The Most Scenic Landscapes for Photography in Italy

Italy is a photography dream kept together by contrasts: alpine heights and golden coastlines, medieval hill towns, and wild terrain, all within a few hours of each other.

Stay long enough here, as I've been for the past four years, and you start to understand that the country's photographic beauty goes well beyond postcards of Venice or the Colosseum. Italy reveals itself gradually, step by step: not in the grand monuments, but in the quiet places.

You have to wander on roads that few people travel, where the silence of the Friuli Venezia Giulia mountains meets the cry of a passing eagle, or where a shepherd in the Apuane Alps will lead you to a hidden trail with a panoramic view ideal for mountain photography in Italy.

From the movie towers of the Dolomites to Sicily's volcanic theatre, from the sun-kissed hills of Tuscany to the stark isolation of the Gran Sasso, Italy provides unique landscapes for adventurous photographers. It's where wolves remain, sea and peak frequently meet on the same horizon, and proud and warm-hearted residents are not afraid to share advice pointing to irreplaceable images.

This blog post is a small guide to some of the most scenic landscapes for photography in Italy that I've discovered after years of wandering—places where earth and light come together in ways that persist long after you've packed up your gear.

I'll share some of my best mountain photos and the exact location where I captured them. If I trigger your curiosity and you want to see more from me, I invite you to visit my website www.photagne.com. There, you can discover my complete photo collection and order poster prints of my best work.

Italian Destinations

Friuli: The Best Mountains for Photography in Italy

Friuli lies just east of the Dolomites, along the Slovenian border—a rugged, lesser-known corner that often goes under the radar. Though not quite as jagged as the Dolomites, the mountains here are no less spectacular, especially in the Friulian Dolomites.

My favorite aspect of these mountains is their remoteness and wildness. The trails are quiet and all but deserted, and the few people you meet are serious mountain lovers, many of whom will cheerfully tick off every peak in sight.

I photographed this in October, my favorite time of year to take pictures. The light is liquid gold. After a difficult climb, I reached the 5,367-foot (1,635-meter) tall summit of Monte Briniza (click the link for the exact spot) around noon.

I was left breathless, not only from the climb but also from the jaw-dropping view. If you like tranquility and scenery, I highly recommend visiting this part of Friuli in autumn.

Dolomites: A Classic Revisited

The Dolomites are a cliché—and for good reason. Their dramatic mix of green meadows and sheer vertical faces gives them a unique, instantly recognizable appearance.

Tre Cime and Marmolada are old, classic, iconic peaks that appear in countless portfolios. Still, some less busy corners are also worth investigating.

This image was taken at Lago Coldai, across from the imposing wall of Civetta, during a two-day trek around the mountain. Again, it was October. Settled weather and long shadows made for perfect photographic conditions.

I reached the lake in the late afternoon, and the silence was so complete that I could hear the wind in the wings of an eagle flying overhead. The trail followed a stretch of the Alta Via delle Dolomiti (GPX track here), one of Italy's best long-distance hikes.

Apuane Alps: The Steepest Mountains of the Apennines

Part of the Apennine chain, the Apuane Alps rise sheerly on the border of Tuscany and Liguria. The mountains are rugged, steep, and dramatically close to the sea, with breathtaking views from the summits. But they demand effort. Hikes here are steep and challenging, so be prepared.

I took this while walking up to Monte Pelato, which is accessed by a small road from Massa. Near the top are the renowned marble quarries that have made the Apuane famous—allegedly, Michelangelo obtained stone here. The visual drama of the white marble, black rock, and deep blue sea is quite something.

Tuscany: The Heart of Italy

Tuscany is another Italian stereotype for photography in Italy, reputed for rolling hills, rows of cypress trees, and endless vineyards. But the region itself is broad and varied.

The Apuan Alps I spoke of earlier are still a part of it. If you go beyond the picture-postcard locations, you find small gems that appear to be the very soul of Italy.

I took this photo near the beautiful town of Volterra. It embodies all the Tuscan magic: golden light, a solitary farmhouse nestled in green fields, and wave after wave of rolling hills.

Gran Sasso: The Highest Peak of the Apennines

At 9,553 feet (2,912 meters), Gran Sasso is the Apennines' highest point. It towers over Abruzzo's untamed landscape—a realm of mountains, woodland, and wolves. Near the summit is Campo Imperatore, an enormous high-altitude plateau with an otherworldly atmosphere.

I took this shot on a three-day hike around the mountain. June is ideal for visiting—the final patches of snow remain while alpine flowers begin to bloom, forming a dramatic contrast that's absolutely stunning to photograph.

Sicily: A Unique Place for Landscape Photography in Italy

Sicily is a world of its own. The food comes in massive portions, the locals can't wait to direct you to hidden spots, and the summer heat is sweltering. I recommend visiting in winter or spring, when the air is gentle, and the ground bursts with life.

I took this picture at the Doric Temple of Segesta. When summer begins, the grass turns golden from a lack of water, creating a dry, warm palette that sets off the ancient stone in rich contrast. Sicily is unique but equally captivating.

Conclusion

After four years of wandering in Italy, what stays with me most isn't only the beauty of the landscapes—it's the feeling of discovery. Whether alone on a wind-swept Friuli ridge or watching the sun set behind Tuscan hills, every place offered something distinct: silence, scale, light, and a feeling of belonging to something greater than any monument or city.

Italy rewards those who stray from the map. It's a country where sea and mountain meet the same horizon, history and nature are synonyms, and a warm chat with someone born there will lead you to a spot no guidebooks mention. These places are a good starting point if you desire more than lovely photos.

I hope this guide helps you organize your trip. For more trek routes around Italy, have a look at my website, www.photagne.com. And if you ever find yourself standing in one of these places, with a camera strap around your neck, I hope you will feel what I felt: a quietness of wonder and the urge to keep going.