30 Unique Things to Do in Italy in 2024

This is a guest post by Abigail Dalton.

Italy’s on everyone’s bucket list — and for good reason. But with so many places and activities to enjoy, where do you start?

If you’re looking for the best things to do in Italy, you’ve hit the jackpot here. Between myself, Kristin, and Ashley, we’ve explored Italy extensively, both solo and with company, and we feel confident that these top 30 things to do in Italy are going to blow your mind:

Table of Contents

1. Three-Island-Hopping in Lake Maggiore

You might have already heard of Lake Como, which became famous as a popular film shooting location, but its sister lake to the east is just as magnificent and a favorite of ours.

While exploring the lake, we visited the three Borromean Islands. These are open to the public and host exciting opportunities, such as the enchanting botanical gardens, the Borromean Palace, market stalls, and plenty of restaurants to fill your tummies along winding cobbled streets.

The best way to do this is to purchase a hop-on-hop-off boat ticket for €15, which will allow you to spend the whole day visiting the islands at your own pace. There are a few towns where you can grab the boat, but the best is Stresa.

Keep in mind that there is an entrance fee at two of the islands: Isola Madre (€17) and Isola Bella (€20). Isola Pescatori houses the market stalls and restaurants and is free to enter.

2. Visit the Gardens of Villa Taranto in Verbania

North of the Borromean Islands is the scenic town of Verbania, whose best part is the Gardens of Villa Taranto.

We love botanical gardens and have visited our fair share throughout the years, including famous ones like Singapore’s Botanical Gardens, but the Gardens of Villa Taranto are our favorites above all others.

Set against the Alps and immaculately maintained throughout all seasons, the gardens, created by a Scottish sea captain Neil McEacharn in 1931, are a fantastic blend of passion and botanical mastery, with an easy-to-follow route. They cost €13 to enter.

There is also a small café for refreshments set near a small pond — but make sure you take mosquito spray, as we got quite a few bites sitting there!

3. Explore Orta San Giulio and the Island Monastery

Located on the southern fringes of Lake Orta is this charming historic town, with two focal points: Isola San Giulio and Sacro Monte di Orta.

The Sacred Mountain (Sacro Monte) complex includes numerous chapels and a sanctuary, containing religious art beginning from the late 16th century and continuing over several centuries.

Isola San Giulio, on the other hand, is a quaint island, one we highly recommend visiting. From the Piazza Motta, you can jump on a boat for €5 to take you to the teeny island, which houses the Basilica di San Giulio, founded in the fourth century. The town’s tranquil atmosphere and the basilica’s historical and spiritual importance make it a captivating destination that’s perfect for a day trip if you’re visiting the nearby lakes.

You’ll only need 40 minutes to explore the island. Spend the rest of your time wandering through the town, grab a bite at Al Boeuc Restaurant, and enjoy a scenic walk along the lake.

4. Hike Lys Glacier in the Valsesia Valley

The breathtaking Valsesia Valley, located in the Piedmont region in northern Italy, is a true gem nestled in the Alps.

From here you can embark on a hike to the famous Ghiacciaio del Lys (Lys Glacier) on the Monte Rosa massif, the second-highest mountain range in the Alps. This glacier is accessible from the Capanna Gnifetti (Gnifetti Hut), a popular base for mountaineers and hikers exploring the region.

If you don’t fancy the full hike, multiple marked trails take you into the mountains from Alagna Valsesia. We walked along the river to White Waterfall before continuing along the path until Refugio Pastore, which in total was around six hours of beautiful hiking.

5. See Sacro Monte UNESCO Site in Varallo

At the base of the Valsesia Valley is the town of Varallo, home to another fantastic attraction. Sacro Monte is adorned with 45 chapels, each housing life-sized sculptures and frescoes depicting scenes from the life of Christ, together creating a spiritual and visually captivating pilgrimage site.

It’s possible to catch a cable car (€5) to the top of the sacred mountain, but you can also walk: it should only take you around 20 minutes.

As for Varallo itself, it’s got a wonderful mix of history, culture, and alpine beauty. You’ll notice the Sesia River running along the town’s edge, and Torrente Mastallone through its heart. There is a small beach area accessible via a metal staircase, perfect for skimming stones and dipping hot feet into the cool, aquamarine water.

