best places to visit while you’re in Italy
.1. Siena
Florence actually had a rival when it came to arts and culture, and that Siena, in the 13th and 14th centuries. Siena is still a stronghold of art and architectural treasures. Be sure to visit the incredible Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, which will stun you with its striped bell tower and inlaid marble façade. The interior of the cathedral contains works by great artists and sculptors, such as Giovanni Pisano, Donatello, Lorenzo Ghiberti, and Bernini. Explore the winding medieval streets and the friendly plazas. One of the finest places to visit in Italy, Siena is home to the famous chaotic horse race known as the Palio.
2. Rome
The country’s capital, Rome, is an ancient city packed with more than 3,000 years of history. Here you’ll find the amazing Vatican City, the seat of the Holy See. Rome has some of the finest art known to mankind. Be sure to visit the ruins of the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, taste Roman cuisine, explore Vatican City, and make a wish at the Trevi Fountain and more. When it comes to Italy destinations, you don’t get better than the Sistine Chapel. Be sure to homage to Michelangelo’s best work to your heart’s content.
3. Venice
Venice has been built on a lagoon, so instead of roads, you have canals. The city is made up of 118 small islands. The Grand Canal is lined with palaces from the Gothic and Renaissance periods. This is where you’ll find the famous Piazza San Marco which is a prime location for some stunning architecture. Wondering where to go in Italy? Just head to Venice. Explore the intriguing and quaint cobblestone streets, admire the art and be sure to enjoy a romantic gondola ride around town.
4. Milan
Milan is Italy’s fashion capital. Milan is a financial hub, known mostly for its high-end fashion boutiques and exclusive restaurants, especially along the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Here you can surround yourself in bespoke luxury, great cuisine, art, and culture. Check out Da Vinci’s Last Supper fresco, at the Milan Cathedral (Duomo). Be sure to explore the Castello Sforzesco and the incredible architecture of the Monumental Cemetery. Milan is one of the great Italy tourist attractions, so don’t miss it.
5. Amalfi Coast
What to see in Italy? How about the magnificent Amalfi Coast? Dotted with colorful fishing villages, the Amalfi Coast is a 50km stretch along the Sorrentine Peninsula. This Mediterranean paradise has lovely beaches for sunbathing and steep cliffs that surround the ocean. The Amalfi Coast has some of Italy’s top hiking trails dotted with some great hotels and restaurants. Spend a day at Capri Island, do some beach bumming and spend some time in Positano.
6. Pompeii
At Pompeii, you’ll be shipped back to 79AD when Mount Vesuvius erupted and wiped out the entire city. Now Pompeii is an expertly preserved city once covered by a deep blanket of volcanic ash. If you’re into history and especially archaeology, you’ll love exploring the streets, buildings and the ancient bodies preserved in ash. Explore Pompeii’s Forum, admire the frescoes at the Villa of the Mysteries, and check out the garden of the fugitives.
7. Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is a collection of five villages along the Italian Riviera coastline, which lead you to an equally colorful coast. Beautiful terraces overlook the waters, with restaurants serving fresh seafood dishes on them. You can hike from town to town or choose to hike between them. Visit the Cinque Terre National Park, take a boat tour, and explore the Church of San Francesco.
8. Sicily
Sicily is the place to head to if you’re looking for incredibly dramatic landscapes surrounded by turquoise blue seas. Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean, which houses the still-active Mount Etna. Sicily’s landscapes vary from coastal beauty to flowery meadows. Its magical Mediterranean cuisine is to die for, while its combined Italian and Greek histories will charm you. During winter, you can ski on Mount Etna and visit the Valley of the Temples, and check out the mosaics in Villa Romana del Casale. Be sure to try some of the street food in Sicily and try its best wines.
9. Naples
Naples is the veritable birthplace of pizza. If you want to try pizza as it is meant to be, then visit Naples. One of Italy’s largest cities, Naples is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you can explore many castles, palaces and thousands of years of architecture and art. Be sure to visit the island of Capri, check out the ruins of Herculaneum, explore the underground Naples and climb Mount Vesuvius.
10. Tuscany
Tuscany is a picture-perfect region full of fertile lands and green, rolling hills. Tuscany is famous for its wines, so be sure to visit a few vineyards for wine-tasting. Tuscany is Italy’s culinary capital – indulge your taste buds in something fresh every day. Explore the medieval hilltop towns and pay homage to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Visit the city of Siena and explore the picturesque La Verna.
11. Lake Como
Lake Como is the holiday resort home of the world’s celebrities. This region is home to upscale resorts located in dramatic and picturesque landscapes. Lake Como, the largest lake in Italy is shaped like a Y. This incredible lake is surrounded by the snow-capped Alps. Be sure to explore the surrounding cities and admire their Renaissance architecture. Check out the luxury villas of Lake Como and stroll the streets of Bellagio. Boat or cruise across the lake and visit the Duomo of Como Cathedral.
12. Florence
Florence is the city of the Medicis, the first professional bankers of the Renaissance world. It’s a city packed with works of art around every corner. Florence has it all – incredible art and Renaissance architecture, great food, excellent wines, and boutique designer shops. Be sure to marvel at Michelangelo’s statue of David, and sip some famous Tuscan wines. Climb the Bell Tower and the Duomo, and exclaim over the view from Piazzale Michelangelo. Be sure to visit the Uffizi Gallery and do check out some of the incredible leather factories! Apply for your Schengen visa today and tour Italy at the earliest. Click to apply for Schengen visa in Dubai.
Conclusion
Italy holds several attractions for visitors. This country is famous for its amazing food, its wines, art, architecture, and incredible landscapes. Whether you’re there for culture, shopping, sights or just to soak in the atmosphere, Italy doesn’t disappoint.
