Italy is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Rome is an obvious showstopper, but many other beautiful places don’t get the same attention. These places are full of beauty and charm, from candy-colored cliffside villages to peaceful lakes surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
These 25 Italian places have such stunning scenery that your followers will stop scrolling. Whether you’re a pro photographer or love posting travel photos, these places are perfect for you.
1. Liguria’s Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is a group of five fishing villages that sit on cliffs above the Mediterranean Sea on the rugged Italian Riviera. Each of Monterosso’s sandy beaches, Vernazza’s busy harbour, Corniglia’s charming hilltop, Manarola’s famous sunset view, and Riomaggiore’s pastel cascade into the sea has its own magic.
Insider Tip: Go in late April or early October to avoid the crowds. The weather is still great, but the paths are less busy.
The best place to take a picture is the cliffside viewpoint in Manarola, which is just past the Nessun Dorma restaurant.
2. Burano, the Venice Lagoon
It feels like stepping into a painter’s palette when you go to Burano. The bright, different colors of the houses are reflected in the narrow canals, which makes it look like a dream.
Insider Tip: Get there early in the morning before the day-trippers from Venice show up. You’ll have the canals almost all to yourself.
The small bridge on Via Giudecca is the best place to take pictures because it lines up perfectly with the colourful houses and their reflections.
3. Amalfi Coast, Positano
Positano’s beauty is almost too good to be true. Buildings in peach, pink, and lemon colours tumble down the cliffside towards the turquoise Tyrrhenian Sea. There are endless chances to take pictures while you shop at boutiques or relax on Spiaggia Grande.
Insider Tip: To get that famous shot of the village from the water, book a boat ride.
The best place to take a picture is Spiaggia Grande beach, which looks back towards the town.
4. Matera, Basilicata
For thousands of years, people have lived in Matera’s cave homes, which are carved right into limestone rock. The warm glow from the stone facades at night makes it feel like time has stopped.
Insider Tip: Stay in a restored cave hotel for a night. The inside is just as beautiful as the city itself.
Belvedere is the best place to take pictures. Luigi Guerricchio for a wide view of the Sassi.
5. Lombardy’s Lake Como
Lake Como is the epitome of elegance, with snow-capped mountains all around and beautiful villas all over. Bellagio and Varenna are towns on the lakefront that have narrow streets, flowering balconies, and waterfront promenades.
Insider Tip: Go in the spring when the wisteria is in bloom and there aren’t as many people.
The gardens of Villa Monastero in Varenna are the best place to take pictures.
6. Puglia, Alberobello
Alberobello is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that looks like a fairy tale village with whitewashed trulli houses and roofs that look like cones.
Insider Tip: Go early in the morning when the light is soft and makes the white stone walls look better.
The best place to take pictures is The Rione Monti neighborhood, where you can see a lot of trulli rooftops all at once.
7. Florence, Italy
The Duomo’s intricate facade, the graceful Ponte Vecchio, and the art-filled piazzas are just a few of the things that make Florence a Renaissance masterpiece.
Insider Tip: Go up to the top of the Duomo’s cupola for a great view of the terracotta rooftops.
The best place to take pictures is Piazzale Michelangelo at sunset.
8. South Tyrol’s Dolomites
The Dolomites’ sharp peaks, lakes that look like mirrors, and green valleys are a paradise for people who love nature. There is a different kind of beauty in each season, like alpine flowers in the summer and snow-covered magic in the winter.
Insider Tip: Use a wide-angle lens to get a sense of how big the mountains are.
Lago di Braies with a wooden rowboat in the front is the best place to take pictures.
9. Emilia-Romagna, Bologna
The warm terracotta colours, mediaeval towers, and long porticos of Bologna make it feel rich and timeless.
Insider Tip: Climb the Asinelli Tower. It’s a workout, but the views are worth every step.
The view from the top of Asinelli Tower over the red roofs is the best place to take a picture.
10. Portofino, Liguria
This beautiful harbour town on the Italian Riviera is small but full of colour and style.
Insider Tip: Take the trail to the lighthouse for a quieter view of the town and sea.
The best place to take a picture is from Castle Brown, which looks down on the crescent-shaped harbour.
11. Verona, Italy
Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” takes place in a city that has more than just romance. There are mediaeval bridges, a Roman amphitheatre, and lively piazzas.
Insider Tip: Go during golden hour, when the evening light makes the Adige River glow.