The town is filled with beautiful boutique shopping and delicious eateries, including a small pizzeria, Ristorante Grotta Azzurra. Opposite you will find Gambrinus Pub, which has a lively atmosphere. Further down the street is Frigidarium, an ice cream shop serving a delicious pistachio flavor. Just make sure you understand Italy’s operating hours, which may differ from home!

6. See Cinque Terre’s Five UNESCO Villages

Cinque Terre is a stunning location that has drawn visitors in for years. It consists of five picturesque, pastel-colored villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore, all nestled along the rugged coastline. The national park is also well known for its stunning landscapes and hiking trails, which offer breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.

For us, the village of Corniglia was our favorite, but we also enjoyed Monterosso al Mare. It’s possible to catch a train between the villages; however, most tourists opt to hike along the coastal path, known as the Blue Route, which links them.

That said, I would urge you to experience Cinque Terre National Park via the High Mountain Path (see the next entry).

7. Hike the High Mountain Path in Cinque Terre

The High Mountain Path, also known as the Red Route, runs from Riomaggiore to Portovenere. It’s a stunning route that takes you above the villages and through the heart of the national park.

I wouldn’t advise this route if you want to visit the villages, though, as reaching them will be a tremendous effort — you are very high and they are very low — but for a purely scenic hike, this is one of the best activities in Italy.

Portvenere also deserves a mention. It’s a less busy village than the five UNESCO sites, and in all honesty, we enjoyed it more than most of the villages. It’s got a quirky charm and would make a great base for exploring Cinque Terre!

8. Relax at Marina di Bibbona’s Neverending Beach

Why visit Marina di Bibbona’s Neverending Beach? For starters, it’s easily accessible, which is uncharacteristic of the Italian beaches we experienced, and runs for miles along the coast. The sunset was directly over the water, the sand was soft (not pebbled), and with hardly any tourists about in early October, we felt like we were in a dream.

If you love a natural beach and are looking for somewhere that attracts more local tourism, Marina di Bibbona could be for you.

9. Explore Monte Argentario

We spent 10 days moving around the island of Monte Argentario to experience the various beaches: La Cacciarella, Caletta dell’amore, Cala del Gesso, Cala Piccola, Le Cannelle, La Acqua Dolce, and Feniglia. ( I would recommend Feniglia.)

For the most part, they are wonderfully remote, cozy, pebble-lined beaches with clear turquoise waters shadowed by rugged cliffs, and not a soul to be seen.

One important thing to note is that the beaches are not easy to access and require hiking along narrow and overgrown rugged paths from the island’s main circular road. If hiking isn’t your thing, there are a handful of other beaches in the area that are easier to reach, such as Marina di Bibbona (mentioned above).

10. Brunch with Super Yachts in Porto Santo Stefano

In between all that beach-hopping, you might be interested in exploring one of the nearby towns on Monte Argentario. A good option is Porto Santo Stefano.

The coastal gem is home to pastel-hued buildings and panoramic sea views. It’s a charming town, perfect for brunching among the super yachts gracing its vibrant harbour.

There are also a handful of interesting attractions, such as the historic Fortress of Porto Santo Stefano overlooking the town and island excursions to either Giglio or Giannutri.

11. Relax at the Cascate del Mulino Natural Hot Springs

Surrounded by the Tuscan countryside and reaching over 37°C, the thermal pools here provide an unforgettable and rejuvenating experience.

Roadside parking costs €3.5 per hour; a rented locker should you need one is €5. There’s a small café nearby that offers showers for €2. Otherwise it’s just you and nature, baby!

12. Drive around Medieval Villages in the Chianti Valley

The scenic landscape of Tuscany was one of the most memorable parts of our Italy road trip. If you can do it, we think the best way to explore the area is by car, hopping around the medieval villages at your own pace.

Specifically, with its rustic beauty, cypress-lined roads, and stone-built hamlets, you’ll be transported to a bygone era of simplicity in the Chianti Valley, which we absolutely loved. There are countless places to visit there, but a handful of our favorites include San Gusme, Gaiole in Chianti, Panzano in Chianti, Greve in Chianti, and Montefioralle.

