Best Airbnbs in Italy: 19 handpicked homes you’ll be bragging about booking

Think it looks stunning from the outside? Wait until you step inside your apartment in this 16th-century palazzo. The epitome of Italian romance and grandeur, this Airbnb in Italy's capital city features interiors fit for a royal, with high ceilings and frescoes galore.

In the unlikely event that you tire of these grand surroundings, unmissable sightseeing awaits just outside, with classics like the Colosseum and Pantheon an easy walk away.

Sleeps: 2

Price: £141 per night

SEE INSIDE

As chic as its location in the Lake Como town of Blevio, this Airbnb in the Italian Lakes is a beautiful place to call home for a few nights (at least). You'll be addicted to the view from the outdoor dining space and can snuggle up in the cosy living space when you're not out exploring Como.

Guests rave about the exceptionally warm welcome offered by host, Anna, who has been known to show guests around and even pick them up from the train station.

Sleeps: 2

Price: £113 per night

SEE INSIDE

Fancy sunning yourself on a Rome rooftop? Book this Airbnb in Pigneto to live out your Roman Holiday fantasies. The cosy attic studio isn't all about the sun-kissed terrace though; there's also a bright interior with all the modern essentials you need for a break at any time of year. There's so much to explore in this artsy, stylish end of town, plus the familiar delights of Rome just a little further afield.

Want to be Audrey Hepburn for the day? Hire a red vespa (with personal photographer) via Airbnb experiences. You’ll zip through the cobbled streets, with every moment captured on camera. If that sounds too high-octane, a historic Colosseum tour, a pasta-making class, or a street food tour could be more your speed – our stomach is rumbling at the thought.

Sleeps: 2

Price: £48 per night

SEE INSIDE

Perched above the country's largest lake, Maggiore, this Italian Airbnb offers 180-degree views of the Borromean Islands and the surrounding deep blue water. The 300-year-old rusting stone villa is complete with floor-to-ceiling windows, a hammock, outdoor seating and a telescope.

Inside, there's character on tap, with an abundance of books and beautiful, locally crafted ceramics, plus a chic minimalist design in the bedrooms.

Sleeps: 4

Price: £110 per night

SEE INSIDE

If you've always wanted to stay in one of Puglia's famous dry stone huts, we've found the perfect Airbnb. Set in the pretty Apulian town of Locorotondo, this traditional trullo offers an authentic escape. It dates back to 1714 with rustic chic interiors featuring traditional tiling and ceramics throughout the kitchen and bathroom. In the bedroom, a sense of peace is achieved with a classic whitewashed design.

If you can drag yourself away, we recommend exploring the coast and craggy caves of Polignano aboard a sleek yacht. Or, if you’re the adventurous type, try a guided kayak tour.

Foodies will enjoy making orecchiette (the region’s signature pasta) using a Nonna’s traditional recipe or visiting a local vineyard for a wine tasting with a fourth-generation sommelier.

Sleeps: 2

Price: £78 per night

SEE INSIDE

Watch amazing sunsets over the rooftops from this Rome Airbnb with a balcony. The quiet apartment has wooden floorboards to add warmth to the rustic Mediterranean styling and a designer walk-in shower in the bathroom. It's located on the fourth floor of a building from 1800, just 200 meters from the Colosseum. There are numerous restaurants and bars with outdoor tables to sit it and watch the world go by in the lively surrounding streets and squares of Rione Monti.

Sleeps: 4

Price: £96 per night

SEE INSIDE

It's hard to imagine a more fitting view to sum up the appeal of the lemon-scented Amalfi coast than the one from this gorgeous Airbnb in Conca dei Marini. The dream romantic bolthole for two, this well-furnished spot comes complete with a large kitchen area, bathroom covered in local ceramic tiles and, of course, that terrace. With sun loungers plus a table and chairs for alfresco dining, there's plenty of room to take a seat and admire that view for as long as possible.

