Top 40 Tourist Attractions in Italy: The Most Beautiful Places (2026 Guide)

Where to go on vacation in Italy? I've selected 40 stunning destinations. Discover my solution to Italian chaos: ready-made plans and free PDF maps. Plan your dream vacation!

Top 40 Italy: Bucket List

To Italy, meaning where? Exactly. Before I went on my first vacation to Italy, everything was simple for me. I simply wanted to go to Italy, and that was it. Then I started reading, and I only became more and more stupid. Every now and then, the name of a new, interesting town would come to mind, another photo from the internet that made my eyes pop out of my head. So many beautiful, unbelievably beautiful places... The more I read, the more helpless I felt.

I wanted to be everywhere, go everywhere, try everything, and couldn't give anything up. I couldn't decide on just one place to spend my vacation, because when I thought of all the others I wouldn't see... and so on. What was I to do?

But before you dive into my full list of 40 must-sees, you can use some ready-made solutions. If you already have your eye on a specific region or city, I've prepared detailed, proven sightseeing itineraries that will help you navigate the Italian chaos!

Italy: Planner and Maps

I decided I'd see it all! Luckily, it was already there. Booking.comwhere I could book accommodation online. Although it was not very popular in Poland yet, the database of hotels in Italy was already huge at Booking.
I put a piece of paper in front of me with a list of places that I absolutely wanted to see, and set about building a maximum plan. I decided to cram as much as possible into a 14-day vacation.
When I ran out of time and I stopped fitting in 14 days, I added 2 more days. After all, when I leave on Saturday morning and come back on Sunday evening, I actually have 16 days at my disposal, not 14. I filled everything to the brim. I planned the time for travels, sightseeing, rest and drew a map.
It looked like this:

I nodded with satisfaction. Waiting for the day of departure began.

Accommodation in Italy

Italy is a haven for accommodations, but searching through its vast database of accommodations can be incredibly time-consuming. However, there's room for significant improvement. I'll include helpful links in the descriptions of attractions to make your search easier. I've designed the links so they include filters that present offers from the location you're interested in and block offers you're not interested in, such as those from far-flung destinations. It's worth starting your search with these links; they save a lot of time. With just one click, you'll get a ready-made list of interesting hotels in that specific location.

Typical in-text filter links look like this:

Use them! They're very comfortable.

The best cities and hidden gems

I often get this question: does such intensive sightseeing make sense? From the perspective of several years that have passed since this trip, I must say that if I had the opportunity to go to Italy again for the first time in my life, I would do the same. Exactly the same.
I remember this trip with great fondness. The long and extensive route allowed me to touch and initially get to know the nature of most of the Italian area. Of course, I did not get to know any of the places in depth then. I just touched each of them and I was deeply unsatisfied, but I knew exactly where I want to return to Italy first. Which part of Italy attracts me the most. I already had more trips, plans, dreams in my head ...
This trip shaped many subsequent trips. Over the next years, I returned to new places and got to know them better, deeper. I had a chance to taste them and come back to my memories, to that first crazy trip from several years ago.
I will say more! Until today, when we go somewhere for the first time, we do the same. Our schedule is full of attractions, and then we know what we want to come back to.

Italy - the most interesting places

Now is the time to present a list of the most interesting places in Italy that were on the route of my first trip. Next to each of the places, I will put a very short comment describing the place. It will be really basic information. Thanks to them, you will be able to find out if you also want to see the place I am suggesting. I will attach a typical photo to all places, because as you know, one photo is worth a thousand words and an accommodation proposal with a link to the accommodation database. I have already described many of these places in detail in separate entries, so I will provide links to them.
While writing this text, I also came up with the idea to include those that I visited in later years next to the locations from my first trip. Of course, not all of them, but only the most interesting ones. After all, there is no reason for anyone to repeat my departure. After all, you can make your own. So I will propose other, additional places near the route of departure, which I consider the most attractive in a given part of Italy. I believe that such a description of the most attractive places in Italy will allow you to plan a truly unforgettable vacation on your own. You can't stuff everything! Choose only what attracts you the most!

If you look again at the previously presented map of the journey, you will notice that the first point of the trip is outside Italy, in Germany. We did the whole trip with our own car, and since we are quite far from Italy, we did not try to go the entire route at once. We decided to stay for one night on the way, which was most convenient for us in the deep south of Germany, not far from the Austrian border, in the town of Schwangau. Why Schwangau? Because here is one of the most photogenic castles in the world: Neuschwanstein. If you make a stop somewhere, it's always worth doing it somewhere attractive, right?
If you were going to Italy by car and Schwangau would be a good place to rest, then look for accommodation at this link - [click]. The link filters the results so that only those located in Schwangau appear on the list.

Of course, there is another solution for getting to Italy, which I use more and more often. Instead of driving two days by car one way (and also coming back two days), losing a few days of vacation for the journey itself, I am looking for cheap air connections. I fly to a city that suits me best due to its location and I rent a car on the spot. In a few hours I am there, I do not spend money on a few tanks of fuel, which will burn my car just to get to and from Italy, there is no need to pay for additional nights during the transit journey and I have more time to explore. The cost of plane tickets and car rental on site is often cheaper than fuel for transit and accommodation along the way, and I also have additional days to rest.
A comprehensive guide related to renting a car, based on the example of one of my rentals in Italy, can be found in a separate entry: Car rental without deposit and credit card - [click]. The guide is for renting a car in Bari, but the advice is applicable to car rentals throughout Italy.

I will present my list of the most interesting places in Italy in the order in which they are on the route.
Let's get started! I invite you to travel to the most beautiful places around Italy!

