After countless plates of pasta, approximately 87 gelatos, and enough espresso and wine to fuel a small country, I’ve finally compiled my ultimate guide of places to visit in Italy.
I have spoiled you with my Italy tips for travel and my things to do in Venice(and those NOT to do), but now I’m back with more.
I am a slow traveller, and after seven-month-long visits to Italy (plus six weeks travelling for free by housesitting in Italy), this boot-shaped paradise has completely stolen my heart (and expanded my waistline, but let’s not talk about that here – I’ll pretend that it’s mid-life spread and blame it on my hormones).
Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, beach lover, or just someone who appreciates me telling you what Italy is really like, you are in the right place.
So grab a glass of Chianti and let me walk you through the 27 places in Italy that left me speechless—and trust me, that takes some doing…
This post may contain affiliate links. They cost you nothing but we make a small commission. If you would like me to explain it further, please visit our disclaimer page.
Italy….it is my dream place, my favourite destination. I adore it!
The Iconic Must-Sees: Italy’s Greatest Hits
1: Rome
The Eternal City is simply breathtaking, with layers of history stacked upon each other like a delicious Italian lasagna!
Walking through Rome’s ancient streets, gelato in hand, I felt like I’d entered a living museum.
The Colosseum left me speechless; it really did, while tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain made me feel like Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday.
When planning a trip to Italy there are mistakes to make and one of them would be missing out on climbing to the top of St. Peter’s Basilica for views that will make you cry with happiness.
Best time to visit: October-November or March-April when the weather is pleasant and crowds are thinner. Avoid August when locals flee the city and many restaurants close.
Local food must-try: Cacio e pepe (pasta with pecorino cheese and black pepper) at a traditional trattoria in Trastevere, followed by supplì (fried rice balls with melted mozzarella centers) from a local street food vendor.
Not to miss tours:
Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Guided Tour
Enjoy exclusive priority access to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill on a guided tour.
Walk in the footsteps of gladiators and emperors as you travel back to the era of ancient Rome. You will LOVE this experience! Learn
Get your three-in-one Rome tour here
ALSO: Colosseum: Underground and Ancient Rome Tour
Embark on a guided tour of the Colosseum with access to the arena, underground, second tier, and more. Experience Roman history as you have never seen it before!
Get your Underground and special access Colosseum tour here
2: Florence
Inside the beautiful hidden “locals” church in Florence
Oh my goodness, Florence! The birthplace of the Renaissance will steal your heart faster than you can say “Michelangelo.”
Florence (Firenze) is the capital city of the region of Tuscany and is one of the most beautiful places on earth.
If you’ve never been to this part of Italy before, then you are in for a treat.
The Uffizi Gallery houses masterpieces that had me welling up with tears (embarrassing the kids, naturally), but Florence’s true magic happens when you wander its narrow streets.
Cross the Ponte Vecchio at sunset, then climb to Piazzale Michelangelo for panoramic views.
I tell you…it will make you question why you don’t just sell everything and move here!
It is the perfect European city for families with kids, couples looking for romance or a hideaway to get away by yourself and soak up this special piece of Italy.
Florence holds in its arms many masterpieces of both architecture and Renaissance art, along with world-class restaurants and fabulous romantic sunsets.
No wonder it is often voted as one of the most beautiful places in the world to visit.
Best time to visit: November or February when tourist numbers plummet but most attractions remain open. Spring brings beautiful blooms but also crowds.
Local food must-try: Bistecca alla Fiorentina (enormous T-bone steak grilled over chestnuts) shared with someone you love, and lampredotto sandwich (if you’re brave!) – a traditional tripe sandwich from the city’s street carts.
Not to miss: My in-depth Blog post sharing my experience of Florence off the beaten-track!
Please allow!! (Seriously, you’ll thank me for this)
Florence: Uffizi Gallery Tour and Timed Entrance Ticket
Some things are worth every cent…Is there anything more beautiful than the Uffizi Gallery?
There is nothing worse than spending your vacation time standing around in line and that’s why I’m sharing this little tip with you.
