Italy’s Best and Worst Travel Destinations

Before we get started, we must say we absolutely love Italy and its fabulous landscapes and landmarks. We moved here, didn’t we?

Our love affair with this country goes way back in time. Throughout the years, we’ve seen many places, from the north to the south and the islands.

Of course, there are many places we’ve fallen for, but there are also destinations we consider a bit overrated. And overcrowded.

On top of that, we did some research to see what others also think, so you don’t have to.

And here is what we found out. Your comprehensive list of Italy’s best and worst travel destinations!

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Table of Contents

Italy’s Best and Worst Travel Destinations

Disliked Places and Tourist Traps in Italy

Milan

Milan
Milan Duomo

Many people who have visited Italy’s fashion capital described it as flat and lacking natural attractions. Milan has fewer cobblestone streets, romantic canals, and Renaissance-era architecture than other iconic cities in Italy.

While Milan does have major sights like the Duomo di Milano and The Last Supper, the list of must-see landmarks is relatively short.

On top of that, the city has a more modern design, which can be disappointing for many.

Tip to go to the best travel destination: Explore the Brera district for a more local vibe, or go directly to Lake Como for natural bliss.

Amalfi

Amalfi
Amalfi

The small town of Amalfi is disliked chiefly due to the overwhelming presence of cruise passengers.

On top of that, Amalfi’s popularity has led to an abundance of souvenir shops and tourist-oriented restaurants, which some feel detracts from its authenticity.

We loved strolling on its streets and even found hidden, narrow streets where we could speak to locals. However, the crowds can make it feel underwhelming.

Atrani
Atrani

Tip to go to the best travel destination: A less crowded and more authentic destination is the nearby Atrani. Of course, the small village gained popularity after Mr. Ripley was filmed here. But we think it still is a good alternative if you want to eat with locals.

Pisa

Leaning tower of Pisa
Pisa

We’ve heard this said so many times: “There isn’t much to do and see in Pisa except the Leaning Tower”. And on top of that, the place is always packed with people.

And that’s partially true, especially compared to many other destinations in Tuscany.

Arno River in Pisa
Arno River in Pisa

We suggest walking along the Arno River and admiring some impressive palazzos. Another stop for history buffs should be at the Museo Nazionale di San Matteo.

Lucca
Lucca, Tuscany

Tip to go to the best travel destination: If you want something less crowded and with an authentic Tuscan vibe, make your way to Lucca or San Gimignano.

Positano

Positano, Amalfi Coast
View over Positano

Positano, often seen as the crown jewel of the Amalfi Coast, is adored for its stunning cliffside views and colorful houses. However, it’s not universally loved, and some tourists may find it underwhelming or frustrating for a few reasons.

The colorful village is often criticized for its heavy influence from social media influencers. Of course, Positano’s popularity means it’s often packed with tourists.

Additionally, some people might describe the beach as unsatisfactory. Notably when correlated with the extremely high prices.

We also found it very difficult to find parking here, and hourly prices were out of this world.

Cetara
Cetara

Tip to go to the best travel destination: In our opinion, Positano is worth visiting, but if you would prefer a less crowded place, Cetara was our favorite.

Naples

one day in Naples
Napoli

In my opinion, Naples is a city you either love or hate. It can be a lot for many people, and it is commonly disliked for perceptions of being dirty and with high crime rates.

This being said, I visited some years ago, alone with my mother, and we never felt unsafe. Things might have changed, but I firmly believe that you can keep safe if you use common sense.

On the other hand, it is unfortunately true that some parts of Italy are not as clean or maintained as others. And Naples is one of those places, with visible litter in some streets, graffiti, and neglected public spaces.

Another reason why we avoided Naples during our month-long trip to the Amalfi Coast is the chaotic traffic. The city’s traffic can be overwhelming, with scooters weaving through cars, chaotic driving patterns, and seemingly lax adherence to traffic laws.

Lastly, many tourists visit Naples expecting a charming Italian experience similar to what they might find in smaller towns like Sorrento or Amalfi. However, Naples is a gritty, working-class city with a very different vibe, just read My Fabulous Friend books.

Sorrento
Sorrento

Tip to go to the best travel destination: You can find the coquette Sorrento less than one hour outside of Naples. In our view, it is a much better base for any Amalfi Coast itinerary. Another option, offering the local vibe without the crowds, is Salerno.

Cinque Terre

Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre
Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre

Every person who gets to Cinque Terre falls in love with these colorful fishermen’s villages. However, many believe that they are not suited for mass tourism because of their dimensions.

Additionally, during peak season, they get overcrowded with tourists.

Other people who visited believe the Cinque Terre offers limited dining options that are perceived as tourist traps with high prices for mediocre food. While in many cases this can be true, we had great dining experiences in Riomaggiore.

All in all, people believe the area has lost its charm due to the influx of tourism, and the crowds overshadow the beauty.

And that’s why we believe planning the visit in the correct period is crucial for enjoying the Cinque Terre. We talk about everything here.

10 day Italy itinerary
Portovenere

Tip to go to the best travel destination: Places like Portovenere or even the larger town of La Spezia can be great alternatives when you want to skip the crowds.

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Italy’s Best and Worst Travel Destinations

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