Italian cities you absolutely must discover
Italy is a captivating destination. Bordered by the Mediterranean Sea and the Adriatic Sea, it boasts coastlines of exceptional beauty and renowned wine-growing regions.
Italy is a captivating destination. Bordered by the Mediterranean Sea and the Adriatic Sea, it boasts coastlines of exceptional beauty and renowned wine-growing regions, celebrated for the quality of their wines. A country steeped in history, « the boot » also preserves a rich architectural and cultural heritage! Ready to escape? Here are the Italian cities you absolutely must discover.
1. Catania: a UNESCO-listed city
Located in Sicily, Catania enjoys a Mediterranean climate. During the summer season, temperatures will entice you to explore its splendid Ionian coastline! After a rejuvenating pause on the much-beloved Playa di Catania, you'll be ready to visit the city, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. You'll discover its ancient treasures, such as the Roman amphitheatre and the Achillian Baths.
2. Palermo: a multicultural city
Founded in the late 7th century BC, the city of Palermo stands as a testament to a rich past through its atypical architecture, such as its cathedral featuring Gothic, Islamic, Baroque and Romanesque styles! Yet Palermo is also renowned for its cultural influence and numerous museums. For an unforgettable visit, explore the Catacombs of the Capuchins, known for preserving the remains of the former Sicilian aristocracy – and that of little Rosalia Lombardo…
3. Naples: a city of ancient remains
Located in the Campania region, Naples is known for its complex history. Governed by several foreign powers, the city preserves a heritage marked by colonial periods. The old town is dotted with ancient remains, fountains and palaces, including the magnificent Palazzo Donn'Anna. Naples is also home to countless natural treasures, such as the Posillipo bay and the unmissable Mount Vesuvius!
4. Rome: one of the Italian cities you absolutely must discover
Known for hosting Vatican City on its territory, Rome is an essential city for history enthusiasts, as well as for art lovers, since famous painters such as Michelangelo and Raphael left their mark here. Modern yet steeped in tradition, Rome is also home to numerous contemporary art museums, including the spectacular Maxxi Museum (National Museum of 21st-Century Art), which opened its doors in 2010.
5. Portovenere: a charming fishing village
The municipality of Portovenere is a quaint fishing village situated in the Liguria region. Together with neighbouring islands, it is part of a regional nature reserve listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Spared from mass tourism, it promises magical moments at the heart of its narrow streets and crystalline coves! Its most stunning site? Byron's Grotto, a magnificent cove overlooking the Church of San Pietro.
6. Barbaresco: a hamlet for wine enthusiasts
Barbaresco is a charming hamlet nestled in the province of Cuneo, in northwest Italy. It is renowned for the beauty of its wine landscapes and the quality of its wines. The best way to discover it? Wine tasting! This local activity will guide you through the hills, farms and manor houses of the Piedmont region.
7. Asti: an open-air museum
Nestled in the Tanaro valley, Asti is a true open-air museum. Featuring fortified towers, palaces, religious buildings and fountains: the city offers countless treasures at the heart of its countryside and town centre. The city can also be explored through its wine routes. You'll discover all the flavours of its wines, particularly its celebrated Moscato DOCG.
8. Milan: the city to discover Leonardo da Vinci
Though highly touristy, Milan is an unmissable Italian city, celebrated for its rich heritage. The Palazzo Reale di Milano, La Scala opera house, the Sforza Castle, rank among its finest sites. On the cultural front? The Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology will teach you much about the works and thoughts of the celebrated painter, as well as the innovations that have shaped our history!
9. Venice: the city of gondolas and islands
Every romantic knows the gondolas of Venice. But the city is brimming with countless other marvels... Among them? St. Mark's Square (and its majestic basilica), the Doge's Palace and the breathtaking Ca' d'Oro palace. This « house of gold » owes its name to the ochre decorations adorning its façades. Eager to venture off the beaten path? Discover the islands of Torcello and Burano, accessible by boat from Venice.
10. Lecce: the city of Baroque architecture
In the charming Apulia region, you'll find the city of Lecce. Situated on the heel of the « Italian boot », it is regarded as one of the capitals of Baroque architecture. Why? Many of its buildings were constructed with a highly malleable local limestone. We owe to it buildings with exceptional façades (and numerous embellishments).
Frequently asked questions
It's difficult to single out one city, as each Italian destination has its own distinct charm. Rome captivates with its millennia of history, Venice with its romantic canals, and Lecce with its exceptional Baroque architecture. It all depends on your interests: culture, nature or gastronomy.
For a first trip to Italy, Rome is often the ideal destination: it concentrates the greatest monuments of antiquity, the Vatican, world-renowned museums and delicious gastronomy. Naples and Venice are also excellent choices for a first discovery.
The best time to visit Italy is in spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October). The weather is pleasant, tourist crowds are smaller and prices are more affordable than in peak summer. For Sicily and southern Italy, summer remains a wonderful season despite the heat.
Among the cities presented in this article, Catania (in Sicily) and Portovenere (in Liguria) are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. More broadly, Italy is one of the countries with the greatest number of UNESCO sites in the world, notably Rome, Venice and Naples.
Yes, Italy is very well-suited to multi-city itineraries thanks to its efficient rail network (Trenitalia, Italo). In one week, for example, it's possible to combine Rome, Naples and Sicily, or to follow a circuit in the north with Milan, Venice and Verona.
