I hold in my memory certain summer days in Italy so oppressive and hot, I feared I might never know the relief of cooler weather again. But now, it’s February, and for much of the world, the luxury of a long, drowsy, sunshine-filled day feels very far away. Even further that dreamy day has you also wandering Italy.

For some armchair travel for us all, I’ve gathered a collection of images featuring one of my favorite aspects of il bel paese: Italy along the waterways. Quench your Italian wanderlust with these gorgeous photos.

Venice & Burano

Venice, and the nearby island of Burano, are both immensely photogenic in their own ways. Burano is one of the most colorful spots I have found myself in, and Venice’s crumbly beauty provides magic at every new corner turned, every bridge crossed, every alleyway that first beckons and then confounds.

Travel note: Burano is about an hour’s boat ride from Venice, with many small tour boats available for hire. Tours will likely also include Murano, home of the region’s famous glass artisans. It is a bit touristy, but also an interesting experience if you have the extra time.

Varenna, Lake Como

Varenna is just one of the many little villages hugging the shores of Lake Como that’s worth a wander, with plenty of small-town charm. It’s easy to take the ferry (traghetto) and hop from town to town in this area. Nearby Bellagio, Menaggio and Tremezzo are all quite lovely.

Along the Rivers

Iconic Italy, with Rome’s Ponte Sant’Angelo bridge above and Florence’s Ponte Santa Trinità below. I highly recommend either spot at sunset!

Southern Italy

Southern Italy’s rugged beauty. Above, is Puglia’s Polignano a Mare, along the Adriatic coast. This is an easy journey from Bari, but best by car, rather than public transportation. Below is Sorrento, located on the opposite side of the boot, not too far south of Naples, with Capri, Positano and Amalfi nearby.

If you have any travel questions or comments, please get in touch!

All images via Unsplash. This post first appeared on Prayers & Piazzas.