Where To Stay In Italy In 2024 – Your Ultimate Guide By Italy Experts

Italy is blessed with almost excessive attractions. It has luscious countryside, Alpine mountains, ancient ruins, adorable villages, scenic lakes, and beaches aplenty. With such a bounty, it can be difficult to figure out where to stay in Italy not just for first-time visitors, but repeat tourists as well.

We’ve been visiting Italy since 2004 because Gosia’s family lives here. We’ve visited the most famous places like Rome and Venice 3 and 4 times, respectively, but we’ve also had the pleasure of exploring less touristy destinations such as the Calabria region.

Depending on your preferences, we’ve got equally good recommendations for the adventure lovers and the sun worshippers.

In this post we’re going to cover all kinds of holiday styles, from best places to stay in Italy for culture and history to the best place to go for unblemished nature and spectacular beaches.

Where To Stay In Italy In A Nutshell

There’s a lot of ground to cover when it comes to exploring the best places to stay in Italy. If you’re a TL;DR (too long didn’t read 😅) kind of person, here’s a short intro to whet your appetite.

6 Best Cities To Stay In Italy

City breaks are often the most convenient to organise. All you need to do is fly into the local airport, and you’re there! If vibrant cosmopolitan life is what you’re after, here are the six metropolises we’ve most enjoyed visiting on our travels around the country.

#1 Rome – Best For First Timers And History Buffs. 

There are some cities we’ve visited where a long weekend seems like just enough time to see the major attractions without rushing about too much. Not Rome. There’s simply too much history and culture to absorb.

Rome is the best area to stay in Italy if you want to make a journey into the past, complete with some of the most impressive architecture and artwork that the country has to offer. 

(TIP: We love staying in the Trastevere neighbourhood, which is packed with charm and cool bars and restaurants.)

Things To Do In Rome

Staying In Rome Pros & Cons

#2 Florence – Best For Culture Vultures.

Known as the cradle of the Renaissance, Florence is an ode to a transformative time in European history when some of the world’s most legendary creators gathered under the patronage of the wealthy Medici family to create great art.

The city should also be on your shortlist of where to stay in Italy for honeymoon holidays, as the city’s Medieval streets, candlelit restaurants, and gorgeous sunset viewpoints perfectly set the mood for romance. 

(TIP: Fly to Florence if you’re planning also to visit Tuscany.)

Things To Do In Florence

Staying In Florence Pros & Cons 

#3 Venice – Best For Spectacular Architecture & Romance.

Venice was once known as La Serenissima, a nickname that seems inappropriate these days for a city that is far from serene given the density of tourists that flock to this floating world. 

It’s not surprising that the capital of the Veneto region attracts such volumes of people, given it’s rather like an NFT: unique and inimitable. From the majesty of the Grand Canal to the quaintness of the smaller waterways that cut through the island, it’s an irreplaceable treasure.

We’ve been to Venice 4 times, and even the fourth time, Venice took our breath away as we found it super romantic❤️. (TIP: Visit in October for less crowds and still sunny weather.)

Things To Do In Venice

Staying In Venice Pros and Cons

#4 Milan – Where to stay in Italy for Its Modern Side.

Milan is where to stay in Italy if you want a city that’s less touristy, is within easy reach of the country’s most famous lakes, and has all the modern conveniences. 

Admittedly, it may not be as charming as Venice, Florence, or even Rome. However, it does have thumping nightlife, a world-leading fashion scene, and the most famous opera house on the planet.

Things To Do In Milan

Staying In Milan Pros & Cons

#5 Bologna – One Of The Best Places To Stay In Italy For Food.

Bologna lays claim to having the oldest university in Europe. To this day, the city is enlivened by the buzz of student life, which lends a modern aspect to the striking traditional architecture that dominates downtown.

You may have heard that Bologna is famous for its food, but one of the most curious things we’ve found about the capital of Emilia-Romagna is that it’s not the kind of place you just walk into a restaurant and expect good eating. You must know where to go ahead of time, but when you do, mamma mia!

Things To Do In Bologna

Staying In Bologna Pros & Cons

#6 Naples – A Walk On The Wild Side.

Some people will tell you Naples is an awful dump. Others will tell you it’s an underrated gem. Our take is that it’s undeniably messy and loud and perhaps a bit intimidating, but it’s also vibrant and alive.

