Adventure in Italy: Top 9 Best Places to Visit in Italy

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Did you know that when McDonald's opened in Rome in 1986, Italian food purists stood outside of the building, giving away free spaghetti? They wanted to remind people of their country's culinary heritage.

Italyinfo-icon is known for its delicious cuisine, beautiful mountains, and some of the most famous architectural structures in the world. It's also home to a number of world-renowned fashion houses.

The pasta, pizza, and gelato alone are enough to inspire someone to take a trip to Italy. But the country has so much more to offer in addition to their world-famous dishes.

What are the best places to visit in Italy? There are almost too many to count!

But we'll give you the top 9 right here. Just keep reading to find out what they are!

1. The Amalfi Coast

The cliffside of the Amalfi Coast is a bit of a trek but well worth every step. It's a beautiful jewel of cliffside setting on the crystal-blue Mediterranean Sea.

Along the coast, there are 13 seaside towns that stretch out over a 34-mile coastline. Amalfi and Positano are two of the most popular towns, but each one is unique with its own story and history.

You can relax on the beach, hike, explore the town, or eat until you fall asleep. There are even a few Michelin-starred restaurants along the coast.

2. Venice

If you travel all the way to Italy, you can't miss the chance to take an enchanting boat ride on a water taxi through the city's many famous waterways.

The Grand Canal is one of the most breathtaking sites, as is the Ponte Degli Scalzi. If it's romance you're looking for, take a gondola ride through the waterways with your loved one. Your driver might just start singing or playing the violin when the mood is just right.

Be prepared to get lost, as maps aren't always right and there's a bit of disorientation here. But embrace it, and you'll be in for an experience to remember.

3. Tuscany

Tuscany's rolling hills, cypress trees, olive groves, and wine vineyards make it one of the most famous places in Italy.

There are many hill towns in which to relax, explore, and drink wine. And if you like art and history, visiting Siena should be on your list.

Pisa is in Tuscany, and it's here that you'll find the famous Leaning Tower. And Elba, one of Tuscany's larger islands, boasts some beautiful beaches.

4. Pompeii

Pompeii is that famous Roman city which was buried under volcanic ash for almost 1,700 years.

You can walk the vacant streets and see the ancient remains of bakeries, baths, and brothels. And the site isn't far from the modern city of Naples, which you can opt to see on the same day.

5. Milan

Even though the city of Milan was almost destroyed after heavy bombing during WWII, it's now one of the richest cities in Europeinfo-icon.

Not only is Milan a global fashion center, but it's also home to some seriously artistic world-famous treasures. Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper, the La Scala Opera House, and the Castello Sforzesco can all be found in Milan.

6. Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre translates to "Five Lands." It's comprised of 5 villages - Riomaggiore, Manarola, Vernazza, Monterosso, and Corniglia.

Cinque Terre is located in the northwestern coastal region of Liguria. It features some of the most beautiful landscapes the country has to offer, including wine terraces that are hundreds of years old.

Plus, there are steep cliffsides and hiking paths that offer some serious coastal views. While many of the hiking trails are centuries old, the Blue Trail is a paved trail that connects all 5 villages and is suitable for all different ages. Be sure to learn about Cinque Terre before your departure as there are so many places to visit and you don't want to miss any...believe me! 

7. Sicily

Sicily is actually an island, and it's the biggest one in the Mediterranean Sea, though it also includes several smaller islands.

Sicily is one of the best destinations to visit for those looking for rich art and history. It's also home to Mount Etna, which is Europe's tallest active volcano. There are many activities to do while exploring this stunning and historical island. I had a chance to do an epic road trip through Sicily which allowed me to learn about local culture and go off-the-beaten-path.

8. Florence

This little city sheltered the Medici family. It also inspired artists like Michelangelo and Brunelleschi. Tucked away in the Tuscan hills, this beautiful city is full of Renaissance art.

Florence has gorgeous sunsets, romantic charm, and delicious Italian cooking. While there are modern shops that line the Via Tornabuoni, this city has an old-world feel. You may feel as though you've traveled back in time while visiting this romantic city.

9. Rome

If you're traveling to Italy, you can't miss the former capital of the Roman Empire. Rome is still the capital city of Italy and is the perfect combination of historical and modern.

There are ancient plazas, breathtaking cathedrals, and lots of Renaissance architecture in this historic center of culture, power, and religion.

Rome is completely changing the vibe during the night and you'll have a chance to experience a glamorous capital and all hidden gems. We recommend getting on a night tour and explore Rome like a local. 

And, of course, you can't leave Rome without visiting the famous city within the city - the Vatican City! This guide will tell you everything you need to know about the best Vatican tours.

There are so many things to see and explore in Rome that you could get lost spending your entire vacation here. But if you feel like you don't have enough time, it's all the more reason to come back!

Don't Miss the Best Places to Visit in Italy

While it can make things more stressful to travel with a perfect plan, it's smart to have at least an idea of places that you want to go and see.

When it comes to an Italian vacation, there are things you'll inevitably have to miss, unless your vacation has no end date. Even if you don't see all of the best places to visit in Italy, you'll still leave feeling fulfilled and overwhelmed by the romantic culture and history of this enthralling country.

If you're ready to plan your next trip, check out some of the other amazing countries we've covered in this blog!