Italy is a timeless beauty that has captivated the hearts of travelers, poets, and artists for centuries. This Mediterranean marvel is stitched together with glistening coastlines, storied ruins, rolling vineyards, romantic cities, and sun-drenched villages. From my many Italian getaways, here are 15 of the most magical places that stole my heart…
1. Amalfi Coast
Amalfi Coast Italy
I fell head over heels for the Amalfi Coast’s dramatic beauty—cliff-hugging villages cascading into the sea, winding roads framed by lemon groves, and sparkling waters that shimmered like liquid sapphire. Each town had its own personality—Positano was chic and charming, Ravello was dreamy and artsy, and Amalfi had a rustic, old-world vibe.
Location: Southern Italy, Campania region
Best time to visit: May to June or September
Activities on offer: Coastal drives, sunbathing, boutique shopping, hiking the Path of the Gods
Accommodation: Le Sirenuse (Positano), Hotel Santa Caterina (Amalfi), Palazzo Avino (Ravello)
Map Location and Directions
My highlight: Sipping limoncello on a cliffside terrace in Ravello as the sun melted into the Tyrrhenian Sea.
2. Rome
Rome Colosseum Italy
Rome is a treasure trove of ancient wonders. Walking through the Eternal City felt like flipping through the pages of a history book—but better. The Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Pantheon were astonishing, but I also loved tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain and getting lost in Trastevere’s cobbled lanes.
Location: Central-western Italy
Best time to visit: Spring or Fall
Activities on offer: Visiting ancient ruins, Vatican tours, gelato tasting, piazza-hopping
Accommodation: Hotel de Russie, J.K. Place Roma, The Fifteen Keys Hotel
Map Location and Directions
3. Venice
Venice Canal Gondola Ride
Venice felt like a dream. I floated along quiet canals at sunrise, strolled through romantic bridges and palazzos, and got lost (deliberately!) in a maze of alleyways and hidden piazzas. It’s a city that whispers secrets through every ripple of water and echo of footsteps.
Location: Northeastern Italy
Best time to visit: April–June or September
Activities on offer: Gondola rides, St. Mark’s Basilica, glass shopping in Murano
Accommodation: Gritti Palace, Ca’ Sagredo Hotel, Bauer Palazzo
Map Location and Directions
4. Florence
Florence Italy
Florence dazzled me with its art, architecture, and timeless elegance. The Duomo was majestic, and standing before Michelangelo’s David left me speechless. The city feels like a living museum where the Renaissance still breathes in every piazza and painting.
Location: Tuscany, central Italy
Best time to visit: May or October
Activities on offer: Uffizi Gallery, wine tasting, leather shopping, sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo
Accommodation: Portrait Firenze, Hotel Brunelleschi, Villa Cora
Map Location and Directions
5. Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre Italy
This cluster of five candy-colored fishing villages along the Ligurian coast was as photogenic as they come. I loved hiking the scenic cliff trails, sampling pesto (which originated here!), and sipping wine with my toes dipped in the sea.
Location: Liguria region, Northwestern Italy
Best time to visit: May to September
Activities on offer: Coastal hiking, swimming, exploring pastel-hued villages
Accommodation: La Torretta Lodge (Manarola), Hotel Porto Roca (Monterosso)
Map Location and Directions
6. Lake Como
Lake Como Italy
Lake Como was pure elegance wrapped in alpine serenity. Surrounded by lush mountains and opulent villas, it felt peaceful yet impossibly glamorous. I adored the quaint lakeside towns like Bellagio and Varenna, and the boat rides were pure bliss.
Location: Lombardy region, Northern Italy
Best time to visit: April to October
Activities on offer: Boating, villa visits, lakeside walks, fine dining
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Il Sereno, Villa d’Este
Map Location and Directions
7. Milan
Milan Cathedral
Milan had a sleek, stylish energy. I marveled at the intricate Duomo, shopped in the luxurious Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and took a spiritual pause before da Vinci’s The Last Supper. It’s Italy’s fashion capital with a soul steeped in creativity.
Location: Northern Italy, Lombardy
Best time to visit: Spring and Autumn
Activities on offer: Shopping, museum tours, design expos
Accommodation: Bulgari Hotel, Room Mate Giulia, Château Monfort
Map Location and Directions
8. Siena
Siena Tuscany Italy
Siena felt like a medieval daydream with its preserved Gothic buildings, fan-shaped Piazza del Campo, and age-old traditions. I was enchanted by its intimate scale, earthy tones, and the energy of the Palio horse race echoing through its streets.
