Fair warning: Italy is the kind of place that spoils you for everywhere else. The small towns, cobblestone streets, crumbling doorways, and sun-drenched countryside have claimed a permanent spot in my heart, and no amount of return trips has come close to satisfying the obsession.
The big cities are worth every minute, but the real magic happens when you venture beyond and spend a lazy day roaming through villages most tourists never find. These photography-inspired destinations are built for travelers who love Italy the way I do—camera in hand, no agenda, and completely open to getting wonderfully lost. From the colorful fishing villages of Cinque Terre to the dramatic peaks of the Dolomites to the medieval hilltop towns of Tuscany, you’ll find exactly where to go, what to photograph, and why each destination belongs on your Italy itinerary.
15 Most Beautiful Places in Italy for Photographers
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When I travel as a photographer in Italy, I find picturesque moments around every corner. I snap pictures here and there, sometimes waiting patiently for the perfect shot. Italy rewards that patience every single time—whether it’s the golden light hitting a hillside village at dusk or a quiet alleyway that looks like it hasn’t changed in five centuries. Before you start mapping out your Italy photography itinerary, my Italy travel tips will make sure you are fully prepared.
Not sure where Italy fits into your bigger trip? My guide to planning a trip to Europe will help you sort out the details before you dive into the best photography spots belo
1. Dolomites
There are mountain ranges, and then there are the Dolomites. This UNESCO World Heritage site in northeastern Italy is in a category entirely its own—jagged pink-tinged peaks, impossibly green alpine meadows, and mirror-still lakes that reflect it all back at you like a painting. For photographers, it is almost overwhelming in the best possible way.
Lago di Braies is the shot everyone comes for—a turquoise alpine lake ringed by dramatic peaks with a small wooden rowboat that practically begs to be photographed. Get there early. The crowds arrive fast and the reflections are best in the soft morning light. Tre Cime di Lavaredo delivers one of the most iconic mountain panoramas in all of Europe, and the Seceda ridgeline offers sweeping aerial-style views that make you feel like you are standing on top of the world.
The Dolomites are best explored from a base town like Cortina d’Ampezzo or Brunico. For a full Italy photography itinerary, pair the Dolomites with the northern lakes and you have the makings of an unforgettable trip.
2. Varenna
Varenna is simply amazing in its beauty. Every walkway, doorway, and passageway is a photographer’s dream. I explored on my own while Chris had meetings further north. And honestly, wandering solo with a camera and no agenda was one of my favorite days in Italy. The narrow staircases, the crumbling stone walls draped in ivy, the grape leaves turning red and gold in the fall light—I could have stayed for days.
As far as cities and towns in Northern Italy go, Varenna is a photographer’s dream. Varenna will draw you in from the moment you arrive—and keep you reaching for your camera long after you think you’ve captured every angle.
3. Bellagio
When you are visiting Varenna, be sure to purchase a ticket to Bellagio as well. Bellagio is just a short ferry-ride across Lake Como with a possible return later in the day back to Varenna. You can’t beat day trips in Lake Como. Lake Como is beautiful as are all the small towns hugging the sides of the mountains surrounding the lake. Step off the ferry in Bellagio into a fairy tale.
I loved the morning hours in Bellagio as they streets were not yet crowded with tourists. It was the perfect time for finding some of the best photo spots in Italy—my camera was never at rest for long.
4. Milan
Milan doesn’t always make the top of the photography lists, but it absolutely should. The Duomo di Milano is one of the most ornate Gothic cathedrals in the world and a genuinely jaw-dropping subject for your camera—just be prepared to share the piazza with approximately ten thousand pigeons. Worth it. The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II next door is all soaring glass ceilings and intricate mosaic floors, and the light inside is a photographer’s dream.
Beyond the Duomo, Milan rewards the photographer who wanders. The Navigli canal district offers colorful reflections and a completely different side of the city, and the narrow streets of the Brera neighborhood are lined with ivy-covered buildings and charming cafés. For everything to see and do, check out my guide to one day in Milan.
5. Cinque Terre
Five cliffside villages. Endless color. And more photo opportunities than your memory card can handle. Cinque Terre—which literally means “Five Lands”—strings together Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore along one of the most dramatic coastlines in Italy. Chris and I based ourselves in Monterosso, the largest of the five villages, but spent our days hopping between towns chasing the best places to see in Italy.
