This interactive museum in Padua explores the evolution of medical science and humanity's knowledge of the body from ancient times to today through multimedia exhibits, videos, and themed displays. Learn about the history of medicine by visiting the museum’s six halls and anatomical theater.
Genoa has been known for its connection to the water for centuries, and one of the best views of the Mediterranean Sea can be found along the Corso Italia promenade. The 1.5-mile (2.4-kilometer) stretch of sidewalk curves around the coastline with ample space for walking, jogging, and even sunbathing on the beaches along the route.
Offering a contrast to the more traditional attractions of Verona, the Nicolis Museum is one of Europe’s most important spaces dedicated to cars. The museum boasts an extensive collection of precious and extremely rare car-related objects collected all around the world by Luciano Nicolis, the museum’s founder.
The Picentini Mountains are a popular destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts in the summer, when its wooded slopes and scenic trails offer a respite from the heat and crowds of Naples and Sorrento. Explore thePicentini Mountain Regional Park (Parco Regionale di Monti Picentini) on foot or horseback, enjoy the views from Mount Terminio, or join a guided truffle hunt.
The area surrounding the alpine town of Bormio has long been known for its hot springs, and ancient Romans once soaked in these natural thermal baths. Do as the Romans did, and spend a day relaxing in the hot-spring pools and grottoes at the Bagni Vecchi Spa, which also offers saunas and a panoramic outdoor pool.
Milan’s Fashion Quarter is home to a handful of luxury shopping streets including Via della Spiga. This is where locals come to buy their designer clothes from brands such as Roberto Cavalli, Hermes, Moschino, and Armani. The chic fashion street is also home to a number of upscale dining options, cocktail bars, and cafés.
Built in the 1550s, Porta Palio is a monumental city gate in Verona. It stands on the site of a former gate in the Medieval walled city. While the gate is now closed to traffic—whether horse, car, or pedestrian—it stands a reminder of 16th-century Verona.
Don’t be fooled by the simple facade of this oratory tucked beneath the portico along the length of the Church of San Giacomo Maggiore. Inside, the small chapel is decorated with some of the most important works of the 16th-century Bolognese Renaissance, painted by prominent artists in the Bentivoglio court.
This excellent museum teaches visitors about a basket making tradition that has existed in Sardinia’s coastal town of Castelsardo since the Nuraghic period. Trace the evolution of weaving through the millennia, and view an impressive collection of these works of art made from dwarf palm fronds.
A large square located just behind Old Port (Porto Antico), Piazza Caricamento is the entryway to Genoa’s historic city center. This waterfront plaza is generally less crowded than Porto Antico and features ample space to people-watch. The Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale) is the main must-see landmark in the plaza.
The towering bronze figure of San Carlo Borromeo near the town of Arona on Lake Maggiore is impossible to miss. Second in size only to New York’s Statue of Liberty, the hollow statue has steep stairs and ladders inside leading up to its head, where visitors can peer out over the surrounding landscape.
The 18th-century Villa Panza is home to an impressive collection of contemporary American art—the Panza Collection, with more than 150 works of art from the 20th century. A visit here is a must for art aficionados, though the elegant villa and surrounding grounds are a draw for architecture and garden enthusiasts, as well.
On the shores of Lake Como overlooking the Valtellina and Valchiavenna mountains, Forte Montecchio Nord is Italy’s only intact fort dating from World War I. Modern history enthusiasts will enjoy learning about Italy’s role in the Great War by exploring the fort’s powder room, subterranean tunnels, barracks, and original Schneider guns.
One of the tallest peaks in the Picentini Mountains, Mt. Terminio (Monte Terminio) is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families in summer, when its scenic trails offer a respite from the heat and crowds of Sorrento and Naples. Visitors can explore the trails on foot or horseback to enjoy the summit views, or join a guided truffle hunt.
Home to one of the most dazzling spiral staircases in Italy, the 16th-century Barozzi Palace (Palazzo Barozzi) is by far the main attraction of sleepy Vignola—a town just outside Modena. Take a jaunt through the area’s famed cherry orchards and admire the elegant structure, created by Renaissance architect Jacopo Barozzi.
Uncover the tradition behind one of Italy’s most celebrated candies: the sugared almonds (confetti) exchanged at weddings, baptisms, and other important celebrations. The Mucci family has been producing this symbolic sweet for more than a century, and their dedicated museum offers a behind-the-scenes look at the confection’s history.
