Top 10 most popular destinations in Italy
According to Trip Advisor rankings, these 10 places are the most popular destinations in Italy. While some of them are not at all surprising, others are lesser-known to North American tourists but are very popular among Europeans.
1. Rome (Roma)
It’s not surprising that Rome is first on the list. With the Colosseum, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Sistine Chapel…need I go on? There are countless things to see and do in Rome. Plus, it’s a major hub for international flights and a great jumping-off point for seeing the rest of the country. As they say, all paths lead to Rome.
2. Florence (Firenze)
Once of our all-time favourite Italian cities comes in at #2 and rightly so! Some people complain that this capital of Tuscany has become too touristy. But not only is Florence considered the birthplace of the Renaissance, it is home to Michelangelo's original David and a beautiful city that should not be missed.
3. Venice (Venezia)
It’s not uncommon to have a love-hate relationship with Venice. Some people complain that Venetians aren’t that friendly, the city is too touristy and the water stinks. But if you can look past that you’ll start to get a sense of the city’s Renaissance and Baroque periods depicted in paintings. It’s easy - and fun! - to get lost in Venice’s maze-like alleys, streets and canals and it’s the best way to discover Venice and see it for what it really is - a stunning city unlike any other in the world.
4. Rimini
Rimini is a beach town along the Adriatic Sea. It is one of the most popular beach destinations for Europeans boasting 15 kilometres of sandy beach, over 1000 hotels and thousands of bars, restaurants and discos. Don’t make the same mistake we did by going in October. Not only do a lot of the businesses close for the season, the weather tends to be grey and rainy in the fall and the mosquitos will eat you alive.
5. Sorrento
Sorrento is the last town on the popular Amalfi Drive, a narrow and winding cliffside drive with breathtaking views of the Tyrrhenian sea. Sorrento, known as the home of the popular lemon digestif, Limoncello, has stunning views of the Bay of Naples, Vesuvius and the Isle of Capri.
6. Selva di Val Gardena
The lovely village of Selva di Val Gardena is located in the Dolomite Mountains in Northern Italy, making it a popular winter ski destination. During the summer months you can see breathtaking views from cable-cars and enjoy musical events, art exhibits and craft markets.
7. Cervia
Cervia is a popular seaside resort town along the Adriatic coast in the Italian region of Emilia-Romagna. It is a very popular summer destination among German tourists. Very little English is spoken here so a phrase-book or Italian dictionary will come in very handy for those who don’t speak Italian.
8. Riccione
Another popular beach destination along the Adriatic Riviera, Riccione, along with Rimini, is one of the best-known seaside resort towns in Northern Italy. With great nightlife, Riccione is very popular among young people looking for a good time. But its massive beach and theme parks also attract families.
(Image credit: Hotel Corallo)
9. Milan (Milano)
The city of Milan is the capital of the Lombardy region and is considered the industrial and financial centre of Italy, not to mention a major world fashion and design hub. Milan is home of “The Last Summer” by Leonardo da Vinci. The famous painting can be viewed at the Church and Dominican Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie - a UNESCO site.
10. Pinzolo
Another popular ski destination ends this list of the top 10 most popular destinations in Italy. Pinzolo is a small town in the norther Italian Alps known for its ski slopes in the winter months and its mountain biking and climbing in the summer.
