From Gelato to Gondolas: 10 Books Set in Italy That Will Inspire Your Travels

Whether you’re planning a trip to Italy or simply daydreaming about pasta, piazzas, and prosecco, these books set in Italy are your perfect literary escape. From sweeping historical novels to twisty thrillers and sun-drenched romances, every title on this list delivers a rich sense of place – and might just inspire your next great Italian adventure.

So grab your travel journal and a glass of something Italian, and let’s explore Italy one page at a time.

10 Books Set in Italy That Will Inspire Your Travels

1. The Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunant

• Setting: Florence, Renaissance era
• Genre: Historical Fiction
• A richly detailed novel of art, intrigue, and forbidden love in 15th-century Florence. Dunant’s vivid writing pulls you into the textures, smells, and secrets of the Renaissance world.

2. Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter

• Setting: Cinque Terre + Rome
• Genre: Literary Fiction
• A sweeping, multi-decade story that begins in a remote Italian coastal village. Romantic, atmospheric, and deeply human—it’s perfect for fans of layered narratives and Italian charm.

3. The Villa by Rachel Hawkins

• Setting: Orvieto, Umbria
• Genre: Mystery/Thriller
• A dual-timeline thriller where a modern-day writing retreat unravels secrets tied to a famous 1970s rock star murder. Think Italy meets Agatha Christie with a modern edge.

4. The Wedding Officer by Anthony Capella

• Setting: Naples, WWII
• Genre: Historical Fiction / Romance
• A British officer sent to Naples to keep soldiers from marrying locals ends up falling for a fiery Italian cook. It’s a warm, delicious blend of love, food, and post-war grit.

5. The Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim

• Setting: Portofino coast
• Genre: Classic Fiction
• Four women escape dreary London to spend a month in an Italian villa. This charming 1920s novel is a gentle, atmospheric escape—perfect for daydreamy armchair travel.

6. One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle

• Setting: Positano
• Genre: Contemporary Women’s Fiction
• When her mother dies, Katy takes the trip to Positano they had planned together. But once there, she encounters a young version of her mother, leading to an unforgettable summer of self-discovery along the Amalfi Coast.

7. A Thousand Days in Venice by Marlena de Blasi

• Setting: Venice
• Genre: Memoir / Romance
• A real-life story of an American woman who impulsively moves to Venice for love. Lyrical, passionate, and full of sensory details—it feels like falling in love with Italy itself.

8. The Lying Life of Adults by Elena Ferrante

• Setting: Naples
• Genre: Literary Fiction
• In Naples, teenager Giovanna’s life is upended when she overhears her father’s cruel comment about her looks. What follows is a tense, layered exploration of family, class, and identity against the vivid backdrop of the city.

9. The Venetian Bargain by Marina Fiorato

• Setting: Venice, 16th century
• Genre: Historical Fiction
• A richly woven story of love, medicine, and secrets set during the plague years in Venice. Fiorato is known for infusing real history with page-turning plots.

10. The Garden Of Angels by David Hewson

• Setting: Venice
• Genre: Historical Fiction
• Set in Venice during World War II, this historical novel follows a young boy recruited into the Italian resistance. As he navigates loyalty, danger, and impossible choices, the beauty of the city contrasts with the brutality of war.

Frequently Asked Questions – Books Set In Italy

Conclusion: Book Your Trip – Or Just Your Next Read

Italy has inspired artists, poets, and authors for centuries – and once you’ve read a few of these books, you’ll understand why. Whether you’re packing your bags or just curling up with a cappuccino, these books are your ticket to the heart of Italy.

And if you are packing your bags for an imminent Italian vacation, you’ll need the Ultimate Guide to Italy.