20 Photos to Inspire Your Italy Travels

Italy is one of the most geographically blessed countries in the world.  And hugely diverse, for a relatively small country (California is larger than Italy).  From the soaring Dolomites in north-eastern Italy, to the canals of Venice; from George Clooney’s digs on Lake Como, to hiker’s paradise, Cinque Terre; from playgrounds for the rich & famous, like Capri, Portofino, & the Amalfi Coast, to the rolling hills of Tuscany, & the seat of Western Civilization itself: Rome.  In terms of history, diverse landscapes, & sheer beauty: there’s no place quite like Italy.  To help plan your travels, here are “20 Photos to Inspire Your Italy Travels!” 

It’s hard to choose where to visit in Italy, simply because there are wayyy too many choices!!  And that’s one of the reasons I’ve written this article: to help you identify & narrow down the region(s) that really speak to you. 

Viva Italia!

Venice is just ONE of the amazing places in Italy….but there are sooo many more…

Map of Italian Destinations

 20 Photos to Inspire Your Italy Travels!

If you love hiking, sun-bathing, & VIEWS ~ then don’t leave Cinque Terre off your Italian travel itinerary.  Cinque Terre is located on Italy’s northwestern coastline, & is made up of five small towns connected by gorgeous hiking trails (& trains as well).  The nearest major city is La Spezia.  Views here are incredible ~ but if you don’t like hiking, don’t make this your #1 choice (use of cars is very limited here, & your best views come by hiking).

If you love any particular photo, click on it & you’ll be able to search hotels in that area.

Gorgeous Cinque Terre, on the west coast of Italy.

Cinque Terre, as seen from above.

Manarola is one of five picturesque towns along the Cinque Terre coastline.

Stunning turquoise waters of Monterosso al Mare, the “final” town you’ll come to along Cinque Terre’s hiking trail (if starting in Riomaggiore).

Photos of Rome

Virtually every traveler who comes to Italy passes through Rome.  When I visited years ago with my friend Lea, we spent a whirlwind twenty-four hours there.  It was hectic, crazy, resplendent with speedy Italian drivers, & filled with history.  But be careful when you ask for a “margarita” ~ you likely won’t get a cocktail….but a pizza instead!

Welcome to Rome…

Shades of the movie “Gladiator” ~ the famous Colosseum in Rome.

Saint Peter’s Basilica, in Vatican City.

The Trevi Fountain is a major tourist attraction in Rome.

 20 Photos to Inspire Your Italy Travels!

Next up: the legendary Amalfi Coast.  Terraced towns that spill down into the sea, colorful villages, hotels perched on cliff edges, miles of chaise lounges on the sand, & beautiful people: this is the Amalfi Coast.  From Naples in the north, down to seaside marvels like Sorrento & Positano, & perhaps the most famous celebrity haunt: Capri Island ~ the Amalfi Coast is where mere mortals get to live out all their Italian fantasies…

These are the views you’ve dreamed of….just outside Positano.

Play beach-blanket-bingo in lesser-known, but stunning Atrani ~ next to the town of Amalfi.

The Amalfi Coast is where the rich & beautiful come to play…

Just north of Positano, on the Amalfi Coast, is the beautiful town of Sorrento.

Laundry hanging in the colorful streets. Photo of Naples, Italy.

Don’t come to Capri without your boat. Or your yacht ; )

Photos of Florence & Tuscany

Tuscany, which is an entire region in central Italy (above Rome), features famous cities like Florence & Pisa ~ as well as lesser-known gems like Siena & San Quirico d’Orcia, where you can live out your ultimate wine country adventure.  Tuscany, to me, feels the most authentically “Italian” of all the regions, & you’ll find a slower pace of life out here, as well as the inspiration for Frances Mayes’ Under the Tuscan Sun.

St. Trinity Bridge, in Florence, Italy.

San Quirico d’Orcia is a gorgeous small town in Tuscany, south of Florence, in the Siena Province.

You could spend a lifetime exploring Florence, Italy.

The biggest ice cream cone I’ve ever had in my LIFE was in Florence.

Speaking of ice cream….Pisa is located just west of Florence, also in the Tuscany region. Cinque Terre is an easy trip north from Pisa.

 20 Photos to Inspire Your Italy Travels!

Venice!  Everybody goes to Venice!  And you can tell, because it’s always crowded.  If you’re looking for quaint & uncrowded: you won’t find it here.  On the other hand: there’s nowhere in the world like it.  For fewer tourists, head to Trieste ~ another gorgeous city on the water where you’ll meet more locals vs. lost foreigners.

Venice!

Venice canals, at night.

You may never have heard of Trieste: but it should be on your radar. GORGEOUS!!

Photos of the Dolomites & Lake Como

The Dolomites & Lake Como are both in northern Italy ~ but the Dolomites are directly above Venice, close to Austria; while Lake Como is directly above Milan, closer to the Swiss border.  And each place brings you entirely different experiences: from mountaineering & hiking in the Dolomites, to boating & brunching in Lake Como alongside the wealthy (& possibly George Clooney).

The Dolomites, in Italy.

The Dolomites can be visited in winter or summer, depending on what kind of scenery & sports you want to engage in…

Snow-capped castles in Val Gardena, near the Dolomites & north of Venice, in Italy.

See if you can find George Clooney’s place, in Lake Como.

20 Photos to Inspire Your Italy Travels

Milan, Italy.

Feeling inspired??  I certainly am!  Thanks for taking this incredible photo journey with me through “20 Photos to Inspire Your Italy Travels.”  Actually, more like 30 photos…because I just could’t narrow it down!!  What’s your favorite place in Italy, & what’s your favorite Italian hotel??  Let me know in the comments!

Ciao Bella! 

xoxo Noelia 

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