15 Of The Most beautiful Places in Italy

Where are the most beautiful places in Italy? Now there's a question, and one stacks of Rough Guides readers took the time to answer. From the loveliest Italian cities and towns, to rolling vineyards, enchanting islands, and captivating coastlines, your nominations covered the country from tip to toe. So, read on to discover the most beautiful places in Italy, along with tips on where to stay in these dazzling destinations.

1. Florence: for artistic grandeur

Nestled in the heart of Tuscany, Florence is a city that exudes elegance and artistic grandeur at every turn.

From the magnificent Duomo and the iconic Ponte Vecchio, to the world-famous Uffizi Gallery, every corner of Florence is a feast for the eyes and a testament to the Renaissance period. Just as St. Peter's Basilica in Rome is a must-visit for its stunning architecture, Florence's Duomo and Uffizi Gallery are equally captivating.

It's also home to celebrated museums, historic markets, magnificent gardens, and marvellous places to stay. 

Chances are, you'll be hard pushed to decide what's the best area to stay in Florence. The entire city is just so darn beautiful.

Fancy visiting Florence for the weekend? Take inspiration from our day-by-day-itinerary for the perfect weekend in Florence, and our customisable four-night Trip Back in Time Florence itinerary.

Or, if you like to do things your own way, read up on alternative ways to explore Florence.

Where to stay in Florence

• For easy sightseeing: an easy walk from the Uffizi and Ponte Vecchio, five-star NH Collection Firenze Porta Rossa is a smart central choice for sightseeing. 
• For family holidays: the family-run Hotel Nizza might be two-star, but it doesn't feel like a budget choice. All the rooms are cozy and en-suite. 

2. San Gimignano: for majestic medieval towers

Tuscany is famous for beautiful hill towns but few are quite as stunning as San Gimignano.

In fact, thanks to its dramatic skyline of medieval towers overlooking the rolling countryside, visiting is one of the most unforgettable things to do in Tuscany.

While strolling San Gimignano's cobbled streets, surrounded by ancient architecture and said countryside, you'll feel like you've been transported back in time.

Editor's tip: our Food and Wine in Tuscany itinerary includes a stay in stunning San Gimignano.

Where to stay in San Gimignano

• For easy sightseeing: stay at romantic 11th-century Leon Bianco on Piazza della Cisterna in the heart of San Gimignano. 
• For local heritage: If immersing yourself in San Gimignano's heritage is the dream, then L'Antico Pozzo in the town centre will suit you perfectly. Think four-poster beds and high ceilings in a tastefully restored Palazzo.

Find more accommodation options in San Gimignano.

3. Lake Como: for romantic walks

Located in Lombardy, Lake Como is often the most heavily praised of all Italy's lakes, which is really saying something

Today, despite huge visitor numbers, the lake has retained an almost otherworldly natural beauty, thanks to its alpine backdrop, pristine waters and jaw-dropping views. 

For example, the vistas from charming towns like towns like Bellagio, Menaggio and Varenna are spectacular, offering postcard-perfect scenes from every angle.

Another breathtaking spot is Chiaia di Luna in Ponza, a magnificent bay surrounded by towering cliffs.

As well as visiting lakeside villas and gardens, great walks can be enjoyed in Lake Como's mountainous hinterlands.

It's also a beautiful base for day trips. For example, Lake Como is only about an hour's drive or train ride from Milan.

You could also hop over the Swiss border and spend a day in lovely Lugano in the canton of Ticino.

Where to stay in Lake Como

Browse the best places to stay in Lake Como. 

4. Lake Garda: one of the most beautiful places in Italy to sail

Staying on the lake theme, it's also clear why Lake Garda is another of the most beautiful places in Italy.

Encircled by dramatic mountains, Italy's largest lake isn't only a visual delight. It's also a haven for water sports enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Sailing across Lake Garda is a breathtaking experience, and one of the best things to do here. Meanwhile, wine-lovers will want to take the time to get to know the region's top tipples.

Inspired to visit the Italian Lakes? Save yourself the hassle of planning by booking our customisable Enchanting Italian Lakes trip. 

