Italy Holidays

Sightseeing 

Historic sites are spread across the country, from Roman ruins and the Vatican to Renaissance statues.

• Rome’s Roman ruins – Spend time exploring Rome’s best‑known ancient landmarks, starting with the Colosseum, the largest amphitheatre ever built. From there, walk through the Roman Forum, which was once the centre of daily life, filled with temples, shops and public spaces. Then, finish on Palatine Hill, the oldest part of the city, where grand houses and palaces once overlooked the streets below.

• St Mark's Basilica – Take in the views across Piazza San Marco from the terrace, then head inside to see the gold mosaics that cover the walls and ceilings.

• Leaning Tower of Pisa – Climb the spiral staircase to the top for views of Pisa’s cathedral square – many visitors stop here for photos of the tower.

• Duomo di Firenze – Florence’s cathedral has an iconic domed roof that’s hard to miss, and the inside’s covered in classical murals. The surrounding Piazza della Signoria is also full of Renaissance masterpieces, like the replica of Michelangelo’s David.

• Duomo di Milan – Milan’s main cathedral is another standout, known for its Gothic spires and tall arched windows. Head up to the rooftop for views across the city and surrounding area.

Outdoor adventures 

From the Italian Alps and the lakes in the north to the south’s coastal paths, Italy is full of outdoor adventures.

• Cycle along the Amalfi Coast – Pedal along winding cliffside roads with the sea on one side and pastel villages on the other. Take a break and stop for lunch or a drink in towns like Positano and Ravello.

• Hike Cinque Terre’s coastal trails – Trek through the Cinque Terre National Park and traditional fishing villages, including Riomaggiore and Vernazza – there are plenty of secluded bays along here that are ideal for a scenic swim stop.

• Sail on Lake Como – Jump on the ferry or take a private boat tour past flower-lined promenades, manicured gardens and historic palazzos like Villa Balbianello, which featured in James Bond and Star Wars.

• Climbing in the Dolomites – This UNESCO-protected mountain range in the Italian Alps is popular for skiing in the winter and known for its via ferratas in the summer – fixed climbing routes. If you don’t fancy hiking up, take the cable car and stroll through the lush alpine meadows instead.

Beaches 

Italy has fewer long sandy beaches than other destinations, but there are some standout spots in Sardinia and Sicily. On the mainland, it’s more sheltered bays and pebbly coves.

• Costa Smeralda, Sardinia – This stretch of coastline has clear water across many beaches. Cala Brandinchi is known as ‘little Tahiti’ for its gentle, clear waters and white sands. Spiaggia del Principe is another favourite for its secluded location and natural looks.

• Marina Grande, Positano – Fishing boats drift just offshore, with pastel‑coloured houses stacked along the cliffs behind them. The pebbled beach is set out with rows of sunloungers, and there are plenty of nearby bars and cafés for a relaxed stop, whether that’s for a cold drink or an afternoon gelato.

• San Vito Lo Capo, Sicily – This laidback beach has golden sand and shallow water, which make it ideal for families with little ones. The scenery is impressive, too – rock formations poke out the sea at one end and there’s a huge cliff – Monte Cofano – at the other.

• Ficogrande, Stromboli – Just north of Sicily, this island’s got black-sand beaches, and Ficogrande is a go-to for its fishing-village feel and volcanic views.

Lakeside stays  

• Lake Como – This lake has a more polished feel, with grand palazzos and pretty parks along the shoreline. Bellagio is a popular base and is often called the ‘pearl of Como’, thanks to its promenades and pastel‑coloured buildings along the waterfront.

• Lake Garda – Italy’s largest lake is lined with blush-coloured towns, fishing villages and pretty beaches. Iconic Limone’s the place to stay for its citrus groves – don’t miss out on a limoncello tasting and the lemon museum.

• Lake Maggiore – Explore Roman ruins, then hop between Maggiore’s little islands. Stresa and the Borromean Islands tend to draw the most attention, thanks to their botanical gardens and grand villas.

