Italy, with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and world-renowned cuisine, offers a diverse range of destinations for every type of traveler. If  you’re drawn to the artistic treasures of Florence, the coastal beauty of the Amalfi Coast, or the serenity of the Italian Alps, Italy has something to captivate your senses. Here’s a detailed guide to some of the must-see cities and regions that should be on your Italy itinerary.

Must-See Cities in Italy

1. Italian Dolomites (Lago di Braies, Tre Cime di Lavaredo)

The Dolomites are a breathtaking mountain range in northern Italy, part of the Alps, and are perfect for both nature lovers and adventure seekers. Famous for their towering peaks, lush valleys, and crystal-clear lakes, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a haven for hiking, skiing, and photography.

• Lago di Braies: Known as the “Pearl of the Dolomites,” this alpine lake is one of the most photographed spots in the region. Surrounded by dramatic mountains, its turquoise waters are a picture-perfect reflection of the surrounding peaks.
• Tre Cime di Lavaredo: One of the most iconic landmarks in the Dolomites, these three jagged peaks are visible from various hiking trails that offer stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. A must-do for nature enthusiasts and avid hikers.

The Dolomites are not just for outdoor adventures; they also offer quaint alpine villages, excellent Italian cuisine, and rich traditions.

2. Cinque Terre + Portofino

Located along the rugged Ligurian coastline, Cinque Terre is a stunning collection of five colorful, cliffside villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. These charming fishing villages are known for their vibrant houses, winding streets, and breathtaking coastal views.

• Cinque Terre: Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site’s coastal paths, perfect for hiking and enjoying the view of the Mediterranean Sea. The villages are connected by a train line, but hiking between them offers unparalleled views of the Ligurian coastline.

• Portofino: Just a short distance from Cinque Terre, Portofino is a glamorous coastal town known for its picturesque harbor, luxury boutiques, and upscale restaurants. Spend a day here soaking in the Mediterranean beauty, or embark on a boat tour around the coastline.

3. Venice, Verona, and Burano

• Venice: Arguably one of the most romantic cities in the world, Venice is a maze of canals, bridges, and stunning palaces. Visit iconic landmarks such as St. Mark’s Basilica, the Rialto Bridge, and take a traditional gondola ride through the canals. Don’t forget to wander through its narrow streets and hidden squares, discovering its unique charm.

• Verona: Known as the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Verona is a beautiful city that combines romance, history, and stunning architecture. Visit the Verona Arena, one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world, and explore the charming old town with its medieval architecture.

• Burano: This colorful island in the Venetian Lagoon is famous for its vibrant houses and lace-making tradition. It offers a serene escape from the crowds of Venice, with plenty of photo opportunities and quiet canals.

4. Amalfi Coast (Base Yourself in Sorrento and Make a Side Trip to Capri)

The Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s most iconic coastal regions, famous for its dramatic cliffs, quaint villages, and azure Mediterranean waters. The area is rich in history, culture, and beauty.

• Sorrento: A charming town overlooking the Bay of Naples, Sorrento is the perfect base for exploring the Amalfi Coast. It boasts stunning views, colorful streets, and delicious local cuisine. The town is also known for its lemon groves, which produce the famous Limoncello liqueur.

• Capri: A short boat ride from Sorrento, the island of Capri is famous for its luxury boutiques, dramatic coastline, and the Blue Grotto (a stunning sea cave illuminated by natural light). Explore the island’s picturesque towns, take a chairlift to the top of Mount Solaro for panoramic views, and relax in its beautiful gardens.

• Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello: Don’t miss these iconic towns along the Amalfi Coast. Positano is known for its cliffside houses and vibrant beach, while Ravello offers stunning views and serene gardens. Amalfi is home to an ancient cathedral and narrow streets filled with artisan shops.

5. Sicily (Taormina)

Sicily, Italy’s largest island, is a mix of cultures, landscapes, and history. Taormina is one of the most beautiful and historic towns on the island, perched on a hill with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and Mount Etna.

• Taormina: Known for its ancient Greek Theatre, which hosts summer performances with a backdrop of Mount Etna, this charming town offers a rich blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Stroll down its narrow streets, visit Isola Bella for a relaxing beach day, and enjoy authentic Sicilian cuisine.

• Mount Etna: Sicily is also home to Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano. You can take a cable car or guided tour to the summit, where you’ll find incredible views and the chance to see volcanic craters.

6. Matera

Matera is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient cave dwellings carved into limestone cliffs. Located in the southern region of Basilicata, this town is one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world.

• Sassi di Matera: The historic center of Matera is made up of two districts, Sassi Barisano and Sassi Caveoso, which feature cave homes, churches, and cave dwellings. This ancient town is often used as a filming location for historical films, including The Passion of the Christ.

• Rock Churches: Matera is also home to several rock-hewn churches, which date back to the Byzantine period. Visiting these ancient churches provides a glimpse into the region’s rich history.

7. Saturnia Hot Springs

For a relaxing experience, visit the Saturnia Hot Springs, located in Tuscany. The natural hot springs are known for their therapeutic properties and stunning beauty.

• The Terme di Saturnia spa complex offers luxury treatments, but you can also visit the free outdoor hot springs where the warm waters flow over travertine terraces, creating a surreal and relaxing landscape.

8. Pisa, Siena, and Cortona

• Pisa: Famous for its iconic Leaning Tower, Pisa offers more than just this world-famous monument. Explore the Piazza dei Miracoli, home to the cathedral and baptistery, and visit the Camposanto Monumentale for a peaceful experience among medieval art and tombs.

• Siena: Known for its medieval architecture, Siena is a stunning Tuscan city with a rich history. Visit the Piazza del Campo, the main square, and the Siena Cathedral, which boasts intricate gothic architecture.

