The Best Cities and Towns to Visit in Italy

As the capital of Italy and one of the most attraction-packed cities in the country, Rome is indisputably one of the best cities to visit in Italy. Some of the most popular sights include the Colosseum, which dates back to 70 A.D., the 1732-built Trevi Fountain, where travelers can throw in a coin and make a wish, and the well-preserved Pantheon. Also worth braving the crowds is Vatican City, which has the magnificent Michelangelo-painted Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica, home to Michelangelo's Pietà marble sculpture. As with all Italy destinations, food is a highlight, from creamy cacio e pepe to gelato to fried suppli. Hot summer months filled with tourists make Rome a better spring or fall destination.


Where to Stay in Rome: Boutique Hotel Campo de Fiori

The upscale Boutique Hotel Campo de Fiori is a historic property with a scandalous past as a bordello for priests. Charming rooms have sumptuous furnishings, a rooftop terrace provides sensational vistas, and the hotel is within walking distance of a few top sights.

Although a bit grittier than some other cities in Italy, Naples is a stellar foodie destination with some excellent museums and historic sights to boot. The third-largest Italian city, Naples is perhaps best known as the birthplace of pizza. If you’re looking to theme a vacation around food, Naples is one of the best Italian cities to visit. Here, restaurants serve up world-renowned wood-fired pies topped with San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. While Neapolitan pizza is arguably the city's best offering, fantastic pasta and seafood are also available. While here, check out the medieval Castel Nuovo fortress and catacombs dating to the second and fourth centuries.


Where to Stay in Naples: Eurostars Hotel Excelsior

Built in 1908, the Eurostars Hotel Excelsior stands guard over the Neapolitan coastline. With uninterrupted views of Mount Vesuvius and a prime location just minutes from major attractions like Galleria Umberto and Castel dell’Ovo, this property is perfect for travelers who don’t want to miss a minute of city life.

A frequent stop for cruise ships, Venice is a unique city that's famous for its system of canals and bridges that connect over 100 islands. Tourists can take romantic gondolas or cheaper vaporetti (water taxis) to reach sights such as Doge's Palace, a Gothic-style palace with extravagant interiors, Basilica di San Marco, an ornate church dating back to the 11th century, and Piazza San Marco, the main square in Venice, which sees tons of food-seeking pigeons. Don't forget to snag a photo of the historic Rialto Bridge. Excellent museums, pastry shops, and Carnival celebrations (in February) add to the city's allure.


Where to Stay in Venice: Ca' Sagredo Hotel

Romantic, luxurious, and historic, the 42-room Ca' Sagredo Hotel is a 15th-century restored pink palazzo located on the Grand Canal. Features include elegant rooms with marble bathrooms, a ground-floor restaurant serving Venetian cuisine, and free breakfasts.

The capital of Italy's Tuscany region, Florence is an art lover's dream. Considered the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence offers countless works of art, with pieces by Botticelli ("The Birth of Venus"), DaVinci ("Annunciation"), Michelangelo, Titian, and Caravaggio all housed in the Uffizi Gallery. Meanwhile, Michelangelo's famous "David" sculpture is located within the Accademia Gallery. Another must-see is the Duomo, or Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, an impressive 13th-century structure where visitors can climb 463 steps for pretty vistas and to see the frescoes up close. The main center is easily walkable, so tourists can hop between museums, cafes, and shops with ease. Be sure to stroll across Ponte Vecchio, a medieval arch bridge lined with shops.

Where to Stay in Florence: Golden Tower Hotel & Spa

Under a 10-minute walk from numerous attractions, the Golden Tower Hotel & Spa lives in the heart of Florence’s historic city center. This five-star hotel has resort-level amenities with a boutique hotel feeling, offering thirty rooms and an onsite spa.

Considered the country's fashion capital, Milan is a hip, design-centric city with a strong business hub. But aside from Fashion Week shows, Milan also draws domestic and international travelers with its array of attractions. Housed within the Santa Maria delle Grazie church is Leonardo da Vinci's famous painting, "The Last Supper." Meanwhile, the imposing Duomo di Milano showcases Gothic architecture and colorful stained glass. Visiting the 15th-century Sforzesco Castle, La Scala opera house, and several museums are other fine ways to spend a few days in Milan.


Where to Stay in Milan: Armani Hotel Milano

The luxurious Armani Hotel Milano consists of 95 guest rooms and is located in the city center. Grab a drink at the trendy Armani/Bamboo Bar at the end of a long day sightseeing in Italy’s capital of fashion or unwind at the onsite spa with a customized treatment. To really spring for the full experience, guests can book a Made-to-Measure experience during their stay and return home with a set of custom Armani clothing.

