Italy, being one of the most iconic destinations, has a lot to offer. It is a beautiful European country situated along the Mediterranean Coastline, with Rome as its capital. It is the fifth most visited country all over the globe. Its major cities include Florence, which is known for its architecture, historical monuments, culture, and the renaissance. Venice is also a popular destination among tourists in Italy. Venice is also called the “City of Canals”. 

Italy has the most number of UNESCO world heritage sites in the world. All three of Europe’s active volcanoes are situated in Italy. Italy is rich in its flora and fauna which attracts so many tourists in large numbers every year.

Italy is also home to fashion lovers, designers, and fashion enthusiasts. Milan is Italy’s fashion capital, and Milan Fashion Week is a popular show hosted here which attracts tourists from all over the world. 

Italy also offers delicious cuisines. Italian and Bolognese dishes are popular here. Spaghetti, pizza, pasta, lasagna, and various types of wines and cheese are served here in all the restaurants. “Ragu alla Bolognese” is identified as the national dish of Italy. 

Italians are crazy over their coffee. It is said that Italians consume around fourteen billion espressos each year. Many local coffee shops can be found in the vicinity. 

Famous Cities Of Italy

Rome, Milan, Florence, Pisa, Amalfi Coast, and Pompeii are some famous iconic cities to visit in Italy, along with gems like Lake Como, Assisi, Verona, Sorrento, and the beautiful Isle of Capri. There are fifteen thousand lakes spread across the expanse of Italy. They are stunning and offer breathtaking views, surrounded by snowy mountains and golden, mesmerizing beaches.  Along with the famous lakes like Como, Garda, etc., one can explore other hidden gems like Lake Iseo or Lake Ledro.

Spanning across an area of forty-four hectares, the Vatican City is one of the tiniest countries in the world and is located within Italy itself. Many tourists visit this city for sightseeing and for its historic sites such as the famous St. Peter’s Cathedral and the Sistine Chapel, which was painted by artist Michelangelo way back in 1512. 

Tourism In Italy

Thousands of tourists flock to the famous Fontana di Trevi, where they throw coins in for luck. This money is collected and donated to charity for the ones in need. There are many other destinations also worth visiting. Italy has stunning scenery. Naples is the largest city found in southern Italy.

From very famous to barely explored cities, Italy has it all. It is a marvelous travel destination and will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Beautiful Cities Of Italy To Visit Once In A Lifetime

1. Bologna

Having beautiful, picturesque scenery, it is undeniably one of Italy’s most beautiful cities. During the autumn season, with its red and yellow leaves and hues adorned by such beauty, it becomes a travelers’ paradise, as if it was created to adorn postcards. This is what makes it such an Instagram-worthy destination!

2. Florence

It is famous for its art, architecture, and historical structures. It is full of museums, art galleries, churches, and cathedrals. It includes the world-famous Duomo Cathedral. One can come across little shops, boutique stores, and lots of natural greenery along the streets of Florence.

3. Rome

Being the capital of Italy, it is the heart of the city. It is of much spiritual, cultural, and political importance. It is the inspiration behind an end number of films and novels. For an ultimate postcard view of Rome, head straight to any of the arched bridges that span the Tibet River. When viewed from a cozy spot, pretty Ponte Garibaldi frames the domed Sistine Chapel in the shot.

4. Venice

It is a classically beautiful city in Italy. Venice is a city like no other and has a vibe of its own. It is a destination on almost every traveler’s bucket list. It is full of bustling canals, colorfully painted houses, and is famous for its exquisite handicrafts and artifacts. Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute is one of the most beautiful churches in Venice. It’s a must-visit!

5. Trento

This is a mountainous region situated in the North of Italy. It has beautiful, picturesque locations, and is a brightly colored city with gorgeous gardens in and around. One can participate in activities like fishing in the Sarca river, rock climbing, cycling, and also skiing in the winter months.

