From the snow-clad Dolomites to the Roman ruins, Italy is a country that offers something to every traveller. Foodies can indulge in the vast gastronomical landscape, fashionistas can tour the north, adventure-seekers can scale the larger-than-life Alps, and leisure travellers can relax at the golden sand beaches. If Italy is your next travel destination, read through our compilation of the best places to visit in Italy.
Famous Place in Italy
With so many beautiful places in Italy, you will need at least 15 to 20 days to do the country justice. The cities and provinces you must include on your itinerary include the following.
Rome, Lazio
The capital of Italy, Rome, is one of the most vibrant European cities. It is home to the largest and the most ancient amphitheatre, the Colosseum. Other must-see ancient relics are the Pantheon, the Palatine Hill and the Appian Way. Ensure you also visit the Pope’s abode, the Sistine Chapel. Experience the local culture by strolling through Piazza Navona and Campo de’ Fori. End the day with a meal at a trattoria in the Trastevere neighbourhood.
Florence, Tuscany
Considered Italy’s creative capital, Florence is one of the best cities to visit in Italy. It boasts the world’s finest Renaissance art. Visit the Uffizi Gallery and immerse yourself in cultural euphoria. See Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia Gallery and climb to the top of the Duomo. Stroll through the Ponte Vecchio and Boboli gardens. If you love dessert lovers, you must try some artisanal gelato in Florence. Also, if time permits, add a day trip to the Tuscan valley.
Milan, Lombardy
For all fashion enthusiasts, Milan is among the best places to visit in Italy. The city served as the home base for legends like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Giuseppe Verdi and luxury fashion brands like Giorgio Armani and Versace, among others. Apart from its fashion capital status, Milan is also home to magnificent architecture like the Duomo di Milano, the Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore and the Castello Sforzesco. Do not miss Da Vinci’s ‘Last Supper’ at the Santa Maria Delle Grazie.
Palermo, Sicily
Palermo, the capital of Sicily, is a vibrant city and a tourist attraction in Italy known for its history, culture and gastronomy. The largest island in the Mediterranean, Palermo is home to one of the most active volcanos, Mount Etna, and the popular titles of Sicily. You can see a glimpse of the Roman, Byzantine, Norman and Arab empires across Palermo. Take a bus ride from Palermo to Mondello to savour the picturesque fishing village. Sign up for a pasta-making class and a food tour at La Vucciria.
Naples, Campania
The south is chaotic but has the best tourist attractions in Italy. If experiencing the best pizza is on your bucket list, you must pencil in time to stand in long queues at the L’antica Pizzeria da Michele. Visit the Archaeological Museum to see the Roman and Pompeii ruins, the Capodimonte Museum for Caravaggio’s Flagellation of the Christ or the Lungomare amphitheatre. Take a day tour to the volcanic crater of Mount Vesuvius and gaze upon the entire plane of Campania.
Amalfi Coast, Campania
Just south of Naples is the Amalfi peninsula. This 50-kilometre stretch of coastline overlooks the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Salerno Gulf. You can take the world’s most scenic route, the Amalfi drive. Conversely, you can soak in the views of the Amalfi coast via a ferry ride to Positano from Sorrento. Get away from the bustled towns and head to Ravello hilltop. The Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo offer mesmerising views like no other.
Venice, Veneto
Among the most famous places in Italy, the gondola-filled waterways of Venice are a sight to behold. You can start your day at St. Mark’s Basilica in Piazza San Marco and see the Byzantine altarpiece, the Pala d’Oro. Book a romantic gondola night with Giorgia Boscolo, the first female licensed gondolier. Go bar hopping at Venice’s Cicchetti bars. Take a walking tour at the Rialto Bridge or Doges’ Palace, or book a bicycle tour of Lido Island.
Dolomites, Alps
Located in the northeastern part of Italy, the enchanting Dolomites is a UNESCO World Heritage Centre. It is the most beautiful playground for outdoor adventurers. You can hike up the alpine landscapes, climb the mountain peaks, ski the Saslong in Val Gardena or go river rafting. You can also dive into the war-torn history at the Bunker Museum or the Forte Tre Sassi. Nestled deep in the Dolomites is the Lago di Braise, an alpine lake with emerald and sapphire-toned waters.
Lake Como, Lombardy
Leave the hubbub of Italy’s city behind and head to Lake Como, one of the most beautiful places in Italy. A favourite summer retreat among Italians, Lake Como offers breathtaking views of the snow-clad Alps. The three branches of this Y-shaped lake meet at the town of Bellagio. Board the funicular railway to the mountain town of Brunate or stroll through the Giardini di Villa Melzi. Navigating the lake with a boat ride or dinner cruise is a must-do on your Lombardy sojourn.
Cinque Terre, Liguria
The Cinque Terre is the most stunning attraction in Italy. Five colourful towns, Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Manarola, Riomaggiore and Cornigiala, are stringed together atop a hill in the Mediterranean Sea. The ideal way to experience Cinque Terre is by hiking. End your day with a relaxing swim in the ocean at the Monterosso al Mare beach. You can also schedule a day trip to the pastel-coloured town of Portofino.
Final Note: There’s no doubt that your trip to Italy will be worthwhile. While enjoying the vibrant culture, if you wish to connect with your loved ones at home, Vi’s international roaming has you covered. You can enjoy unlimited calls and data. As a Vi customer, you simply need to log into your Vi app and choose an international roaming pack per your requirement. To avoid last-minute hassles, you can subscribe to the international plan up to two months in advance.
Download the Vi app to access Vi international roaming packs and stay connected with your loved ones.
