I don’t think we realised for a long time that Italy is probably the most frequent destination we return to. Although the Portugal we go to Portugal for a month every year, we visit Italy several times a year. V Dolomitech every year (yes, we’re going this year too), in Rome and in Tuscany we’ve been to several times, and we’ve been to Venice we took a week. Today we bring you tips on where to go on holiday in Italy.
When to go on holiday in Italy
Head to Rome in spring or autumn to avoid the peak tourist season. The same applies to Tuscany and Venice. If you are going to the sea, the best weather for swimming is from June to September.
Where to go on holiday in Italy: the 12 most beautiful places
Now let’s take a look at our favourite locations in Italy. Let us know in the comments where you like it best.
Dolomites
How many times have we been to the Dolomites? I can’t even count anymore, but we go back every year. We camped there, we rode our bikes on them, we drove through them in a caravan and in a car.
Our favourite season is autumn, when the Dolomites start to turn gold. You certainly should not miss Lago Sorapis, Tre Cime or Seiser Alm. Read, what to see in the Dolomites.
- Affordable accommodation suitable for dog owners: B&B Hotel Passo Tre Croci Cortina .
- The golden mean: Apartment Dolomiti Sweet Lodge or Hotel Villa Gaia .
- Luxury romantic accommodation: HOTEL de LEN .
Rome
Rome gets me every time I visit. Aside from the beautiful sights and amazing gastronomy, you will definitely notice the extremely relaxed atmosphere. Do Rome and getting from the airport to the city centre is a breeze.
Rome is perfect for a long weekend and is a great place for all history lovers. Be sure to visit the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Forum and the Vatican. All our tips on how to make the most of Rome and avoid the queues, where to stay to get there easily from the airport and close to the centre find out in our article.
Where to stay in Rome
We were delighted with Residenza Cavallini, which is five minutes from the airport bus express stop, a short walk from the Vatican and the Trevi Fountain.
Venice
There’s a reason why Venice has a problem with the large number of tourists, and at the moment you have to pay an entrance fee to the city if you’re not staying there. Venice is a charming romantic city full of history that has been admired by visitors for centuries.
You must definitely take a gondola ride when you visit, visit the Doge’s Palace or the Gallerie dell’Accademia and enjoy the sunset on the Ponte di Rialto and go to Piazza San Marco for at least one evening. 40 tips on what to see in Venice, but most importantly where to stay and how to skip the ticket lines in our article on Venice. Venice is not ideal for parents with small children who need to use a stroller to get around the city.
Where to stay in Venice
- Nice cheap accommodation: the Residenza Ca’ San Marco or Casa Fenice.
- The golden mean: Hotel Sant’Antonin Or Ca’ Dei Dogi .
- Luxury accommodation right in the city center: Londra Palace Venezia.
Tuscany
Anyone who knows me knows that I love Tuscany . Beautiful nature, Etruscans and romantic towns that gave us so many world-famous Renaissance painters that I can’t even name them all off the top of my head, among the most famous natives are Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo Buonarroti, Sandro Botticelli, Piero della Francesca, Masaccio and Filippo Lippi.
Tuscany is also known for its picturesque hilly landscapes, vineyards and olive groves. I recommend to go on bicycles as well as we did, it is a wonderful place to ride. If you’re not a keen cyclist, you’ll also find our article on Tuscany for a roadtrip by car. You must visit Sienna, Florence, Pisa, the Chianti wine region and the spa of Saturnia.
Where to stay in Tuscany:
- Florence: the Hotel Ungherese Small Luxury Hotel is luxurious , but if you’re looking for something cheaper, check out Firenze Camping in Town .
- Volterra: Off-center: Cheap but great accommodation Fontesettimena . Albergo Etruria is in the centre . For us fans of typical Tuscan houses, there’s also the slightly more expensive Appartamenti Villa Mascagni.
To the sea on the Amalfi Coast: holidays in Campania
The Amalfi Coast is famous for its stunning beaches and turquoise sea. The most famous resorts are Positano, Amalfi, Praiano and Ravello. All the villages and towns are on steep hillsides, the centres of the villages are mostly by the sea and further away the houses rise high into the mountains. Enjoy the sun on Spiaggia di Fornillo Beach in Positano or Arienzo Beach.
