Italy has an extraordinary ability to make you feel as though you’ve entered a completely different country without ever crossing a border.
In Rome, ancient monuments and magnificent piazzas are part of everyday life. Along the Ligurian coast, colourful fishing villages sit between green hills and the Mediterranean Sea. Travel south to Puglia, and you’ll discover historic towns surrounded by turquoise waters that look almost tropical.
These three destinations reveal just how different a holiday in Italy can be.
1. Rome: A City Where History Is Everywhere
Few places capture the elegance of Rome quite like the Spanish Steps. Built in the 18th century, the monumental staircase connects Piazza di Spagna with the church of Trinità dei Monti, creating one of the most recognisable scenes in Italy.
But the real pleasure of visiting Rome often lies in what surrounds its famous landmarks.
A short walk from the Spanish Steps takes you through elegant shopping streets, past centuries-old churches and towards the Trevi Fountain. Continue exploring, and you can reach the Pantheon, Piazza Navona and countless smaller squares where everyday Roman life unfolds.
One important detail many visitors overlook is that sitting on the Spanish Steps is prohibited and can result in a fine.
Travel tip: Visit the Spanish Steps early in the morning to enjoy the architecture before the busiest crowds arrive. Spring and autumn are particularly pleasant for exploring Rome on foot.
2. Portofino: Italy’s Famous Harbour Village
On the Italian Riviera, Portofino looks almost impossibly beautiful. Pastel-coloured buildings curve around a small harbour filled with boats, while elegant villas and Mediterranean vegetation cover the surrounding hills.
Although Portofino is internationally associated with luxury, you don’t need to stay in an expensive hotel to appreciate it.
Start in the famous Piazzetta, wander along the waterfront and follow the paths towards Castello Brown for beautiful views of the harbour and coastline. The surrounding Portofino peninsula also offers opportunities for scenic walks.
The village is compact, making it an excellent destination for a day trip.
Travel tip: Consider staying in Santa Margherita Ligure, where you’ll find more accommodation options. From there, Portofino can be reached by local bus or, when operating, ferry. May, June and September are attractive months to visit, although weekends can still be busy.
3. Gallipoli: Where Puglia’s Historic Streets Meet the Turquoise Sea
Photos: Spiaggia della Purità and the historic waterfront of Gallipoli
In southern Italy, the coastal town of Gallipoli offers a completely different experience.
Located on Puglia’s Ionian coast, Gallipoli is famous for its old town, which occupies a small island connected to the modern town by a bridge.
Behind its defensive walls lies a fascinating network of narrow streets, Baroque churches, small piazzas and traditional restaurants.
One of Gallipoli’s most beautiful sights is Spiaggia della Purità, a sandy beach directly beneath the historic town walls. Its unusual setting allows visitors to swim in clear Mediterranean water while looking up at centuries-old buildings.
The beach is relatively small, particularly compared with the long stretches of sand elsewhere along the Salento coast, but its setting makes it unforgettable.
For a different beach experience, explore nearby Baia Verde or Punta della Suina, where the coastline is known for beautiful water and sandy shores.
Travel tip: Gallipoli becomes exceptionally busy in July and August. June and September can provide a better balance between warm weather and manageable crowds. Don’t miss sunset from the old town walls overlooking the Ionian Sea.
When Is the Best Time to Visit These Places?
Although all three destinations are in Italy, the ideal travel experience depends on the season.
Rome is particularly rewarding in spring and autumn, when sightseeing is generally more comfortable than during the hottest summer months.
Portofino is beautiful from spring through early autumn, but its small size means it can become crowded during peak periods. Ferry services also depend on seasonal schedules and sea conditions.
Gallipoli is most appealing to beach lovers from late spring into early autumn, with the warmest swimming conditions generally occurring in summer and early September.
These destinations are spread across different regions, so they work best as individual trips or stops on a longer Italian journey rather than a quick weekend itinerary.
Italy Is a Country Worth Returning To
One trip to Italy is rarely enough to understand just how much the country has to offer.
Rome tells the story of centuries of art, architecture and history. Portofino reveals the elegance of the Italian Riviera. Gallipoli combines the character of an old Mediterranean town with some of southern Italy’s most inviting coastal scenery.
And these are only three examples.
From the mountains of the north to the beaches of the south, Italy offers an extraordinary variety of places to explore.
The difficult part isn’t finding somewhere beautiful to visit. It’s deciding where to go first.
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