The most beautiful places in Italy

Where are the most beautiful places in Italy? Now there's a question, and one many Rough Guides readers took the time to answer. From the loveliest Italian cities and towns, to rolling vineyards, enchanting islands, and captivating coastlines, your nominations covered the country from tip to toe. If you’re looking for destinations to add to your next trip, here’s the most beautiful in Italy.

This list in theory could go on infinitely, as there are way more beautiful places in Italy than we could ever possibly hope to list here. Still, we've managed what we think are the best of the best, split into different catagories to suit each taste. If you're ready to see Italy for yourself, look no further than our Italy itineraries:

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Most beautiful coastal areas

Italy's 7,600 kilometers of coastline are home to some of the most breathtaking shores in the Mediterranean. Here’s what Rough Guides readers thought were Italy’s most iconic coastal places, from ancient harbors to villages that seem to hang on the cliffs.

1. Cinque Terre, Liguria 

Our pick: The Path of Love  

The five picturesque villages of Cinque Terre, clinging to the rugged Ligurian coastline, offer one of Italy’s most unforgettable coastal experiences. These vibrant settlements, linked by centuries-old footpaths and a modern railway, feel timeless in their beauty.

The "Path of Love," which stretches between Riomaggiore and Manarola, was carved into the cliffs in the 1920s by miners. Originally used as a pathway for railway workers, it soon became a romantic meeting spot for lovers. Today, it forms part of a wider network of trails that connects all five villages. For those seeking serenity, visiting in early spring is a gift—before the crowds descend, the air is filled with the scent of wild herbs, and the light of the Mediterranean has a clarity that’s simply magical. 

2. Amalfi Coast, Campania

Our pick: Spiaggia Grande

The Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s most iconic destinations, with its dramatic cliffs and sparkling waters stretching over 25 miles along the southern edge of the Sorrentine Peninsula. Towns like Positano and Ravello offer some of the best views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. 

Positano’s Spiaggia Grande, the main beach, lies at the base of the town’s cascading pastel houses. It’s the kind of view that looks almost too perfect to be real. Once a quiet fishing village, Positano started drawing attention after John Steinbeck wrote about it in 1953, turning it into a glamorous hotspot. Further up the coast, Ravello gives you a different view of the coast from its historic villas and gardens, some of the most beautiful in Italy.

3. Capri, Campania

Our pick: The Blue Grotto  

Capri, a small island in the Tyrrhenian Sea, has been enchanting visitors for centuries.  Its most famous feature, the Blue Grotto, is a stunning sea cave known for its glowing azure waters, a natural phenomenon caused by sunlight filtering through underwater cavities. 

Once Emperor Tiberius's private retreat, the grotto was once decorated with statues, though they are now lost. Today, the grotto can only be accessed by boat, adding to its sense of mystery and allure. As you glide through the narrow opening and into the cave, the otherworldly blue glow around you is a moment you won’t forget. This is easily one of the most beautiful places in Italy. 

4. Sardinia's Costa Smeralda

Our pick: Cala Petra Ruja

Costa Smeralda, Sardinia’s famed coastal stretch, was shaped in the 1960s by Prince Karim Aga Khan. Known for its emerald waters and pristine beaches.

While Pevero Beach tends to get most of the attention, Cala Petra Ruja is a hidden gem. This secluded cove can only be reached by boat, but it’s worth the effort for its quiet beauty and crystal-clear waters. 

Another great stop is Porto Cervo, the area’s main village, was designed by the architect Luigi Vietti to look like an ancient fishing town, with traditional Sardinian elements with mixed modern luxury.

5. Portofino, Liguria

Our pick: Christ of the Abyss

Portofino has long been a favorite of artists, celebrities, and travelers. It’s a place that transforms throughout the day, starting as a quiet fishing village and turning into a glamorous harbor by afternoon. 

The town’s lighthouse offers sweeping views of the Ligurian Sea, while Castello Brown, a 16th-century castle, stands on a hilltop looking over the village. The surrounding marine reserve is known for excellent diving, and one of the highlights is the Christ of the Abyss, a submerged bronze statue that’s become a favorite among divers.

