One of the most exciting and diverse destinations in Europe, Italy is a treasure trove of discovery. With boutique hotels in Italy, you too can enjoy a tailor-made, unique escape in the country known world-wide for its history, art, food, and wine. Even if you have been to Italy multiple times, boutique hotels offer visitors a special vacation each and every time.

Boutique Hotels in Italy: Our Picks for Unique and Exciting Destinations in Italy

Rome & Florence: History, Art and Timeless Wonders

The country is littered with incredible cities to explore alongside your stay with a boutique hotel in Italy, but a stop off in the capital Rome should be at the top of your list. The former heart of the almighty Roman Empire, Rome is a living time capsule of thousand-year-old sites – including the awe-inspiring Colosseum. The exquisitely preserved edifice is estimated to have held up to 80,000 spectators who would pack the ancient stadium to witness the brutality of the empire – where fights between gladiators, slaves, criminals and wild animals were staged for entertainment. Stroll around the nearby Roman Forum for further examples of the grandeur of Ancient Rome. Also located in the vicinity of Rome is the world’s smallest country – Vatican City, the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. This micro-nation boasts world-famous sites such as St. Peter’s Basilica, the vast St. Peter’s square and the Sistine Chapel with its gorgeous ceiling painted by Michelangelo. South of Rome is Florence, a city famed as the birthplace of the Renaissance. Here the Old Masters dominated the cultural, intellectual and artistic worlds and left behind a rich collection of works to discover with a boutique hotel in Italy. Florence’s Uffizi Gallery showcases a number of priceless works of art by Leonardo da Vinci and Botticelli, while Michelangelo’s marble statue the David can be found at the Galleria dell’Accademia. Other famous Florentine sites include the enormous Florence Cathedral which dominates the city skyline, the Ponte Vecchio and the city’s access to boutique hotels in Tuscany.

Tuscany & Amalfi: Unimaginable Beauty in the Heart of Italy

Tuscany inspires images of fine food, Cypress trees and a patchwork quilt of rolling hills scatted with hay bales. A boutique hotel in this famous Italian region will not let you down. Medieval Italian hilltop towns are found all over the region, each one offering the chance to pick up fresh olive oil, locally made cheese and delicious meats at family-run markets. One of the most picturesque towns in the Tuscan countryside is Pienza. A UNESCO World Heritage Site made up of 15th century buildings, Pienza enchants with exceptional views over the iconic Tuscan hills. Further north is the Chianti region, an idyllic spot for a rustic vineyard hotel due to the area’s rich wine heritage. Leave the sun-drenched fields of Tuscany behind and head south to Naples and the Amalfi Coast. If you’re seeking boutique hotels in Italy, then the Amalfi Coast charms with some of the most luxurious locations in the country. The coast winds along steep cliff sides and past multicolored villages that seem to cascade into the ocean. The city of Sorrento is well worth a stop if only for its endless supply of tangy Limoncello liquor, while across the bay the island of Capri tempts vacationers with stunning geological wonders such as the Blue Grotto and Monte Solaro alongside immaculate towns. The ancient city of Pompeii is located just outside of Naples, and is a must-visit for all history enthusiasts who wish to (quite literally) follow in the footsteps of the past.

Southern Italy & Sicily: A Different Vacation

A boutique hotel in Southern Italy provides access to some of the country’s best coastal regions. Bari – a port city on the Adriatic Sea and capital of the Apulia region – is truly an idyllic destination for a beach hotel. Sites here include the San Giacomo church, bright red Petruzzelli Theater and a gorgeous seaside promenade known as Lungomare. Nearby beaches such as Polignano al Mare and Monopoli are some of the most attractive in the area, and a stone’s throw from Bari. Further inland, the ‘Florence of the South’ beckons. Lecce is another historic city with a lot to offer visitors with a boutique hotel in Italy. The city holds a huge number of historic buildings, including the ornate and beautiful 17th century Basilica di Santa Croce and 16th century Lecce Castello. The nearby coastal retreats of Gallipoli and Otranto are also worth a visit. Located off Italy’s ‘toe,’ the country’s largest island Sicily is another top spot for a boutique hotel in Italy. Whether you wish to explore the meandering streets if Palermo’s old town, see the ancient Roman ruins near Syracuse or even hike to the summit or Mount Etna, boutique hotels in Sicily provide a cozy and intimate base from which to explore the island.