Where to stay near Lake Garda

• For boutique stays: set in the hills above Gorgnano, Villa Sostago boasts a pool, spacious grounds, a great restaurant, and lovely lake views.
• For lakeside views: known for its restaurant, cozy rooms and welcoming vibe, Hotel Monte Baldo hugs the lakeside in Limone Sul Garda.

Find more accommodation near Lake Garda.

5. Positano, Amalfi Coast: for iconic villages

Instantly recognizable for its pastel-coloured houses that tumble down the hillside and hug the waterfront, Positano is a hands-down highlight of the Amalfi Coast.

It's easy to see why the town has attracted artists and writers for centuries — creatives who've been inspired by its enchanting atmosphere and breathtaking vistas. 

It's a place in which to slow down and unwind. To soak up the sun, and indulge in the delights of Italian coastal living, among them meandering winding streets lined with quaint shops and restaurants, and admiring those magnificent views, preferably with a chilled glass of local wine to hand. Magic.

Where to stay in Positano

• For beaches: Hotel Pupetto sits on Furnillo Beach and offers direct access to the sand. Book a room with a sea view if you can. If not, the hotel also has a sunny terrace overlooking the Mediterranean.
• For vintage vibes: set on Spiaggia Grande, the town's main beach, Buca di Bacco exudes vintage Positano, with some rooms having their own private terrace.

Find more accommodation in Positano

6. Puglia: the Florence of the South

Located in the sunny south of Italy, Puglia is a region of diverse landscapes.

Best known for its white-sand beaches, secret coves, clear seas, and quaint architecture, it's also a hidden gem that captivates visitors with its rustic charm and unspoiled beauty.

Affectionately known as the "Florence of the South", this somewhat lesser-visited region of Italy retains an undiscovered quality.

While here, be sure to explore the area's historic towns, among them Ostuni — one of southern Italy’s most stunning small towns. 

Known as the “white city”, it's stunningly sited on three hills and was an important Greco-Roman city in the first century AD. 

Lecce is also well worth a visit, with a wealth of fine architecture, an appealing old town, Roman remains, and beautiful beaches along the Littoranea Otranto coast road.

Where to stay in Puglia

• For olive groves: just outside Ostuni, Masseria Il Frantoio is a traditional farmhouse surrounded by olive groves, with meals created from fresh estate produce/
• For beaches: Hotel Seggio is located in the heart of Vieste, with a  pool, private beach and its own lagoon. 

Find more accommodation in Puglia.

7. Capri: for breathtaking views

Located off the coast of Naples, the island of Capri captivates visitors with its rugged cliffs, hidden grottoes, and breathtaking views. 

From first sight, it's clear why this enchanting island is easily one of the most beautiful places in Italy.

Once beloved by Emperor Tiberius, today its mix of ancient monuments, pretty towns, and beaches inspires a similar passion in the masses of visitors who descend here each summer.

The island's natural beauty is exemplified by the famous Faraglioni rock formations, and the striking Blue Grotto — a sea cave illuminated by an ethereal blue light.

Whether exploring the charming town of Anacapri, strolling through the vibrant piazzetta, or basking in the beauty of the island's stunning vistas, Capri is a true Mediterranean paradise that even the high-season influx tourists can't detract from.

Where to stay in Capri

• For sea views: for spectacular Mediterranean views and rooms with terraces and balconies, stay at the historic Capri Tiberio Palace.
• For an iconic stay: Villa Eva in Anacapri has almost cult status on the island, with light spacious rooms scattered around leafy gardens, and grand piano-shaped pool.

Find more accommodation options on Capri.

Thinking of basing yourself in nearby Naples? Read our run-down of the best places to stay in Naples.

8. Venice: Italy's "Floating City"

The floating city of Venice is an enchanting destination in northern Italy that holds a special place in the heart of many a traveler. 

Built on a lagoon and crisscrossed by a network of canals, it's a unique city that sees gondolas glide gracefully along the waterways, and ornate palaces rise majestically from the shores.

From iconic St. Mark's Square, with its stunning Basilica, to the romantic Rialto Bridge, Venice exudes a timeless charm that's very hard to resist. 

