8 Unforgettable Places in Italy

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 definitely a must-visit destination. If this is a once-in-a-lifetime visit and you don't mind splurging a little to make memories you'll treasure forever, then 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, though no less beautiful, than in the better-known parts of Tuscany. Of course, Tuscany is right near the top of my list of the most beautiful Italian regions so there is so much else to see, from cities like Florence and Siena to small towns like San Gimignano.

8) Gargano and Polignano in Puglia & Matera in Basilicata

Gargano is a place of miracles and beauty. Millions make the pilgrimage to San Giovanni Rotondo, where Saint Padre Pio was blessed with the stigmata on both hands.

But oh, there’s so much more here. The drives along Gargano’s coastline are some of the most breathtaking in Italy—twisting, turning, and opening up to dazzling views of the turquoise sea below. Then there are the little gems like Vieste and Peschici. With their whitewashed homes clinging to cliffs, they look like something straight out of Santorini—only this is pure southern Italy, where the air is filled with the scent of the sea and the warmth of the sun.

It’s a magical mix of Italy-meets-Greece, unforgettable in every way. Trust me, once you see Gargano, it’ll hold a piece of your heart forever.

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 is like stepping into another world—ancient, timeless, and utterly unforgettable. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, its old town is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places on Earth. Here, homes, hotels, and even restaurants are carved right into the caves—a marvel of human ingenuity shaped by thousands of years of history.

There’s nowhere else in Europe quite like this. At sunset, as the golden light spills across the cave dwellings and ancient churches, Matera looks almost Biblical—a scene so breathtaking you’ll feel like you’re walking through the pages of history itself.

Discover Matera & Polignano here.