Verona

Verona does not need any special introduction. The city of Romeo and Juliet, the city of lovers. A very atmospheric historic center with an ancient, circular amphitheater (Verona Arena), beautiful streets and squares (Piazza Erbe, Piazza Erbe), countless restaurants and… ultra-expensive, sumptuous shops, the world's most prestigious brands along the main pedestrian street.

There is something for everyone in Verona. There are restaurants and attractions for all budgets, and it's not difficult to find high-quality accommodation at a good price.

The most important monuments in Verona:

The Arena di Verona – one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world, older than the Roman Colosseum. Today, it serves as a spectacular stage for the summer opera festival, seating up to 20 spectators.

Juliet's House (Casa di Giulietta) – a 14th-century townhouse that, thanks to the legend of Romeo and Juliet, has become a symbol of the city. Here, you can see the famous balcony and the statue of Juliet in the courtyard, which, according to superstition, brings luck in love.

Piazza delle Erbe – the oldest and, arguably, most beautiful square in Verona. Surrounded by historic palaces and towers, such as the Torre dei Lamberti (the city's tallest tower, offering 360-degree views), it's bustling with cafés and market stalls.

Castelvecchio and the Scaliger Bridge – the brick medieval fortress of the Della Scala family. Its fortified bridge over the Adige River is a perfect spot for a stroll and photos.

Venice

One of a kind city. A city worth spending at least one night in, because an evening in Venice is always magical. In the evening, countless crowds of tourists leave Venice, who come here only for sightseeing during the day. The streets are deserted, and only those who stay overnight wander the streets. It gets much nicer, quieter, spacious and then the city begins to present its truly romantic face. Food and wine taste even better and the air smells sweet. A walk along the Venetian canals is so fun that it is hard to decide to return to the hotel. One night in Venice may cost more than your average hotel, but it will stay with you forever. Really worth!

Prepare to visit Venice and get the most out of it with my guide: Venice: MAP and ready-made sightseeing plan

Here is a list of the most interesting attractions worth visiting in Venice:

The heart of the city: St. Mark's Square and Basilica

St. Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco) – the focal point of Venice, called "the most beautiful salon in Europe" by Napoleon. This is where city life pulsates, surrounded by elegant arcades and historic cafés, such as the famous Caffè Florian.

St. Mark's Basilica – a monumental cathedral and a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. Famous for the dazzling gold mosaics that cover the interior (hence the name Chiesa d'Oro) and the precious relics of the city's patron saint.

St. Mark's Bell Tower (Campanile) – the tallest structure in Venice. From its peak, there is a spectacular panorama of the lagoon, rooftops, and the Grand Canal.

Symbols of power and history

The Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale) – former seat of the rulers of the Venetian Republic. This Gothic masterpiece impresses with its richly decorated rooms, such as the Great Council Chamber, and unique façade.

The Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri) is a famous Baroque structure connecting the Doge's Palace with the former prison. According to legend, its name refers to the sighs of the condemned as they gazed upon a free Venice for the last time.

Venetian waterways and bridges

The Grand Canal – Venice's main street, nearly 4 km long. A vaporetto (water bus) or gondola ride along the canal allows you to admire the magnificent facades of the palaces of Venetian families.

Rialto Bridge – the oldest and most recognizable bridge over the Grand Canal. It's a bustling place full of souvenir and jewelry shops, and is close to the famous Rialto Market.

Hidden gems and culture

Libreria Acqua Alta – a unique bookstore, considered one of the most original in the world. Books are stored in gondolas, bathtubs, and barrels to protect them from the tides (acqua alta), and old encyclopedias have been used to create a staircase in the interior courtyard.

Murano and Burano Islands – Murano is famous for its centuries-old tradition of artistic glassmaking, while Burano attracts tourists with its brightly colored houses and traditional lace-making.

Vinci

Vinci itself isn't a particularly remarkable town. It's a typical Italian town like many others, but one historical fact definitely sets it apart. It's here – as you might have guessed – that Leonardo da Vinci was born and lived (specifically, in the nearby village of Anchiano, Vinci commune).

There's a fantastic Leonardo da Vinci museum here. Inside, you can see working machines based on his sketches, as well as copies of paintings and frescoes.
Lots of fun for children and adults. A few kilometers away, on the hill, you can visit Leonardo da Vinci's family home and see how he lived and lived.

You can find more about Vinci and the GPS coordinates of all the attractions in the Tuscany guide

Here is a list of the most interesting attractions in Vinci:

Foundations of Genius: Museums and the Home

The Museo Leonardiano (Leonardo Museum) – the heart of the town. Housed in two historic buildings: Palazzina Uzielli and Castello dei Conti Guidi, it houses one of the world's largest collections of models of machines and inventions based on Leonardo's sketches – from war machines to wing designs.

Casa Natale di Leonardo (Leonardo's Birthplace) – located 3 km from the center, in the hamlet of Anchiano. This modest stone house nestles amid olive groves. Today, it's a modern multimedia museum where a "holographic Leonardo" recounts his childhood and connection to this land.

The Leo Lev Center – an exhibition center that showcases modern approaches to Leonardo's art and engineering. It frequently hosts temporary exhibitions and displays of advanced reconstructions of his works.

Traces of history and art

Chiesa di Santa Croce (Church of the Holy Cross) – a 13th-century church containing the original baptismal font. It was here that little Leonardo was baptized in 1452. On the wall next to it is a commemorative plaque with a list of witnesses to this event.

Piazza dei Guidi – a modern square designed by artist Mimmo Paladino. Its geometric shapes and symbols evoke the master's scientific and mathematical pursuits, creating an intriguing contrast with the medieval architecture of the castle.

