25 Sun-Drenched Destinations for a Dreamy Italian Summer

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Italy offers a kaleidoscope of Mediterranean summer delights, whether you’re seeking an Italian beach aesthetic or immersing yourself in the old Italian aesthetic of historic cities.

If you’re dreaming of one Italian summer spent sipping espresso at charming cafés, swimming in the Mediterranean, or exploring the Italian countryside aesthetic of rolling hills and vineyards, these 25 destinations promise endless Italy vibes.

Get ready to create your own Italian summer vision board from these pretty places in Italy. Be sure to check out our hotel recommendations for a memorable stay with just the right balance of comfort, style, and that timeless Italian lifestyle aesthetic.

1. Rome

Steeped in millennia of history, Rome embodies the old Italian aesthetic with its ancient ruins, glorious piazzas, and timeless art. Wandering its cobblestone streets is like stepping into European summer pictures come to life, and you can’t help but channel your inner retro Italian movie star while gazing at the Colosseum and Roman Forum. This is Roma Italy aesthetic at its best.

Stay at Mario De’ Fiori 37, a boutique hotel offering a blend of luxury, style, and intimate comfort for travelers seeking an elegant and personalized experience in Colonna, one of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods.

2. Florence

Florence is often hailed as an Italy aesthetic icon for its Renaissance architecture, world-class galleries, and awe-inspiring Duomo. From the Ponte Vecchio to the Uffizi Gallery, you’ll capture gorgeous European trip aesthetic shots on every corner. The city also provides a gateway to the Tuscany aesthetic of rolling hills, vineyards, and sunbaked stone farmhouses.

Stay at Hotel Berchielli, which overlooks the Arno River and offers cozy rooms reflecting an Italian summer aesthetic vintage. You’ll be a stone’s throw from Florence’s main attractions – ideal for a cultural deep dive before day-tripping into the Tuscan countryside.

3. Siena

With its grand Piazza del Campo and storied Palio horse race, Siena Italy personifies the old Italian aesthetic. Here, the winding streets and Gothic architecture transport you back in time, creating a dreamlike setting that blends an Italy spring aesthetic with the city’s medieval past. It’s a must for your places in Italy aesthetic checklist.

Hotel Alma Domus offers simple yet comfortable rooms carved into a historic building. Many rooms boast breathtaking views of the Duomo, perfectly framing the Italy summer aesthetic of this enchanting Tuscan hill town.

4. Lucca

Encircled by Renaissance walls, Lucca Italy exudes an intimate charm with its quiet lanes, leafy ramparts, and hidden gardens. It’s the perfect backdrop for a vintage Italian summer photoshoot, especially if you cycle atop the city walls for panoramic cityscapes.

Hotel Ilaria provides modern comfort within Lucca’s historic center, matching that summer in Italy aesthetic of relaxed exploration. Enjoy their complimentary bike rentals to experience the nature in Italy just beyond the walls.

5. Capri

Capri’s captivating azure grottos, chic boutiques, and cliffside restaurants scream Italian 60s glamour. Think vintage Italian summer postcards come to life, with picture-perfect beaches for swimming in the Mediterranean. It’s a dreamy retreat if you crave the La Dolce Vita aesthetic that has enchanted everyone from Roman emperors to Hollywood icons.

Hotel La Floridiana offers sea-view terraces and stylish rooms. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a retro Italian film set, surrounded by lemon trees and a pool deck overlooking the glittering bay.

6. Lake Como

Somewhere in Northern Italy, Lake Como brims with Italian vibes aesthetic as villa-lined shores meet sparkling blue waters. The dramatic Alpine backdrop merges with pristine lake views, offering the ideal Italian getaway. Expect to fill your camera roll with pictures of Italy that look like they’re straight from a European summer aesthetic moodboard.

Hotel Du Lac Menaggio is right on the waterfront, allowing you to soak up those Italy travel Lake Como views over breakfast. Its casual style epitomizes the Italy summer aesthetic, mixing relaxed elegance with a dash of old-world charm.

7. Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is the postcard star of the Italian Riviera, comprising five fishing villages perched along rugged cliffs. Between trekking the coastal paths and feasting on fresh seafood, you’ll fully embrace that Italian seaside and Italian beach aesthetic. Each village is a kaleidoscope of colorful houses clinging to the rock face—a true highlight for your Italy beaches bucket list.

Stay at Hotel Porto Roca in Monterosso al Mare sits on a cliffs with a beach below, perfect for swimming in the Mediterranean. Its rooms capture the Italian Riviera aesthetic with simple yet bright décor and sweeping sea views.

8. Portofino

Portofino Italy is synonymous with glamorous yacht culture, designer boutiques, and pastel-hued harborfront buildings. This chic enclave along the Italian Riviera draws everyone from Hollywood stars to travelers after that iconic Italian holiday aesthetic. Sip a cappuccino overlooking the water, and you’ll see why it’s a beacon for summer abroad daydreams.

The Hotel Piccolo Portofino reflects the Italian Mediterranean aesthetic: think airy rooms, terra-cotta floors, and a breezy terrace for unwinding after a day by the sea.