There's a lot more to see within Tuscany than Florence. Rolling hillsides, charming agriturismo stays (working farms offering rooms), and vineyards producing delicious wine (especially of the Chianti variety) are found throughout the region. Natural hot springs can also be found in free public areas or more luxurious resorts for a relaxing spa getaway. Travelers looking for some historic sights can visit cities such as Siena and the riverside Lucca.


Where to Stay in Tuscany: Castello delle Quattro Torra

Tourists wanting a castle experience should stay at the romantic Castello delle Quattro Torra, located on a quiet hilltop near Siena. This authentic medieval castle is family-run, and there are just three individually styled rooms to choose from, including an apartment and a two-story tower room. Free Wi-Fi and breakfast are provided.

The largest of the Mediterranean islands and just west of the tip of Italy's "boot," Sicily has a charming mix of historic sights and beautiful landscapes. Natural attractions include gorgeous beaches and Mount Etna -- Europe's most active volcano -- while the capital of Palermo offers a rich culture and impressive structures like the 12th-century Norman Palace and Palermo Cathedral. The most popular attraction, however, is Valley of the Temples, an ancient archaeological site that dates back to the fifth century B.C.


Where to Stay in Palermo: UNAHOTELS Capotaormina

Overlooking the sea and Mount Etna, the upscale UNAHOTELS Capotaormina offers a private beach, saltwater pool, and onsite dining. It’s the perfect homebase for travelers looking to explore the city of Palermo as well as the commune of Taormina.

A striking region south of Rome, the 34-mile-long Amalfi Coast is known for its picture-perfect views and charming towns. It starts in Positano -- popular for its colorful cliffside buildings, hopping beachfront, and luxurious hotels -- and winds through to Vietri sul Mare, a smaller town with a lovely beach, ceramic shops, and a small cathedral. Additionally, the famous Path of the Gods hiking trail, which connects Positano with Agerola, is a wonderful way to spend a day. Other worthwhile stops along the coast include the well-loved seaside town of Amalfi and the enchanting hilltop town of Ravello, which is best known for its sculpture- and flower-filled Villa Cimbrone Gardens.


Where to Stay on the Amalfi Coast: Il San Pietro di Positano

Il San Pietro di Positano, one of the most luxurious hotels in the region, is a tranquil escape right on the edge of the Amalfi Coast. This Michelin-starred property offers fifty-nine rooms and suites, three onsite restaurants, a truly stunning seaside patio, an outdoor fitness area overlooking the ocean, and a spa. Like many Amalfi properties, Il San Pietro di Positano is closed for the winter season from November through March.

A posh island off the Sorrento Peninsula, Capri is a suitable destination for a fast-paced day trip or week-long honeymoon. Striking rocky cliffs, charming streets lined with perfume, gelato, and designer shops, and restaurants with lively alfresco seating can all be found here. Don't miss the Gardens of Augustus, where you'll find lovely greenery and sweeping views of the sea and Faraglioni (three towering rock formations that jut out from the Mediterranean Sea). Other top activities include boat tours to the Blue Grotto, taking a chairlift to the top of Monte Solaro, and visiting the 19th-century Villa San Michele.

Ischia is one of the best places to go in Italy for travelers looking to soak in healing hot springs. There are over thirty on Ischia, including the famous Fonte delle Ninfe Nitrodi, the oldest spa in the world. The size of this island—roughly 18 square miles—makes it the top contender for travelers wishing to stay multiple days on a single island. Explore the region's renowned botanical garden Giardini la Mortella, enjoy fresh seafood in Ischia Porto, and do some regional apertivo sampling on Via Roma.

Procida, the tiniest of the trio, is no less rich in culture and architecture than its sister islands. Just under two square miles, Procida is the ideal candidate for a day trip from the Amalfi Coast or nearby Naples. Easily spend the day exploring the vibrant fishing village of Marina Coricella or sample the island’s many dishes made with the famous Procida lemon.


Where to Stay in Capri: Punta Tragara
A quiet luxury hotel that's only reachable by foot, Punta Tragara is located on the coast of Capri. Its 44 rooms and suites are individually designed, decked out with luxury finishes that mirror the unique character of the island. Take a dip in the pool overlooking the ocean or relax at the Wellness Area, an exclusive spa partner of Orlane wellness products.

Where to Stay in Ischia: Botania Relais and Spa

The Botania Relais and Spa is a dreamy island resort set into three hectares of stunning botanical gardens. Its 48 rooms are uniquely designed for privacy and relaxation, as are its many winding paths and hidden gardens. Enjoy outdoor yoga, multiple thermal pools, and Michielin-star dining without ever leaving the grounds.

