Luxury destinations in Italy: 10 places not to be missed

Among the many most beautiful villages in Italy, there is a real gem in the Tuscan Maremma, Porto Ercole. It is part of Monte Argentario, in the province of Grosseto. Porto Ercole is full of wonders to explore. Every corner of the small town contains years of history, a history that makes this place unique, along with the beauty of its beaches, its small port and ancient monuments.

The lower part of the town, near the sea, is the most modern. Here, you can stroll through the small shops, trying typical local delicacies.

Moving towards the historical centre, located further south, you can begin your journey of discovery through the ancient and characteristic village.

To access the old part, you will have to cross the Porta Pisana in Via Ricasoli, where you can choose to undertake your exploratory walk through the various characteristic alleys or admire the town walls surrounding the entire village.

You can reach the Rocca Spagnola and Piazza Santa Barbara, which will give you an amazing view on the harbour and the beaches, with their crystal clear water and white sand.

Among the various accommodations you can choose from for your luxury experience in Porto Ercole, we suggest Il Pellicano, a magnificent property located on Mount Argentario atop a cliff. Featuring a private rocky beach, a heated seawater pool and a starred restaurant, it is as good as you could wish for your luxury holidays in Porto Ercole.

Located at the foot of the fascinating Mont Blanc in the Aosta Valley, Courmayeur is one of Italy's most famous alpine destinations. The town is a real jewel. In winter, the snow covering the area is an actual painting on canvas. The landscape, surrounded by mountains, villages, and nature, offers a magical atmosphere and peculiarities that make anyone who visits this place fall in love.

The perfect destination for those who love mountaineering and hiking, Courmayeur is much more. The peculiarities that distinguish it, from the chalets to the refuges near the ski lifts to the village's narrow streets, make it a perfect destination even in the low season. There is no lack of luxury here, too, and you can breathe it in every corner of this beautiful town.

To enjoy Courmayeur at its best in an exclusive location, the Grand Hotel Courmayer Mont Blanc is just the place for you: with a sauna and Turkish bath, rooms that overlook Courmayeur's stunning peaks, beautiful gardens and an indoor pool, it is the ideal place to experience moments of absolute relaxation surrounded by nature.

Called the Queen of the Dolomites, Cortina d'Ampezzo is known all over the world, especially to skiing enthusiasts, due to the largest set of ski facilities in the world.

Located in the Veneto region, in the province of Belluno, it is one of the most prestigious places in Italy. However, this place is not only suitable for the winter season but is also an ideal destination for warmer months.

Cortina is a combination of nature, history and unique beauty, so it has been declared a UNESCO site. Its origins can be traced back to Roman times, and over the centuries, it has become more important in terms of history. Every corner of this town offers fascinating scenery, from the characteristic historic centre to the surrounding peaks; Cortina is synonymous with enchantment.

There are numerous activities for relaxation and adventure. Immerse yourself in nature with pleasant walks, trekking along the multiple paths in the natural parks and mountain excursions. Reaching the Cinque Torri will be a great experience. It's a place of great historical value given the presence of trenches dating back to the Great War.

In Cortina d'Ampezzo you can also make the most of your luxury vacations at top-notch accommodations, places where social life comes alive with exclusive services not to be missed. These include the Camina Suite and Spa, the Hotel de Len and the Luxury Cortina: these are three wooden structures with enveloping charm that will make your stay an unforgettable experience.

Forte dei Marmi is a unique place where history, art and culture blend with social life. An exclusive location, able to offer unforgettable moments. Undoubtedly a destination not to be missed for those who want to experience a holiday of luxury and relaxation. You might even meet celebrities during your stay.

A walk through the centre's streets with its numerous high-fashion boutiques is a must. Indeed, from Piazza Garibaldi, you can start an elite shopping tour with luxury brands such as Gucci, Prada and Versace.

However, the symbol of Forte dei Marmi is 'il Fortino', a historic building now used for exhibitions and events. Also not to be missed are the beautiful beaches, surrounded by the panorama offered by the Apuan Alps.

If you're planning your stay in Forte dei Marmi with the utmost comfort in mind, we suggest Hotel Villa Grey, set in a dream location on the city's waterfront, with a bar-restaurant specializing in local cuisine and all the beach facilities, with cabins and sunbeds in a private area. You will thus experience a truly unforgettable luxury vacation.

In the beautiful region of Sardinia, near the extraordinary Costa Smeralda, there is a little corner of paradise: Porto Rotondo.

