7 Beautiful Places To Visit In Italy For The First Time

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You can never run out of places to visit in Italy. The country is blessed with beautiful architecture, history, good food, and great wine! I traveled from Naples to the Lake District of Northern Italy with my husband and friends. We had an absolutely fabulous time exploring the country. So let me share with you the best places in Italy during this trip that is perfect for first-time visitors.

Everyone would definitely mention and include Rome and the Vatican City as the main gateway to visiting Italy. I made other articles that discussed the Best Things to Do in Rome (Italy) for First Time Visitors as well as the Best Things to Do in the Vatican (The Holy See). I encourage you to read them to help you plan and enjoy your visit to the Eternal City.

Read more: Best Way to Travel Europe by Train Using Interrail Pass and Eurail Pass

Here are the best places to visit in Italy for the first time:

1. Sorrento

Located in the southern part of Italy, Sorrento is a charming coastal town in the Campania region. Sorrento is a very handy and reasonable place to stay when you want to explore the area with multiple convenient access to some of the most beautiful places in Italy.

7 Incredible Places to Visit in Italy: Sorrento, Italy
Best places to visit in Italy: Visit Sorrento

What is it known for? Sorrento is famous for its gigantic Sorrentine lemons and oranges.

You can find orange trees dotted around the streets of Sorrento.  The Sorrentine lemons are the primary producers of the area. They are huge compared to regular fist-sized lemons. So if you manage to try a tasty Italian lemonade, it’s most probably produced in Sorrento.

I’m sure you will also fall in love with the beauty of the area, check out the view of the Bay of Naples at sunset from the Marina. I wrote another article here about the Best Things to do in Sorrento, I’m sure it will inspire you to visit this beautiful coastal town in the Campagna region of Southern Italy.

2. Pompeii

The inspiration for the Pompeii movie by Kit Harrington. Yes! I love him and his gorgeous abs in the film! Ok, back to the topic.

Pompeii is a 2000-year-old city ruin resting at the foot of Mount Vesuvius. It is as if walking back to ancient Roman times, Pompeii is a glimpse of what it was like 2000 years ago before the wrath of Mt. Vesuvius ruined its former glory and life.

7 Incredible Places to Visit in Italy: Pompeii, Italy
Best places to visit in Italy: Temple of Jupiter in Pompeii

Not far from Pompeii is another popular place to visit in Italy, Herculaneum. A less busy town compared to the bustling city of Pompeii back in Roman times. Herculaneum was also engulfed by the eruptions of Mount Vesuvius.

Travel tip! 

Join the history walks around Pompeii to appreciate its history. You will also get to see loads of phallic symbols dotted around the ruined city of Pompeii.  These are the markers for the brothel within the city. Follow the sign and discover the erotic side of Pompeii.

I also wrote another article about the best things to do in Pompeii other than the ruins. Feel free to read it to know more about this ancient Roman city.

3. Florence

Arts and Wine lovers, anyone? From the fertile land of Tuscany come the vineyards and olive groves. Seated at the heart of the Tuscan region, Florence captures the heart and tastes of many. From the museums in Florence to the iconic Duomo, it is a gem of Tuscany!

The charming cobbled streets, towering statues in the various piazza, and the jaw-dropping skyline of Florence from Piazza San Michael are just a few of the highlights of one of the best places to visit in Italy.

7 Incredible Places to Visit in Italy
Best places to visit in Italy: Visit Florence – View from Piazzale Michelangelo

At the centre of the town, you can’t miss the towering and iconic Duomo of Santa Maria del Fiore. The interior of the Duomo is something you shouldn’t miss, hence it is one of the churches in Florence that are worth visiting. An appropriate dress code is necessary (shoulders should be covered, and knee-length shorts/ skirts are allowed).

To get the famous Florentine skyline shot, head towards the popular vantage point in Florence — Piazzale Michelangelo.

It’s a little bit out of the main town center, but it’s worth climbing the hundreds of steps toward the top of the hill to get to where the Piazzale is located. Here are some other suggestions on the best things to do in Florence.

