If I could only visit one country in Europe, it would be Italy. It’s one of my favourite places to go because it offers so much variety, and the food isn’t too bad either! I’ve been to Italy twice, and will be returning for a third time in August this year. In total, I’ve spent almost four weeks across my two trips there. In 2022, I travelled from Florence, through to Rome, Naples, Capri and Positano. In August 2024, I flew to Milan, drove a campervan through the Dolomites, onto Venice, Lake Como, then back to Milan. This year, I’m planning a week in Sicily and Sardinia. Read on to find out which one was my absolute favourite!

10. Naples

Naples is the birthplace of Pizza, Diego Maradona, and it’s a good link to other popular destinations like Sorrento, Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast and Capri. In comparison to other Italian cities, it felt a little unclean, chaotic and unsafe. We only stayed two nights and spent the day in between travelling to Pompeii, so it’s probably safe to assume that we didn’t really give it a fair chance. If I were to do Napoli again, I probably wouldn't. I would opt for another nearby city with beaches like Sorrento.

9. Venice

This probably seems controversial, but something had to be in ninth place! Another city I probably didn’t give much of a fair chance, but that was up to a number of factors.

It was the middle of summer and 30+ degrees
I only spent about 4 hours here and didn’t take part in any of the popular tourist attractions, e.g. cathedrals, gondola rides
We arrived early to beat the crowds, and most shops weren’t even open yet

Don’t get me wrong, Venice was beautiful. The narrow cobblestone alleyways and arched bridges built over the canals were very unique compared to anything I had seen. However, the crowds were off-putting, and it was clear that the city’s main form of commerce was tourism. Streets were lined with souvenir shops, travel agents and hotels and it was difficult to get a grasp of its genuine character. I think if we had visited in the off-season, or stayed the night, I might have seen a different perspective, but unfortunately I don’t have any desire to go back to give it another chance.

8. Milan

Milan felt grand, classy and luxurious. The architecture was beautiful, and there was an effortless style to the whole city. That said, we only stayed one night, and outside of sightseeing and eating at nice restaurants, there didn’t seem to be much else to do. I enjoyed it, but it didn’t leave a lasting impression the way other places did.

7. Rome

There’s so much to see in Rome. It felt like every corner had an iconic building or historical site. It was a history lover’s dream, but it was also very hot when we visited in early July (think 40+ degrees). The city is huge: too big to walk everywhere comfortably, but often too close for public transport to make sense. Still, the atmosphere was incredible. People were dining out on the streets, and it had that classic “Euro summer” vibe.

6. Positano

So beautiful, and definitely one of those bucket-list destinations. But it’s not the easiest place to get around, and beyond relaxing, there’s not a huge amount to do.

We took part in a cooking class at the top of the hill, which was a highlight of the trip—and I'd recommend trying to book it if you can (although it's very popular now). The cave clubs were fun, and while the beaches were okay, everything was very expensive. It's a great place to chill, have a fancy dinner, and take in the views.

5. Florence

Florence is incredibly walkable and full of charm. You only need a day or two here to see everything, which makes it perfect for a short stop. The city is beautiful and packed with history, but it’s small enough not to feel overwhelming. A very easy, enjoyable place to visit.

4. Lake Como

Lake Como was stunning. The towns around the lake were easy to hop between using ferries, although we did have to wait over an hour for one, so keep that in mind. It’s definitely on the expensive side, but the views, charming lakeside villages and relaxed pace of life made it all worth it.

3. Capri

Capri is dreamy. There's so much to do and explore. I highly recommend renting a car or scooter and heading up to Anacapri. One of the best experiences we had was riding the chairlift. At the top we were greeted with live music, free food and drinks, and panoramic views of the island. The beach clubs were top-tier, but you’ll need to book in advance. Like many other popular spots in Italy, it’s pricey, but definitely worth it.

2. Lake Garda

Even though I was only here for a couple of hours, Lake Garda had such a calm, welcoming energy. Compared to Lake Como, it felt much more humble and authentic, with fewer tourists and more space to breathe. It struck me as the perfect place for a group trip or a relaxed week away.

1. The Dolomites

Nothing will ever top the Dolomites.

This trip was easily one of the best of my life. We spent four days driving around in a campervan, and I haven’t stopped bragging about it since. Just driving through the mountain passes felt surreal—it was like stepping into another world.

Some particular highlights:

Seceda – an unreal hiking spot with views that don’t even look real
Lago di Braies – picture perfect, even better in person
The passes – dramatic, winding roads through snow-capped peaks and green valleys

If you enjoy hiking, stunning landscapes, and a bit of adventure, this region is absolutely for you. I’d love to return in the spring when the wildflowers are in bloom. The Dolomites are a must-visit, and hands down, my favourite place in all of Italy.

So, where next?
With Sicily and Sardinia on the horizon, Italy still has so much left for me to explore. But no matter how many new places I visit, I have a feeling the Dolomites will always hold the top spot in my heart.

My Top 10 Favourite Places in Italy, Ranked