Destinations

17 reasons why Italy worth the best travel destinations tag in Europe

best places to visit in italy

Surprisingly not, Italy needs almost no introduction, the city is complete in itself and is one of the most travel destinations in Europe. Impact of Italy is obvious on the world in the form of beautiful artistry, crumbling ruins, impeccable palaces and castles that connects all the dots contributing it to make the best place.

You can also enjoy the less crowded coastal areas where you can sit and relax amid the sandy beaches and have the pleasure of swimming in the crystal-clear seas. In addition to leaving no stone unturned in Italy, you can bounce to neighboring Sicily and enjoy altogether a twisting life that offers some of the best foods and beverages in the region.

See some of the best places to visit in Italy.

1. Visit the Valley of the Temples

best places to visit in italy

In the bucket list of your travel destinations in Italy, your first stoppage should be the valley of temples located in Agrigento, Sicily.

Valley of the temples is one of the most outstanding examples of art and architecture of Greece. Garner your attention towards this huge archeological complex which is one of the main attractions of Sicily with an additional tag of national monument of Italy.

It also has some of the most intact Doric temples that were built date back to the 5th century.

The best part about temples is remaining yet as you can experience the spectacular views touring the historical site.

Location: 92100 Agrigento, AG, Italy
Timings: Open every day from 8:30- 19:00
Entry Charges: Start from € 4.00
Nearby Attractions: Tempio della Concordia, Tempio della Concordia, Chiesa Santa Maria dei Greci, Agrigento Cathedral, Museo Archeologico, Tempio di Hera, Monastero di Santo Spirito, Agrigento’s beaches.

2. Climb Mount Vesuvius

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Mount Vesuvius finds its position amongst the famous mountains in the world and also as the volcano that erupted in Roman times (AD 79) and buried Pompeii. The volcano distant 6 miles from the modern city of Naples and is one of the best travel destinations at Pompeii.

It also accounts for one of the world’s most dangerous volcanoes. The volcano has an eruption cycle of about 20 years, but the last eruption was in 1944.

For the time being, Vesuvius is considered the safest to climb and adventure seekers can trek to the crater of the mountain which looks like something that you would find the Moon’s surface.

Views from the top are surely something breathtaking and the hike is good enough for a range of abilities.

Location: 80056, Naples, Italy
Nearby Attractions: Herculaneum Tours, Casa di Nettuno e Anfitrite, Parco Archeologico di Ercolano, Museo Archeologico Virtuale (MAV), College of the Augustales, La Terrazza di M. Nonio Balbo, Partem Domus lignea – Casa del Tramezzo di Legno.
Timings:

  • January, February, November, December – daily from 9 am to 3 pm
  • March and October – daily from 9 am to 4 pm
  • April, May, June, September – daily from 9 am to 5 pm
  • July and August – daily from 9 am to 6 pm

Entry Charges:

  • EUR 10: adults
  • EUR 8: students
  • Free: children shorter than 120 centimeters; disabled and companion

How To Reach: Reach Mount Vesuvius National Park via car or with one of the bus services from Pompeii or Herculaneum.

3. Cinque Terre

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UNESCO declared Cinque Terre as World Heritage Site, which also designated as a national park.

Located in Liguria, the ‘Five Lands’ is put together by five distinct villages that rest on the peak of rugged mountains overlooking the famous Italian Riviera.

Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore, and Monterosso all conglomerate to five villages and each has its individual unique charms and attractions.

Amidst La Spezia and Levanto, Cinque Terra finds its extensions. You will find yourself in the romantic olive groves, traditional eateries and purplish blue sea views along the coast.

Nearby AttractionsCinque Terre Trails, Footpath Monterosso – Vernazza, Monterosso al Mare, Manarola.

4. Take to the waters of Lake Como

unique places to visit in italy

Also known as Lario, Lombardy settles on the banks of Lake Como and spans approximately 146 square Kilometers and is the perfect place to get out on the water and explore Italy at its best by kayak.

Some of the world’s richest celebrities have owned houses around the around Lake Como.

The ambiance surrounding the lake holds the driving seat for alpine forest and traditional villages as well as dainty and fragile ornate houses that will give a picturesque view of Italian masterpiece.

Location:  It’s a lake of glacial origin in Lombardy, Italy.
Entry Charges:

  • For a one-way ticket, the price is €4.60 for adults (12 and over)
  • €3.70 for seniors (65 and over with ID)
  • €2.30 for kids (from 4 to 11).
  • If you’re traveling from Bellagio to Domaso to a taste a bit of wine, that you’re in Zone 5 and
  • cost €8.30 for adults, €6.60 for seniors and €4.20 for kids.

