. Italy's most celebrated coastline is a gripping strip: coastal mountains plunge into the piercing blue sea in a prime-time vertical scene of precipitous crags, sun-bleached villages and cliffs rearing up behind.
Thermal tourism in Italy: tours to discover the best thermal destinations. Italy. Carnival in Italy: origins, traditions, typical sweets and the most famous masks. ... Visit Italy is the first independent promoting channel for Italy in the world. Discover great holiday ideas for family holidays, weekends away, short breaks and days out in Italy
3. Tour Rome, the epicenter of empire. Working out the best way to spend your time in the Italian capital is a cultural conundrum. Rome is the former caput mundi (capital of the world), the epicenter of the Roman Empire, the spiritual HQ of the Christian world and the repository for over two millennia of European art and architecture.
3,302. Explore Italy. From the silvery crests of the Alps to the sparkling Mediterranean Sea, Italy's beauty is unparalleled. A visit could mean marveling at the Colosseum after a tender plate of pasta, or drifting lazily down a canal, your belly full of local Sangiovese. Explore Tuscan vineyards and olive groves or drool over boutiques in ...
To start finding places to visit in Italy simply choose a region (from the main menu) or, if your geography is a litle rusty, use our map of Italy. See also the 'most beautiful villages of Italy' and the towns and villages that have received the Italian Orange Flag award for sustainable tourism.
Real "tourism" only affected Italy in the second half of the 17th century, with the beginning of the Grand Tour.This was a period in which European aristocrats, many of whom were British, visited parts of Europe, with Italy as a key destination. For Italy, this was in order to study ancient architecture, local culture and to admire the natural beauties.
Explore Italy. From the silvery crests of the Alps to the sparkling Mediterranean Sea, Italy's beauty is unparalleled. A visit could mean marveling at the Colosseum after a tender plate of pasta, or drifting lazily down a canal, your belly full of local Sangiovese. Explore Tuscan vineyards and olive groves or drool over boutiques in ...
You've come to the right place. This is our ultimate guide to Italy, a resource compiling all of our recommendations and tips, whether Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan, Tuscany, Lake Como, the Amalfi ...
Your Trip to Naples: The Complete Guide. The Top Historic Attractions in Naples. The Complete Guide to Bassano del Grappa, Italy. 48 Hours in Naples: The Ultimate Itinerary. Cinque Terre Guide: Planning Your Trip. Vernazza, Italy: The Complete Guide. Nightlife in the Cinque Terre: Best Bars, Live Music, & More.
Italy has a whole (unwritten) rule book on the dos and don'ts of drinking. As a foreign visitor you'll get a pass if you order the wrong drink at the wrong time, but it helps to know that Italians regard cappuccinos as breakfast drinks, call an espresso un caffè, and drink beer with pizza.
23. Puglia. 24. Genoa. Map of Places to Visit in Italy. 1. Rome. The Colosseum. Both for its history as the capital of much of ancient Europe and for its present-day role as one of Europe's most vibrant cities, for most tourists traveling to Italy, Rome heads the list of places to visit.
See ways to experience (923) 2023. 3. Duomo di Milano. 58,798. Religious Sites. Admission tickets from $30. The centerpiece of Milan, the Duomo is one of Europe's greatest architectural and cultural landmarks. As Italy's largest church and one of the largest in the world, it took over 600 years to build.
Visit enchanting works of art and immerse yourself in its thousand year old history. From the archaeological ruins of Rome and Pompeii, or the picturesque villages of Tuscany, Italy is a land rich in art and culture. Immerse yourself in Italian historical sites and its many UNESCO sites, for a cultural journey discovering the homeland of some ...
The attractions that follow show off Italy's art, architecture, stunning landscapes, and history, as well as places to relax and enjoy Italian life. On This Page: 1. Colosseum, Rome. 2. Florence Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore. 3. The Grand Canal in Venice. 4.
Overall, travel and tourism contributed to the Italian GDP by over 190 billion euros in 2022, remaining three percent lower than in 2019, the year prior to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic ...
Sea, mountains, cities, national parks and UNESCO sites: in Italy every destination is a unique experience to be fully enjoyed. ... As well as attentiveness on the part of travellers, policies in step with the times that facilitate responsible tourism are also widespread. Rome is an example from which to draw inspiration.
Italy Is Travel + Leisure's Destination of the Year — Here's Why. A new Italian renaissance is waiting in the wings, and there's no better time to start planning your next visit. By. Maria ...