Italy holidays

Holidays to Italy are sure to capture your imagination. Whether you’re seeking a break in a bustling city hopping from one ancient landmark to another, planning a remote island getaway among glitzy yachts and Michelin-starred restaurants, or simply want to kick back and relax on one of the country’s beautiful beaches. It’s no surprise that this idyllic hotspot is one of Europe’s top destinations.

Discover timeless architecture, Roman ruins, rustic villages, fortified wines, and world-renowned food around every corner. Grab a gelato as you wander through cobbled alleyways before checking out designer stores in Italy’s big-name cities. And if you’re guaranteed one thing, it’s romance! From cocktails in front of the Colosseum to gondola rides in Venice and breathtaking ocean vistas along the Amalfi Coast - there’s no better place to pop the question than a holiday to Italy.

Don’t worry, party-goers are covered too. Milan and Sicily are top players in the nightlife world being home to some of the swankiest clubs in Europe.

Things to do

With so many bucket-list adventures and famous landmarks it can be hard to know where to begin. However, few Italy holidays are complete without paying a visit to the impressive Vatican City, where the iconic Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica showcases some of the best High Renaissance art in the world. And when you’ve had your history fix, pigging out on pizza in the birthplace of the Italian crust, Naples, is a given. Or, you can always tour Tuscany’s winding roads and Sardinia’s vibrant vineyards.

For natural marvels, a trip to Pompeii will have you reaching for your camera with Mount Vesuvius as your backdrop. But if the coast is more your scene, Capri and Tropea are teeming with sun-kissed stretches. Holidaying with the kids in tow? Check out Italy’s largest waterpark featuring a 42-metre-tall drop slide and pirate ship! Or for little daredevils, Gardaland Park features some impressive rollercoasters. And Shrek fans can unleash their inner Sir Lancelot with a visit to one of the country’s medieval castles. 

Places to stay

Cities like Rome, Naples and Florence in central Italy habitat some of the country’s best cultural attractions. Further south, the picturesque towns of Sorrento and the Bay of Naples, offer a piece of traditional Italian life with authentic experiences, excellent food and fresh locally grown produce. Sardinia’s wild coastlines and secluded coves make it the perfect spot for sightseeing by car. If you’re after awe-inspiring architecture, then Sicily is packed with must-see marvels, such as the original Greek settlement of Ortigia in Syracuse, breathtaking baroque towns like Modica and Ragusa Ibla, as well as beautiful natural landscapes.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Amalfi | Ischia Porto | Florence | Lake Garda | Limone | Malcesine | Rome | Sant'Agnello | Sardinia | Sicily | Sorrento | Venetian Riviera | Venice

 

Map of Italy

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Italy enjoys a varied climate boasting hot summers in areas like Sicily and Sardinia, and sizzling warm temperatures from April onwards in the Bay of Naples. The conditions in the Alps during winter are also perfect for skiing.

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Approximately two and a half hours

The main international airports in Italy are Malpensa Airport in Milan and Leonardo da Vinci Airport (also known as Fiumicino) in Rome, although visitors also frequently fly to smaller airports, including Venice Marco Polo, Naples, Olbia and Comiso.

Italy is best for...

Foodies: Italy’s world-renowned reputation as a culinary hotspot is evident whether you visit its finest restaurants or  rustic trattorias. Once you try some fresh, authentic pasta you’ll be rushing back for seconds. And each region has its own specialities from Rigatoni Carbonara in Rome to stockfish in Venice. But no meal is complete without a glass of local wine!

Couples: Holidays to Italy are some of the most romantic in the world. Here, Shakespeare was inspired to write Romeo and Juliet. And we can certainly see why with relaxing sailboat rides over to the island of Capri, candlelit dinners in Sorrento and luxurious stays in Sardinia’s luxurious Porto Cervo.

