Italy attractions

While St. Mark’s English Church was established in 1881, it is set in a 15th-century palace initially owned by the Medici family. The center of Florence’s Anglican community, the church has Renaissance Revival interiors decorated in pre-Raphaelite style, but it is most known as a venue for live concerts. Catch La Traviata, opera love duets, arias by Mozart and Rossini, and other classical music performances at this unique location.

Head south from the town of Forio on the west side of Ischia, pass through Via Giovanni Mazzella, and Citara Beach comes gloriously into view. Among the longest and widest stretches of sand on an island that isn’t exactly a beach lightweight, Citara is also home to the Poseidon Garden Baths, full of thermal pools with volcanic waters thought to be therapeutic.

There are almost limitless options for exploring the jagged peaks of the Dolomites from Cortina d’Ampezzo—but with protected lands minutes from town, the Dolomiti D’Ampezzo Natural Park is among the best mountain destinations. Comprising multiple ranges, the park invites travelers to skip the ski slopes for hikes and vie ferrate in a sublime natural setting.

Named after pilgrims (“pilgrim mountain”), this sizeable hill in the northern reaches of Palermo is home to the acchianata (“the climb” in local dialect), a winding pilgrimage route up stone-paved switchbacks to the neo-Gothic Utveggio Castle and Sanctuary of Santa Rosalia, a church half-hewn into rock, dedicated to the city’s patron saint. Around the mountain lies a protected nature reserve.

These lush gardens—set around a stately 16th-century villa that currently houses the Italian Geographic Society—offer a peaceful and scenic escape in the heart of Rome. Renowned for their colorful floral displays and collection of exotic plants, the gardens are a delightful blend of nature and history. As you wander the grounds, you’ll come across elegant bas reliefs, classical sculptures, and monuments, including a striking Egyptian obelisk that adds to the garden’s timeless appeal.

Perched on a rocky outcrop flanking the clifftop old town, the fairytale castle-like form of the Santa Maria dell’Isola Monastery is Tropea’s most famous sight. Climb the steps carved directly into the rock to visit the sanctuary’s chapel and museum, then linger to take in the spectacular views over the Coast of the Gods from this dramatic vantage point.

If your idea of la dolce vita is snacking on gelato while meandering down a picturesque cobblestone lane, head to Via dei Coronari. This short street is considered among the most scenic in Rome and runs from the north side of Piazza Navona toward the River Tiber. Its ivy-covered, peachy-hued buildings house antique shops, restaurants and cafés, and other businesses well worth a stop on your Roman holiday.

Located along Sardinia’s buzzy northeastern coast, Porto Rotondo is an upscale resort town. Adjacent to the Emerald Coast, the area is glitzy enough to have attracted the likes of former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who has a villa nearby. W But while it's still pretty posh, these days Porto Rotondo doesn’t just cater to jet-setters; you’ll find plenty of amenities for regular folk, too.

Set in the vineyard-covered Chianti hills near Arezzo, Villa La Ripa is one of the area’s most historic estates. Today, the Renaissance-era villa is home to a prestigious winery that offers tours of the vineyards and cellars, and tastings of its red, white, and rosè wines and award-winning extra-virgin olive oil. You can also book a Tuscan picnic, truffle hunt, and other foodie experiences.

The Navy Planetarium is a draw for astronomy and history enthusiasts visiting Lisbon. You can travel through space and time by seeing a show at the dome theater, watching live demonstrations of celestial navigation techniques, and learning about the life of astronauts. The planetarium also offers interactive exhibits and educational programs, making it a fascinating experience for all ages.

Made up of three elegant historic palaces, just steps from La Scala opera house, Gallerie d’Italia is one of Milan’s most important centers of art and culture. The permanent collection has hundreds of Italian artworks from the 19th and 20th centuries, plus there are temporary exhibitions and cultural events. It is a must-see for art lovers visiting Milan.

The largest covered market in Bolgona’s city center, the Mercato delle Erbe (literally, the “Herb Market”) has been a key destination for food lovers for more than a century. Housed in a historic building that was renovated after World War II, the atmospheric market offers dozens of food stalls and dining options all throughout the day.

Pompeii’s Great Theatre is a grand 2nd-century-BC performance space with seating for up to 5,000 spectators. It has acoustics so precise that voices from the stage carry naturally to the highest seats to this day. The first large public building to be excavated in the ancient city, the largely intact theater continues to host classical plays and other performances.

In the middle of the 16th century, a prince in the noble Orisini family commissioned an architect to build him an otherworldly garden. The result is the Sacro Bosco, or Sacred Wood—more popularly known as the Park of Monsters. Giant sculptures tucked into the trees feature a sleeping nymph, a war elephant from Hannibal’s army, dragons, and a winged Pegasus, among other fantastical creatures.

