Italy doesn’t have to work hard to win affection. Whatever brings you there—a revelatory bowl of spaghetti alla carbonara, scenic countryside, the Sistine Chapel—the entire country is like culture on steroids.
Among Italy’s many strengths is its versatility. For every heavy-hitting landmark, there’s a hidden gem; for every sun-drenched coastline, a cozy village you wouldn’t mind decamping to for the cold season. It’s a great travel destination for celebratory trips, like a honeymoon or milestone birthday. By the same token, it’s also great for solo travelers and low-key getaways where the only thing on the itinerary is soaking it all in (perhaps with a spritz and plate of prosciutto close by).
Shaped like a long, slender boot and offering everything from alpine landscapes to ancient fishing villages, there’s quite a lot to do. Understandably, this can be overwhelming when choosing the best place to visit in Italy. Though one could spend an entire lifetime exploring the country and still have only scratched the surface, there remain some truly archetypal experiences—many of which are highlighted in the guide below.
Preserved Architecture in Sicily
Photo: Getty Images
If you consider how many different civilizations have tried to conquer Sicily over thousands of years, it’s not at all surprising the island offers a compelling mix of influences. You see it in the food, of course. The dialect too. But one of the most incredible displays of Sicily’s distinct culture is the architecture. Take Noto, for example, which is famous for its Sicilian Baroque style and received UNESCO World Heritage status in 2002. Or there’s the capital city of Palermo, which weaves together Islamic and Byzantine motifs. And, of course, the ancient Greek structures in the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. By all means, trek Mount Etna and snorkel in the clear waters near Taormina, but don’t forget to add a few architectural highlights to your travel itinerary to get a true taste of what Sicily is all about.
Stay Here: Seven Rooms Villadorata is a luxury boutique hotel in the private courtyard of Palazzo Nicolaci. The property’s 10 rooms and suites sit on the upper floors of a historic palazzo, complete with high ceilings and original tiled floors. As one Vogue writer puts it, “for those keen to immerse themselves in [Noto’s] 18th-century splendor, there’s arguably no better place to stay than at Seven Rooms Villadorata.”