Location: Tuscany
Best time to visit: Spring and early Fall
Activities on offer: Climbing the Torre del Mangia, visiting Siena Cathedral, tasting Chianti wines
Accommodation: Hotel Athena, Palazzetto Rosso, Relais degli Angeli
Map Location and Directions
9. Verona
Verona Juliet’s Balcony
Known as the city of Romeo and Juliet, Verona offered romance, Roman ruins, and relaxed elegance. I stood beneath Juliet’s balcony, watched an opera in the ancient arena, and strolled hand-in-hand with gelato in tow.
Location: Veneto region, Northern Italy
Best time to visit: Spring and September
Activities on offer: Arena di Verona, Juliet’s House, river walks
Accommodation: Due Torri Hotel, Hotel Milano & Spa
Map Location and Directions
10. Bologna
Bologna Italy Porticoes
Bologna delighted me with its food, warm ochre buildings, and endless porticoes. I feasted on fresh tagliatelle al ragù (true Bolognese!), climbed the Asinelli Tower, and joined students at lively cafes. It’s cultured, confident, and delicious.
Location: Emilia-Romagna, Northern Italy
Best time to visit: Spring or October
Activities on offer: Culinary tours, architecture walks, local markets
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Majestic, Casa Bertagni, Art Hotel Novecento
Map Location and Directions
11. Sicily
Sicily Coastline Italy
Sicily felt like a different world with its rugged landscapes, ancient ruins, and rich flavors. From the Greek temples in Agrigento to the smoky silhouette of Mount Etna, it was wild, raw, and beautiful.
Location: Southern Italy (island)
Best time to visit: May or September
Activities on offer: Archaeological sites, volcanic hikes, food and wine tours
Accommodation: Villa Sant’Andrea, Monaci delle Terre Nere, Il San Corrado di Noto
Map Location and Directions
12. Naples
Naples Italy
Naples was raw, gritty, and absolutely alive. I felt the heartbeat of the city in its bustling streets, chaotic traffic, and its unmatched pizza. It was a base for exploring Pompeii and Capri, but it had its own intense charm too.
Location: Southern Italy, Campania
Best time to visit: Spring or Fall
Activities on offer: Pizza tasting, visiting Pompeii, boat to Capri
Accommodation: Romeo Hotel, Hotel Piazza Bellini, Grand Hotel Vesuvio
Map Location and Directions
13. Puglia (Alberobello & Ostuni)
Alberobello Trulli Houses
The trulli houses of Alberobello made me feel like I’d stepped into a fairytale. I also adored the whitewashed beauty of Ostuni and the golden beaches nearby. Puglia had a rustic charm that felt authentic and untamed.
Location: Southeastern Italy (heel of the boot)
Best time to visit: Late Spring or September
Activities on offer: Beach hopping, exploring trulli, wine tasting
Accommodation: Borgo Egnazia, Masseria Cervarolo, La Sommità Relais
Map Location and Directions
14. Dolomites
Dolomites Italy Mountains
The Dolomites were a slice of alpine paradise. I hiked through flower-filled meadows, picnicked beneath jagged peaks, and watched sunsets light the mountains pink. It’s nature at its most dramatic.
Location: Northern Italy
Best time to visit: Summer (for hiking) or Winter (for skiing)
Activities on offer: Skiing, hiking, mountain biking
Accommodation: Rosa Alpina, Forestis, Hotel Cristallo
Map Location and Directions
15. Vatican City
Vatican St. Peter’s Basilica
Although technically its own country, I couldn’t leave Vatican City off this list. St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel were mind-blowing. Michelangelo’s ceiling left me speechless—it was divine in every sense.
Location: Within Rome
Best time to visit: Early Spring or late Fall
Activities on offer: Art tours, papal audience, museum visits
Accommodation: St. Regis Rome, Palazzo Cardinal Cesi, Hotel Nazionale
Map Location and Directions
Dreaming of Italy?
Whether you want to sip Chianti in a vineyard, glide through Venice’s canals, or explore ancient ruins under the Tuscan sun—Italy has something to stir every soul. Let us help plan your unforgettable escape with our free travel concierge service.
