23 Most Beautiful Places in Italy (Not Big Cities!)

Most beautiful places in Italy by the sea

Italy has miles of coastline sprinkled with postcard-perfect coastal villages and towns. The following are some of the most enchanting coastal towns in Italy.

Yes, it’s crowded in the high summer months. And yes, hotels are stratospherically expensive.

But the village of Positano on the famed Amalfi Coast is so ravishing that it’s still worth visiting at least once. It’s simply one of the most beautiful spots in Italy!

Brimming with colorful buildings, cute boutiques and excellent restaurants, Positano clings to the side of a cliff overlooking a pebble beach and the brilliant blue Mediterranean Sea.

If you’re an art buff, you’ll love all the galleries around Positano.

A fun way to explore Positano is via scooter. But that’s definitely not for the faint of heart.

We preferred walking up and down the narrow streets – which involved a lot of stairs. Great for toning those legs! (And then we ruined all that calorie-busting work by eating huge slices of chocolate cake, paired with limoncello.)

2) Cinque Terre

Strung along a six-mile stretch of the Italian Riviera, the Cinque Terre consists of five old fishing villages (the “Five Lands” in Italian), protected by the Cinque Terre National Park.

Among the most beautiful towns in Italy, they’re known for their rainbow-hued houses clinging to steep limestone cliffs, glittering sea views and fresh succulent seafood.

While we’d recommend staying here if you can, it’s possible to see the best of the Cinque Terre on a day tour from Florence.

Riomaggiore

If you’re coming by train from the port town of La Spezia (the “gateway to the Cinque Terre”), the first village you arrive at is Riomaggiore.

Take in the view from Castello di Riomaggiore. The castle was constructed in the 13th century to protect the town from pirates.

Also stroll down the main street of Via Colombo, lined with shops, restaurants and bars.

Manarola

Perched on rocky cliffs washed by the waves, Manarola is the oldest village of the Cinque Terre. And it’s one of the most romantic places in Italy!

An especially lovely stretch of coastline is the Via dell’Amore (“Love’s Trail”) between Manarola and Riomaggiore. The paved, relatively flat footpath (just over ½ a mile long) offers spectacular views of the Ligurian Sea.

Also explore the vineyards. The Manarola Vineyard Walk is a 20-minute stroll that takes you along the terraced grape vineyards surrounding Manarola.

You’ll want to taste the local sweet Sciacchetra wine too.

Corniglia

Corniglia is an ideal base for exploring the Cinque Terre, as it’s located in the center. It’s the “quiet” heart, more laid-back than the other towns.

Vernazza

You’ll never be short of things to do in Vernazza – possibly the pearl of the Cinque Terre.

Visit the 15th century Castle Doria for jaw-dropping views of the village’s beautiful harbor. If the weather is good, you can enjoy a boat tour along the coast.

Monterosso

Monterosso is the largest of the Cinque Terre villages.

Stroll through the colorful narrow lanes of the Old Town, admire the Aurora Tower and relax on Monterosso Beach. Also gorge on Italy’s best pesto dishes at Gastronomia San Martino (a very simple eatery – but, oh, the pasta is amazing!) or the sea-facing Ristorante Belvedeer.

If wine is your thing, like it is for us, take some time for wine tasting in Cinque Terre.

Learn all about winemaking as you sip Monterosso’s specialty, Cinque Terre DOC. The Cinque Terre Wine School in Monterosso is a popular option.

3) Sorrento

Along with Positano (#1), the small Italian city of Sorrento is one of the loveliest and best places to visit on the Amalfi Coast.

It’s easy to visit on a day trip from Naples. (Sorrento is about an hour’s drive, a 40-minute ferry ride or a 70-minute train ride away from Naples.)

Dripping with citrus trees, this vacation spot is famous for its colorful buildings lining the harbor, streets flanked by noble houses and laid-back holiday atmosphere.

Stroll about the delightful Piazza Tasso in the Old Town of Sorrento. Savor a scoop (or three!) of authentic Italian gelato and take in the surrounding Baroque architecture.

