12 Italian Destinations So Expensive They’ll Make Your Dolce Vita Dreams Costly (But Totally Worth It)

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Not all expensive destinations guarantee luxury, but these 12 Italian destinations certainly do. If you’re seeking a country with a lavish gateway, Italy is your answer. From opulent historic cities to exclusive coastal retreats, this country offers a range of high-end destinations that cater to the most discerning travelers. If you’re curious about which Italian destinations are renowned for their sophistication, you’re in the right place.

In this article, we’ll explore Italy’s 12 most expensive destinations—each known for its lavish escapes, including accommodations, gourmet dining, and unique experiences. Whether you’re seeking a sophisticated city break or a luxurious seaside escape, these destinations promise to show you the fine side of life. The best thing? They may cost a lot but are worth every coin you will spend.

Milan

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According to a ranking by Statista, Milan was the most expensive city in Italy in 2023. The city’s status as a global fashion hub and the country’s financial capital means luxury boutiques, high-end restaurants, and upscale neighborhoods are common. It is an especially great destination for someone who wants to experience the fashion and elegance that Italy is known for.

Milan’s Duomo, one of Europe’s most popular Gothic cathedrals, is the city’s most popular attraction. Beyond this cathedral, you can explore Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the world’s oldest shopping galleries, which hosts luxurious shops; Teatro alla Scala, one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world; and Sforza Castle, a historical fortress that houses several museums and art collections, including works by Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.

For a taste of the city’s vibrant nightlife, head out to Navigli District, known for its wide variety of trendy bars.

To fully experience Milan’s historical richness and modern elegance, consider staying at Château Monfort. This hotel is located just a short walking distance from the city’s main fashion district and the Duomo, so you will not be far from the real essence of Milan. Some of the hotel’s best features include an indoor swimming pool, spa, minibar, fitness center, and concierge services.

With its historical landmarks, cultural richness, and reputation as a fashion capital, Milan is a fascinating destination, albeit with a high price tag.

Venice

Venice’s price tag may be high, but worth every cent. I mean, where else will you get the experience that Venice gives you? Well, there are many Venice “replicas,” but nothing beats the experience of exploring the real Venice.

With its unique charm and rich history, this city offers an unforgettable experience. Beyond its canals and historic architecture, Venice attracts many international tourists seeking exclusive experiences, increasing accommodation and dining prices. While luxury hotels in the center can be pricey, you will learn that mid-range options are neither affordable.

Some notable landmarks in the city include St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, Rialto Bridge, and the Grand Canal. The best way to explore the Grand Canal is by taking a vaporetto (water bus) or a private gondola ride. If you seek the ultimate experience, take the gondola ride, which typically costs around $80 to $120.

Make your experience in Venice even more luxurious by staying in Aman Venice, hosted in a 16th-century palace beside the Grand Canal. What truly sets Aman Venice apart is its private gardens, which are rare in the floating city. You will also like that it is within walking distance of Piazza San Marco, the heart of Venice. During your stay, you will enjoy its Rococo art interiors, free fitness center, frescoed ceilings, and canal views.

Florence

Florence is a city rich in art, history and culture. With its reputation as the center of the Renaissance, every art and history lover dreams of visiting Florence. If you do, the experience will be worth it. Some unmissable highlights in Florence include the Florence Cathedral, Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, Accademia Gallery, Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens.

It is also an easy gateway to the charming Tuscan countryside.

Enhance your luxurious Tuscan experience by staying in the Four Seasons Hotel Firenze. This elegant 5-star hotel is just a 15-minute walk from the Florence Cathedral. While it is not far from the busiest parts of the city, it still offers a tranquil stay, thanks to its beautiful gardens. Its other notable features include frescoed ceilings, antique ceilings, 24/7 room service, a luxe spa, an outdoor hot tub, and minibars.

Rome

Despite being the capital, Rome is not Italy’s most expensive destination. Yes, it is more costly than many other Italian destinations, but with so much to do and see, you will get your money’s worth.

Some points of interest in Rome include Colosseum, the Roman Forum, Pantheon, Vatican City, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps.

Soak in Rome’s history and ambiance with a stay at The St. Regis Rome. This hotel takes opulence to the next level with its luxurious amenities. In this hotel, you will enjoy elegantly designed rooms and suites, luxurious furnishings, refined dining, and a state-of-the-art spa and wellness center. You will also like that you can easily access attractions like the Spanish Steps from this hotel.

Portofino

Once a charming fishing village, Portofino is now a luxury destination offering an exclusive taste of the Italian Riviera. This luxury destination has long been a playground for the affluent and celebrities looking to spend more for a lavish holiday.

When visiting, you can spend time at Portofino Harbor, known for its colorful buildings and luxurious yachts. The harbor offers beautiful views and is a great place to enjoy a leisurely walk or a meal at a waterfront restaurant. For panoramic views of the picturesque village, coastline, and harbor, head up to Castello Brown. This historic fortress also hosts events and exhibitions you can attend.

Other unmissable highlights include the Church of St. George, Paraggi Beach, and Portofino Regional Park.

If you want to elevate your luxurious vacation in Portofino, consider staying at Excelsior Palace Hotel. It overlooks the bay of Rapello and is only 5 miles (8 km) from Castello Brown. It features elegant rooms, outdoor and indoor pools, a spa, and a gym.

Capri

Capri is another destination for anyone looking to splurge money on luxury and exclusivity. This glamorous destination is known for the Blue Grotto, famous sea caves only accessible by boat.

Other points of interest in Capri include Faraglioni Rocks, Villa Jovis and Monte Solaro, the highest point on the island. Accessible by a scenic chairlift or hiking, Monte Solaro offers breathtaking views of the island, the Gulf of Naples, and the surrounding sea.