It is the destination of famous celebrities and one of the best touristic places in the Mediterranean, you will be speechless at how fascinating this place is. The glitz that characterises Porto Rotondo is just an added value; what will leave you breathless are indeed its fabulous beaches with the crystal clear sea. The surrounding nature and the art and culture of this place will fascinate anyone who decides to visit it.

Porto Rotondo is divided into three areas: Punta Nuraghe, Punta Volpe and Punta Lada, where there are numerous resorts, flats and impressive villas of celebrities, politics and important TV and fashion people.

The first stop is the Port, known as Rotondo because of its rounded structure. You'll be surprised to know that this Port also has a significant history. Around 2,000 years ago, it was used as a port for commercial voyages in Roman times.

As soon as you arrive at the place, you will notice two Roman columns near the entrance itself. Although very old, this was the first step towards the significant development that has seen Porto Rotondo become such a popular destination.

The harbour will also surprise you with its perfectly Made-in-Italy design, and inside, you will find numerous yachts and luxury boats.

To give your tour an even more pleasant touch, we recommend a lovely walk along the quay, highlighted by the various bars and restaurants in the area.

For a superior travel experience, among the different facilities in Porto Rotondo we recommend Domus Corallia Luxury Rooms: this hotel will enchant you with the warm colors of its rooms, wood-beamed ceilings and breakfast served directly in your room. The ideal place to experience your luxury vacation without letting you miss anything.

One of the best locations for luxury tourism in Italy is undoubtedly Gordone Riviera. It is located on the shores of Lake Garda in the province of Brescia.

What makes it a perfect tourist destination for foreigners and Italians is its central European character with its undisputed elegance, determined by the presence of spectacular villas, monuments, and enchanting places.

The importance of this place is also given by the Vittoriale degli Italiani of the great poet Gabriele d'Annunzio. This complex of buildings, commissioned by the writer, houses many extraordinary areas such as gardens, squares, streets and even an open-air theatre.

In addition to the museum, don't miss the Mausoleum, the poet's burial place. Gordone Riviera is perfect even only for a day trip.

However, this village has much more to offer. Nature plays an important role, such as the André Heller Botanical Garden, which gives visitors a pleasant walk among some 3,000 different plant species, an undoubtedly suggestive atmosphere in complete relaxation.

Don't miss out on the lakeside promenade, considered one of the most fascinating on the shore of Lake Garda. Here you can enjoy a splendid view, surrounded by bars and restaurants.

Thanks to its unique features, Gordone Riviera is considered a luxury destination due to the presence of luxury hotels, which offer their wealthy guests exclusive activities and services.

If other than relaxation and comforts, in your luxury vacation experiences you feel like trying outdoor sports activities, we at Visit Italy recommend two experiences you absolutely must try: the Canyoning of the Rio Nero in the Ledro Valley, just a few steps from Lake Garda, and the Via Ferrata of the Rio Sallagoni, in the town of Arco.

These are two exciting sport climbing activities on the rocks that surround these waterways surrounded by nature. An experienced canyoning guide will accompany you, providing all the proper equipment to carry out the excursion safely.

Called the "pearl of the Tigullio", Portofino is one of the symbols of luxury holidays in Italy. One of the most beautiful gulfs in Italy and the world, the beauty that characterises this place is difficult to describe. You have to visit it to make the most of its charm.

Portofino is located to the southeast of Genoa, on the Ligurian Riviera and it's a favourite place for many international celebrities. The scenery offered by this place is unique. The colours, the crystal clear sea and the fascinating views of the sea make Portofino a destination not to be missed, dedicated to nature and relaxation.

In addition to being fascinated by the landscape as a whole, we recommend you to stroll through the historical centre of the village, where, in addition to bars, restaurants and luxury shops, it is also possible to get to know Portofino from a historical point of view. The San Fruttuoso Abbey is absolutely worth a visit, but you can only reach it on foot. It is located in an inlet, which makes it definitely a special place.

The characteristic "piazzetta" is the symbol of Portofino, with colourful buildings overlooking the small harbour and the presence of numerous yachts, the setting is even more exclusive. Just a stone's throw away you'll be able to find classy accommodations such as the Eight Hotel Portofino, with a sun terrace and massage area perfect for your 5-star luxury vacation.

If you are in Milan and would like to drop in to enjoy its scenic beauty in a few hours, we recommend our day trip to Genoa and Portofino: we start with a guided tour of Genoa and then travel to Portofino by boat from Santa Margherita Ligure.

