The Best Books Set in Italy

Here are some of my favorite books and novels set in Italy that will inspire your wanderlust

If you’ve followed me for any length of time, you probably know about my Italy obsession! I’ve been in love with all things Italy since high school, when I first saw Only You. Being Italian, I’ve always felt a deep connection to the country, but that bond was solidified when I traveled there for the first time in 2016 with my children. It was absolutely life-changing.

Since then, I’ve read countless books set in Italy, visited three more times, and am planning to buy a villa there soon so I can spend part of the year living my dream. To help manifest that vision, I immerse myself in books set in Italy—they transport me, keep me inspired, and fuel my determination.

That said, there are a lot of cheesy novels set in Italy. It’s a favorite setting for first-time novelists, and while we all have to start somewhere, I’ve curated only my favorites for this list.

Here’s my list of favorite movies and TV shows filmed in Italy.

Here’s My TOP Book Recommendations by Category

Over the past three years, I’ve listened to 432 books on Audible—you could say I’m a bit obsessed! But this obsession has made me a better writer and helped me finally break through my writer’s block with my memoir, Anomaly. I’m publishing the first part, one chapter a week, on my Substack blog, The Coaching Corner. The good news for you is that I have a TON of great book recommendations in several categories. It took me a long time to find good books when I started on audible, ones that I could really get into, so hopefully these lists help you stumble upon the best ones!

• My favorite over 70 favorite novels set in France

• My complete list of over 50 favorite novels set in Italy

• My top 100 novels

• My favorite Historical Fiction

• My favorite Thrillers & Mysteries

• My favorite Self-help and Personal Development

• My favorite cookbooks

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Here’s My Top 5 Novels Set in Italy

#1. The Rocks -Peter Nichols

This is one of my favorite novels period. Partly because it’s set in Italy, but it’s also captivating from a story perspective and the descriptions of Italy. It’s a great listen on Audible.

#2. Beautiful Ruins -Jess Walter

I absolutely love this book! It was the first book I ever read (actually read the paperback of this when it first came out) that was set in Amalfi and it’s what helped me fall in love with the Italian Rivera. I listened to it again a few years ago and became even more obsessed because it’s narrated by my ALL TIME favorite narrator, Edoardo Ballerini, ya’ll I am OBSESSED with him! He could read me the phone book and I’d be spellbound. I also love Jess Walter’s other books The Angel of Rome and The Cold Millions.

#3. The House at the Edge of Night -Catherine Banner

This was an obsessive binge listen for me, a beautiful sweeping saga of generations of family living on an island off the coast of Italy. It’s narrated by the king himself Edoardo Bellerini so you know it’s gonna be epic!

#4. Leading Men -Christopher Castellani

I really enjoyed this book, even though it was a bit of a departure for me, with the main characters being men. Leading Men is a vivid and captivating story set on the Riviera in the glamorous 1950s, following Tennessee Williams and his longtime partner, Frank Merlo. It’s a beautifully written novel of desire and ambition, set against the glittering literary circles of 1950s Italy, featuring figures like Truman Capote.

#5. The Villa -Rachel Hawkins

This is a captivating suspense novel set in an Italian villa in modern times, an easy read or good binge listen.

For my entire list and a selection across genres, check out my full list of favorite books set in Italy.

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Have you read any of these? Have any favorites? Drop them in the comments so I can check them out.

About the Author: Sarah Centrella is a multi #1 best-selling author, single mom of three, food and photography lover and avid traveler. Follow my Buona Vita Blog on Instagram.