For not much more than $20 each, you will enjoy a fabulous guided tour AND priority entry to Italy’s greatest art treasures with a reserved entrance ticket to the Uffizi Gallery in Florence.
See masterpieces by Michelangelo, Da Vinci, and Giotto, and spend as much time as you like gazing at Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus.”
See masterpieces by Michelangelo, Da Vinci, and Giotto, and spend as much time as you like gazing at Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus.”
Some things are worth paying for and this pass is one of them!
Escape the hassle and hurry and explore with a guide. (And just so you know, once the tour is over you can stay inside the museum for as long as you like.)
Get your Guided tour and fast pass here.
Another fabulous Thing to do in Florence:
Pasta & Tiramisu Cooking Class (with Unlimited Wine!)
If, like me, you love pasta, chocolate and wine then THIS has to be one of the best things to do in Florence, Italy!
Get ready to roll up your sleeves and learn how to make fresh pasta and the perfect tiramisu in a cooking class in a beautiful Florence restaurant.
Learn some tips and tricks on how to make these two classic Italian dishes, and once you are finished, sample what you have made! Yum!
Enjoy your meal with local wine while you marvel at the attractive decor in the quaint Italian restaurant. Get a quick overview from your instructor about what you will make.
Follow their instructions and begin making your fresh pasta. Next, learn the secret to making a real tiramisu.
After you have finished, sit down to enjoy what you have made! Sip on 3 glasses of wine (or more if you are like me and love wine!).
As you eat the food, chat with your fellow group members, and talk to your instructor about Italian food or Florence in general!
End the meal with a coffee or a limoncello.
Perfetto!
Get more details of this fabulous tour HERE.
3: Venice
Venice. We’ve been to Venice many times as a couple, and we’ve also been to it with the kids. Every time was different.
Venice is exactly like the postcards—only better, wetter, and with way more tourists (sorry, but true).
Getting lost in the labyrinthine streets is actually the best thing to do here (trust me, you’ll do it whether planned or not and it’s one of the things to do in Venice that you don’t have a choice over).
Take a gondola ride at dusk when the Grand Canal glimmers with golden light, and visit St. Mark’s Square early morning before the crowds descend.
Yes, it can be expensive and yes, it can be smelly, (and did I mention CROWDED??) but Venice is pure magic that everyone should experience once.
Best time to visit: January-February (bring layers!) for misty, atmospheric canals without the crowds, or November when hotel prices drop dramatically.
Local food must-try: Cicchetti (Venetian tapas) at a traditional bacaro with a glass of local wine, and sarde in saor (sweet and sour sardines) that tastes infinitely better than it sounds!
Worth paying every cent for:
Vivaldi’s Four Seasons Concert & Music Museum Visit
Explore the Music Museum in Venice and browse through 200 original musical instruments, then enjoy their sound in a live concert. Witness a live performance of Vivaldi’s captivating Four Seasons.
Trust me…this was one of the most divine things I have ever experienced…
Get your tickets to the once-in-a-lifetime beautiful Vivaldi concert here
Would you love to travel to Italy more often but could use some tips on doing it for a lot less? Then join me & I’ll show you how!
4: Cinque Terre ( Five Villages, One Unforgettable Coastline)
Five colourful fishing villages clinging to impossible cliffs—Cinque Terre looks like someone took all my Pinterest travel dreams and made them real!
Hiking between these villages offers jaw-dropping coastal views that had me stopping every five minutes for photos. Vernazza was my absolute favourite (don’t tell the others), with its natural harbour perfect for swimming.
You can read my post on what to wear in Italy after you have finished this one, but for now, know you MUST pack good walking shoes (and an appetite for the freshest seafood you’ll ever taste!)
Best time to visit: Late September or early October when summer crowds vanish but the sea is still warm enough for swimming.
Local food must-try: Trofie al pesto (the pasta and basil sauce originate from this region), and fresh anchovies marinated in lemon that will convert even anchovy-haters!
5: Amalfi Coast (Coastal Paradise That’ll Ruin Other Beaches Forever)
If heaven were a coastline, it would be the Amalfi Coast. Driving these winding roads had me white-knuckled but wide-eyed at the beauty.