4) Polignano a Mare

One of the prettiest towns in Italy, Polignano a Mare is on its way to becoming a tourist hot spot.

This little coastal town is tucked away in Puglia, the southern region that forms the heel of Italy’s “boot.” And after kicking around Polignano a Mare for several days, we can tell you it’s totally awesome!

Explore one of its beautiful beaches. And look around for poetry inscribed on staircases, walls and doorways around the town.

For an adrenaline pump, go cliff diving into the Adriatic Sea.

5) Portofino

A half-moon-shaped harbor, pastel houses and cypress-clad slopes combine to make Portofino one of the most scenic places in Italy.

Luxury shopping is a Portofino thing. That’s no surprise, given that Portofino is a magnet for celebrities. (Celebrity spotting, anyone?)

If you enjoy hiking, check out the 10½ mile route along the rugged coastline from Portofino to Camogli.

6) Ortigia (Siracusa)

When it comes to beautiful Italian coastal towns on the island of Sicily, Siracusa (Syracuse in English) may take the crown – although there’s a lot of competition!

More than 2,000 years ago, the Roman statesman Cicero called Siracusa (which was founded by the Greeks) “the greatest Greek city and the most beautiful of them all.”

The small island of Ortigia is the oldest part of Siracusa, connected to it by a couple of small bridges. It’s a charming labyrinth of ancient temples, medieval streets, piazzas, churches and fountains.

See the Temple of Apollo, tour the imposing Castello Maniace (a 13th century fortress), watch a puppet show at the Pupi Theater, pop inside the cathedral and check out the cafés and shops hidden around every corner.

Best Italian lakes to visit

On the south side of the Alps, the Italian Lakes region is one of the places you must visit in Italy at some point in your life.

Flanked by craggy mountainous peaks, pine forests, a Mediterranean vibe (in summer) and pretty towns packed with historic architecture, Italy’s lakes are incredibly photogenic.

Castles and villas are sprinkled all along the shoreline of these achingly beautiful lakes.

Lake Como is the third largest of the Italian Lakes – and the glamorous one.

Many people think it’s the most beautiful place in Italy. Hollywood actor George Clooney, for one, was so enchanted that he bought a villa in Laglio (known as Villa Oleandra) on Lake Como.

In Como, the principal town, stroll the lakeside promenade and take the funicular up to the village of Brunate for spectacular views of the lake.

8) Lake Maggiore

Lake Maggiore is an 82-square mile body of water, snaking through the Alps and across the Italian-Swiss border.

Uninterrupted views of the blue water with snow-capped mountains looming in the background – together with historic villas in charming towns like Verbania and Stresa – make this lake a favorite Italian vacation destination, both in the summer and winter.

9) Lake Garda

Another one of the most beautiful lakes in Italy is Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake.

With charming villages, great beaches and lots of water sports opportunities, it’s a popular holiday destination in Italy.

Wine tasting is popular around Lake Garda. Try some of its Valpolicella, Soave and Bardolino wines.

10) Lake Orta

Lake Orta is Lake Maggiore’s little sister.

At just seven square miles, it’s much smaller than Lake Maggiore.

Separated from its larger counterpart by the Mottarone mountain range, it’s also one of the most beautiful places in Italy to visit.

Its crystal-clear waters are some of the best for swimming in Europe.

You’ll also want to want to take a 5-minute boat ride to San Giulio Island to stroll around the peaceful island.

11) Siena

Surrounded by a 1,000-year-old wall, Siena (population about 55,000) is stuffed with stunning Gothic churches, pretty piazzas and terracotta-colored buildings.

Cradled in the heart of Tuscany, it’s easily one of the most picturesque medieval towns in Italy.

Siena is an easy day trip from Florence. But if you can swing it, you won’t regret staying for a night or two in this beautiful town, especially if you book into a former palazzo like the Grand Hotel Continental Siena.

12) San Gimignano

Known as the “Town of Fine Towers,” San Gimignano is famous for its unforgettable skyline of medieval towers.

13) Matera

Matera is located in the southern Basilicata region of Italy. And of all the pretty places in Italy, it’s one of the most extraordinary. (You may recall it was featured in the James Bond flick No Time to Die.)

