The Most Beautiful Places in Italy for Nature Lovers, Art Buffs, and Foodies
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The most beautiful places in Italy double as some of the most beautiful in the world. Where else could lay claim on such a vast range of natural wonders as Italy, from shaggy peaks and evergreen hills to aquamarine waters surrounded by pristine and powder-soft beaches. The country is also to some of the most iconic art and architecture in history: We’re referring to the jaw-dropping Roman cathedrals, the rainbows rows of homes hugging the canals in Venice, and the modern masterpieces of Milan. And while no list of the best could possibly start to cover them all, we’ve gathered together 38 of the most beautiful places in Italy.
And the best part? No matter where you head first, it’s guaranteed to be one of your future favorites.
This article has been updated since its original publish date.
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Sorrento
Shouldered by the rugged cliffs along the Bay of Naples, Sorrento is surrounded by panoramic views of the Mediterranean. Aside from its stunning seaside, the town is also known for its Piazza Tasso, a café-lined public square with a statue of the town's patron saint, Antoninus, in its center.
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Costa degli Dei
Costa degli Dei means, “Coast of the Gods,” and it's easy to see why this 34-mile stretch of southern Italy earned the title. Between its Caribbean-like waters and Calabrian fields of red onions, this coastline is a tour through a stunning—though under-the-radar—corner of the country.
- Giuseppe Mondi
The Duomo, Florence
Brunelleschi’s Duomo is a marvel of engineering and design, of course, but it’s also the best observation deck in Florence. If you journey up the—admittedly daunting—463 steps (no elevator, and the occasionally, claustrophobically tight passages), you’ll be greeted by well-worth it panoramic views of the city and the rest of Tuscany looking up at you. But to take in the Duomo itself, head over to Giotto’s Bell Tower next door.
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Alberobello, Puglia
The primary attraction of Alberobello, a quaint village near Puglia's Bari, is its hallmark trulli: cone-shaped, white-capped houses that look as though they’ve been freshly dusted with snow. Because of this signature architectural style, Alberobello was deemed so unique that it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Capitoline Hill
One of the famed seven hills of Rome, Capitoline Hill provides arguably the best vantage point of the ancient capital. From its storied top, you can join the stately statue of Marcus Aurelius and easily view landmarks such as St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Roman Forum.
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Terme di Saturnia
The Cascate del Mulino waterfalls and Terme di Saturnia thermal spa are a popular attraction in southern Tuscany. The water—which hovers around 99 degrees—has bubbled in small pools on the travertine rocks over the many centuries and is said to heal just about everything from acne to tonsillitis.
- Courtesy Villa Igiea, a Rocco Forte Hotel
Villa Igiea, a Rocco Forte Hotel, Palermo
A list of Italy’s most beautiful hotels would be nearly endless (though here are our readers' 20 favorites), but we’d be sure to put Villa Igiea at the very top. The Sicilian hideaway’s Art Nouveau touches and sophisticated pool scene are truly second to none.
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Lake Como
This classic Lombardy gem has been calling to all summer vacationers since its ancient Roman roots; today, it’s as hot as ever for its natural beauty as it is for its luxury hotels (and George Clooney sightings, of course).
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- Patrick Schneider
St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome
There's a good reason dedicating a day to seeing the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica is essentially a rite of passage for every first-time visitor to Rome. With its gilded roof and world-renowned artwork, it’s easy to see why it draws 25,000 visitors every day. Get a glimpse of it at night for a sight that is truly awe-inspiring.
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Capri
Capri has a big reputation as the most glamorous island in the country by far and away—and most dramatic. From the legendary Faraglioni rocks peeking from the bright blue Mediterranean to the inimitable fragrance of the island’s fields of flowers, it’s sensory overload in the best possible sense.
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Duomo di Milano, Milan
This majestic Gothic cathedral is home to more statues than any other in the world—over 3,500 in total, about two-thirds of which are located on its gargoyle-lined roof, alongside 135 spires. Take the audio guide tour of the interior to get the most out of your visit or climb the 150 steps to the roof to enjoy unmatched views over the city.
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Orvieto
A roughly one and a half hour drive away from Rome, a day trip to this Umbrian post is like visiting two towns in one–on top, there's the old medieval town with the must-see cathedral and unique architecture built from volcanic tuff, which also makes up the tall shelf the town is perched atop. And below, the modern city's idyllic cafés and restaurants serve up some of the best wine in the country.
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Santa Margherita
Between its medieval castles and Baroque churches, its Renaissance palaces and Wes Andersonesque Ligurian homes, Santa Margherita is an art history buff's dream come true. If you find yourself craving more adventure after touring the town, Portofino is just a short three miles away.
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The Grand Canal, Venice
Venice’s Grand Canal is beautiful any time of day, but the early evening is our favorite time to marvel at this architectural wonder—the sun reflecting off of the water casts a glow that, coupled with the echo of the lapping waves, becomes something magical.
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Ostia Antica
While Pompeii is typically the first name that comes to mind with ancient Roman cities, it's due time that Ostia Antica received its flowers. Walking across the remarkably well-preserved ruins of the temples, roads, and theater, you can easily imagine what life was like here millennia ago. The vivid mosaic floors in the Baths of Neptune are a particular standout.
