27 Photos That Prove Italy Is Heaven On Earth

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Italy is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world, and it's no wonder—just look at it. Every city, village and beach, from the Dolomites to the Amalfi Coast, looks like it belongs on a postcard.

Just in case you needed a reminder of how gorgeous this entire country is (or an incentive to book your next trip), we're going to leave these wanderlust-inducing photos right here for you...

Via Krupp, Capri

Located just off the Amalfi Coast, the entire island of Capri is full of picturesque spots. To capture this iconic shot of rocky cliffs meeting the sea, head to the Augustus Gardens where this switchback path leads down to the Marina Piccola.

Calfosch, South Tyrol

A small mountain village in the northern Italy, Calfosch is popular with skiers looking to gain easy access to the Dolomites' downhill runs.

Lake Como, Lombardy

A popular retreat for the aristocracy during Roman times, Lake Como is still known as a playground for the wealthy. This really comes as no surprise considering the scenic views of the Alps and historic villas dotting its shores.

Castelluccio, Umbria

This small hilltop town located in the middle of Monti Sibillini National Park might be off the beaten path for casual travellers to Italy, but it's worth a detour to see the wildflowers bloom in early summer.

Positano, Amalfi Coast

In the May 1953 issue of Harper's Bazaar John Steinbeck wrote, "Positano bites deep. It is a dream place that isn't quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you have gone." If that doesn't make you want to visit this cliffside town, ultra-glam hotels likeLe Sirenuse will make you want to book a ticket.

Piazza Duomo, Syracuse

Sicily is known for its Greek ruins, but one of its most beautiful spots is Syracuse's Piazza Duomo, where the remains of the Temple of Athena were incorporated into the newer Baroque cathedral on the same site.

Polignano a Mare, Apulia

While the seaside towns on the Amalfi Coast draw more attention, this small village set into the limestone cliffs on the Adriatic Sea is also worth a visit. For a unique dining experience, book a table at the Grotta Palazzese, a seaside restaurant located in a cavern carved out of one of the cliffs.

Siena, Tuscany

The medieval town of Siena is famous for its black and white marble cathedral, a stunning example of Italian Romanesque-Gothic architecture. If you visit during the summer months, you might also be able to catch the Palio, a horse race that dates back to the 17th century held in the Piazza del Campo.

Ponte Sant'Angelo and St. Peter's Basilica, Rome

Rome is full of scenic spots—but to catch one of the most romantic sunsets in the world head to the Ponte Umberto I bridge at dusk to take in this view of the Ponte Sant'Angelo and St. Peter's Basilica.

The Dolomites, South Tyrol

If you're more of an adventurous type, head to the Dolomites in the northeastern corner of Italy for some of the world's best skiing and mountain climbing.

Bologna, Emilia-Romagna

Located about halfway between Venice and Florence, Bologna gets its nickname, La Rossa (the red one), from the ubiquitous terracotta buildings in the medieval city center.

Bridge of Sighs, Venice

According to legend, if lovers kiss on a gondola at sunset as it goes under Venice's Bridge of Sighs they'll be granted eternal love. Even if you're not a superstitious type, you can't deny that the setting is insanely romantic–even if it is a bit touristy.

Cogne, Aosta Valley

Close to the French and Swiss borders, this tiny mountain village is northern Italy's prime spot for cross-country skiing.

Manarola, Cinque Terre

While all of the Cinque Terre's five villages are charming, we're partial to Manarola's jumble of pastel buildings overlooking the sea.

Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence

No trip to Florence is complete without admiring the iconic red dome of the Duomo. Get one of the best views in town from the rooftop terrace at the JK Place Firenze hotel.

Villa Rufolo, Ravello

Some of the best views of the Amalfi Coast can be found in the 13th century gardens of Ravello's Villa Rufolo.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan

Even if you're not looking to go shopping, a walk through the glass-vaulted arcade of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a must when you're in Milan. But you might as well pop into Prada, Versace, Gucci, and Armani while you're there, too.

Church of San Biagio, Montepulciano

This Renaissance hill town is pretty idyllic no matter where you are, but for some of he most picture-perfect views of the Tuscan countryside, head to the Church of San Biagio located just below the city walls.

Burano, Veneto

Located in the Venetian Lagoon, the brightly-colored buildings on the island of Burano make it an Instagrammer's paradise.

Basilica of Saint Francis, Assisi

The vivid 13th century frescoes of the Basilica of Saint Francis are so beautiful that it's worth visiting this Umbrian town, even if you're not one to put places of worship on your sightseeing to-do list.

Prato della Valle, Padua

Prato della Valle is not only Italy's largest square, but also one of its most beautiful considering it has an island located in its center surrounded by 18th and 19th century statues.

Matera, Basilicata

Once one of Italy's poorest towns, Matera, was known for its network of subterranean slums. But after it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993, the cave-like dwellings were renovated into some truly luxurious and unique hotels, like the Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita.

Capriccioli Beach, Sardinia

There are so many beautiful beaches lining the Costa Smeralda on Sardinia's northeast coast it's hard to pick just one—but if you're short on time pick Capriccioli Beach for its emerald-green waters and white sand.

Santa Maria della Pietà at Rocca Calascio, Abruzzo

Visit this octagonal 17th century church, near the fortress of Rocca Calascio, for some truly jaw-dropping views of the Apennine Mountains.

Scilla, Calabria

Scilla is a popular beach town at the toe of Italy's boot—but fans of Greek mythology will also be delighted to know it is where the sea creature Scylla tormented Odysseus on his adventures.

Palazzo del Governo, Trieste

Tucked up against the border of Slovenia, Trieste was once the fourth largest city in the Austro-Hungarian Empire which is most evident in the city center's elaborate Viennese style architecture.

Santa Caterina del Sasso, Lake Maggiore

Straddling the border between Italy's Piedmont and Lombardy regions, Lake Maggiore is gorgeous from any angle. But its most picturesque spot is Santa Caterina del Sasso, a monastery carved right into the rock over the lake's eastern shore.

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