Italy is one of the world’s most picturesque countries, boasting historic landmarks and an array of activities to enjoy. From Roman ruins to coastal towns, Italy truly has something for everyone in this beautiful nation.
The ideal time to visit Italy is late spring (May-June) and early fall (September-October), when crowds are at their lighter, prices are more competitive, and temperatures are at their warmest but not too hot.
Verona
If you’re searching for an ancient city with plenty of activities, Verona is the ideal destination. This Italian town has been around since Roman times and is renowned as the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet play.
Verona offers plenty of attractions and museums for art and history buffs alike, such as Castelvecchio – an ancient Roman fort now housing a museum. The Verona Arena is another wonderful sight, a Roman amphitheatre in Piazza Bra in Verona, Italy, it was built in 30 AD.
Verona Cathedral invites you to explore its lavish interior, featuring an impressive ceiling painted red. If Christmas is your thing, there are plenty of festive markets to enjoy throughout the city from mid November until Christmas Eve.
If you’re in the mood for some delicious food, Veronese cuisine is the perfect option. From delicious risottos to gnocchis and tortellini. Rosso veronese is the drinkable and delicious red wine from this region.
Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is one of Italy’s most stunning destinations. This chain of colorful villages clings to rocky cliffs and steep terraces, providing stunning sea views as well as scenic hiking trails.
Staying here for a few days is recommended to truly take in all of the sights. Additionally, exploring each village at different times of day will allow you to appreciate their individual character.
If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try cliff diving? This sport is a popular pastime here and provides stunning views of the villages as well as an opportunity for some relaxation in the sea. Always use the directions of a professional local guide before jumping!
You could take a tour that highlights all the sights and allows you to explore villages by boat or train. This is an ideal option if you’re short on time or have limited mobility, as it will save you lots of hassle.
Foodies will love Cinque Terre as well, with its scenic vineyard hikes and delicious local cuisine. Don’t forget to sample some of their famous pesto Genovese, as well as other fragrant flavors! Seafood such as fresh mussels and anchovies, focaccia, and street foods like fried fish and panissa are just a few options.
Amalfi Coast
Few places on earth possess such captivating beauty as Italy’s Amalfi Coast. With its dramatic coastline, hill- and harbor-hugging towns, and historic ruins, it’s no surprise why this destination has become one of Italy’s most sought-after travel destinations.
Visitors to the region will find plenty of activities throughout the year. Enjoy a sunny beach, take a hike along the Path of the Gods or take a boat tour to Capri – it’s all here!
For the full Amalfi Coast experience, we suggest staying in a hotel that offers views of the sea. It is the best way to fully take in its breathtaking scenery that draws visitors from around the world.
The ideal time to visit the Amalfi Coast is during spring or the shoulder seasons of early May and late September/October. At these times, temperatures are comfortable but not excessively hot, and crowds are much smaller than during peak travel periods.
Puglia also offers Vietri sul Mare, famous for its glazed majolica pottery. This town has been producing this type of vessel since Roman times and the streets are lined with murals and shops selling tiles and tableware in shades of lemon yellow.
Puglia
Puglia is an idyllic region in southern Italy, renowned for its breathtaking coastline, sunny skies and charming towns. Situated within Italy’s heel of the boot, Puglia makes a great stopover for travelers interested in Italian sights, food and culture.
Puglia may not be as popular a tourist destination, but it’s well worth visiting. Here are some things you should make sure to do while there:
Puglia boasts some stunning sights, such as Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring ancient stone buildings and cobbled streets. Additionally, don’t miss the Valle d’Itria with its picturesque valleys of olive trees and hill towns.
If you’re searching for an authentic Puglian experience, book yourself into a masseria (traditional fortified farmhouse). Not only will this give you insight into how people used to live here in the past, but it’s also an idyllic way to enjoy country life among olive groves.
Puglia’s best time to visit is during the months from March to May and September to October, when temperatures are comfortably warm and the coastline along the Adriatic Sea at its most vibrant. Days are dry and sunny with average daily temperatures ranging from 65-75 degrees F.
Tuscany
Tuscany boasts some incredible sights and historical landmarks that should not be missed. Some of the most renowned locations include Florence, Lucca and San Gimignano.
If you’re a history enthusiast, Grosseto should definitely be on your itinerary! This picturesque city is packed with old architecture and protective bastions.
Chianti Classico region, situated between Florence and Siena, is a popular destination for wine tasting. Take a day trip here to sample an array of wines as well as fresh cheeses and olive oil.
If you’re a fan of art, don’t miss the Uffizi Gallery to view the world’s greatest collection of Renaissance paintings. Or book a guided tour and skip the line while learning all about this remarkable museum!
If you’re in search of an idyllic setting to spend time on the water, you can take a ferry to the island of Corsica from Livorno.
Lake Como
Lake Como is an idyllic destination, boasting stunning mountain ranges, sunsets and villas. It’s also ideal for taking a boat tour and indulging in some delicious food – making it the perfect combination.
When visiting Lake Como, the ideal time to visit is during late spring or early autumn when temperatures are still pleasant but not scorching and crowds have thinned out. It’s an ideal time to enjoy all of the lake’s attractions without too many people around and prices tend to be more reasonable.
Another excellent time to visit Lake Como is June, when the annual Fuochi Lariani festival takes place. This grand celebration honors Italian culture with fireworks and local foods.
Lake Como is a popular tourist destination, so it can get busy during the summer. However, it’s not as crowded as other Italian spots like Venice or Florence.
Aosta Valley
The Aosta Valley is a mountainous region renowned for its castles, rocky peaks, skiing slopes, and delicious DOC wine near the Swiss and French borders.
Experience this valley at its best by spending a day or two exploring its charming towns and villages. You’ll come across numerous medieval forts, Roman ruins, ancient bridges, as well as other captivating sights.
Discover Aosta’s vibrant history by visiting its castles and other iconic structures. Popular choices include Castello de Aymavilles and Castello St. Pierre, both with hotels that open their gates each spring for visitors.
Another option is visiting Chiesa Paleocristiana di San Lorenzo, an archaeological site dating back to the Iron Age. Here you can view tombs that date from this era.
In the Aosta Valley, you can tour a number of abandoned mines that once produced copper, gold, silver and magnetite. These picturesque locations make ideal tours for hikers or anyone interested in industrial archaeology.
Skiing is fantastic in this area, if you visit in winter be sure to visit Espace San Bernardo or Ski Champoluc.
The Dolomites
The Dolomites are an iconic feature of Italy’s landscape, boasting some of the most renowned mountain peaks in all of Europe. If you’re traveling to Italy, make sure not to miss out on exploring these majestic mountains – they offer an unparalleled range of activities for travelers to enjoy.
Experience hiking through the mountains, biking along mountain trails, hang gliding and skiing or snowboarding – all within an hour’s drive of Dolomites mountain huts for those wanting to spend their nights away in nature.
If you’re seeking a more peaceful getaway, Lago di Carezza (aka Karersee or Lake of Caress) and Lago Di Braies are idyllic mountain lakes that are easily accessible and offers stunning views.
Another popular tourist spot in the Dolomites is Cinque Torri, a must-visit for anyone visiting the Dolomites. Here, hikers will experience stunning mountain scenery as well as a World War I museum.
The Dolomites offer the ideal climate during the summer months, when the mountains temps are at their highest. This time of year also makes for ideal hiking and other outdoor activities.
