What to do in Italy? The 27 must-sees!

Sardinia's island status, strong culture and unique terrain set it apart from the rest... Among the must-sees and must-do's in Sardinia, the north-east of the island, known as La Gallura, is a succession of white sandy beaches and turquoise coves. The Costa Smeralda, on the other hand, is home to the international jet-set. Despite the general confusion as summer approaches, it boasts one of the island's most beautiful beaches: Porto Cervo. Very popular with Italians, it's very crowded and it's often difficult to find an inexpensive hotel, so think about private accommodation for your stay!

A must-visit region at the southernmost tip of Italy and part of the Puglia region, Salento welcomes you from the Adriatic coast to the Ionian coast. Here, hospitality is legion, and the locals will be delighted to show you around their region, so proud are they of the folk traditions that still reign supreme. From Lecce to Gallipoli via Otranto, organize your stay as you wish... One thing's for sure: you'll discover splendid landscapes and succumb to the simple, succulent local cuisine. Wondering what to do in Puglia? Discover our selection of 15 must-sees!

Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore... Just listing these five villages is enough to make you dream! These timeless villages capture the hearts of all travelers. Clinging to the side of cliffs, between sea and sky, their typical colorful houses are true marvels to be visited at all costs during a stay in Italy. Forget the car, the Cinque Terre can be visited on foot or, even better, by boat! At nightfall, deserted by the crowds of travelers, the spectacle is grandiose. What could be more beautiful than to plan your stay in one of these colorful, authentic cottages?

Are you tempted by the Cinque Terre? Discover the 15 must-sees for your vacation in Cinque Terre!

Would you like to discover the Cinque Terre coast by boat and admire the view of terraced vineyards and buildings from the sea? We recommend you book your excursionright here !

Viareggio is often overlooked on a Tuscan getaway, yet it's a must-see on any trip to Italy. This seaside town, renowned for its Liberty and Art Deco style, boasts a number of delightful private and public beaches. Giacomo Puccini himself made his home here, and his statue can be admired at the entrance to the Café Margherita. Viareggio also hosts one of the world's biggest annual carnivals... So at any time of year, there's always a good reason to visit. Far from the crowded big cities, it's the ideal base for exploring the region!

How to describe the Tuscan capital, cradle of the Renaissance? The fascination it exerts on the whole world is without equal. Stendhal himself, moved by so much beauty, experienced a disorder that is now defined as "traveler's syndrome": a quickening of the heartbeat and unease in the face of an overload of artistic perfections. Built by some of the world's greatest artists, Florence is a must-visit museum city in Italy . It's a great place to stay and discover, day and night, all the must-sees, including the Ponte Vecchio and the Duomo . To make the most of your stay and avoid the queues, book your ticket for the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the Brunelleschi Duomo right here .

Located on the Tyrrhenian coast, 70 km from Palermo, Cefalù is a must on any trip to Sicily! It boastsone of the most beautiful sandy beaches in the country. Built at the foot of an enormous rock, "La Rocca", it is home to a small fishing port and an Arab-Norman cathedral, testimony to the island's rich history. Staying in Cefalù means discovering the city in a different light, or at night, when the winding lanes are illuminated and lead to a deserted, romantic port...

These seven islands off the coast of Sicily are Italy's most precious satellite and a must-see. Of volcanic origin, they are true marvels: impressive seabeds, transparent waters, volcanic beaches... Everything you need to relax! If you're feeling adventurous, Stromboli is the place to be. After climbing the volcano, you can admire a majestic eruption at nightfall. Staying on one of the Aeolian Islands, preferably Lipari, will enable you to visit the archipelago easily, thanks to the numerous sea links.

The eternal city, the cradle of the world, Rome is a mythical city and a must-see on any trip to Italy. From the Colosseum to the Trevi Fountain, its grandeur and immoderation are so impressive that it's easy to get lost... More than just visiting Rome, you have to experience it! Certain neighborhoods, such as Garbatella and Testaccio, are the heart of local life, and renting accommodation there will enable you to escape the tourist mass of the historic center and discover a more authentic Rome. Ideal for a first stay in Italy! Interested in Rome? Discover the 21 must-see places in Rome! And to avoid the queues, book here your tickets for most of Rome's must-see attractions.

Excessive yet endearing, Naples can be discovered at the pace of its inhabitants. It's they, with their legendary smile, who will show you the treasures of their city with its singular history and, above all, the best pizzerie! Remember, this is where the dish originated! From Naples, you can also consider a trip to the Amalfi Coast. From Sorrento to Salerno, a narrow, winding road takes you from village to village, under an ever-present sun. One of Europe's most beautiful road-trips! Discover the 18 must-see places in Naples!