Vernazza is the one most photographers love. The harbor, the tower, the colorful buildings stacked against the cliffs—Cinque Terre photography captures it all. Manarola and Riomaggiore deliver stunning sunset shots, and the hike between villages rewards you with sweeping coastal panoramas. For a full breakdown of what to see and do, check out my guide to the best things to do in Cinque Terre.
6. Florence
Our first visit to Florence was in the rain. Tourists everywhere, umbrellas popping up everywhere—and still, Florence managed to be completely magical. That says everything you need to know about this city. We loved it so much we came back with our girls and explored even more.
The Duomo, the Ponte Vecchio, the views from Piazzale Michelangelo—Florence could be considered one of the most instagrammable places in Italy! Plan to capture the golden hour light bouncing off the Arno River. If you love early mornings, this is the best time to find empty streets before the crowds arrive. For everything Florence has to offer, check out my full guide to things to do in Florence.
7. Siena
Chris and I took the bus from Florence to Siena—about an hour and fifteen minutes through rolling countryside dotted with wineries. Worth every minute of the ride before we even arrived.
We downloaded the Rick Steves’ Audio Europe walking tour and purchased the OPA SI Pass, which got us into the Cathedral Complex including the Duomo, the Piccolomini Library, the Baptistry, and the panoramic terrace of the unfinished Duomo Nuovo. That rooftop view—360 degrees of Siena and the Tuscan countryside stretching out in every direction—was one of the best photography moments of the entire trip. The queue was long. Go anyway.
We stopped for lunch at Osteria Bonelli at the base of Saint Catherine’s steps, where I had gnocchi so good it inspired me to learn how to make it myself. Siena is one of those places that quietly becomes a favorite—don’t skip it.
A good travel backpack for Europe is essential for a day of exploring Siena—you’ll be climbing stairs, wandering cobblestone streets, and navigating narrow alleys all day.
8. Venice
Ahhh, Venice. A photographer’s dream doesn’t even begin to cover it. We walked a short distance and stopped to take pictures, then I would spot something else amazing and stop again. Fortunately my family was just as entranced as I was—because that was basically the whole day and nobody complained once.
We wandered along alleyways, past canals with gondoliers, winding our way through the city and across bridges. Every corner turned into another shot. Every canal, every doorway, every reflection in the water. Venice has a way of making you forget you ever had a destination in mind—and honestly that is exactly how one of the most instagrammable places in Italy should be explored.
9. Murano
A vaporetto pass pass gives you unlimited rides for 24 hours—perfect for hopping between Murano and Burano in a single day. Murano, famous for its blown glass and colorful homes, is your first stop. The crowds from Venice tend to fan out once you reach the island, making for a surprisingly relaxed experience perusing the shops and canals.
10. Burano
Burano is famous for its lacework and those brightly colored homes that make every shot look like it was filtered. Point your camera in any direction and you have a photograph. Watch the ladies make lace, wander the canals, and plan to stay longer than you think you need—Burano has a way of holding you there for just one more photo.
11. Rome
Every time you turn a corner in Rome there is another ancient ruin, another cobblestone piazza, another fountain that would be the crown jewel of any other city—except in Rome it is just Tuesday. The Colosseum alone will have you shooting from every angle trying to do it justice.
The hidden gems are what make Rome special for photographers though. I love to wander away from the crowds and find quiet alleyways, ivy-covered walls, and neighborhood piazzas that feel completely untouched by tourism. For everything you need to know before you go, check out my Rome travel itinerary.
12. Orvieto
Orvieto sits atop a dramatic clifftop—a rupe—visible for miles before you even arrive. Catch the funicular from the train station up to the top.
Pro tip from Chris * Buy your funicular tickets at the magazine stand nearby and walk straight on while everyone else stands in line at the office.
Our first stop was the Underground Cave Tour, which Chris had wisely booked ahead. Most homes in Orvieto have caves dug out underneath—used today for storage and wine cellars, but historically for olive oil production and cold storage. Our guide Rosita was animated and engaging. Highly recommend.