9. Venice

Set out on a gondola glide through the labyrinth of canals, and you’ll grasp why Venice remains an Italy aesthetic icon worldwide. Ornate churches, romantic bridges, and centuries-old palazzos conjure a vintage Italian aesthetic that feels like stepping into a Renaissance painting. Even the fading façades exude a certain retro Italian grandeur.

Hotel Bel Sito is tucked near Piazza San Marco. It seamlessly blends old Italian aesthetic touches with contemporary comforts—just the place to rest after a dreamy day capturing European summer pictures.

10. Verona

Known as the backdrop for Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” Verona enchants with Roman-era amphitheaters, sun-kissed piazzas, and bougainvillea-laden balconies. There’s a certain Italy spring aesthetic here, perfect for strolling hand in hand and snapping pictures of Italy that spark romance.

Hotel Giulietta e Romeo sits in the heart of Verona’s historic center. Its classic styling channels some of that old Italian aesthetic, making it easy to imagine you’re starring in your own romantic European trip aesthetic.

11. Positano

Few places match the romantic allure of Positano Italy, where pastel houses cling to the vertical cliffs. This Italy beach hotspot is ideal for sun-kissed afternoons and leisurely dinners at a classic Positano restaurant. If you’re dreaming of a summer mood filled with glamor and sea views, look no further.

Hotel Savoia is just up from the beach, offering breezy rooms with balconies that overlook the colorful village and sapphire sea. It’s a quintessential base for your one Italian summer on the Amalfi Coast.

12. Milan

Polished and cosmopolitan, Milan is somewhere in Northern Italy that marries modern flair with hidden pockets of history. This global fashion capital bursts with Italy vibes, from designer storefronts to the marble magnificence of the Duomo. Don’t miss out on sipping espresso in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II to embrace the local Italy lifestyle aesthetic.

Stay at Hotel Spadari al Duomo, which offers sleek rooms just moments from Milan’s famed cathedral. Contemporary art meets subtle Italian 60s design details here, capturing that stylish blend of tradition and innovation.

13. Bologna

Famed for its porticoes, terracotta rooftops, and delectable cuisine, Bologna is a dream for foodies wanting a real taste of Italian life. Join the locals in eating spaghetti alla bolognese (their signature sauce, ragù, is a must-try) and wandering medieval alleyways for an authentic old Italian aesthetic.

Hotel Touring combines friendly service with a cozy interior in Bologna’s historic core. It’s a lovely retreat after sampling the city’s lively culinary scene and soaking up that life in Italy vibe.

14. Rimini

Rimini’s broad stretch of golden sand and lively beach culture makes it one of the most popular Italy beaches along the Adriatic. From sunbathing to vibrant nightlife, this is an ideal spot for a summer abroad brimming with Italian seaside fun. Though technically the Adriatic, you can still enjoy ‘swimming in the Mediterranean’ style vibes here.

The stylish Erbavoglio Hotel is near the seafront, offering easy access to the water and the nightlife. Its garden and pool area echo a laid-back Italian summer aesthetic perfect for daytime relaxation and evening revelry.

15. Naples

Buzzing and authentic, Naples is the gateway to Southern Italy’s charms. There’s an undeniable energy here that brings the Italy summer moodboard to life—chaotic streets, vibrant markets, and unrivaled pizza. Embrace the Italian Mediterranean aesthetic while strolling the waterfront with Mount Vesuvius looming in the distance.

Hotel Piazza Bellini nestles in a restored 16th-century palace, radiating old Italian aesthetic flair mixed with contemporary comfort. Don’t miss their courtyard for a relaxed aperitivo after a day exploring the city’s rich culture.

16. Sorrento

Perched on a cliff overlooking the Bay of Naples, Sorrento welcomes you with sweeping sea views and lemon groves galore. This Italy vibe destination is perfect for unwinding, nibbling on limoncello candies, and exploring the peninsula’s dramatic coastline—an essential stop on any trip to Italy aesthetic.

Hotel Regina sits minutes from the port, making day trips to Capri or Positano effortless. Expect airy rooms with balconies that capture that timeless Italian holiday aesthetic.

17. Amalfi

Famous for its dramatic cliffs and crystalline waters, Amalfi is the crown jewel of the Amalfi Coast. Add the sun-drenched piazzas and beautiful cathedral into the mix, and you have an Italian summer aesthetic vintage dream. Let the sea breeze, vibrant tiles, and hillside lemon groves inspire your Italy summer.

Stay at L’Antico Convitto, which features a panoramic rooftop terrace where you can marvel at the Tyrrhenian Sea. It’s the perfect place to decompress after wandering Amalfi’s labyrinthine streets, capturing pictures of Italy to treasure.

18. Cefalù

Located along Sicily’s northern coast, Cefalù is a quintessential Italian seaside town, radiating both Sicilian aesthetic and old Italian aesthetic charm. From its Norman Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to narrow ancient cobblestone streets, the town captures the Italian summer vibe like a snapshot from a vintage film. Spend your day strolling the postcard-perfect seafront promenade, relishing the Italian beach aesthetic as waves gently lap against the golden sands, and immerse yourself in the sweet pace of Sicilian summer.