Exploring its narrow alleyways, visiting art-filled churches, and experiencing Venetian cuisine are all part of the magical allure of this extraordinary city.

Editor's tip: in the market for a special break in Venice? You might just love our Romantic Venice itinerary. 

Where to stay in Venice

• For a room with a view: Hotel Ai do Mori might be one of the most expensive one-star hotels in Venice, but it's considerably cheaper than others in this area, and several rooms have spectacular views.
• For proximity to San Marco: Rosa Salva is a well-designed, affordable city-centre hotel, with spacious room decorated in soft metallic tones and natural wood.

Find more accommodation options in Venice.

9. Cinque Terre: for impossibly pretty walks 

Perched precariously on cliffs overlooking the turquoise waters of the Ligurian Sea, the five fishing villages that make up Cinque Terre on the Italian Riviera offer a once-seen, never forgotten type of experience.

Here you'll find a mix of pastel houses, tiny harbours and dramatic seascapes — the area really is a postcard-perfect destination, and unquestionably one of the most beautiful places in Italy.

Those in the know tend to avoid driving Cinque Terre's narrow, crowded roads. Walking is the preferred mode of travel, with scenic hiking routes connecting the villages. One of the highlights is the famous walking trail called Via dell'Amore, offering scenic hikes through the hills and vineyards.

Editor's tip: for planning tips and inspiration, read our guide to the charming Cinque Terre.

Where to stay in Cinque Terre

• For quiet luxury: understated luxury is a Cinque Terre signature — indulge in exactly that by staying at La Torretta Lodge in Manarola.
• For family stays: La Scogliera in Riomaggiore offers two well-equipped apartments and sits right on the waterfront, close to the train station.

Check out more accommodation in Cinque Terre.

10. Verona: for unadulterated romance 

Verona — a city steeped in history and romance — is another Italian gem that has a habit of stealing the hearts of everyone who visits.

Famed for being the setting for Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, Verona offers a blend of ancient Roman architecture and medieval charm.

But such sights don't just look pretty — they're functional, too. For example, the well-preserved Roman amphitheatre — Arena di Verona — hosts spectacular operatic performances.

Meanwhile, the beautiful Piazza delle Erbe invites visitors to people-watch its vibrant market square. 

Where to stay in Verona

• For romantic stays: soak up the city's sheer romance with a stay at Lady Capulet Apartments.
• For music lovers: welcoming 2-star Torcolo has been run by the same sisters for more than 30 years, and is a firm favourite with music lovers during Verona's opera season.

Browse more accommodation in Verona.

11. Sorrento, Amalfi Coast: for panoramic views

The lovely southern town of Sorrento sits on a clifftop above the Bay of Naples.

A vintage seaside resort with a long summer season, it's known for its magnificent views, fragrant citrus groves, and charming old town.

While here, enjoy panoramic views of Mount Vesuvius, indulge in the region's famous limoncello liqueur, or take a boat trip to the nearby islands of Capri and Ischia. 

Sorrento's idyllic location and Mediterranean charm make it the perfect base for exploring the Amalfi Coast more widely, with the ruins of Pompeii also within reach — more on the latter below.

Editor's tip: want to experience the best of this area? Book our customisable Fascinating Southern Italy trip.

Where to stay in Sorrento

• For sublime views: to make the most of Sorrento's lofty position, stay at  Grand Hotel de la Ville.
• For boutique bliss: Maison La Minervetta is Sorrento's top boutique hotel. Perched on a cliff above Marina Grande, it has a terrace with sea views, plus a plunge pool and jacuzzi.

Explore more accommodation options in Sorrento.

12. Pompeii: for haunting history

Formerly one of Campania’s most important commercial centres, Pompeii was destroyed by Vesuvius back in 79 AD.

These days, visiting Pompeii offers incredible insights into Pompeii's days as a moneyed resort for wealthy patricians, and a trading town that exported wine and fish. 

Famously frozen in time, the site is incredibly scenic, albeit it in a uniquely fascinating way. With lush surrounding landscapes, and wide, open skies, Pompeii's Mount Vesuvius backdrop adds drama to the scene, and gives it an undeniably haunting atmosphere.

