10 BEST places to visit in Italy in April

Planning a trip to Italy in April? This is one of the best times to visit, with cities, villages, and coastlines coming alive with colour and energy.

From historic landmarks to peaceful countryside, Italy offers a bit of everything, whether you love art, food, beaches, or just wandering through beautiful streets.

April is ideal for exploring without the busy summer crowds, making it easier to enjoy top sights and hidden gems at a relaxed pace.

In this guide, you'll find the 10 BEST places to visit in Italy in April, each one full of charm, culture, and unforgettable experiences.

1) Rome

Rome, the capital of Italy, is a city where every street feels like a walk through history. It’s packed with famous landmarks like the Colosseum, where gladiators once fought, and the Roman Forum, full of ancient ruins that show what life was like thousands of years ago.

You can toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, climb the steps to the Spanish Steps, or explore the huge square in front of St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.

Rome is also full of lovely piazzas, fountains, and cosy cafés where you can stop for a slice of pizza or some creamy gelato.

Narrow streets wind through the city, leading to little shops, art galleries, and hidden courtyards. Whether you’re into history, food, or just exploring beautiful places, Rome is full of energy, charm, and unforgettable sights.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting Rome

1. What is Rome most famous for?

Rome is known for its ancient ruins, famous landmarks like the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain, and its role as the heart of the Roman Empire and Catholic Church.

2. What can you do in Rome?

You can visit historical sites, explore Vatican City, enjoy Italian food in charming squares, and walk through lively neighbourhoods full of art and culture.

3. Is Rome easy to explore on foot?

Yes! Most of Rome’s top attractions are close together, and walking lets you see the small details that make the city so special.

2) Florence

Florence, in the heart of Tuscany, is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy, especially for people who love art, history, and stunning buildings.

It’s the birthplace of the Renaissance, and you can see famous works by artists like Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci in its museums and churches. The Duomo, with its giant red dome, is one of the most famous sights and offers great views if you climb to the top.

Just a short walk away, you’ll find the Uffizi Gallery, home to world-famous paintings, and the Ponte Vecchio, an old stone bridge lined with little jewellery shops. The streets are full of lovely squares, cosy cafés, and traditional markets where you can try local food and shop for handmade goods.

Everything in Florence feels close together, so it’s easy to explore on foot and enjoy the mix of art, architecture, and Italian life at a relaxed pace.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting Florence

1. What makes Florence so special?

Florence is famous for its Renaissance art, beautiful buildings, and its role as a centre of culture and creativity in Italian history.

2. What can you do in Florence?

You can visit museums, climb the Duomo, walk across the Ponte Vecchio, enjoy local food, and explore lovely streets filled with history and charm.

3. Is Florence good for a walking city break?

Yes! Florence is easy to walk around, and almost every street leads to something interesting, whether it’s a hidden church, a market, or a peaceful piazza.

3) Venice

Venice, in northeastern Italy, is a city like no other—built on water with canals instead of roads and boats instead of cars. The whole city feels magical, with narrow alleyways, old bridges, and colourful buildings that reflect in the water.

The most famous spot is St Mark’s Square, where you’ll find the grand St Mark’s Basilica, a tall bell tower, and lots of pigeons. Just nearby is the Doge’s Palace, a place full of history and hidden passageways.

One of the best things to do in Venice is take a gondola ride, where you can float quietly through small canals and see the city from a whole new angle. The Rialto Bridge is another popular place to visit, with lovely views and a market full of local goods.

With its peaceful charm, beautiful buildings, and unique way of life, Venice is a city that feels like a dream and stays with you long after you leave.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting Venice

1. Why is Venice so famous?

Venice is known for its canals, gondolas, historic buildings, and being one of the most unique cities in the world—built entirely on water.

2. What are the best things to do in Venice?

You can explore St Mark’s Square, visit the Doge’s Palace, take a gondola ride, and wander through quiet backstreets and bridges.

3. Is Venice easy to walk around?

Yes! Venice is a car-free city, so it’s best explored on foot or by boat. Getting lost in its small alleys is part of the fun.

4) Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast, in southern Italy, is one of the most stunning stretches of coastline in the country, known for its cliffside villages, winding roads, and sparkling sea views.

Colourful towns like Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello are built into the hills, with narrow streets, lemon trees, and houses that seem to hang above the sea. Each town has its own charm—Positano is great for shopping and beaches, Amalfi has a beautiful old cathedral, and Ravello offers peaceful gardens and amazing views.