L'Uomo di Vitruvio (The Vitruvian Man) – an impressive wooden sculpture by Mario Ceroli, located on the observation deck. This modern interpretation of Leonardo's famous drawing makes a great photo opportunity with the Tuscan panorama in the background.

Active recreation and views

Strada Verde (Green Road) – a scenic pedestrian trail connecting the center of Vinci with his home in Anchiano. The walk takes about 30–40 minutes and passes through centuries-old olive groves. These are the very landscapes that may have inspired the young Leonardo in his first nature studies.

Castle Tower (Torre del Castello) – it is worth climbing to the top of the Castello dei Conti Guidi tower, from where there is a breathtaking panorama of the Montalbano hills.

Tip : It's best to visit Vinci in the morning, before the day-trip buses from Florence arrive. This is when the town regains its intimate, almost idyllic character.

Florence

How to describe Florence in a few words? The entire city is an architectural masterpiece. With the symbolic, monumental and stunning Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the construction of which took almost 600 years. For centuries one of the largest cities in Europe. The city of the Medici family, Niccolo Machiavelli and Dante and secrets undiscovered for centuries, where history evokes goosebumps. The city of goldsmiths, where the world's largest trade routes for gold and precious stones intersect until today. It is said that most of the world's valuables still flow through Florence today.
And ice cream ... I had the most expensive regular ice cream in my life 🙂 (don't buy ice cream at the Złotników Bridge). Even when a German paid, he cried.

Florence has a separate post on my blog with a sightseeing plan, map, and descriptions of attractions. Read: Florence – map, sightseeing plan, attractions, accommodation, interesting facts

Here is a list of places that are absolute must-sees:

The architectural heart of the city

The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo) – an icon of the city with its monumental red dome designed by Brunelleschi. Also worth seeing are Giotto's Campanile and the Baptistery of St. John with its famous "Gates of Paradise."

Piazza della Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio – the political center of Florence for centuries. The square is a free open-air sculpture gallery (you'll find a copy of David and the Fountain of Neptune, among other things), and the palace itself impresses with its massive tower and opulent interiors.

Ponte Vecchio (Pontifical Bridge) – the oldest bridge in Florence, the only one to survive World War II. Instead of the butchers of the Middle Ages, today it houses exclusive jewelry shops.

Temples of art

The Uffizi Gallery (Galleria degli Uffizi) is one of the most important art museums in the world. Here you'll see Botticelli's The Birth of Venus, as well as works by Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, and Caravaggio.

The Galleria dell'Accademia – a place where crowds of pilgrims come to see Michelangelo's original David. Despite the passage of more than 500 years, this sculpture still amazes with its precision.

The Basilica of Santa Croce – Florence's Pantheon. Its interior contains the tombs and monuments of Italy's most eminent figures, including Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli, and Dante.

Views and gardens

Piazzale Michelangelo – the best viewpoint in the city. This is where all those postcard-perfect photos of the Duomo dome against the setting sun come from.

The Boboli Gardens and Palazzo Pitti – a vast palace and garden complex of the Medici and Lorraine families. The gardens are an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, nestled among Renaissance sculptures and fountains.

Pisa

You have to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa with your own eyes! Without a doubt. It is an absolute duty. It is really beautiful and curve. I hope that the ideas of straightening it will never come into effect. I bought my favorite crooked coffee mug under the tower, in the form of an inclined tower. Unfortunately, he broke. What was to be done? On my next trip to Italy, I went to Pisa again. For a mug 🙂
It is worth remembering that apart from the leaning tower, Pisa still has a historical center, which most tourists do not reach. It's a pity. Because it's really worth paying attention to.

For more information, including GPS coordinates of the most important attractions in Pisa, see our Tuscany guide

Here are the most important places to see in Pisa:

The heart of the city: Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles)

It is one of the most spectacular architectural complexes in the world, included on the UNESCO list.

The Leaning Tower (Torre Pendente) – a symbol of Italy. It's actually the cathedral's bell tower, which began to lean during construction due to the sandy soil. Climbing the 251-step staircase provides a unique sensation of verticality "escaping" beneath your feet.

The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta (Duomo) is a masterpiece of Pisan Romanesque style. Its white and gray marble façade and rich mosaic interior are impressive, even in the shadow of its famous tower.

The Baptistery of St. John – the largest structure of its kind in Italy. It is renowned for its incredible acoustics (guards sometimes demonstrate this by singing single notes that echo like a choir).

Camposanto Monumentale – a monumental monastery cemetery resembling a cloister. According to legend, it was built around earth brought from Golgotha ​​itself.

Pisa outside the main square

Piazza dei Cavalieri (Knights' Square) – once the political center of Pisa, today home to the prestigious Scuola Normale Superiore university. Located here is Palazzo della Carovana, with its remarkable sgraffito facade.

Keith Haring's mural "Tuttomondo," a rare example of modern art in such a historic city, is one of the artist's last works before his death, depicting 30 colorful figures symbolizing peace and harmony in the world.

The Church of Santa Maria della Spina – a tiny Gothic church standing right on the banks of the Arno River. Resembling a carved jewel box, it is considered one of the most beautiful examples of Gothic architecture in Europe.

Lungarni (Arno River Boulevards) – the perfect place for an evening stroll. This is where the social life of students and locals unfolds, and the sunsets reflected in the river are exceptionally photogenic.

Siena

In Siena, you'll have it uphill. Literally! The city sits on a steep hilltop, with no car access. But fear not! You can reach the top of the hill… by escalator! And to say the city itself is stunning would be an understatement. No amount of praise for it would be exaggerated.

Don't miss this place. A must-see. And for even more excitement, come to Siena on July 2nd or August 16th, when the Palio takes place. A wild and utterly insane horse race around the town square. People from all over the world flock to Siena for a brief moment to witness this incredible spectacle firsthand.

