9 Most Beautiful Cities in Italy: A Photo Diary

Italy is a beautiful country, one that you need to visit at least once. Or many times if you get the chance. There are many famous places in Italy, off-the-beaten-path places, and everywhere in between. You could never run out of amazing destinations here, so narrowing it down can be difficult. What are some of the most beautiful cities in Italy?

Ocean view in Cinque Terre - Most Beautiful Cities in Italy

You really can’t go wrong in Italy; I truly think every town and city has something wonderful to offer. So choosing where to visit can be overwhelming, especially if you have a limited amount of time in the country.

 

So what are the most beautiful cities in Italy? Keep reading for a photo collection of some of the most famous places in Italy that you need to visit! With photo inspiration, you’ll be planning your Italy trip in no time. Click on the photos to get the full view!

Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links; we get a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through one of them. Read our affiliate disclosure.

Before You Visit Italy

→ Book your train tickets with Trainline for the easiest travel days in Italy!

It’s hard to go wrong when picking places to visit in Italy, it would be hard not to enjoy any city or town you visit. Below is a collection of the best and most beautiful cities in Italy. Start browsing for your Italy travel inspiration!

The Most Beautiful Cities in Italy

Amalfi

Ferries on the water in Amalfi, Italy
Beach in Atrani, Amalfi Coast, Italy
Inside the courtyard of Duomo di Amalfi Italy
View of tree overlooking Amalfi Coast from Ravello Italy

The Amalfi Coast is a gorgeous coastal region made up of several small towns dotting the rocky coastline. Some of the best towns to visit here are Atrani, Ravello, and Amalfi itself.

 

With ocean views, colorful and detailed architecture, and incredible seafood dishes, the Amalfi Coast easily makes the list of the most beautiful cities in Italy.

Pisa

Climbing the Leaning Tower of Pisa - Tower and Cathedral
Best Things to Do in Pisa Italy
Botanic Garden in Pisa Italy

Pisa is on the smaller side of the most famous places in Italy. However, it is still well worth visiting, even if just for a day.

 

From the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa to the Botanical Garden to the River Arno, Pisa is hands down one of the most beautiful cities in Italy.

Plan a Pisa Trip:

Bologna

bologna, panorama, city
by sabrinabelle via pixabay

Known for being a foodie capital of Italy, Bologna is not only enticing because of its gastronomic scene but also it’s medieval red and orange architecture. 

 

Bologna will pull you with its historic charm and postcard settings, and hold you captive with tastes nowhere else can replicate.

 

While the food and the history are the biggest draws to Bologna, this charming city is a must-visit for everyone traveling around Italy. It’s a classic you simply cannot beat.

Cinque Terre

Harbor in Vernazza - Cinque Terre vs Amalfi Coast, Italy
Blue water beach in Monterosso al Mare Cinque Terre Italy
View of Coast in Manarola Cinque Terre Italy
Above view of Manarola from the mountain hiking trail

Cinque Terre is made up of five quaint fishing villages. While tourism has exploded here making it one of the most famous places in Italy, many locals still fish as their main source of income.

 

The seafood options are unbeatable; it is the freshest and so lovingly cooked. Hiking is very popular here, the views are incredible, and it is manageable to see all five towns in a couple of days.

Venice

venice, italy, canal
by Michelle_Raponi via pixabay

One of the most famous places in Italy is the city of Venice. Home of the Doge Palace, Venetian glass blowing, and serenaded gondola rides on the canals. 

 

Venice is located in northeastern Italy, about a 4 hour train journey from Rome or a 2.5 hour train journey from Milan.

 

While there is plenty to see and do in Venice, it also makes for a great weekend trip. Explore the best parts of this famous Italian city in just a couple of days and leave time to explore another beautiful Italian destination. 

Rome

Colosseum Close up, Rome Italy
woman walking down street in Rome, Italy
What to Pack for Summer in Italy - woman overlooking Rome
Spanish Steps in Rome

Rome, an ancient city filled with ruins, history, and tons of food. Rome is the capital of Italy, but that’s not the only reason it’s one of the most famous places in Italy.

 

You’ve probably heard many expressions that include Rome, such as, “when in Rome,” or “all roads lead to Rome.” This is for a reason! You can’t visit Italy without stopping in Rome.

Plan a Trip to Rome:

Nicolosi

Man mountain biking on Mt Etna, Sicily
Houses at the mountain base in Nicolosi Sicily Italy
Woman hiking in Nicolosi Sicily
Free Things to Do in Catania, Sicily (cathedral)

Located in Sicily is the quaint town of Nicolosi. If you want to slow down and soak in la dolce vita, this is the perfect place to do so. Nicolosi is a small, quiet town situated at the base of Mt. Etna, Sicily’s famous volcano.

 

Here you can go on an Etna mountain biking tour, find lots of hiking, and take a day trip to the nearby city of Catania. This might not be one of the most famous places in Italy, but it is hands down one of the most beautiful!

Plan a Trip to Sicily:

Lake Como

italy, varenna, lake como
by Leglu via pixabay

Lake Como is one of the most picturesque places to visit in Italy. This serene lake is located up north in Italy’s Lombardy region.

 

Dotting the edges of Lake Como are a plethora of small towns, like Bellagio, Como, Lecco, and Varenna. The best way to enjoy your time in Lake Como is by staying in one of these towns and setting off by boat during the day to wander around the other cities.  

 

Along with ferries and boat tours, you can easily explore the Lake Como area with the local bus system or by catching a train available on the western branch of the lake.

Florence

2 Day Florence Itinerary - Duomo and city overview
Boboli Gardens in Florence Italy
Buildings along the river in Florence Italy
Overlooking the buildings in Florence Italy

From the Duomo to Piti Palace, there is so much to explore in Florence, Italy. If the weather is nice, Boboli Gardens is the perfect place to go for a long walk.

 

You can go shopping at luxury brand stores, admire incredible architectural feats, find beautifully detailed buildings and murals, and do so much more in the lovely city of Florence.

Plan a Trip to Florence:

Woman overlooking view of Florence Italy

Have you booked your plane ticket after all this Italy travel inspiration? If you haven’t been yet, this is your sign to plan a trip now! And if you have been to Italy, we’re just here to remind you it is well worth returning for another trip.

 

Maybe there’s a city we mentioned that you haven’t been to yet! There are so many beautiful, lesser-known, and famous places in Italy worth visiting. Many we would gladly return to as well.

 

After browsing our photo collection from the most beautiful cities in Italy, where will you be heading first? Make sure you check out all of our Italy travel guides while you plan your trip and while you’re exploring this beautiful country!

Most Beautiful Cities in Italy Pinterest Cover
Most Beautiful Cities in Italy Pinterest Cover