Neapolitan pizzas and big, bold red wines from Chianti, the sparkling water of Lake Como and romantic fishing villages of the Cinque Terre; Italy’s combination of world-class food, culture and natural wonders make it irresistible. Welcome to our Italy travel guide.
It’s the country that gave us Pompeii, pasta and Pavarotti as well as countless other icons, so it’s no surprise that travellers often find themselves lured back time and again. Visit once and it could be the start of a lifelong amore. Here are our picks of the best things to see and do in Italy.
Best time to visit Italy
Every season in Italy has its charms although July and August are the European summer holidays, when prices soar and attractions get busy. For balmy weather and lower prices the shoulder months of April, May, June, September and October are your best bet. The weather in Italy in June is particularly good.
If you’re opting for spring, try and coincide with Easter, when traditional communities in areas such as Sicily celebrate with colourful parades.
The weather in Italy in August is generally very sunny, although it does vary depending on where you go. The Alps and northern regions tend to have a few short showers, while the
beaches around Positano and Puglia are bathed in sunshine.
If avoiding crowds is your priority, wrap up warm and visit Venice in January, when the misty streets are practically deserted.
Where to go in Italy
Italy boasts a hugely varied terrain ranging from snowy mountains to forests and Mediterranean beaches. Skiing in Madesimo, morning spritzes on lemon-scented squares in Capri, horse riding through the lonely mountains of Sicily are all incredible options.
While the cities of Florence, Venice, Siena and Rome will never go out of style, the earthy soul of the country is perhaps most evident in its sleepy, cobbled villages, where life is still governed by that ancient trio of weather, religion and family. Here are five picturesque villages and hamlets to visit in Italy.
Italy has the Adriatic Sea to the east, the Tyrrhenian Sea on the Mediterranean Coast and the Ionian Sea to the south, so all the beaches have a distinct character. The best beaches in Italy are generally found in the southern regions of Puglia and Calabria.
Best things to do in Italy
With so much culture, food and charming countryside on offer, it can hard narrowing down what to do in Italy.
Gourmands will love discovering authentic pizza, pasta and parmesan, while anyone with an interest in culture will be blown away by the baroque architecture and world-famous museums of Rome, Foligno and Bologna.
Mediterranean beaches, sleepy seaside towns like Sorento and rolling vineyards that produce world famous reds can’t fail to impress. And come winter, the Dolomite Alps offer a host of lesser-known ski resorts for sports lovers seeking an authentic European experience.
Best Beaches in Italy
With 7,600 km of coastline, it’s no surprise that Italy is home to some of Europe’s best beaches. In summer, Italians don their speedos and join the throngs of foreign tourists soaking up the rays, but at other times of year you can expect to have the beaches entirely to yourself.
La Costa Degli Dei (the Coast of the Gods) in Calabria has dramatic cliffs and talcum-soft sand – Marasusa is particularly impressive. The island of Sardinia has some of the best beaches in Italy and is a paradise for water sports with countless beautiful coves lapped by the turquoise water of the Mediterranean Sea.
Best things to do in summer
There are so many ways to live the dolce vita in Italy in the summer months that it can be hard to choose. Exploring the historic towns of the Cinque Terre is always a good option, but if you’re travelling in a group why not rent your own rambling villa in the hills of Tuscany? It’s the perfect way to escape the crowds, and many come with pools and vineyards.
Island hopping is a fabulous way to experience several destinations in one trip. Ponza has lovely beaches, while Elba is speckled with dreamy towns where locals gather in the squares to play backgammon and sip aperitifs in the warm evenings.
Best things to do in Rome
Steeped in history and oozing style, Italy’s capital is one of the most inspiring cities in the world. But how do you choose what to see in Rome?
The legacy of the Roman emperors is everywhere from the Colosseum to the Pantheon, while the Vatican is one of the most important religious sites in the world.
Crane your neck in the Sistine Chapel to glimpse Michel Angelo’s most famous painting, flick a coin into the Trevi Fountain for luck and head to the Flaminio district for hip bars and MAAXI, a contemporary art museum designed by Zaha Hadid.
Italy accommodation
In a country as stylish and hospitable as Italy, you’re never far from somewhere fabulous to rest your head. Take a look at our curated guide to some of Italy’s best places to stay.
Choose an Airbnb on the Amalfi Coast
If you’re after a seaside escape, you can’t beat the Amalfi Coast, where crumbling mansions in sherbet colours cling to towering limestone cliffs. The area has Airbnbs to suit every budget, many with private balconies where you can enjoy your morning espresso alongside sea views.
If you’re feeling flush, Le Sirenuse (an 18th century palazzo) is the jewel in this region’s crown, while Casa Angelina in Praiano is a love letter to contemporary Italian style.
Where to stay in Rome
From ultra-luxe options such as Hotel de Russie and Hassler Roma to quirky hideaways, Italy’s legendary capital has a hotel to suit every personality.
A smaller budget doesn’t necessarily mean less stylish accommodation and there are plenty of chic options that won’t break the bank. Try Mario de’ Fiori 37 in the heart of the city’s fashion triangle or the charming Hotel Lancelot, an old-fashioned haven that’s run by a friendly local family.
Where to stay in Venice
Ah, Venice. What could be more romantic than crumbling Byzantine mansions and medieval alleyways linked by water rather than concrete?
Arriving via the Grand Canal and stepping off the boat into the marble entrance hall of a five-star hotel has to be one of the most glamorous moments in travel. And there are few better places to experience it than Aman Venice.The Splendid Venice hotel is slightly less pricey but equally charming, with satin drapes framing gorgeous canal views.
