Once ruled by the Greeks, Romans, French, Spanish, and Turks, you’ll find a mixed heritage here, which can be enjoyed in the food, wine, and culture.
Ci Vediamo in Italia! See you in Italy! Made up of around 120 small islands connected by bridges and canals, it’s not unusual to spend most of your time on the water here.
Related Articles: Read more about Rome

1) Florence

With its history stretching back almost 3,000 years, the remains of the ancient city, along with the museums that complement them, are the main sites to be seen.
Despite being a rather large city, Florence retains that small-town ambiance, with a selection of local eateries, hidden cobblestone streets, and lively plazas, ideal for watching the world go by. Exploring the city on foot is one of the best ways to soak up the atmosphere. Here are some must-see spots along the way:

  • Basilica di San Lorenzo. A centerpiece in Florence, this is one of the city’s oldest Cathedrals and the resting place of the Medici family. 
  • Da Vinci Museum. See the works of Leonardo da Vinci like you never have before in this interactive museum exhibition.
  • Boboli Gardens. Providing stunning vistas over the city and an insight into 16th-century sculptures, the gardens provide the perfect escape from the busy city. 
  • Galleria Dell’Accademia. Catch a glimpse of perhaps the most famous sculpture in the world, Michaelangelo’s David.

But first, does Italy have any restrictions in place for international travel?
 Make sure to double-check the current entry requirements before you travel – Italy is currently open to international tourists, regardless of their nationality or vaccination status. You won’t need to take a PCR test before arrival either. 

2) Rome 

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While it may have a reputation for being home to the Mafia (and, alas, we can’t say those days are long gone), it also offers outdoor exploration, volcanic adventures, quiet seaside towns, and seldom-visited archaeological sites, such as:

Its varied terrain makes it one of the best places to visit in Italy for anyone searching for outdoor adventures.

  • Colosseum. Built between 70-80AD and used for gladiator tournaments and other entertainment for the people, you can now take a tour around these ancient walls.
  • Pantheon. Thought to be one of the best preserved ancient Roman buildings, the Pantheon offers a fantastic insight into the city thousands of years ago.
  • Trevi Fountain. Lavishly decorated with marble sculptures, the Trevi Fountain is thought to grant good luck when you throw a penny over your shoulder. 
  • The Vatican. The smallest country in the world, The Vatican is the official residence of the Pope and one of the most significant sites in the Catholic Church.

However, once you’re on dry land, stunning basilicas, hidden foodie hot spots, and boutique hotels await. Here are some top spots to see while you’re there:

It’s well known for its pastel houses that steppe down the mountainside until they arrive at a turquoise blue bay.

Related Article: Read more about Florence on my Italy Road Trip Itinerary Guide!

  • Mount Etna. Jump in a cable car and ride to the top of Europe’s most active volcano, enjoying the panoramic views along the way.
  • Valley of the Temples. Enjoy a tour through the ancient Roman ruins, and learn more about the Hellenic architecture of the time.
  • Gole dell’ Alcantara. Tucked away in the Gole Alcantara Botanical and Geological Park is a series of natural volcanic canyons created by the power of the sea and wind.
  • San Vito Lo Capo Beach. One kilometer of uninterrupted white sands and crystal clear waters, flanked by towering cliffs at either end, make this one of the best beaches in Sicily.

4)Lake Garda

At the same time, its laid-back atmosphere and temperate weather conditions attract families looking for a relaxing getaway. Other than the myriad of watersports and hiking opportunities, here’s what not to miss while you’re there:

Arrivederci 😉

Italy offers an incredible variety of cities, towns, and coastal villages to explore. Whether you’re searching for a laid-back beachy getaway or a city break packed full of historical delights, Italy will not disappoint.

  • Sirmione and Castello Scaligeri. Sitting on the banks of the southern shore, this 12th-century fortress offers stunning photo opportunities.
  • Desenzano del Garda. Head to this lively town for local eateries, quaint cafes, and laid-back bars.
  • Riva del Garda. Home to lakeside beaches and a bustling town center, Riva del Garda is a great choice for a day out.
  • Cascata del Varone. Head into the wilderness and find this stunning waterfall that falls from its glacial lake above into the cave below.

Positano lends itself perfectly to lazy days on the beach and afternoons spent sipping Aperol Spritz, but it’s also a great spot for some day trips to some of the region’s top spots. Check out some of the best things to do here:

5)Positano

However, if you don’t mind exploring just a little further afield, Sicily provides some of the most stunning hikes, idyllic beaches, and authentic Italian food around.

Related Article: Read more about lakes in Italy. Here is a Lake Como guide

  • Spiaggia Grande. Positano’s most popular spot for beach bathing, spend your day catching the rays or grab a kayak and explore the waters.
  • Path of the Gods. What was once an ancient mule route, this four-mile stretch along the coast offers stunning views of the Amalfi Coast. 
  • Day trip to Capri. Jump on a quick boat to the island of Capri to explore the hidden sites or enjoy a day of shopping.

6)Venice

While most of your time here will probably be spent soaking up the small-town atmosphere, there are a few key things we’d recommend doing:

To help you choose where to go, we listed some of the country’s most well-known cities and some of the lesser-visited but equally stunning secret spots. 

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If you want to be really prepared to visit the best places in Italy, you can’t skip my article about the top Italian hand gestures! 🙂

From the ancient architecture of Rome to the postcard-perfect views along the Amalfi coast, the fantastically varied sites of Italy have so much to offer the world traveler.

  • Old Town. Admire the architecture and find some foodie gems in Sorrento’s Old Town.
  • Piazza Tasso. The beating heart of Sorrento, Piazza Tasso is a heady buzz of colorful restaurants, cafes, and bars.
  • Cloister of San Francesco. This spot is popular with weddings and a stunning 13th-century monastery, overgrown with vines and leafy shrubs, and makes a fantastic backdrop for a photo.

The Takeaway

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If you’ve got time, we’d recommend heading to a few different places on the list, so you can experience both sides of Italy, the history of the ancient empire in Rome, and the food and stunning coastal scenery of the Amalfi Coast. 
While this is not a requirement for entry, I highly recommend purchasing a good travel insurance option with Covid-19 coverage. Besides its awe-inspiring architecture, Rome is one of Italy’s best places to visit, thanks to its fantastic food scene. What shouldn’t you miss if you decide to visit Rome? The list could be so long that this article could become a book 🙂 But for the sake of it, here are (some) of the many top sites:
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Taormina landscape – Sicily 

I’m from Sardinia, the second biggest island in the Mediterranean sea, but today I want to give a shout out to her bigger sister just off the toe of Italy: Sicily. Often overlooked for popular cities on the mainland (like Sardinia, to be fair).