Take a look at our list of the most beautiful places in Italy and prepare to be amazed. Whether it’s stunning cities, beautiful beaches or lovely lakes, Italy offers the lot. Read on to find out more ahead of your visit to Italy.
Most beautiful places in Italy: cities
Italy has many cities, with Milan and Rome being arguably the most popular. Whether you want to visit the impressive Duomo di Milano or the ancient Colosseum, you won’t regret taking a trip to these Italian cities.
Milan
Italy is full of some amazing cities, with one of the most beautiful in Italy being Milan. The bohemian neighbourhood of Brera is one of the areas that stands out the most, with its slick design and effortless sophistication. Enjoy watching the world go by on Piazzo del Carmine whilst you enjoy a coffee. Or check out the Chiesa del Carmine, a 13th-century church that epitomises the district.
Milan is also home to stunning architecture such as the famous Duomo di Milano, which draws in tourists from across the world. The glass-topped Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is another beautiful building in the city. You can visit Milan throughout the year, with it being as popular in the winter as it is in the summer. There are also some great hotels at which you can stay to enhance your experience, such as Galleria Vik Milano, in the centre.
Rome
Another city that is also one of the most beautiful places in Italy is Rome. This ancient capital city oozes charm throughout, with its medieval buildings being the highlight. From the timeless Pantheon to the epic Colosseum, you can enjoy breath-taking architecture that dates back to the Roman era. After this, head to Piazza Santa Maria, where you can enjoy a drink with the Basilica of Santa Maria in the backdrop.
A stroll through Rome is also the perfect activity for couples, with there being some extremely romantic settings for you to stumble across. Take a walk through Pincio Gardens, which is an idyllic garden with lush greenery and abundant wildlife. Then head over to the Trevi Fountain, which was built in the 18th century and is where travellers once threw coins to ensure a safe return to Rome. Like Milan, you can visit throughout the year, with there being exceptional hotels like Sina Bernini Bristol in the historic centre.
Most beautiful places in Italy: lakes
Known for its stunning bodies of water, visiting lakes in Italy is always a good idea. Whether you’re looking for well-known lakes or lesser-known ones, our list has got you covered.
Lake Como
Italy has a great range of natural beauties, with Lake Como being up there with the most popular. Its colourful shoreline villages, flanked by striking mountains, make this one of the most beautiful places in Italy that you can visit. You can either drive around the lake, with the total driving time being about 4 hours, or take a boat trip from town to town.
Head to the neighbourhood of Menaggio, where you can stroll around the town, listen to the church bells and treat yourself to a drink and some food whilst looking across the lake. Then take a visit to Como, where you can enjoy awesome architecture such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. In Como, you can also go up the mountain cable car, Funicolare Como-Brunate, where you’ll get to enjoy panoramic views at the top. Visit between April and October and stay at an accommodation like Avenue Hotel in Como.
Lake Orta
If you want the lake experience but with fewer tourists, one of the most beautiful places in Italy to visit is Lake Orta; it’s about a 1h 30min drive northwest of Milan. A hidden gem amongst a plethora of other bodies of water, you’ll love the peace and tranquillity the lake offers. One of the popular activities at the lake is to take a short boat ride to Isola San Giulio from Orta San Giulio. Here you can stroll around the large monastery that dominates the island.
Back in Orta San Giulio, head to Sacro Monte di Orta, which is a set of historical chapels that you can walk to. From here, you will also get beautiful views from the mountain top. There’s also a little beach, Spiaggia Miami, towards the south of the lake; it’s perfect for families, with its shallow and still water. The best time of the year to visit is between May and September, with accommodation like Hotel La Bussola in Orta San Giulio being highly rated.
Most beautiful places in Italy: beaches
A trip to Italy should always include a beach day. Check out our top tips on where to go to enjoy a day by the coast in Italy.
Chia Beach, Sardinia
It wouldn’t be a complete list of the most beautiful places in Italy if we didn’t give a nod to some of its breath-taking beaches. One beach that is as popular with the locals as it is with the tourists is Chia Beach, on the south coast of Sardinia. Backed by sand dunes and juniper trees, which shelter you from the wind, you can enjoy turquoise waters and golden sands. There’s also a lagoon behind the beach, where flamingos breed, and dolphins are regularly spotted in the bay.
The best time of the year to visit is between May and September if you want optimum weather. If you’re looking for accommodation near the beach, check out Hotel New Barcavela.
Tropea Beach, Calabria
Tropea Beach is another popular beach in Italy, located in Calabria. The white sand and turquoise waters are reminiscent of Caribbean beaches, making it a great choice for a beach holiday. Take a visit to the ancient monastery in the clifftop town whilst you’re there, or climb the stairs to Santa Maria church for unobstructed views. In the evenings, you can stroll along the promenade and take in the sunset whilst enjoying a drink.
A great time of the year to visit this region is between May and September, with the weather being great during the summer. C’era Una Volta is a great hotel you can stay at close to the beach.
Most beautiful places in Italy: national parks
Take a hike through stunning scenery and enjoy the great outdoors. With mountains to climb and great wildlife, this is the perfect way to escape from it all.
Parco Nazionale dell’Aspromonte
Staying in Calabria, Parco Nazionale dell’Aspromonte should also be on your itinerary. A mountainous park with dramatic scenery, you can climb its highest peak to see the large bronze statue of Christ that was erected. From here, you’ll get jaw-dropping views all the way to Sicily. A selection of underwater rivers keeps the forest and flowers thriving throughout the year, which only adds to its beauty.
As with Tropea Beach, which is also in Calabria, a good time to visit is between May and September.
Parco Nazionale del Pollino
The largest national park in Italy, Parco Nazionale del Pollino, crosses both Basilicata and Calabria. A mountainous curtain that separates the region from the rest of the country, it’s filled with a range of plants and wildlife. From endangered otters to birds of prey, it’s a very special area. Great for hiking, you can climb trails up Monte Pollino or Monti di Orsomarso, where you can get great views.
The best time of the year for hiking is during the summer months, for the longer days and warmer weather.
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