10 Places You Can't Miss In Italy

Yes, I know, Italy has been written about 10 million times, but I have spent the last few summers exploring several different places in Italy so I thought I'd share my personal highlights. Even after spending months there, I feel like I never spent quite enough time in Italy. Be sure to choose a few of these places when you head over to La Bella Italia. These are in no particular order, turns out they're all my favorite. 

Florence

1  This is the most enchanting city I have ever been to. It's one I have made sure to visit every year, even if just for a few days. I fully understand why the most famed Italian minds and families have chosen this city as their home at some point or another. There are several day trips you can do from here, for example, Siena, Cinque Terre, and many more. 

Must See: Il Duomo

Best: Gelato, in the entire world at La Carraia

Eat at: Buca Mario

Polignano a Mare

2 I have no doubt that this town is going to blow up big time in the next few years, it's already starting. Located in Puglia, right in the heel of Italy is this beautiful costal city. It's home to the Red Bull Cliff Diving competition and some amazing sea food. It is also the birthplace of Domenico Modugno, singer of the famous song Volare.  

Must See: Lama Monachile

Best: cliff diving

Eat at: Palazzo Grotta, make sure to make a reservation a few days in advance!

Siena

3 Florence was my favorite city in the world until I came to Siena. A lot of people had said it was boring and there isn't much to do, I'll admit it's definitely a more relaxed city where you can enjoy walking around the beautiful streets. This city revolves around the Palio which happens twice a year in the summer months. If you go during one of the Palio's I promise you will enjoy the full excitement of the city and all of its contrade (little districts within the city). It's also located in the region of Chianti, yes, as in the wine, you can definitely escape on a wine tour or to little towns pouring glasses and glasses of Chianti. I recommend visiting San Gimignano which is close by driving. 

Must See: Piazza del Campo, especially during Il Palio 

Best: Pici pasta in the world

Eat At: Trattoria Papei 

Capri

4  Capri, it's famous for a reason. If you've read my blog about Capri you will know that I didn't like it when I arrived. After going to the other side of the island away from the crazy crowds to a place called Marina Piccola, we found a smaller company to take us to the different grotte. It wasn't until then that I was able to fully appreciate the island's beauty. 

Must See: Faraglioni, Grotta Verde and Grotta Azzurra

Best: Caprese Salad, obviously

Eat At: Lo Scoglio delle Sirene

Venice

5 No matter how much people complain about Venice, I fell in love with this little floating city upon arrival. Is it a bit too saturated with tourists? Yes. But who can blame it? It's spectacular. Like most Italian cities, it's fun to just walk around. The difference here is that you are constantly crossing over bridges, hearing the iconic gondoliers singing just around the corner. Just go and see for yourself. 

Must See: Rialto Bridge, Piazza San Marco, and the Palazzo Ducale (go inside, it's beautiful)

Best: water transportation, the gondolas are expensive, but it's worth the experience

Eat At: Sommariva

Santa Margherita

6 This famous town on the Italian Riviera is often forgotten to non-Italian tourists thanks to it's neighboring town, Portofino. I personally prefer Santa Margherita over the beautiful little harbor of Portofino. This elegant town has delicious restaurants, great nightlife, and lots of day trips to other coastal towns nearby, like Portofino or San Fruttuoso. It's a perfect relaxing getaway spot. Also, be sure to try out Covo for a great night out, the rooftop is the way to go.

Must See: San Fruttuoso

Best: Focaccia, best in the world

Eat At: Capo Nord

Taormina

7 One of the most breathtaking little towns you will ever see. The view of this Ancient Greek Ampitheatre is easily on my top 3 places I've ever seen. One of the highest things on my bucket list is to see the famous Italian trio Il Volo perform here. If you happen to visit when they're singing make sure you go, if not, try to catch another show, you won't regret it. You can also visit Mount Etna, an active volcano close to Taormina.

Must See: Show in Ancient Greek Amiptheatre

Best: Arancini and Cannoli  

Eat At: Ristorante Baronessa

Rome

8 Rome is Rome. To be honest, the first time I went to Rome as an adult I wasn't such a big fan. But I've gone back every year and gotten to know it more and more, it lives up to it's reputation. The history is very much alive and can be witnessed on every corner. I recommend living in Trastevere, its the most beautiful and lively at night. 

Must See: Roman Forum and Colosseum 

Best: Pasta alla Carbonara and best Cacio e Pepe

Eat At: Piano Strada 

Positano

9 I think my favorite part of the Amalfi Coast is the drive along the cliffs. The views are extraordinary. I'll admit it's a bit terrifying with the drivers and massive buses just centimeters from clashing into each other, but it's all part of the experience. The best way to get around is by renting a vespa, it's a lot more fun, and far less terrifying than going in a car or bus, believe it or not. 

Must See: the beach, it's not the actual beach that's nice but the walk down is beautiful

Best: Seafood

Eat At: La Cambusa

Sorrento (and Ercolano)

10  Sorrento is another gorgeous coastal town. It has the best pizza I've ever had, no surprise there since it's a short drive away from Napoli, which is the world's pizza capital. Close by is Ercolano, which was destroyed in the explosion of the volcano, Vesuvius. It's not as famous as Pompeii, it's much less visited and much more open in terms of being able to enter buildings. Also, for those of you who want to get a little creeped out, the bottom level of Ercolano has chambers full of real skeletons.

Must See: Ercolano

Best: Pizza

Eat At: La Lanterna 

I hope you enjoy these locations! Tag me on your adventures @camilaime and let me know if you run into any amazing spots! Ciao!