Italy lies along the Mediterranean coastline, which has left a powerful mark on its culture and cuisine. Italy has captivated everyone’s attention with its most varied and scenic landscapes,which makes it difficult to pin down the places to visit in Italy.

Its capital, Rome, is a landmark to art and ancient ruins of incredible roman heritage. Other popular cities include Venice, the floating town; Florence, with masterpieces such as Michelangelo’s “David”; and Milan, its fashion capital. At Italy’s apparent top stand the Dolomites, Italian Alps, with its envying landscapes. Whereas Tuscany, to the south of the cisalpine region, is perhaps the country’s most prestigious region.

Italy is such a great place that it would be an injustice to visit only a single location. It is every bit breathtaking as you’d imagine.

The Italian Riviera is a narrow crescent-shaped strip of Mediterranean coastline perching between the south of France and Tuscany. The exciting coast is home to picturesque seaside towns, beautiful hikes with panoramic sea views, and delightful local cuisine.

1. Lake Garda

Lake Garda is Italy’s largest lake – which makes it exceptionally diverse. The southern shore is characterized by gentle hills, while steep cliffs fringe the waters to the north. On Lake Garda’s shores lie picturesque towns, from Sirmione at the southern base to Riva del Garda on the Northern tip, each with its own character and appeal. Lake Garda unquestionably should be included in your list of top places to visit in Italy.

Our personal favorite here was visiting the medieval Castles and Monte Baldo’s top with the Cable Car. A Boat which runs every day takes you in and around all towns surrounding the Lake Garda.

How to reach Lake Garda?

By Air: Verona Airport is the nearest to reach the southern part of Lake Garda. It is just half an hour from Lake Garda.

By Train: Peschiera del Garda and Desenzano on the Lake Garda can be reached by train. Hourly Trains run to these stations from Verona.

2. Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This coastal area of five colorful villages is located in the northwest of Italy. The picturesque village of Corniglia, Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Manarola, and Riomaggiore, are all part of this magnificent area. For exploring Cinque Terre, you can use either Sestri Levante or La Spezia(Sestri Levante) as your base for exploring the five towns. Day trippers usually crowd this place, but to take in every bit of its charm, plan at least 4-5 days to explore the walking trails and the local cuisines with exceptional Italian wine.

How to reach Cinque Terre? 

By Air: The closest airport is at Geno and Pisa. 

By Rail: When in Italy, the Train is the easiest way to get in and around Cinque Terre. Trenitalia has direct connections to La Spezia (nearest station) from Rome, Florence, Genoa, and Pisa. The Cinque Terre Express train runs between La Spezia and Levanto in Sestri Levante, stopping at each village. 

3. Tuscany

Tuscany region in central Italy is known for its small towns, villages, castles, villas, and vineyards. It is one of the top places to visit in Italy. Each part of the Tuscany has its own novel peculiarity. While it’s arduous to narrow down places to visit in this region, Siena, Lucca, Cortona, San Gimignano, Pisa, Florence are a few of the towns you can explore Tuscany. 

How to Reach Tuscany?

By Air: You can reach by air to Milan or Rome, and continue driving to Tuscany. Florence and Pisa are also good
By Rail: From the capital of Tuscany Florence, you can easily reach other places in Tuscany.

4. Florence

Florence, the jewel of the Renaissance, is renowned worldwide for its contribution to modern society’s arts and culture.

During the Middle Ages, Florence was one of the most significant cities globally and gave birth to legends of some of the most influential and excellent scholars, artists, and visionaries the world has seen, such as Da Vinci and Michelangelo.

How to reach Florence?

By Air: Amerigo Vespucci Airport serves Florence, which is 5 kilometers away from the city center.

By Rail: Florence has good connections with the main northern cities; it also has an excellent connection to Rome, which about an hour and a half away. 

By Road: When traveling by car, the A1 highway runs past Florence.