Most beautiful cities

The real charm of Italy’s cities often hides in the quieter streets, away from the famous landmarks. While many people rush to the big sights, the true Italian vibe thrives in the local neighborhoods: here are some of the most beautiful in Italy. 

6. Rome, Lazio

Our pick: The Colosseum 

Rome, The Eternal City, layers three millennia of history in its streets. The Colosseum, completed in 80 CE, represents the pinnacle of ancient Roman engineering and architecture.  While it once hosted gladiatorial combat and public spectacles, today it’s one of Italy’s most iconic landmarks. 

Beyond the Colosseum, the Roman Forum takes you straight to the heart of ancient Rome, while Vatican City holds treasures like the Sistine Chapel. The Trevi Fountain, with its Baroque flair, is a must-see, and tossing a coin in it is part of the tradition. There are many things to do in Rome.

7. Florence, Tuscany

Our pick: The Duomo

As the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is home to an unrivaled concentration of artistic and architectural genius.  

The Duomo stands tall over Florence, its presence impossible to ignore. Brunelleschi's dome, built without modern scaffolding, still baffles architects with its innovative techniques. Inside, the frescoed ceiling depicts the drama of salvation and damnation, while the marbles outside catch the Tuscan sunlight in shades of white, green, and pink.

Nearby Florence’s Uffizi Gallery houses the world's most important collection of Renaissance art.

8. Venice, Veneto

Our pick: St. Mark’s Basilica 

Built on 118 islands connected by 400 bridges, Venice is a testament to human ingenuity and artistic ambition. The Grand Canal is lined with palazzos, each reflecting the city’s long architectural history. Smaller canals offer a quieter look at Venetian life, where gondolas glide through waters that have been traveled for centuries.  

Though there is plenty of things to do in Venice, St. Mark's Basilica is a masterpiece of Byzantine and Western architectural fusion, built in 832 CE to house the relics of St. Mark. Its golden mosaics, covering 85,000 square feet, depict biblical and historical scenes in breathtaking detail. The famous bronze horses on the basilica's loggia were looted from Constantinople in 1204.

9. Milan, Lombardy

Our pick: The Gothic Duomo

Italy's fashion and financial capital, Milan balances modernity with a rich historical depth, and nowhere is this more evident than in the Duomo. This Gothic cathedral, with its intricate spires and statues, took nearly six centuries to complete. It remains one of the largest churches in the world and an architectural landmark.

The square in front of the Duomo has been the heart of Milan since the 14th century, and nearby, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the world's oldest shopping malls, showcases stunning 19th-century glass-and-iron architecture. 

10. Naples, Campania

Our pick: The Spanish Quarter

Naples is a city with an unmistakable, authentic character — set beneath the towering presence of Mount Vesuvius. The city's historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, contains more historic churches than any other city worldwide, and some of the most beautiful in Italy.  

The Spanish Quarter, with its narrow alleys and fluttering laundry lines, captures Naples' vibrant energy at its best. Beneath the city’s surface, ancient Roman markets and aqueducts are preserved in the underground world, while on the streets above, you’ll find the famous pizza that has become a global icon.

Most beautiful lakes

Italy’s lakes are full of history. Once key routes for traders, they’re now known for their breathtaking views. With public footpaths, everyone can enjoy the beauty, from clear waters to charming villas. 

11. Lake Como, Lombardy

Our pick: Villa Balbianello

Long favored by artists, aristocrats, and modern celebrities, Lake Como is known for natural beauty and cultural refinement. Beautiful Alpine peaks rise dramatically around the lake — as do stately villas, their meticulously landscaped gardens spilling down to the water’s edge. 

Villa Balbianello sits on a scenic wooded peninsula in Lake Como. Originally a Franciscan monastery, it was transformed into an elegant villa over time. The gardens are meticulously maintained, and the loggia architecture adds a unique charm, with stunning views of the lake.

