Headed to Italy This Year? Here Are 15 Amazing Places to See from the Alps to the Amalfi Coast 🏔️🍋

From snow-capped peaks to sun-kissed islands, Italy is a traveler’s dream. Here are the most beautiful destinations to see in your lifetime.
Italy is one of the most captivating countries in the world. A place where history, art, and culture blend seamlessly with breathtaking landscapes and world-class cuisine.
And in 2025, Italy’s pull is stronger than ever as it welcomes millions of pilgrims for the Jubilee Year, a once-every-25-years event for spiritual renewal and cultural exploration.
Jubilee officially began on Christmas Day 2024 and it ends on Epiphany in 2026.
If you’re making a pilgrimage to Rome, why not turn your journey into a grand Italian adventure?
Beyond the Eternal City, you’ll find countless destinations that showcase the diverse beauty of Italy. From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the sunny Amalfi Coast, Italy truly does have something for everyone.
So, if you’re planning a visit to Italy this year, you may be spending hours researching where exactly to go, how to get around, fun foods to try, etc.
I cover all of that and SO much more right here 👇
Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to book through these links, I receive a small commission, which I will undoubtedly blow on more flights (it’s a vicious cycle). All of this internet voodoo takes place at no additional cost to you.
Planning a trip to Italy in 2025?
From jaw-dropping destinations to how to find the best gelato, here’s everything you need to know to plan your trip to Italy.
But for today, let’s focus on your itinerary! Deciding where to go within Italy can be completely overwhelming. There are so many amazing places to visit in Italy and it can be tempting to try to squeeze them all in (Tip: Don’t try, it’s impossible!)
Not to worry, I’ve got you covered.
I’ve created a quick list of my favorite places in Italy to help you decide where to go.
The 15 Best places to visit in Italy
Believe me, I could go on and on with this list. And on. And on.
Seriously, after more than 25 visits to Italy (I also got married there), I could easily make a list of 100 amazing places to visit in Italy.
But for today, I’m going to focus on my favorite cities, regions, lakes, and islands around the country. Plus, a few off the radar gems well worth a detour.
It’s impossible to rank them in order because picking my single favorite place in Italy would like choosing my favorite limb. (Sorry, I need them all.)
So instead I’ll defer to the map and list them (loosely) from north to south.
Note: I’ll cover each spot very briefly here but for most of these destinations I’ve written much more detailed posts (linked conveniently in case you need more info!).
Let’s get started!
1. The Dolomites
World renowned as a winter skiing and adventure sport destination, Italy’s dramatic “Dolomiti” mountain range is located in the country’s northeast region, between Venice and the Austrian border.
The traditional Alpine villages of the Dolomites might have you wondering if you’ve accidentally crossed the border into Austria or Germany (in fact, many in the South Tyrol region speak German first, not Italian).
Though best known as a winter destination, this mountainous region is equally charming in the summer months when spectacular hiking trails, fresh Alpine air, and beautiful lakes (like Lake Braies) are the main attractions.
Tip: The tiny church of San Giovanni in Ranui is one of the most iconic sights in the Dolomites.
2. Lake Garda
Italy’s fantastic water views aren’t just limited to the coastline. This diverse country is also home to some pretty spectacular lakes.
And while Lake Como is the most famous, I actually prefer Lake Garda. It’s less crowded, less expensive and just as beautiful.
Perhaps the most lovely lakeside town in Garda is Limone sul Garda. It’s the perfect home base when exploring the Lake Garda region.
But Sirmione, Malcesine, and Riva del Garda are also glorious options for a lakeside holiday. From swimming and boating to exploring historic villages, you’ll find plenty to do around Lake Garda.
Like Lake Como, ferry transportation is the way to go during the summer months. However, if you visit in the off-season you may want a car.
Read More: Forget Lake Como: This Gorgeous Village is Everything an Italian Lake Town Should Be 🍋
3. Venice (& Burano/Murano)
Venice is perhaps Italy’s most unique city. Built on a series of islands in a lagoon, the ubiquitous canals are a beautiful sight. And there’s simply nothing more romantic than a gondola ride through the city.
St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace are both must-see sights, and the Rialto Bridge is a great place for quality people watching. Venice is definitely a city like no other and should not be missed.
If you have more than a day or two in Venice, take a ferry trip out to the islands of Burano (famed for its Venetian glass) and Murano (a charming fishing village with vibrantly painted houses.