Timings:

  • Supermarkets and small shops normally open from Monday – Saturday 8:30 am -12.30 pm and then 15:30 – 19:30 (However some shops close at 1 pm on a Saturday).
  • Whereas, large hypermarkets and shopping centres are normally open from 9:00 am to 21:00.

Nearby Attractions: Duomo of Como, Villa del Balbianello, Jungle Raider Park, Museum Moto Guzzi, Botanic Gardens at Hotel Villa Cipressi, Bellagio, Menaggio.

5. Marvel at the Coliseum

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 Also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre. It is just so incomplete to visit Rome without visiting one of the most famous attractions in the world, the mighty Coliseum.

The remnants of the greatest historical relics of our time was once a magnificent amphitheater (arena) and also had a capacity of over 50,000 spectators.

The amphitheater is best known for gladiator matches that were shown here and you can sit in the stands, imagining the violent glasses that were used here for the crowd’s enjoyment.

Location: Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
Nearby Attractions: The Colosseum and the Arch of Constantine,  The Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Basilica of St. John Lateran, Centro Storico & the Spanish Steps, Santa Maria Maggiore, The Catacombs and Via Appia Antica, Piazza Navona, Palatine Hill, Borghese Gallery and Gardens.
Timings: All days of the week, 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM*
Entry Charge: 

  • Free Entry for children (below or 12 years old)
  • Euros 16 per person for adults

6. Trip to Pompeii

famous places in italy

Pompeii is known for its events that took place here in 79 AD when Mount Vesuvius erupted and wrapped the town in ash.

The eruption not only meant the transformation of town in ash but telling that the Roman life was captured and frozen in time, and when the site was scooped it offered a glimpse of an ancient era.

In today’s time if you wish to visit Pompeii, then you can expect kind of open-air museum where you will find preserved houses, baths, and ancient Roman forums, all filing the space of relics of the people who were living here at the time of the eruption.

Location: 80045 Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy
Nearby Attractions: Antiquarium, Forum, Theaters, Stabian Baths, House of Menander,  Nuovi Scavi, House of the Vettii, Western Houses, Street of Tombs.
Timings: 

  • April through October: 9am – 7:30pm (last entry at 6pm)
  • November through March: 9am – 5pm (last entry at 3:30pm)
  • Closed: 1 January, 1 May, 25 December

Entry Charges:

  • Pompeii daily ticket: Full price EUR 15; discounted EUR 9

Discount on Tickets:

  • The entry is free to all EU citizens under 18.
  • EU citizens under 24 have a special discount.

7. Boat trip along the Amalfi Coast

things to do in italy

Also Read: How To Get Airport Lounge Access All Over The World

The dazzling Amalfi Coast prevails to be one of the most scenic spots you will find in Italy and if want to experience the most of it in the shortest amount of time then turn your favor taking a boat trip along the shoreline.

Several companies offer boat rental and you can have the pleasure to sightsee the towering Lattari Mountains as well as various cute inlets and canals.

Traditional Mediterranean villages will appear to you apparently out-of-the-box and boat tours usually come with food and beverages so that you can have a refreshment on local produce.

Address: An extension of coastline on the northern coast of the Salerno Gulf on the Tyrrhenian Sea, situated in the Province of Salerno of southern Italy.

Timings: Open 24 hours
Nearby Attractions: Antiquarium, Forum, Theaters, Stabian Baths, House of Menander,  Nuovi Scavi, House of the Vettii, Western Houses, Street of Tombs.

8. Historic Center of Siena

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Siena city is often unnoticed in favor of Florence, though this is quite unfair because there is a large amount to see and do, and some parts of the city are as beautiful as their neighbor rival.

Especially the Historic center of Siena is worth a visit and begins at Piazza del Campo, leading to a historic district covered with medieval architecture dating back to the 12th century.

It includes the mighty Duomo, the Pinacoteca Nazionale, and the beautiful Palazzo Salimbeñi from the middle ages that intermingle with the buildings.

Nearby Attractions: Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Torre del Mangia, Il Palio (Horse Race), Pinacoteca Nazionale (National Gallery)San Francesco and Oratorio di San Bernardino, Piazza del Campo, Palazzo Pubblico and Museo Civico.

9. A pilgrimage to the Vatican

unique things to do in italy

Vatican city is absolutely its own state within Italy, although you can only visit the land surrounded area by first traveling to Rome.

If you visit the Vatican even once then you should definitely think over visiting one of the most important religious spots in the world, which is home to powerhouses such as the Piazza San Pietro and St Peter’s Basilica.

You can also enjoy the grandeur of the Vatican Palace in addition to the Sistine Chapel which features the Creation of Adam.

