Ah Italy. I always say that it is impossible to have a bad time in Italy. Not only are there so many beautiful cities in Italy, but you can also almost guarantee that they will all offer fantastic food, wine, and coffee.
As a travel blogger I am lucky enough to travel more frequently than the average person. I have actually now lost track of how many times I have visited Italy – it must be at least 20. And I don’t plan on stopping there – Italy will be one of my favourite travel destinations for the rest of my life.
1. Syracuse
I loved Syracuse – it was a highlight of Sicily where to stay. It is such a cute and atmospheric city. The old town of Ortygia is the place to stay, eat and wander. It is at its most magic as the sunsets. Ortygia is the perfect Italian old town. It is full of little streets that are perfect for wandering. The best time to go is early evening – kick-off about 30 minutes before the sunset.
2. Montepulciano
Montepulciano is quite frankly heaven for wine lovers. This stunning hilltop Tuscan town is ridiculously beautiful and it is just filled with wine. Wineries, red wine, white wine, wine cellars, oak casks, wine shops, wine bars – it really is just wine-tastic! There are so many wineries in Montepulciano.
3. Ostuni
This gorgeous white city is set on a hilltop only 8km from the sea and one of the key Puglia destinations. It was raining when I visited but still very cute. It is not easy to find your way around the narrow streets – apparently, the town was built without a plan which makes perfect sense after you have visited.
4. Rome
Yes it is a little dull to have Rome in a list of the most beautiful cities in Italy but the reality is that Rome is an incredibly beautiful city. Italy’s capital sits on the Tiber river and often has more tourist attractions in two streets than entire cities.
It is, of course, mandatory to visit the Colosseum, the Vatican, Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, etc but for me, the best of Rome is just walking through its beautiful streets and being in Rome.
5. Ravenna
Lovely Ravenna was the capital of the Western Roman Empire from 402 until 476. As such it has some stunning architecture which has been very well preserved and is home to several UNESCO sites.
6. Rimini
Rimini has long been famous for its long stretches of golden sands and location on the Adriatic Sea. However, the big surprise for me in Rimini was its absolutely charming old town.
7. Venice
A bit like Rome, it isn’t possible to speak about beautiful cities in Italy without mentioning Venice. Sure it is usually full of tourists but it doesn’t stop it being a special moment when you first visit this famous city.
8. Parma
One of the largest cities in Italy’s breadbasket region of Emilia Romagna, Parma is best known for its famous cheese and prosciutto. Personally, I feel that a Parmesan tasting is mandatory for any visit to Parma.
9. San Marino
San Marino is the oldest republic in the world and no one has ever taken it over. This small country of just 61 square kilometers sits atop a hill and overlooks the Italian countryside.
10. Alberobello
There are so many things to do in Puglia – and lovely UNESCO World Heritage Site Alberobello – which is also very fun to say – is one of Puglia’s Trulli towns. A Trulli is basically a white stone cottage with a cone-shaped roof. They are a cross between something from early Star Wars and the kind of place you would expect to find in a desert in the Middle East.
11. Lucca
Lovely Lucca is the quintessentially beautiful Tuscan town. This walled city is filled with atmospheric back streets and cobblestones. It is known as the city of 100 churches so there are loads to visit if that’s your thing.
Read Next – Most Beautiful Cities in Spain
Most Beautiful Cities Spain has that you Must See: From amazing architecture to moorish landmarks to atmospheric old towns here are the beautiful cities of Spain that you don’t want to miss
Most Beautiful Cities in Spain
Most Beautiful Cities in Germany
Most Beautiful Cities in Germany: From market towns to preserved medieval cathedrals to Christmas markets and more – here are 25 of the most beautiful cities in Germany
Most Beautiful Cities in Germany
Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.