We walked along parts of the city wall and the views were magnificent—rolling variations of green stretching out across the Umbrian countryside that no photograph fully captures. You need to see it in person. We spent the afternoon wandering the city, eating gelato, and enjoying Orvieto with far fewer tourists than Rome. Another favorite.
13. Pompeii
Pompeii has been on my bucket list since a teacher described it in third or fourth grade, and I was completely enthralled. It did not disappoint. Even Chris, who came mostly because I wanted to, was impressed—and that says everything.
We visited on the first Sunday of the month when entrance fees for most European museums are waived, so admission was free. The site was crowded but not so much that a little patience couldn’t get you a clean shot without tourists.
We toured the ancient baths, the basilica, the forum, homes, the theater, and the public streets—where stepping stones were placed to keep feet clean when the roads were regularly flooded. We spent four hours wandering and loved every minute. Pompeii needs to be on your Italy list. For more, check out my guide to the best things to do in Pompeii.
14. Positano
A boat tour along the Amalfi Coast is the best way to arrive in Positano—and honestly one of the best days you can spend on the Italian coast. The approach from the water with colorful buildings stacked up the cliffside is a shot you will not want to miss.
Once ashore there is plenty to explore—the beach, the church dome, the narrow streets lined with shops and cafés. Positano looks exactly like the photos and somehow still manages to exceed expectations. Definitely a picturesque stop on any Italy itinerary.
15. Isle of Capri
Catch the ferry from Sorrento to Capri and ride the funicular up from Marina Grande to the Piazzetta—the views start immediately and don’t stop. The island is crowded with tourists, so for a quieter experience hop a bus to Anacapri on the other side. More laid back, less chaos, still beautiful.
Don’t miss the Giardini di Augusto—a former private rose garden with stunning views of the water—and climb up to the Belvedere Cannon for the view of the Faraglioni rocks, the Sirens’ Rock, and the Gardens of Augustus. The water surrounding Capri is an incredible shade of turquoise.
Italy Instagram Captions
- Money can’t buy happiness but it can buy a ticket to Italy.
- I’d get lost in Italy with you.
- A gelato a day keeps the doctor away!
- Every time I leave Italy, a part of me stays there.
- I may not be able to speak Italian, but I can sure eat it!
- Keep calm and go to Italy.
- Living la bella vita.
- Life’s too short, get the double scoop of gelato.
- Carpe Diem * Seize the day
- Vivi e lascia vivere * Live and let live.
- Mangia che ti passa * Eat and you will feel better.
- Lascia che la vita ti sorpresa * Let life surprise you.
- Open my heart and you will see, graved inside of it, ‘Italy’. ~ Robert Browning
- Italian style is a natural attitude. It is about a life of good taste. ~ Diego Della Valle
- Traveling is the ruin of all happiness! There’s no looking at a building after seeing Italy. ~ Frances Burney
- Life is a combination of pasta and magic. ~ Federico Fellini
- You may have the universe, if I may have Italy. ~ Giuseppe Verdi
- I love the Italian way of life. I love the food. I love the people. I love the attitudes of the Italians. ~ Elton John
- Ciao Bella!
What to Pack for Italy
Italy Travel Must-Haves
Travel Adapter: Not all international countries use the same adapters. Be sure to check before you go. Purchase one here.
Travel Backpack: Chris and I both like our North Face Recon Backpacks. They have a standard version and a women’s version.
Crossbody Anti-Theft Bag: Pickpocketing is a real concern in busy Italian cities. A secure crossbody bag keeps your belongings close without the bulk. I love the Travelon Anti-theft Messenger Bag.
Packing Cubes: A game changer for staying organized, especially when you’re moving between cities. Shop packing cubes here.
Portable Power Bank: Long days of sightseeing, navigation, and photography will drain your phone faster than you think. Don’t get caught without one. Shop power banks here.
Walking Shoes: You will cover a lot of ground on cobblestone streets. Comfortable, broken-in shoes are non-negotiable. Shop walking shoes here.
Favorite Camera: My go-to DSLR is the Canon 6D Mark II and I have zero complaints. If you’re ready to go mirrorless, the Canon EOS R6 Mark III is the natural upgrade—and your existing Canon EF lenses work on it with an adapter. New to photography? Start with the Canon EOS R50.