Nearby Attractions: St. Peter’s Basilica, Sistine Chapel, Pinacoteca, St. Peter’s Square, Vatican Necropolis, Etruscan Museum, Vatican Library,  Egyptian Museum, Museo Chiaramonti

10. Visit Saint Mark’s Basilica

things to see in italy

Venice is a hub of unequaled attractions and one of the best travel destinations, although possibly the most famous of these is Saint Mark’s Basilica which rests on the famed Piazza San Marco or Saint Mark’s Square.

The final resting place of Saint Mark the Evangelist is the Basilica and started life as a Byzantine church since being developed over the years.

You will find the picturesque beauty of Saint Mark’s Basilica as it’s full of display of artistry and you will come across glittering collages and gorgeous marble decorations up and down the complex as well as bas-reliefs and touches of gold leaf.

Location: Piazza San Marco, 328, 30100 Venezia VE, Italy
Nearby Attractions: Doge’s Palace, Piazzetta, St. Mark’s Clock Tower, Museo Correr.
Entry Charges: Free
Timings: Nov-Mar Mon-Sat 9:30am-5pm, April-Oct 9:45am-5pm, Sundays 2pm-4pm

11. Discover the Roman Forum

must see attractions in italy

Another one of the gems of Italy’s popular attractions lies amid Capitoline and the Palatine hills in Rome.

The Roman Forum would once have been the center of the powerful Roman Empire and you can go to the beautiful complex here and enjoy views from the rooftops of the entire city.

Location: Via della Salara Vecchia, 5/6, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Nearby Attractions: Castelli Romani, Basilica Santa Francesca Romana, Palatine Hill, Temple of Venus and Roma, Domus Tiberiana, Wall of Romulus, Casa Delle Vestali, Tempio di Romolo, Largo Gaetana Agnesi.
Entry Charges: 

  • On first Sunday of the month (no reservation possible), there’s a Free entry – expect long queues
  • Under 18 and discounted tickets for EU citizens aged between 18-25 – Free Entr
  • For EU citizens with disabilities and their companion, with legal and valid medical documentation of the disability – Free Entry

Timings:

  • 08.30 – 16.30
    from January 2 to February 15
    last admission at 15.30
  • 08.30 – 17.00
    from February 16 to March 15
    last admission at16.00
  • 08.30 – 17.30
    from March 16 to last Saturday of March
    last admission at 16.30
  • 08.30 – 19.15
    from the last Sunday of March to August 31
    last admission at 18.15
  • 08.30 – 19.00
    from September 1 to September 30
    last admission at 18.00
  • 08.30 – 18.30
    from October 1 to last Saturday of October
    last admission at 17.30
  • 08.30 – 16.30
    from the last Sunday of October to December 31
    last admission at 15.30
  • Last admission 1 hour before closing time
  • Closed: December 25, January 1, May 1

12. Climb Stromboli

coolest places to visit in italy

Also Read: 15 Most Spooky Places In America

While you visit Sicily, you can’t afford to miss the chance to climb way up Stromboli, a still active volcano.

Looking for an easy trek? Go Stromboli by yourself, moving ahead walking 400 meters up the sides of it, although if you want to continue on the crater which still swells clouds of ashes and fire, then you will need a certified guide to take you.

Around 3 hours of time is required to be on the top while moving down only takes 2 hours, so in all, it takes about five to six hours of trekking if you want to explore each and everything.

It may be a very long tedious walk but after you reach the top it’s worth it for the jaw-dropping views.

Location: Situated in the northeasternmost of the Aeolian Islands and lies about 50 km NE of Lipari.
Nearby Attractions: Stromboli Volcano, Centro Visitatori INGV, Ficogrande, Chiesa di San Vincenzo, Spiaggia della Forgia Vecchia, Spiaggia di Piscita, Spiaggia di Punta Lena, Spiaggia di Lazzaro.
Entry Charges: NA
Timings: Trekking time is from 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM*

13. Boat trip to the Blue Grotto

cool things to do in italy

Blue Grotto, one of the exceptional sites in Capri, also called Grotta Azzurra.

The grotto is the result of a large cave filled with water that sparkles luminescent blue when sunrays reflect through shafts on the edges of the rock.

The cavern rises to an elevation of 14 meters by itself in some parts and is around 60 meters long. You can experience an amazing light show from a rowing canoe into the grotto which gives rise to one of Italy’s most memorable sightseeing experiences.