Read more: Best Things to Do in Tuscany Region, Italy

4. Bellagio

Bellagio sits at the tip where Lake Como and Lake Lecco meet.  The charming little town in Lombardy in Northern Italy is one of the best places to go in Italy. Several Hollywood box office movies have been shot here, such as Star Wars (Queen Amidala’s planet) and Ocean’s 11 to name but a few.

Who doesn’t want to wake up with the view of Lake Como and the picturesque backdrop of the Swiss Alps? If you are looking for somewhere where you can relax by one of the best Italian lakes, I highly recommend visiting this area.

7 Incredible Places to Visit in Italy
Best places to visit in Italy: Bellagio, Como

There are various ways to reach Bellagio; you can try to catch a train to Milan and head towards Varenna or Como.

If you take the Varenna route, make sure you check the ferry schedules.  If you take the Como route, either catch the bus to Bellagio ( around a 1hr 30mins ride) or you can drive there! Just note that the roads are very narrow and winding, so be extra careful!

I wrote another article about the Best Things to Do in Lake Como (Como, Italy), I encourage you to read it to help you plan for your trip to this beautiful part of Northern Italy.

Read More: Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni: A Luxury Hotel Review in Lake Como (Italy)

5. Venice

The home of the Carnival, canals and gondolas. The architectural beauty of Venice is unquestionable.

The towering churches and idyllic sunset skyline of Venice from Lido island are something you should not miss. The iconic gondola ride might leave you out of pocket, but it’s one of the most popular things to do in Venice. A 40-minute boat ride from Venezia, you can reach the islands of Burano and Murano which are equally beautiful in their own right.

I wrote another article about the Beautiful Islands in Venice (Italy) That Are Worth Visiting, I encourage you to read it to know more about these beautiful islands in the Veneto region.

7 Incredible Places to Visit in Italy
Best places to visit in Italy: Visit Venice

Burano is definitely one of the “Instagramable” places in Venice! The colourful buildings on the little island give a great cheerful vibe.

What’s the reason behind the colourful houses of Burano? Burano is a fishing village 40 minutes away from the main Venetian island, according to legends the locals painted their houses in striking colours to help the fishermen to find their way home in bad weather conditions.

Murano is the home of the world-renowned Murano glass. It is known for its outstanding craftsmanship and quality. You can also visit a few glass-making workshops and the Glass Museum in Murano which is one of the best museums to visit in Venice.

7 Incredible Places to Visit in Italy
Best places to visit in Italy: Visit Venetian Islands

How to check the authenticity of your Murano glass?

Look for the mark VETRO ARTISTICO MURANO engraved/marked on your glass piece. The cheaper the glass, the less likely it will be made in Murano. Also, don’t forget to watch the master glassblower make Murano glass in the Glass Museum on the island. It’s Free!

Making of Murano Glass in Murano Island
Making of Murano Glass on Murano Island

If you want to visit the romantic Italian city of Venice, I wrote another article about the Best Things to Do in Venice (Italy), that I can recommend to any first-time visitors of this beautiful region of Italy. You can also read this 2-day Venice travel guide.

6. Abruzzo

Rossacalegna Abruzzo Italy
Best places to visit in Italy: Visit the Abruzzo region

Abruzzo region is a best-kept secret destination and one of the best places to visit in Italy. You can access the Abruzzo region about 2 hours drive from Rome.

Pescara is the capital of this Italian region and it has all the Italian charming vibes minus the tourists. I wrote another article here about the Best Things to Do in Pescara (Abruzzo, Italy), I encourage you to read it to know more about this beautiful Italian city. Abruzzo offers fantastic gastronomical treats, a beautiful mountain landscape, and a calming seaside facing the Adriatic sea.

Home of the Golden Triangle of Olive Trade in Italy, rustic medieval castles, and the majestic Majella National Park. Abruzzo is more than what I expected, the beautiful region is definitely worth the visit.

Read More: 5 Ways How to Get from Rome to Pescara, Italy

7. Sicily

Located in the southern part of Italy is the island of Sicily. Here are some of the best romantic things to do in Sicily.

Isola Bella Taormina Sicily
Best places to visit in Italy: Isola Bella – View from Taormina, Sicily

The rugged mountains and never-ending valleys on the island of Sicily will mesmerize you as you drive from coast to coast across the island. The enchanting landscape of Mount Etna is truly something magnificent to admire. Mount Etna is considered to be the most active volcano in Europe.