• Lake Molveno – Molveno has a more natural feel, with mountains rising behind the lake and national park scenery all around. The setting makes it a lovely place for walks along the water, wildlife-spotting and plenty of outdoor time. Molveno town is also the main base for watersports on the lake, so there’s plenty to do if you want something more active.

Events and festivals

• Carnevale di Venezia, February – Venice Carnival is the original masquerade ball, famous for elaborate costumes and masks. It’s a lively atmosphere, with parades and music taking over the canals and piazzas.

• Festa di San Giovanni, 24th June – This festival’s dedicated to Florence’s patron saint, with massive processions, fireworks and a traditional game of calcio storico – an ancient version of football.

• Holy Week and Easter – This is a huge celebration across Italy, and the bigger the city, the bigger the event. The pope may make an appearance in Rome and there is the Scoppio del Carro in Florence – a 900-year-old tradition, where a cart packed with fireworks is ignited in front of Florence Cathedral.

• Christmas markets – Get in the festive spirit at a market in Milan, Florence, Rome or Venice, where you can go gift shopping at some of the stalls selling handmade crafts and giant panettone.

Couples’ holidays 

Italy is often associated with romance, and it’s ideal for a couple's holiday.

• Gondola ride, Venice – A gondola ride offers a slower way to see Venice’s canals and historic buildings. And, they might serenade you with some Italian songs.

• Boboli Gardens, Florence – Stroll these Renaissance gardens filled with statues, fountains and hidden groves. It’s a peaceful spot away from the busy centre with beautiful views of the city’s centuries-old skyline.

• Cliffside restaurants, the Amalfi Coast – Book a table at a restaurant for an evening meal overlooking the Mediterranean – many restaurants in Positano have terrace seating with sea views, where you can eat fresh seafood and sip local wine.

• Experience Romeo and Juliet in Verona – Walk through the cobbled streets to see Juliet’s House with its iconic balcony and join the locals on their passeggiata – a leisurely evening stroll – along the Adige River, before ending the day at a traditional trattoria.

Family holidays 

From Roman ruins and a real-life volcano to beach days and rollercoasters, there’s a lot for families to love about Italy.

• Vaporetto rides, Venice – Little ones will enjoy taking these water buses down the canals and sightseeing between stops. Get off at Murano to watch local glassblowers at work and cross the lagoon to see Burano’s colourful houses.

• Family-friendly Roman tours, Rome – Join an interactive tour where your kids can learn about the Roman Empire. The route usually includes the Pantheon, the Roman Forum and the Colosseum, with interactive moments like re‑enactments and armour displays along the way.

• Gardaland, Lake Garda – Made up of three different areas, this is Italy’s largest theme park. There’s Movieland’s Hollywood-themed rollercoasters, Caneva Aquapark which has waterslides and lazy rivers, plus Peppa Pig Land for the little ones.

• Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius – Wander the preserved streets of Pompeii and learn about the tragic story of the people that lived there. Then, climb up Mount Vesuvius for a closer look at the volcano and views across the Bay of Naples.

• Beach time, Sardinia – This island has several family‑friendly beaches, and Maria Pia in Alghero is one of them. The sand is white and the water is gentle and clear, so it’s ideal for families. Spend days building sandcastles, paddling in the shallow waters and snorkelling around the little islets.

Classic dishes

Italy is known for its great food, and trying classic dishes like pizza and pasta in the places they come from is all part of the experience.

• Margherita pizza in Naples – Naples is the birthplace of pizza, made with San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella and fresh basil.  

• Tagliatelle al ragu in Bologna – Bologna’s known as Italy’s culinary capital. You can watch the chefs hand roll the pasta right in front of you before it’s added to your dish.

• Risotto alla Milanese in Milan – This simple meal is made with rice, parmesan, butter and lots of saffron for a rich flavour and bright yellow colour. Dishes like this from Northern Italy are hearty and warming.