Location: Via Grotta Azzurra, 80071 Anacapri, Island of Capri, Italy
Nearby Attractions: Monte Solaro, Chiesa San Michele, Fortini Coastal Walk, Scala Fenicia (Phoenician Steps).
Entry Charges: 

  • The cost is €14 per person
  • Children under 6 years old – Free.
  • Citizens of the EU under the age of 18 – Free

Summary Of Trip To The Blue Grotto:

  • Sorrento to Capri by ferry (roundtrip):  €47
  • Capri boat trip with Motoscafisti: €18
  • Blue Grotto Entrance Fee:  €14
  • Bus from Blue Grotto to Mount Solaro:  €2
  • Bus to Marina Grande:  €2
  • Mount Solaro Chairlift:  €11
  • Grand Total: €94 per adult

Timings: Every day from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m*

14. Journey into the Frasassi Cave

top things to do in italy

The Frasassi Cave is nestled deep in the grounds of Ancona and sinking into a spectacular victory of nature just as you are traveling towards the center of the Earth.

The voyage is of 75 minutes and you can look forward to finding some of the most beautiful karst formations (a type of land formation usually with many caves formed through limestone dissolution by underground drainage) anywhere in the world here.

Under the stunning lightening roof of Grotto, you will experience amazing geology that will lead you to the walkways inside within such as awesome Stalactites and Stalagmites.

Location: Viale Giovanni Marinelli, San Vittore, 60040 Genga, Italy
Nearby Attractions: The Benedictine Abbey of San Vittore, Art Museum at Genga castle, Chiesa di Santa Lucia, Tempio del Valadier,
Entry Charges: Free*
Timings: 10:30 am – 06:00 pm*

15. Follow the Chianti Wine Route

italy things to do

Chianti is being famous for its delicious wine, making it a must place to visit for alcoholics especially. The place is surrounded by Siena and Florence.

There are several other wine tours that operate in this region but many of them lead you towards disconnected hills and through fascinating villages, visiting the local wineries and sampling the various blends on offer.

Location: Located in the center between Florence and Siena on the Via Chiantigiana road.
Nearby Attractions: Poggio Amorelli, Sant’Agnese Farm, Via delle Volte, Castellare di Castellina Winery, Azienda Agricola Casamonti,  Castello di Verrazzano.
Entry Charges: 

  • For Adults -110€ and Students – 100 € all incl.
  • For children – 90 € and for infants – 50 € all incl.

Timings: 12:00 AM – 11:59 PM*

16. Throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain

places to visit in italy

Also Read: List Of 17 Most Weird And Beautiful Lakes Around The World

Any trip to Rome is incomplete without the visit of Trevi Fountain, and in fact, if you want love to come back here as it is considered an absolute necessity.

According to the local legends, whosoever throws a coin in the fountain will get good luck, which will mean that one day they will be back in this great city.

The fountain is sculptured in Baroque style and is made of sparkling marble which is lit for spectacular effect at night.

Location: Piazza di Trevi, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
Nearby Attractions: Piazza di Trevi, Chiesa Rettoria Santi Vincenzo e Anastasio a Fontana di Trevi, Paul & Shark Yachting, Antica Farmacia Pesci, Vicus Caprarius – the City of Water, Galleria Sciarra.
Entry Charges: Free*
Timings: 12:00 AM – 11:59 PM*

17. Climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa

best things to do in italy

Leaning Tower of Pisa in Pisa is blessed with architectural beauty, as when the tower was built, it immediately started drowning in the marshy ground beneath it, which gave tower an angled position and number of times in its existence it has been both open and closed to the public as architects struggle to asses if it’s safe to enter. leaning of Tower is one of the unique travel destinations in Italy.

When the tower is open, you can climb on the top for viewing where you can see all of Pisa.

Location: Piazza del Duomo, 56126 Pisa PI, Italy
Nearby Attractions: Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Cathedral Museum,  Museo Nazionale (National Museum), Santa Maria della Spina, Town of Lucca, Art-filled Town of Pistoia, Hill Towns of San Gimignano and Volterra.
Entry Charges: Tickets to climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa cost €18 (€32 if in advance you book online).
Timings: 

  • Timings from November to February: 09:45-17:00 (09:00-18:00 on Nov 1st and from Dec 21st-Jan 5th)
  • In March: 09:00-18:00 (until the 23rd), 09:00-19:00 (from the 24th-29th), 08:30-20:30 (starting the 30th)
  • From April to September, the timings are from 09:00-20:00 (until Jun 15th), 08:30-17:30 (on Jun 16th), 08:30-22:00 (from Jun 17th-Aug 31) and 09:00-20:00 (until Sep 30th)
  • In October, the opening hours are from 09:00-19:00 (with little variations at the start and end of the month that lap over with September/November hours).
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