Best places to visit in Italy

Lakeside life or beyond? Discover the best places to visit in Italy.

Italy's historic cities have been welcoming tourists for centuries. From the hilltop towns of Cinque Terre to the peaceful lakes of northern Italy, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Leaning Tower of Pisa dotted across the country, you’re spoilt for choice. Read on to discover the places you need to tick off your Italy wishlist, and browse our deals to get there sooner.

THE LAKES

There are plenty of Italian lakes worth visiting, but the big three are Lake Como, Lake Garda, and Lake Maggiore. Nestled at the bottom of the Alps, expect dramatic mountain views, colour-popping villages, and leisurely lunches overlooking the water. Garda is within daytripping distance of some of the most iconic cities in Italy, including Venice and Milan, where you can visit the world-famous opera house, La Scala for an evening performance. Lake Maggiore, on the other hand, stretches into Switzerland. Meanwhile in Como, check out the impressive lakeside villas, many of which belong to A-list Hollywood celebrities.

Browse our holidays to Lake Como, Lake Garda, and Lake Maggiore

CALABRIA

If you’re less fussed about covering off the Italian cities and more interested in getting your fix of sun, sea and sand, there’s 500 miles of coastline to take your pick from in Calabria. This region in southern Italy specialises in white-sand beaches, clifftop towns, and Medieval settlements. It’s one of Italy’s newest tourist destinations, so expect to rub shoulders with locals rather than holidaymakers – head to spots like Capo Vaticano for breaks in beach based hotels. They’re scattered along the coastline, away from the busier towns and cities. Pay a visit to Pizzo, meanwhile, and you can rest your head at our brand-new hotel, the TUI MAGIC LIFE Calabria.

Browse our holidays to Calabria

VENETO

When it comes to romantic cities, the Veneto region offers up plenty of places to visit. Take a gondola ride along the Grand Canal in Venice, spot classic art and architecture, and snap selfies from one of the many bridges in the city. Meanwhile, Shakespeare fans should head to the home of Romeo and Juliet in Verona. This famous city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so expect Medieval and Renaissance architecture and evenings at the opera. Bubbly fans, on the other hand, pop over to Italy’s Strada del Prosecco, AKA Prosecco Road. It’s just 40-minutes away from Venice by train.

Browse our holidays to Veneto

CAMPANIA

Home to the Amalfi Coast, Campania is dotted with towns made for postcards and magazine covers. Sorrento has cobblestone streets filled with antique shops and tiny cafés, and flaunts views of Mount Vesuvius and Naples. Then there’s Positano, which dominates travel blogs thanks to its picture-perfect good looks. It’s home to two beaches, including Spiaggia Grande, where you can head out onto its turquoise waters on a boat trip.

Browse our holidays to Campania

Time to book?

Browse our site for more of our Italian destinations, and take a look at the top ten best beaches in Italy. Plus, find out when's the best time to visit Italy.

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Author: Lizzie Butler

Last updated: 05.06.2020