Ponte Pietra is the best place to take pictures because the old town is behind it.
12. Cala Goloritzé, in Sardinia
This quiet cove on the east coast of Sardinia is a turquoise dream surrounded by limestone cliffs.
Insider Tip: Bring water and wear sturdy shoes for the walk down. There are no facilities.
The best place to take pictures is the path along the cliff above the beach.
13. Siena, Italy
Siena is a classic Tuscan city with a Gothic cathedral, mediaeval streets, and the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo.
Insider Tip: Go during the Palio horse race for exciting street scenes, but be ready for crowds.
Best Photo Spot: Torre del Mangia for a 360-degree view of the city.
14. Ravello, on the Amalfi Coast
Ravello is known for its beautiful gardens and terraces that look out over the Amalfi Coast.
Insider Tip: Go to Villa Rufolo to see flowers that change with the seasons.
The Terrace of Infinity at Villa Cimbrone is the best place to take pictures.
15. Modica, Sicily
Modica is known for its unique chocolate tradition, which combines baroque beauty with sweet indulgence.
Insider Tip: Try the chocolate before your photo walk. It’s both fuel and inspiration.
The best place to take pictures is from the Pizzo Belvedere viewpoint over the town.
16. Lake Garda
Italy’s biggest lake has a mix of mediaeval castles, cute villages, and lemon groves.
Insider Tip: Take a ferry to see the lake towns from different angles.
Best Photo Spot: Malcesine Castle perched above the water.
17. Trento, Trentino-Alto Adige
Trento is a beautiful alpine town with pastel-colored buildings and a dramatic mountain backdrop. It feels both lively and peaceful.
Insider Tip: Go during the Christmas market season to add some holiday cheer to your pictures.
The best place to take pictures is at the Neptune Fountain and cathedral in Piazza Duomo.
18. Campania, Capri
Capri is a showstopper because of its dramatic cliffs, stylish shops, and the famous Faraglioni Rocks.
Insider Tip: Get to Naples early to enjoy the quieter morning hours.
The Gardens of Augustus is the best place to take pictures of the Faraglioni.
19. Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Trieste
Trieste is a cosmopolitan port city with Italian, Austrian, and Slovenian influences. It has many elegant cafés and views of the water.
Insider Tip: Before you go exploring, stop by the historic Caffè San Marco for a coffee.
The best place to take pictures is Piazza Unità d’Italia at sunset.
20. Ostuni, Puglia
Ostuni is called the “White City” because its sunlit streets and whitewashed houses are great for taking pictures in the Mediterranean.
Insider Tip: To get great shots, wear something that stands out against the bright walls.
The best place to take a picture is in an old town alley.
21. Umbria, Orvieto
A hilltop town with a striking Gothic cathedral and ancient underground tunnels.
Insider Tip: The funicular is a great way to see the city for the first time.
Torre del Moro is the best place to take pictures because it gives you a wide view of the countryside.
22. Sicily’s Taormina
Taormina is a mix of ancient ruins and modern style, with Mount Etna in the background.
Insider Tip: Book a seat for a performance at the Greek Theatre — the views are unforgettable.
The best place to take a picture is at Teatro Antico with the volcano behind it.
23. Procida, Campania
This little island is full of pastel charm and is quieter and more private than its famous neighbours Capri and Ischia.
Insider Tip: Go in the spring when wildflowers bloom along the paths by the sea.
The best place to take a picture is from the Terra Murata viewpoint, which looks down on Marina Corricella.
24. Dolomites, Cortina d’Ampezzo
The most glamorous ski town in Italy is also a great place to walk in the summer.
Insider Tip: Go in September when the larch trees start to turn golden.
Best Place for Pictures: The terrace at Rifugio Lagazuoi has amazing views of the mountains.
25. Tuscany’s San Gimignano
San Gimignano is a step back in time. Its skyline is full of towers, which is why it is called “Mediaeval Manhattan.”
Insider Tip: Before you go exploring, try the award-winning gelato at Gelateria Dondoli.
Torre Grossa is the best place to take pictures of the rolling hills of Tuscany.
Italy is a place where beauty is all around you. The famous places are just the beginning. If you go off the beaten path, you’ll find quiet fishing ports, foggy mountain towns, and villages that look like they were painted just for you.
Bring a good camera (and maybe a portable charger), wear shoes that are easy to walk in, and let yourself explore every side street. The best pictures in Italy are often the ones you didn’t expect to take!