Not to mention the romantic coast of Taormina and Naxos that will captivate your heart plus the vibrant cities of Palermo and Catania. If you are up for a relaxing and romantic quality time, feel free to check out this article that I wrote about the best beaches in Sicily, Italy.

Would we go back to Italy?? YES, DEFINITELY!

I hope this will inspire you to discover more about Italy.
If you need a visa to visit Italy, you can read more about the process of getting a Schengen visa for your trip.

I’m sure there are loads more beautiful places to visit in Italy,
I would love to hear from you and put that in the comment box below.

Places to Visit in Italy

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ryazan Tristram EverythingZany Author Bio

Ryazan Tristram

Travel Writer & Photographer

Ryazan has a Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism and Hotel Management. She also has more than 10 years of work experience gained from working in the hotel and travel sectors in Asia and Europe. Her work has been featured and published in BBC, Huffington Post, Reader’s Digest, Discovery Channel, World Travel Guide, MSN, CNBC, GMA, Daily Mail UK, Lonely Planet, and many more. She is currently living in the UK as a dual citizen (British-Filipina). Join her in travelling around the UK, Europe, and beyond with a mission to promote sustainable tourism and share travel guides, travel tips, foodies, history, and culture.

47 thoughts on “7 Beautiful Places To Visit In Italy For The First Time”

  1. I love when people write about spots that are both beautiful and often over looked. I hate crowds. While I would definitely visit Rome if I went to Italy, I would also head out of the city. Wander around smaller Roman villages. There is so much to see and there is so little time!

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    • Thank you very much, Penny! I’m sure you would definitely love Rome. So much to see in that famous city! Of course, you can also visit the Vatican City when you’re there. Italy is such a beautiful country.

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  2. There are some lovely small, historic cities near Milan. I thought Cremona and Mantua were both worth spending a couple of days in.

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    • I totally agree! 🙂 I checked out some images from Cremona and Mantua, they look so stunning! Maybe another reason to go back to Italy.

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  3. Italy is clearly a place you can visit a dozen times and still find tons of new places to explore. Every town and every village is so picturesque, it screams to be photographed. My favorite country, hands down.

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    • Indeed! So many places to visit in Italy! 🙂 Plus, great food and wine, you can’t really go wrong with that.

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  4. I have been to Italy a ton of times and still not made it to Sorrento. It does look absolutely gorgeous though so one day.

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  5. Great suggestions! We loved Italy and definitely need to return someday! I would love to check out Sorrentine for the lemons and oranges as well as Venice on our next visit!

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  6. I visited Sorrento and Pompeii when I was in Southern Italy for an archaeological fieldwork, and loved it there. Unfortunately I didn’t have much time back then (due to work), but will definitely return to explore the region of Campania in depth! Toscana is also a wonderful region, but we chose to leave out Florence (keeping it for our next citytrip) and roadtripped through smaller towns in Chianti. We totally loved their regional bread without salt! 🙂

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  7. Thanks for sharing this post! I visited Sorrento and Pompeii when I was in Southern Italy for archaeological fieldwork, and loved it there! Unfortunately, I didn’t have much time back then (due to work), but I’ll definitely return to explore the region of Campania in depth. Tuscany is also a wonderful region. To avoid the crowds, we chose to leave out Florence, and roadtripped through smaller towns in the Chianti. 🙂

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    • Totally agree! We had a great time exploring Southern Italy. I would love to go back to Tuscany again and explore the region a bit more.

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  8. I absolutely adore Italy – I’ve actually been to 3 out of the 5 places you listed ^_^ Bellagio is really high on my list next time I go back! Sorrento too!

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    • Definitely go for it, Francesca! 🙂 Keep us updated. I’m sure you will have a great time in Bellagio and Sorrento.

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  9. Have heard a lot about the Italian cuisine. Looks the country has equally attractive landscapes. Pompeii is the only city I have heard of before.

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  10. Thanks for many ideas, I see I still have a lot of places to visit! I am in love with Venice, but other less touristy places mist be great as well!

