Updated: September 20, 2026
Italy has a way of pulling you in and making you want to come back again and again. I’ve definitely felt that pull. No matter how many times I visit, it never feels like enough. It’s really got a hold on me🎶 I don’t know if it’s the food, the people, or the kind of beauty that almost feels too cinematic to be real, but somehow this country always finds its way into my travel plans.
Places to Visit in Italy
After several trips and dozens of cities, narrowing this list down wasn’t easy. I kept it concise by highlighting the places that truly stood out to me, with a few honorable mentions at the end, since there are still so many regions I haven’t explored yet but hope to someday.
All that to say, this isn’t a random list. Whether it’s your first trip or your eighth, I hope it sparks some inspiration for your travels.
Here are 13 of the most incredible places to visit in Italy to add to your itinerary, each one offering its own unique kind of magic.
1. Bellagio
Here’s a little secret about me: whenever I have to imagine a place that brings me joy and calm, I remember a specific moment in Bellagio. The streets were quiet; it had just rained, and my husband and I had just checked into our hotel and were wandering around town with a camera in one hand, a gelato in the other, and I remember thinking, “this is what I love.”
Often called the “Pearl of Lake Como,” Bellagio feels like stepping into a postcard. You’ll notice a lot of the towns on this list feel that way. Located where the lake splits into two, it’s the cobblestone stairways, pastel homes, and waterfront views that make Bellagio shine.
Spend your time wandering its beautiful streets, sipping wine by the water, and soaking in the elegance that defines this part of northern Italy. You can also take quick ferry rides to Varenna or Menaggio for day trips.
2. Pienza
And then there’s Pienza, a small but unforgettable place in the heart of Tuscany, surrounded by the rolling hills of the Val d’Orcia. Pienza is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is effortlessly charming. Apparently, it’s known as a Renaissance town intentionally designed as the “ideal city” in the 15th century.
On our latest trip to Tuscany, Pienza turned out to be my favorite. It’s so picturesque. My only regret is not spending more time there. What makes Pienza so special isn’t just its beauty, but the feeling. The town’s vibe creates a slower, more romantic side of Italy that’s easy to fall in love with. I must go back to Pienza.
3. Burano
Burano is pure joy in color form. This tiny island near Venice is famous for its rainbow-painted houses, originally designed so fishermen could spot their homes in the fog. I love colorful architecture, so Burano was like my Disneyland (as my dad always says).
The flawless facades, all the flower boxes, and the picture-perfect streets were right up my alley. It’s a peaceful escape with canals and lace-making traditions just a short boat ride away from Venice. Read more about Burano here.
4. Venice
Which brings me to my favorite place in the world, Venice. Venice is unlike anywhere else. Built on water, its canals replace streets, and gondolas glide past beautiful, historical architecture.
Yes, it’s popular, but it’s popular for a reason. Get lost in the neighborhoods, photograph the bridges, and experience the city early in the morning or late at night, when it feels almost dreamlike. Read more about Venice and why I love it here.
5. Orvieto
While exploring the Tuscany and Umbria regions in Italy, I absolutely adored Orvieto. Orvieto sits high up on a cliff with fantastic views all around. We had some of our favorite dining experiences of that trip in Orvieto, enjoyed shopping, and just the overall relaxed atmosphere.
Right in the center of Orvieto, you’ll find a 14th-century Roman Catholic cathedral, one of the most beautiful buildings I’ve ever seen in my life. I’ve seen a lot of the famous cathedrals around Europe, but the one in Orvieto had me feeling some sort of way. The details just left me in awe.
Between the stunning church, the underground tunnels, and how uncrowded it feels (especially compared to Perugia in Umbria), Orvieto is a great stop if you’re looking for something a little deeper and less touristy.
6. Civita di Bagnoregio
Civita di Bagnoregio is a gorgeous hilltop village accessible only by a long pedestrian bridge, and a €5 per person fee as of 2026. Once you walk across that bridge, you’re suddenly in this tiny, surreal place founded over 2,500 years ago.
Rumor has it that Civita di Bagnoregio only hosts 10-15 residents. It may be known as the “dying city”, but its beauty is still holding strong. It’s a little haunting but in the best way.
You’ll find a few restaurants, some souvenir shops, and even a museum. It’s not a town you need a lot of time in, but it’s unquestionably worth the stop for the views alone, one of those places that just sticks with you.
7. Positano
You can never make a list of Italy’s most incredible places without including Positano. Positano is the Amalfi Coast’s showstopper. Cliffside homes stacked vertically above the sea, creating one of Italy’s most photographed views.