Get a Travel Credit Card: We often travel worldwide for free using travel rewards. The Chase Sapphire Reserve is one of our favorite travel credit cards.
Favorite Electronics: We are a family of Apple users—watches, phones, tablets, AirPods, and Apple AirTags for security. Don’t forget the cables and chargers too. Check out our electronics suggestions here.
Planning a trip to Italy takes more than a good packing list—but a good packing list is a great place to start. Grab my Italy Travel Planning Bundle and take the guesswork out of what to bring.
Photography Courses for Beginners & Intermediates
Audrey, the creative genius behind Live Snap Love, focuses on lifestyle and family portraiture; the techniques and tips for learning the basics of your camera are similar for your travel photography needs. These are the best “travel” photography courses to jumpstart your photography talents and add some pizzazz to your Italy photography.
| Course | Focus |
|---|---|
| Auto to Awesome | Camera basics, moving off auto mode: exposure essentials, mastering manual mode, improving your focus, and understanding outdoor light. |
| Get Organized in Lightroom Classic | Learn how to organize your photographs with an easy to follow folder framework, naming guidelines, and streamlined import and export processes. |
| Edit Like a Pro in Lightroom Classic | Discover a complete editing workflow with the up to date editing tools featured in Adobe Lightroom Classic. |
| Mastering Natural Light | Learn the art of outdoor photography with strategies to work with the light around you—even in direct sunlight or on cloudy overcast days. |
| The Magic of Photoshop | Take control of your photos in Photoshop. create polished images using the magic of Photoshop. Your photos will thank you! |
Italy Quick Facts
- Official Language: Italian
- Capital City: Rome
- Population: 58.9 million
- Currency: Euro (€ or EUR)
- Power Outlet: Type L (3 round prongs) is standard and Type C (2 round pins)
- Emergency Number: 112
- Drive on the: Right side of the Road
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Italy famous for?
If pizza and pasta immediately come to mind, you might be right. Have you ever wanted to make gnocchi like an Italian nonna? Italy is also famous for its art, idyllic countrysides, culture and architecture.
What is the most beautiful place in Italy?
Ummm, everywhere. Seriously, it is hard to pick just one. Pretty sure if you go, you will love Florence, Venice, Cinque Terre, Lake Como, Milan, and any of the destinations mentioned in this post.
When is the best time to visit Italy?
The best months are the shoulder season months of May and June and then September and October. You’ll enjoy fewer crowds and more pleasant weather.
When does Italy shut down in the summer?
Well, not completely shut down, but August is the month that many Italians close up shop and go on vacation themselves.
What is the best way to get around Italy?
Trains are your best friend in Italy—fast, affordable, and scenic. For smaller towns and islands, ferries, funiculars, and buses fill in the gaps.
How many days do you need in Italy?
Two weeks gives you a solid taste of Italy without feeling rushed. That said, even a week is enough to fall completely in love.
Do I need to speak Italian to travel in Italy?
Not at all. English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Learning a few basic phrases like grazie and prego goes a long way though—Italians appreciate the effort.
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There Is No Such Thing as Too Many Trips to Italy
Italy never runs out of magic—and that’s the beauty of it. No matter how many times you visit, there’s always another village around the bend, another doorway begging to be photographed, another perfect shot you almost missed. These destinations are just the beginning of what Italy has to offer a photographer with wanderlust and a fully charged camera battery.
Brush up on your photography skills before you go—because Italy will give you every opportunity to use them—and come back often. The light is always different, the seasons change everything, and somehow it just keeps getting better.
You may also love…
- 15 Best Cities & Towns in Northern Italy You Need to Visit
- 17 Dreamy Small Towns in Italy Near Florence
- 7 Easy Steps: How to Make Gnocchi Like an Italian Nonna!
- 30 Ultimate Romantic Getaways for Couples
- 25 Brilliant iPhone Travel Photography Tips You’ll Actually Use
- 100 Inspiring Instagram Travel Captions
Your photos are absolutely gorgeous! Makes me want to visit Italy again.
Thanks. I really miss travel.
Beautiful pictures! Another favorite is Perugia, Italy if you haven’t been 🙂 very underrated but gorgeous as well!
Ohhh, I will have to check it out online. Thanks for the recommendation.
