Postcard images of Italy probably flit before your mind’s eye the moment you think about the country. It is a land that has produced some impossibly scenic views where cityscapes and nature, architectural gems and incredible monuments all come together synergistically to create unforgettable scenes. But, if you were to pick a few to single out and ensure that you see them for yourself during a vacation in Italy, which ones would we recommend? Given that we think about Italy on a daily basis and have helped thousands of customers have perfect holidays in Italy throughout the years, we think we might have a bit of insight as to some of the unmissable views that you should make a note of...
1. Florence from the Piazzale Michelangelo
A very popular spot to watch the sun set over the city, the Piazzale Michelangelo is now a buzzing spot that attracts excited crowds who bring takeout to enjoy, musicians who set up and play to said crowds, and some particularly enthusiastic attendees who often start the crowd dancing. Those after the view and not so much this atmosphere can come at sunrise instead and will have the place pretty much to themselves. Either way, you’ll get some amazing views over the gorgeous skyline of the city and it is undeniably one of the best free things to do if you book a villa in Florence.
2. The Bay of Manarola
One of the most beautiful of the towns among the famous Cinque Terre and along the Ligurian coast, Manarola is a picture-perfect combination of dramatic craggy rocks, rich blue seas, and pastel buildings stacked prettily above the bay. Before heading into the town itself, stop and admire it from along the coast to take it all in at once during your next stay in one of our vacation rentals in the Cinque Terre.
3. The Grand Canal in Venice
If you’re looking for the most dreamy views that take in all of the most iconic and lovely elements of the city during a holiday in Venice, then a trip along the Grand Canal is a must. You’ll be able to take in many of the city’s most beautiful palaces including Palazzi Barbaro, Ca' Rezzonico, Ca' d'Oro, Palazzo Dario, Ca' Foscari, Palazzo Barbarigo, to Palazzo Venier dei Leoni (home to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection) as well as several stunning churches, including the iconic domes of the basilica of Santa Maria della Salute. For an even more romantic view, a sunset trip will make the light and skies truly magical.
4. Polignano a Mare
Those who book a villa in Apulia and end up in the stunning town of Polignano a Mare will find several contenders for the best view. Perched on dramatic cliff sides, this whitewashed town can be admired from lots of angles and, yet again, is even more lovely as the sun sets or rises, painting those pale buildings an array of pink and gold shades.
5. San Quirico D’Orcia, Tuscany
Looking for a perfect snapshot of the rolling green hills for which Tuscany is so well known all around the world? Well, there are plenty of places where you can enjoy exceptional views over this region (lots of the hilltop towns of Tuscany boast amazing views as do many of our holiday rentals in Tuscany) but the scenes that are offered in San Quirico D’Orcia are so perfectly framed and uninterrupted that you might almost find them hard to believe. This is where you discover that the region is absolutely just as picturesque as you have been told – perhaps even more so!