Italy is one of the most popular destinations in Europe with so many world famous places to visit.
Whatever you want from a holiday, you can find it in Italy. Historic sites, bustling cities, peaceful countryside and sparkling seas are all within reach.
From ancient attractions, beautiful lakes, picturesque beaches and some of the most important holy sites, you could spend a lifetime exploring Italy and sill not see all the highlights.
Yo help give you an idea for where to go on a first time trip to Italy, we have put together a guide to the best tourist attractions you really need to see.
Don’y leave Italy without visiting these locations.
1. Leaning Tower of Pisa
The architects of this famous tower never planned for it to be so crooked. During the construction of the 3rd floor, it started sinking into the ground because of the poorly laid foundations.
With the advancement in technology, 90 years later the tower could be completed and is now known as the Leaning Tower of Pisa. It is said that it sinks about 1mm every year!
2. Colosseum, Rome
Whether it’s a weekend break or a longer getaway, you’ll find plenty to keep you occupied in Rome. The city’s ancient origins are all around you, from the magnificent Coliseum to a hill made from discarded pottery.
The Colosseum in Rome is one of the most famous sites in the world and every year it is visited by 5 million people. It is a symbol of both the grandeur and the cruelty of the ancient Roman Empire. It is an engineering masterpiece and the greatest amphitheater ever built by man.
Designed to house 50,000 spectators, it is located in the heart Rome, and an unmissable destination for any Italian itinerary.
3. Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence
This is a symbol of the great city of Florence and a beautiful example of Renaissance architecture. Characterized by a large dome and expressive colors it is a structural masterpiece and a work of art.
The best view of the cathedral is definitely from afar, so don’t hesitate to make that trip. Checkout vacation apartments in Florence for some great accommodation offers!
4. Lake Garda
The Italian lakes are a popular holiday destination for Italians and international tourists.
Lake Garda is the largest and most beautiful lake in Italy. It is located in the northern part of the country, half-way between Venice and Milan and is a very popular destination for those wanting to relax.
Italy’s biggest lake, Garda, is not far from Verona. Around its shores you can find exclusive tourist resorts, sleepy fishing villages, and secluded bathing beaches, all set among gorgeous mountain views.
The ancient fortified town of Sirmione is well worth seeing too, there are plenty of restaurants, bars and shops as well as great views of the lake.
Further afield, Lake Como is famous for the magnificent villas which surround it.
5. Mount Vesuvius
Although no longer active, this is a symbol of the destructive force of nature. Looming over the Bay of Naples, where large-scale evacuation plans are on immediate standby should the volcano erupt. A short, undemanding hike takes you to the crater where the view if truly magnificent.
6. Trevi Fountain, Rome
The Trevi Fountain is probably the most famous fountain in the world. It is located in Rome and is considered to be one of the finest examples of Baroque art. It is made entirely out of marble and plays with light and shade in a masterful fashion.
To make the most of your time in the Eternal City, you might also want to hire a scooter and get lost in the urban mayhem, or spend a relaxing afternoon in one of the city’s parks. Enjoy contemporary and classic Italian cuisine, then launch yourself into Rome’s busy nightlife scene.
7. Grand Canal, Venice
For a completely different city experience, try Venice. Boats are the only powered vehicles you’ll find here, going about their business on the vast network of canals.
Taking the water bus through the Venetian Grand Canal is like going back in time through centuries of history. The journey is about 3.5 km long and takes you past all the most important masterpieces of architecture.
Look around the iconic cathedral, and enjoy panoramic views from the tower of St Mark’s. Take a water bus, or vaporetto, to one of the islands in the surrounding lagoon. Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute and the Rialto Bridge are just some more of the famous sites along the way.
Venice isn’t the cheapest city in Europe, but it is one of the most unique and impressive. For a day trip you might also want to visit Murano which is home to glassware shops and factories and Burano which is picturesque with brightly painted houses, while also Torcello is a haven of peace and quiet.
8. Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre, which means “5 lands” is one of the most stunning parts of the country. It includes 5 villages situated at the cliffs of the Italian Riviera – Monterosso, Vernazza, Manarola, Corniglia, Riomaggiore. The place is filled with typical Italian vineyards, olive groves and hiking trails.
9. Ancient Pompeii
If you’re interested in Roman history, Pompeii is unmissable. An easy journey from Naples, this ancient town, preserved for centuries under volcanic ash, is a unique trip back in time.
Poppeii is an ancient Roman town destroyed by the volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius. The dramatic event claimed as many as 2,000 lives and went down in history as the most devastating eruption in the history of the world.
Walk the streets, admire the mosaics and the amphitheatre, and get a feel for everyday life in the first century AD. The town offers a glimpse into the life in the 1st century buried under layers of ash.
10. The Vatican
The Vatican is a separate state located in Rome. It is the spiritual home of the Catholic world and an architectural masterpiece. The Vatican attracts millions of visitors every year with two of the most famous sites here being St Peter’s Basilica and the Piazza San Pietro.
Other Places to Consider
If you have more time or are looking to enhance your Italian adventure consider the following locations too.
Milan
Milan is different again, famous for its designer clothes and accessory shops but also for the huge cathedral, the Duomo, which dominates the spacious and pretty piazza, and as the home of Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper.
Verona
Verona, on the Adige river, is an attractive town with open squares and narrow, winding streets. Featured in three of Shakespeare’s plays, including Romeo and Juliet, it hosts an annual theatre festival as well as an opera festival.
Tuscany
The region of Tuscany has mile upon mile of rolling countryside, as well as some of Italy’s prettiest towns. There’s Florence, with its art galleries, the walled mediaeval town of San Gimignano, and Siena, home of the Palio horse race and featured in the James Bond film Quantum of Solace. Pisa, with its leaning tower, is in this part of the country too.
Plan Your Trip to Italy
When you think of Italy your first thought is probably Rome. There is though much more to Italy than its capital, and hopefully our guide has given you some suggestions for where to go.
Naples, Turin, Venice and Verona are just some of the places you could visit in this beautiful country but there are hundreds more amazing places to go.
Plan a gap year to Italy and discover these incredible locations for yourself. If you enjoyed this article you might also like to view these underrated places to see in Milan.