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Located in Anacapri, Hotel Caesar Augustus lets you enjoy the island’s luxurious ambiance to the fullest. From this hotel, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Bay of Naples and the Amalfi Coast. You can also relax in the two-level pool, which faces the sea, get active in the outdoor wellness area, or enjoy meals in La Terrazza di Lucullo, a restaurant that serves meals made from ingredients entirely grown on the property.

Costa Smeralda, Sardinia

Top Summer Destinations in Europe in August Sardinia, Italy — © hibiscus81 / Adobe Stock

Costa Smeralda has consistently been ranked as one of the most expensive vacation destinations throughout Europe. Located on the northeastern coast of Sardinia, this town is known for stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and upscale amenities. If you are not relaxing in one of its luxurious resorts, you can head out and enjoy its vibrant nightlife.

Porto Cervo, Costa Smeralda’s bustling marina, is known for its luxury yachts, high-end boutiques, and upscale dining services.

When you want to relax, head to Spiaggia del Principe, a beautiful beach with fine white sands and clear blue waters. Other excellent beaches you can explore include Capriccioli Beach, Romazzino Beach, and Pevero Beach.

If you have more time in Costa Smeralda, you can take wine tours in the surrounding Gallura Wine Region or go on boat excursions.

While there are many luxury hotels in Costa Smeralda, Hotel Pitrizza offers the ultimate sophistication associated with this destination. This 5-star hotel features rooms with sea and garden views. Most of the hotel’s villas come with private swimming pools, while the spa center offers guests a wide variety of massages and treatments to make your stay even more comfortable. With the greenery and sea surrounding you, Hotel Pitrizza is a haven for relaxation.

Cortina d’Ampezzo

Cortina d’Ampezzo, often called the “Queen of the Dolomites,” is a top-tier destination for anyone looking for high-end mountain experiences. In this mountain town, you can soak in beautiful alpine scenery, enjoy world-class skiing and snowboarding facilities, or just relax in the upscale atmosphere. The town is also known for its vibrant après-ski scene and as a base for exploring the surrounding Dolomites.

Grand Hotel Savoia Cortina d’Ampezzo is less than a 10-minute walk from the ski lifts. The hotel offers stylish rooms with fantastic mountain views, a trendy bar and cigar lounge, and a spa with an indoor pool. If you want to make your ski vacation even more memorable, this hotel would be your place to spend the nights after long days of exploration.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a collection of five picturesque villages perched along the rugged Italian Riviera coastline. Everyone wants to visit Cinque Terre, and it is easy to see why. With such high demand, the prices will inevitably be high.

When visiting, make adequate time for all five villages, as they all have distinctive charm. Also, ensure to come ready with your camera, as Cinque Terre is super photogenic. Villa Pietrafiore is a stunning 5-star hotel in Monterosso al Mare that lets you have the best of Cinque Terre. While Cinque Terre can be bustling and busy, this hotel lets you enjoy tranquility, peace, and breathtaking views of the sea. Some other notable aspects of this hotel are its tastefully designed rooms, outdoor dining area with a view, and easy access to beaches.

Positano

Located on the Amalfi Coast, Positano is known for its beautiful cliffside setting and high-end ambiance. With its cliffside setting, the town has limited space for development, pushing its costs higher. For a taste of its high-end ambiance, you can just stroll around and admire beautiful cliffside buildings or relax on its beaches like Spiaggia Grande and Fornillo Beach.

Positano is also known for beautiful villas that offer stunning sea views. Villa Rosa, known for providing panoramic views of the Amalfi Coast, is perfect for a sophisticated and exclusive stay.

Another hotel that lets you enjoy the best of Positano is Il San Pietro di Positano. This hotel offers fantastic views over the sea and the surrounding cliffs. Some of the hotel’s features that will make your stay even better include elegantly furnished rooms, its breakfast buffet, two upscale restaurants with sea views, outdoor dining spaces, access to a private beach, a tennis court, a gym, and spa services. It is a 5-star experience that gives you an even better experience in Positano.

Bellagio, Lake Como

While all the towns around Lake Como have a pricey reputation, Bellagio takes the crown of being the most expensive. Often referred to as the “Pearl of Lake Como,” Bellagio’s picturesque setting and elegant architecture is one you cannot resist.

When in Bellagio, visit Melzi, a historic villa with beautifully landscaped gardens and beautiful views of the lake; Villa Serbelloni, another elegant villa that offers guided tours; and Lido di Bellagio, a lakeside beach where you can relax or dip in for a swim.

For the exclusive and celebrity experience associated with Bellagio, consider spending a night or several in the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni. This hotel is located around 400 meters from the Bellagio Ferry terminal and offers amazing views of the sea and the Alps. But there is more: a seasonal outdoor pool, gardens, bar, breakfast that caters to varied dietary needs, and a private beach area.

Bologna

As unexpected as it may sound, Statista rated Bologna as Italy’s second most expensive city to rent.

Despite the high prices, Bologna is a worthy destination, especially for foodies and history buffs. Apart from being home to the University of Bologna, one of the oldest universities in the world, Bologna is also known for its delicious pasta dishes. When visiting, sample traditional Bolognese cuisine, including tagliatelle al ragù, tortellini, and mortadella, at local trattorias and restaurants.

Explore the university’s historic buildings and museums and the grand Basilica of San Petronio, or relax at Piazza Maggiore, the central square in the city, surrounded by historic buildings. Many tourists looking to take their experience in Bologna a notch higher often go for Grand Hotel Majestic già Baglioni. This hotel offers its guests lavish rooms with antique furnishings, classic French-inspired decor, an extensive wine cellar, a terrace bar, a cocktail lounge with a piano, a spa, and a luxurious restaurant for your meals.