12. Lake Garda, Veneto/Lombardy

Our pick: Scaliger Castle 

Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake, offers a variety of landscapes. The southern shores are almost Mediterranean, while the northern part is more dramatic, surrounded by mountains. The Sirmione Peninsula, stretching 1.5 miles into the lake, is a key highlight.

The Romans knew how to choose a great spot, and the Sirmione Peninsula is proof of that. The 13th-century Scaliger Castle seems to float on the lake and has a rare medieval port. A boat ride around the peninsula gives you incredible views, from the castle's fortifications to the ancient Roman villa ruins at Grotte di Catullo.

13. Lake Maggiore, Piedmont/Lombardy

Our pick: The Borromean Islands 

Lake Maggiore, Italy’s second-largest lake, is a stunning natural wonder that spans both Italy and Switzerland. This expansive body of water creates a unique microclimate where Alpine and Mediterranean landscapes meet, resulting in lush vegetation and picturesque shorelines lined with elegant villas and historic towns. 

One of the lake's most famous attractions is the Borromean Islands, an archipelago owned by the Borromeo family since the 16th century. These islands feature some of Italy’s finest examples of baroque architecture and landscape design. The most notable of these islands is Isola Bella, with its 17th-century palazzo and spectacular terraced gardens. Rising in ten levels, the gardens are designed to look like a stone ship cutting through the water, complete with statues, obelisks, and rare exotic plants.

14. Lake Orta, Piedmont

Our pick: Orta San Giulio

Often overshadowed by its larger neighbors, Lake Orta holds what many consider Italy's most romantic lake, and one of the most beautiful in Italy. The medieval village of Orta San Giulio, with its narrow cobblestone streets and picturesque piazzetta, faces the mystical island of San Giulio, home to a 12th-century basilica and a still-active monastery.  

Local legend claims the island was once a dangerous rock inhabited by dragons until Saint Julius arrived and banished them, building the hundredth and final church of his mission here. The island's perimeter is lined by a "way of silence and meditation," with inspirational phrases in multiple languages encouraging quiet reflection. 

Most beautiful mountain escapes

The Italian Alps offer more than just stunning views—they’re filled with history too. Old WWI trails take you through these dramatic landscapes, where wildflowers bloom and the mountains stretch as far as the eye can see. When it comes to mountain views, here are the most beautiful in Italy. 

15. The Dolomites, Trentino-Alto Adige

Our pick: The Tre Cime di Lavaredo

The Dolomites are a UNESCO World Heritage site, and for good reason—this area is home to some of the most dramatic mountain views and lush valleys in the world. The Tre Cime di Lavaredo are among the most recognizable peaks, standing tall like natural cathedrals. 

The peaks undergo a remarkable natural phenomenon known as enrosadira, where they change color throughout the day, shifting from pale gray to fiery red at sunset. The region's unique blend of Italian, German, and Ladin cultures is reflected in its cuisine, architecture, and traditions.

16. Gran Paradiso National Park, Aosta Valley

Our pick: Valnontey Valley

As Italy’s first national park, Gran Paradiso is a place where nature is protected in its purest form. The park was established in 1922 to protect the native alpine ibex, and today it still offers some of the country’s most pristine wilderness.  

This former royal hunting reserve, donated to the nation by King Victor Emmanuel II, encompasses 57 glaciers and peaks soaring above 4,000 meters. The park's extensive network of royal hunting trails now serves as hiking paths, with opportunities to spot wildlife including ibex, chamois, marmots, and golden eagles. The park's valleys preserve traditional mountain farming practices, with ancient stone villages and alpine pastures still in use today.

17. Cortina d'Ampezzo, Veneto

Our pick: The Cinque Torri circuit

Cortina d’Ampezzo is known as the “Queen of the Dolomites” for a reason—this town blends classic alpine charm with top-notch outdoor experiences. It hosted the 1956 Winter Olympics and will again in 2026, and it remains one of Italy’s premier destinations for both skiing and hiking. The Cinque Torri circuit, which winds around five unique peaks, offers great hiking in summer and skiing in winter - some of the most beautiful in Italy. 

