Best places to stay in Italy?

As diverse as the landscapes, the culture, the history and the gastronomy, so is the range of accommodation in Italy. To help you choose, we have put together a selection of the best small boutique hotels in Italy, B&Bs and guesthouses in our guide to authentic, unique and beautiful accommodation in Italy. You will also find elegant luxury hotels, whether overlooking the Mediterranean or in the rural idyll of the mountains and plains.

The countryside will offer the possibility to stay in a charming agriturismo (holiday on a farm), romantic manor house or historic palace or castle. In some areas you will encounter special places to stay, such as the stone Trulli in Puglia or the Palazzos in Venice. In the mountains you will find mountain retreats, chalets and rustic farmhouses. If you prefer self-catering, elegant luxury villas in Italy, stylish city apartments and beautiful holiday homes await you. In case you are undecided, just give us a call and we will help you decide.

You will furthermore find:

We have divided our short travel guide to the most beautiful destinations in Italy into sections:

  • Where to stay and what to visit in Northern Italy
  • Where to stay and what to visit in Central Italy
  • Where to stay and what to visit in Southern Italy, Sardinia and Sicily

Best places to stay in Northern Italy?

Let us be unbiased and start with the north west. 

Aosta Valley is a beautiful region located in the far north western part of Italy, bordered by France and Switzerland. With its high altitude, the area has a unique climate. During winter, it's a mecca for skiers, with heavy snowfall and chilly temperatures. In summer, the weather is mild, making it perfect for being outdoors. There are plenty of opportunities for skiing, hiking, and mountain biking here. Stay in one of our mountain hotels and lodges to make the most of your visit to the Aosta Valley.

Moving on to Piedmont, this north-western region is famous for its delicious food, exquisite wines, and scenery. Turin, also known as the "Paris of Italy," is a vibrant city with a lot of history and lovely architecture. Alba, known for its truffles, is a town with a historic centre and pleasant streets, offering excellent local wine and cuisine. The Langhe region, just outside of Alba, has rolling hills and vineyards, producing some of Italy's best wines, such as the Barolo. To the north, Lake Maggiore is a wonderful lake surrounded by mountains and dotted with small towns. We offer a selection of accommodations in Piedmont, ranging from romantic country hotels and agritourism to elegant boutique hotels and beautifully restored farmhouses.

The Lombardy region, with its lakes and lovely cities, is also well worth a visit. One of the most beautiful lakes in Italy, Lake Como is surrounded by some towns, wonderful villas and glamorous hotels. For a more secluded and intimate experience, head to Lake Maggiore or Lake Iseo and stay in one of the many beautiful hotels that dot their shores. With its medieval centre, the town of Bergamo is known for its art, culture, and gastronomy. Enjoy the countryside staying in a charming B&B or elegant boutique hotel in Lombardy. The city of Milan, with its famous fashion and design scene, has a fantastic selection of luxury hotels and boutique hotels in Milan that cater to the discerning traveller.

Whether you're seeking a boutique hotel, luxury accommodation, or a holiday home, South Tyrol, also known as Alto Adige, offers a wealth of options. With its diverse blend of cultures and nature, this region has become a popular destination for travelers worldwide. Indulge in Merano, a spa town boasting a mild climate, renowned for its gardens and thermal baths. Bolzano, the capital of South Tyrol, is a delightful city with a unique mix of Italian and Austrian culture. Yet it's the countryside that really stands out. And let's not forget the dramatic peaks and towering cliffs of the Dolomites. Stay in one of our romantic mountain hotels or luxury boutique hotel in South Tyrol.

While the Veneto region, home to Venice, may be one of Italy's most visited tourist destinations, there are plenty of options for those seeking to escape the crowds. Discover Vicenza, a town with Palladian architecture and superb gourmet cuisine. Verona and Treviso also offer a sense of history and elegance with their boutique hotels and ideal guesthouses. Asolo, a small hilltop town with unparalleled views of the surrounding hills and plains, is also well worth a visit. And despite the crowds, Venice with its famous architecture, art, and culture is still a must-see destination. Travel off-season and select one of our carefully curated places to stay in Venice to discover the authentic side of this enchanting city. Or, choose one of our boutique hotels in Treviso, just north of Venice, for a more intimate experience.

In Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Trieste, a coastal city with a beautiful blend of Italian, Austrian, and Slovenian influences, and a large cultural scene.

The region of Emilia-Romagna has a delectable cuisine, with cities like Bologna and Parma offering some of Italy's finest culinary experiences. Modena, a medieval town and home to balsamic vinegar, has stunning piazzas and medieval architecture, making it an excellent base for exploring the region. Visitors can opt to stay in one of the many boutique hotels or charming guesthouses that offer a sense of warmth and intimacy.

Bordered by the Ligurian Sea to the south and the Apennine Mountains to the north, Liguria is a region with coastal towns and coastline, and home to some of Italy's most iconic dishes. From the faded splendor of the Italian Riviera to the awe-inspiring villages of Cinque Terre, Liguria is an essential visit. Relax in one of our handpicked B&Bs or romantic country hotels in Cinque Terre or the Ligurian coast. Or, choose one of our small hotels in Genova.

Best places to stay in Central Italy?

