Discover the magic of Italy with this guide to both iconic and lesser-known destinations. From the sun-soaked shores of Puglia to the historical cave city of Matera and the culinary delights of Modena, experience the true essence of 'la dolce vita'.
Italy —where to begin? There are few destinations as universally obsessed over as this southern European jewel. From high-altitude mountain hamlets, to sun-drenched sea villages dotted along wild coastlines, the country’s intense diversity is one of its strongest selling points.
One could spend an entire lifetime exploring Italy and still have just scratched the surface. Informed by its impassioned people, arresting landscapes, ancient history, and about a million other things, Italy is culture in living color. Ernest Hemingway put it best when he wrote: “We only half live over here. The Italians live all the way.” Indeed, la dolce vita imbues just about everything in Italy. So, why not adopt the Italian mindset and embrace a leisurely approach to traveling here this year? Continue below for a guide to some of the best places to visit in Italy in 2025, with a wanderlust-inducing mix of both iconic and lesser-known locales ripe for discovery. Road Tripping Through Puglia Sun-soaked afternoons in pursuit of hidden swimming holes and spritz-fueled aperitivi are standard fare in Puglia. Six distinct provinces puzzle together Italy’s “heel of the boot,” which warrants renting a car and exploring the region at your own pace. Keen to check out those iconic whitewashed cities? Ostuni is famous for that . In search of fresh cheese and wine? Burrata originates from Puglia, as does the flavorful indigenous grape variety, Primitivo. The region’s architecture spans from 17th- and 18th-century examples of Baroque architecture to traditional styles such as the masseria as well as those charming trulli in the Itria Valley. And for days by the sea, head further south to beaches like Torre Sant’Andrea and Baia Dei Turchi for turquoise-hued dips . Stay Here: Two Italian university professors are the heart behind Don Totu, a six-room Salento retreat set within a restored early-1800s country palace complete with a garden, swimming pool, gym, and spa. Especially enticing is the hotel’s spa , which features an atmospheric Turkish bath. Hidden Villages in Basilicata Basilicata, an oft-overlooked region bordering Puglia and Calabria, is perhaps best known for Matera, an ancient city of caves with history dating back to the Paleolithic period . Basilicata is also home to the medieval village of Bernalda, where Francis Ford Coppola’s Palazzo Margherita lures travelers with its palatial interiors and fragrant courtyards. Then, there’s the town of Maratea, which is set on a tranquil Tyrrhenian coastline and offers historic accommodations by way of Hotel Santavenere . No matter how you cobble your itinerary together, a visit here will be imbued with la dolce vita. Stay Here: Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita is nestled within Matera’s historic sassi district and is made up of 18 cave accommodations that feel both frozen in time and pleasantly luxurious. Culinary Pursuits in Modena While Bologna is arguably Emilia-Romagna’s most well-known city, the region is also home to another destination that’s of particular interest to foodies. “I spent a good deal of time over the winter in the small city of Modena, which has such an exciting and thriving food scene,” Bellini Travel Founder and CEO Emily FitzRoy says. Her top picks for a memorable meal? A couple of standouts come to mind. “Dinner at Franceschetta 58 cooked by young chef Francesco Vincenzi, or a modest bowl of tortellini in brodo at Aldina, a tiny osteria on the first floor of a building overlooking the buzzing Mercato Albinelli, which also has to be my favorite food market in all of Italy.” Stay Here: Less than an hour away from Modena’s city center is Casa Conoscenti in Bologna. Set in a former 14th-century mansion and replete with historic finishes like original frescoes, this boutique property is understated yet striking. Winding Streets in Naples Get lost in the labyrinth of Naples’s historic center; a network of winding streets and hidden alleyways where a spontaneous stroll down an unknown corridor might lead you to the best pizza slice of your life. Many of these streets are too narrow to accommodate cars, making it all the more a destination for those exploring by foot. Don’t miss the thoroughfare of Spaccanapoli, which offers quintessential Neapolitan charm, or Via San Gregorio Armeno, known as “Christmas Alley,” known and beloved for its artisan shops that sell nativity figurines. If you’re feeling peckish after all the walking, swing by the newly-opened Il Ristorante Alain Ducasse at ROMEO Naples for a memorable meal by the world’s most Michelin-starred chef. Stay Here: Casa D’Anna ai Cristallini is a bed and breakfast that sits within a lavish Baroque mansion from the early 1500s. It’s located in the historic center of Sanità and each of the five rooms is named after islands in the Bay of Naples . Outdoor Adventure in the Dolomites Whether during the wildflower-bloomed days of summer or in the powdery ski season, the Dolomites in northeastern Italy are an underrated Alpine paradise. “This mountainous area is a natural wonder, with amazing food and a mix of culture and history,” Alison Duray of luxury tour operator Abercrombie & Kent says. Outdoor experiences are the cornerstone of a visit to any of the