You can travel between the towns by bus, car, or boat, and every journey comes with breathtaking scenery. There are also walking paths, like the Path of the Gods, where you can hike high above the sea and see for miles.

With its mix of sunshine, sea breeze, and lovely towns to explore, the Amalfi Coast is perfect for a relaxing, picture-perfect holiday in Italy.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting Amalfi Coast

1. What is the Amalfi Coast famous for?

It’s famous for its dramatic cliffs, colourful villages, winding coastal roads, and stunning views over the Mediterranean Sea.

2. How do you get around the Amalfi Coast?

You can travel by local bus, rent a scooter or car, or take boats between towns, all while enjoying beautiful views along the way.

3. Is the Amalfi Coast good for a relaxing trip?

Yes! It’s a great place to slow down, enjoy beach days, explore little towns, and take in the scenery from terraces and coastal paths.

5) Tuscany

Tuscany, in central Italy, is a peaceful and beautiful region known for its rolling hills, vineyards, olive trees, and small stone villages. It’s the perfect place to slow down and enjoy nature, local food, and simple country life.

Towns like Siena, San Gimignano, and Montepulciano are full of old buildings, narrow streets, and quiet squares where you can sit and enjoy a coffee or a scoop of gelato. You’ll see fields full of green in spring, and roads lined with tall cypress trees that make the scenery look like a painting.

Tuscany is also famous for its wine, especially in areas like Chianti, where you can visit farms and try fresh cheese, bread, and homemade pasta.

Whether you’re staying in a farmhouse or just passing through on a road trip, Tuscany is the kind of place that feels calm, friendly, and full of little moments to enjoy.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting Tuscany

1. What is Tuscany best known for?

Tuscany is known for its beautiful countryside, medieval towns, vineyards, and local food that shows off Italy’s simple and delicious traditions.

2. What can you do in Tuscany?

You can visit hilltop towns, take part in wine tastings, go on scenic drives, and enjoy homemade meals in cosy village restaurants.

3. Is Tuscany good for a relaxing holiday?

Yes! Tuscany is perfect if you want to unwind, enjoy nature and small towns, and take in the peaceful rhythm of country life.

6) Milan

Milan, in northern Italy, is a stylish and modern city known for its fashion, design, and impressive buildings. At the centre of the city is the stunning Duomo di Milano, a giant cathedral covered in statues and spires, where you can even walk on the roof for views across the city.

Just a short walk away is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a fancy shopping arcade with glass ceilings, designer stores, and old cafés. Milan is also home to famous art, including Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, hidden inside a quiet church.

The city has a mix of old and new—grand palaces and historic streets sit alongside modern skyscrapers and trendy neighbourhoods. You can enjoy delicious meals at outdoor restaurants, visit art museums, or relax in one of the many green parks.

With its creative energy and rich culture, Milan is a great place to explore if you like fashion, art, and city life.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting Milan

1. What is Milan best known for?

Milan is known for being Italy’s fashion and design capital, as well as home to the famous Duomo cathedral and world-class art.

2. What can you do in Milan?

You can visit the Duomo, see The Last Supper, shop in designer stores, explore museums, and enjoy stylish cafés and restaurants.

3. Is Milan a good city break destination?

Yes! Milan is perfect for a short trip, offering a mix of history, modern style, and great food, all within easy walking or metro distance.

7) Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre, on the northwest coast of Italy, is a group of five colourful villages—Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore—all perched on cliffs above the sea.

These villages are famous for their bright houses, narrow lanes, and stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. You can explore them by foot, train, or boat, and one of the best things to do is walk along the cliffside trails that connect the villages, with the sea on one side and vineyards on the other.

Each village has its own charm: some have beaches, others have quiet harbours or small squares with cosy cafés where you can eat fresh seafood and homemade pasta. The pace of life here is slow and peaceful, perfect for relaxing, taking pictures, and enjoying the views.

Whether you love hiking, swimming, or simply watching the sunset over the water, Cinque Terre is a beautiful and unforgettable part of Italy.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting Cinque Terre

1. What is special about Cinque Terre?

Cinque Terre is known for its five seaside villages, colourful houses, walking trails, and stunning sea views that look like a postcard.

2. How can you travel between the villages?

You can get around by train, ferry, or hiking trails—each way offers amazing views and a different experience.