Nature lovers: Hiking boots at the ready! From the supersize Lake Como to the frosty Alps and towering Mount Etna, there’s no shortage of natural wonders. And don’t forget to swim the bay of Val di Sogno or take a cable car up Mount Baldo

Fast facts for Italy

Language: The language spoken in Italy is Italian. While most of the staff in hotels, bars and restaurants speak some English, a casual ‘per favore’ and ‘grazie’ can go a long way.

Currency: You’ll need to change your pounds and pence for Euros before taking your holidays to Italy.

Local time: Italy is 1 hour ahead of GMT/UK time.

Fly to: Naples International Airport for Sant'Agnello (transfer 1 hour) and Amalfi, Sorrento and Ischia Porto, around 1.5 hours away. Verona Villafranca Airport for Lake Garda, around 1.5 hours away. Venice Marco Polo Airport serves Venice, Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport serves Sardinia and Comiso Airport serves Sicily. 

Flight time from UK: The flight time to Italy is 2.5 hours. 

Tourist information: Further Italy tourist information can be found at the official website for tourism in Italy.

Local tax: In most areas of Italy you’ll be charged a local tourist tax and will need to pay approximately 1.5 - 4 euros per person, per night, to the hotel. Children under 18 don’t pay the tax. Charges can be higher if you’re staying in one of the major Italian cities.

Visa / health: Before you travel, check the latest advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

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Getting around Italy

By bike: Italy’s smaller towns such as Cassone offer excellent sightseeing opportunities from the saddle of a bicycle. You’re not limited to where you can explore either, whether you bring your own set of wheels or rent one when you arrive. The trains and ferries will transport your bike free of charge.

By train: For longer journeys, there’s no beating the incredible views that roll past your window from the country’s speedy and affordable train network.

By taxi: If you’re in a rush, a taxi is one of the fastest ways to get around. Authorised cabs are white with fitted metres and you can hire one from a yellow taxi rank.

Events in Italy

Madonna Del Rimedio: September sees carnival fever erupt across the country. If you really want to immerse yourself in the experience, head to Sardinia’s festival of the Madonna Del Rimedio, over in the town of Orosei. Lasting up to 18 days, expect stalls stuffed with traditional foods and street processions.

Vinitaly: Each area of Italy has its own wine speciality, from the crisp and refreshing white Lacrime di Cristo found in the Sorrento area, to the rich red Nero D’Avola, which is widely enjoyed in Sicily. But when you simply can’t choose, Vinitaly is a must-visit festival housing 3,000 wines in Verona every April. 

Lights, camera, action: The legendary Venice International Film Festival occurs between August and September. Unlike many other film festivals, screenings are open to the public, but you’ll need a ticket to attend. So  put on your best  outfit and do some serious celebrity-spotting by the red carpet. The Summer Film Festival in Taormina, and its many exclusive premieres, takes place in an open-air amphitheatre every year in June.

Italy weather

Temperature: 15 - 30 (°C)

The weather in Italy can vary, particularly between the north and south. In general, summers are warm and bright with the mercury climbing quickly to around 30°C in southern spots like Sicily. The spring and autumn months offer plenty of sunshine and comfortable temperatures for sightseeing. While the winter climate can drop to below freezing in the Alps, providing ideal conditions for ski holidays.

Cities like Rome, Florence and Venice can expect hot, dry summer months with temperatures peaking between 26°C and 30°C. If you prefer cooler climes perfect for exploring Roman ruins, the best time to visit Italy is in the spring (April to June) or in autumn (September to October) when temperatures range from 15°C to 23°C on average.

What should I pack?

If you’re heading to Italy in the summer months, you’ll need plenty of sun cream, a hat and sunglasses. And if you’re planning a beach break then swimwear is also essential. Younger ones who like to splash in the sea might want to pack some armbands too. 

During the winter months, a light jacket or waterproof is a good idea for rainy days or cooler evenings, while comfortable footwear is a must for avid explorers. Especially if you’re heading to super-scenic locations like Rome, Florence, or Venice.

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