Alberi del Paradiso offers a serene retreat just a short walk from Cefalù’s historic center. Surrounded by lush gardens, this hotel balances modern comfort with a subtle retro Italian ambiance, making it an excellent base for savoring La Dolce Vita aesthetic of this enchanting coastal gem.

19. Gallipoli

Set along the sparkling Ionian Sea in Puglia’s Salento region, Gallipoli is where the Italian seaside meets a laid-back local vibe. This old Italian aesthetic fishing town captivates with its fortified walls, baroque churches, and winding alleys in the centro storico. A stroll through the port at sunset, watching fishermen haul in their catch, is a quintessential Italy beach scene. Gallipoli also boasts some of the region’s most alluring stretches of sand—ideal for that Italian summer aesthetic, with days spent soaking up the Mediterranean sunshine.

Hotel 33 Baroni is situated just a short walk from the historic center, offering comfortable rooms decked out in contemporary style while still reflecting the Italian Mediterranean aesthetic.

20. Alberobello

In the heart of Puglia lies Alberobello, famous for its conical-roofed trulli houses that line the winding lanes. This fairytale-like village is a gem of Italian village aesthetic and is listed among the most pretty places in Italy for good reason. The whitewashed stones and quaint rooftops bring the country side of Italy to life.

Trulli Holiday Albergo Diffuso offers the chance to stay in your very own Trullo—melding modern amenities with that oh-so-charming vintage Italian aesthetic.

21. Polignano a Mare

Another Puglian gem, Polignano a Mare, is built atop sea cliffs, punctuated by the enchanting Lama Monachile Beach in the town’s center. Perfect for swimming in the Mediterranean and soaking up a vibrant Italian beach aesthetic, Polignano delivers big on the summer in Italy aesthetic you see in glossy magazines.

Il Sogno di Mimì effortlessly blends contemporary comfort with a hint of old Italian aesthetic. Perched near the iconic Lama Monachile beach, this charming B&B offers airy, light-filled rooms and a cozy rooftop terrace—an idyllic spot for soaking up the sea breeze.

22. Palermo

Palermo, the capital of Sicily, brims with the lively chaos of local markets, ornate Baroque churches, and a medley of culinary treats. Here, you’ll experience the true Sicilian aesthetic, a vibrant blend of cultures that shaped the city’s architecture and flavors. It’s a must-see for your Sicily Italy aesthetic list.

Hotel Posta is set in a 19th-century building near Vucciria Market. The décor highlights vintage Italian summer accents, making it feel like a home away from home as you explore life in Italy, Sicilian-style.

23. Taormina

Arguably one of Sicily’s most picturesque towns, Taormina gazes over the Ionian Sea and commands panoramic views of Mt. Etna. This place perfectly embodies Italian seaside romance and the Sicilian lemon aesthetic with its fragrant citrus groves and crystal-clear coves for swimming. It’s an essential stop if you crave the Mediterranean summer ideal of “dolce far niente.”

Hotel Villa Schuler boasts lush gardens and a terrace overlooking the sea. The property’s ambiance offers a sophisticated Italian summer aesthetic vintage vibe, ideal for savoring the slow pace of Sicilian life.

24. Cagliari

The capital of Sardinia, Cagliari, is blessed with turquoise waters, a historic castle district, and a vibrant café culture. While it’s distinct from mainland Italy, you’ll still find that Italian Mediterranean aesthetic alive and well, especially along Poetto Beach – perfect for a day of sun-worshipping and Euro summer relaxation.

Hotel Flora sits near the city’s bustling heart. Its airy, comfortable rooms are an ideal retreat after a day spent exploring archaeological sites and soaking up that summer mood unique to Sardinia.

25. Tropea

Perched on a cliff on Calabria’s “Coast of the Gods,” Tropea entices travelers with golden beaches, dramatic rock formations, and turquoise waters. Meander through the narrow streets of the historical center to uncover an Italian party vibe on summer evenings. The vistas here belong on any Italian summer vision board.

Hotel Rocca Della Sena boasts terraces overlooking the sea, showcasing the region’s retro Italian charm. Sip a glass of local wine at sunset, and you’ll understand why Tropea is a top choice for your summer in Europe bucket list.

Ready to Embrace the Italy Vibes?

From the romantic canals of Venice to the Sicilian lemon aesthetic of Taormina, these 25 destinations encapsulate every nuance of the Italian aesthetic—be it an Italian countryside aesthetic in Siena or an Italian beach aesthetic in Positano. Whether you picture yourself eating spaghetti al pomodoro in a tucked-away trattoria or dancing under the stars at an Italy party, each location offers a slice of that dreamy Italian lifestyle aesthetic.

Pack your bags, brush up on your Italian lessons, and immerse yourself in La Dolce Vita. Whether you’re chasing vintage Italian summer nostalgia or planning a modern European trip aesthetic, an Italian summer promises unforgettable moments—and a lifetime’s worth of pictures of Italy to share. Buon viaggio!

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