Most beautiful countryside and villages

Italy’s countryside is home to thousands of villages that most tourists never see. These towns are full of history and traditions that go back centuries. Want to experience the quieter, more authentic side of Italy? These villages are the perfect place. 

18. Tuscany's Val d'Orcia

Our pick: The Chapel of Our Lady of Vitaleta

Val d'Orcia is the picture-perfect Tuscan landscape, with its rolling hills and cypress trees that have inspired artists for centuries. The Chapel of Our Lady of Vitaleta, built in 1590 and restored in the 1800s, sits peacefully among the trees. The area remains much like it was during the Renaissance, with towns like Pienza and Montalcino still producing fine wines and cheeses in the same way they have for generations.

19. San Gimignano, Tuscany

Our pick: Torre Grossa 

Tuscany is famous for beautiful hill towns but few are quite as stunning as San Gimignano. This area is famous for its medieval towers, once symbols of wealth and power. In the 12th and 13th centuries, wealthy families built these towers to show off their status and for defense. The town originally had over 70 towers, but only 14 remain today. This town is by far one of the most beautiful in Italy, and makes for a great addition to any Tuscany itinerary.

20. Pienza, Tuscany

Our pick: Palazzo Piccolomini 

Pienza was designed in the 15th century by Pope Pius II as the ideal Renaissance city. The town’s architecture and squares are a model of perfect Renaissance proportion. The cathedral, built smaller to blend in with the town's scale, has one of Italy’s earliest Renaissance facades. 

Just a short walk away, Palazzo Piccolomini, designed by Rossellino, is a stunning example of Renaissance architecture, with symmetrical design and gardens offering lovely views of the Val d'Orcia. Pienza is also known for its pecorino cheese, aged in underground cellars. 

21. Alberobello, Puglia

Our pick: the trulli houses

The fairytale-like trulli houses, with their conical limestone roofs, create an otherworldly landscape unique to this corner of Puglia. These curious structures, some dating back to the 14th century, were built without mortar to be easily dismantled when tax inspectors visited. Today, these UNESCO-protected buildings serve as charming shops, restaurants, and guesthouses, their whitewashed walls and mysterious symbols painted on their roofs preserving centuries of local tradition.  

22. Ostuni, Puglia

Our pick: The view from the 15th-century cathedral

Ostuni, known as the "White City," sits above the Valle d'Itria, with its whitewashed buildings standing out against the blue Adriatic sky. The custom of painting buildings with lime, once a measure against the plague, still continues today. The city’s narrow streets were designed to confuse invaders, and nearly every turn offers a view of the sea. The 15th-century cathedral, with its large rose window, is located at the highest point, and the surrounding countryside is filled with ancient olive groves — some of the most beautiful in Italy. 

23. Civita di Bagnoregio, Lazio

Our pick: Renaissance archways framing the countryside

Connected to the modern world only by a footbridge, this "dying city" perches dramatically atop an eroding plateau of volcanic rock. Founded by Etruscans 2,500 years ago, the town's isolation has preserved its medieval character. 

The town's position atop the plateau, where parts of the buildings periodically collapse into the valley below, gives it a unique, almost mystical atmosphere. Renaissance archways frame beautiful views of the surrounding countryside, the view is one of the most beautiful in Italy. 

24. Matera, Basilicata

Our pick: The frescos of the Sassi

Matera’s Sassi district is home to ancient cave dwellings that have been inhabited since the Paleolithic era, making it the longest continuously inhabited settlement in human history. These cave homes were once criticized as a "national shame" in the 1950s due to their poverty, but today they've been transformed into boutique hotels and restaurants, while still retaining their haunting beauty. 

25. Castelluccio di Norcia, Umbria

Our pick: The Piano Grande in bloom

Set atop a hill overlooking the Piano Grande, Castelluccio di Norcia is renowned for its summer flowering season, known as "La Fiorita." During this time, the plateau comes alive with wildflowers in vibrant shades of red, yellow, purple, and white. Despite the damage caused by earthquakes, this tiny village remains one of Italy’s most dramatically positioned, offering panoramic views of the Sibillini Mountains. For natural sights, this is by far one of the most beautiful in Italy. 