For people who like a grittier, less-polished approach to tourism, Naples is one of the best places to stay in Southern Italy. It’s also the gateway to some truly wonderful experiences, like the Roman town of Pompeii, the island of Capri, and the volcanic Mount Vesuvius.

Did we mention it’s also the birthplace of pizza? Surely that’s reason enough to go!

Things To Do In Naples

Staying In Naples Pros & Cons

Best Places To Stay In Italy On The Coast

Thanks to its distinctive boot-like shape, Italy is encircled by sea. That geographical fact has gifted the country with miles and miles of heart-stopping coastline where you’ll find some of the most romantic spots in Europe.

#7 Cinque Terre – Best For Instagrammers.

The colourful houses of the Cinque Terre (aka the Five Lands) are picture-perfect. Originally fishing villages, the communities on this stretch of the Italian Riviera have managed to preserve their quaint charm despite the influx of tourism.

This is where to stay in Italy if you want to spend a few lazy days slow travelling along the coast, picking your way through each of the Cinque Terre fuelled by gelato, fritto misto, and focaccia.

Cinque Terre is super pricey, but we felt like it was worth every Euro cent! If your budget allows it, we reccommend booking one of the hotels with a view.

 Things To Do In Cinque Terre

Staying In Cinque Terre Pros & Cons

#8 Amalfi Coast – Where to stay in Italy for Honeymooners.

This is where to stay in Italy for couples on a romantic vacay. It’s possibly the most beautiful piece of coastline in Italy thanks to a blend of adorable towns, turquoise waters, and verdant cliffs that slip into the sea.

The Amalfi Coast isn’t just for lovers, however. The region has something for almost everyone, no matter if your idea of the perfect getaway involves energetic hikes, shopping in independent boutiques, sunning yourself by the sea, or admiring architecture. 

We visited the Amalfi Coast as a weekend trip from Naples, and you can also combine it with Pompeii.

Things To Do On The Amalfi Coast

Staying On The Amalfi Coast Pros & Cons

#9 Puglia – Best For A Mixture Of Countryside And Coast

Occupying the so-called “heel of Italy,” Puglia is rarely top of anyone’s list of places to visit. To be honest, we’re not entirely sure why. It has rolling countryside, sandy beaches, and delicious rustic cuisine – factors that have attracted domestic Italian tourists for decades.

Perhaps the most unique aspect of Puglia is the white-washed trulli houses with conical roofs that pop up all over the countryside, but especially in the village Alberobello. 

Things To Do In Puglia

Staying In Puglia Pros & Cons

#10 Positano – Best For The High Life.

When people imagine cool places to stay in Italy, they often think of Positano. The town is trendy and stunning, with loads of tiny streets lined by pastel-coloured houses flowing like rivulets down towards the sea.

If you’re going to come here, you need to do it in style or become relegated to the mass tourism that overtakes the place in the warmer seasons. This isn’t a place to visit on a budget, but somewhere to let the purse strings flow free.

Things To Do In Positano

Staying In Positano Pros & Cons

Best Areas To Stay In Italy For Outdoor & Nature

If being beside the sea isn’t high on your list of must haves, there are several mountain ranges and fantastic inland lakes in the north of Italy that might float your boat.

#11 Lake Como – Best For Nature Lovers.

This is where to stay in Italy for a week if you want to experience the country’s most fashionable lake. Numerous historic villas dot the green hillsides, perched above the sparklingly blue water. Although you probably won’t run into George Clooney, there are plenty of opportunities to indulge your inner celebrity with sumptuous vistas that look like movie sets. 

Ferries between the main towns make it easy to get around, although be warned: during high season the wait to get on a boat can be extensive.

Things To Do On Lake Como

Staying On Lake Como Pros & Cons

#12 Dolomites – Best For Adventurers.

If you’re looking for a holiday with lots of outdoor activities, the Dolomites is where to stay in Italy. Hike, rock climb, ski, mountain bike, and raft your way through gorgeous scenery and unblemished nature.

You don’t have to be a fitness fanatic to enjoy the Dolomites, with plenty of walking trails that are suitable for families with young children. On the other hand, if you want to test your mettle, we recommend joining a tour that explores the via ferrata climbing routes, which involve scrambling over rock ledges with the support of anchored cables. It’s thrilling, but not for the faint of heart!

Things To Do In The Dolomites

Staying In The Dolomites Pros & Cons

#13 Lake Garda – Best Place To Stay In Italy With Family.

