Are you searching for breathtaking landscapes, perfect for sensational photos and unforgettable memories? Italy is my recommendation—a country where I discovered some of the most spectacular scenery.
I’ve prepared a top list of the most special places I visited in Italy, places like no others, incomparable and unique, whose charm has made them some of the most visited destinations for tourists worldwide.
1 .Portofino
This small town nestled at the foot of the Ligurian Apennines, once a humble fishing village, has long been and remains an exclusive destination that attracts international celebrities like Rod Stewart, Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, Steven Spielberg, Salma Hayek, Sylvester Stallone, and many others.
The colorful houses with distinctive architecture typical of the area seem perfectly arranged in a semicircle around the small port and the elegant “Piazzetta.” Behind them, the hillside covered in Mediterranean vegetation proudly features Castle Brown, while scattered luxurious villas and hotels with lush gardens and dreamy views add to the allure.
The colorful boats floating on the emerald sea, along with the extravagant yachts, complete the picture, bringing it close to perfection.
2. Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast ranks in my top 3 most beautiful places I have ever visited.
Salerno, Positano, Sorrento, Ravello, Minori, Maiori, and Amalfi are the seven fairytale towns on the Amalfi Coast.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Amalfi Coast is also listed among the 500 destinations to visit in a lifetime, as recommended by National Geographic. Located in southern Italy, it stretches approximately 50 kilometers along the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Everything here seems straight out of a storybook, and I doubt even the richest imagination could conceive or replicate the idyllic image I had the honor to discover.
I have never seen a more spectacular road than the one connecting the seven towns of the Amalfi Coast, known to Italians as “Nastro Azzuro” – “The Blue Ribbon.” The winding road is both thrilling and breathtaking; on one side lies the towering mountain, and on the other, the endless sea—a truly dizzying view.
From the sea below, you can admire a panoramic view of the towns with their colorful, flower-adorned luxurious houses and hotels, visible from afar, as well as the bustling ports.
The houses cascade down the cliffs overlooking the azure sea, designed to provide their owners with perfect views, while those on the edges feature dizzying staircases that descend to the water.
3. Cinque Terre
Located in the Liguria region of Italy, the Cinque Terre National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is undoubtedly a unique destination, showcasing some of the most breathtaking landscapes I have ever seen.
Stretching along a 12-kilometer coastal strip overlooking the sea, it offers dramatic cliffs, caves, beaches, and trails perfect for wandering at least once in your lifetime. It’s where the mountains and the sea converge, with colorful, charming houses suspended in what seems to be nature’s perfect composition.
The five enchanting villages—so similar yet so distinct—each boast unique features that give them their own special charm.
This is what Cinque Terre, or “Five Lands,” represents: five magical villages connected by the “Sentiero Azzurro” or “Blue Path,” a 12-kilometer trail along the coastline. It’s ideal for both nature enthusiasts and those who want to take their time exploring the area. The trail can be walked in approximately 6 hours, with the “Via dell’Amore” between Riomaggiore and Manarola being the easiest section, while the routes toward Monterosso grow more challenging but reward you with awe-inspiring views.
4. The Island of Capri
For me, the island “del solo far niente” is the place where natural beauty reaches perfection. Created by divinity and refined by human hands, the stunning Island of Capri, magnificent from every angle, inspired me to dream of more journeys and to aspire to explore as much of this world as possible. It’s a place where every moment spent shows you that what truly matters in life are the unique experiences and destinations that change you and leave a lasting imprint on your soul. Capri enriched a day of my life, and I know I will return here at least once more.
Up in the Gardens of Augustus, with breathtaking views over the sea and the famous Faraglioni rising proudly amidst the boundless blue, I stopped in awe before absolute beauty. I thanked God for granting me the chance to discover this land, to tread upon these shores, for giving my soul the honor to witness, even for a few hours, nature’s grand spectacle on the stage of the Tyrrhenian Sea. I felt immense gratitude that my eyes had the privilege to gaze upon such marvels, filled with wonder and love for the extraordinary artistry of nature.
5. Venice
Mysterious Venice does not easily reveal its charms; it takes time to truly understand its full splendor.
Some say it is the most beautiful city in the world, and I dare not contradict them because it truly is a place like no other. Divided into six districts called sestieri, it encompasses 118 islands, 175 canals, and 354 bridges. Venice’s most important landmarks, such as Basilica San Marco, Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace), Rialto Bridge, Basilica Santa Maria della Salute, and Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, are breathtakingly beautiful. The Grand Canal, Venice’s main waterway, starts from Piazzale Roma (the train station area) and winds its way to St. Mark’s Square, forming an elegant S-shape over its 4 km—a true Splendor.
6. Lake Como
Lake Como is located in Lombardy, in northern Italy, at an altitude of 199 meters, nestled in a depression surrounded by mountains. The train ride from Milan to Como takes about an hour. From Como, we took the funicular to Brunate. Upon arriving in Brunate, the breathtaking landscape left us speechless. We admired the view from a terrace perched on the edge of a cliff, overlooking Lake Como and, in the distance, the majestic Alps. Fortunately, the sky was so clear, helping us to see them… we were dreaming at that moment! They were sublime! We could see them in the distance, towering and watching over the wonderful lake.
The challenging 1.43 km walk to the Voltiano Lighthouse was entirely worth it. The view from the top could not be compared to anything we had seen so far during our journey in Milan. We were among the clouds… and it was so magnificent!
7. San Marino
San Marino is one of the smallest independent states in Europe and the world, covering a total area of 60 square kilometers and home to 30,000 inhabitants. It was only when I started writing this article that I realized San Marino is not a city in Italy, but an independent state. I visited San Marino while on a tour through Italy (Venice-Rome-Rimini-San Marino-Bologna), which is probably why I hastily included it here… or perhaps because it is located in the Apennine Mountains, surrounded on all sides by Italy, and the official language is Italian. San Marino is not part of the EU, but the currency used is the Euro.
San Marino is the oldest republic in the world, founded in 301. In 2008, it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage list.
The old town is situated at the top of the mountain, and the narrow streets leading to the peak are lined with shops selling perfumes, jewelry, accessories, and more, all at Tax-Free prices. Shopping is guaranteed here, and we stocked up on perfumes at incredibly good prices. We also saw many outlets selling products from well-known brands.
What to visit: Piazza della Liberta (photo below), Palazzo Publico, the two towers on Monte Titano (La Rocca – the oldest tower), the State Museum.
Love,
A.C.