Because Capri is over, it's time to discover and visit Italy's discreet and sublime Ischia ! Italians praise it for the curative virtues of its water: the island boasts hundreds of hot springs and pools all year round. Of volcanic origin, Ischia is a bubbling island in the depths... Because in everyday life, it's the opposite of its noisy, bustling Neapolitan neighbor! Here, rest and relaxation are the order of the day: it's the ideal seaside resort for renting accommodation while enjoying the proximity of the Amalfi coast.

If Paris is the city of love, Venice is the city of absolute romance. At least once in your life, you must cross the lagoon to lose yourself in its narrow streets, from squares to plazas, from churches to palaces. You've got to see Venice and sail along the canals in one of the hundreds of gondolas that criss-cross the city's six historic districts. From Saint Mark's Square to the Doge's Palace, from the Rialto Bridge to the Church of the Friars Minor, "La Serenissima" is the museum city par excellence, with a stunning cultural and architectural heritage that's a must-see! Click here to book your ticket to the Doge's Palace in just a few clicks. Want to know what to do in Venice? Discover the 17 must-sees!

At over 1,000 m above sea level, Pietrapertosa is one of the highest villages in the region. At the top is the Arabata district, with its rock houses and winding alleys, the most enchanting part of the village. Nestled in the heart of the Dolomites, Pietrapertosa faces the village of Castelmezzano, which can be reached via il volo dell'angelo, a sort of zip-line over the mountains. If you're planning a trip to the Dolomites, we recommend you read our article "What to see in the Dolomites? The 13 must-sees"!

Located in the green Marche region of central Italy, Offagna is one of Italy's small villages not to be missed under any circumstances. Dominated by its imposing castle, the Rocca medievale, this small town was built in 1456 to defend the village from attack, and is one of the finest examples of military architecture in the country. Every year in July, Offagna returns to its medieval past with a medieval festival featuring magic shows, juggling and other performances in the torch-lit streets. A plunge into the past guaranteed!

You've probably already seen photos of the pastel-faced houses, the little port and the famous piazza that make Portofino a must-see in Italy. Since the second half of the ^19th century, this village has become one of the world's most exclusive stopovers, thanks above all to its ability to prevent new construction. Beautiful, typically Ligurian houses surround the beach-less bay, while the San Martino church overlooks the harbor, where luxury yachts and sailing boats are moored. Stores, bars and glamorous restaurants complete this chic postcard.

Milan, located in Lombardy, is a must-see destination for lovers of fashion and beautiful pieces. Be sure to visit the famous Duomo, a marvel of Gothic architecture set in a square brimming with other marvels, such as the Royal Palace and the Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery, home to the boutiques of the great names in luxury. Art is also omnipresent in Milan, with works on display at the Pinacoteca di Brera and, of course, Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper, on view at the Santa Maria delle Grazie church. To access all areas of Milan's Duomo, including its terraces, cathedral, museum and archaeological zone, book your ticket here.

I book my tickets

An emblematic city of Italian Romanticism, Verona is famous for being the setting for the legendary love story of Romeo and Juliet. In particular, you can walk beneath Juliet's famous house with its balcony. To discover its history and picturesque charm, there's nothing like strolling from square to square: from Piazza delle Erbe and its market, you can reach Piazza Bra and then pass by the Roman amphitheatre, Porta Borsari, also from Roman times, and Castelvecchio, a superbly preserved ^14th-century fortress. The best way to explore the city of Romeo and Juliet at your own pace is to buy the Verona Card here ( valid for 24 or 48 hours), which gives you free entry to the monuments and access to the ATV transport network.

If you're wondering what to visit in Italy, Siena is a small medieval town with an intimate charm that's well worth the detour. Each medieval quarter has its own fountain and narrow streets where it's pleasant to stroll and admire the facades of the buildings while enjoying a gelato. Siena's must-see monuments, such as the Basilica di San Domenico and its flamboyant Gothic cathedral, are a must. The Piazza del Campo, the city's main square, is remarkable for its curved shape, reminiscent of an amphitheatre.

A visit to Turin on a trip to Italy won't disappoint, as this city boasts an undeniable wealth of architectural and cultural treasures. The city's historic quarter is well worth a visit, particularly to discover the Palazzo Reale and the Mole Antonelliana. The latter, at 167 meters high, is the city's highest monument. Once at the top, a balcony offers a breathtaking view of the city and its surroundings. Piazza San Carlo is another remarkable square, where you can admire the equestrian statue of the Duke of Savoy Emmanuel-Philibert, as well as the "twin churches" of Santa Cristina and San Carlo , whose architecture is almost identical. To explore the city of Turin and the Piedmont region, it'sbest to buy the 2-dayTorino+Piemonte tourist card right here which gives you access to a wide variety of cultural and historical sites in the region.