Top attractions in Siena

The heart of the city: Piazza del Campo

Piazza del Campo – one of the most unusual squares in the world, shaped like a shell or a concave fan. It is here that the frenetic Palio horse race takes place twice a year. The square is paved with red brick and divided into nine sections, symbolizing the historic rule of the Council of Nine.

Palazzo Pubblico – the Gothic town hall that dominates the square. Inside, the Museo Civico houses Ambrogio Lorenzetti's famous frescoes: The Effects of Good and Bad Government.

Torre del Mangia – a slender tower standing 88 meters high (102 meters including the lightning rod). Climbing to the top requires climbing over 400 steps, but the reward is the absolute best view of the city and the Chianti hills.

Pearls of architecture and art

Siena Cathedral (Duomo di Siena) – one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in Italy, with a stunning façade made of black and white marble.
The floor: Consists of 56 inlaid marble panels (the work of 40 artists). It is only fully exposed for a few weeks each year (usually in late summer and fall).
Libreria Piccolomini: A small room inside the cathedral with stunningly colorful Renaissance frescoes by Pinturicchio.

Facciatone (Panorama dal Facciatone) – the unfinished wall of the "New Cathedral." In the 14th century, plans were made to expand the church to become the largest church in Christendom, but the plague thwarted these plans. Today, the wall serves as an observation deck.

History and tradition

Santa Maria della Scala – one of the oldest hospitals in the world, now a vast museum complex. Here, you can see how pilgrims and orphans were cared for over the centuries, and explore the underground labyrinths.

Basilica of St. Dominic (San Domenico) – an austere brick building that houses the relic of the head of St. Catherine of Siena, patron saint of Italy and Europe.

Fonte Gaia – the “Fountain of Joy” in Piazza del Campo, decorated with beautiful sculptures (the originals are in the Santa Maria della Scala Museum, a copy stands in the square).

San Gimignano

Do you remember what New York's Manhattan looks like? It's dense with tall, rectangular skyscrapers, one next to the other. So imagine a medieval version of Manhattan. Tall stone towers, grouped side by side around the tight market square of a medieval town. This is what San Gimignano looks like. A medieval Manhattan. A quaint and very interesting city.

And while you're at the market square, don't forget to visit Gelateria Dondoli, which boasts the official title of World Ice Cream Champion (2006/2007 and 2008/2009). The ice cream parlor is easy to find. It's located in the market square. You'll recognize it by the line of people waiting for their ice cream.

A list of the most interesting attractions

Symbols of Power: Towers and Squares

Torre Grossa – the tallest tower in the city (54 meters), located next to the Palazzo Comunale. It is the only tower officially accessible to tourists. The view from the top of the tower over the town's rooftops and surrounding vineyards is considered one of the most beautiful in all of Italy.

Piazza della Cisterna – an incredibly charming triangular square paved with herringbone bricks. Its name comes from the 12th-century cistern (well) that stands in its center. It's the perfect place to enjoy a coffee and observe the town life.

Piazza del Duomo – the religious and political center of San Gimignano. The square is surrounded by historic buildings, including the twin towers of the Torri degli Ardinghelli.

Art and architecture

The Collegiate Church (Duomo di San Gimignano) – austere and Romanesque on the outside, the interior houses stunning fresco cycles from the 14th century. Particularly impressive are the paintings depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments, as well as Taddeo di Bartolo's "The Last Judgment."

Palazzo Comunale (People's Palace) – former seat of the city government. Worth visiting is the Sala di Dante, which hosted Dante Alighieri himself, and the art gallery (Pinacoteca) with works by Sienese and Florentine masters.

Church of Sant'Agostino – a little away from the main squares, but worth a visit for its magnificent cycle of frescoes by Benozzo Gozzoli dedicated to the life of St. Augustine.

Flavors and local traditions

Gelateria Dondoli – a multiple-time world champion ice cream parlor located in Piazza della Cisterna. Be sure to try unique flavors like the Crema di Santa Fina (saffron and pine nut cream).

Vernaccia di San Gimignano – the town is famous for producing this white wine, which was the first in Italy to receive DOC status. Visit the Vernaccia di San Gimignano Wine Experience in the Montestaffoli fortress to sample local wines while enjoying views of the surrounding countryside.

Rocca di Montestaffoli – the ruins of a 14th-century hilltop fortress. This peaceful spot is perfect for a short walk, offering panoramic views of the towers from a different perspective.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is not one town, but a group of five tiny towns situated on the rocky, rugged coast of Italy: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. The location of the towns and their buildings create a landscape that is difficult to forget, but also hard to remember. It is so unusual and has so many subtle nuances that you can stand and watch for hours on end. It is worth taking a lot of photos, because after some time it is nice to remember how unusual and how beautiful this place is.

What's worth seeing in each of these five towns:

Five Pearls of the Coast

Riomaggiore – the southernmost town. Famous for its vertical architecture, where colorful houses seem to rise directly from the small harbor, it's the perfect place to sit on the rocks by the marina and watch the sunset.

Manarola – considered the most photogenic. It's here that you'll find the famous viewpoint (Punta Bonfiglio), from which most postcard photos of the Cinque Terre are taken. The town is surrounded by vineyards producing the local Sciacchetra wine.

Corniglia is the only village not located directly on the water, but on a high cliff. To reach it from the train station, you must climb the Lardarina, a staircase of 382 steps. Thanks to its location, it is the most peaceful and offers a unique panorama of the other four villages.

Vernazza – considered by many to be the most beautiful. It boasts a natural harbor, a charming square right on the water, and the Castello Doria with a tower overlooking the bay and the maze of narrow streets (carruggi).

