Holidays to Italy
Top destinations in Italy
Venice
Explore labyrinthine canals, marvel at Gothic palaces, savour ‘cicchetti’ (small snacks) and fall in love with Venice, one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Rome
From art to architecture, flavours to fashion, everything’s monumental in Rome. Walk in the footsteps of gods, emperors and legends on your next holiday to the Eternal City.
Florence
Walk in the footsteps of Da Vinci and Michelangelo as you explore the world-class museums, palaces and churches of Italy’s Renaissance city.
Milan
Elegant history meets urban grit in Italy’s stylish design hub and economic capital. Here’s all you need to know for an unforgettable holiday to Milan.
Naples
Overlooked by dramatic Mount Vesuvius and famous for its pizza, Naples is a postcard-perfect city with an authentic vibe. Prepare to fall in love with art, architecture and Mediterranean views.
Sicily
The largest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily claims some of Italy’s oldest ruins, prettiest beaches and most exciting dishes. What you won’t find here? Crowds of tourists.
Sardinia
Sardinia has a stretch of sand for every beach lover. Pair lazy days with strolls around historic villages and archaeological sites, then chow down on fresh seafood.
Tuscany
With a painterly landscape of rolling hills, sun-drenched vineyards and historic villages, it’s easy to see why countless artists have been inspired by Tuscany.
Puglia
Nestled in the heel of Italy’s boot, Puglia brims with rustic charm. Explore its whitewashed villages and medieval castles to discover centuries of history.
Italy: fast facts
| Language | Italian |
|---|---|
| Currency | Euro (€) |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) and UTC+2 (CEST) |
Italy holiday highlights
Beautiful ruins
You’ll find the Colosseum and the Pantheon in Rome, but remnants of the distant past are everywhere. The town of Pompeii is preserved by the ash of a volcano eruption nearly two millennia ago, and Baiae is an ancient Roman party town partially underwater. For an archaeological wonder minus the crowds, don’t miss Sicily’s amazingly well-preserved Valley of the Temples.
Art appreciation
Italy overflows with Renaissance paintings, sculptures and frescoes — think Botticelli’s ‘Venus’, Michelangelo’s ‘David’ and the Sistine Chapel. But just strolling the city streets past historical buildings and fountains can feel like touring a museum. Wherever you are, make sure to peek into churches, as they’re often decked out with brilliant frescoes and may even house a Caravaggio or Bernini.
Country charm
One of the best things to do in Italy is to stay in the countryside. Rural accommodation runs the gamut from intimate bed and breakfasts to working farms, or ‘agriturismi’, offering horseback riding and cooking classes. What they have in common is the chance to connect with the culture at a slower pace. Don’t be surprised if you’re invited for a long lunch with your hosts.
Things to do in Italy
Top attractions
You simply can’t miss the Colosseum. The world’s largest amphitheatre has towered over the capital for nearly 2,000 years — but surprisingly, it only took around eight to build. Then head to the Pantheon to marvel at the world’s largest unsupported dome. In Tuscany, walk up the spiral staircase of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, which owes its famous tilt to the soft ground underneath.
Beaches
The Italian coastline is home to limestone-ringed beaches and sandy shores that look almost Caribbean. The beaches on the Amalfi Coast are anchored by glamorous resorts, while Puglia’s waterside villages are wonderfully low-key. You’ll find fewer crowds and loads of sun on the islands of Sardinia and Sicily. Wherever you go, know that many popular beaches require you to rent a chair.
Nature
Less famous than its cities but no less spectacular, Italy’s 25 national parks offer meadows, mountains and glacial lakes. Trade fountains for waterfalls at Parco Nazionale del Gran Paradiso in the north and painted frescoes for open-air vistas at Parco Nazionale dell’Aspromonte in the south. The Dolomite mountains beckon skiers in winter and rafters and mountain climbers in summer.
Culture and museums
Plan ahead and pace yourself to fully appreciate the famous museums in Italy. There are headliners you can’t miss, like the Galleria degli Uffizi and Museo Nazionale del Bargello in Florence. Or the Vatican and Galleria Borghese in Rome and Gallerie dell’Accademia in Venice. Buy tickets in advance to avoid long lines — some let you choose a time slot. And remember many museums are closed on Mondays.
Cuisine
Fresh ingredients and centuries of tradition go into Italian cuisine. Some regional specialities to look out for at restaurants in Italy include Milanese risotto, Florentine steak and pizza Napoletana. There are more than 300 Italian pasta shapes and maybe just as many sauces, from pesto in Liguria to Rome’s ‘amatriciana’ (spicy tomato sauce with cured pork). Between epic meals, visit produce markets and speciality purveyors.