The Amalfi Coast, like the rest of Italy, has a rich history. Visit the ancient city of Paestum, an impressive archaeological site, or explore the charming town of Ravello with its historic villas and gardens.
This area in Italy is also great for people who are more into nature walks than lounging by the sea. Take the famous Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods), which offers breathtaking views of the coastline.
Accommodation in Positano
Accommodation in Positano is quite expensive, so be prepared for prices per night to start in the hundreds of euros.
- Best price-quality ratio: Hotel Royal Prisco
- Luxury accommodation: Il San Pietro di Positano
Sicily
Sicily, the pearl of the Mediterranean, is an island full of contrasts. This island offers not only beautiful beaches and clear seas, but also a fascinating history and a rich culture reflected in its many monuments, towns and traditions.
Don’t miss avisit to Agrigento, where an amazing complex of ancient Greek temples known as the Valley of the Temples awaits you. These sites are a testament to Sicily’s rich history and its connection with ancient Greece.
Taormina, one of the most beautiful and picturesque towns in Sicily, is also worth a visit . A walk through the narrow streets full of flowers and colourful facades is like a journey into a fairy tale. Visit the ancient Greek theatre with its breathtaking views of the sea and Mount Etna, and don’t forget to try local specialities such as cannoli.
For lovers of nature and adventure, climbing Mount Etna is an unforgettable experience. This active volcano is the highest and most active volcano in Europe. Explore the lava fields, craters and breathtaking views from the top of this impressive mountain.
Where to stay in Sicily
- Cheap accommodation: Villa Agrumeto
- Luxury accommodation: Therasia Resort Sea and SPA
- The golden mean: Hotel Villa Cute
Milan
If you love design and fashion, take a holiday in Milan. This Italian capital is perfect for a long weekend and, as well as being the heart of fashion and design, it has countless cultural treasures, fascinating history and a very energetic atmosphere.
Milan’s landmark is the magnificent Gothic Duomo , which is literally mesmerising in its grandeur and beauty. The city is also home to the world-famous La Scala Opera House, if you like culture you should definitely go to the opera or ballet.
An unforgettable stop in Milan is the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, home to one of the world’s most important works of art – Leonardo da Vinci’s mural The Last Supper.
Milan is world-renowned as a centre of fashion and design, so if you love shopping, you shouldn’t miss the luxury shopping street of Via Montenapoleone.
For nature and history lovers, a visit to Sempione Park and Sforza Castle is ideal. A walk along the green alleys of the park is a pleasant respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.
If you know us, you know we’re not big on sports, but if you are, you might want to visit the San Siro football stadium.
Where to stay in Milan
- Central accommodation: INTOMILAN Galleria Duomo
Pompeii
Pompeii, a city frozen in time, is a fascinating place that takes us back to ancient Rome. Destruction caused by a volcanic eruption in 79 AD. l. buried this city under a layer of ash and lava, and thanks to this, today we can look back into the past and get a glimpse into the lives of its inhabitants.
Pompeii is usually a day trip from Naples.
Island of Capri
Capri, the pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea, is a small Italian island that has attracted visitors for centuries with its beauty, romantic atmosphere and rich history. This jewel among the islands is an ideal place to relax, but also to discover the secrets it hides. The island of Capri is reached by ferry from Naples.
One of the most famous and most beautiful places on Capri is the Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra), which can only be reached by boat with a ferryman. T
On the island you can also visit the picturesque town of Anacapri and its main attraction – Villa San Michele, built by the Swedish doctor and writer Axel Munthe. A stroll through the villa’s gardens will reward you with spectacular views of the sea and surrounding countryside. This place is an oasis of peace where you can relax and recharge your batteries.
Don’t forget to try the famous limoncello, the typical liqueur of Capri.
Naples
If you’re looking for a holiday destination rich in history and culture, interesting sights and delicious food, Naples is the place for you. Naples is the largest city in southern Italy and is located on the Tyrrhenian coast. The city is full of historic buildings, ancient churches and museums, making it an ideal destination for history buffs.
You should definitely make your way to Piazza del Plebiscito, the largest square in Naples, home to several important monuments, including the Royal Palace, the Basilica of San Francesco di Paola and the Church of San Carlo all’Arena. The square is also surrounded by several cafés and restaurants where you can enjoy delicious Italian coffee and traditional Neapolitan pizza.