Monterosso al Mare – the largest of the towns, divided into an old part and a new part (Fegina). It is the only one with wide, sandy beaches and characteristic orange umbrellas. Worth seeing here is the monumental sculpture of Il Gigante (Gargantua), carved into the rock.

Main attractions and activities

Via dell'Amore (Path of Love) – a legendary walk carved into the rock, connecting Riomaggiore and Manarola. After years of renovations, the route is once again open to tourists, offering the easiest and most romantic walk in the region.

Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail) – the main hiking trail connecting all the towns. Hiking the entire route offers unforgettable views of the sea and vineyards, although some sections may require a paid Cinque Terre Card.

Boat trip – Seeing the Cinque Terre from the sea is a completely different experience. Boats run regularly between the towns (except Corniglia), allowing you to appreciate the imposing cliffs on which the houses hang.

Lucca

A classic, old Italian town whose charm has fueled a perennial debate over which Tuscan city is the most beautiful: Florence, Siena, or Lucca. The debate, of course, remains unresolved to this day, as each city has its share of admirers.

Lucca is surrounded by a ring of defensive walls, and its medieval center is crisscrossed by narrow, shaded streets. A landmark of the city is the unique Piazza dell'Amfiteatro. It has an elliptical shape and is completely surrounded by colorful townhouses, housing restaurants, bars, and cafes. A brilliant place!

The most interesting attractions in Lucca:

Symbols of the city

The Lucca City Walls (Le Mura di Lucca) are an absolute phenomenon. The Renaissance walls, over 4 km long, no longer serve a defensive function; instead, they serve as a vast, green park. You can walk the entire old town or, as is local tradition, cycle along them, admiring the gardens and rooftops from above.

Torre Guinigi (Guinigi Tower) – the most recognizable tower in the city. Atop it stands… several ancient oak trees. The sight of the trees growing from the brick structure against the backdrop of the Tuscan panorama is surreal and unique.

Piazza dell'Anfiteatro – a square with an unusual, elliptical shape. It was built directly on the foundations of a 2nd-century Roman amphitheater. The colorful townhouses that once occupied the grandstands create an enclosed, cozy space filled with cafés.

Pearls of sacred architecture

The Church of San Michele in Foro – located on the site of the former Roman forum. Its façade is so richly decorated with columns and sculptures that it resembles intricate lace. A huge statue of St. Michael the Archangel with moving wings watches over the top.

The Cathedral of San Martino (Duomo) – hides two great treasures: the Volto Santo (Holy Face – an ancient wooden crucifix which, according to legend, was carved by Nicodemus) and the moving tombstone of Ilaria del Carretto, considered a masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture.

Basilica of San Frediano – catches the eye from afar thanks to the gigantic gold mosaic on the façade depicting the Ascension of Christ, a rarity in this part of Italy.

Music and culture

Giacomo Puccini's Birthplace – Lucca is a city of music. It was here that the famous opera composer (author of Tosca and Madama Butterfly) was born. His home now houses an interesting museum, complete with the piano on which he composed his final works.

Torre delle Ore (Clock Tower) – If the 230 steps of the Guinigi Tower aren’t enough for you, this tower offers a glimpse into the mechanism of the 18th-century clock that still keeps time for locals.

Rome

The Eternal City, as Rome has been often called since antiquity, is a place where you should spend at least a few days visiting. It's clear. Putting it on a long trip as one of the attractions is a bit of a crazy idea, but we did. We spent 2 nights in Rome. We had 2 days to get acquainted with the city initially and this is how we treated our first visit to Rome. We only saw its greatest and most famous attractions, but we couldn't resist the temptation not to do so. I remember then that when I left Rome, I was not satisfied with anything but also great satisfaction. After all, I have touched so many wonderful buildings, I have seen so many unique places (Colosseum, Roman Forum, Di Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Pantheon, Campo di Fiori ... etc, many, many more). I knew I would come back here again.

For everyone who wants to see as much as possible in Rome, I've prepared a special guide to Rome – [click] . Be sure to check it out before you go to Rome!

Magenta Superior San Pietro 13 - check accommodation in Rome - [click]

Terrazza Munira Trastevere - check accommodation in Rome - [click]

Vatican

The Vatican, i.e. a tiny fragment of Rome (the smallest country in the world), as a tourist attraction is mainly the Basilica of St. Peter with the square and the Vatican museums. The collections of the Vatican museums are stunning, so it is a real paradise for any art lover. A few hours of communing with the greatest names in the history of the world is hard to compare with anything else. For this as the icing on the cake, the Sistine Chapel.

Neapol

Naples is specific. It's a peculiar mix of extremes that seem like they can never meet each other. Indecent wealth and the center of the latest fashion, emanating all over the world, and right next to it on the street a gigantic garbage dump. Bags of waste lying around for months, torn apart in search of easy food, by dogs running around freely. The wind sets the dot over the "and" in completing the work of mess. It blows from the sea and constantly wanders around the city, carrying garbage freed from sacks with it.
Narrow streets lined with stalls and lined with laundry, on ropes drawn between the facades of houses. Shops squeezed into every free hole, even the smallest room imaginable, trading literally on everything. Bustling residents and tourists who came to see this specific chaos with their own eyes ... and somewhere in it all countless diesel and electric scooters, which are at hand.
A bit dark Vesuvius is looking at it all from the side. The only active volcano on the European continent. It neighbors the city and occasionally spreads terror (the last eruption took place in 1944).
You have to see it.

You'll find a complete Naples sightseeing plan in a separate post. It includes practical maps, sightseeing routes, descriptions of attractions, and plenty of practical tips. Everything in one place: Naples sightseeing plan – map, attractions, monuments, tickets, accommodation, and interesting facts.

