Enjoy Italy’s breathtaking coastal towns without the crowds of high season. Stroll Modica’s narrow, winding streets to take in views of medieval stone houses and Baroque architecture—don’t miss a guided tour of its gargantuan lemon grove, either! To read more about it, click here.
Umbria’s rolling hills dotted with cypress trees and vineyards become even more bucolic during this season. Visit hill town Ravello from its elevated perch, stroll its charming terra cotta streets, and gaze upon its picturesque panoramic vantage point.
Milan
Milan offers high-fashion shopping, a rich fashion history, and unique finds, making it an ideal city for style and design enthusiasts to visit in Italy. Whether you’re looking for your next outfit or just admiring talented artists’ works, Milan has something for everyone in its eclectic array of shops, museums, and art galleries.
The Duomo, an elegant Gothic cathedral that stands out in a city full of skyscrapers and trendy shopping centers, should definitely be on your itinerary. Additionally, don’t forget the Castello Sforzesco citadel—one of Europe’s largest citadels that houses multiple museums—which makes for an incredible sight.
Shoppers seeking an experience will enjoy visiting Quadrilatero della Moda, which offers some of the top designer stores, such as Gucci and Valentino, high-street shops, and unique items created at local artisan workshops.
Milan has been home to some of the greatest musicians and composers throughout its long history, such as Teatro alla Scala. Additionally, visitors should experience Italian culture first-hand by partaking in an Aperitivo—a pre-dinner drink typically including finger food trays.
Walking is by far the best option for traversing this city, as pedestrian-friendly streets are prevalent throughout. Public transit options exist, but they are expensive and crowded. If you choose the latter, you can purchase tickets at kiosks or newsstands.
Florence
Rome remains one of the great centers of Renaissance art and architecture today, captivating visitors with its ancient works and architectural marvels. Yet Rome also represents everyday Italian life: wander its narrow cobblestone streets or peer into secret courtyards, and you may spot locals engaged in lively conversations over an espresso or playing an intense game of bocce – two things only the city offers visitors!
Milan may be best known for high fashion thanks to Fashion Week and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade, but Italy’s second-largest city also has much to offer cultural vultures. From world-class collections at Galleria dell’Accademia and Boboli Gardens (an outdoor sculpture garden featuring Bardini Grottoes), there is plenty to see and do.
The Accademia houses Michelangelo’s most well-known work, the Statue of David. At Palazzo Vecchio – once Florence’s city council chamber – you’ll find Botticelli and Giotto masterpieces amongst other masterpieces from its vast collection, as well as Vasari frescoes in its Hall of Five Hundred.
Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre, situated along Italy’s Riviera, consists of five picturesque fishing villages nestled into hilly terrain. Despite its remoteness, Cinque Terre draws thousands of hikers, sunseekers, and foodies each year. Though more touristy than other parts of Italy, it still makes for an enjoyable visit thanks to its picture-perfect harbors, colorful pastel houses, and crystal-clear waters.
One of the highlights of visiting Cinque Terre is visiting Capre di Mezzo, an incredible viewpoint atop a rocky outcropping that looks over Manarola vineyards and provides spectacular sunset views over the sea below. After your hike, head back into the town center and visit Trattoria dal Billy for some local seafood dishes such as its salty anchovies!
Riomaggiore is another top tourist destination in Cinque Terre. It offers visitors its small harbor and stunning beach carved into rocks. Houses painted pastel colors surround a bustling marina filled with fishing boats—an ideal location to view the sunset in Cinque Terre!
Riomaggiore, the largest of the five villages, features nightlife and more activities to do beyond hiking or sunbathing (though both remain integral components). Furthermore, this village marks the end of Via dell’Amore, an etched-into-cliff path connecting all five.
Tuscany
Tuscany, famous for the Leaning Tower of Pisa and other significant landmarks, offers much more. Situated in western Italy’s hilly region, Tuscany boasts botanical wonderlands with marked paths winding their way through forests and mountains called Alpi Apuane. Additionally, charming hilltop towns can be found here, such as Lucca, with its Renaissance-era walls and towers that can be explored, San Gimignano, which boasts 15 medieval towers, and Siena, with its winding streets and impressive cathedral, deserve further exploration.
Florence, known as the Cradle of Renaissance, is an essential stop for art enthusiasts. At its center is Florence Cathedral, which has a marble neo-gothic facade. Piazzas around this central hub features exquisite sculptures and architectural gems; Michelangelo’s iconic David is housed at the Florence Accademia Gallery.
Tuscany is best experienced during spring when exploring popular lake towns such as Bellagio or stylish villages along the Amalfi Coast, rolling hills, vineyards, and cypress trees in its rolling countryside. When visiting during this season, its landscape becomes bathed in buttery yellow sunlight that has an almost syrupy quality that cannot be rivaled. Crowds have dispersed, while locals’ laidback lifestyle shines through as food tastes fresher, and coastal towns such as Amalfi or Italian lakes with fewer visitors make taking in views easier.
Sicily
Sicily, Italy’s largest island, stands apart from mainland Italy due to its own language, cuisine, and culture, which have developed through centuries of merchants, sailors, and conquering armies passing through. Attractions on Sicily include its UNESCO-listed cathedrals, vineyards, and island beaches, as well as the Palermo Opera House and Greek Temples of Agrigento.
Capri’s coastline is lined with shimmering beaches that meet crystal-clear water, while its towns enchant visitors with narrow, winding streets and elegant palaces. Not to be missed, attractions in Capri include Faraglioni rock formations and Blue Grotto, where sunlight transforms the sea into vibrant shades of blue- two must-see attractions!
Sicilian markets offer an experience for all five senses, offering delicious food such as cannolis and zeppole di San Giorgio, which are world-renowned. Additionally, wine lovers should visit Piedmont, where vineyards produce world-renowned Barolo and Barbaresco wines.
Stay at one of the luxury resorts with breathtaking views of Mount Etna, such as Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo in Taormina or Therasia Resort on Vulcano Island; alternatively, book a private villa that overlooks the sea for an intimate escape with family or friends.
Verona
Even though it may not be as renowned as Venice, Verona stands out with its distinct charm that deserves to be included on any Italy itinerary. It is a UNESCO World Heritage City steeped in history and offers beautiful sights as well as some delectable food experiences.
Start your tour in the Centro Storico (historic center) for an enjoyable stroll through medieval architecture and charming piazzas. Don’t miss the grand Palazzo Maffei and Torre Lamberti!
Once there, visit Juliet’s House (Casa di Giulietta) for an unforgettable sight: its iconic balcony from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet play. While its stone structure may not compare with those found elsewhere in Italy or Europe, simply being part of its setting makes this location worth seeing!
The stunning Roman Arena is also located in the center of the city—a fantastic sight worth checking out both daytime and at night when opera performances occur in this venue.
The Cathedral of Santa Maria e l’Assunta is another must-see attraction in the city. Its interior design features Romanesque and Gothic elements, and its eye-catching ceiling is covered with artwork that is sure to take your breath away.
Read also: River City Roofing Review