villages, with common activities including via ferrata, hiking, and skiing in dramatic landscapes. “German is spoken in some towns right alongside Italian, and the food scene incorporates the same cultural mix, with hearty dumpling pasta and fresh mountain food products,” Duray says. Wine lovers should also take note of Trentodoc sparkling wines, which are made in the picturesque vineyards of Trentino-Alto Adige. Stay Here: Forestis is a luxury eco-friendly wellness resort enveloped by nature, offering staggering views of the sawtoothed mountain peaks and forested valleys. Freshly-Caught Fish in Praiano If you’re itching for an Amalfi Coast getaway but deterred by the crowds of Positano, head 20 minutes down the coast toward sleepy Praiano. This ancient fishing village is full of whitewashed homes, terraced gardens, and plenty of beaches and seaside restaurants to set a leisurely tone for your holiday. Hopefully, you like seafood—the freshly-caught fish here is to die for, as is the local Ravello wine . Praiano is also conveniently located near the Path of the Gods hike, which is easily the most spectacular trail in the area. Stay Here: Casa Angelina is a 44-room cliffside hotel in Praiano featuring modern minimalist design and an impressive contemporary art collection. Take a private tour along the coast aboard the property’s Master Angelina boat or opt for a day at the beach club . Wine Tasting in Montalcino A quaint hilltop town in Tuscany’s countryside, Montalcino appears frozen in time with its rolling pastures, cobblestone streets, and medieval architecture. The region is famed for its prestigious wine—Brunello di Montalcino—which is made from the Sangiovese grape and draws in oenophiles from around the world to experience its complex, elegant flavors. “Experience this picturesque town with tastings at a family-run wine estate,” Duray suggests. Montalcino is arguably best experienced by bicycle, with views of hilly vineyards and meandering farm animals serving as your peripheral scenery while en route to a visit to Fortezza di Montalcino. This fortress was constructed in 1361 by the Sienese and its many nearby side streets are worth taking the time to get lost in. Stay Here: Castello Banfi Il Borgo is a boutique property that’s owned and operated by one of the region’s most iconic wineries, Banfi. The sprawling property dates back several centuries and is surrounded by ancient olive groves and hilly vineyards. Pastoral Leisure in Umbria Escape the droves of tourists in Florence with a trip a couple of hours south to Umbria. This underrated region in central Italy is peppered with countless small villages oozing with charm, which makes both a road trip or train journey appealing modes of transit. Similar to other picturesque Italian countrysides, your days can be spent popping into old churches, roaming around puzzle-like cobblestone streets, and sampling local fare such as crostini with black truffles, porchetta, or fichi girotti . Stay Here: Borgo dei Conti Resort opens this summer under the direction of the hoteliers behind The Place in Florence and Londra Palace in Venice. This 13th-century property will now serve as a 50-room boutique hotel with an outdoor swimming pool overlooking the undulating Umbrian hillside. Set-Jetting in the Cremonese Countryside If you fell hard for the “somewhere in northern Italy” aesthetic of Luca Guadagnino’s Call Me By Your Name, why not plan a trip to Lombardy to capture the spirit of the film’s dreamy countryside locale? The small town of Crema is a scenic place to begin and has a historic center with a cathedral dating back to 1340. About an hour-and-a-half from Crema is Lake Garda, where the archeological dig in the film takes place. It’s surrounded by olive groves and vineyards and has several small villages you can reach by small boat. There’s also Bergamo, which is home to the highest waterfall in the country and has several striking hiking trails. Stay Here: Cape of Senses is an adults-only spa resort with views of Lake Garda and the surrounding mountains. There are 55 suites, all of which feature floor-to-ceiling glass windows, and a 21,000-square-foot spa with a garden full of centuries-old olive trees. Coastal Charm in Abruzzo Just two hours east of Rome lies Abruzzo—a rustic region with rich culinary traditions and natural splendor. With the staggering Apennine Mountains serving as a gateway on one end and the gleaming Trabocchi Coast on the other, it’s no wonder Abruzzo is considered an underrated gem by locals and in-the-know travelers alike. While in the countryside, discover the local cuisine at Reale, an innovative restaurant at the helm of three-starred chef Niko Romito that honors terroir and tradition. Interested in sampling the region’s famous wines? Head for a tasting at Masciarelli’s striking estate situated in a 17th-century fortified palace. Then, you’ll need to make your way to the Adriatic to see a trabucco; a large wooden fishing machine. Some of these also function as restaurants, like Trabocco San Giacomo, which makes for an immersive, magical meal suspended above the sea. Stay Here: Sextantio Santo Stefano di Sessanio is located in a restored fortified medieval village. An albergo diffuso , its rooms are spread across the village surrounded by local artisans in an effort to recreate what life was like here hundreds of years ago. Old World Elegance in Milan Sitting at the intersection of fashion, art, cuisine, and architecture, it’s hard