Most beautiful islands and beaches

Italy has 458 islands, each with its own story. Some are so secluded that they only let in a few visitors each year, while others are home to rare species and ecosystems. Though it’s hard to pick just a few beaches, here’s what we think are the most beautiful in Italy. 

26. Sicily's Taormina

Our pick: Isola Bella Beach

Perched on a cliff above the Ionian Sea, this ancient Greek settlement is home to natural beauty and historic sights. The Greek Theater, carved into the mountainside in the 3rd century BC, frames perfect views of Mount Etna. The town's medieval streets lead to panoramic terraces overlooking the sea. 

Down below, Isola Bella Beach is a quiet spot, connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of sand. The clear waters and the view of Mount Etna make it one of the most picturesque beaches in Sicily.

27. Aeolian Islands, Sicily

Our pick: Spiaggia Bianca, Lipari

The Aeolian Islands are made up of seven islands, each with its own character. Stromboli’s active volcano, Lipari’s black sand beaches, and Vulcano’s mud baths all have their own appeal.  

Spiaggia Bianca on Lipari is a standout with its white pumice beach and clear turquoise waters. The light volcanic stones give the water an almost glowing quality, making a distinctive swimming spot and one of the most beautiful places in Italy.

28. Ischia, Campania

Our pick: Spiaggia dei Maronti

Known as the "Green Island" for its lush vegetation, Ischia is where you’ll find natural thermal springs and stunning beaches. The medieval Aragonese Castle, connected to the island by a stone bridge, rises dramatically from a volcanic islet.  

The expansive Spiaggia dei Maronti, Ischia's longest beach at a mile and a half, combines natural thermal springs that bubble up through the sand with dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters.

Nearby, the gardens of La Mortella, created by composer William Walton's wife, showcase rare plants from around the world and some of the most beautiful in Italy.

29. Lampedusa, Sicily

Our pick: Rabbit Beach

Lampedusa, Italy’s southernmost island, lies closer to Africa than Sicily, with some of the clearest waters in the Mediterranean. Rabbit Beach (Spiaggia dei Conigli) is consistently ranked among the best beaches in Europe. Its white sand and crystal-clear water are ideal for swimming, while the protected nature reserve supports local wildlife, including nesting loggerhead sea turtles. The island’s cliffs, caves, and rich marine life make it easily one of the most beautiful places in Italy. 

30. Elba, Tuscany

Our pick: Spiaggia di Sansone

Elba is known for both its natural beauty and its connection to Napoleon’s exile. The island is home to 150 beaches, ranging from quiet coves to more lively spots. 

Spiaggia di Sansone is a standout, with its white pebble beach and clear, turquoise waters. The beach is framed by dramatic white cliffs, making it a perfect place to swim and snorkel. Elba’s hiking trails and historical sites, including Napoleon’s residences, are great reasons to explore the island. 

Most beautiful places in Italy for historical treasures

Italy is still full of hidden history. Archaeologists are uncovering new sites all the time, and what might look like an ordinary parking lot today could reveal something ancient tomorrow. Let’s explore places where history is still being uncovered. 

31. Pompeii, Campania

Our pick: Villa of the Mysteries

Frozen in time by Vesuvius's eruption in 79 CE, Pompeii's forum represents the heart of Roman civic life. Recent excavations continue to reveal new treasures, including vivid frescoes and evidence of ancient fast-food stands. While tourists crowd the famous brothel and House of the Faun, the lesser-known Villa of the Mysteries on the city's edge contains some of the best-preserved frescoes in the Roman world.