Positano’s pastel buildings tumbling down to turquoise waters made me feel like I’d wandered into a watercolour painting.
Take a boat trip to really appreciate this dramatic coastline, stopping at hidden coves that are inaccessible by road. The limoncello here is dangerously delicious—you’ve been warned!
Best time to visit: May or September when you’ll get perfect weather without July-August’s horrendous traffic and crowds.
Local food must-try: Scialatielli ai frutti di mare (fresh pasta with seafood) and delizia al limone (lemon cream dessert) made with those famous Amalfi lemons the size of your head!
Worth Paying For:
Places to Visit in Italy for History Buffs
6: Tuscany
Me, in Tuscany, Italy. What a dream come true.
My husband and I spent 6 weeks in Tuscany (for FREE) when we were housesitting a little cat in Porto Santo Stefano.
Rolling hills, cypress trees, medieval villages – our favourite was San Gimignano —Tuscany is Italy straight from a romance novel.
Rent a car (or better yet, a vintage Fiat) and get gloriously lost on country roads. San Gimignano’s medieval towers made me feel like I’d time-travelled, while wine tasting in Chianti had me contemplating a new career as a sommelier.
The best thing to do? Watch the sunset from any hilltop town with a glass of local wine in hand.
Best time to visit: Late May when poppies carpet the countryside, or late September during harvest season when food festivals happen every weekend.
Local food must-try: Pappardelle with wild boar ragù and a proper ribollita (bread soup with vegetables) that tastes of the Tuscan countryside and someone’s nonna’s love.
7. Pompeii: Walking Through a Time Capsule
Me, taking in the peace and beauty in Pompeii…
Like you, I had been longing to see the ruins of Pompeii since I was a child at school. You hear all of the stories and see bits of footage on the news – but seeing it for yourself?
Nothing beats it.
I’ll admit, I secretly feared the ancient ruins wouldn’t deliver the goods. I thought it might be another overpriced tourist attraction.
In my head, Pompeii was going to be a small little street with some glass frontage to protect the hoards of tourists from touching the precious remains from over 2000 years ago.
The reality couldn’t have been more different.
I know now that Pompeii is one of those underrated destinations that you don’t hear enough about.
Walking through Pompeii is eerie, fascinating, and humbling all at once. This perfectly preserved ancient Roman city, frozen in time by Mount Vesuvius, offers a glimpse into daily life 2,000 years ago!
The details that survived—from bakeries with bread still in ovens to electoral graffiti—left me speechless.
Best time to visit: Early morning in November or March when temperatures are pleasant and tour groups minimal.
Local food must-try: In nearby Naples, the perfect Margherita pizza (the real deal, not those sad imitations we get at home) and sfogliatella pastry with its thousand crispy layers.
You must!: Hire a guide to bring the ruins to life (worth every euro) and visit early morning to avoid both crowds and the scorching Italian sun.
Next: Read my in-depth review of Pompeii (it’s brilliant if I say so myself).
8. Matera: Italy’s Jaw-Dropping Cave City
Matera’s ancient cave dwellings (sassi) are unlike anything I’ve ever seen.
Once Italy’s “city of shame,” this UNESCO World Heritage site has transformed into a mesmerizing destination of stone streets and cave hotels.
Wandering through its layered neighbourhoods at dusk, when the whole city glows golden, feels like stepping back thousands of years. Don’t miss the rock churches with their faded frescoes—they’re simply magical.
Best time to visit: April-May for wildflowers sprouting between stones, or during July’s “La Madonna Bruna” festival with its dramatic paper-mâché chariot ceremony.
Local food must-try: Crapiata (ancient grain and legume soup) and orecchiette pasta with turnip tops that will make you understand why Italians get so passionate about vegetables!
Northern Italy: Lakes, Mountains & Sophistication
9: Lake Como
It’s not the best of photos, but at least you know it was taken by me and not fake!!
If it’s good enough for George Clooney, it’s good enough for me!
Lake Como’s stunning blue waters surrounded by dramatic mountains and dotted with magnificent villas made me wonder if I was actually in a movie set.