Bonus: You can also catch a ferry in Venice to lovely Rovinj, Croatia, one of my favorite places (outside of Italy), Read More: The Romance of Venice Italy
4. Italian Riviera
Located in Italy’s northwestern corner, the coastal strip between the French border and the Tuscan border is widely referred to as the Italian Riviera. It’s divided in the center by Liguria’s capital city, the port town of Genoa.
To Genoa’s east, known as the Riviera di Levante, the most popular cities to visit are: Camogli, Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure, and Rapallo. Santa Margherita Ligure makes the ideal, affordable home base for exploring the region.
Read More: The Best of the Italian Riviera in 3 Days
One hidden gem not to be missed in this region is the seaside monastery of San Fruttuoso. Accessible only by boat, most ferries make a stop here between Camogli and Portofino.
Read More: Photo of the Day – San Fruttuoso Italy
5. Cinque Terre
Located farther south along the Italian Riviera in the Liguria region, the five vibrant villages that hug the dramatic coastline are collectively known as “Cinque Terre” or five lands.
From the nearby town of La Spezia (considered the gateway to the villages) they are, in order – Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare.
Early settlers converted the steep, rugged terrain into an elaborately-terraced landscape that allowed for the growing of vines and olive trees. Today, these unique five villages make up the Cinque Terre National Park.
For beaches (and fewer steps!), head to Monterosso al Mare.
To avoid the tourist crowds, try Corniglia. It’s the hardest of the villages to reach due to a lack of sea connections and infrequent train service.
But for pure romance and charm, it’s hard to top Riomaggiore, Manarola, or Vernazza (we kicked off our Round-the-World honeymoon in Riomaggiore!).
Read More: Italy’s Fantastic 5 – The Seaside Towns of Cinque Terre in 48 Hours
6. The Republic of San Marino
While not technically part of Italy, this sovereign hilltop microstate is surrounded by Italy on all sides. This fairytale town is like something out of a Disney movie and will literally charm your socks off.
It’s small enough to be visited in a day trip but do yourself a favor and linger for an overnight stay.
Tip: San Marino is best visited with your own rental car as there is no direct train service.
Read More: The Fairytale Republic of San Marino: Italy’s Mountaintop Microstate
7. Florence (& Pisa)
Florence is my favorite of the big Italian cities. It’s a large city with a small-town feel. Like Rome, the history here is rich and expansive. Not to mention the stunning architecture and incredible museums and artworks.
The Florence Cathedral (Duomo) dominates the city’s skyline and it’s one of Florence’s most impressive sights. Don’t miss a stroll across the Arno River on the iconic Ponte Vecchio bridge or a visit to the incredible Uffizi Gallery.
If you’re looking for a beautiful city to explore that just oozes Italian charm, Florence is the perfect destination. It’s also the ideal city to explore Tuscany’s culinary delights.
Read More: First Trip to Italy? Here Are 20+ Iconic Foods (& Drinks!) You Can’t Miss 🍋🍝🍷
Bonus: The iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa is just a short train ride away. (Because, c’mon, you’ve just gotta get that photo op!)
Read More: Bucket List Italy: How to Visit the Iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa
8. San Gimignano
Perhaps the most famous of the Italian hill towns, the walled city of San Gimignano is one of Tuscany’s best destinations.
The town’s skyline is dominated by striking medieval towers and the entire historic center is encircled by 13th-century walls. Located about 25 miles from either Florence or Siena, San Gimignano can easily be visited by organized (or self-driven) day trip.
It’s also a frequent stop with the tour bus circuit so don’t expect to have it all to yourself. But despite the daily crowds, it’s still absolutely worth a visit.
Tip: If you do want to experience San Gimignano without the crowds, visit in the off season or simply spend the night. Most tour buses arrive by 10:00am and depart by 4:00pm each day leaving the early morning and evenings perfect for peaceful exploration.
Read More: This Dazzling Walled City in Tuscany is Everything an Italian Hill Town Should Be
9. Elba Island
Located just off Italy’s northwestern coast, Elba is Italy’s third-largest island (after Sardinia and Sicily). It’s the largest of the nine islands that make up the National Park of the Tuscan Archipelago (Europe’s largest marine park).
Elba Island is perhaps most famous for harboring French Emperor Napoleon during his exile in 1814-15. But, Elba’s rich Napoleonic history aside, most visitors flock to this island for clear blue seas and magnificent beaches rivaling those in the Caribbean.