Keep in mind that during the low season, most shops close around lunchtime and won’t reopen until 2 or 3pm. With cafés and restaurants in smaller villages likely to be closed all day (except for restaurants opening for a few hours in the evening), you’ll need to plan your trip well. On Sundays and Mondays mostly everything will be closed.

13. See the Gladiator Film Location in Pienza

Before we venture further into the Chianti Valley, I wanted to share Pienza with you. In my mind, it’s the best place in Italy for awe-inspiring sunsets and just so happens to be one of the shooting locations for the hit film Gladiator.

That aside, Pienza is a dreamy haven of Renaissance beauty. It’s centered around an old town, which is walled in and filled with slender, cobbled lanes and honey-colored buildings; the village is also renowned for its pecorino cheese and captivating architecture.

14. Marvel at Brolio Castle and Vineyards

This castle has witnessed centuries of history and restoration, including battles and the Renaissance. Inside, you’ll find a beautifully designed chapel and grounds to walk around. It costs €7 to enter the inner walls of the castle and explore the gardens, which includes a wine tasting. It’s also possible to take a variety of guided tours depending on your interests.

Although the main buildings are closed to the public, as it continues to be used as the Ricasoli family residence, the views from the castle are breathtaking. From the terrace, you’ll be able to see the vineyards, which take up 240 hectares, plus 26 olive groves.

15. Climb Torre Grossa Tower in San Gimignano

The skyline of San Gimignano is punctuated by imposing towers, giving it a unique and breathtaking charm. The towers were initially constructed by wealthy families as status symbols, showcasing their power, wealth, and influence. The taller the tower, the more wealth you had!

Torre Grossa Tower is the tallest in town, offering breathtaking panoramic views overlooking the medieval architecture and Tuscan landscape below.

The towers aren’t the only attractions in San Gimignano. Other activities include visiting the Torture Museum and Archaeological Museum. You could also visit the Duomo (cathedral) and the Sacred Art Museum alongside the St. Lawrence Church.

I recommend purchasing the San Gimignano Pass, which is a combined ticket valid for two days, for €16.50, which includes all the civic museums, the Duomo, the Sacred Art Museum, and St. Lawrence Church.

It’s also possible to join group, walking, and countryside tours that focus on the history of the town; you can even go on a wine-tasting tour.

16. Indulge in Delicious Italian Gelato

Gelato is churned at a slower speed than ice cream, making it denser and silkier. It’s also served at a slightly warmer temperature, giving it that fantastic creamy texture. It also has a lower butterfat content, so the taste is not quite as rich.

To tell the difference when you’re out on the streets, you’ll have to look for shops that sell their gelato in metal containers set within the tables — this keeps it at a regular temperature. You will also only get natural flavors, so no crazy deep blue concoctions, I’m afraid!

Head to Gelateria Dondoli in the center of town and pick up your naughty treat. The flavors, such as cream with saffron and pine nuts or pink grapefruit and sparkling wine, are what sets this gelateria apart from others.

17. Go Boutique and Art Shopping in Siena

If you’re looking for a place to go shopping in central Italy, this is it.

The city in the heart of the Chianti region has a fantastic shopping and artsy vibe. In its core, you’ll find streets lined with boutique shops offering everything from local designs to stylish Italian fashion. You’ll also notice Siena’s bubbling vibrant art scene, showcasing classic masterpieces and contemporary creations.

We stopped by an independent jeweler, where we met a lovely designer called Alessandro, who crafted beautiful pieces. We got to chatting and learned all about his craft and passion for the process. If you’re on the hunt for some unique pieces, be sure to check out Alvian_Sculpt_Jewels.

18. Indulge in a Tuscan Wine-Tasting Experience

If you drink, there is no way you can visit Italy without indulging in a wine-tasting extravaganza. The country is famous for it, among other things, and wine tastings while visiting vineyards is the epitome of experiencing Italian culture.

Throughout Italy, you’ll have ample opportunity to join tastings, but Tuscany, with its green hills and picturesque vineyards, stands out as one of the best places to embark on your vinous adventure.