Lake Garda is Italy’s largest lake, stretching 52 kilometres from the mountainous northern end to the more resort-like southern end. Although it doesn’t have the splendid villas of Lake Como, there are still some charming towns to explore.

Of the three major lakes, Lake Garda is where to stay in Italy with family. There are lots of fun water-based activities to keep children occupied, plus several theme parks in the vicinity to choose from.

Things To Do On Lake Garda

Staying On Lake Garda Pros & Cons

#14 Lake Maggiore – Best For Island Hopping.

Spend any amount of time around Lake Maggiore and you’ll notice a lot of the area bears the name of Borromeo. That’s because the Borromeo family managed to acquire a lot of the land hereabouts, consolidating it into their own unofficial fiefdom and using their riches to build some truly stunning monuments over the centuries.

The most impressive of these monuments are located on Isola Bella and Isola Madre, but there’s also more to see than just the islands.

Things To Do On Lake Maggiore

Staying On Lake Maggiore Pros & Cons

Where To Stay In Italy For Beaches

There are lovely beaches scattered throughout Italy, but here we’ve chosen some of our favourite places for sandy seashores.

#15 Sardinia – Best For Unique Places To Stay In Italy.

One of the best areas to stay in Italy for good weather and great beaches, Sardinia is all about the laidback vibes. 

As long as you avoid the peak summer season in July and August, you’ll find the beaches busy but not overcrowded, with plenty of sun to boost that golden-brown tan. 

Things To Do In Sardinia:

Staying In Sardinia Pros & Cons

#16 Sicily – Best For Cheapest Places To Stay In Italy.

You could easily spend two full weeks exploring all that Sicily has to offer, from the fascinating cities of Syracuse and Palermo to the chichi resort towns like Taormina (most recently featured in season two of the White Lotus).

Of course, there is also the amazing array of little beaches, notched into cliffsides and bays. Purchase a bottle of the fruity local wine, park up on the sand, and spend the day dozing to the sound of gently lapping waves.

Things To Do In Sicily

Staying In Sicily Pros & Cons

#17 Rimini – Best For Spotless Sand And Scorching Sun.

Rimini boasts one of the nicest beaches in the whole of Italy. There’s something for everyone on the 15 kilometres of sandy coast, from shallow bathing areas that are perfect for families to stretches full of bars that cater for party people.

Although Rimini is principally a seaside resort, the metropolis also lays claim to being the birthplace of Italy’s most famous director, Federico Fellini. A fancy new museum dedicated to him opened just a couple of years ago, adding a new dimension to the city.

Things To Do In Rimini

Staying In Rimini Pros & Cons

Where To Stay In Italy: FAQs

How many days in Italy is enough?

If you only want to see the “main highlights,” you could whip round in about two weeks, but you’d miss a hell of a lot. Instead, we’d recommend breaking your exploration of this beautiful country into several holidays. 

What part of Italy should I stay in?

That depends what kind of vacation you’re after. Florence is where to stay in Italy if you like being in a bustling city surrounded by atmospheric buildings. Alternatively, you could head to the Dolomites for a rural, adventure-based getaway. 

What is the prettiest area in Italy?

Every person who has visited Italy probably has their own answer to that question. Personally, we were enchanted by the Amalfi Coast, which is brimming with picture-perfect towns and delicious seafood restaurants. Go in the off season to avoid the crowds.

Where should I go for my first time in Italy?

This is an easy one: Rome. It’s hand-down the best location to stay in Italy for first timers. The capital is full of history, has tons to see, and there’s a buzzing food and drink scene to keep you refreshed and energised.

Where to stay in Italy on a budget?

Naples is one of the most budget-friendly places to visit in Italy. The accommodation is affordable, flights are a steal, and meals can be cheaply purchased from local trattorias and pizzerias. It’s also a good base for Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius, and the beach.

How much money do I need for 1 week in Italy?

That really depends on where you visit. Positano, Venice, and Lake Como, for example, are much pricier destinations than the Dolomites, Sicily, or Naples. As a VERY rough guide, we spent about €300 per day for two people, including accommodation.

What is the best way of getting around Italy?

Hiring a car is a great way to great around Italy. It allows you to visit more of the smaller villages and towns that aren’t well served by public transport, plus you can set your own schedule.

Where To Stay In Italy: Conclusion

Our trips to Italy have always been full of fun and adventure. Although some parts of the country may appeal more to your sensibilities than others, there’s no wrong choice of city or region to visit!