Italy isn’t just a place—it’s a living gallery, a dance of light and shadow, texture and colour, where every turn offers a new composition waiting to be captured. We’ve been there a number of times and never get tired of it from north to south. My favorite Italian destinations aren’t just beautiful—they’re photogenic in ways that stir the creative soul. So here are some of my favorite places to visit in Italy.
18-200mm lens; 1/500 sec.; f/10; ISO 400; AV mode
Florence – The heartbeat of the Renaissance, Florence feels like you are stepping into a painting. The Duomo rises proudly over terracotta rooftops, while cobblestone streets lead you to world-famous treasures in the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia. We climbed all 463 steps to the very top of the Duomo dome for this shot—pausing along the way to admire the breathtaking fresco paintings that wrap the interior in colour and story. Yet some of our favorite moments weren’t grand at all—like sipping espresso in the golden light of a quiet piazza or strolling across the Ponte Vecchio as the Arno River shimmered in the evening glow. No wonder Florence is called “The Jewel of Tuscany”. This was a mid-day shot and I was able to get a great shot of Giotto’s Campanile, the cathedral’s bell tower on the right.
24-240 mm lens; 1/100 sec.; f/13; ISO 100; AV mode
Cinque Terre – From the moment I saw photos of this region, I just knew I had to go. Five colourful fishing villages cling to the rugged Ligurian coast, connected by winding trails and breathtaking views. The photographer’s palette comes alive here—pastel houses stacked on cliffs, the cobalt sea crashing below, and fishermen’s boats painted in bold primaries. Each village offers a different photo adventure. I shot Vernazza’s harbor from above by the hiking trail, while Riomaggiore was best captured by the craggy rocks along the waters edge. The best spot for a sunset shot of Manarola is from the Manarola Scenic Viewpoint, located along the path towards the Nessun Dorma bar. This viewpoint offers unobstructed views of the colourful houses clinging to the cliffs and the harbor below, especially stunning during the golden hour or under a moody sky. We were fortunate that on this cloudy day, the sun broke through for just five minutes—and I happened to be in exactly the right place at the right moment. This is Italy in vivid, saturated tones – a photographer’s paradise.
16-35 mm lens; 1/125 sec.; f/13; ISO 100; TV mode
Rome – In the Eternal City, history becomes a backdrop for street photography. Walking through Rome feels like turning the pages of a living history book, only here you hear the hum of Vespas, breathe in the aroma of fresh pizza and watch the Colosseum glow in the warm light of sunset. I took photos all around the Colosseum, and it’s a challenge if you don’t want people all over it. So, after wandering around Via Sacra—the ancient avenue once used by Roman emperors for triumphal parades and funeral processions—we found this spot just west of the Colosseum, perfect for a place with less visitors in the photo.
24-240 mm lens; 1/250 sec.; f/13; ISO 1250; AV mode
Tuscany – Tuscany’s landscapes are a masterclass in composition: rolling hills, lone cypress trees standing like exclamation points, and winding roads that draw the eye into the frame. Golden hour here isn’t just warm—it’s molten, wrapping the vineyards and stone farmhouses in an almost painterly glow. We stayed in Pienza, a hilltop town framed by elegant 15th-century architecture like the Pienza Cathedral and the Piccolomini Palace. Perched high above the rolling Tuscan countryside, it offers sweeping vantage points—perfect for capturing panoramic shots like the one above. I waited until sunset and the magic started to happen. The shadows and tones are incredible at sunset.
24-240 mm lens; 0.4 sec.; f/5; ISO 800; TV mode, tripod
Venice – A city of shimmering canals and graceful bridges, Venice is unlike anywhere else on earth. Venice feels like it was designed for photographers. Canals create perfect leading lines, gondolas provide timeless foregrounds, and reflections double the magic. In St. Mark’s Square, morning light cuts through the mist, revealing the grandeur in soft gradients. The best shots often happen in the side alleys—doorways worn down over centuries and windows framed by cascading flowers. This shot was captured from the iconic Ponte di Rialto bridge, looking out over the shimmering waters of the Grand Canal. It appeared fairly peaceful, though in reality there were about 100 people on the bridge, each busy taking selfies. A tripod proved invaluable—once I secured my spot, it allowed me to lock in my composition and capture longer exposures despite the crowd.
24-105 mm lens; 1/60 sec.; f/22; ISO 500; AV mode
Amalfi Coast – The Amalfi coast is another of my all-time favorite places to visit. The Amalfi Coast demands a wide lens for sweeping seascapes, yet tempts you with tight frames of tiled domes, lemon stalls, and cliffside balconies. Positano’s stacked houses form a natural composition, each balcony a burst of colour against the blues of the Mediterranean. At sunset, the light is golden, painting the coastline in gold and coral hues. We stayed in Praiano, a charming, quieter town on the Amalfi Coast, situated between the more well-known towns of Positano and Amalfi. This served as a great springboard to see the other towns close by. When I saw photos of Atrani, one of the tiniest and most charming towns along Italy’s Amalfi Coast, I just knew I had to capture this beauty. I was able to walk up from the town of Amalfi to the Saracen Tower restaurant to get this iconic photo of the coast.
Closing Reflection – These places are more than just destinations—they are experiences that stay with you long after you’ve returned home. They remind me that travel isn’t just about seeing new things, but about feeling a place’s rhythm, savoring its flavors, and letting its beauty change you in ways you can’t quite put into words. Travel is something you spend money on – but it makes you richer!
The Final Touch
For this Italian collection, I chose Hahnemühle Photo Rag® Bright White paper — a premium, bright white matte cotton art paper with a subtly textured felt surface. This gentle texture adds remarkable depth and a three-dimensional quality to each print. Acid- and lignin-free, it meets museum-quality standards and offers exceptional longevity. I was genuinely impressed with the results – why not give it a try?
Happy Shooting & Printing!
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Peter Dulis is a Canadian photographer and visual storyteller living in Toronto, Ontario. His work has been published in a number of magazines such as Graphic Arts Magazine, Visual Wilderness, Luminous Landscape, Photo News and has been recognized for photography excellence. Peter offers photo workshops in southern Ontario and can be reached at info@photographyAdventures.ca
Peter shares many of his tips and techniques in his monthly newsletter – PhotographyAdventures.ca and PeterDulisPhotography.com
Fantastic captures Peter! What a great holiday, you certainly chose the right time for each one and using a tripod in Venice well thought out.
Hi Irene – thanks for your kind words – glad the article was of some help