Where to Go If You Loved Italy

Italy has a way of getting under your skin. Maybe it was the long lunches, the coastal views, the historic streets, or simply the feeling that every day deserved to be savored. If your clients loved Italy but are ready to discover somewhere new, there are plenty of destinations that offer a similar mix of culture, cuisine, beautiful scenery, and European charm.

Here are a few places to put on their radar.

Lake Bled, Slovenia

Slovenia: Italy’s Alpine Neighbor

For travelers who loved northern Italy, Slovenia is an easy place to look next. Just across the border, this small country combines storybook towns, dramatic mountains, sparkling lakes, and a strong food and wine culture.

Lake Bled is the obvious showstopper, but Ljubljana offers its own appeal with colorful architecture, outdoor cafés, and a relaxed pace. Along the coast, Piran brings a distinctly Mediterranean atmosphere, with Venetian-style architecture and waterfront restaurants that make it easy to see why Italy feels so close.

Best for: Travelers who loved Lake Como, the Dolomites, or northern Italian charm.

Malta: Mediterranean History With a Twist

If your clients fell in love with Italy’s coastal cities and centuries of history, Malta offers a fresh take on the Mediterranean experience. Its limestone architecture, crystal-clear waters, and historic cities create a setting that feels both familiar and completely different.

Valletta is packed with Baroque architecture, winding streets, and waterfront views, while the smaller islands of Gozo and Comino offer a slower pace and plenty of opportunities to get out on the water.

And, of course, food is a major part of the experience. Maltese cuisine reflects centuries of Mediterranean influences, making every meal part of the destination.

Best for: Travelers who loved Sicily, the Amalfi Coast, or Italy’s historic cities.

Valletta, Malta

Croatia: Adriatic Coast, Italian-Inspired Charm

For clients who can't stop talking about Italy's coastline, point them toward Croatia. The country's Adriatic coast is dotted with charming towns, historic ports, islands, and turquoise water—and it offers plenty of opportunities to trade crowded hotspots for a slightly different Mediterranean experience.

Dubrovnik's medieval walls and coastal views make it an obvious choice, while Split combines Roman history with a lively waterfront atmosphere. For a more relaxed escape, Croatia's islands offer beaches, local restaurants, and picturesque villages best explored at a slower pace.

Best for: Travelers who loved the Amalfi Coast, Puglia, or the Italian Riviera.

Greece: A Different Take on the Mediterranean

Greece may not be a direct substitute for Italy, but it checks many of the same boxes: ancient history, incredible food, beautiful coastlines, and a culture built around enjoying the moment.

Instead of simply choosing the most famous islands, consider destinations like Naxos, Paros, or Crete for clients looking to go beyond the classic itinerary. Athens also makes a great addition for travelers who want a combination of history, dining, and city life.

Best for: Travelers who loved Italy's islands, coastal towns, and food scene.

Paros, Greece

Portugal: Old-World Charm Meets Atlantic Coastlines

Portugal offers another option for travelers drawn to Italy's historic cities and relaxed lifestyle. Lisbon's tiled buildings, winding streets, and café culture provide plenty to explore, while Porto brings a smaller-city feel with a strong food and wine scene.

For travelers craving the coast, the Algarve offers dramatic cliffs, beaches, and charming seaside towns. The biggest difference? Portugal brings an Atlantic perspective to the European getaway, making it feel familiar without feeling like a repeat of Italy.

Best for: Travelers who loved Rome, Florence, or Italy's slower-paced coastal towns.

The Takeaway

Sometimes the best follow-up to a favorite destination isn't returning to the same place—it's finding somewhere that captures what they loved about it in a new way.

Whether it's Slovenia's alpine scenery, Malta's Mediterranean history, Croatia's Adriatic coastline, Greece's island culture, or Portugal's old-world charm, these destinations give travelers a chance to find their next favorite European escape.