La Casa Napoletana - check accommodation in Naples - [click]

B&B Napoli's Rooftop - check accommodation in Naples - [click]

Herculaneum

Ruins of an ancient city discovered by chance (while digging a well). During the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, which took place on August 24, 79, the city was flooded with a layer of volcanic mud in a few moments. A 12-meter thick layer of volcanic slime engulfed the city for centuries. Everything happened so quickly that during the excavation work, the teams often found the bodies of the dead who remained frozen in their poses during their daily activities. Some did not even wake up and died suddenly while sleeping.
The city is in a very good condition (much better than the more popular Pompeii) and its extensive fragments are available for sightseeing. Until today, it has not been fully excavated. There is still more underground than has been discovered so far.

Ruins B&B - check accommodation in Herculaneum - [click]

Hotel Herculaneum - check accommodation in Herculaneum - [click]

Pompeii

Pompeii, like Herculaneum, disappeared under a layer of volcanic mud at the same time, during the same eruption of Vesuvius. In this respect, they share a common history. They are more popular and better known today, although they are in worse condition than Herculaneum.
Pompeii was first found at the end of the 1748th century. Ancient inscriptions were discovered during the construction of the canal. Archaeological work has been carried out here since XNUMX.

Pompei BnB Maison de Charme - check accommodation in Pompeii - [click]

B&B Verzus - check accommodation in Pompeii - [click]

Amalfi

The Amalfi Coast is a part of the exceptionally picturesque, rocky coast of Italy, where the views can be confusing. It might seem that such a thing is simply impossible, and here it turns out that it really exists. You stand, you look and you can't believe your eyes. A miracle of nature with a little touch of human hand. The coast takes its name from a small town called Amalfi. Discreetly squeezed between the rocky and rugged shores of the land, it creates a cozy bay where several restaurants will gladly welcome you during sunset and much longer ...

Residenza Gennaro - check accommodation in Amalfi - [click]

La Valle Delle Ferriere - check accommodation in Amalfi - [click]

Sorrento

The most exclusive town on the Amalfi Coast. Top-quality hotels, restaurants and marinas at not necessarily moderate prices await guests with thick wallets, ready to fulfill their every wish. Fortunately, you can walk around the city for free. So let's go and see. By the way, you can take a fast ferry or hydrofoil to the nearby island of Capri. Call prices are adjusted to the financial capabilities of the average bread eater.

Villa Prestige - check accommodation in Amalfi - [click]

Les Chic Sorrento - check accommodation in Amalfi - [click]

And this is one of the more expensive offers that I could find in Sorrento. If you are looking for a really unique place to stay, it probably will be a good proposition.

Sorrento Dream Resort - check accommodation in Amalfi - [click]

Capri

The island is small and its biggest attraction is the cruises around the island. Cruises are purchased at the same small port where ferries from Sorrento arrive. During the cruise, you will see the whole island around, you will enter several caves (depending on the mood of the captain of the ship), you will swim under spectacular rock formations and if you do not take a place under the roof, but sit on the bow just like us, you will get a sunstroke for free .
Watch out for beer in the restaurants by the port! After the cruise, finished with the sun and dried as a chip, I ordered one cold beer without looking at the card. I got a 250ml thimble. I gulped it down in one gulp and the bill brought me back to consciousness in a second: EUR 18. To this day, it is the most expensive beer in my life.

Casa Colette Anacapri - check accommodation on Capri - [click]

Villa Striano Capri - Guest House - Rooms Garden & Art - check accommodation on Capri - [click]

Matera

Matera is unique in the world. One of the two oldest places in the world continuously inhabited by humans. A city carved entirely into the rock, some people still lived in caves as recently as the mid-20th century! Improbable? Discover the city's moving history, described in a separate post about Matera – [click] – and you'll surely add it to your must-see list.

XX Settembre - check accommodation in Materze - [click]

Limen Matera - check accommodations in Materze - [click]

Alberobello

One of the strangest and most characteristic towns you will ever see. This is due to the fun, round trulli houses, built of flat stones without the use of mortar. They were built only in this area. Alberobello is the largest concentration of trulli and looks like a village of dwarfs.
You can read more in a separate one the entry dedicated to Alberobello - [click]

Dimora Sumerano - check accommodations in Alberobello - [click]

Hotel Sant 'Antonio - check accommodation in Alberobello - [click]

locorotondo

A round town, or rather a round place. This is exactly what the name Locorotondo means (a conglomerate of two words: loco + rotondo).
Locorotondo is really round and fabulously gorgeous. It is most beautiful in summer, when all the plants with which the inhabitants abundantly plant every corner of the city bloom, but Locorotondo delights at any time of the year. Just see more photos in a separate an entry dedicated to Locorotondo - [click]

Trullo Sereno Angelo - check accommodation in Locorotondo - [click]

Il Trullo di Nonno Angelo San Marco - check accommodation in Locorotondo - [click]

Ostuni

The most famous "white Italian town". Ostuni is probably responsible for the global craze for visiting white Italian towns. It was the photos published on the Internet from here that began to attract thousands of people to the forgotten south of Italy. And it must be honestly admitted that the photos did not lie. Ostuni is worth its fame and probably has rightly become an icon of a white Italian town.
For more photos and information, see the special post dedicated to Ostuni - [click]

Attico Ostuni - check accommodation in Ostuni - [click]

Radici Ostuni - check accommodation in Ostuni - [click]

Lecce

Lecce surprises with its panache and splendor. The vast old town with numerous and beautiful buildings delighted me. Lecce should be a tourist hit, but luckily it's not. Why lucky? Because it rarely happens that such a beautiful city can be explored freely, without wading in the crowd and without having to endure the noisy noise generated by tourist traffic. Affordable hotel and catering prices are also a nice side effect of lower popularity.
Learn more by reading people an entry dedicated to Lecce - [click]