Love your detailed posts! Oh…and the photos are splendid, too. I have not been to Italy. I know…how dare I? It’s on the list — someday, somehow. Pinning this for future travels…per usual!
Italy is a must in my opinion. Thanks for the kind comments.
Exactly. That’s why Italy is always on my list.
Your pictures are wonderful! I live photography and have Italy on my bucket list so this is an amazing resource for when the day comes. ?
I hope you can get there. My heart gets lost in Italy with all of the amazing picturesque moments.
You’ve captured so much beauty here! The hubby & I must see the smaller places, as well as the major attractions when we go together. Thank you for sharing 🙂
Oh thank you. We like to see the major attractions because they are major attractions, but we really love our day trips to the small villages.
I’m not a photographer but wow Italy is breathtaking! Thank you for sharing this! I am looking forward to visit Italy some day ?
I hope you get there. I’m not sure that you can take a bad picture in Italy.
Your photos are beautiful! I am not a professional photographer or anything, but still want to take all of these trips! Italy is beautiful!
I’m not a professional, I just love to take photos. And yes, go to Italy.
I could go back again and again and again and there would still be plenty to see in Italy.
Your pics made me think of my last trip to Italy. Was in Napes and visited Pompei 🙂
Always good to remember Italy. It is one of my favorite places to travel.
Love your post. I too enjoy the smaller, less crowded towns. I enjoy the flowers, the doors, the arches … you name it. Your pics are fantastic. I see you use a real camera. I take mine with my iPhone but always contemplate going back to a real camera. Thanks for sharing. Would love to visit Orvieto and Burano and Varenna.
Thank you. I switch between my Canon 6d Mark II and my iPhone. I always have both on me. Sometimes the iPhone just takes better pics on the go and gets the lighting right without me having to think about it.
Beautiful photos ?? I keep seeing Burano pop up more and more on IG, and it just looks magical. How cool that you got to see it with no one else around.
We had amazing experiences in Italy. I’d go back again in a heartbeat.
These are the best day trips for photographers in Italy! So beautiful!
Italy is so gorgeous!! I am actually traveling there for the first time this October. All of your beautiful photos got me so excited!! Thanks for sharing!
Beautiful photos! Good tips on Italy! Thanks from an amateur photographer 😉
You can’t take bad photos in Italy. Just doesn’t happen!
I love Italy too! I’ve been to most of the places you mentioned, and I can attest they’re a dream for photographers. I added the other ones to my list for when I return to Italy. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
I know. My list for small towns and villages to visit in Italy keeps growing longer too.
There are so many beautiful places in Italy to visit! Varenna and Bellagio look simply charming! I’d love to visit them for a photoshoot! Thanks for the great guide!
Pretty sure your photos would turn out awesome.
oh my goodness this looks incredible. Italy is our dream, and we had our trip canceled last year. I can’t wait until it works out again. You’ve listed some amazing looking places!
We had to cancel an Italy trip that include Cinque Terre. Fingers crossed for travel in the future.
These are great day trips, but definitely good for photography. I’ve done a few of them, and especially loved Orvieto from Rome. I can’t wait to get back and try some new ones like Positano. Day trips are great ways to see more of the country while having a home base.
Agreed. Sharing them with my family has been pretty awesome too.
Lovely post with so many beautiful places to photograph! Italy really is a photographer’s dream. I’ve visited many times but it has been about 10 years from my last trip. This makes me want to go back! I agree sometimes wandering the small villages is just as much fun as the big cities. I really enjoyed the Florence, Venice and Sienna regions a lot!
It is hard to pick a favorite because they are all so beautiful.
It would be hard for me to pick just 7 day trips in Italy for photographers. But you have included some new ones for our next visit. Varenna and Bellagio both look lovely as day trips from Milan. Great that you can visit Orvieto by train from Rome.
I love all of the little day trips. So much that is amazing to see.
We have something in common – we both LOVE Italy! That country is chock full of pretty towns and sites. Endless opportunities for day trips! I love the 7yiu recommended and have done the Siena from Florence too.
Italy is an awesome thing to have in common.
As a photographer, I too love Europe! I only went to Rome in Italy (just ran out of time), so it was interesting to see/hear some more places. I really love the photos from Varenna and Bellagio.