With a poignant and rich history, this troglodyte settlement became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993. It was crowned the European Cultural Capital for 2019.

If you want to visit Italy off the beaten path, Matera is still, surprisingly, not on the tourist radar in a big way.

If visiting just for the day, consider leaving the driving to someone else and enjoying a guided small-group day tour from Bari by mini-van.

14) Orvieto

A popular day trip from Rome, Orvieto is perched on top of a 1,000-foot-high tufa hill.

With medieval cobblestone streets lined by beautiful buildings, it’s a great place for photography and simply delighting in its gold-hued charms.

No doubt you’ll visit Orvieto’s main attraction – its celebrated Gothic duomo. The 14th-century cathedral is the town’s masterpiece landmark. Few buildings in the world are as ornate as its intricately carved exterior.

15) Alberobello

The cute white conical-shaped trulli of Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are a sight to see. They make this fairytale town one of the prettiest places in Italy!

Visit the Sant’Antonio Church, with its cone-shaped roof. It’s the only trullo church in the world.

Here’s a good two-hour historical walking tour for learning about Alberobello and the architecture of the trulli buildings from a guide.

Hungry? You’ll want to try a Pasqualino sandwich at Gusto. Traditionally layered with tuna fish, capers, salami and cheese, this sandwich is unique to Alberobello.

For a sweet treat, indulge in an ice cream cone from Arte Fredda Gelateria. Operating since 1994, the family-run ice cream parlor in the center of town makes hand-crafted ice cream and granita, using natural ingredients and fresh fruits.

16) Montepulciano

The medieval village of Montepulciano sits on top of a hill overlooking Tuscany, with incredible views over vineyards in the Val d’Orcia.

The terracotta-hued town is brimming with historic churches and Renaissance palaces.

17) Lecce

Sometimes referred to as the “Florence of the South,” Lecce is located in the Puglia region of southern Italy.

This small beautiful Italian city of about 100,000 is jam-packed with gorgeous Baroque architecture and works of archaeological significance.

See the famous Roman amphitheater in the middle of the city, which could seat 15,000 to 25,000 people. Live performances still take place here.

And the Basilica di Santa Croce is one of the most heavenly cathedrals! Boasting 17 ornately decorated altars and ceilings with painted centers, it took two centuries to build.

Beautiful Italian regions

The towns of Siena (#11), San Gimignano (#12) and Montepulciano (#16) in Tuscany are already on our list of the best places to go in Italy.

But the whole Tuscan countryside is one of the most beautiful parts of Italy – and deserves its own recognition.

For a rural retreat where you can soak up the Italian lifestyle, why not rent a private villa and a car to help you make the most of your escape?

Tuck yourself away in a remote corner of Tuscany and enjoy the luxury of a farmhouse cottage or a modern villa, with your own private pool. (You can find these on Vrbo.)

Spend your days touring the beautiful countryside, covered with cypress trees, olive groves and vineyards.

Explore lovely small villages and towns in Tuscany like Montefioralle (originally a walled castle, now ringed by cobblestone streets) and Poppi (dominated by the 13th century Castle of the Guidi Counts).

And don’t miss Montalcino, a medieval hilltop town, where the food and wine is some of the tastiest in Italy!

19) Le Marche

Have you heard of Le Marche (The Marches)? Maybe not, because it’s one of those somewhat under-rated places in Italy that doesn’t get tons of hype.

But that’s good!

Sometimes touted as “the next Tuscany,” this small eastern Italian region runs along the Adriatic Coast. It borders the rolling hills of Tuscany to the northwest.

With lavender and sunflower fields, it’s another one of the most beautiful Italian places to visit, with hill towns rivaling Tuscany’s.

Urbino

The steep hill town of Urbino is the birthplace of the Renaissance painter Raphael. You can visit the family house, now a museum (Casa Natale di Raffaello).

One of Italy’s most spectacular palaces, the Palazzo Ducale, is found in Urbino too.