• Spaghetti alle vongole in Positano – This pasta dish is made with clams or grilled octopus, red chilli and lots of olive oil. It pairs well with a crisp white wine, too.

• Arancini and cannoli in Sicily – Try these Sicilian treats at a street food market in Palermo. Start with arancini – a crispy, cheesy stuffed rice ball – then follow up with cannoli – sweet ricotta-filled pastries – for dessert.

Something to drink 

Good food tends to go hand in hand with a decent drink, and Italy does both very well.

• Prosecco – France has champagne, Italy’s got prosecco. See where this sparkling wine is made in Veneto and take a tour of Valdobbiadene’s estate, followed by a crisp glass of bubbly.

• Aperol spritz – Head to a sunny piazza and join the locals for this refreshing cocktail in the afternoon, served with light snacks.

• Chianti – Visit a Tuscan vineyard to learn about the winemaking process and taste this bold, full-bodied red wine. Try it with a piece of Pecorino cheese for a real flavour of Tuscany.

• Limoncello – This sweet lemon liqueur is made with Amalfi lemons, and it tastes best after a long meal or at a cliffside café. To see how it’s made, head to a local distillery on the Amalfi Coast.

• Caffè – Stand at the counter of a Roman espresso bar and drink a quick shot of strong Italian coffee like the locals do. It’s an essential part of daily Italian life.

Designer buys  

Italy has a strong reputation for luxury fashion, and here are some of the top places to buy something designer.

• Quadrilatero della Moda, Milan – Walk through this high-end fashion district filled with Italy’s most glamorous brands, as well as other international labels like Chanel, Balenciaga and Tom Ford.

• Via Condotti, Rome – This premium address near the Spanish Steps is the place to go shopping in Rome. The street is lined with the most expensive shops, like Dior, Valentino, Hermès and Céline.

Local markets

Visit the local markets to buy beautiful handmade crafts and local produce.

• Mercato Centrale, Florence – This market’s the perfect place to get your hands on gourmet treats, local produce and handmade kitchenware. It’s all held indoors, too, so it’s a great rainy-day outing.

• Rialto Market, Venice – The fish market here runs Tuesday-Saturday, and you can get fruit and veg Monday-Saturday, too. Make sure to get here in the morning before all the best produce goes.

Local specialities  

Bring something uniquely Italian home with you, whether that’s a bottle of Tuscan olive oil or a set of pasta bowls from Sicily.

• Parmigiano Reggiano, Emilia-Romagna – Head straight to a local cheese shop to buy the best quality.

• Olive oil and wine, Tuscany – The best place to buy a bottle is from Brunello di Montalcino in Tuscany.

• Truffles, Piedmont – Buy some infused oil or paste in Alba and add to everything.

• Ceramics, Sicily – If you’re going to cook authentic Italian food, you’ve got to serve it on authentic Sicilian ceramics. Find your perfect plates, bowls and tiles in towns like Caltagirone.

• Pottery, Deruta – Hunt through workshops where ceramics and hand-painted pottery are created using centuries-old techniques in this Umbrian town. You’ll find all sorts of ornate designs and styles, from dainty plates and geometric dishes to huge vases and jugs covered in lemons.

• Venetian masks, Venice – For centuries, these elaborate masks have been handmade for Carnevale by skilled artisans. They range from small ones that only cover the eyes to full-on face masks with feathers and jewels.

• Glass jewellery, Venice – Venice is famous for its handblown glass. For the best, head to the boutiques on the Rialto Bridge or on Murano Island where you can buy pieces from necklaces and bracelets to cufflinks.

• Handmade lace, Venice – As well as masks and glass, Venice is also known for its delicate, handmade lace. Burano Island is full of boutiques where you can buy some, and you can also see it being made using traditional methods.

• Leather, Florence – Italian leather is widely respected for its quality. If you want to take some home with you, visit the shops and stalls near Piazza Santa Croce for authentic, handcrafted bags, belts and jackets.