Where to Stay in Procida: San Michele Procida

San Michele Procida is located right in Marina Corricella, the island’s fishing village famous for its colorful houses and fresh local seafood. This B&B, much like the island on which it sits, is small—just twelve rooms. However, the intimate style of the property, onsite dining options, and thoughtful decor truly make travelers feel like a Procida local.

Although it has become famous as George Clooney's summer home, Lake Como is much more than a celebrity hot spot. Located in northern Italy's Lombardy region, Lake Como offers a pretty setting at the foothills of the Alps. The lake is shaped like an upside down "Y," and several charming towns line the water, including Bellagio, Como, and Varenna. Summer visitors may want to go on a walking tour or rent a boat for the day, while year-round activities include food tours, exploring historic churches, and taking a cooking class.

Where to Stay in Lake Como: Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni

Situated right on the water's edge in Lake Como, the luxury Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni has been hosting vacationers since the mid-nineteenth century. This neoclassical masterpiece is located in Bellagio near Lake Como and is dedicated to delivering its guests an upscale experience. Take one of their Discovery Walks to get better acquainted with the surrounding region.

Situated a 35-minute drive south of Naples is the ancient Roman city of Pompeii, which was buried by the 79 A.D. eruption of Mount Vesuvius. The ash and pumice were so thick that the entire city was largely preserved underneath it, allowing visitors today to get a good glimpse of daily life then. This UNESCO World Heritage site is visited by approximately two-and-a-half million people each year, as it's an easy day trip from Sorrento, Positano, and even Rome. Pro tip: Wear a hat and sunscreen, and bring a lot of water.

Where to Stay in Pompeii: Hotel Forum Pompei

When it comes to hotels near the ruins, it's hard to get any closer than the upper-middle-range Hotel Forum Pompei. Located steps from the entrance to the ancient ruins, this 32-room property offers free parking—a major perk at this popular daytrip destination—along with an onsite restaurant, bar, and citrus grove where guests are encouraged to relax with a drink.

Although the small towns and rolling hillsides of Cinque Terre are far from city life, it still ranks as one of the top places to visit in Italy. Cinque Terre consists of five former fishing villages built into the cliffs of the Ligurian coast in northwestern Italy. This popular tourist destination offers charming pastel-painted architecture, exquisite sea views, tasty seafood, and a national park that's nearly 10,000 acres. Certainly the best way to see the region is on foot, by hiking the coastal path of Sentiero Azzurro, which links all five villages and provides beautiful vistas along the way. Boat tours, local wineries, and pretty beaches also keep travelers occupied.


Where to Stay in Cinque Terre: Hotel Porto Roca

The upscale Hotel Porto Roca is located in Cinque Terre National Park, an area protected for its natural and cultural significance. Built organically into the side of the rocky coastal cliffs, this hotel offers travelers a chance to enjoy Cinque Terre through a variety of experiences, including a pesto-making lesson and wine tasting event.

Located in northeastern Italy, the Dolomites are a beautiful mountain range that are part of the Alps. Snow-capped mountain peaks, lush forests, and rolling hills make for a stunning setting while travelers hike and bike in the warmer months or ski and snowboard in the colder months. Top towns to visit include Bolzano, which has a medieval city center, and Merano, a spa town with beautiful terraced gardens at Trauttmansdorff Castle.


Where to Stay in Bolzano: San Luis Retreat Hotel & Lodges

A 20-minute drive outside of Merano, the luxurious San Luis Retreat Hotel & Lodges is a cozy complex of chalets and lodges. Don’t let the rustic aesthetic fool you—these accommodations are luxe, with even the smallest studio room equipped with a king sized bed, a small kitchen, and a private sauna. Adventure-lovers can even book a two-story tree house suite.

Known around the world as one of the must-see places in Italy, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is the Tuscan city's most popular attraction. It's a freestanding bell tower within the Pisa Cathedral complex, which began construction in 1173 and was completed nearly 200 years later. Today, the tower stands 185 feet high, and it has a 297-step spiral staircase inside that visitors can climb to the top. Due to soft ground at the foundation, the tower has a famous four-degree lean. Of course, no visit is complete without snapping a photo of yourself holding the tower up.


Where to Stay in Pisa: Bologna Hotel Pisa

A 17-minute walk from the Leaning Tower, the upper-middle-range Bologna Hotel Pisa is ideal for travelers who don’ t want to waste their Italian vacation on commuting. Bologna Hotel Pisa offers affordable indoor parking (just €15 or roughly $16) and a shuttle service. While there is no onsite dining, the hotel does offer a continental breakfast and is located minutes from several trendy restaurants.

Carol McPherson contributed to this article