The town walls of Cittadella, a 13th-century town in the Veneto, are a rare example of medieval defensive walls that retain a practical, well-preserved parapet walk. Visitors can walk the ancient Rhonda Walkway (Camminamento di Ronda) along one of Europe’s most beautiful defensive structures and admire the town from various vantage points.
Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, Valentino Castle (Castello del Valentino) is one of Turin’s most noteworthy landmarks. Situated in the Parco del Valentino and a former House of Savoy royal residence, the castle is today used by the local university and is occasionally open to the public.
The 16th-century Branciforte Palace (Palazzo Branciforte) underwent a dramatic 21st-century makeover courtesy of Italian architect and designer Gae Aulenti, and today the former aristocratic residence is home to one of Palermo’s premier cultural centers and museums.
Milan is known for its sophisticated style and unforgiving pace, but that doesn’t mean you can’t slow down and unwind in Italy’s fashion capital. If you need a break, QC Termemilano is an indulgent spa in the heart of the city with thermal baths, steam baths, relaxation rooms, massages, treatments, and more.
Monte Solaro, the highest point on Capri, offers unparalleled views of the island, the Tyrrhenian Sea, and the Amalfi Coast—on clear days, you can even see the mountains of Calabria. Stretching some 1,932 feet (589 meters) above sea level—and accessible via an enjoyable hike or chairlift ride—the peak is arguably the best spot to escape the Piazzetta crowds and simply enjoy the vistas Capri is so famous for.
Pick up a guidebook of Tuscany’s wild escapes, and you’ll likely come across pictures of Saturnia Hot Springs—also called the Cascate del Mulino or Waterfalls of the Mill—perhaps Italy’s most photogenic natural hot springs. Not to be confused with the spa resort up the road that shares a name and waters, these thermal cascading pools are free to visit.
One of the prettiest towns on Puglia’s Adriatic Coast, the whitewashed centro storico (old town) of Polignano a Mare is perched on a clifftop directly above the turquoise water. A popular day-trip destination from Bari just to the north, this fishing village-turned-resort is also a highlight of boat excursions to the picturesque sea caves below the town.
Towering umbrella pines and centuries-old statues line the trails of this 200-acre (80-hectare) park just north of the Spanish Steps. Secret gardens and countless monuments mean there’s always something to discover in Villa Borghese, though a highlight is the duck pond surrounding the Temple of Aesculapius. Known as the “Park of Museums,” Villa Borghese counts the renowned Borghese Gallery (Galleria Borghese) among the several museums on its grounds.
Villa Medici was the first property in Rome acquired by the Medici family, as they sought to extend their influence in the city during the 16th century. A touch of Tuscany’s Renaissance in the center of Rome, since 1803, the building has supported the artistic endeavors of the French Academy in Rome. Today, it opens its doors to tourists to see its Renaissance gardens and the apartments where Galileo was temporarily held while on trial for heresy.
On summer weekends, and well into autumn, it can feel like all of Palermo whips out their beach bags and tanning lotions and descends onto Mondello Beach (Spiaggia di Mondello), a crescent of white sand at the northern tip of town. With beautiful waters protected by natural cliffs and the Capo di Gallo Nature Reserve, Mondello Beach is among the best urban beaches in Italy.
Despite being the second-largest beach in Positano, Fornillo Beach still manages to retain its status as a local, quasi-hidden gem. Tucked away between two cliffs—and accessible via many steps down from Positano’s main stretch—the pebble beach is beloved by locals for its crystal-clear waters, relaxed atmosphere, and traditional lidos.
Established in the 17th century, the Casinò di Venezia is considered to be the oldest active gambling venue in the world. Here, you’ll find a range of slot machines and classic table games like blackjack, roulette, and poker, but the real draw is the setting; the casino is housed at Ca’ Vendramin Calergi, an opulent Renaissance palace overlooking the Grand Canal.
Neptune's Grotto, located near Alghero, is a stunning stalactite cave that’s often hailed as one of the most beautiful caves in Sardinia. Discovered by fishermen in the 18th century, it has become a popular tourist destination, drawing visitors into the enchanting underworld of Capo Caccia's cliffside. Named after the Roman god of the sea, it's a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and explorers.
The Messina Cruise Port (Terminal Crociere di Messina), set in the busy port city on the narrow Strait of Messina, is many cruisers’ first taste of Sicily. The closest Sicilian city to mainland Italy and a popular port of call for Mediterranean and European cruises, Messina offers striking architecture, flavorful street food, and easy access to Taormina, Mount Etna, and other Sicilian sights.