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    • Yes, there are loads of places to visit in Italy. You will definitely love them. Venice is beautiful indeed, but super damn expensive.

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  11. While I wouldn’t call any of these places overlooked, you chose all beautiful places for a first or even second trip to Italy. I hope you also walked over the foot bridge from Burano to the tiny island of Mazzorbo. It’s home to the only remaining vineyard in the Venetian Lagoon and you can visit and taste at the small winery, which is also a very small boutique hotel.

    We lived just outside of Venice for 7 years and can definitely give you some overlooked and off-the-beaten-path places to visit for your next trip!

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  12. I love Italy so much and want to spend a lot longer there! I’ve been to all of these places except Florence and loved them all. Did you go to Bolzano? because it’s stunning up there!

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  13. I must say I love your choices! I like the mix of history, art, movies, nature, architecture, etc! It says a lot of how curious and explorative you are! I think we are in the same boat! Hahaha.

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  14. I have been everywhere on your list! Sorrento is a special place for me as I met my husband there and it beautiful part of Italy. Have you been to Genoa? I spend half my life there as my husband is from the area and is very close to Portofino. You are right every part of Italy is lovely to visit.

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  15. Would love to do history walks in Pompeii. I never knew about the erotic side of this ancient city. It would be interesting to see it and compare it with the erotica that we see in ancient Indian temples. Guess we had very liberal ancestors, when did we become conservative?

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    • I totally agree, Anu. That made me wonder as well. Since these murals will be considered indecent in the modern times. I would also love to see and appreciate the history of the ancient Indian temples.

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  16. You’ve certainly covered Italy from south to north in this article. Sorrento is a new tip for me, as I haven’t been that far south in Italy. On the other hand, with tourism taking over, I would be happy to find a few more lesser known destinations in Italy. Already years ago I enjoyed Bologna and Vicenza much more than crowded Florence or Venice, both of which I had to visit for business.

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  17. The better question to ask is whether there are any places in Italy not worth going to. From your list Sorrento and Florence best embody my idea of la dolce vita.

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  18. Italy is pretty awesome but I am surprised that you’ve not listed Rome or Amalfi Coast in the post. I haven’t been to Sorrento but I have to Pompeii, Naples, Florence and Venice (apart from Rome) and I loved Italy. I also wish you’d listed the Dolomites. I haven’t been there but the pictures look fantastic!

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    • Thanks Medha. 🙂 Rome and Amalfi are indeed beautiful as well, but too popular now. Yes, and the Dolomites are simply breath taking.

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  19. Well, this was humbling. I’ve only made it to two places on that list, and I’d never even heard of Bellagio. I loved Florence, and Venice was nice too, but I didn’t get to Burano and Murano. Now I’ll have to go watch Kit Harrington’s Pompeii movie, although not for his abs.

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    • haha!! Nevertheless, I hope you’ll like the movie and make you want to visit Pompeii even more. I hope you’ll get to visit the other places in Italy.

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  20. I’ve been to quite a few of these places, but never Sorrento. After reading your recommendations it just made it to the top of my bucket list!

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  21. Italy is one of my favourite countries in the world. I adored Florence and would happily live there – and then I could explore the other places you mention! Sorrento looks amazing, and Venice is a definite must-see too.

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  22. It is true that you can never run out of places to visit in Italy, that’s why Italy is my favorite country! I have visited all the places listed in your post and I agree that each one, for different reasons, is unique and worth the visit. Probably I would like to visit Florence again for its wine and food like you say. Also would visit Pompeii again because I combined it with Ercolano on a day trip and just a couple of hours exploring the buried city was not enough for me

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  23. So refreshing to come across this post after I finished watching the entire Da Vinci Demons just last week! 😉 Thanks for the dress code tip at Duomo so we can go prepared; its kind of annoying to go somewhere and then be sent back coz of your outfit. Already dreaming of my 100-steps climb to Piazzale Michelangelo!

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  24. What a great selection. I love all of the towns on your list. Italy is such a magical place with so much to offer that you really are spoilt for choice.

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  25. Amazing blog with great information. Thanks, dear for sharing this amazing blog with us and keep it up and I will definitely visit these places with my friends.

    Reply

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