From the grandeur of the St Peters Basilica in the Vatican City to the sparkling waters of the Amalfi Coast, Italy is filled to the brim with traveler treasures to discover.
A captivating country known for its diverse regions to explore, this European marvel has a way of casting its siren spell on visiting individuals. Whether it’s the promise of a seemingly endless supply of gelato or its cultural attractions, Italy has something for every kind of adventurer.
Unsure which Italian location and beautiful European city will work as a sublime stay in Italy? We’ll guide you through the top places to stay in Italy in this country and its key highlights to add a touch of personalization to your trip.
Best Places to Stay in Italy
Italy provides a tapestry of sceneries and idyllic settings to experience, which ranges from mountainous terrains to island-side villages. Before booking your accommodation in Italy, we’ll give a few informational appetizers of top places to stay in Italy.
Sicily – The Diverse Pick
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From volcanic activity to ancient ruins scattered along its plains, Sicily is sure to provide a kaleidoscope of activities and sights to experience. This Italian area is a large island in the Mediterranean sea, which allows visitors to enjoy a stunning supply of beaches and seaside towns.
As Sicily’s skyline features the stoic grandeur of Mount Etna (an active volcano), this region has very fertile soil for agricultural purposes. Thus, you can expect to find a variety of fresh produce and ingredients featured in the local dishes, such as citrus fruits.
Top Sight/Experiences: If you’re looking for an interesting geological adventure, you can visit Gole dell’Alcantara to add an exciting adrenaline-fueled escapade to your trip. Here, you’ll find strange and almost unearthly basalt structures in a gorge created by a unique reaction between water and hot lava.
Florence – The Cultural Pick
A city known as the place of origin of the Renaissance, it’s easy to see why it is the best city to stay in Italy for history and art fanatics. With a vast network of art galleries and stunning architectural gems, you’ll have the opportunity to indulge in the arty essence Italy is known for.
Whether you encounter the David of Michelangelo at the Galleria dell’Accademia or find yourself in the halls of the Uffizi, you’re in for an art-infused treat. If you’re looking for a functional architectural art piece, you can walk along the Ponte Vecchio, the oldest intact bridge in Florence.
The religious structures and churches also provide the opportunity to see a phenomenal range of frescoes, a unique painting method predominantly used for large murals. An example of this water-infused painting technique can be marveled at the Cappella Brancacci, located in the Church of Santa Maria del Carmine.
Top Sight/Experience: Leave space in your suitcase, as Florence is famous for providing unparalleled craftsmanship and mastery of leather products. The San Lorenzo Market is an excellent option for visitors looking to smell the luxury aroma of authentic leather goods.
Rome – The Obvious Pick
As all roads lead to Rome, the capital city of this Italy is sure to make its way on every best cities to stay in Italy list. While there are many famous landmarks to see, such as the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain, you can enjoy a wide variety of underrated attractions and experiences.
From bagging a bargain at local vintage shops to enjoying freshly made dishes at a quaint eatery, Rome is best explored through its simple pleasures. If you identify as a pasta fanatic, this city is made to provide a carb-infused reality to your culinary fantasies.
Whether it’s slurp-worthy spaghetti or the tasty twisted structure of a good Fusilli, Rome is the perfect place to taste your way through the kinds of pasta of Italy. This city is also the perfect place to try an authentic slice of Roman-style pizza, which is typically a thin-crusted concoction of flavors.
Top Sight/Experience: It might be a quintessential Rome activity, but the Pantheon within the city bounds is an essential trip to make. With a domed ceiling and its historical significance, this temple is a sight and attraction beyond comparison.
Note: Experiencing this Italian city for the first time? Take a look at this guide on Rome for beginners for an unforgettable experience.
Tuscany – The Picturesque Pick
A space that includes rolling hills of flower-dotted fields and quaint settings, Tuscany is the best place to stay in Italy for travelers seeking refuge from the hustle and bustle of cities. With castles and serene vineyards (this region is known for its wine) sprinkled along its plains, you’ll feel like you stepped into an Italian fairytale.
As Tuscany is an Italian region rather than a solitary city to visit, this area in central Italy is best for travelers looking to spend an extended period of time in Italy. This region accompanies a wide variety of cities and towns, which include Florence.
To ensure you have the best vacation in Italy, Tuscany is essential to add to any Italian itinerary to explore one (or several) must-visit spaces in the country.
Top Sight/Experience: Did you even experience Italy to the fullest without capturing the iconic, seemingly falling Leaning Tower of Pisa picture? By visiting the city of Pisa, you’ll also have the opportunity to explore a diverse array of stunning museums and cathedrals.
Final Thoughts on Italy’s Where to Stay List
Whether you’re motivated by tantalizing local cuisine or marveling at gorgeous examples of Italian architecture, Italy is a vibrant and charming destination for travelers. An Italian escape is the best way to indulge in a variety of atmospheres, from the tranquility of Tuscany to the buzzing haven of Rome.
From large regions to singular cities to explore, you can curate your vacation through many landscapes to add to your itinerary. A multi-layered mix of extraordinary food, culture, and historical structures, Italy has all the ingredients for you to create a collage of travel memories to look back on with fondness.
Are you looking to add another location to your vacation in Italy? Take a look at a few underrated European cities to take your trip to the next level.
