8 Unforgettable Places in Italy - Updated for 2024

First of all, I have to tell you that I am biased. I'm Italian and think Italy is paradise on earth. My husband, bless him, is not Italian, and he keeps me level-headed. He still thinks Italy is paradise though :-)

If it weren't for him, this would have been the longest page the web has ever seen. Instead, he limited me to eight places.

Want to find out which places are included? Read on...

Maria

The Unforgettable Places in Italy (in no particular order)

1) Cinque Terre

Five little villages cling precariously to the cliffs above the Mediterranean. Together with Lake Orta and Venice, the Cinque Terre is certainly one of the most romantic spots in Italy. Visit in early spring to avoid crowds, and where is the best place to stay? Well, definitely the Oasi Hotel in nearby Levento.

For our insider's guide to the secrets of the Cinque Terre click here.

2) Orta San Giulia and Lake Orta

Lake Orta

It's not Italy's biggest lake, but Lake Orta is certainly the most romantic and picturesque of all the Italian lakes. It is definitely the place for a honeymoon or a romantic getaway. Before our son was born, we spent many romantic weekends on these beautiful shores and the time spent here and the memories made will always be treasured. Discover Lake Orta here.

3) The Amalfi Coast

Amalfi Coast - Grand Hotel Convento Amalfi

Probably the most famous piece of coastline in Italy - despite the tourists, inflated prices and often poor service the Amalfi coast is great.  I would suggest you stay at the Grand Hotel Convento di Amalfi, the photo above was taken there, and it truly is like something from a movie. Even I feel like a movie star as I stand upon the terrace, aperol spritz in hand, and gaze out at the bluest of blue Mediterranean seas far below.

For more dream hotels on the Amalfi coast click here. For beaches try these.

4) The Dolomites

Champagne air, awe-inspiring mountains, quiet walks through fairytale forests, and some lovely little villages — Alleghe is one of my favorite towns: you can see more here. The mountains spread across a number of Italian regions, with the South Tyrol/Alto Adige being the most mountainous of the regions and arguably the most scenic.

5) Langhe Wine Region

Neive, Langhe

I have visited wine regions on three continents and all over Italy and I reckon the Langhe is the most beautiful  wine growing area in the world, a very special place indeed. Villages in the Langhe like Neive (pictured below) and Barolo are delightful.

6) Sardinia's East Coast

Sardinia

Home to the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia and perhaps all of Europe. With enormous difficulty, we have narrowed down the countless great beaches to just five. Here then are our five favorite beaches.

7) Pitigliano and surrounds in Tuscany

Pitigliano is one of Italy's loveliest towns and was once home to a significant Jewish community. This part of Tuscany is known as the Maremma (click for more), and the scenery is very different here than in the better-known parts of Tuscany.

8) Gargano and Polignano in Puglia & Matera in Basilicata

Gargano: the site of pilgrimage for the millions who come to visit San Giovanni Rotondo, it was here that Saint Padre Pio was marked by the sign of the cross (stigmata) on both hands. It is a spectacular area with some of the best coastal drives in Italy and little villages, like Vieste and Peschici, that remind me of Santorini. A delightful mix of southern Italy meets Greece—definitely unforgettable.

Polignano a Mare: a beautiful town with gorgeous beaches. There's a fabulous hotel in Polignano with a cave restaurant, it is incredible - have a look at the photos here. 

Matera:  Matera is a UNESCO world heritage site where many of the hotels, homes, and restaurants are made out of caves, and the old town is one of the oldest settled areas on earth. Matera's history dates back over many thousands of years, and it is almost Biblical in appearance, like nowhere else in Europe, discover Polignano and Matera here.