Take the ferry between charming lakeside towns like Bellagio and Varenna, stopping for long lunches with lake views. For the ultimate experience, splurge on a private boat tour at sunset—sometimes luxury is absolutely worth it!
Best time to visit: Mid-May when azaleas and rhododendrons bloom spectacularly, or September after Italian holidaymakers have gone home.
Local food must-try: Lake fish risotto made with perch and missoltini (sun-dried lake fish) served with polenta. Don’t leave without trying the local olive oil, which has a surprisingly delicate flavour.
10. Milan: Not Just Fashion (But Oh, The Fashion!)
Do not miss this beautiful spectacular. Milan, Italy
Beyond the magnificent Duomo (climb to the roof—those spires up close are worth the stairs), the city of Milan offers incredible art, shopping, and nightlife.
Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper left me emotional, while aperitivo in the Navigli district showed me Milan’s more relaxed side. Even if you’re not shopping on Via Montenapoleone, window shopping here is an art form worth practising!
Best time to visit: During Fashion Week in February or September if you love people-watching, or December when the Christmas lights transform the city.
Local food must-try: Risotto alla Milanese with its gorgeous saffron color, and ossobuco (braised veal shanks) that will make you weak at the knees. Don’t miss panettone from its birthplace!
Allow in the budget: Milan Cathedral & Rooftop Ticket!
Oh my Gosh. I don’t think I have ever experienced anything quite as spectacular as the Milan Duomo. The Milan Cathedral.
If you have ever wanted something to take your breath away, then get yourself a ticket to the most beautiful Cathedral in the world and prepare to be wowed.
With the Milan Cathedral and Rooftop Ticket, you will get:
✅ Access all areas to the symbol of Milan
✅ Go to the Duomo Terraces for a panoramic city view
✅ Learn the history of the cathedral at the Duomo Museum
✅ Marvel at sacred relics and liturgical objects
✅ See stunning stained glass windows
✅ Discover the remains of the S. Giovanni alle Fonti Baptistery
I’d love it if you could tell me in the comments below if this place took your body and shook it as much as it did mine…Just gorgeous.
11: Turin (Italy’s Elegant, Chocolate-Loving Surprise)
Elegant Turin surprised me with its French-feeling boulevards, historic cafés, and incredible Egyptian Museum (second only to Cairo’s).
The home of FIAT, Nutella, and Italy’s first king feels distinctly different from southern Italy—more refined, perhaps, but equally passionate.
Take the panoramic lift up the Mole Antonelliana for spectacular Alpine views, then indulge in bicerin, the decadent chocolate-coffee drink that fueled the city’s literary elite.
Best time to visit: November during the chocolate festival, or April-May when the surrounding Alps provide a spectacular snow-capped backdrop.
Local food must-try: Agnolotti del plin (pinched pasta filled with roasted meats), and bicerin – the layered coffee-chocolate-cream drink that changed my understanding of hot chocolate forever.
Must, must do:
12: Bergamo: Two Cities in One (And Both Are Gorgeous!)
Just a stone’s throw from Milan yet worlds away in atmosphere! Bergamo’s Città Alta (upper town) sits behind perfect Venetian walls, accessible by funicular or a steep climb that’s totally worth the burning calves…
The Piazza Vecchia made me gasp out loud—it’s simply perfect in its medieval proportions.
Best time to visit: June brings wildflower displays on the city walls, while Christmas markets make December magical despite the chill.
Local food must-try: Polenta with local cheese (try branzi!) is pure comfort food. Perfect as your first stop from Milan Bergamo airport—skip the rush to Venice and spend at least one night here instead!
Island Places: When Mainland Italy Isn’t Enough
13: Sicily
Sicily stole my heart with its perfect combination of incredible food, ancient ruins, and beaches that rival the Caribbean!
Valley of the Temples in Agrigento left me awestruck (better than Athens, dare I say it?), while Mount Etna’s smouldering presence adds drama to the landscape.
The street food in Palermo—arancini, panelle, cannoli—had me planning my next visit before I’d even left. Sicily deserves at least a week, but I could happily spend a month!
Best time to visit: Late May or October when you’ll have beaches and ancient sites mostly to yourself.
