There is much more to amazing Italy besides Rome. It's a land full of ancient cities, great lakes, and a beautiful coastline. However, that's just the tip of the iceberg that awaits you to discover it. Most people equal Italy to Rome, as its capital, a city full of history, loved for its museums, food, and fashion. But what about the other best places to visit in Italy? Let's focus on that, as you might be surprised by the variety, even beyond our top ten list.

10. Milan

Although Milan has many exciting areas, it all revolves around fashion! This is a paradise if you love designer clothes, as the leading shopping mall, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, is also the oldest. 

The mall has been built to be a passageway from Teatro Alla Scala – the famous Milan Opera House to the Piazza del Duomo. Dominating the square is Milan's beautiful Cathedral Il Duomo, with a gorgeous roof and breathtaking views.

9. Capri Island

A stunning small island next to the beautiful and Mesmerizing Amalfi Coast is well known as a celebrity spotlight during the summer. Capri has a famous Marina Grande and Marina Piccola, where jet-setters dock their yachts while visiting. Also, the marina offers a variety of excellent restaurants and clubs. Arriving with a vessel is perfect because you can explore the stunning surroundings.

However, the only way to reach Capri is by sea, so if you don't rent a boat, you'll have to take a ferry to the island. Stunning natural beauty and world-class shopping are reasons enough to visit Capri. Moreover, it's famous for its delicious cuisine, especially its Ravioli Caprese.

8. Pisa

Pisa is in Tuscany, on the Arno River near the Ligurian Sea. The city's architecture is exciting, with several churches and bridges across the river. However, the main attraction is the world-famous Leaning Tower. Located on the Square of Miracles called Campo dei Miracoli or Piazza dei Miracoli, this church bell tower defies gravity.

The tower's main problem was the unstable foundation on soft ground unsuitable for supporting the structure's weight. Hence, the monument started to lean until it reached a nearly four-degree angle. Why it hasn't fallen down, the scientists are unsure yet.

7. Elba Island

Elba Island has a different reputation than the much larger Sicily and Sardinia. Known for its wild nature, this beautiful island harbored the French Emperor Napoleon while he was in exile. However, the stunning Elba has a long history since it was inhabited from Etruscan times. 

Moreover, its beautiful coastline with numerous hidden secluded beaches and crystal clear waters is breathtaking. Also, this is a perfect place for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. Among other loved outdoor activities are hiking and mountain biking.

6. Skiing Resorts

Italy is among the best skiing destinations in Europe. The variety of ski slopes fitted for beginners and expert ski fanatics make it the ideal winter holiday spot. Small and cozy skiing villages are connected with the lifts and trails, so you have many slopes to enjoy.

Among charming mountain villages and towns, there are several of them with a worldwide reputation. One of those places is Cortina D'Ampezzo. A beautiful tiny settlement in the valley is the place for jet-setters, offering luxury accommodation and various off-snow activities. The excellent slopes are part of the Dolomiti Superski area. Italy also has the highest-altitude hotel in Europe!

5. Sicily Island

Although Sicily is known as the home base of the Cosa Nostra or Sicilian Mafia, the reality is quite the opposite. The island has stunning beaches and a perfect sea, making it one of the favorite summer escapes for European tourists.

The main tourist attractions are based between the two towns. One is the Palermo region, with sandy beaches and a bit of wild sea. The second tourist spot is around Taormina, a beautiful little town on the hillside. At its foot is a lovely, charming seaside town, Taormina Mare, as the two are connected by the gondola. This part has mixed pebbly and sandy beaches with calm, clear waters. Moreover, the island has an active volcano Etna which attracts many visitors.

4. Verona

Who has yet to hear about the tragic love between William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet? According to the story, they fell in love in Verona and ended their lives there. The city and surrounding area have built tourist attractions revolving around this famous romantic tragedy. So one of the main draws is Juliet's house, with a balcony and her statue in the courtyard, which you should rub to find happiness in love.

The city on the Adige River is quite charming, with an old town and narrow streets. Moreover, it has quite a few ancient monuments that are worth visiting. One is the genuinely breathtaking Verona Arena, from AD 30, built from pink limestone. Today, this is the place for opera performances and concerts.

3. Alpine Lakes

North of Italy is mountainous and dominated by the breathtaking Alps, including highland peaks and stunning glacial lakes. The scenery is mesmerizing, as the high crests covered with snow guard the lakes' peaceful settings. The largest one of the eight existing is Lake Garda. It's a favorite weekend getaway spot for the residents of the surrounding places. During the summer, the lake offers many water activities. 

Moreover, throughout the year, people love to visit it for fresh air, historical monuments and spas, and the theme park Gardaland. The main attraction is Sirmione, a charming little town on the lake's south coast. Among the most popular ones is Lake Como, one of the deepest lakes with idyllic Roman Villas on its shores. However, this location is also well-known because celebrities have homes on the lake's coastline.

2. Sardinia Island

The island is well known among the stars, as it lures tourists during the summer with its beautiful white beaches and clear waters. However, the island is different depending on where you're on it. To make things simpler, let's divide it into the north and south parts.

The north part is a luxury mecca for high society, with stunning white sandy beaches and a turquoise sea as the main characteristics. This island region has many luxury resorts to spoil even the most demanding guests. However, southern Sardinia has more modest accommodations and a wilder nature, so it's not a tourist spot. Nevertheless, we must stress that both areas are exquisite and are things to see in Italy. The food here is excellent, though you might want to avoid Casu Marzu.

1. Florence

This charming city once was the essential art center, as it was the cradle of the Renaissance. So today, it's much more like the museum in the open, with some of the unique places to visit in Italy. There are many historical monuments and statues from its golden era at every step. Florence owes much of its glory to the influential Medici family, who invested in art since the 15th century.

Florence is also a homeplace to two significant museums. The Galleria dell' Accademia, or Gallery of the Academy of Florence, is a small museum with a great treasure, Michelangelo's statue of David. The second important museum is the Gallery Uffizi or Galleria Degli Uffizi, which holds priceless artwork mainly from the Italian Renaissance. Moreover, the old town is awe-inspiring with stunning Palazzo Vecchio town hall, the Florence Cathedral, Palazzo Pitti, and much more, all wrapped up with fountains and charming squares. Therefore, this might be the best place to be in Italy!

We are yet to cover Venice, Napoli, Sanremo, and many other exciting places to visit, as there's much more to see in this country. Therefore, we leave you to discover splendid natural sites on your own, but also skiing resorts, spas, historical sites, museums, etc. Just name it, as Italy has it all!

Have you ever visited this gorgeous country? What did you like the most in our top ten? Please write to us in the comments below, as we would like to hear your thoughts. 

Cover photo: TopTens.fun/Midjourney