3. Is Cinque Terre good for walking and exploring?

Yes! It’s a perfect place for people who enjoy walking along scenic paths, discovering small villages, and spending time by the sea.

8) Sicily

Sicily, the largest island in Italy, is full of character, history, and natural beauty. It’s a place where you can explore ancient ruins, lively markets, peaceful beaches, and even an active volcano—Mount Etna.

Cities like Palermo, Catania, and Syracuse are full of life, with old buildings, narrow streets, and amazing street food like arancini and cannoli. In the countryside, you’ll find quiet towns, rolling hills, and olive groves, while along the coast, there are clear blue waters and hidden coves perfect for swimming or relaxing.

Sicily’s history is a mix of many cultures, and you can see that in its temples, castles, and cathedrals, all built in different styles.

Whether you're walking through ancient Greek theatres, visiting fishing villages, or enjoying a sunset by the sea, Sicily gives you a true taste of southern Italy, with warm people and rich traditions everywhere you go.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting Sicily

1. What is Sicily known for?

Sicily is famous for its volcanoes, historic sites, beaches, and amazing food that blends Italian and Mediterranean flavours.

2. What can you do in Sicily?

You can visit Mount Etna, explore old towns, swim in the sea, try local street food, and see ancient ruins from Greek and Roman times.

3. Is Sicily good for a mix of adventure and culture?

Yes! Sicily is perfect if you want a bit of everything—beautiful nature, exciting history, great food, and plenty of places to explore.

9) Bologna

Bologna, in northern Italy, is a lively and welcoming city known for its amazing food, historic buildings, and long covered walkways called porticoes.

It's often called Italy’s food capital, and it's the home of famous dishes like tagliatelle al ragù, often known around the world as Bolognese. The city has a warm, lived-in feel, with terracotta-coloured buildings, open-air markets, and busy piazzas where locals gather for coffee or a chat.

You can climb the tall Asinelli Tower for a great view of the rooftops, explore old churches and libraries, or walk under the 600 steps of porticoes that lead to San Luca, a church on a hill just outside the city.

Bologna is also home to Europe’s oldest university, so it has a fun student energy mixed with deep history. If you enjoy places with character, good food, and friendly vibes, Bologna is the perfect Italian city to explore.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting Bologna

1. What makes Bologna special?

Bologna is loved for its delicious food, historic towers, and long portico walkways, which are great for exploring the city in any weather.

2. What can you do in Bologna?

You can try traditional pasta dishes, visit medieval buildings, climb towers, walk to San Luca, and enjoy markets full of local treats.

3. Is Bologna a good city for food lovers?

Absolutely! Bologna is one of the best places in Italy for anyone who loves authentic, homemade Italian food and wants to experience it where it all began.

10) Lake Como

Lake Como, in northern Italy, is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places in the country, surrounded by mountains, pretty towns, and clear, deep water.

The lake is shaped like an upside-down Y and is lined with charming spots like Bellagio, Varenna, and Como, where you can wander through narrow streets, relax by the water, and take boat rides across the lake.

Many of the towns have old villas, flower-filled gardens, and cosy cafés where you can enjoy an ice cream or a pasta lunch with an amazing view. The lake is perfect for relaxing, but you can also go hiking in the hills, visit small churches, or explore markets full of local food and crafts.

Everything feels calm and elegant, and the views of the lake with the mountains behind it are like something from a painting. Whether you’re staying for a day or a week, Lake Como is the kind of place that makes you want to slow down and enjoy every moment.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting Lake Como

1. What is Lake Como best known for?

Lake Como is famous for its scenic beauty, charming lakeside towns, and elegant villas, all set against a backdrop of mountains.

2. What can you do at Lake Como?

You can take boat rides between towns, walk along the waterfront, visit gardens and villas, or enjoy delicious food with a view.

3. Is Lake Como a good place to relax?

Yes! It’s a perfect spot for travellers who want peace, nature, and a touch of luxury, all in a beautiful setting.

There you have it! These are 10 of the best places located in Italy, perfect for your next adventure in April! Whether you plan to do a road trip around Italy in April or are visiting for a long weekend, you should definitely check out some of these places!

When exploring these hidden gems, always consider hiring a guide or joining a tour group, as some locations may require local expertise for the best experience.

Did you know we have a Hidden Gem Finder on our website? This handy little map shows over 13,000 hidden gems across the entire world with their exact co-ordinates available to view on Google Maps as well as an image/description for each one!