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!
Map of Italian Destinations
Rome
Cinque Terre
Venice
Trieste
Lake Como
Naples
Amalfi Coast
Sardinia
Florence
The Dolomites
Sicily
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.
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!
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…
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.
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.
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 can be visited in winter or summer, depending on what kind of scenery & sports you want to engage in…
20 Photos to Inspire Your Italy Travels
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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Gorgeous collection of photos!! WOWWW!! I want to go to Italy now!
Right, Molly??! I want to go back too!! Haha thanks for writing : ) xxoo ~ Noelia
I’ve never heard of Trieste or the Dolomites, but they both look amazing! How safe do you think Italy is for travel – especially female travel?
Hi Kelly! Thanks for your question. As a whole, Italy & most all of Europe is VERY safe for travel. Most of the “Top 20 Safest Countries in the World” are in Europe, in fact. What you may notice though, in Italy ~ especially as a female traveler, is the men can be very aggressive! This is especially true in big cities like Rome (the countryside is much more relaxed). It really is part of their culture, so I wouldn’t be too worried about it ~ but if this kind of thing really bothers you, possibly head to nearby Austria or Switzerland instead…you 99% WON’T be bothered in either of those countries, they’re very safe! Hope that helps : ) xoxo Noelia