Local food must-try: Pasta alla Norma (with eggplant, tomatoes, and ricotta salata), and honestly, cannoli from a proper Sicilian pasticceria will ruin you for all other desserts forever.
14. Sardinia: Beaches That Make the Caribbean Jealous
Sardinia’s beaches made me question if I was still in Europe—crystal clear turquoise waters against white sand that squeaks between your toes!
The Costa Smeralda is glamorous, but I fell for the wilder beaches of the southwest. Inland, ancient nuraghe stone structures dot the landscape like something from a fantasy novel.
Rent a car, bring a good map, and discover secluded coves where you might have paradise entirely to yourself.
Best time to visit: June or September when beaches are still warm but not overcrowded, and prices drop significantly.
Local food must-try: Fregola (toasted semolina pasta) with seafood and roast suckling pig (porceddu) slow-cooked with myrtle leaves that melt in your mouth.
15. Capri: Celebrity-Worthy Views (Even on a Budget!)
Yes, it’s touristy, but Capri is popular for good reason.
This glamorous island off the Amalfi Coast has been seducing visitors since Roman emperors. The Blue Grotto’s luminescent waters seem almost supernatural, while the chairlift to Monte Solaro offers vertigo-inducing views.
My tip? Stay overnight to experience the island’s magic after the day-trippers leave, when lemon-scented evenings and twinkling lights transform everything.
Best time to visit: May or September when you’ll get summer-like weather without peak season prices and crowds.
Local food must-try: Ravioli Caprese filled with ricotta cheese and marjoram and torta caprese chocolate almond cake that’s gloriously gooey in the centre.
16. Procida: The Rainbow Island You’ve Never Heard Of
While everyone flocks to Capri, this tiny rainbow-coloured island in the Bay of Naples remains blissfully under the radar.
Procida’s pastel-hued fishing village was actually the setting for “Il Postino,” and it’s easy to see why filmmakers fell in love.
Best time to visit: May and September offer perfect weather without the crowds.
Local food must-try: The lemon salad will change your life—seriously, I still dream about it—and the local specialty “lingua di bue” pastries are perfect with espresso.
Combine with Naples (just a 40-minute ferry ride) for authentic pizza and chaotic Italian city vibes before escaping to this peaceful island paradise!
Do You LOVE New Zealand? Sign up below, and I will send you my FREE travelling and life in New Zealand Guide. A 5 Part Video Series!
Food Lover’s Paradise: Destinations for Italy Foodies
17. Bologna: Italy’s True Culinary Capital
Foodies, this one’s for you! Bologna, with its endless porticoes and terracotta hues, is Italy’s culinary capital.
The authentic tagliatelle al ragù (don’t call it spaghetti bolognese!) changed my understanding of pasta forever.
Climb the leaning Asinelli Tower for breathtaking views, then reward yourself with aperitivo in Piazza Maggiore as the sun sets. University life gives the city a vibrant energy that perfectly balances its medieval architecture.
Best time to visit: October during truffle season, or during the chocolate festival in November. Avoid August when many restaurants close.
Local food must-try: Tagliatelle al ragù (the authentic bolognese), mortadella (the real stuff bears no resemblance to our sad supermarket version), and tortellini in brodo (tiny handmade pasta in rich broth).
18. Puglia: Where Olive Oil Flows Like Water
The heel of Italy’s boot is a revelation of whitewashed towns, ancient olive groves, and beaches that rival the Maldives.
Alberobello’s cone-shaped trulli houses look like something from a fairytale, while Polignano a Mare’s beach tucked between dramatic cliffs had me gasping. The food here is sublime in its simplicity—fresh burrata, orecchiette pasta, and seafood caught hours before it hits your plate.
Puglia is the Italy we’ve all been searching for…
Best time to visit: May or early October when temperatures are perfect and you’ll have those gorgeous beaches largely to yourself.
Local food must-try: Orecchiette con cime di rapa (ear-shaped pasta with turnip tops), and burrata that’s so fresh it oozes cream when you cut into it. Heaven on a plate!
