Between its delicious cuisine, historic cities, UNESCO sites and natural attractions, Italy, quite simply, has it all. Discover 15 of the most iconic places in the country.
One of the most beloved destinations in Europe, much of Italy’s popularity is due to historic cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice, which are home to some of the most famous tourist attractions in the world. But that’s not all: Italy’s beauty is everywhere, from the coast to the Alps, from national parks to cathedrals. In this article, we’ve selected 15 of the most iconic places in the Bel Paese, a journey from north to south of the boot to explore those destinations you have to visit at least once in your life.
Third in size and second in the ranking of the most Instagrammed lakes in Italy, Lake Como is undoubtedly the most famous basin in the country. Surrounded by charming villages like Bellagio, Tremezzo, and Varenna, it’s a place of undeniable charm, ideal for a getaway with your special someone. Dotted with breathtaking lakeside villas its landscapes look like they came straight out of a painting. If the weather permits and you want to make your visit even more special, we recommend booking a boat tour on the lake.
With an area of 12,5938 ft², this enormous Gothic cathedral is one of the largest in the world and the biggest in Italy. Crowned by its golden Madonnina, The Milan Cathedral is also an icon of the Lombardy capital and impossible to miss. Besides admiring its beauty from the square, it’s worth purchasing a ticket to see its interior and to climb to its rooftop terraces. From there, you can enjoy one of the most beautiful views of Milan and admire up-close its intricate spires, gargoyles, and the statue of the Madonnina.
3. Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan
You might not have heard of this 15th-century church, but undoubtedly you know the painting it has inside. One of the most famous frescoes of all time, of course we’re referring to none other than Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper. Commissioned by Ludovico il Moro for the refectory of the convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, the painting resides there to this day. Besides its beauty, the work is endlessly fascinating due to its symbolism and intriguing hidden details.
4. St Mark’s Basilica in Venice
Located in Piazza San Marco, this lavish basilica is the most distinctive feature of Venice’s skyline. Also known as the “church of gold”, the Basilica di San Marco boasts a magnificent exterior façade with mosaics, bas-reliefs, and decorations in various colors. But it’s inside where it truly shines, with 86111.28ft² of mosaics, most of which are a golden color. Venice is a very popular city, and the basilica is one of its main attractions. That’s why we recommend booking your entrance online well in advance to make sure you get a ticket.
5. Grand Canal in Venice
Venice seems to be suspended in time. Interconnecting canals have shaped its landscape, with dozens of gondolas gliding over its waters, transporting tourists into what feels like an enchanted world. The Grand Canal, nearly 2.5 miles long, is the main and most iconic canal in the city. Take some time to admire it from the equally famous Rialto Bridge, the oldest of the four bridges that cross it, or join a gondola tour to fully immerse yourself in its magic.
6. Cinque Terre
The Cinque Terre is a stretch of the Ligurian coast recognized as both a National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The area gets its name from the five villages that make it up: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore, charming hamlets perched on cliffs, suspended between the sea and the mountains, leaving visitors speechless with their beauty and uniqueness. Here, in addition to visiting the villages and relaxing on Monterosso’s beach, you’ll have the opportunity to go on beautiful treks that connect the towns, passing through rows of vines and vineyards, with spectacular views overlooking the Mediterranean.
Florence is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves art, history, and especially the Renaissance. It’s packed with world-class attractions, but if we had to choose just one in the Tuscan capital it would be the Uffizi. With an internationally renowned collection that ranges from sculpture to painting, the galleries boast some of the most famous works of the 14th century and the Italian Renaissance. Among these, Botticelli’s magnificent Birth of Venus and Primavera shouldn’t be missed.
The Tower of Pisa or leaning tower, is one of the indisputable emblems of Italy. Consisting of nine floors and standing 187ft tall, this bell tower—along with the Cathedral, the Baptistery, and the Campo Santo—stands in Piazza dei Miracoli, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Due to the tower’s curious tilt, it’s one of the most photographed monuments in the country. But don’t just take a few pictures, climb its 251 steps to admire it from the inside as well.
Not only the symbol of Rome, the Colosseum is also one of the most popular tourist attractions in Europe. And there are certainly plenty of reasons why. Visiting this ancient amphitheater, inaugurated in 80 AD, is a true journey back in time, allowing you to discover the history of the ancient Roman Empire. Gladiator combats, naval battles, and gruesome public executions are just some of the events that took place here.
On any visit to Rome, you can’t miss a visit to the Vatican Museums. Founded in the 16th century, the museum boasts one of the most extensive collections of art in the world. The complex is divided into several rooms where you can see thousands of works of art related to the Catholic Church that have been collected over several centuries. The Vatican Museums also represent the gateway to the entrance for the Sistine Chapel.
The history of this Ancient Roman city ended in 79 A.D. when it was buried after Vesuvius erupted. While certainly tragic, thanks to this eruption we can enjoy a beautifully preserved site where we can faithfully reconstruct what life was like at that time. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the archaeological park of Pompeii is located not far from Naples and is easily accessible by both car and public transport.
Just an hour by ferry from Naples lies the island of Capri, a small corner of paradise located in the Tyrrhenian Sea. The island has long attracted writers, filmmakers, and Hollywood stars to its shores, making it one of the most glamorous and sought-after destinations in the Mediterranean. Among its distinctive features are the Faraglioni, three rock formations rising from the water, creating a truly spectacular landscape.
13. Sassi di Matera
Another UNESCO World Heritage site and truly one of a kind, the Sassi di Matera are two districts of the city that constitute the historic center, where ancient dwellings are carved directly into the rock. These settlements carry a long and tumultuous history, and today they represent a truly impressive spectacle.
14. Trulli of Alberobello
Another unique and distinctly Italian attraction can be found in one of the country’s most beautiful regions: Puglia. Trulli are dry stone constructions with characteristic conical roofs, widespread throughout the Itria Valley. However, it’s in Alberobello, an hour’s drive south of Bari, where the highest concentration of trulli can be found, creating a magical and surreal setting for shops, museums, restaurants and more.
Standing nearly 11,000ft high, Mount Etna is the largest volcano in Europe. Located in Sicily, the volcano occupies a good part of the eastern part of the island. There is a natural park in its surroundings where it is possible to walk among craters, with the amazing sight of this dormant volcano in the background. Don’t forget to enjoy the local products, including the renowned DOC wine.
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