The largest beach near Gaeta, Serapo Beach (Spiaggia di Serapo) is also considered one of the prettiest along Lazio’s coastline—its pristine sand and crystalline waters have earned the coveted Blue Flag stamp of approval. Visitors can claim a spot on the free public area of the waterfront or rent an umbrella and chairs at one of the many beach clubs.

Open since 2001, this public library in the center of Bologna is housed inside the historic Palazzo d’Accursio, originally a private residence from the 13th century and later the city’s town hall. Through a glass floor in the library, visitors can get a glimpse of ongoing archaeological excavations, including ancient Roman ruins. Biblioteca Salaborsa also regularly hosts public events.

The fresco-filled Basilica of San Francesco houses one of the most important masterpieces of the Renaissance: Piero della Francesca’s Legend of the True Cross, which tells the story of the wood used for Jesus Christ’s crucifixion. Nearly 600 years after its creation, the remarkably restored fresco cycle is open to the public in the basilica’s Bacci Chapel.

Often touted as one of the best beaches near Alghero, Spiaggia di Maria Pia is famous for its soft white sand and a stunning pine forest backdrop. With clear, clean waters and scenic views of Alghero Bay and Fertilia, it’s a popular spot for sunbathing, swimming, and relaxing in nature, making it a must-visit for beach lovers.

A quintessential Tuscan villa, Villa Gamberaia has long inspired landscape architects and designers across Europe. While some interior rooms are open by reservation, the main draw is the immaculate 17th-century gardens, largely preserved since their creation. Visitors need no special expertise—simply enjoying the sweeping views over the Arno Valley is reason enough to come.

In the archaeological wonderland of Pompeii, the House of the Vettii stands out for its well-preserved frescoes, seemingly as vivid as when they were first painted almost two millennia ago. This Roman domus is famous for a risqué depiction of Priapus—Greek god of fertility—symbolizing the economic prosperity of the home’s merchant owners.

Anyone curious about the history of science will enjoy stepping back in time at the Palazzo Poggi Museums (Musei di Palazzo Poggi). Vintage laboratories and 18th-century collections dedicated to different branches of the sciences are displayed in the frescoed halls of Palazzo Poggi, which has been the seat of the University of Bologna since 1803.

Get a glimpse of life in medieval Cefalù at the Lavatoio Medieval—or public wash house—built in the 16th century over the Cefalino River. Used by locals for centuries to wash their clothing and household linens, this wash house has its original stone basins and washing stones used to pound and scrub the clothing plus a row of cast-iron spigots, some in the shape of lion’s heads.

Past the clothing and houseware carts on Via Mercato, turn onto Via Emmanuele de Benedictis and the aromas of Ortygia’s street-food and farmers market will draw you in. This atmospheric outdoor market is among the most famous in Sicily, and an essential destination for local color and local food.

With its translucent turquoise waters, a stretch of white sand reaching more than a mile (2 kilometers), and lush hills blanketed with juniper, eucalyptus, olive, and pine trees, Spiaggia di Cala Sinzias is one of dreamiest beaches on Sardinia’s southwestern coastline. Easily accessible by land and sea and protected by two small promontories to the north and south, this idyllic retreat is popular with swimmers and sun-seekers of all ages.

Kids can feel giant-sized at Italia in Miniatura, one of the most whimsical amusement parks in Italy. Located just outside Rimini, the park includes intricately detailed small-scale models of almost 300 famous Italian landmarks, as well as boat rides through mini-Venice, a kid-sized “driving school”, water cannons, rides, and more.

Capri’s most famous shopping street is a blend of luxury and charm. Lined with high-end boutiques, local artisan shops, and cafés, Via Camerelle is the perfect place to indulge in some retail therapy while soaking in the island’s glamorous ambiance. This lively street offers a quintessentially chic Capri experience for visitors.

Adjacent the popular Gardaland Park, the SEA LIFE Aquarium offers lots of family-friendly fun. Discover underwater worlds in 40 themed tanks housing 100 marine species; get up close with observation portholes, domes, and interactive pools; and walk through a sea tunnel with rays and sharks swimming above.

Spiaggia del Lazzaretto is a beautiful beach near the city of Alghero, famed for its white sand and clear turquoise water. It’s a great choice for families, thanks to its shallow water, and is also a top pick for history and architecture buffs—the southern end of the beach is home to the Torre del Lazzaretto castle, which dates back to 1580.

Set on a verdant promontory on the eastern shore of Lake Garda, Punta San Vigilio is one of the most scenic—and exclusive—spots along the lake. This peninsula, long owned by the aristocratic Guarienti family, is occupied by an elegant 16th-century villa (now a hotel and restaurant), historic church, marina, beach, and the lush Parco San Vigilio park with walking paths and a pool.

In 1596, Ferdinando I de’ Medici, the Grand Duke of Tuscany, commissioned the famous Italian architect architect Bernardo Buontalenti to build a hunting villa, which quickly became the court and estate of the Grand Duke and Duchess. Today, Villa Artimino is one of twelve villas and two gardens collectively granted UNESCO World Heritage status.