Apartment Don Giuliano Centro - check accommodation in Lecce - [click]

B&B Il Segreto - check accommodation in Lecce - [click]

Sant'Andrea

Sant'Andrea is a small town and a viewpoint on a unique fragment of the Italian coast. Picturesque cliffs, fancy shapes, rock formations and turquoise water create unique views. It's worth dropping by for a while.
See more photos in a separate entry about Sant'Andrea - [click]

Faraglioni Apartment - check accommodation in Sant'Andrea - [click]

Otranto

Have you ever wondered where Italians come on vacation? Well then you have the answer: to Otranto. A town with a long and colorful history and a beautiful location is very often chosen by Italians as a place of rest. Isn't that a recommendation enough to see Otranto with your own eyes?
Learn more separately post about Otranto - [click]

Hotel Pietra Verde - check accommodation in Otranto - [click]

B&B Gelsimori - check accommodation in Otranto - [click]

Leuca

Leuca is practically the end of the world, as it lies at the very tip of the heel of the Italian boot. But something began in Leuca that changed the fate of the entire world and continues unabated to this day. What is it? You'll find out in a special post about Leuca – [click] . As an incentive, in Leuca you can see for yourself what the border between two seas looks like and what happens when their waters collide.

Il Pappagallo - check accommodation in Leuca - [click]

Leuca Residence - check accommodation in Leuca - [click]

Gallipoli

Gallipoli is a small town situated on a peninsula which was artificially cut off from the mainland by human efforts and connected by a bridge. This was to guarantee the city greater security. Throughout this small town, at one point in history, the river of "Apulia's golden", or olive oil, flowed. Gallipoli dominated the global oil trade so much that for some time it was here that the oil price was set on the London Stock Exchange. At that time, many wealthy families built their palaces here, which served as commercial representative offices. Today we can admire them while walking slowly around the city.
For more information, see separate Gallipoli entry - [click]

Attico D'Agnio '- check accommodation in Gallipoli - [click]

Al Pescatore Hotel & Restaurant - check accommodation in Gallipoli - [click]

Monopoli

A well-known town, mainly due to photos of the port, which are gaining popularity online. In my opinion, this city's fame is a bit exaggerated, as you can read more about in the post about Monopoli – [click]

Holiday Monopoli - check accommodation in Monopoli - [click]

Mamma Maria 2010 - check accommodation in Monopoli - [click]

Polignano a Mare

Polignano a Mare is one of my personal favorites and a place I will always be happy to come back to. A small, rocky bay with a tiny beach is surrounded by steep rocks, at the top of which several hundred years old buildings hang over the edge of the abyss. Wow !!!
The scenery is amazing and always gives me the creeps. In addition, there are several fantastic viewpoints from which you can soak up the unique landscape ... A fantastic place!
In a separate entry you will find more information and photos from Polignano a Mare - [click]

La Casetta di Ninella - check accommodation in Polignano a Mare - [click]

Al Giardino Del Nespolo - check accommodation in Polignano a Mare - [click]

Bari

Bari doesn't have one face. He even has several of them. It is worth spending more time here and getting to know the city a little better. The oldest part of the city is an atmospheric, stone old town, with narrow streets, smelling of home-made food during the day and fresh washing in the evening. The representative part of the city is displayed and sparkling like a gallery in Milan. The new part of the city is gray and concrete-industrial, but the city has a few other flavors.
Find out more by reading separate entry about Bari - [click]

Capruzzi Guest House - check accommodation in Bari - [click]

Casa Almika Sparano - check accommodation in Bari - [click]

Castel del Monte

Castel del Monte is one place: the castle. But which? Unusual! Shrouded in many mysteries, it is able to arouse admiration even in a random passer-by. After all, it is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List for a reason. Unfortunately, located in the south of Italy, a bit far from the tourist routes, it takes some effort to get there. However, for those who like such objects it will be a real treat.
You will learn more about the castle separately of the entry about Castel del Monte - [click]

Dependance Castel del Monte - check accommodation in Bari - [click]

Barletta

Barletta is a nice city for a short stopover. It has a lot of nice nooks, a nice old town and an interesting castle. We stayed at the Barletta for a while and stayed a little longer and, if not for further plans, we sat for a while.
Read before you go sightseeing entry about Barletta - [click]

Kofler GuestHouse - check accommodation in Barletta - [click]

Monte Sant'Angelo

Thousands of people come to Monte Sant'Angelo every year. Many of them come here for religious reasons, as it is a very important place of worship for Catholics. However, there are also those who are attracted mainly by the undoubted beauty of the town itself. The cascading buildings are visible from a distance, from the access road to the town leading through the serpentines from the Manfedonian Bay.
find out more about Monte Sant'Angelo - [click]

Camere al Santuario-Gli Arcangeli - check accommodation in Monte Sant'Angelo - [click]

Palace Hotel San Michele - check accommodation in Monte Sant'Angelo - [click]

Vieste

A touristic paradise. Vieste has everything you need to make people happy on vacation. Sandy, large and clean beaches (some fabulously situated between white rock formations), an old town suspended above a rocky cliff, countless restaurants and small hotels, a promenade, a park, squares with restaurant gardens ... just everything. Even Italians love Vieste and choose it as their summer vacation destination.
A separate entry will provide you more information about Vieste - [click]

L'Altare Bianco - check accommodation in Vieste - [click]

B&B In Centro - check accommodation in Vieste - [click]

Peschici

Peschici is the perfect place for a lazy holiday at the Italian seaside. Everything is at hand, and the typical Italian atmosphere spills out onto the street. The town is small and visiting it can be done in two hours, so you either stop by for a while or stay for the whole vacation!
Read more about Peschici - [click]

B&B Peschici 4 Stagioni - check accommodation in Peschici - [click]

B&B Dolce Idea - check accommodation in Peschici - [click]

San Marino

A small state the size of a small town (about 29 inhabitants), completely surrounded by Italy (the border line is 39 km long). Situated on the hills, and in fact on one large hill, the highest peak of Monte Titano is crowned with a beautiful castle with defensive towers. There are wonderful panoramic views from the castle on all sides.
We chose this place to stay for one reason: to see the sunset from the viewpoints in the castle. The weather was good and the impressions were amazing!

