There’s very little you can’t find in Italy – incredible architecture, world famous art and some seriously fabulous cuisine, not to mention thousands and thousands of years of history, spread across hundreds of regions all equally worthy of a holiday. But, where’s the best place to go in Italy for you and what are the top holiday spots? Let’s dive deeper…
Where to stay & what to see on holiday in Italy?
Venetian Riviera
Best for – classic beach days and city adventures
Best time to visit – summertime, specifically June to August
Anchored by show stopping Venice, the Venetian Riviera hits all the right notes with classic Italian architecture, a sweeping countryside and coastlines for days. Indeed, Venice tops the ranking with its collection of floating islands cut with iconic waterways, but beachy Bibione and Lido di Jesolo aren’t far behind either..
Top things to do the Venetian Riviera
Lounge on the beach in Bibione
Bibione’s beach is one of the longest in Italy, dotted with sunbeds and umbrellas for maximum relaxation – plus, with Wi-Fi it’s a real showstopper.
Take a gondola ride on the Canal Grande
Venice is famous for its waterways for a reason – they’re absolutely everywhere and they’re completely mesmerising. The canals are there instead of roadways, so you kind of have to take a gondola ride if you want to get around efficiently!
Tuscany
Best for – history and culture enthusiasts
Best time to visit – early autumn, specifically September and October
Tuscany is that countryside paradise that oozes charm. The rolling hills, vineyards and sunflower fields aren’t just postcard backdrops, here, they’re the real deal. Add in the grandeur of Florence and marble architecture of Pisa, and you’ve got yourself one of the best palces to visit in Italy.
Top things to do in Tuscany
Marvel at the Florence Cathedral
You’ve only really been to Florence if you’ve come face to face with Il Duomo, the city’s iconic red-domed cathedral that was designed by famed Renaissance architect Filippo Brunelleschi – if you think the exterior is impressive, just wait until you step inside.
Head to the Leaning Tower of Pisa
Visit this famously wonky structure and capture that iconic photo of holding it up. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the 7 Wonders of the World so it’s a bucket-list stop.
Neapolitan Riviera
Best for – family holidays and mesmerising views
Best time to visit – springtime, specifically April and May
With colourful buildings tucked into the hillside and overlooking peaceful bays, the Neapolitan Riviera – also known as the Amalfi Coast – is one of those storybook regions. Its charming villages, working marinas and castle-ridden cliffsides need to be seen to be believed.
Top things to do in the Neapolitan Riviera
Sip limoncello in Sorrento
Limoncello liqueur is from the Neapolitan Riviera, specifically the glamourous hillside town of Sorrento – so it’s the perfect place to head to sit out on a quaint terrace and enjoying this refreshing treat.
Sample pizza at the world’s first pizzeria
Naples is the birthplace of pizza, along with the first pizzeria – so where better to head to try a slice from the source itself.
Italian Lakes
Best for – nature lovers and families
Best time to visit – springtime, specifically April to June
As the name suggests, the centrepiece of the Italian Lakes’ ruggedly gorgeous landscape is, yes, the lakes – the historic Lake Garda, glamourous Lake Como and the eye-poppingly green Lake Maggiore – they all offer a different side of natural Italy but with equal beauty.
Top things to do in the Italian Lakes
Whip down the rides at Gardaland
As well as the incredible sights, there’s plenty of fun and adrenaline to be had too. Head to Gardaland for a dose of man-made adrenaline – it’s the biggest theme park in Italy, with roller coasters, 4D films, water rides, and more.
Try your hand at watersports
With the lakes being the main attraction here, it’ll come as no surprise that watersports are in abundance. You won’t have trouble finding watersports centres, where you can learn something new or head out on the water just for fun.
Sicily
Best for – all things Italian charm, sunshine and holiday vibes
Best time to visit – spring and summer, specifically April to August
The largest island in all of the Mediterranean, Sicily has a lot to boast about. It’s a Renaissance region of sorts, laden with white cliffs, endless beaches and hillside resorts that overlook the waterfront. It’s a melting pot of cultures, too, so it’s one of the best places in Italy to get a mix of everything.
Top things to do in Sicily
Hike up Mount Etna
This famous peak is almost always in your sight-line when you’re in Sicily, so it deserves an up-close look – in the wintertime, you might even be able to ski down it!
Get schooled at the Valley of the Temples
Located along the southwestern coast of Sicily, the Valley of the Temples is the largest archaeological site in the world and is composed of an incredible array of temple ruins that are some of the best remnants of ancient Greece. The incredibly-preserved Temple of Concordia is usually the highlight!
Hopefully this has helped highlight the best places to go in Italy for you and you should have all the inspiration you need to book your holiday to Italy!
We’ve got tons of Italy holiday deals waiting to be snapped up, or check out these few below and get planning…
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