Sleeps: 2

Price: £103 per night

SEE INSIDE

Cortona is a breathtaking hillside town overlooking the rolling Tuscan countryside (fun fact: some Succession scenes were filmed here). You’re spoilt for choice, with walks past 13th-century convents and wineries, but GH writer Felicity Martin says the food is the real highlight. From this Airbnb (a charming 3-floor home for four in the middle of the Tuscan countryside), restaurants are just steps away – including the traditional Le Rughe di Cortona, which sits on the same street.

“When I wasn’t inhaling cheap, delicious cappuccinos, I was eating the best focaccia sandwiches of my life at La Dispensa del Preludio, or tucking into pici and pappardelle with wild boar ragu – a local speciality,” Felicity says. For a blow-out dinner, Al Tocco offers a tasting menu with local syrah and sangiovese.

Sleeps: 4

Price: £126 per night

SEE INSIDE

Check out the view from this terrace! The Airbnb in Florence sits on one of the ancient streets of the Tuscan city, Via del Corso, between the Duomo and Palazzo Vecchio. The top floor apartment is cosy and romantic inside (it would make a fabulous writer's retreat in our opinion), but its main attraction is the stunning outdoor space that's perfect for long, lazy lunches.

Sleeps: 2

Price: £104 per night

SEE INSIDE

This loft apartment in the Sicilian town of Casteldaccia, a small seaside village located between Palermo and Cefalù, has plenty of history but exudes modernity. It was owned by the host's grandmother and has been transformed into a trendy rental complete with superb panoramic views from the terrace, a workout area and reclaimed furniture. It's all too easy to imagine cooking up some local treats in that enviable kitchen, or just relaxing in the beautiful sun spot.

Sleeps: 2

Price: £55 per night

SEE INSIDE

With views of the Vatican Museums, exposed beams and access to a delightful shared terrace, this loft apartment Airbnb in Rome is a real treat. Part of a villa dating back to the 1900s, it's set on the third floor so be prepared for the stairs. Rest assured that it's more than worth the climb, with a chic white and lime green colour palette and well-stocked kitchen.

Sleeps: 2

Price: £88 per night

SEE INSIDE

Wow! If an island escape in Italy is your thing (we're guessing it is), then this glamorous bolthole in Capri is certainly worth checking out. From its terrace for sunbathing with a view, to the elegant interiors (Capri tiles, wisteria walls and ancient terracotta), this is one Airbnb you're certain to fall in love with. It's an incredibly romantic location if you're looking to escape à deux, though there is space for two more if you happen to have some crashers in tow.

Sleeps: 4

Price: £217 per night

SEE INSIDE

From the hot tub with views over the lake to the sleek bedroom and living space, we could spend all day in this Lake Como Airbnb. Finished in soothing shades of white, the decor is modern and stylish, with essentials including an espresso machine, air conditioning and room darkening curtains. Overall, it's sufficiently sleek and modern to make you feel as if you're staying in a five-star hotel, with all the comfort and privacy that comes with your own place.

Sleeps: 4

Price: £129 per night

SEE INSIDE

Imagine waking up on a sunny day in the Italian Dolomites and wandering out onto your cosy private balcony to take in the enchanting views of the surrounding lake and mountains. This is exactly what's on offer at this glorious Airbnb in Bosentino, a small mountain village in the Trentino-Alto Adige region. The crowning glory of this luxurious lodge for four is an outdoor heated Finnish Jacuzzi, from which you can admire the panoramic views or take in the starry sky. Inside, expect a lovely modern take on Alpine decor, plus one double bedroom and a sofa bed.

After an adrenaline fix? Thrill-seekers can try rock climbing in summer and ice climbing or ski touring in winter. For something tamer, activities like snow-shoeing in the mountains or e-biking
offer stop‑you‑in‑your‑tracks vistas without the sky‑high heart rate.

Sleeps: 4

Price: £188 per night

SEE INSIDE

Known as the 'Fat City' due to its indulgent cuisine, Bologna is the destination for gastronomes who love all things pasta. The largest city of northern Italy's Emilia-Romagna region, the list of must-eats here include mortadella sausage, locally-produced Parmigiano Reggiano, tortellini in brodo (filled pasta in broth) and ragù Bolognese, although here it's served with tagliatelle.