Hotel La Rocca - check accommodation in San Marino - [click]

Hotel Joli - check accommodation in San Marino - [click]

Milan

One of the world's fashion capitals offers a lot of opportunities to spend money. A shopping mall in Milan (perhaps the most famous in the world) is always full of those who just want to look, and those who like to walk around with large paper bags displaying the logos of the world's most expensive brands. You can spend a fortune here in just a few minutes.
It is worth remembering that in Milan on the wall of an unremarkable church
Santa Maria delle Grazie is home to the most famous painting in the world: The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci. To see the painting, you need to purchase a ticket well in advance (online sale only) and arrive at the place at the specified time. If you are even a few minutes late, you will not be able to enter.

read: full guide to Milan – [click]

#ItalianAttitude - check accommodation in Milan - [click]

Casa Lù - check accommodation in Milan - [click]

Bergamo

Bergamo is a great idea for a quick weekend jump to Italy. Cheap airlines fly to Bergamo from Polish airports. It is also an excellent starting point from which you can start your trip into the heart of Italy in a rental car.
The town is beautifully situated, has a beautiful old town and everything you'd expect from an Italian town to say: wow!
See extensive description attractions and sightseeing in Bergamo - [click]

CasaBotta - check accommodation in Bergamo - [click]

Il Tulipano - check accommodation in Bergamo - [click]

Torbole and Lake Garda

The Torbole I chose is basically just an example of one of the towns on Lake Garda. The beautiful, picturesquely situated lake is covered with climatic towns, of which there are a lot of them. It is worth walking along the shoreline and seeing several villages. Each of them has something interesting and delightful. I know people who, when moving from town to town, are able to spend their entire holiday on Lake Garda.

Al Bellavista.Baldo - check accommodation on Lake Garda - [click]

Hotel Isola Verde - check accommodation on Lake Garda - [click]

Stelvio Pass

A ride through the Stelvio Pass is a constant emotion associated with endless steep serpentine (over 24 km of driveway, 48 numbered turns) and views that delight more and more with each metro. The driver is the worst. He must have his eyes fixed on the road in front of him, and he must not be distracted even for a second. The narrow, steep and winding road does not give you even a second of respite, and the extraordinary popularity of the road among cycling enthusiasts means that on both sides of the car you have to watch out for cyclists. Many of them use the snakes for lack of strength, so I do not recommend looking from side to side. But passengers have a paradise! They can feast their eyes on insane Alpine panoramas without limitations.

Hotel Genziana - check accommodation in the vicinity of the Stelvio Pass - [click]

What about Sicily?

Yes, I left Sicily off the map. Deliberately. Including Sicily in this trip seems ineffective to me. So I treated Sicily separately and developed a separate itinerary for Sicily – [click].

Other itineraries and programs for visiting Italy

Of course, from time to time there are other suggestions for sightseeing plans for different parts of Italy. I will successively (as they arise) connect them to this entry (unless I forget 🙂).
Currently available sightseeing plans:

Tuscany – sightseeing plan – [click]
Apulia (Puglia) - sightseeing plan - [click]
Sicily - sightseeing plan - [click]
Sardinia – sightseeing plan – [click]
Rome - sightseeing plan - [click]
Venice – sightseeing plan – [click]
Naples – sightseeing plan – [click]
Florence – sightseeing plan – [click]

Important to me!

Give the article a good rating (5 stars welcome 😀)!
It's free, a for me it is very important! The blog lives on visits and thus has a chance to develop. Please do it and ... thank you in advance!

If you like my guides, you will certainly find the one I created useful guide catalog - [click]. There you will find ready-made ideas for your next trips, descriptions of other tourist destinations and an alphabetical list of guides divided into countries, cities, islands and geographical regions.

I also post link to Facebook profile - [click]. Come in and press "Follow"then you will not miss new, inspiring posts.

Unless you prefer Instagram. I'm not a social media demon, but you can always count on something nice to look at on my instagram profile - [click]. The profile will gladly accept any follower who likes it.

I read ALL the comments (and many times). Under each of them I could write that Thank you very much, because you are real fantastic. I often come back to comments because they give me motivation and energy. For me this is invaluable a treasure trove of good emotions!
Thank you for this here (I don't want to clutter the comments with repeated thanks). Know that by leaving a kind word here, you are doing a really good job for me!

I make the content I create available free of charge with copyright, and the blog survives from advertising and affiliate cooperation. So, automatic ads will be displayed in the content of the articles, and some links are affiliate links. This has no effect on the final price of the service or product, but I may earn a commission for displaying ads or following certain links. I only recommend services and products that I find good and helpful. Since the beginning of the blog's existence, I have not published any sponsored article.

Some of the readers who found the information here very helpful, sometimes ask me how you can support the blog? I do not run fundraisers or support programs (type: patronite, zrzutka or "buy coffee"). The best way is to use links. It costs you nothing, and support for the blog is self-generating.

Pozdrawiam