7 Books That Will Transport You to Italy

Ah, Italy. Just saying the word makes you want to exhale a little slower, sip an espresso, and daydream about cobbled streets, piazzas glowing in golden light, and the gentle hum of a Vespa in the distance. But let’s be honest, hopping on a plane to Rome, Florence, or Positano isn’t always in the cards.

Luckily, books exist, and a good novel can whisk you straight to the vineyards, seaside villages, or chaotic but beautiful cityscapes of la dolce vita without you ever leaving your sofa.

If your wanderlust is high but your budget is tight, here’s a round-up of books that will transport you straight to Italy’s gorgeous coastlines, delicious restaurants, and stunning architecture.

One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle

If you’ve ever daydreamed about reinventing yourself under the Italian sun, Rebecca Serle’s One Italian Summer might just hit too hard. Set in Positano on the Amalfi Coast (yes, that postcard-perfect town with pastel houses clinging to cliffs), it’s a story of grief, healing, and those moments of magic that happen when you take the plunge and travel the world.

But don’t be scared off by the heavy themes, though. At its core, this book is warm, hopeful, and gorgeously atmospheric. Serle paints the Amalfi Coast so vividly you’ll practically be able to taste the lemons and feel that salty sea breeze. Serle’s book is absolutely perfect for readers who love a little emotional depth with their escapism.

My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante

We can’t talk about Italy in books without mentioning Ferrante’s iconic Neapolitan Novels. The first book, My Brilliant Friend, kicks off the epic tale of Elena and Lila, two girls growing up in a poor neighborhood of Naples. Yes, it’s gritty at times, but don’t worry, because it’s also captivating, compulsively readable, and brimming with Italian flavor.

Naples becomes a character of its own: chaotic, intense, and full of contradictions. If you’re craving a long series to sink into that will make you feel Italy, from the fiery Italian passion, to the family feuds, and even the sense of place, then you’ll want to dive headfirst into Ferrante’s world.

The Wedding Officer by Anthony Capella

Foodies, rejoice! This novel is like a feast for the senses. Set in Naples during World War II, The Wedding Officer is a truly unique story. The narrative follows a British officer whose job is to break couples up. No, really. He’s tasked with discouraging soldiers from marrying local women. But then, enter Livia, a talented cook with a knack for weaving love and food together.

It’s romantic, funny, and absolutely drenched in mouthwatering descriptions of Italian dishes. If you’ve ever wanted a novel that feels like a combination of a love story and a long Italian dinner party, this one’s for you.

Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman

Yes, you’ve probably heard of this one because of the gorgeous film adaptation, but the novel itself is worth savoring. Set in a villa on the Italian Riviera during one golden summer, Call Me By Your Name is a stunning coming-of-age love story that captures the intensity of first love, lazy afternoons, and the sensory overload that comes with both romance and Italy.

Aciman’s prose is lush and lyrical. In fact, it reads almost like poetry. If you want a book that makes you want to linger over every word, this is the one to pick up. Although we can’t guarantee you won’t be looking at flights to Italy with the hopes of falling in love by the end of it.

Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch

Sometimes you just want a feel-good, swoony story, and Love & Gelato truly gets it. This young adult novel follows Lina, an American teen sent to Florence for the summer, where she uncovers secrets about her mother’s past, and just so happens to slip and fall in love along the way.

Florence shines in this book, with its Renaissance art, hidden gardens, and winding streets. It’s sweet, breezy, and is just that perfect palate cleanser after a heavier read. Plus, the title alone gives you a clue: expect a lot of delicious gelato moments. You may end up salivating.

The Gondola Maker by Laura Morelli

Let’s swing over to Venice, shall we? And how about a different century, too? After all, Italy is steeped in delicious history.

The Gondola Maker takes us to 16th-century Venice, a city glittering with canals, secrets, and traditions. The novel follows Luca, the son of a gondola builder, as he’s pulled into the glamorous yet dangerous world of Venetian society.

If you’re a historical fiction lover who wants to step back in time and soak up all the artistry and atmosphere of Renaissance Venice, this one is a delight. Bonus: it’ll make you see gondolas in a whole new way.

The Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim

The Enchanted April is a classic when it comes to books set in Italy. It’s kind of like a warm bath for your soul. Four English women, each with their own struggles, rent a castle in Italy for a month. What follows is a tale of personal renewal, unlikely friendships, and the restorative power of sunshine, flowers, and Italian air. Perfect for anyone craving their own Italian excursion!