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.
If you’re gearing up for a last minute holiday to Italy but aren’t entirely sure where to go, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a breakdown of all you need to know about some of Italy’s best holiday spots.
Venetian Riviera
Best for – classic days on the beach
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. 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.
Top things to do
Lounge on the beach in Bibione
Bibione’s beach is one of the longest in Italy, speckled with sunbeds and umbrellas for maximum relaxation. It’s also been the site of a free Wi-Fi movement, so we predict a lot of Instagramming in your future.
Take a gondola ride on the Canal Grande
Venice is famous for its waterways for a reason – they’re absolutely everywhere, set in place for classic roadways. So really, you kind of have to take a gondola ride if you want to get around efficiently. Mark it off as a travel expense. It’s also the best way to see the city.
Tuscany
Best for – history and culture
Best time to visit – early autumn, specifically September and October
Tuscany is that countryside paradise you’ve always been looking for. 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 seriously beautiful holiday spot.
Top things to do
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. And if you think that the exterior is impressive, just wait until you step inside.
Try to right the Leaning Tower of Pisa
Actually, don’t do that – you might get escorted out of Italy. But you can certainly visit this famously wonky structure. It’s tilted due to a soft foundation, but don’t worry – efforts to make it stable were undertaken in the late 20th century.
Neapolitan Riviera
Best for – family holidays
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
Sip limoncello in Sorrento
Limoncello liqueur is also from the Neapolitan Riviera, specifically the glamourous hillside town of Sorrento. It’s an exclusive spot known for attracting elite clientele, but all are welcome to sample the hometown beverage, especially from a waterfront patio.
Sample pizza at the world’s first pizzeria
Naples is the birthplace of pizza, along with the first pizzeria – we’re talking about the Antica Pizzeria Port’Alba, where you can try a slice from the source of all your takeaway happiness.
Italian Lakes
Best for – nature lovers
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 – historic Lake Garda, glamourous Lake Como and the eye-poppingly green Lake Maggiore all offer a different side of natural Italy but with equal beauty. You can’t really go wrong.
Top things to do
Whip down the rides at Gardaland
If you’ve had enough of nature for one holiday, Gardaland will give you a dose of man-made adrenaline. It’s the biggest theme park in all of Italy, at the ready with a number of themed areas like a Wild West section and pirate spot. There are roller coasters, 4D films and water rides, all under one massive roof.
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, but Riva del Garda has a standout facility, equipped with a kids’ sailing school.
Sardinia
Best for – the true island experience
Best time to visit – springtime, specifically April to June
Rugged in design but still peppered with traditional Italian architecture as well as ancient ruins from the Romans and beyond, the island of Sardinia is a mixture of cultures, most notably Catalan. Add in long swaths of beach, national parks and endless seafood restaurants, and it’s positively cosmopolitan.
Top things to do
Laze along Le Bombarde
Stepping onto Le Bombarde beach in Alghero, you’ll wonder if you’ve somehow found yourself in the Caribbean. The water here is that blue and clear, rivalling a swimming pool. The beach itself is carved with hidden coves and a diving centre, while out to sea coral reefs lie in wait.
Hike through La Maddalena National Park
Covering the vast expanse that is Sardinia’s northern coast and all its islets, La Maddalena National Park is a protected marine area boasting aquatic wildlife, hiking trails and beautiful beaches. Take a boating trip, rent a kayak, put on your snorkel gear – there’s no shortage of ways to explore this stunning scenery first hand.
Sicily
Best for – all things holiday
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 no two visits here ever have to be the same. Choose from a range of hotels, including Sicily holidays with All Inclusive packages.
Top things to do
Hike up Mount Etna
This famous peak is almost always in your sight-line when you’re visiting the island of Sicily, so it deserves an up-close look to see it properly. Come in the wintertime, and 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, composed of an incredible array of ruined temples that are some of the best remnants of ancient Greek life around, most notably the incredibly-preserved Temple of Concordia.
The choice is up to you – where will you head first? Let us know in the comments below.
What are you waiting for? Book your holiday to Italy today!
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