10 Best Views in Italy: Cinque Terre Trails, Piazzale Michelangelo & More

If you’ve ever wondered where photographers go to get those stunning views of Italy – you know, the ones on all those postcards of Rome, Venice, and the Cinque Terre – look no further. Read on to find the very best views in Italy!

The best part? From these spots, you don’t need a fancy-schmancy camera to get a gorgeous shot. Just keep in mind that to get the most out of these views, head there either first thing in the morning, or at dusk, when the light tends to be best. The worst time is around noon, when the light is flat. And, of course, bright and early also happens to be when you should have less interference from other tourists and crowds.

Yes… take a hike to see the colourful and beautiful Vernazza!

Then again, with spots this spectacular, you could also just come to enjoy the beauty… and leave your camera at home. But then how could you prove to anybody else how gorgeous Italy really was?

Best views in Cinque Terre

Corniglia-Vernazza hiking trail

The main hiking trail between Vernazza and Corniglia boasts gorgeous views, particularly of Vernazza and the seaside. But be warned: While spectacular, it’s not an easy stroll! Much of the path is narrow and steep, with sheer drops to the sea below. And it’s made particularly perilous by the fact that there are hundreds of tourists in the summertime.

Vernazza, the gem of the Cinque Terre, has gorgeous sea views

Your other option? From Vernazza, start on the number 2 trail toward Corniglia. Near the path’s beginning, stop and look back — and you’ll see the beautiful view of Vernazza repeated on so many postcards and posters of the Cinque Terre. (Try to do this in the morning, because later in the day, the sun will be setting right in your lens).

Best views of Milan

La Torre Branca

Milan’s Torre Branca is a tower with panoramic views of the city skyline, the Alps and part of the Po valley. This modern monstrosity was erected in 1933 and is made entirely of steel pipes. But it’s also 108 meters high and perfectly situated for prime views of Milan, including the Duomo. It was designed by architect Giò Ponti and is located in Parco Sempione. Another bonus? It’s open every day from 9:30pm-midnight (except Monday, when it’s closed all day), meaning a great chance for shots of the city’s sparkling lights.

Best views of Florence

Piazzale Michelangelo

If you are in Florence, take a trip to Piazzale Michelangelo. Here’s where to get your sweeping panorama of Florence, including the Ponte Vecchio and the Duomo. It’s a pleasant walk uphill, if a bit long, or you can take the number 12 bus from the Santa Maria Novella train station. The number 13 goes here, too.

The view from Piazzale Michelangelo can’t be beat!

San Miniato al Monte

Walk up a bit further from Piazzale Michelangelo and you come to the Church of San Miniato al Monte. Not going in would be a crime — one of Tuscany’s most gorgeous churches, its construction began in the 11th century, and the interior is unlike any other in Florence — but the views from the piazza just outside, leading down the hill to the Arno and beyond to the Florence center, are incredible, too.

Insider tip:

If you join the Walks of Italy VIP David and Duomo tour you will ascend to the secret rooftop terrace of the Duomo for an up-close view of Brunelleschi’s enormous dome, and enjoy spectacular views of, not just Florence itself, but far beyond to Tuscany. From this hidden gem, you can soak up the red roofs and rolling hills of Italy, with almost exclusive access, as only two small tour groups can visit at the same time .

Best view in Rome

Janiculum Hill

When you’ve had all the close-ups of ancient ruins and Renaissance churches you can handle, head to the one place where you can take all of Rome in in one shot: the Janiculum Hill. Located just across the river from the centro storico, the Janiculum boasts gorgeous panoramic views of the city, including the Pantheon, Spanish Steps, and St. Peter’s Basilica. To get there, take the 115 or the 970 buses. (You can walk, but it’s a bit of a hike up the hill).

From far away, even Rome looks peaceful.

Best view of Naples

Mt. Vesuvius

Hiking up Mt. Vesuvius, one of the world’s deadliest volcanoes, might seem daunting. But the daring (and physically fit!) are rewarded with two of the best views in Italy. These extraordinary sights give you a close look at the enormous 2,000-foot-wide crater, and sweeping views of the Bay of Naples.

Get this view of the Gulf of Naples… if you dare

Best views of the Amalfi Coast

Positano’s Sentieri degli Dei

Put on your hiking shoes for some of the best views in the Amalfi coast. From this trail, you can see down the coast all the way to the tip of the peninsula. On a clear day, you can even see Capri. With all that spectacular beauty, you can see where the trail  “Pathway of the Gods,” got its name.

Sentiero degli Dei, or “God’s Trail,” on the Amalfi coast. The name says it all!

Villa Rufolo, Ravello

Ravello is one of the best-kept secrets in the Amalfi Coast, and its Villa Rufolo, originally constructed in the 13th century, is a gem. The views from the villa take in the stunning coastline and the sea. Not to mention the stunning gardens. If you are anywhere near this place during your visit to Italy, we highly encourage you to visit for one of the best views in Italy!

Villa Rufolo of Ravello

Best views in Venice

Bell tower of San Giorgio Maggiore

Right across the water from St. Mark’s Basilica lies the Benedictine monastery and church of San Giorgio Maggiore (Isola di S.Giorgio Maggiore, 30133). It’s worth visiting in its own right, but the bell tower is where you can get one of the best, and least-known, views of Venice.

Grand Canal, from a traghetto

The palazzos on the Grand Canal are more than just pretty — they have a story to tell!

You don’t have to shell out on a gondola or water taxi to get those great from-the-water views. Instead, take a traghetto for just a few euros. These are the public transportation version of a gondola, and instead of the smaller romantic gondolas for 2, a traghetto (or gondola parada) can take up to 10 people.

To avoid having your shots blocked by all of the other passengers, though, you’ll need to grab one of the limited outside seats. To make sure you get one, just start your traghetto tour at the end of Line 1, which cruises the Grand Canal — so either at Piazzale Roma, just beyond the train station, or Lido Island. The just sit back and snap away!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need special equipment to photograph the best views in Italy?

Not at all! A smartphone or basic camera is enough to capture stunning shots. The key is timing — aim for sunrise or sunset for soft, golden light and fewer crowds. A small tripod can help in low light, especially for cityscapes or coastal views.

Are drones allowed for photography in Italy?

Drones are restricted in most major cities and heritage sites like Rome, Venice, and Florence. You’ll need authorization from ENAC (Italy’s civil aviation authority) and must follow local regulations. It’s best to stick to ground-based shots unless you have official permission.

What are some photography etiquette tips in Italy?

Be respectful when photographing people, especially locals or clergy — always ask first. Avoid using flash inside churches or museums, and don’t block pathways or viewpoints when setting up shots.

Can I take night photos at Italy’s major landmarks?

Yes! Many landmarks like the Colosseum, St. Mark’s Square, and Florence’s Ponte Vecchio are beautifully lit after dark. Bring a tripod or use a steady surface for long-exposure shots — Italy’s cities truly glow at night.

The colosseum at night is a sight that has moved poets and artists for centuries.

Want to capture the most breath-taking and best views in Italy like a pro? Join a tour with Walks of Italy and discover insider photography spots and local secrets from expert guides who know the country’s best angles by heart. Explore Walks of Italy tours here!

And don´t forget about the VIP David and Duomo tour that we mentioned earlier. Enjoy exclusive access to one of the most breath-taking viewpoints in Florence, ascending to the Dome and the hidden Duomo terrace, from where you can see beyond the Florence skyline to Tuscany.