6. Naples

Naples is the third-largest city in Italy. A day in Naples is all the time one requires to feel great, and one can absorb the city’s charm and history into their bones. It is famous for its culinary traditions. Naples has a vibrant outdoor food marketplace. You can find fresh fruits and vegetables in the markets. The gorgeous Amalfi coast and other vibrant colorful towns are just a short train ride away. It is close to important archaeological sites like Pompeii.

Some Less Explored Places In Italy

Italy has beautiful, vibrant, colorful, and bustling cities and touristy spots to visit. There are also some beautiful scenic spots which have not been explored much yet but should also be given a mention to. These are some beautiful spots one must visit!

1. Palermo

This is one of the most authentic and beautiful cities located in Sicily. It is rich in terms of cuisines and delicacies offered. Street cafes offer aromatic coffees and delicious cannoli here. Sweet pastries filled with cream are also served. One can purchase various refreshing drinks from here. Palermo has three Arabic-style markets which are filled with diverse shops and boutiques offering various goods and merchandise, making it a shoppers paradise too!

2. Matera

Located in Basilicata in the southern part of Italy, this city consists of white stone homes. The cave dwellings called Sassi di Matera here have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.

3. Verona

It is a majestic city with its own aura. It attracts tourists and travelers who are looking for some romance in their life. One of the main attractions here is the famous Juliet House of Verona. There is a small courtyard where the statue of Shakespeare’s Juliet is situated. It has captivating and interesting museums which give a deep insight into the history and the past.

4. Bari

Bari is a very important port on Italy’s Adriatic Coast and is the capital of southern Puglia. One can view the grandiosity of architectural marvels here. It’s easy to get lost and absorbed into the beauty of this place. One should be careful while traveling here as the crime rate is comparatively higher here.

5. Genoa

It is ranked as one of the most beautiful coastal cities of Italy. It is a beautiful city located in northwest Italy, with stunning historic structures and a very old port. During the Renaissance, Genoa experienced a great flow of wealth. This city is a mix of medieval and renaissance architecture. It also has many UNESCO World Heritage sites here. Palazzi dei Rolli, Royal Palace, and the churches are a must-visit here. Don’t forget to see the panoramic and stunning views of this city!

6. Bolzano

This city consists of spectacular mountain ranges. It comprises many charming cafes, bars, restaurants, and is rich in terms of cuisine. It is a beautiful region to explore. It offers tourists spectacular views of snow-clad mountains, deep valleys, and mesmerizing lakes. It has a few monasteries that are open to visitors for sightseeing. It is indeed an interesting and very fascinating place to visit.

7. Trieste

Located in the northeast part of Italy, this city should not be overlooked. It is culturally fascinating and visually appealing too. It has an urban landscape with sea-facing views. It also has cute outdoor cafes which are busy and bustling almost throughout the day. One of the most beautiful spots here is the Ponte Rosso Bridge, and close to it is the colossal Serbian Orthodox Church of Saint Spyridon, which has historical importance.

8. Cagliari

This city is very beautiful but is seen as one of the most underrated cities in Italy. Sardinia is its capital. It’s an apt destination for a long weekend trip. It is known for its ancient history. It has interesting archaeological sites scattered around its boundaries. You must visit Villa Tigellio and Tuvixeddu Necropolis here. This city is known for its nightlife. When in Cagliari, don’t forget to pay a visit to the beach Poetto, which is home to lots of flamingos.

9. Turin

Turin is famous for its historical sights, restaurants, museums, and the very famous football team Juventus. It is a sought-after destination for tourists and attracts many visitors every year. It has many cafes, souvenir shops, galleries, and world-class museums displaying famous artworks and art pieces. It has a tourist-worthy botanical garden to visit and has many attractive spots. Some attractions are also free of cost, making these spots a must-visit!

Thus, Italy has an endless number of cities to visit and explore. Yet, many towns and cities which are worth the attention have gone unexplored. So get ready to backpack and visit Italy. Italy has a lot to offer. Other cities like Parma, Lucca, and Siena are a must-visit!