When it comes to European eye candy, Italy’s arguably the most picturesque piece. Come with us as we peel back the canvas on some of the country’s most dazzling destinations. No filter needed!

Tuscany

Synonymous with emerald hillsides dotted with olive groves, cypress and pine trees, swoon-worthy scenes are Tuscany’s bread and butter. Spend your days roaming around sleepy stone villages, sipping chianti in vineyards and tucking into farm-to-table treats. But did you know that this part of Italy’s got a twinkling coast to its name too? Top spots include Viareggio and Montecatini Terme.

Naples

Colourful, chaotic and full of character, Naples turns everyone into a budding photographer. Foodies you’re in the right place... the classic Margherita hails from here. Legend has it, this flavour was first created in 1889 for Queen Margherita, who wanted the colours to match the Italian flag. Red tomato sauce, white mozzarella and green basil. Delizioso! When you simply can’t eat another slice, see off the post-lunch slump with a stroll along the street-art splashed streets in the Quartieri Spagnoli (Spanish Quarter).

Lake Garda

The only travel blues that exist here are the twinkling waters which call for lakeside dips. Jamaica Beach in Sirmione is a popular pick, but there are easily accessible swimming spots in most of the villages. Exploring the each-better-than-the-next towns is a breeze, thanks to the local ferries. Limone spills all the way onto the water’s edge, while Riva attracts adventurous types looking to kite and windsurf.

Burano

Just a short vaporetto (water taxi) ride from Venice, this dinky island wows with its rainbow-hued houses. Originally painted this way so fisherman could spot them in bad weather conditions, they now attract snap-happy visitors from all over the world. Once you’ve filled up your camera roll, hop over to neighbouring Murano. Here, you can spy the city’s artisan glassmakers crafting their creations.

Sorrento

Along the Amalfi Coast, it’s hard to miss the sunshine-yellow lemon groves clinging to the cliff. They’ve become one of the symbols of Sorrento, and you’ll often catch a fruity whiff as you wander through the town. It’s not surprising then that this is also the birthplace of limoncello, so be sure to try some on your trip. But there’s much more to the land of lemons than its citrusy credentials. Other eye-catching sights include the bougainvillea-hugged balconies in Piazza della Vittoria and the glorious gardens at San Francesco Church.