MY TOP 5 FAVORITE PLACES TO VISIT IN ITALY
For many of my frequent readers, it comes as no surprise that Italy is one of my favorite countries. I’ve visited 13x, I have family there, and Dave and I are getting married in Verona this upcoming June. I would undoubtedly categorize it as a ‘must-see country’. There are countless highlights to note about this spectacular country – from the stunning Dolomites that span across the Northern region to the Montepulciano iconic hilltop to the incredibly well-preserved architecture in Rome. There is no denying that Italy is chock full of beauty and interesting places to visit — but how do you narrow it down to just a few places in one trip? I recently realized that as many times as I’ve been, I find myself being beckoned back to the same places. Some of the destinations are very well-known and others are a bit more off-the-beaten-path. Below are my top 5 favorite places to visit in Italy:
1. MILAN
Admittedly, Milan holds a very special place in my heart. I studied abroad there during my final year in college and just half a year later, I accepted a job there upon graduation. It didn’t take long before I fell in love with the city. The rich history, stunning architecture, incredible food, and an abundance of shopping. To succinctly summarize this city is very challenging for me as there are so many aspects to what I love about it — but I think depicting what my perfect day exploring the city will give you a better idea of why I love it so much. In the morning, I’d head to the MonteNapoleone to have an espresso and watch the famous designer boutiques flip their sign from closed to open. {It’s also one of my favorite areas to people watch}.
From there, I’d stroll through Galleria Vittorio Emanuele and then purchase a ticket to walk up to the rooftop of the Duomo. Even though I find the Duomo quite touristy, I often recommend that if you only have time for one attraction in Milan, let it be the Duomo. The cathedral itself is an iconic landmark and the architectural details are breathtakingly stunning — & if you need another reason, the view at the top is assuredly one of the best in the city! From there, I’d top by Panzerotti Luini (locals are going to be upset that I’ve disclosed one of the best-kept secrets) to have a deep-fried panzerotti for lunch. There are many different varieties but essentially a panzerotto is a savory turnover that resembles a small calzone. My afternoon would consist of long, leisurely stroll through the charming canals of I Naviligi. From there, I would museum hop between Villa Necchi Campiglio + Pinacoteca di Brera. Dinner would be a toss-up between Seta and Osteria Conchetta. The essence of Milan is that it has a of hustle & bustle kind of vibe but it’s still Italian at its core. There are many noteworthy aspects of this city that may compel me to write an entirely separate blog post about it sooner than later!
2. CAMOGLI
Camogli is one of the most charmingly memorable places I’ve ever visited. My Italian family made it a priority to bring me during my first month of living in Italy and I’m so grateful that they did. Camogli is a picturesque seaside town nestled on the Italian Riviera.
It has a beautiful atmosphere and wonderful views. The building facades facing the water are painted hues of amber, bright yellow, and olive. I learned while visiting that the architectural elements also served a more practical purpose – to make the town more identifiable for seamen from the water. There’s a very low-key pace here that makes me want to kick off my sandals and sunbathe almost immediately after arriving. The pesto pasta { a Ligurian classic} is also out of this world.
3. PORTOFINO
Portofino is another fishing village on the Italian Riviera often known for attracting celebrities. The scenic shore is chock full of pastel houses, shops, restaurants and hotels. There’s a vast array of activities available like boating, hiking, swimming and diving. I personally love the Portofino Regional Park – not only are the views spectacular but it’s full of so many different kinds of greenery, wildflowers, and orchards. The onion Focaccia is a must while visiting Portofino. I’m convinced the water plays a part in making it so delicious!
4. PRAIANO
I think Praiano is a great base to stay in while visiting the Amalfi Coast. It’s conveniently located between the busier towns of Positano + Amalfi. I’ve also found that it’s a lot quieter and affordable than the other two surrounding villages. I loved staying here because I felt like I had gained a much larger sense for the community. The view of the Meditteranean is unbeatable and the best part is – you won’t have to worry about being mowed over by a tourist when you’re pulling out your camera to capture it. There’s also a beautiful hike called Il Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods) that you can start from in Praiano and hike to Amalfi. It’s a beautiful way to take in the expansive view of the sea + surrounding villages. I highly recommend making a stop to eat lunch at La Tagliata during the hike!
5. GENOA
Although Genoa doesn’t often come high on people’s Italy itineraries, it’s an underrated city with a lot to offer in rich maritime history, noteworthy architecture, and arguably the best pesto + focaccia bread in the world. Genoa is a port city and has been for centuries.Dubbed La Superba by Petrarca, Genoa was one of Italy’s largest maritime republics that held a great deal of power & prestige during the Mercantile Republic. The Strade Nuove is a great example of the wealth that had entered the city during the Golden Era. Influential Genovese families would showcase their prestige + wealth in buildings and palaces in the town center.
The streets include a myriad of Renaissance + Baroque palaces along Strade Nuove. The historical center of the city is equally as impressive in its own right. While Genoa’s historic center isn’t one of the largest in Italy, it has one of the highest density of historic buildings per capita. Only ¼ of the buildings date from after WWII. The Duomo and Piazza San Lorenzo is also a noteworthy part of the city to visit. The uniquely distinct black and white striped Church of San Lorenzo became Genoa’s church in 985. Though miles away from the center is a scenic old fishing district of the city that actually captivated my interest most the first time I visited. A beautiful backdrop of colorful houses, boats, and a pebble beach made it one of my favorite places in Italy. Not to mention, I’ve had some of the best gelato ever here!