to deny the diverse appeal of Milan. But if the highly-trafficked Duomo and industrialized districts leave you wanting for more charm, plant yourself in the artists’ neighborhood of Brera. This elegant area of Milan—though perhaps not as bohemian as it once was—remains one of the most beloved pockets of the city, ideal for days spent gallery hopping, popping into churches, shopping for artisan goods, and savoring long meals in family-run trattorias. Stay Here: Hotel Principe di Savoia is where old-world elegance hits its stride. The hotel has been a favorite of royalty and society icons since the 1920s and its interiors are rich in detail . When you’re ready to explore the city, the property can arrange a walking tour led by an art historian following in the footsteps of artist Lucio Fontana, who was a leader of the Spatialist movement. Pristine Swims in Sardinia “Sardinia is another world, with a whole other language even, on the second largest island of the Mediterranean,” Duray says of the idyllic ‘blue zone’ . The island is beloved for its mountain villages as much as it is for the rocky coastline, with archeological sites and natural wonders at every turn. “The interior has an ancient history, visible through the nuraghi going back millennia,” Duray says, adding that the famed beaches in the north are becoming more accessible “while not detracting from its gorgeous Emerald Coast.” Stay Here: Gallicantu Stazzo Retreat is a lovely farmhouse retreat in the countryside with five rooms and two suites that overlook an almond grove. Take a dip in the pool beneath the shade of leafy trees and enjoy a wine tasting in the cavern with meats and cheeses from nearby farms. Nebbiolo and White Truffles in Langhe Half the thrill of traveling to Italy is what ends up on your plate , which is why setting your sights on Piedmont—land of white truffles and Nebbiolo—is sure to please the palate. More specifically, the Langhe region, where the famed towns of Alba and Barbaresco attract visitors for both their prestigious food and wine scene, as well as the natural landscapes. Come hungry: Alba and its surrounding territories are one of Italy’s highest concentrations of Michelin-starred restaurants and activities like wine tasting and truffle hunting tours can be enjoyed during certain times of the year. Stay Here: Castello di Guarene is a 12-room Relais & Chateaux property in the Langhe hills that occupies a palace from the 18th century. Guests are surrounded by history at every turn, with period furniture and restored parquet floors setting a lavish tone for the interiors. Don’t miss the spa and indoor pool, which has been carved into a rock and is reached at the end of a long brick-vaulted hallway. Running Through Ruins in Rome To say Rome is having a moment may feel trite—the nearly 3,000-year-old city doesn’t need much publicity these days. But a boom of notable hotel openings in the last couple of years has sharpened travelers’ attention toward the Eternal City, with Six Senses Rome, The Rome Edition, and Bulgari Hotel Roma as leading examples. While here, go off-the-beaten path with activities like an architecture stroll through the eccentric Quartiere Coppedè, a bespoke food tour with a local, or lacing up your sneakers for a colosseum tour with ArcheoRunning on a path not typically open to the public . Stay Here: Bulgari Hotel Roma is a visual feast, with note-perfect interiors by the Milanese studio Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel. Particularly special is the spa’s 20-meter indoor pool punctuated by eight arabesque marble columns. Hotel Eden Thermal Springs in Pantelleria Sandwiched between two continents and off the coast of both Sicily and Tunisia, Pantelleria is one of Italy’s most enigmatic islands, requiring several flights to reach its craggy shores. Rent a small car or Vespa to zip around the narrow roads, discovering vineyards with volcanic soil, prehistoric villages, and underwater caves along the way. Pantelleria is also home to several hot springs where you can slather volcanic mud across your skin for a detoxifying holiday under the sun. Stay Here: Luca Guadagnino’s 2015, A Bigger Splash was filmed on the island and visitors can rent the stunning villa it was filmed at, enjoying the 12 hectares of surrounding trees and vineyards and views overlooking the azure sea. Slow Tourism in Venice With a ban on cruise ships entering its historic center, a proposal to limit day-trippers, and a goal of becoming a global sustainability leader, Venice is working toward a brighter future. If you’re planning a visit, support these efforts by not engaging with the ‘eat-and-go’ tourist flow and, instead, settling in for several days to dive into the city’s culture beyond Piazza San Marco. Architecture lovers should pay a visit during this year’s Biennale Architettura , while foodies ought to take note of the best restaurants frequented by locals. And if the weather’s warm, book a private cabana at Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido Resort where you can sprawl out under the sun at the property’s private beachfront. Stay Here: The Venice Venice Hotel sits within a 13th-century Byzantine-style palazzo that faces the Rialto Bridge along the Grand Canal. The hotel is historic but the aesthetic leans avant-garde, with works of art that feel as though they’ve been plucked straight from La Biennale di Venezia rather than a museum.
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