19. Umbria: Truffles, Wine & Zero Tourist Crowds
Often overshadowed by neighboring Tuscany, Umbria offers similar beauty with half the tourists.
Hillside towns like Assisi and Orvieto seem frozen in time, while Lake Trasimeno provides perfect picnic spots. The region’s wines (particularly Sagrantino) are exceptional but still under the radar.
Don’t miss the Piano Grande’s spring wildflower bloom—a rainbow carpet stretching between mountain peaks that’ll have you taking hundreds of photos…
Best time to visit: Late May for the wildflower bloom, or October during truffle and olive harvest.
Local food must-try: Anything with the region’s black truffles (even a simple egg pasta becomes extraordinary), as well as porchetta from Norcia that’s seasoned with wild herbs foraged from the mountains.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Gems: Italy’s Best-Kept Secrets
20. Ravenna: Mosaics That Will Break Your Instagram
Ravenna’s Byzantine mosaics are simply mind-blowing—millions of tiny glass pieces creating portraits so lifelike they seem to follow you with their eyes (a bit creepy if you’ve had a large glass of red at lunchtime…)
Eight UNESCO World Heritage sites in one small city meant my neck ached from looking up in wonder. The tomb of Dante adds literary significance, while beaches just minutes away provide the perfect balance to cultural sightseeing.
The best thing to do? Rent a bike and cathedral hop between gelato breaks.
Best time to visit: April-May when the sun illuminates the mosaics perfectly, or during the summer Ravenna Festival for outstanding concerts in Byzantine buildings.
Local food must-try: Piadina romagnola (flatbread) stuffed with squacquerone cheese and arugula and passatelli pasta in a broth that turns simple ingredients into comfort food perfection.
21. Civita di Bagnoregio: The Literal Definition of “Breathtaking”
Crikey… talk about dramatic!
This tiny village perched atop an eroding cliff is known as “the dying city,” but don’t let that stop you—it’s absolutely thriving with charm.
Connected to the mainland by a single pedestrian bridge, walking into Civita feels like stepping into a fairytale. The residents (all 10 of them!) maintain flower-filled balconies that pop against ancient stone buildings.
Best time to visit: Visit in spring when wildflowers carpet the surrounding valleys or autumn when tourist numbers drop and the light turns golden.
Local food must-try:Try the local wild boar ragu with pappardelle—hearty fuel for exploring! Pair with nearby Orvieto for a perfect day trip from Rome.
22. Castelmezzano: Mountain Magic You Can’t Believe Exists
Nestled within the jagged Dolomiti Lucane mountains of Basilicata, this village seems to grow straight out of the rock face. Approaching Castelmezzano at dusk, with lights twinkling against the mountain backdrop, I actually gasped out loud. And believe me, that doesn’t happen often.
Best time to visit: Summer brings the “Flight of the Angel” zipline experience, while autumn offers spectacular foliage and wild mushroom dishes that will have you licking the plate (I did, embarrassing the kids yet again!).
Local food must-try: Try the local ear-shaped pasta “orecchiette” with turnip greens.
TIP: Combine with Matera for an unforgettable southern Italian experience that feels worlds away from Rome and Florence!
23. Verona: More Than Just Romeo & Juliet (But That Too!)
Returning to Verona…a place we believe to be the best city to visit in Italy!
I have a soft spot for this city. Anyone who is a long-term follower of mine will know this is where Brian (my husband) proposed to me…
Romeo and Juliet’s city is so much more than just a famous balcony. Verona charmed me with its pink-hued buildings, Roman arena (where watching an opera under the stars was a bucket-list experience), and riverside cafés.
The atmosphere is romantic without trying too hard and significantly less crowded than Venice.
Climb to Castel San Pietro at sunset for views that will have you composing your own love sonnets!
Best time to visit: During the summer opera season if you can splurge on tickets, or October when tourist numbers drop but weather remains pleasant.
Local food must-try: Risotto all’Amarone made with the region’s powerful red wine, and horse meat if you’re feeling adventurous (it’s a local specialty, I promise it’s actually delicious!).
