Exploring The Most Picturesque Places In Italy

Many people will argue that some of the most beautiful places in Italy are also some of the most beautiful places in the world. It is home to unique and stunning natural wonders, show-stopping art, and remnants of the ancient world, headlined by one of the Seven Official Wonders of the World—the Colosseum.

If you have been toying with the idea of finally investing in a camera to document your exciting and memorable travels, there is no better time than now to visit a photography retailer, like C.R. Kennedy Photo Imaging, to purchase a camera for your dream Italian vacation.

Golfo di Orosei, Sardinia

If you are after sandy beaches and fruity cocktails with paper umbrellas, Golfo di Orosei is not the place for you. The beauty found here is in the raw and untouched natural world ready to be explored. Wild, breathtaking, and slightly dangerous, some of Sardina’s most beautiful and hard-to-reach coves can be found along this stretch of the Tyrrhenian Sea coastline.

The best way to explore these parts is via water. Hire a zodiac boat to drop you on the Cala Marioulu or swim the waters of the Piscine di Venere or the Pools of Venus, a scenic masterpiece worthy of its name.

Basilica di San Vitale, Ravenna

Students of art history and lovers of art, in general, will be very familiar with the glittering gold and colored mosaics that adorn the walls and ceilings of the sixth-century Basilica di San Vitale, which was initially built when Ravenna was still part of Byzantium.

Officially classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, very few places will offer more iconic and timeless views in the Western art scene. Spot the hand of God emerging from the clouds to stop the sacrifice of Isaac and Emporer Justinian and Empress Theodora adorned in their full regalia.

Ortigia, Sicily

Escape the bustling crowds flocking to Taormina and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Ortigia. Its narrow, charming streets, steeped in ancient history, offer a peaceful retreat from the touristy hustle and bustle.

This island, located opposite Siracusa, has been inhabited since the 14th century B.C.E., with impressive architectural structures to prove it. A trip to this unique location offers the chance to explore ancient Greek temples, baroque cathedrals, and one of the most beautiful promenades in the country. 

Lago di Braies, South Tyrol

Nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts alike will appreciate the raw beauty and unmatched scenic views of the Dolomites, a famous mountain range located in northeastern Italy. While there are numerous spots to take in the panoramic views along the sprawling mountain range, the high-altitude lake known as Lago di Braies in South Tyrol looks like it was plucked straight out of a storybook.

The still, blue-green water, perfectly framed by a snow-capped mountain backdrop, is an Alpine scene that pictures simply don't do justice to. The more daring adventurers among us will enjoy a refreshing dip in the lake during the summer months, but a simple lakeside picnic lunch is more than enough to drink in this glistening view.

Fioritura of Castelluccio di Norcia, Umbria

If you time your trip to Umbria just right, you will be rewarded with a scenic view worthy of a place in an art museum. The blooming seasonal wildflowers on the vast plains of Castelluccio will instantly make you feel like you are living in a movie.

While the flowers are somewhat supported by human interference, the never-ending kaleidoscope of vibrant red poppies, shining yellow tulips, striking blue cornflowers, and an array of other floral beauties is enough to bring euphoric delight to any visitor.

Val d’Orcia, Tuscany

The stunning landscape of Tuscany showcases its glory in the Val d’Orcia, the rustic area south of Siena famous for its picturesque landscapes of fields rippling in the wind, rolling hills, manicured vineyards, and satisfying rows of Cyprus trees.

Well-known towns in this area include Pienza, Montepulciano, and Montalcino, which seemingly appear on the horizon out of nowhere. Visitors can enjoy hearty red wines, cured meats, and aged cheeses produced in the valley.

House of Vetti, Pompeii

History lovers everywhere will be doing themselves an injustice if they skip the world-famous House of Vetti in Pompeii. This newly reopened monument, which was subject to closure thanks to a decades-long restoration project, perfectly portrays how the other half lived during the first century C.E., before the historic eruption of Mount Vesuvius.

An impressive and often unknown fact about this ostentatious palatial home is that the owners were freed slaves, a remarkable testament to the social mobility of ancient communities. Graphic frescoes located in various parts of the house leave little to the imagination and offer illustrated evidence of some of the risque events that took place within its walls.

Duomo di Milano, Milan

The façade of Duomo di Milano, the largest cathedral in Italy, is adorned with intricate details unmatched by anything found in modern architecture. It is the ideal example of Gothic perfection that dominates this large piazza, lined with historic buildings that feel like expansive works of art.

A trip to the top of Duomo not only allows you to get an up-close view of the impressive stonework design, but it also offers an unobstructed panoramic view of the bustling city below.