Check out the exquisite inlaid images in the wood-paneled study and Raphael’s Portrait of a Gentlewoman, which hangs in the palace.

Ascoli Piceno

Medieval Ascoli Piceno, population 60,000, is known as the “city of travertine.”

Most of the buildings in the old town, even door frames and floors, are made from solid blocks of travertine stone. Don’t miss the intricately-carved entry portals to the gothic-style Church of St. Francis.

20) Dolomites

Do you love winter sports? Then you’ll love the Dolomite Mountain Range, located in the northeast corner of the Italian Alps.

The Dolomite winter resorts are among the best vacation spots in Italy for a winter getaway.

Think skiing and snowboarding down snow-packed pistes. And ski resorts that promise plenty of après-ski fun and stacks of local amenities.

Take the unspoiled alpine village of Campitello in the heart of the Dolomites.

It boasts a modern 125-person cable car to whisk you to the famous Sella Ronda circular ski route. You’ll find several lively bars too for warming up after schussing down Campitello’s wide intermediate ski runs.

Indeed, all the Italian ski resorts are quite stunning – with majestic mountains and pretty little towns offering traditional charm and the chance to become immersed in Italian culture.

In between snowfalls, it’s quite common to enjoy crisp sunny days during the winter – perfect for excursions across the peaks or long lazy picnics several thousand feet up.

Beautiful islands in Italy

Did you know Italy has more than 80 picturesque islands?

21) Sardinia

One such island is Sardinia – it’s on our Italy bucket list!

Nestled in the midst of the Mediterranean Sea, 116 miles away from the Italian mainland, Sardinia boasts around 1,200 miles of golden coastline, craggy cliffs and, in the interior, soaring mountains.

The Costa Smeralda, otherwise known as the Emerald Coast, is another one of the best places to vacation in Italy, with turquoise waters and ravishing white sandy beaches.

Inland, hiking is popular in Sardinia, with long-distance hiking trails like Sentiero Sardegna traversing the rugged mountains and serving up incredible panoramic views.

Also visit its dynamic capital, Cagliari, populated since Neolithic times. Skip the modern part, and stroll the historical city center.

22) Sicily

Imagine basking in the sun on an island where the Mediterranean sparkles against a backdrop of rugged mountains and smoking volcanoes. That’s Sicily.

This beautiful Italian island is set just off the toe of Italy’s iconic “boot.”

We already mentioned the charms of Ortigia in #6. Yet the entire island of Sicily stole our hearts – with its sun-soaked scenery stretching from dazzling beaches and verdant vineyards to medieval towns.

The country’s largest island, it’s one of our favorite places in Italy to visit – it has a bit of everything for every type of traveler.

In the Archaeological Area of Agrigento (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), you’ll find some of the best-preserved ancient Greek temples in the world.

Taormina (where Season 2 of the hit TV series White Lotus was filmed) offers seductive beaches and views as intoxicating as limoncello.

You can hike and go wine tasting around Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe.

And let’s not forget the spirited capital of Palermo with its vibrant street life, Norman palaces, Byzantine mosaics and bustling markets!

23) Capri

Just off the Amalfi Coast, the dreamy island of Capri is another of the most gorgeous places in Italy – if you visit outside of the high summer season.

Of course, it’s still beautiful in July and August. But we found it hard to enjoy Capri when we last visited at the end of August because of the crowds. Unfortunately, Capri may just be too beautiful for its own good!

Nestled toward the top of the island are the colorful Gardens of Augustus, offering wonderful sea views.

One of Italy’s most famous attractions – the Blue Grotto – is also found on Capri. You can take a boat trip to the Blue Grotto to see the surreal blue glow of reflected sunlight within this wondrous sea cave.

If you seek quiet contemplation, make your way to Capri Philosophical Park. Even if you’re not philosophically inclined, just head there for the breathtaking views.

For a day trip to Capri from Sorrento, we highly recommend this stylish Capri and Blue Grotto tour. It’s limited to 8 guests.

That’s a wrap for the prettiest and best places in Italy to visit!

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Photo credits: 11, 15, 42, 43 © Janice and George Mucalov, SandInMySuitcase

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