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Piazza San Carlo, Turin
Turin is thought by many to be the most regal city in the country, because of the baroque buildings and classy coffee shops lining its central Piazza San Carlo. Be sure to stop by Caffè Torino to enjoy a negroni alongside painted murals and gilded mirrors. The “Paris of Italy” also landed a spot on our list of the best places to visit in Italy, as voted by our readers.
- Sterlinglanier Lanier
Lucca, Tuscany
Lined with antique shops, nearly 100 churches, and trattorias dishing up rustic Tuscan fare, the walled city of Lucca is missing one thing: the crush of tourists that can overwhelm some of its neighbors, which makes it not just a lovely place to visit but a welcome respite as well.
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Chiaia di Luna, Ponza
Italy is full of gently rolling hills, but the tiny island of Ponza off the coast of Rome takes things in a slightly different, more dramatic direction. Case in point: Chiaia di Luna, a magnificent bay surrounded by towering cliffs that resemble a lunar landscape (hence the name).
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Pantheon, Rome
One of the world’s greatest achievements in pre-Christian architecture is the Pantheon, a domed, ancient temple in the heart of Rome. Though the crowds can be bustling and busy, this is a truly breathtaking site that deserves the visit.
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Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan
Chic fashion, stunning architecture, mouthwateringly good food, and some of the juiciest people-watching in the world—it's nearly impossible to deny the well-rounded beauty of Milan. Even its department stores, like Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, are the epitome of elegance.
- Sara Groblechner
Manarola, Liguria
Manarola is one of the oldest towns in the Cinque Terre and arguably one of the most beautiful. It’s known primarily for its fishing, wine-making, and excellent hiking in the hills and vineyards above the town. Don’t miss the famous walking trail called Via dell’Amore, or Love’s Trail.
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Villa Cimbrone, Ravello
Manicured gardens, rows of marble statues, and dramatic views of the Amalfi Coast (especially from the aptly named Terrace of Infinity) make the 5-star hotel Villa Cimbrone in Ravello one of the most beautiful places in Italy. Even if you don’t book a room, you can still check out the gardens, which are open to the public.
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Uffizi Gallery, Florence
Botticelli's The Birth of Venus may symbolize true beauty inside the Uffizi, but the museum is exquisite on the outside as well, with its symmetrical columns and stately windows. We like to stroll the perimeter after the museum closes, when Florentine couples and families come out to do the same.
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Castello di Miramare, Trieste
Just a 30-minute drive north of Trieste—the photogenic heart of Friuli Venezia-Giulia—Castello di Miramare owed much of its appeal to its scenic surroundings. Formerly home to Austrian Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian, the 10th-century structure sits above the blue Adriatic on a lush, 54-acre park. It’s certainly not your average road trip pit stop.
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Stelvio Pass
At more than 9,000 feet high, the Stelvio Pass is the eastern Alps’ highest paved road—a 15-mile-long ribbon of 48 hairpin turns with spectacular mountain views. The road is thrilling no matter your vehicle of choice, but if you can do the drive in a Ferrari? Even better.
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Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca, Bologna
Bologna is a small but mighty Italian city, with quintessentially lovely churches, covered sidewalks, and wine bars throughout. But our favorite spot lies just outside of town: The Sanctuary of San Luca, a hilltop basilica with a famous arched portico and incredible views of Bologna below.
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Fonte Gaia, Siena
This sophisticated fountain is one of the best in Italy, and easiest to spot—it’s in the center of Piazza del Campo, the main square and home to Siena’s famous horse race, il Palio. Siena itself is filled with architecture-as-art, earning it a UNESCO designation as the “embodiment of a medieval city.”
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San Fruttuoso, Liguria
Located about halfway between Portofino and the small town of Camogli, San Fruttuoso is as postcard-perfect as a beach get. The small cove’s attraction comes from its secluded position (it can only be accessed via hiking from Portofino or riding the ferry), beautiful azure waters, and background of a medieval abbey ringed with mountains.
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Bosco Verticale, Milan
In 2017, Milan blossomed with a new beauty, complementing the city's centuries-old ones. The “vertical forest,” which envelopes two high-rise apartment blocks. The work of architect Stefano Boeri, the Porta Nuova buildings are covered with more than 20,000 trees and plants, turning the otherwise unremarkable business district into something of a tourist attraction.
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Santuario Madonna della Corona, Mount Baldo
The Santuario Madonna della Corona (Sanctuary of the Lady of the Crown) is not typically listed among Italy’s most beautiful churches, but that’s probably because most people don’t know where to find it. The 16th-century church is built right into a vertical cliff on Mount Baldo, where visitors must hike up pedestrian paths to reach it.
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The Duomo of Siena
Built in 1263, this cathedral is one of the most ambitious Gothic churches in the world. It stands out for its intricate zebra-banded marble. Inside, you can find pieces by Michelangelo, Donatello, and Pisano, and if you drop your eye, you'll see that even the floors stun with inlaid mosaics detailing Biblical stories and historical events.
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San Gimignano, Tuscany
Its stunning medieval skyline, which is visible for miles all around, entices you from a distance. But once you’re plopped into a seat at a café in this adorable Tuscan town, sipping Vernaccia, and snacking on salumi—that’s when the true Italian love affair begins.
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Villa Borghese, Rome
Scenic and serene Villa Borghese is the largest and most picturesque public garden in Rome—and home to its own lake, rowboats, gallery, and Victorian water clock, there's no shortage of things to do and see. Visit in the transition seasons for particularly lovely blooms and pleasant fall weather.
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