Coastal Dreams: Beyond the Famous Shorelines
24. Portovenere: The Cinque Terre’s Gorgeous Neighbor
While the Cinque Terre gets all the glory, this equally stunning seaside town at the edge of the same coastline remains wonderfully unspoiled.
Byron’s Grotto—where the famous poet sought inspiration—offers swimming in deep blue waters beneath dramatic cliffs.
Best time to visit: Visit in May or October when the weather’s still lovely but you’ll have breathing space.
Local food must-try: The seafood here is spectacular—try the local mussels “alla marinara” at a waterfront restaurant as boats bob in the harbor.
TIP: Makes the perfect add-on to a Cinque Terre trip—stay here instead and day-trip to the famous five villages, then return to peaceful evenings without the tourist crush!
25. Maremma, Tuscany
Southern Tuscany’s wild side!
While tour buses crowd Val d’Orcia, the Maremma region offers similar stunning landscapes with a fraction of the tourists. Ancient Etruscan ruins dot rolling hills where cowboys (yes, Italian cowboys called “butteri”!) still herd long-horned cattle.
Best time to visit: Visit during harvest season (September) when local sagre (food festivals) celebrate everything from wild boar to chestnuts.
Local food must-try: Don’t miss acquacotta soup—a hearty “poor man’s dish” that’s absolutely rich in flavor! Easily combined with a Siena visit, giving you the perfect blend of famous Tuscan highlights and off-the-beaten-path authenticity.
Hidden Village Charm: Tiny Towns With Massive Appeal
26. Locorotondo: Puglia’s Perfect Circle of Charm
The “round place” of Puglia is a perfect circle of whitewashed buildings perched on a hilltop, and walking its narrow streets feels like being inside a maze designed by a perfectionist! Unlike nearby Alberobello (which gets all the trulli-seeking tourists), Locorotondo maintains a peaceful, lived-in feel.
Best time to visit: Visit during the July jazz festival when music fills the evening air, or in spring when cherry blossoms dot the surrounding countryside.
Local food must-try: The local white wine (also called Locorotondo) is crisp and refreshing—perfect with burrata that’s so fresh it’s still warm! Combine with a coastal stay in Polignano a Mare for the perfect Puglian itinerary that balances seaside drama with hilltop charm.
Do You LOVE New Zealand? Sign up below, and I will send you my FREE travelling and life in New Zealand Guide. A 5 Part Video Series!
27. Lecce: Baroque Beauty in the Boot’s Heel
Known as “the Florence of the South,” Lecce’s baroque extravagance is intoxicating! Honey-colored limestone buildings seem to glow from within at sunset, while hidden courtyards reveal themselves around every corner. The pasticciotto (custard-filled pastry) makes the perfect breakfast, fueling explorations of churches so elaborately decorated they left me dizzy. The evening passeggiata here is an art form—join locals in their elegant stroll through Piazza Sant’Oronzo.
Best time to visit: May or September when temperatures are perfect for wandering, or during Holy Week when elaborate processions fill the streets.
Local food must-try: Pasticciotto (warm custard-filled pastry) with almond milk coffee for breakfast, and ciceri e tria – chickpeas with fried pasta that’s somehow both rustic and sophisticated.
That’s it! 27 Places to Visit in Italy
Whew! If you’ve made it through all 27 of these Italian treasures and you’re not frantically googling: how to find cheap flight right now, I honestly don’t know what’s wrong with you!
From the sun-drenched villages of the south to the sophisticated cities of the north, Italy offers a lifetime of experiences that will have you returning again and again (my maxed-out mortgage can attest to this).
The true magic of Italy isn’t just in its world-famous sights—it’s in those unexpected moments: the elderly nonna who insisted I try her homemade limoncello, the impromptu opera performance in a tiny piazza, or that perfect sunset where the light made everything look like a Renaissance painting.
Whatever you do, promise me you’ll put down the guidebook occasionally, get gloriously lost, and say yes to that second (or third) scoop of gelato. Italy isn’t just a destination—it’s a love affair that never ends.
Andiamo, friends… Italy is waiting for you!
Enjoyed This Post on Places in Italy? Save it and SHARE it to Pinterest! ⇓
