Destinations in Italy

Italy has a way of winning people over. From the art and history to the food, history or that dolce vita lifestyle, Florentine galleries to family beach holidays or slow countryside escapes, Italy has so much to offer. Stretching from the Alps to the Mediterranean, Italy boasts a wealth of landscapes. Think snow-capped peaks in the Dolomites, the rolling hills and olive groves of Umbria and the glittering seas of the Amalfi coast.

The best time to visit depends on what you’re after. Spring and autumn are perfect for cities and sightseeing. Summer brings the best beach weather, but expect higher prices. And of course, winter is the time to go if you fancy skiing in the north.

Italy at glance:

Flight duration (from London): 2–3 hours
Main airport: Rome Fiumicino (FCO)
Population: 59 mln people
Language: Italian
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Time zone: CET (UTC +1) / CEST in summer (UTC +2)

Top places to visit in Italy

Florence leave you spoilt for choice, from Michelangelo’s David to Caravaggio’s Medusa. In fact, Florence’s UNESCO-protected city centre holds more recognized masterpieces (per square meter) than anywhere else in the world. You’ll find it all here: art, architecture, fantastic food and a bustling atmosphere. Yet, despite its history (and many fantastic museums, Uffizi anyone?), Florence feels like an exciting, modern city. Enjoy a stroll across the Ponte Vecchio, sample a handmade gelato and round things off with sundowners at the Piazzale Michelangelo—a neoclassical square overlooking the city.

Sorrento Italy holidays are great for exploring this fantastic city, as well as the nearby delights of the Amalfi Coast and Capri. Picture fishing boats bobbing in the Marina Grande, artisan shops selling the region’s famed limoncello and palm trees reaching towards blue skies—and you’ve nearly got the charm of Sorrento. It’s a cool, calm city that’s ideal for Italy package holidays. As a top tip, head to the Villa Communale Park for sunset views towards Mount Vesuvius. The ancient ruins of Pompeii and the lesser-known (though spectacularly preserved) Herculaneum are under an hour’s drive away.

Puglia’s whitewashed houses are legendary, and there’s nowhere better to sample this unique region’s charm than Ostuni. In fact, the city’s nickname La Città Bianca dates back to medieval times. Ostuni is a classic for Puglia Italy holidays (complete with a beautiful, historic cathedral). The region’s relaxed countryside also hosts some of the most luxurious all-inclusive holidays in Italy. Venture further, and you’ll discover the wider Adriatic coast. Beaches like Rosa Marina and Torre Guaceto offer safe, shallow waters, ideal for families. Puglia is also great for villa holidays in Italy, with olive groves, vineyards and almond trees surrounding picturesque farm houses.

Cagliari is Sardinia’s capital and an elegant city mixes wide boulevards with a charming old town. The 13th-century Cathedral of Santa Maria is particularly worth a visit. You’ll also find some of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful beaches within half an hour’s drive. Poetto Beach’s extensive sands are just five kilometres from the city, perfect for Italy family holidays. Cagliari is a brilliant base for Sardinia Italy holidays, combining city life with stunning coastlines. For something a bit different, you’ll also find wetlands just outside the city that are home to Flamingos. Locals have dubbed them the “red people” for their flaming pink plumage.

Rome, without which no guide to Italy would be complete.  It’s the “eternal city” where history and modern life intertwine. In fact, the modern city’s water still flows through ancient aqueduct systems built over 2,000 years ago. Of course, there’s the Colosseum, the Pantheon and the Roman Forum. But there’s also lively markets at the Campo de’ Fiori and authentic lunches in the trattorias of the Trastevere district. As a top tip, start early to see the major sights before the crowds. You can always round off the day in style, with a sunset aperitivo overlooking the city’s seven hills.