The most picturesque spots in Italy

From grand panoramic views of rugged mountain passes to cute coastal villages overlooking turquoise seas, there’s a backdrop for every kind of traveller’s adventure. So, if one of your reasons to travel is to take in some beautiful scenery, then look no further. Here are some amazingly picturesque spots to get the best views and photos in Italy on your next holiday.

A thousand cute colourful houses tumbling down steep hillsides into a bright blue sea. Tiny, narrow staircases aching to be explored. A million picture perfect places. Whilst well-known Positano is one of the most Instagrammed location on the Amalfi Coast, with it’s wonderful vertical town gazing down to the beach, blue sea and azure sky surrounding the coast,

Ravello is also worth getting your camera out for. Small but perfectly formed, this tiny clifftop town perched 350m above sea level offers lush cliff edge gardens, aristocratic villas and super stylish residents. It’s been a favourite amongst creatives for centuries (think Wagner and D.H Lawrence) - your pictures will no doubt channel the energy of this wonderful place.

There are so many ways to view Lake Como; each one as beautiful as the last. And with each different location, the landscape changes, showing different reflections, lighting and colours.

Bellagio is an enchanting village with ancient churches, impressive stone stairways and enchanting alleys; a romantic and unforgettable stay. Cernobbio is one of the most prestigious locations and a walk along the magnificent lake allows you to fully enjoy the beauty of this place. Laglio, whilst boasting spectacular views of the lake is also the home to Villa Oleandra, which may lead to views of its owner, George Clooney. Hike the mountains of Argegno; take a different view and travel the Pigra plain by cable car to enjoy the incredible landscape from up high.

The charm of the lake lies in the diversity of landscape which changes as you navigate the lake from North to South and from side to side - you just need to keep your camera close to snap it all.

The Italian Dolomites beckon hikers with rocky jagged peaks, dizzying slopes and pretty, high alpine meadows.  And Tre Cime di Lavaredo are some of the most recognisable – and beautiful - peaks in the Alps. Formed of three distinct towering pillars, they jut imposingly out of the ground, completely dominating the surrounding landscape. Beyond them, lush green valleys and hundreds more peaks dot the horizon, offering some of the most stunning scenery Italy has to offer.

Lace up your hiking boots and set off on the 10.3 kilometre Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop. It’s an easy to follow trail, but you’ll cross high rocky ledges, trek verdant alpine meadows and see panoramic mountain vistas – perfect for those ‘Oh my gosh where ARE you?!’ Insta messages….

Florence is home to a multitude of mesmerising sights. There’s Michelangelo’s David statue, Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus, and the impressive Duomo, with its massive dome and bell tower. If you’re looking for somewhere to take in the whole city, then Piazzale Michelangelo is the spot for you, with panoramic views unfolding in sweeping fashion.

Located on a hill just south of the Arno River, it's especially stunning at sunset or during golden hour, so grab a glass of something chilled, find yourself a comfortable spot, and relax whilst you watch day melt into night. Don’t forget to take some pictures to remind yourself of this, the most stunning of squares.

Meaning ‘Five Lands’, Cinque Terre is made up of Monterosso, Corniglia, Manarola, Vernazza, and Riomaggiore, all small coastal villages spread along the Italian Riviera. Known for their iconic brightly coloured buildings, coastal locations, and authentic Italian charm, they are incredibly pretty. Vernazza is the most popular of the five villages. It’s very picturesque, and there’s a variety of things to snap, from Doria Castle perched on a hilltop, to the church of Santa Margherita, and, of course, the port itself. The best view of the village is from the hiking trail that leads to Monterosso; walk for around 15 minutes and you’ll be high enough to see the full beauty of the colourful buildings, turquoise waters, and rugged cliffs.