Lecce is an exceptional city in southern Italy to visit during a stay in the region. It's renowned for its remarkable architecture , including the Piazza del Duomo, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the Seminary Palace and the Campanile. Wondering what to do in Lecce, Italy? Don't miss the impressive Roman amphitheatre, built by the Romans in the ^1st and ^2nd centuries. Although part of it was buried, archaeological excavations have exposed the other part. The Basilica of Santa Croce is another attraction not to be missed for its many architectural details.

The Egades Islands are a small archipelago located to the west of Sicily and made up of three main islands (Favignana, Marettimo, Levanzo). This Italian archipelago is an ideal destination for travelers who want to enjoy a charming seaside holiday, relax by the crystal-clear sea and take in the extraordinary colors of the Mediterranean. Since 1991, the archipelago has been a marine reserve, attracting both amateur and experienced divers. The islands offer a wide variety of landscapes: ancestral caves, lush vegetation, rugged relief, peaceful fishing villages on the water's edge...

The Sellaronda circuit is an itinerary that encircles the imposing Sella massif in the Dolomites of South Tyrol. This loop is popular with hikers and bikers in summer, and is also suitable for downhill skiing in winter, thanks to the lifts and 26 km of trails offering spectacular mountain views. During this sporting getaway, you can discover ski resorts that have retained their authenticity and charm, such as Alta Badia, north of Venice, which offers a variety of bars and restaurants to relax in after a day's sport. Discover our dedicated article on must-do activities in the Dolomites!

Vesuvius, a volcano near Naples, devastated the town of Pompeii on August 24, 79, covering it in a thick layer of ash and pumice. This natural disaster immortalized the daily life of its inhabitants at the time. Today, a visit to Pompeii is a must for history and archaeology enthusiasts . A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997, Pompeii offers moving remains and exceptional evidence of Roman life over 2,000 years ago, such as the mosaics and paintings that adorned the houses. Pompeii is a popular destination for tourists every year, so we recommend that you buy skip-the-line tickets in advance to avoid waiting at the entrance.

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Rimini is one of Italy's trendiest destinations, particularly popular with young people who come here to party in the Riviera's nightclubs. The waterfront is very touristy, with one restaurant, bar, hotel and nightclub after another. However, as you move away from the marina, you can discover an interesting historic center, including Roman remains and Renaissance monuments, as well as an old fishermen's quarter with pastel-colored houses.

Located between Piedmont, Lombardy and Ticino, Lake Maggiore is the second largest lake in Italy with an area of 212 km2, a coastline of about 170 km and an average depth of 175 meters. You can choose to explore the lake by car, by public transport (bus and train) or by boat, the latter offering exceptional views of the coastline. Lake Maggiore has two different sides: the more attractive western Piedmontese shore and the Lombardy coast to the east.

Situated between three Italian regions - Lombardy, Trentino and Veneto - Lake Garda is a lake of paradox. With its waters bordered by the Giudicarie Alps and the last foothills of Mount Brenta-Adamello, it is reminiscent of Norwegian fjords . However, it also benefits from a Mediterranean climate that allows citrus and olive trees to grow along its shores, earning it the nickname "Riviera degli Ulivi". The lake's waters also abound in culinary treasures such as fillets of perch, carp, eel and pike.

Wondering which lake to visit in Italy? Any visitor contemplating the shores of Lake Como for the first time can't help but marvel at this corner of paradise rich in natural and cultural beauty. With its inverted "Y" shape, Lake Como is Italy's third-largest lake in terms of surface area, but also its deepest. The forested mountains surrounding the lake drop steeply into the water, leaving little room for beaches. Roads and small towns cling to the shores, sometimes acrobatically. The view is breathtaking!

Also known as "Vulcan's Forge" in ancient times, Etna is one of the world's most impressive active volcanoes. With a height of 3,350 metres and an average diameter of 50 km, it is Europe's largest active volcano. Since the fatal eruption of 1669, there have been numerous other eruptions, some of which have caused considerable damage to surrounding towns, including Catania. As a result, locals have taken to invoking Saint Agatha to calm the volcano when it awakens. To make the most of this experience, we recommend climbing Mount Etna with a guide. You can book your tour in just a few clicks right here.

We don't recommend domestic airlines, which are quite expensive. Nor is the bus the quickest or most comfortable way to travel. Renting a car can be an efficient way of getting around the regions, but in the cities we advise you to use public transport.