For a place to lay your head after a day sampling the city's delicacies, this one-bedroom attic apartment has a central location, a bright and airy living space, and a private patio offering views over Bologna's famous red rooftops.

Sleeps: 2

Price: from £105 per night

SEE INSIDE

A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Liguria, northern Italy, Cinque Terre comprises of five coastal villages and their surrounding hillsides. Predominantly accessed by train, boat or walking trails due to the mountainous terrain, Cinque Terre is renowned for its pretty, pastel-hued houses that look out onto the Ligurian Sea. We're sure you've seen the postcards.

This one-bed apartment in Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre's most southern village, offers easy access to the bustling marina, along with spectacular sea views from its large, private terrace and simple decor. Handily, it's also a five-minute walk from the village train station, which grants direct access to nearby cities, Pisa and Genoa.

Sleeps: 4

Price: £224 per night

SEE INSIDE

While perhaps not the prettiest of Italy's metropolises, Naples still boasts plenty of cobbled streets, piazzas, churches, grand boulevards and sea views to draw in plenty of visitors. It's also a brilliant springboard for visiting popular Sorrento as well as the Amalfi Coast.

This one bedroom apartment sits just off Via Chiaia, one of Naples' main pedestrianised streets, so offers easy access to shops, bars and restaurants. The property has a loft bedroom with mezzanine balcony and a fully-functioning kitchenette should you want to make coffee or breakfast. But when in Naples there should really be only one thing on your mind: pizza.

Sleeps: 5

Price: £158 per night

SEE INSIDE

In this heavenly spot, cypress trees and winding roads are joined by sunflower fields that bloom into life from July to September. Whatever the time of year, the sprawling Villa il Gelso is a dreamy spot to check into for a week or so, dripping with classic Tuscan style – terracotta floors, exposed wooden beams, a pool beckoning you amid the bucolic green of the garden. It can comfortably accommodate 16 people with eight bedrooms and eight bathrooms, and has high chairs and cots if you have little ones with you.

Sleeps: 16

Price: £498 per night

SEE INSIDE

Like something out of a James Bond film, this glamorous Airbnb is set in an unbeatable secluded spot up in the hills of Brenzone sul Garda, on the eastern shore of Lake Garda. The dreamy views are nothing short of hypnotic – especially when enjoyed from your own private infinity pool. There are two stylish bedrooms plus sofa beds in the living room, so this picturesque spot sleeps six comfortably. It's an easy five minute drive from the lakeside, as well as a handful of well-regarded restaurants and day trip spots.

Sleeps: 6

Price: £677 per night

SEE INSIDE

Which region is best to visit in Italy for me?

Whether you’re planning a long weekend, a bank holiday getaway, or a romantic summer elopement, Italy has an Airbnb for every style of traveller. From historic city apartments to rustic farmhouses, here are some of the most beautiful Airbnbs in Italy to book now.

• Rome Airbnbs – Stay in a traditional palazzo near the Colosseum or in a chic apartment in Trastevere.
• Florence Airbnbs – Perfect for art lovers and romantics, with Renaissance charm and lively piazzas.
• The Italian Lakes villas – Luxury stays with sun-drenched terraces and sweeping water views.
• Tuscan treasures on Airbnb – Rolling vineyards and traditional food at local trattorias in tiny, characterful villages. What’s not to love?
• Amalfi coast Airbnbs – A bucket list area of coastline with lofty sea views.
• Sicilian stays – There are few areas of Italy more charismatic than this island in the middle of the Med, so make your time here count with a villa that does the region justice.
• Apulian Trulli houses – Unique, whitewashed stone homes that offer a truly authentic Italian experience.
• Bologna boltholes – Great for foodies who want to explore Italy’s culinary capital.
• The Dolomites – This trending location offers verdant green mountain vistas with icy blue lakes in summer, skiing in winter.

What makes these Italian Airbnbs special?

Charming inside and out, our curated selection of Italian Airbnbs includes:

• Stylish interiors and authentic design.
• Terraces for alfresco dining and evening aperitifs.
• Stunning views of cities, lakes, and countryside.
• The chance to live like a local, in a house with historic charm.