The Archaeological Museum in Naples is one of the main destinations of tourists, as there you will find a number of archaeological artifacts from ancient Rome and Greece. Be sure to also take a trip to the Vesuvius volcano, Sant’Elmom Castle, which is located on a hill above Naples and offers a spectacular view of the city and the surrounding area.
What to taste in Naples – traditional Italian delicacies
Don’t forget to try the Neapolitan pizza, which is thin like a traditional Italian pizza but has high edges. Neapolitan pizza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you have a sweet tooth, be sure to have a“sfogliatella” in Naples – a crumb puff pastry filled with ricotta, vanilla and candied fruit. Another sweet speciality is the‘baba‘ – a yeast cake with rum glaze.
Where to stay
- Cheap accommodation: san gaetano bed
- The Golden Mean: the Di Palma Suite
- Luxury: Residenza Matilde
Sardinia
Sardinia is an Italian island in the Tyrrhenian Sea, known for its diversity and contrasts. On the one hand it offers a coastline with clear turquoise sea and white beaches reminiscent of the Caribbean, on the other a rugged hinterland with grazing flocks of sheep and a traditional way of life.
The island is unique because of the Nuragh culture, who began building the first stone buildings on the island in the shape of cones called nuraghs. These buildings are almost 4000 years old and there are thousands of them on the island.
In addition to the sights, Sardinia also offers delicious local specialities influenced by the shepherds and their way of life. These include local cheeses such as pecorino romano and pecorino sardo, as well as wines, most famously Cannonau and Monica.
Sardinian festivities are a spectacular showcase of local costumes, masks, music and dance, as well as local gastronomy. Religious festivals are a great attraction for tourists, who can get to know the local culture and traditions.
The island also boasts coral, which is reflected in the name of the stretch of coastline between Alghero and Bosa, called the Coral Riviera. Coral fishing has a long tradition in Sardinia, dating back to the 14th century. century.
Where to stay in Sardinia:
- Beachfront accommodation with pool: Hotel Cala di Volpe, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Costa Smerald
Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is an area on the Ligurian Riviera that is widely visited by Italian and foreign tourists and is a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site. This area is made up of five charming villages that are precisely wedged between steep cliffs. The area is ideal for hikers and trekkers.
The original inhabitants were fishermen and cultivators of grape varieties who adapted to the natural conditions and built their houses in the cliffs. The area has been declared a national park, which means a constant influx of visitors who have transformed the original peaceful cycle of life into a thriving locality full of shops and restaurants.
Each of the five Cinque Terre villages has its own charm. Manarola is the oldest and has pastel-coloured houses, Monterosso al Mare is the largest and has a large beach, Corniglia is high above the sea and surrounded by vineyards, Riomaggiore is the most easterly and has colourful houses wedged into the steep slopes and Vernazza has the only natural harbour in the whole area and a medieval fortified castle. Hikers can follow the Lovers’ Trail, which connects all the villages, or have guides show them the hidden spots.
Where to stay in Cinque Terre
The most romantic is definitely the village of Manarola, which is also the most phoenix-like:
- Accommodation in Manarola: Affittacamere San Giorgio
Map with points of interest on your phone
Save a map of the best places in Italy directly to your phone. After purchase, you will receive a link to a non-public Google Map, which you can save by clicking ”Follow/Follow”. This will copy it to your Google account and display it on all devices where you use Google Maps.
FAQs
If you want to go swimming, the best time to go is sometime between June and September, while late spring or early autumn is ideal for exploring the cities.
In Italy, you pay in euros.
The official language of Italy is Italian.
You don’t need to, EU citizens can move freely around Italy.
Yes, it is safe, although in some locations it is recommended to drink bottled water.
Yes, it is not compulsory, but it is common. But the amount is not given in any way, most Italians round the amount up.
In Italy, F and L sockets are used and the standard voltage is 230 V, 50 Hz.
If you don’t have a car, you can use buses, taxis or trains, which are extremely popular among Italians for transport between major cities.
Yes, you should always have travel insurance when you go abroad. The cheapest we can get
AXA insurance.
You can easily arrange it online a few minutes before departure.
Most hotels, restaurants and shops in Italy accept credit cards, but just like here it’s a good idea to have some cash as you may come across places that don’t take cards.