5.Lake Como

In Northern Italy’s Lombardy region, Lake Como is an upscale resort area known for its dramatic scenery, set against the Alps’ foothills. The lake is shaped like an upside-down Y, with three slim branches that meet at Bellagio’s resort town. At the bottom of the southwest branch lies the city of Como, home to Renaissance architecture and a funicular that travels up to the mountain town of Brunate. 

Did you know that the James Bond Movie ‘Casino Royale’ was filmed at Lake Como?

How to get to Lake Como?

By Air: Milan is the closest Airport to Lake Como. From Milan, you can rent a car to reach Lake Como.

By Rail: You can also reach Lake Como by Train, you have to get a train from “Cardona” railway station and take a train to the “Como Nord Lago” station. The journey is one hour long and costs around €4.80. 

6. Amalfi Coast

Amalfi region dwells on Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula’s southern shore, incorporating some of its most dramatic coastlines. Here Pastel-colored houses are hanging onto the precipitous slopes, and tiered gardens descend to the sea.

How to reach the Amalfi Coast?

By Air: Naples Airport is the closest airport to the Amalfi coast. Many people also choose to arrive here from Rome.

The primary public transport to the Amalfi Coast is SITA buses and ferries, and hydrofoils in the peak season.

7. Venice

No other place in the world can compare to the beauty that Venice is. 

This floating city has some fantastic hidden bridges, narrow lanes, and legendary canals; perfect to be explored with your partner. This mystic city is like heaven to couples; one of the most romantic things to do here is riding in a gondola with your loved one.

For a detailed guide to Venice, we have put together a complete guide to Venice. 

How to reach Venice?

By Air: The Marco Polo airport is the international airport of Venice.  

By Rail: Venice is also well connected by Train. If you decide to travel by train, you will arrive at the Venice Santa Lucia Train Station.

8. Pisa 

Pisa in the Tuscany region is famous for the leaning tower, which is an iconic structure worldwide. It is said that the building took 221 years to complete. There are more attractions in Pisa that will keep you occupied for at least a day. This city is a perfect stop in your Tuscany Itinerary.

How to reach Pisa?

By Air: The closest airport to Pisa is the Pisa Galileo Galilei Airport. The airport is 6.1 km from the city center.

By Road: The gorgeous region of Tuscany is best explored by road due to its picturesque views. The city of Pisa is just one hour’s drive from Florence.

By Rail: Pisa is well connected by Rail, and the San Rossore Station is the closest to the city center. However, Pisa Centrale Station is the central station of the city.

9. Naples 

Naples is famous for its pizza and its wealth of historical attractions.

Did you know that this city is the birthplace of pizza? No doubt! That the food scene here is to die for.

Naples is home to a wealth of historical treasures and has incredible and fascinating underground tours uncovering the remains of the ancient city’s infrastructure covering almost two millennia.

How to reach Naples?

By Air: Naples International Airpot is the airport that you can fly to reach the city.

By Road: When visiting by car, the A1 highway directly connects Rome to Naples

10. Rome

Rome is the most iconic and charismatic city In Italy. With its ancient ruins dating back to the Romans, its famous gelatos, and great Italian Pizzeria, this city oozes every bit of romance. So grab yourself a gelato and explore the Cobblestone street and stunning architecture of this ancient city. Some of the most fabulous attractions to explore here are Colleseum, Pantheon, and Trevi Fountain. 

How to reach Rome?

Rome has 2 airports  Fiumicino (Leonard da Vinci) airport or Ciampino airport.  The Rome airport of Fiumicino is the main international airport and is about 40 kilometers from the city center. Ciampino airport is the smaller of two, mostly flying budget flights is only about 12.5 km from the center.

If you’re planning on exploring more cities in Italy, the Train is also an excellent option to consider. 

This was our list of top places to visit in Italy. Do let us know in the comments which place you would love to visit in Italy? If you have any more cities to add to our list of places to visit in Italy, let us know in the comments?

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