Tuscany, has been a popular destination for travellers for centuries. Its capital, Florence, is home to magnificent art collections and remarkable architecture, making it a cultural centre. We have a selection of authentic boutique and luxury hotels in Florence that offer a unique experience to discover these treasures. If you're interested in exploring the Tuscan countryside, we have curated a collection of the best boutique hotels in Tuscany, small luxury hotels and beautiful holiday homes in Tuscany's wine country, including Chianti, as well as the towns of SienaArezzoLucca, and Pisa.

Umbria, also known as the "green heart of Italy," offers a raw Italian way of life. The town of Perugia has a historic centre and a great food scene. Our holiday homes and countryside hotels in Umbria are great to get the most of this town and its surroundings.

Marche, like its neighbouring region of Abruzzo, is not well-known to tourists, despite its beautiful coastal towns and nature. The region has a lot of history, from ancient civilizations to Renaissance rulers, and it is home to many Renaissance treasures and important religious sanctuaries. Our selection includes traditional farmhouses or "podere" converted into guesthouses, as well as seaside resorts on the Adriatic coast. The town of Pesaro, with its magnificent Renaissance architecture and excellent seafood, is a great base for exploring Marche.

Nestled on the western coast of central Italy, Lazio is often overshadowed by its famed capital, Rome. However, the region's northern countryside has a calm environment with its untouched villages, medieval towns, and delicious cuisine that is not to be missed. We found the best boutique hotels and romantic guesthouses in Rome that offer a taste of the city's character. Indulge in the neighbourhood of Trastevere, situated on the west bank of the Tiber River, and its cool nightlife, and narrow streets. Alternatively, opt for an elegant luxury apartment near the Piazza Navona or the Spanish Steps, but beware of the crowds that often flock to these areas.

Best places to stay in Southern Italy, Sicily and Sardinia?

When it comes to deciding where to go in Southern Italy, the options can be overwhelming. From the bustling city of Naples to the beautiful Amalfi coast, the quaint villages of Puglia, and the untouched beaches of Calabria, there's something for everyone.

One obvious choice is the region of Campania, which includes Naples and the Amalfi Coast. Sorrento, with its beautiful seafront and views of Mount Vesuvius is magnificent. Further south lies the Amalfi Coast, with cute towns and villages built into the cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. There are plenty of accommodation options to choose from, including luxury hotels, boutique hotels, and guest houses on the Amalfi coast. Pompeii, the ancient Roman city buried under ash and pumice after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, is also worth a visit. The Cilento coast is another beautiful area to explore.

In Puglia, a road trip along the coastline is a must. Relax on untouched beaches and stay in one of the many towns such as Ostuni, Alberobello, Lecce, or Gallipoli. Lecce, with its Baroque architecture. There are plenty of accommodation options to choose from, including guest houses, boutique hotels, and country hotels in Puglia.

For those wishing to get away from the throng, Basilicata is a fantastic alternative with its rocky landscape and coastline. Matera, with its Sassi cave dwellings and beautiful churches, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On its western coast, the small coastal town of Acquafredda can be found.

Calabria offers a different experience compared to some of Italy's more popular tourist destinations. It´s home to some of Italy's most beautiful beaches, with crystal-clear waters and an idyllic countryside. The town of Tropea, perched on a cliff overlooking the sea, is definitely worth a visit. To top it off, Calabria is also known for its delicious cuisine, with a focus on fresh seafood, local produce, and traditional recipes.

The largest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily, is known for its mouthwatering cuisine, beaches, and volcanic landscapes. It's a location where quaint medieval villages and lively markets coexist with ancient Greek ruins.

If you're considering visiting Sicily, you must see Palermo, the capital city, which features an exciting street food culture and Arab-Norman architecture. We've chosen the best B&Bs and guesthouses Palermo has to offer so you can get the most out of your visit. If you're up for a scenic drive, head west from Palermo and marvel at the views on your way to Trapani, a coastal city with plenty of churches and palaces to explore. Continue southeast to Agrigento, where you'll find beautiful places to stay. And don't forget to check out the nearby islands of Favignana and Levanzo, which are perfect for a day trip.

If you're interested in exploring the more famous destinations in eastern Sicily, make sure to visit Taormina, a town with views of Mount Etna and a beautiful Greek amphitheater. Further south, can stay in a B&B in Catania's historic center or a luxury hotel in Syracuse. Noto is another great destination that offers beautiful Baroque architecture. And if you're feeling adventurous, venture down to the far south of the island.

In the north of Sicily lies the town of Cefalù, wander through its narrow streets and soak in the atmosphere of this seaside gem.

If you're headed to Sardinia, the Costa Smeralda might be the first thing that comes to mind, with its luxury hotels. Luckily, there are more affordable hotels and guesthouses in Sardinia, especially if you do not mind staying a bit further inland. We have also found a few very special country hotels and holiday homes in the north of Sardinia, near the beautiful island of La Maddalena. Sardinia offers a unique and diverse range of accommodations, from luxurious beachfront resorts to rustic mountain lodges. Consider staying in an "agriturismo," a farmstead that offers accommodations and meals made with locally-sourced ingredients, or in a "nuraghe," a traditional Sardinian stone structure that dates back to the Bronze Age. They will all offer a memorable experience.