I’ve just returned from my second global adventure to Italy and I wanted to share with you all, the best places to put on your bucket list travel itinerary.
As a travel blogger (who’s been in the game for 8 years), I’ve had the pleasure of exploring many countries and cities around the world, and Italy is up there with the best of them for a holiday! Here’s my insider guide to the top places and cities to visit in the European country.
6 Bucket List places to visit in Italy
Florence
Florence is the capital city of the Italian region of Tuscany. The city is beautiful, the people laid back and friendly compared to it’s metropolitan neighbours. One of its most iconic sights is the Duomo, a cathedral with a terracotta-tiled dome and a spouting bell tower. It is in one-word, stunning!
When you visit, be sure to check out private tour group Florencetown. I highly recommend booking one of their cooking classes or Tuscan wine tours, both of which I enjoyed with my Mum on my most recent visit.
If you are a fan of designer shopping, head to Via Tornabuoni, home to brands including Gucci, Bulgari, Versace, Hermes, Tiffany & Co and Cartier to get your retail fix.
Capri
If the Island life is for you, than Capri is your Island! Located in Italy’s Bay of Naples, the scenic landscape, designer hotels and shopping, make this place the ultimate honeymoon destination! Capri is also home to some of the country’s best limoncello and the perfect pair of handmade, custom leather sandals.
I have 2 tips for you while you’re there…
1. Take the chairlift up the slopes of Mount Solaro to Anacapri (meaning higher elevation than Capri). The ride up is peacefully slow and the views are amazing. Once you arrive at the top, you’ll discover the unforgettable 360 degree views of the Island and the pristine ocean below.
2. Take a boat tour around Capri. It is one of the most popular activities on the island, so make sure you book in advance. Be sure to read A Complete Guide to Renting a Boat on Capri before you plan your trip.
Sorrento
Sorrento is a coastal town in southwestern Italy about a 45-minute drive from the city of Naples. Perched atop cliffs that separate the town from its busy marinas, it has sweeping water views and a cafe-lined square called Piazza Tasso. It’s the perfect place to base yourself if you want to do some day day trips to Capri and the Amalfi Coast.
Look out for the cafe with yellow tablecloths (Fauno Bar) – we were recommended the hot spot by another Australian traveller who we met on a day tour from Florence, and ended up eating lunch and dinner in their alfresco dining area for 4 days straight! They have free wifi and a diverse selection of Italian cuisine, including some of the best seafood dishes in Italy.
Positano
Positano is a cliffside village on southern Italy’s Amalfi Coast. It is one of the most scenic and pretty towns I have ever visited.
It’s a popular holiday destination for travellers, yet even in the high season I would highly recommend you visiting the colourful town. With a pebble beachfront and steep, narrow streets lined with boutiques and cafes, Positano is the ultimate beach-side escape (and it is without a doubt, totally Instagram worthy).
Amalfi
If you are yet to visit the Amalfi Coast, you might not know that there is actually a town called Amalfi. Located on the Gulf of Salerno, in the region of Campania, Amalfi’s stunning coastline and picturesque views make it the heart of the Italian holiday destination.
When you visit, be sure to indulge in some yummy gelato, with gelateria’s scattered all around the town’s Duomo staircase (Saint Andrew’s Cathedral) in the heart of Amalfi.
The souvenir shopping was also top notch – with products at a better price point and higher quality than many of the other places we visited in Italy.
Chianti
Chianti is a wine region, situated in central Tuscany. Pronounced Kee-Ahn-tee, the region stretches between Florence and Siena, and produces perhaps one of the best-known and appreciated wines: the Chianti Classico, which is best identified by a certified black rooster on its label.
Classico wine has to respect specific rules. Its blend is 80% of Sangiovese, the red grape typical of this area, 20% of other grapes which include native grapes such as Canaiolo and Colorino, as well as other international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Its characteristics are a limpid ruby red color, floral notes for its odor and a harmonious, dry and sapid flavor and is one of my favourite drops… best enjoyed with cheese, antipasto and a good book in the evening, after a big day exploring the beautiful country which is Italy.
Travel Essentials
Clint Bertucci
Great article and couldn’t agree more with spots!!
Emily Collie
Thanks Clint 🙂