Readers Respond: Top Places to Go in Italy

Responses: 36

By Martha Bakerjian, About.com Guide

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Hi, I'm Italian from Milan. the Italians used to go in Sardinia during the summer...but i don't understand why is not so famous like other italian places outside Italy... Sardinia is really a place to see...if you want wonderful sea (one of the top of the world...see the photos on google!) and nature is the best place for summer. But if you like top life, and very chic places, top shops come in Porto Cervo or Porto Rotondo...places that in august is full of nightlife too!
—Guest Francesco

One of the best places I have visited in Italy is Florence. I've been there twice and I' d like to go there again. First of all, it is a well taken care of city, with all the facilities one may need; then ,the shops are great, ideal for shopping therapy. Florence is a good starting point for many day trips in the area any time of year. I shouldn't miss mentioning the Uffizi museum, in which one visit is not enough. Food is excellent in many restaurants, too. Try going to Zaza's , a cosy restaurant with many dishes and genuine florence atmosphere.
—Guest timimit

My wife and I enjoy traveling through the Dolomites, seeing the fabulous vistas, small towns and villages. Life is laid-back, quieter. One of our favorite spots is the city of Bolzano/Bozen between Trento and the Alto Adige. Right off the main highway leading to the Brenner Pass the city is different than anywhere else in Italy. Having been a part of the Austrian Empire it still retains a distinct part of that heritage. Coupled to Bolzano's earlier, and more recent Italian connection you also get the flare of the Italian lifestyle. We visited during October, when the main square had numerous festive, harvest events laid out. Weather was cool yet very pleasant. The locals speak Italian and German equally well, many also speak excellent English. Restaurants and trattorias abound with a range of choices in foods, wines and beers. Besides scenery, there are several museums, fortezzas and "Otzi" the 5,000 year old hunter found under the ice several years ago. Well worth a couple of days.
—Guest Travails

We love Rome--its history is overwhelmingly beautiful. The grandeur of the Tuscan countryside fills the eye with a golden light. Siena speaks to the soul with surprises around every corner. The Amalfi Coast is breathtaking and Sorrento is restorative. We have had many wonderful experiences in Italy and hope for many more to come!
—Guest Annette

I went to Marche region, Provice of Ascoli Piceno, town of Arquarta Del Tronto- up in the mountains. Uriani Birthplace-
—Guest Rosalie Troilo

We went to Sorrento a few wks ago. People are so friendly food is great and view is spectacular. Vive Italia!!!
—Guest Annette

I love Venice. My husband and I went to Italy (Milan, Venice, Florence and Rome) for our honeymoon and I fell in love with Venice - just so beautiful and romantic. Can't wait to go back!
—Guest Maribel

I love the ancient ruins, so I have to say that bar-none, the Archeological Park in Baia was my absolute favorite. With hardly any tourists, the park has three vast terraces that overlook the sea. It's where the Emperors used to come for the summer, but not much else is known about this place anymore. So it's great for daydreaming and wandering in quiet.
—Guest Barbara

I am helplessly enamored of the heel of the boot. I always feel like I can just start walking and stop only when I want yet another fabulous meal.
—JudithinUmbria

The medieval magic of Umbria's Gubbio in truffle season is not to be missed. Truffles are so prevalent that you can sometimes catch a whiff of their perfume in the cool mountain air. The residents are justifiably proud of their truffles and their ceramics: both are exquisite.
—mdecatur

The Valley of the Temples (UNESCO site)right outside of Agrigento, Sicily will take your breath away. These are the best preserved Doric temples outside of Athens but it is the way the collection of Temples rises above the valley with the sea on one side, it is truely breath-taking. I was there in early May and it was still fairly hot. Be sure to arrive at 9am to tour as much as you can before the tour buses arrive and I am sure you too will be overwhelmed by the natural beauty and historic importance of these temples. At night the temples are light-up and are beautiful to behold. And then, to overwhelm your taste buds, head about an hour west to a seaside restaurant called Da Victoria outside of Salinunte. The black squid ink pasta is like nothing you have ever tasted.
—Guest Megan Schuster

Venice is a dream; Rome is larger than life, but Florence feels like home. There is such a wealth of art and beauty in the city, all you need do is walk; at every corner there is something to see and to savor. Over the past 35 years, my husband and I have returned again and again-- whenever we could eke out the time and money. In 1971 we took our 18 month old son with us. No mean feat when there were no pampers in Europe at the time. We loaded up a suitcase with disposable diapers and all the paraphernalia you needed to care for a baby, and rented an apartment in a town called Porto Santo Stefano, where we could commute to Florence nearly every day. (This was long before affordable vacation rental apartments were as widely available as they are now.) Our favorite square has always been Piazza Della Signoria. Treat yourself to a cocktail or a coffee at the elegant Rivoire cafe/candy shop on the square. We never fail to buy a souvenir in a gorgeous box for some lucky soul back home!
—Guest Judy

i am an american who has lived in milan for the past 8 months with my italian boyfriend. when its summer the most beautiful place is Positano on the Amalfi coast. But for a beach trip thats out of the ordinary travel destinations, go to Milano di Maritima south of Ravenna on the coast. The town is beautiful and so lively with people. A real upscale beach town and you will get the full experience. I think Milan is underrated as a city to visit and if you visit, go to www.labellacitta.com for insiders tips .
—elenamilano

My favorite place in Italy is the Island of Sardinia. Francesco Cetti, a monk from the 18th century, once said "In Italy you won’t find what you find in Sardinia and in Sardinia you won’t find what you find in Italy". And that's so very true...
—Guest Paolo

I love Rome and would go there if I could only go to one place. But Sicily has lots to offer, the most beautiful being Taomina. From here you can see Mount Etna on a clear day, and travel down the coast to Catania to see a more workaday city built largely from the dark gray lava stones from volcanic eruptions. The contrast between the beautiful sea and cliffs of Taormina with its low key resort atmosphere with the drama of Catania with its history of volcanic eruptions and dark stone architecture makes for a special Italian experience. We also enjoyed Cefalu, Palermo, Trapani and Agrimento. Sicilia has great food, lots of blue water, fishing villages and mountain towns, and some of the best Greek temples anywhere. We've gone back several times and would always go back if we had the chance.
—GGHusak

Martha Bakerjian
Italy Travel Guide