As you walk the streets of this remarkably well-preserved archaeological site, surrounded by ancient architecture, frescoes and mosaics, you really do feel like you've been transported back in time.

Editor's tip: don't miss heading to Herculaneum. Lesser-visited than Pompeii, it's every bit as historically valuable, and hauntingly beautiful.

13. Sicily: for dramatic allure

From its picturesque beaches and dramatic mountains, to its ancient ruins and charming villages, Sicily —  the largest island in the Mediterranean — is incredibly beautiful.

In our view, though, Sicily's beauty doesen't only derive from its natural landsapes. The island's architecture, food, and cultural heritage also add to its undeniable allure.

While towering Mount Etna — one of the most active volcanoes in the world — is a must-visit, so too are the island's Greek and Roman ruins, not least the UNESCO-designated Valley of the Temples (Agrigento), and the Syracuse and the Neapolis Archaeological Park.

We also adore Taormina — a town perched on a cliff overlooking the Ionian Sea — and Cefalù.

 Known for its sandy beaches and medieval streets, it's also home to Cefalù Cathedral, another of the island's UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 

Editor's tip: covering beaches, idyllic islands, Mount Etna and historic sights, our Legend and Legacy Tour of Sicily is hard to beat.

14. Sardinia: for sublimely scenic contrasts

Sardinia is an island of contrasts, its white-sand beaches fronted by calm Caribbean-esque waters, with a wild coastline of dramatic cliffs and hidden coves.

This contrast continues inland, where a mix of rugged mountain ranges, rolling hills and lush forests unfolds.

For an otherworldly experience, visit Capo Testa to see granite rock formations shaped by wind and sea over millenia.

We also rate Gennargentu National Park. Located in the heart of the island, it's home to Sardinia’s highest peaks, and offers spectacularly scenic opportunities to hike and watch wildlife.

Want to get the perfect Sardinia experience? Follow our itinerary day by day.

15. The Dolomites: for rainbow-glowing mountain magic 

Offering some of Europe's best mountain biking, the Dolomites — a stunning mountain range in northeastern Italy — also delivers big when it comes to natural beauty.

World-renowned for their dramatic peaks, craggy cliffs, and vast green valleys, the unique limestone formations of the Dolomites are characterised by sharp spires and rugged rock faces that contrast with the lush meadows below.

Of special note is the color-changing effect of the Dolomite rock, especially during sunrise and sunset, when a phenomenon called enrosadira occurs. 

In layman's terms, this means you'll see the mountains glow in glorious shades of pink, orange and purple.

To see the Dolomites at their most marvelous, drive the Great Dolomites Road (Grande Strada delle Dolomiti).

This route will take you through the heart of the Dolomites, delivering jaw-dropping views of towering mountains, lush valleys and alpine villages.

16. The Colosseum, Rome: for the ultimate icon

Saving Italy's most iconic symbol until last, the Colosseum in Rome is also arguably the most powerfully recognizable symbol of the ancient world.

Certainly visiting it is one of the best things to do in Rome, preferably early in the day or at dusk, when there are fewer visitors, and the light is more magical.

Though it essentially sits in the middle of a very busy roundabout, the majestic scale and engineering whizz of the Colosseum — also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre — is something else. 

The grandeur of its outer walls is a testament to its remarkable design — three levels of arches adorned with decorative columns crowned by Ionic, Doric and Corinthian capitals.

Inside is no less majestic, as three distinct areas unfold — the arena (where gladiatorial combats took place), cavea, and podium. 

Once inside, you’re free to wander most of the ground level, which circles the remains of the arena 

Editor's tip: while the city invites repeat visits, our itinerary covering Eternal Rome for the weekend is a great way to experience it on a first-time trip.

Ahead of your trip, save yourself time by reading our guide to how to get around Rome like a pro.

Where to stay in Rome

• For a boutique stay: Trevi Beau Boutique Hotel offers an elegant and intimate experience near the iconic Trevi Fountain.
• For a local experience: nestled in the heart of picturesque Trastevere, Residenza San Calisto guesthouse offers cosy rooms close to local restaurants and bars.

You might also want to read our area-by-area guide to where to stay in Rome. 

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