Read More: 3 Reasons to “Make Like Napoleon” and Escape to Italy’s Elba Island
10. Rome
Italy’s “Eternal City” is the country’s #1 must-see. I mean, you simply can’t visit Italy without at least a day or two in Rome. And if you’re coming for Jubilee, this is probably where you’ll start.
The Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps are all must-see sights, and there’s so much history to absorb around every corner in the historic city center. Plus, like the rest of Italy, the food is amazing.
Fortunately, most international flights arrive here so it’s an obvious first stop on any Italian itinerary. And as someone who first visited Rome many years ago, I can say with certainty that it’s an amazing city to explore.
Read More: Rome in 48 Hours
11. Procida
For many years, colorful Procida was probably best known as “the extra ferry stop” between Naples and the popular islands of Ischia and Capri. Often overlooked in favor of its glitzier neighboring islands, Procida has long been one of my favorite hidden gems in Italy.
However, in 2022, this tiny, soft spoken island beat out nine other Italian cities and small towns to be named Italy’s Capital of Culture. Procida is the first island to win the award after its inception 8 years ago and assumes the crown from Parma, last year’s winner.
So things could get busier in this sleepy fishing village in the coming year…get there while you can.
Read More: Pretty Procida is the Best Italian Island You’ve Never Heard Of
12. Ischia
The largest island in Southern Italy’s Gulf of Naples, the volcanic island of Ischia is famed for its mineral-rich thermal waters.
The island is home to bubbling hot springs, therapeutic spas, dazzling beach resorts, lush gardens, and rolling vineyards. Not to mention one pretty impressive medieval castle built on a rock in 474 BC (Castello Aragonese).
If you’re looking for an island in the Amalfi Coast area to call home for your stay, Ischia is a terrific choice. The island has plenty of affordable hotel options and easy ferry connections for day trips to Capri, Procida, and Sorrento.
Read More: Is the Volcanic Island of Ischia Italy’s Hottest Destination?
13. Pompei
You can’t visit Italy without visiting the incredible ruins of Pompei.
Pompei offers a rare and haunting glimpse into ancient Roman life, frozen in time by the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.
As you walk through its remarkably preserved streets, you’ll see villas, temples, and bathhouses that provide insight into the daily lives of its residents. Don’t miss the Forum, the amphitheater, and exquisite frescoes that still adorn the walls of ancient homes.
Pompei is more than a historical site—it’s a vivid reminder of the power of nature and the resilience of humanity. That’s why I consider it one of Italy’s most unforgettable destinations.
14. Capri
Capri is Italy’s most famous island with good reason. Capri’s natural landscape is spectacular. Everyone thinks so. And, as a result, everyone goes there. Like ritzy Lake Como, Capri is best known for 5-star hotels, designer shops and the European jet set.
Don’t get me wrong, you have to see it. It’s just not the place I would chose as a home base for a visit to the Amalfi Coast region.
15. Positano & the Amalfi Coast
Stretching more than 30 miles along Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula, the sun-kissed Amalfi Coast has charmed visitors for decades.
From Sorrento to Salerno, a labyrinth of narrow alleys and gravity-defying stairways connect mountain to sea with typical Italian flair. Traditional white-washed houses and magenta bougainvillea blend with the scent of lemon blossoms to create a dramatic landscape that seems plucked from a watercolor painting.
Designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997, the Amalfi Coast is one Bucket List destination that truly lives up to the hype.
The impossibly beautiful village of Positano is the most popular home base for visitors to the region. It’s also home to some world-class hotels.
Read More: The Best of the Amalfi Coast Italy in 4 Amazingly Affordable Days
Summer is prime time for the Amalfi Coast but I also once visited in the winter months, on Round the World #4. And I have to say, while pretty much every hotel and restaurant was closed, it was spectacular to see the region without a single tourist to be found (well, except me!).
I used lovely Sorrento as a home base and it was a breeze to travel to Amalfi, Positano and neighboring towns by local bus. And the weather was mild, even in January. Highly recommend.
Read More: Positively Perfect Positano
And that’s a wrap!
If you’re planning a vacation to Italy this year, you’re truly in for a treat!
Italy is a destination that has inspired travelers for decades. No matter how many times I’ve been, I know there is always more to explore.
And now is the perfect time to go!
Whether you’re visiting for the Jubilee or simply in search of your next adventure, these 15 beautiful places are the perfect glimpse into the extraordinary wonders of Italy.
From ancient ruins to picturesque coastal towns and everything in between, Italy’s beauty and culture will stay with you long after you’ve boarded the flight home.
So what are you waiting for? Start planning your Italian adventure today!
Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Italy (2025)