The Lake Como area was especially beautiful in the fall with the changing leaves.
Italy is such as gem for people who love taking photos. Every little town or city is picture-worthy. I would love to return.
I totally agree. There seems to be something amazing around every corner.
All of these day trip ideas look incredible to take photos at! I’m so sad I wasn’t able to go on a day trip from Milan when I visited – hopefully next time!
All the photos pretty much make my heart sing!
I would love to explore more of Italy since I have only visited Rome. Such beautiful photo. Murano and Burano look AMAZING! Pinning so I have this guide when I make it back there.
I hope that you get there. There is so much to Italy that you could explore for years and still find new things to see.
Wow these are all gorgeous places! While I’d love to visit all of them, I think Murano and Burano are at the top of my list. I just love the colors!
The colors were amazing. I tried to imagine what color of house I would have if I lived there.
Do many great day trips in Italy. I’ve taken a few of these. Your photos are beautiful!
Thanks. There are so many more trips to take!
Italy is such a great place for photographers.
It was a great day when God made Italy.
I have only been to Italy once, and after reading and seeing your blog I really want to go back soon. I believe it’s the sort of place one never gets bored of! 🙂
This is such an awesome guide, I can’t wait to travel to Italy
I hope that you can get there soon.
That’s my ideal for sure.
I’ve been to Italy but only for a short time — it’d be awesome to get to go on these day trips! Your photos are beautiful!
Italy is a marvellous country! I love so much so many different destinations! Nice photos ❤️
I am dying to head back to Italy!! This looks like an amazing adventure. I love the striped duomo, that is so cool!!
Italy is always a place a could visit again and again and again.
Beautiful pictures! Another favorite is Perugia, Italy. If you haven’t been it is very underrated but gorgeous as well!
First time reader and loved hearing about your many adventures! How you wrote about it makes me want to go to all the destinations. Definitely on my travel bucket list now. I look forward to reading more articles!
Such a great post! This made me want to get back to Italy. I also loved all the photography resources, I’ve thought about taking a beginner course myself. Thanks for sharing!
Love this post and an Italy trip steadfastly remains on my bucket list and learning toward southern Italy. And, I need to up my game with photography. Will check out your recommendations!
This is an inspiring post about photography in Italy! I can’t wait to go there with my camera! Such amazing pics!
Great guide! Love the beautiful photos. I haven’t been to many of these places, so will be bookmarking this for future reference. Thank you.
Murano and Burano look like they have come out straight from a photo book.
So many picturesque places! I would love to visit Orvieto and Siena!
Love your pictures! Italy is full of so much beauty everywhere you look, it’s like a fairytale.
Your photos are incredible. I love Italy and have been to all place advise except Pompeii. I have already planned a trip there in autumn. Thanks for useful tips!
Brilliant suggestions for day trips. I’m keen to do the trip to Murano and Burano, the brightly coloured houses and boat transport sound fab. Thanks for sharing.
Who what a beautiful place to photograph!
Thank you for such an incredible inspiration for travel and photography! You must visit South Africa now 🔆🔆🇿🇦
DIY traveling is my favorite traveling, too, especially with camera in hand. All of these day trips sound absolutely wonderful!
What great tips for photographers. I love that there are some day trip options as they’re easy to add in to the trip, and DIY is a good option to take things at your own pace
I‘m soo impressed by the Isle of Capri – it looks absolutely gorgeous. These are some great tips!
I love your photos, and what a place to take them. My goal is to become a better photographer.
There are some beautiful photos there! There’s no place like Italy for photography.
I like how you included some of the gear you use/recommend! The colorful houses in Burano would be a must see when I visit.
Your blog is always full of great insightful information and amazing photos. We would love to experience both Murano and Burano soon. Excellent article!
I love all of your choices, especially Capri! I was hesitant to go, but I now have so many gorgeous photos of those blue waters and cliffs
What amazing photos!! I love these tips too, dying to go to Burano again!
Great ideas! Photography in Italy is a dream!
Love the photos – captures the true essence of each place!
It is hard to limit the beautiful places in Italy to photograph to just 15. But you did a great job at picking some of my favourites. I am particularly drawn to the colour. And seeing shots at different times of day.