Family friendly
For hands-on history lessons, take the kids for a day of dress-up and mock fighting at the Gladiator School of Rome. Or pretend you’re in a real-life fairy tale in the Puglian village of Alberobello, known for its conical-roofed houses. Craving some time outdoors? The Dolomites are a hotspot for family-friendly hikes and thrilling attractions like the Dolomiti Action Adventure Park, open in summer.
Find the best time to visit Italy
Weather in Italy
March – May: Mild temperatures and thinner crowds make spring an ideal time to visit. March sees occasional snow in the mountains, while beach days in the south are possible as early as April.
June – August: Summers are hot, with temperatures topping 35°C in July and August. Retreat to coastal spots like the Amalfi Coast. Book ahead, and be ready to pay high-season prices.
September – November: Autumn welcomes the truffle, olive and grape harvests, plus plenty of local food festivals. September and October bring sunny days and cooler nights. Prepare for showers later in the season.
December – February: Winter is the low season for most of Italy. But with hardly any crowds, it’s a great time for sightseeing if you don’t mind wrapping up.
Events in Italy
Venice Carnival (February): Step into the spectacle of this ten-day celebration where costumes reign supreme. Dress like a Venetian aristocrat, or simply soak it all in. You’ll find free events around St Mark’s Square, from parades and open-air theatre to acrobatics and elaborately masked revellers.
Natale di Roma (April): Celebrate Rome’s birthday with gladiator fights, fire ceremonies and costumed re-enactments at some of the city’s most historic sites.
Venice Biennale (May to November): Dubbed the ‘Art Olympics’, this world-famous festival brings a massive array of exhibitions to the Floating City. Book a multi-day ticket to take it all in.
Verona Opera Festival (June to September): Enjoy a summer programme of opera, ballet and classical music at Arena di Verona, a UNESCO-recognised Roman amphitheatre.
Know before you go
Local etiquette
There are a few dining dos and don’ts to know when visiting this food-obsessed country. Italians love their cappuccino, but it’s considered a breakfast drink, so never order one after midday. Mealtimes generally start later, with many restaurants not opening until after 7pm. Italians dress up for dinner — flip-flops, activewear and bathing suits are a big no-no.
Health and safety
Italy’s summers can get extremely hot, so stay hydrated and seek shade in the middle of the day. Southern regions like Sicily, Calabria and Sardinia are also prone to summer wildfires. In winter, Venice experiences occasional flooding. Check local forecasts and weather alerts to stay informed and make sure you’re prepared for changing conditions.
LGBTQ+ travel
Italy is a safe and welcoming country for LGBTQ+ travellers, with thriving scenes in Milan, Florence and Rome. Milan’s Porta Venezia is a hub of queer culture, where you’ll find everything from LGBTQ+ bookshops to cocktail bars and cabaret clubs. Visit in summer to catch Pride events in Milan or Rome, where celebrations draw tens of thousands.
Budget
Even in the country’s major cities, it’s possible to have a cheap holiday in Italy. The average short taxi ride is about eight euros (€), but you can get around even more affordably by public transport. Outside of the most heavily touristed areas, a meal will cost roughly €15, and a cappuccino less than €2.
Getting around Italy
Public transportation
Buses: Local buses cover most areas not reached by train. Buy tickets at newsagents or tobacconists and validate them on board. Private coaches, operated by companies like Flixbus, are a cheap and scenic way to cover longer journeys.
Trains: Italy’s extensive rail network, run by Trenitalia, spans the country from head to toe. With regular services, affordable prices and scenic views, it’s the most convenient way to get around. High-speed trains connect major cities like Rome, Venice, Florence and Milan, while scenic routes like the Bernina Express offer world-class views.
Boats: If you’re visiting Sicily, Sardinia or one of the islands, ferries are your best bet. Italy has a range of passenger and car ferries departing from mainland ports like Genoa, Naples and Livorno. Book in advance in summer.
Domestic flights
There are airports in most major cities, with domestic flights run by ITA Airways, easyJet and Ryanair. But unless you’re pressed for time, rail is usually the best way to get around.
Driving
Hiring a car lets you explore Italy’s countryside at your own pace. Book early in the high season, and remember you’ll need to have an EU driving licence or an international driving permit (IDP) to hire a car.
