12 most beautiful places in Italy, from Sicily to Venice

Whether you’re into ancient architecture or rolling landscapes, Italy is full of stunning sights—and we’re not just talking about world-famous attractions like the Duomo of Milan or dreamy islands like Capri. Hidden gems can be found everywhere in Italy, offering new ways of appreciating the country. Read on to discover some of the most beautiful places to visit in Italy that you should definitely add to your itinerary.

With a name like “the beautiful island,” Isola Bella is definitely on our list of postcard-worthy places in Italy. Also known as the “pearl of the Ionian Sea,” Isola Bella is a small island connected to Taormina by a narrow sandbar. Its pebbled beach is popular with sunbathers, and the clear waters are ideal for snorkeling and swimming. For a more private experience, skip the beach and explore Isola Bella from the water. This small-group boat tour will let you visit hidden sea caves like the Grotta Azzurra.

In Alberobello, cobblestone paths wind around clusters of cone-shaped buildings known as trulli, creating a magical town that looks like something out of a fairytale. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, these dry stone huts once housed peasant families, who were ordered to build houses without the use of mortar. Today, the trulli represent the heritage of the Puglia region, and you can learn more about their history in Trullo Sovrano, a trullo that has been turned into a museum. Some trulli have also been converted into hotels and shops, where you can try Apulian wines and snacks.

The picturesque island of La Maddalena is the largest town in the Maddalena archipelago, just a mile from the northeastern shore of Sardinia. With sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and tranquil islands, La Maddalena is so beautiful that even Napoleon once tried to conquer it. Admire the coastline on a boat trip around the archipelago, or join a hybrid tour to explore both land and sea.

In a city of awe-inspiring attractions like the Colosseum and the Pantheon, it’s intriguing that a stairway has captivated so many people for hundreds of years. The Spanish Steps in Rome have appeared in many novels and films, from Roman Holiday to F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Tender Is the Night. Conquer 135 steps and you’ll be rewarded with a sweeping view of the bustling Piazza di Spagna. In spring, hundreds of blooming azaleas line the staircase, turning the steps into a colorful garden. For the least crowds, visit in the evening to admire Rome’s nightlife.

Did you know that the Alps actually stretch across Italy? In fact, the Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Three Peaks of Lavaredo) are one of the most famous mountain groups in the Alps, forming part of the Sexten Dolomites and comprising three distinctive peaks that resemble battlements. The mountains are spectacular in every season, whether dusted with snow or surrounded by fields of wildflowers. Explore the Dolomites in air-conditioned comfort on this day tour from Venice, or take in the view while hiking with a guide.

According to Greek mythology, Scylla was a sea monster that dwelled between Calabria and Sicily. Due to its location, the Italian town of Scilla, which lies in front of the Strait of Messina, is said to be home to the mythological monster. From the turquoise curl of the Tyrrhenian Sea to the imposing Ruffo Castle, it’s not hard to see why Scilla is the stuff of legends. Enjoy a wholly local experience in the rustic fishing village Chianalea, where you’ll find authentic Italian restaurants and gelaterias.

As the medieval center of trade and finance, Florence was the birthplace of Renaissance art, architecture, and culture. While the Tuscan capital is undeniably beautiful close-up, it’s even more striking when admired from afar. Piazzale Michelangelo, built in the 19th century in dedication to Michelangelo, is an excellent lookout point just outside the city’s ancient walls. Come at sunset to watch Florence transform into a glowing landscape of cathedrals, palaces, and streets.

Cinque Terre (Five Lands) is made up of five coastal villages that overlook the Ligurian Sea. Along with its surrounding coastline and hillsides, Cinque Terre forms a protected national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Each of the five villages has its own distinct landscape and characteristics, but our favorite has got to be the oldest town, Manarola. Compared to buzzing Monterosso al Mare, Manarola is quieter and more traditional. Its multicolored terrace houses, jutting out along the steep seaside cliffs, are frequently used to represent Cinque Terre. A series of scenic hiking trails trace Manarola’s vineyards, where the sweet wine Sciacchetrà is produced.

The ancient town of Pompeii may not be typically thought of as picturesque, but its haunting beauty will linger with you long after you leave. Frozen in time since A.D. 79, the archaeological site provides a glimpse into the daily lives of Ancient Romans. Intricate frescoes still line the walls of the Villa dei Misteri, while the Forum’s ruins stand proudly in front of Mount Vesuvius. Skip the line and learn more about Pompeii’s history on this guided tour, or wander down Via dell’Abbondanza and peer into old buildings and stores.

Situated above the Amalfi Coast, Ravello is a charming resort town that has captivated writers and artists like Gore Vidal, D.H. Lawrence, and Virginia Woolf. As Ravello was once home to mercantile nobility, you’ll find many grand villas here, from Villa Cimbrone to Villa Rufolo, which inspired the Wagner opera Parsifal. And while the Duomo di Ravello might seem ordinary on the outside, once you enter through its bronze doors, you’ll be stunned by the elaborate mosaics and Byzantine decorations.

Fashion capital Milan might be known for its Gothic cathedrals and shopping arcades, but the city’s skyscrapers are also worth a visit. Deemed the world’s most beautiful and innovative highrise, Bosco Verticale is a modern apartment and office building designed to reduce carbon footprint and improve air quality. The “Vertical Forest” has more than 20,000 trees and plants adorning its two towers, and uses solar panels and filtered wastewater to remain sustainable.

Venice is a city of romance and Renaissance palaces, and you’ll find plenty of beautiful attractions around the Grand Canal. But if you haven’t planned to visit the other islands in the Venetian Lagoon, you’re definitely missing out. With its candy-colored houses, Burano is a photographer’s dream. According to legend, the buildings were painted in bright, cheery colors so that sailors could spot the fishing village even on gloomy and foggy days. Burano is also known for its history of lace-making and fresh seafood, which you can try at the Michelin-starred Trattoria al Gatto Nero. As there are only a handful of restaurants on the small island, it’s best to make reservations in advance.

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