During your luxury vacation in Portofino, in addition to enjoying the wonders of nature, you can experience the thrill of speed aboard a magnificent flamboyant sportscar: the Ferrari Test Drive in Portofino will have you speeding in Maranello's legendary red car, making you feel like a real racing driver! You can choose between two options of 10 and 30 minutes.

The magic of Lake Como is internationally recognised. Located in the province of the same name and the region of Lombardy, even great writers and artists such as Alessandro Manzoni, Verdi and Flaubert fell in love with it.

They describe it as an Eden because of the characteristic and paradisiacal beauty surrounding the lake. We often hear about how Lake Como is the favourite destination of many celebrities from overseas. Their sumptuous villas stand out. Among these, we remember the famous Italian residence of George Clooney.

Villa Versace and Villa Olmo are also worth mentioning, the latter is historically remarkable. It has hosted many influential people such as General Bonaparte, Giuseppe Garibaldi and Ugo Foscolo.

To enjoy your luxury vacation in a dream location, we suggest Vista Palazzo - Small Luxury Hotels: it's a beautiful boutique hotel with breathtaking lake views for unforgettable sunset aperitifs. It is located in an ideal area of Como to quickly reach the most popular attractions of the place. The DBH Boutique Hotel is also highly recommended, with a smarter and more modern design but equally comfortable.

The charm of Lake Como has also been chosen as a movie set for several famous movies such as Casino Royale, filmed in the Villa del Balbianello together with the movie Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones.

Thanks to Visit Italy you'll have a wealth of exciting activities to choose from: in particular, you can opt for a 2-hour lake boat tour, a guided tour of the city of Como with a free boat cruise, an organized day trip from Milan that also touches Switzerland, and others. It will be the best way to intensely experience a five-star luxury vacation.

When we think of luxury destinations in Italy, the Amalfi Coast is definitely on top of the list. You shouldn't miss an idyllic landscape like this. This beautiful coastline overlooks the gulf of Salento and Naples and stretches for about 40 km. In 1997 it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

With its beaches, bays and towns overlooking the sea, the Amalfi Coast offers some amazing views and a truly Italian experience. The area encompasses several towns, the most visited of which are Positano, Amalfi, Maiori, Minori and Vietri sul Mare.

These are the emblem of luxury holidays, with many celebrities choosing to spend their time off here. Dream villas, hotels with breathtaking views and sumptuous restaurants make the coastline a real elite destination.

The Amalfi Coast deserves to be explored at least once in a lifetime, its beauty will not go unnoticed, and the colours of its landscapes will make your experience even more unique.

Visit Italy allows you to take advantage of one of its most popular tourist activities: the Amalfi Coast excursion with departures from Naples and Sorrento to Amalfi, Positano and Capri, respectively.

If you are in Rome and don't want to miss out on seeing the beauty of the Amalfi Coast, you can also take advantage of the day trip to Positano, which includes high-speed train tickets from Rome to Salerno, a tour guide and ferry transfers.

Charles Dickens once wrote, "There is no spot in the world with such delightful possibilities of repose as this little isle." And nothing describes Capri better than this quote.

Who doesn't know this beautiful island? Tourists from all over the world love it. This little corner of paradise is teeming with wonders to be discovered. It is called the "pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea" and is located in Campania, in the Gulf of Naples. Usually, when people hear about Capri, they associate this fascinating place with the glitz that characterises it. It is no coincidence that it is one of Italy's most visited luxury destinations.

Even the ancient Romans adored Capri. In fact, Emperor Augustus initiated the enrichment of the town, having sumptuous villas and domus built.

There are many reasons to love this place, but we would like to mention the most important ones and those that are its emblems.

The town of Capri has so much to offer, such as beautiful churches, monuments and museums. The Piazzetta is the best-known place where the whole town is concentrated with its narrow streets, bars, restaurants and luxury boutiques. Also worth mentioning are some of the most prestigious hotels for your luxury vacation: the Hotel Mamela  and the Villa Giardini Luxury Rooms, located in the shopping area in the center of Capri and in the Bay of Marina Piccola, respectively.

However, not to be missed are the Faraglioni, the undisputed icon of Capri, the Grotta Azzurra, one of the most beautiful Italian caves, and the small but splendid beaches such as Marina Piccola. Capri is exclusivity to be enjoyed.

To fully enjoy this enchanted place you can take advantage of a magnificent experience in Capri promoted by Visit Italy: the visit to the Grotta Bianca, with four departing options to choose from Capri, Naples, Sorrento and Amalfi.