32. Verona, Veneto

Our pick: Casa di Giuliette (Juliet’s house)

While Shakespeare never visited Verona, this 13th-century house with its famous balcony has become a symbol of eternal love, and one of the most beautiful places in Italy. The building that houses the Casa di Giuliette (Juliet’s house) actually belonged to the dell Capello family, whose name resembled Capulet enough to spark the connection. The bronze statue of Juliet in the courtyard has a peculiarly shiny right breast from tourists following the tradition of touching it for luck in love.  

33. Assisi, Umbria

Our pick: The Upper Basilica of St. Francis

Assisi, set on the Umbrian hills, is the birthplace of St. Francis and rises from the hills in pink stone. The Basilica of St. Francis consists of two churches built one atop the other, showcasing Giotto's revolutionary frescoes that marked a turning point in Western art by introducing naturalism and emotional expression. 

The town's medieval streets, following ancient Roman paths, lead to numerous churches and monasteries, each with its own artistic and spiritual treasures. The Basilica of Santa Chiara glows golden at sunset, housing the crucifix that allegedly spoke to St. Francis, inspiring his spiritual journey. 

34. Siena, Tuscany

Our pick: Piazza del Campo

Built across three hills, Siena preserves its medieval character more completely than perhaps any other Italian city. The heart of the city, Piazza del Campo is one of Italy's most iconic squares, shaped like a shell and built over an ancient Roman marketplace.  

The square slopes at a precise 7-degree angle, a clever piece of medieval engineering designed to drain rainwater. The famous Palio horse race, which takes place twice a year, began in 1644, but this plaza has been a hub for celebrations and markets since the 13th century. 

35. Ravenna, Emilia-Romagna

Our pick: Mausoleum of Galla Placidia

Once the capital of the Western Roman Empire, Ravenna houses the world's finest Byzantine mosaics outside of Istanbul, and the most beautiful in Italy. The Basilica of San Vitale's glittering walls tell biblical stories in millions of tiny glass tiles, while the intimate Mausoleum of Galla Placidia creates a mystical atmosphere with its starry ceiling. The town's eight UNESCO World Heritage sites include early Christian monuments that bridge the artistic traditions of Rome and Constantinople. 

What is the prettiest place in Italy?

Beauty, of course, is in the eye of the beholder, and Italy has something for every taste. Yet, the Amalfi Coast stands out as one of the most beautiful, with cliffside villages, crystal-clear waters, and views that seem too perfect to be real. The perfect combination of natural beauty and human architecture makes it a strong contender for the most beautiful in Italy. However, the Dolomites, Venice's canals, and Tuscany's rolling hills each offer their own compelling claim to this title. 

What is the prettiest town in Italy?

San Gimignano, with its medieval towers and perfectly preserved historic center, is often cited as one of Italy’s most beautiful towns. Its skyline, dominated by its towers, is truly an unforgettable silhouette against the Tuscan countryside. That said, Positano on the Amalfi Coast and Manarola in Cinque Terre each make for great honorable mentions.

What is the must-visit place in Italy?

Rome is, without question, the heart of Italy. It offers a rare combination of ancient history, Renaissance art, and modern Italian culture. From the Colosseum to the Pantheon, from the Vatican to its charming piazzas, the Eternal City is a living museum. It’s unmatched for culinary traditions, artistic masterpieces, and for its location as a great base for many day trips. On top of that, it tends to be one of Italy’s more affordable cities. 

What part of Italy is best to visit for the first time?

For a first-time visit, the "Golden Triangle" of Rome, Florence, and Venice is the perfect introduction. Each city offers something unique: Rome’s ancient landmarks, Florence’s Renaissance art, and Venice’s canals and maritime culture. They’re all easily connected by train, making it easy to experience a variety of Italian culture and history in one trip. 

Planning your trip to Italy

Need a starting point for your adventure? Our trip ideas gallery  has plenty of itineraries that are worth exploring. See our guides for more tips like how to get around Italy or how to plan a trip to Europe.

Or, if you'd like the let a local plan your itinerary, see our tailor-made trip service. Our trips are created by travel experts that know the ins and outs of the area. They handle the bookings, and offer you 24/7 support, so all you need to do is pack your bags.