Here are a selection of highly rated tours we recommend checking out:

From Florence: Tuscany Wine & Food Tour with Guide
From Siena: Educational Wine Tour & Tasting
From San Gimignano: Wine-Tasting Experience

19. Go Truffle Hunt in Tuscany

Another popular thing to do in Italy is truffle hunting, and just like a wine-tasting experience, no Italian adventure is complete without the earthy charm of truffles. Did you know that these fungi are sniffed out by specially trained dogs in orchards? It’s an incredible process between nature, dogs, and truffle hunters.

You’ll encounter ample opportunities to embark on truffle-hunting escapades. However, if you’re seeking the crème de la crème of such an experience in Tuscany, head to San Miniato, famous for its white truffles.

Most excursions will include foraging, a meal, and local wines. Below are my three recommendations for you:

From San Miniato: Truffle Hunting Experience with Lunch
From Asissi: Truffle Hunt & Bio Lunch
From Florence: Truffle Hunting in Tuscany with Lunch

That said, it’s outside of Tuscany, in the regions of Piedmont and Umbria where you’ll find the best truffles. If you fancy a bit of an adventure, these are havens for truffle enthusiasts, offering amazing experiences in places like Alba and Assisi.

20. Climb The Duomo in Florence

The Duomo, officially known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, is a stunning feat of Renaissance architecture and a truly superb symbol of Florence’s artistic and historical grandeur. It’s got an epic dome, designed by Brunelleschi, and a façade adorned with intricate marble.

You can simply walk around the plaza for free, but I would suggest purchasing tickets to climb the Dome or Bell Tower and to enter the cathedral.

Here are your ticket options:

Brunelleschi Pass for €30 – all access for 3 days
Giotto Pass for €20 – all access (excluding Dome) for 3 days
Ghiberti Pass for €15 – all access (excluding Dome and Bell Tower) for 3 days

21. Join an Italian Street Food Tour

The best way to discover the hidden gems of Florence is on a city tour, and the best type, in my opinion, always contains food. So when we were looking for the optimal way to explore the back streets of Florence, we decided that an Italian street food tour with a local guide would be a good bet.

As far as tours go, we enjoyed this one the most! We were introduced to a variety of delicacies, including homemade ragu pasta and breaded tomato soup, salami sandwiches, gelato, “cuddles” (a sort of small breakfast bun), biscuits dipped in sweet wine, and olive oil and balsamic tastings, among others.

22. Take A Day Trip From Florence to Pisa

Some people say it’s not worth visiting Pisa, as it’s a tourist trap, but we actually had a lovely time wandering around there. We visited the iconic Leaning Tower, of course, but also enjoyed strolling around the Piazza dei Miracoli, the complex in which it sits, before exploring the city’s side streets.

Did you know that the Leaning Tower wasn’t always leaning? It started to tilt during construction due to the soft foundation soil. Over the centuries, engineers and architects have worked to stabilize and correct its lean so it doesn’t collapse!

I would recommend you wander around the town as well, maybe after enjoying a fantastic pizza at Quarto D’ora Italiano. Stroll along the Arno River and visit Pisa’s Cathedral and the Camposanto Monumentale, an ancient cemetery, before returning to Florence.

23. Rent a Fiat 500 and Explore the Italian Riviera

The Italian Riviera doesn’t get nearly as many mentions as it should, but I’m here to tell you that it’s amazing. It’s an area nestled between the Ligurian Sea and the lush hills and is filled, much like Cinque Terre, with picturesque villages and pastel-colored buildings hugging the shoreline.

The best way to explore is by car, as you’ll get the freedom to move around at your own pace. And what better way than in a Fiat 500? Flagged as the iconic Italian car, it has a certain charm and retro style that has become a symbol of the nation’s motoring culture.

Portofino, a real gem along the Riviera, is a picturesque fishing village filled with sophistication and charm. Some other popular spots include Santa Margherita Ligure, Sanremo, and Camogli.

