Top selection of places in Italy to see at least once in life
I have a long, endless list of places to see before I die. I thing everyone has its personal list of places which have captured his interest. If Italy is in your top list of places to see before you die, I would like to suggest you some nice places to visit in my home country. Here’s the top ten of not-to-be-missed places in Italy …. Enjoy!
1. Walking through the historical centre of Florence, Tuscany
Credits: Flickr
Florence is the first one on my places-to-see-before-you-die list and it’s not by chance. Have a stroll in the historical centre through the most important monuments of the city, treading the same streets once travelled by Leonardo, Donatello, Giotto, Botticelli…really unforgettable moments.
2. St. Peters’ Square and Basilica, Rome, Lazio
Credits: Flickr
Designed by the popular architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini, St. Peters’ Square lies in front of the Basilica, the biggest existing Christian church. Rome is the city which holds the main concentration of historical and architectonical heritage of the world. How can you miss visiting the Eternal City? (Especially if you’ve just read Angels and Demons
3. Valley of the Temples, Agrigento, Sicily
Whith its 1300 hectares it is the biggest archaeological site in the world and was named World Heritage by Unesco in 1997. The Valley is composed by seven temples as well as sanctuaries, necropolis, fortifications…The visit at sunset is suggested, both to enjoy the romantic atmosphere and to avoid the sultry weather, really strong there during hot summer days!
4. Boat trip to Cala Luna, Sardinia
Cala Luna is maybe the most fascinating cove of the island. It is reachable by boat from Cala Gonone (where you can also visit the beautiful Caves) or by land through a coastal path. The clearness of its waters is simply amazing. Cala Luna needs to be present in my places-to see-before-you-die list!
5. The Trulli of Alberobello, Puglia
Credits: Flickr
The ancient white buildings are typical of south-centre of Puglia and the Trulli of Alberobello are the most popular. Just spend one night in a Trullo and experience the genuine Apulian atmosphere!
6. Aosta Valley Castles, Valle d’Aosta
Besides the amazing landscapes (the smallest Italian region is surrounded by the highest European mountains), Aosta Valley is popular for its medieval castles. Issogne, Fénis, Verrès…you’ll be spoiled for choice!
7. Siena and the Palio, Tuscany
Credits: Flickr
The medieval city of Siena is a popular tourist destination in Tuscany. If you decide to visit it during the Palio, one of the most ancient horse races in the world, you’ll kill two birds with a stone!
8. The Sea Stacks of Capri, Campania
Credits: Capri Hotel
Capri is located in the Gulf of Naples (to be visited as well!) and it’s a well-known holiday destination. The three Sea Stacks that characterize the island rise from the deep blue sea and create a wonderful visual effect.
9. Cinque terre (The five lands), Liguria
Credits: Flickr
Inserted on World Heritage List by UNESCO, the five lands are located in the northern Italian region of Liguria. They are represented by a rugged stretch of coast of the Italian Riviera and include five villages (anciently called five lands). Due to its long isolation, the five lands have kept their authentic and ancient traditions.
10. Venice, City of Love
Credits: Flickr
City of love, city of canals and city of bridges, Venice is the dream of lovers looking for romantic moments as well as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. I think it’s the perfect place to end my places-to-see-before-you-die list. Don’t you agree?
What are in your opinion the most beautiful spots in Italy? Do you have a personal places-to-see-before-you-die list that you would like to share whit us? Feel free to comment!
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Can I nominate Orvieto? I know that I am bias, but I think you might agree. Great list…I am half-way there…5 out of 10 ain’t bad!!
this make me feel upset.:( there are such places somewhere on the world but I am living away….
but glad for the others…:)
well i have done 7 out of 10 so im about halfway!!!!!
Perugia. Underrated but so beautiful, so much to see and do. People there are the friendliest in all of Italy!
Thank you Kate! Perugia, you are absolutely right; it’s a small jewel worth to be visited!
Very Good!!! Any suggestions?
I would add Siena, the city in the Tuscan countryside with the towers. Very cool.
These are great! I have been to most, but not Capri or the Aosta Castles… I can’t wait to go back and see what I missed!
I’ve been to 4 out of 10 and I’m only 16, looks like I’m doing pretty well
Yes, I think so… bravo! :)
Let me suggest to spend at least a half day in Bologna, a city not far from Florence. It has a beautiful center, the second largest church in Italy (Basilica di San Petronio) after St. Peter in Rome, the oldest university in the world, and a great night life :)
This is a very important point :) Thank you Sara for your suggestion!
I love Italy, one of my favorite countries in the world! I’ve only seen a few of these places, but I hope to see the rest before long!
Wow! I’ve read that you’ve visited about 26 countries, it’s a pleasure to read that Italy is one of your favourites :) Thanks Ali and come back soon to discover more!
You would love the Val D’Orcia, one of the most beautiful places on earth.
You can’t credit “Flickr”; you have to credit the person who took the photo. Flicker is only a photo hosting service and does not own the rights to the photo.
Thanks Elizabeth, we’re working on it :)
Having just lived in Italy for 2 months, allow me to add my suggestions…
Cortona – This is where I lived, my home away from home (so I mighttt be just a tiny bit biased ;) ) It was the backdrop for the film Under the Tuscan Sun and is truly one of the most beautiful cities I’ve ever seen.
Perugia – This was mentioned, and I agree is amazing. You can get to another small town, Assisi, by about a 45 minute train ride which is well worth it.
Pisa – The leaning tower seeeeeems over rated, but once you get there I felt it was extremely UNDER rated. The tower itself is amazing, the cathedral and baptistry next to it are stunning and the park in which they all stand is a wonderful place to soak up the sun and the unforgettable sights.
Verona – Marble. Streets….. one of my favorite cities in Italy.
Any good and detailed suggestion like yours is welcome and much appreciated! If you have any photos you want to share you can send them to our FB page, we’re currently running a photo Contest. Thanks Ally for popping by! :)