Best place to travel in Italy

From Rome to Florence and Venice, Italy is home to some of the world's most storied cities. But as well as the glitz and glamour, Italy also offers plenty of less-trod destinations that will offer you a taste of real Italian culture.

While it's tempting to hit the big-name tourist attractions, it's a good idea to get off the beaten track a bit. This will help reduce over-tourism in the big-name destinations and make for a more rewarding experience.

Tuscany

Tuscany is home to many of Italy’s most popular tourist attractions. From the renowned leaning tower of Pisa to the beautiful medieval town of Siena, it’s easy to see why so many travelers want to visit this region.

Florence, the capital of Tuscany, is undoubtedly one of the most dazzling cities in Europe. It is home to some of the world’s most recognizable Renaissance art and architecture, including Michelangelo’s David statue.

In addition to Florence, Tuscany has several other important cities that are worth visiting as well. Some of these include Lucca, the beautiful medieval town of Siena and lovely little Pisa.

It’s worth spending at least a day in each city to fully experience the enchanting history, delicious food and stunning views that this region has to offer. In addition, a number of these historic cities also have stunning museums that are sure to impress.

If you’re a wine fan, then you’ll definitely want to plan your trip around the many fantastic wine events that take place throughout the year. In May, for example, there is a special wine festival called Cantine Aperte which invites visitors to explore the vineyards, sample the wines and learn all about the production process.

If you’re looking for a more leisurely way to spend your time in Tuscany, then consider taking a road trip or staying at an agriturismo farm. These are great for getting off the beaten path and exploring the beautiful countryside that this region has to offer.

Venice

Venice is a beautiful, fascinating city that’s full of history and intriguing sights. From its iconic landmarks to its hidden treasures, it’s an ideal destination for travelers looking to explore the rich past of Italy.

The best way to see Venice is to go with the flow and relax. Spend your time exploring the canals, visiting small squares, and just taking in the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If you want to get the most out of your trip, it’s also a good idea to visit one of the city’s museums. St Mark’s Museum is one of the best, allowing you to enjoy a panoramic view of Venice and the surrounding area.

Located near St Mark’s Square, the Basilica of San Marco is another must-visit, containing an array of priceless artefacts that date back hundreds of years. It’s well worth a quick visit, and we recommend spending some time on the terrace above it for a spectacular view over the water.

To get the most out of your visit, try to book a tour that includes both sightseeing in the city and trips to its famous islands. These include Lido, Murano, Burano, and Torcello, each of which is worth a visit on its own.

It’s also a good idea to buy a public transport ticket, so you can hop on and off as many times as you like during your time in Venice. This way, you’ll be able to see more of the city in a shorter period of time.

Another must-visit in Venice is the Libreria Acqua Alta, which is known for its colorful books that are stacked up in bathtubs and gondolas to protect them from the flooding. There’s also a small patio that offers a picturesque view of the canals, and you can even climb a book staircase to reach a belvedere overlooking them.

Rome

Rome, the 'Eternal City', is one of Europe’s most popular destinations and is a must-visit for anyone planning a trip to Italy. With a history dating back almost 2500 years, it's a place packed with fantastic sights and plenty of things to do.

The city’s best attractions, of course, are its incredible museums and galleries. Whether you're after paintings by Giotto, Raphael and Veronese or Egyptian artefacts and the Sistine Chapel ceiling, there are world-class collections to explore.

Among the most important is the Vatican Museum, which contains many of the most famous religious paintings in the world. There are also great collections of Egyptian and Roman art.

Another must-visit museum is the Museo e Galleria Borghese, which boasts an incredible collection of baroque sculptures by Bernini and paintings by the likes of Caravaggio and Titian. The surrounding Villa Borghese Gardens are also worth a visit.

While there are plenty of beautiful places to see in Rome, many visitors find that it's hard to get enough of the city itself. Despite its immense wealth, the city remains surprisingly quaint and laid-back, especially in the summer.

Aside from its famous landmarks, Rome is also a fascinating city to explore underground. Several districts have preserved their old buildings and streets beneath the surface.

The Trevi district is a great place to explore the city's ancient history, with ruins from the first century AD scattered across the area. It's also home to some amazing museums and attractions, including the Museo della Scienza.

Another great neighbourhood to discover in Rome is Trastevere, where you can spend a day exploring the streets of this traditional Italian working class area. You'll love wandering through this maze of narrow, cobbled streets and visiting the many cafes and restaurants in the area. It's also a fun place to visit at night, when you can enjoy some lively nightlife in the bars and restaurants of this part of town.

The Lakes

The Alps and a Mediterranean climate have combined to create a perfect setting for Italy’s stunning lake district. Whether you’re a hiker looking to get back in touch with nature, a beach lover looking for somewhere to unwind, or a family with kids wanting to soak up some fun, there’s a lake to suit your needs.

While the larger lakes like Garda and Como draw crowds, they also offer some truly memorable experiences if you’re willing to get away from the tourist trail. Hike to a sunken city a la Atlantis, swim with swarms of fish, or be enveloped by stone villages perched on cliffs that stretch around the lake.

In contrast, there are a few less famous lakes that can be just as exciting. Martignano in central Italy, for example, is a tiny volcanic crater that’s teeming with palm and cactus trees. Its dark pebble-stone beaches are dog-friendly, too.

For something altogether more rustic, head to Lake Orta, which locals call ‘bewitching’ and is regarded as a hidden gem among northern Italy’s lakes. Its medieval towns, arcaded shopping streets, and peaceful squares make for a serene break, with an easy ferry ride to Europe’s largest lake island Monte Isola offering the chance to see its pretty village.

Another lake worth visiting is Lake Maggiore, a long and thin body of water on the southern shores of the Alps that’s home to a number of charming and elegant small towns. Stresa, in particular, is the jewel in the crown of the region, with its picturesque promenade and wonderful gardens and villas. Other great towns include Verbania, Cannobio, and Baveno. And there’s always the choice to set out by boat for one of the main Borromean islands.

The Coast

The best place to travel in Italy is along the country’s coastal region. This less-known part of the country is home to beautiful beaches, secret coves, clear water, and dazzling historic towns. It’s also a great place to discover local culture and taste authentic foods.

The Amalfi Coast is one of the most stunning and picturesque areas of the country. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to some of the most picture-perfect Italian coastal towns and villages.

Its jaw-dropping cliffside views, pastel-hued houses, cute cafes and delicious limoncello make this Italian coastline an unforgettable experience. It’s no wonder that the Amalfi Coast has remained a coveted destination for travelers worldwide.

To get the most out of your Amalfi Coast vacation, we recommend spending at least three days in Positano and Ravello. This way, you can explore each town’s highlights and take time to relax and soak up the gorgeous scenery.

You’ll want to spend at least two days in Sorrento as well. This pretty seaside town is a great base for exploring the island of Capri and some iconic day trips like a tour to Pompeii.

There’s so much to see and do in this coastal region, you might want to stay for a week or more to really soak up all the beauty it has to offer. If you have a little more time, try combining it with some of the other amazing spots in Italy to create your perfect Italian holiday.

You can’t go past the charming seaside town of Cefalu. This quaint town is full of handmade ceramics and stunning churches filled with majolica art. Its rocky beach is also a must-visit.