• Cortona: This hilltop town in Tuscany offers beautiful views of the Val di Chiana and is known for its charming streets, Etruscan history, and vibrant arts scene.

9. Milan + Lake Como

• Milan: Italy’s fashion capital is not only about shopping. Milan boasts historical landmarks such as The Duomo, Sforza Castle, and Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper. It’s a city of art, history, and modernity, where you can explore world-class museums, dine in gourmet restaurants, and admire cutting-edge design.

• Lake Como: Just a short train ride from Milan, Lake Como is a serene retreat surrounded by mountains and dotted with beautiful villas and towns. Visit the picturesque town of Bellagio, explore the lakeside towns of Varenna and Tremezzo, and take a boat tour of the lake to enjoy the stunning views.

10. Naples + Pompeii

• Naples: Known for being the birthplace of pizza, Naples is a vibrant, historic city with incredible architecture, museums, and culture. The National Archaeological Museum is a must-see for history buffs.

• Pompeii: A short drive from Naples, Pompeii is one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites. The ancient Roman city was buried by a volcanic eruption from Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD and is remarkably well-preserved.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cities in Italy

1. What is the best time to visit Italy?

The best time to visit Italy is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) when the weather is mild and the crowds are fewer. Summer (July and August) can be very hot, especially in southern regions like Sicily and the Amalfi Coast, while winter (November to March) is great for visiting cities and skiing in the Alps or Dolomites.

2. How many cities should I visit in Italy?

It depends on the length of your trip. For a first-time visit, try to focus on 4-6 cities to get a taste of the country’s diverse regions. Popular cities include Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan, and Naples, while the surrounding areas such as the Amalfi Coast and Tuscany offer equally stunning experiences.

3. Is Venice worth visiting?

Yes! Venice is one of the most unique cities in the world. Its canals, architecture, and rich history make it a must-see. While it can be crowded with tourists, its beauty, museums, and romantic atmosphere are well worth the visit.

4. What is the best way to travel around Italy?

The best way to travel around Italy is by train. The country’s high-speed trains (Frecciarossa, Italo) connect major cities quickly and comfortably. For exploring smaller towns or rural regions like Tuscany or the Amalfi Coast, renting a car can be a great option.

5. Which city is best for art and history?

Florence is the best city for art and history in Italy. Known as the birthplace of the Renaissance, it is home to iconic museums like the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia, where you can see masterpieces by Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Leonardo da Vinci. Rome also has a wealth of ancient history and art, with landmarks such as the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, and the Pantheon.

6. Is Sicily a good place to visit?

Absolutely! Sicily is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. It offers stunning beaches, ancient ruins like the Valley of the Temples, the active Mount Etna volcano, and charming towns like Taormina. It’s perfect for history lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.

7. What are the best regions in Italy for food?

Italy is renowned for its regional cuisine. Emilia-Romagna (home of Bologna) is famous for rich pasta dishes like lasagna and tagliatelle. Tuscany is perfect for wine lovers, and Naples is the birthplace of pizza. The Amalfi Coast offers fresh seafood, while Sicily is known for its sweets like cannoli and granita.

8. What should I see in the Amalfi Coast?

The Amalfi Coast is known for its stunning cliffs, colorful villages, and turquoise waters. The best cities to visit include Positano, Ravello, and Amalfi. You can also take a boat ride to Capri, known for its Blue Grotto and luxurious vibes. Hiking the Path of the Gods offers breathtaking views.

9. Is the Cinque Terre crowded?

Yes, Cinque Terre can get crowded, especially in the summer months. However, visiting during the spring or fall will allow you to avoid the largest crowds while still enjoying the beautiful scenery, hiking trails, and charming coastal villages.

10. What is Matera known for?

Matera is known for its ancient cave dwellings, called “Sassi,” which have been carved into limestone over thousands of years. The city has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site and is famous for its unique architecture, cobbled streets, and its role as a filming location for movies like The Passion of the Christ.

11. Can I see ancient ruins in Italy?

Yes, Italy is home to numerous ancient ruins, especially in Rome, Pompeii, and Ostia Antica. The Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Pantheon in Rome are iconic landmarks, while Pompeii offers an incredibly well-preserved glimpse of life in a Roman city before it was buried by Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.

12. What is the best city for shopping in Italy?

Milan is Italy’s fashion capital, offering designer boutiques, high-end shopping districts like the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and famous outlets. Florence is also a great city for shopping, especially for leather goods, and Venice offers unique artisan shops for handcrafted jewelry and masks.

13. What is the best way to visit the Dolomites?

The Dolomites are best explored by car or on a guided hiking tour. There are many scenic routes through the mountains, such as the Great Dolomites Road, which offers incredible views of the peaks and valleys. Summer is ideal for hiking, while winter offers skiing opportunities.

14. What makes Bologna a must-visit?

Bologna is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and delicious food, especially as the home of Bolognese sauce (ragù). It has beautiful medieval towers, the world’s oldest university, and charming porticoed streets. It’s also a gateway to exploring nearby San Marino.

15. How do I get to Burano from Venice?

Burano, an island known for its brightly colored houses and lace-making tradition, is just a short boat ride away from Venice. Vaporetto water buses run regularly from Venice to Burano, making it a perfect day trip.

16. What are the best day trips from Milan?

Milan is close to several fantastic destinations, including Lake Como, with its beautiful villages and scenic views, and the charming town of Bergamo. You can also explore the wine regions of Lombardy, or visit the UNESCO-listed city of Pavia and its Certosa Monastery.

Wrap Up

Italy is a land of endless beauty, rich culture, and fascinating history, offering something for every traveler. From the majestic peaks of the Dolomites to the serene shores of Lake Como, and from the ancient ruins of Pompeii to the charming coastal villages of the Amalfi Coast, each region and city has its unique allure.