24. Walk to the Hilltop of Sanremo

Sanremo is a superb little town renowned for its blend of glamour and tranquillity. Famous for the annual Sanremo Music Festival, it boasts an elegant casino, Belle Epoque architecture, and a delightful seafront promenade.

Head for Panorama Galilei, an observation area at the very top of Sanremo. Here you will find panoramic views of the sparkling Ligurian Sea and the charming rooftops of the town below.

To reach this location, walk through the old town, better known as La Pigna. This historic quarter has a unique character marked by a medieval layout of narrow, winding streets and towering, squashed buildings, creating an unusual and atmospheric experience.

At times, that area did come across as a little dangerous, and is not somewhere I would recommend visiting after dark or early morning. However, don’t let that put you off — it is certainly an interesting place to wander around during the day.

25. Wander the Cobbled Streets of Dolceacqua

Dolceacqua is a hidden gem and captivating medieval village with a fairy-tale charm, famous for its ancient stone bridge and the historic Castle of Doria, dating back to the 12th century.

For €6, it’s possible to explore inside its ancient walls, climb its towers for panoramic views, and delve into the rich history that echoes through the castle’s courtyards and stone passageways.

Walking around the town’s alleyways is a fun experience too. They are much lighter and better maintained than Sanremo’s, making them feel safer and less daunting.

If you’re into art, here’s an interesting fact: the famous artist Claude Monet painted The Castle of Dolceacqua in 1884, portraying the stone bridge and castle. You’ll notice his style being replicated in the art shops here.

We enjoyed our pizza at La Dolcevita Bar Pizzeria before popping into Tornatore Ivo to try the local olive oil and wines. Finish your day by soaking in the romantic ambience of this timeless Italian gem of a town.

26. Hike the Path of the Gods in Amalfi Coast

Sure, you can eat your weight in pasta and gelato in Italy. But if you want to balance that with a good sweat, the Path of the Gods hike on the Amalfi Coast is a must. The trail is only about four miles long, taking about 2-2.5 hours to complete in each direction. For the best views, do the hike from east to west, starting in Bomerano and ending in Nocelle. Plus, the hike is slightly downhill in this direction, so it’s a bit easier.

Here’s a complete guide to the Path of the Gods hike, including how to get to the trail, the best lookout spots, and where to stay.

27. Visit St. Mark’s Square at Sunrise in Venice

No trip to Venice is complete without catching a sunrise at St. Mark’s Square (aka Piazza San Marco). Why? Three of the most iconic buildings in Venice are located here: the Doge’s Palace, Torre dell’Orlogio, and St. Mark Basilica. These can get crowded during the day, so seeing them cast with shades of orange and yellow at sunrise is a great way to admire their beauty before the madness of the day begins.

This is just one of the many incredible things to do in Venice. Don’t miss it!

28. Join a City Walking Tour in Milan

Milan may be the fashion capital of Italy, but that might be the least interesting thing about this centuries-old city! There’s a lot of ground to cover here, and it can be overwhelming to try to see everything. That’s why a city tour is a fabulous option for ambitious travelers who want to get the most out of Milan.

This Milanese immersive walking tour is a dream because it includes places where locals hang out and some areas that aren’t so touristy. If you want a more traditional tour, with all the Milan must-sees, here are a few more:

29. Hike through the Dolomites in South Tyrol

You wouldn’t visit Switzerland without hiking through the Alps, so you shouldn’t go to Italy without experiencing the Dolomites. I don’t make the rules! There is so much to love about South Tyrol during any season, so it’s a worthy stop year-round. Find out how to make the most out of your visit here.

30. Scale the Dolomites “Via Ferrata”

Last but not least, adventurous travelers will love scaling boulders at Via Ferrata. Not only can you get your adrenaline pumping in the Dolomites this way, but you’ll enjoy incredible views the entire time. While some travelers to Italy stick to Rome, Lake Como, or the coast, others yearn for a more daring experience. This is it! Here’s everything you need to know about rock climbing in the Dolomites.

I hope you have the best time in Italy. Happy travels!

About the author: Abigail Dalton is the travel writer behind I’m Going on an Adventure. She focuses on world travel and outdoor adventure, relating firsthand experiences to help her readers plan their perfect travel and make the best memories.