It’s glamorous, romantic, and undeniably attractive. No bad angles in this town! But be prepared for a lot of stairs. So many stairs. Positano has gotten more crowded over the years (as have Venice, Rome and Florence), so try visiting during the off-peak or shoulder seasons. Read more about Positano and the Amalfi Coast towns here.
8. Atrani
Just minutes from Positano’s spotlight, Atrani offers a quieter, more intimate slice of the Amalfi Coast. It’s Italy’s smallest town. With its charming piazza, relaxed vibe, and fewer crowds, you’ll feel like you’ve discovered a hidden treasure.
If you’re in Amalfi, you can walk to Atrani and capture all the viewpoints along the way. You don’t need much time in Atrani, but it’s worth a visit. Read more about Positano and the Amalfi Coast towns here.
9. Spello
Spello was the dreamiest Umbrian town we visited. The stone streets are lined with flowers, and the views stretch out over the Umbrian valley. It’s small, but that’s part of the charm. You can wander without a plan and keep stumbling on little details like tucked-away alleyways, Roman gates, and perfectly kept window boxes.
If you visit during the Infiorata di Spello event (June), you’ll get to see the streets covered in intricate designs made entirely of flower petals.
10. Monterosso al Mare
Monterosso al Mare is one of the loveliest villages in Cinque Terre. It was certainly my favorite. It felt less crowded, and there seemed to be more to do and eat. It’s the largest of the five villages and the only one with a long sandy beach. And I’m not a beach person! But it was beautiful to photograph. Besides the beach, it’s popular for its fresh lemon specialties and delicious pesto. Do not miss the pesto.
11. San Gimignano
San Gimignano looks like a medieval skyline frozen in time. Many consider it the most beautiful village in Tuscany. You can wander its stone streets, enjoy a scoop of world-famous gelato from Gelateria Dondoli, and take in the spectacular countryside. Since you’re in Tuscany, you’ll have plenty of nearby wineries to visit and can capture the town from different angles. Are you noticing a theme here?
12. Naples
Naples is bold, gritty, and full of soul. It may feel a little rough around the edges, but that’s part of its appeal. My favorite reason to visit Naples is the food! So much good food. This is the birthplace of pizza, after all.
We recently came back from Bologna, which is apparently known as the food capital of Italy, but we liked Naples’ food scene better. Plus, with views of Mount Vesuvius, access to the Amalfi Coast, and an energy that’s completely its own, Naples is an experience you won’t forget.
13. Procida
Procida feels like Italy before the crowds. Less visited than nearby Capri or Ischia, it offers pastel-colored houses, stunning beaches, and an authentic local atmosphere. If you’re looking for a more intimate island experience, this is it. It’s only a short ferry ride from Naples. Read more about Procida here.
Whether you’re drawn to dramatic coastlines, storybook villages, or cities layered with centuries of history, Italy delivers at every turn.
A Note on Rome and Florence
I didn’t include these two on my list because you’re probably going to visit them anyway. Rome and Florence (and Venice) are the most visited places in Italy. Having been to them, I wanted to offer a window into other towns.
Rome and Florence are incredible cities with loads of history and are well worth the visit, but I’d recommend going in the off-peak season if you can.
I was in Rome briefly in late April 2026, which is considered “shoulder season”, and it was crazy crowded. Overwhelmingly crowded. So spread out, maybe?
Notable Mentions
Alberobello– I’m sure you’ve seen photos of Alberobello with its iconic white trulli houses and cone-shaped roofs. The whole town looks like something out of a fairytale, and I’m here for it.
Matera– Matera is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Its ancient homes, carved into rock, create an impressive setting. At night, when the city lights up, it looks like a living museum.
Lake Garda– A unique mix of Alpine scenery and Mediterranean vibes with lakeside villages and beaches. What’s not to love?
Pitigliano– Look up photos of Pitigliano. It looks insanely cool. It’s a dramatic town carved into volcanic rock, ready to be captured on film. It’s also known as “Little Jerusalem” for its historic Jewish heritage. I had it on my Tuscany road trip list, but we couldn’t make it happen this time.
Dolomites– Beyond the unreal peaks, this area is packed with some of Europe’s best scenic walks. I’m already jotting down all the towns and villages in the Dolomites I need to visit.
What would you add to this list? As you can see, my itineraries for this country keep growing, so I’d love any and all recommendations for places I may have missed.
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2 Comments
This was an interesting and informative read. I appreciate that the information is organized logically, which makes it easy to follow from beginning to end. Some of the points mentioned here are things people often overlook, so having them explained in one place is genuinely helpful. I’ll definitely keep some of these details in mind for the future.
I’m always reminded how much I still need to see in Italy! Orvieto looks amazing (that church!!) and Procida as well. I think I preferred Varenna to Bellagio. So many fantastic places for a small country!