Top 10 Italian Holiday Destinations

Travel back in time during a holiday in Rome. The ancient Roman poets, who believed Rome would last forever, named it ‘the Eternal City’. While the Roman Empire may have fallen centuries ago, the city still has a timeless appeal. Explore the Colosseum, the ruins of a huge ampitheatre where gladiators once clashed in ferocious hand-to-hand combat. Visit the Pantheon, the city’s best-preserved Roman-era temple that dates back to the 2nd century. Today, it’s a Catholic church, with a stunning domed interior, altars and monuments. The Sistine Chapel in Vatican City is another must-see. Here, gaze in wonder at the stunning art adorning Michelangelo’s ceiling. At the end of the day, have your change ready to make a wish at the magnificent 18th-century Trevi Fountain, which boasts ornate sculptures of mythological sea creatures. According to legend, one coin ensures you return to Rome, two helps you find love, and three may lead to marriage. Enjoy photography? Capture views of the city at dusk from the top of the imposing Monumento Nazionale. This towering, three-storey building was built to honour Victor Emmanuel II (1820 –1878), the first king of a unified Italy in the modern era, which brought together various nation states.

You can also experience the Epiphany celebrations in Rome on 6th January. It signifies the end of the Christmas season and commemorates the arrival of the Three Wise Men (the Magi) in Bethlehem to visit the newborn baby Jesus. A parade runs from the Vatican to the Piazza Navona, featuring costumed Magi, street performers and a witch-like, folklore character called Belfana, who hands out sweets to children. This joyous festival also features bustling street markets and live music to keep everyone entertained.

Before leaving Rome, don’t forget to enjoy two of Italy’s most famous (and delicious) – contributions to world cuisine – gelato ice cream and stone-baked pizza.

Milan holidays offer the opportunity to embrace a cosmopolitan lifestyle. A international centre for fashion and art, you can shop for world-famous brands such as Prada as well as perusing independent boutiques selling their own stylish clothing and furnishings. Want inspiration to put an outfit together? Observe the local fashionista by people-watching during dinner at one of the many superlative restaurants in Centro Storico (historical centre). Here, a blend of old and new cuisine, from pizza to scientifically inspired ‘molecular’ meals, can be sampled. If you’re a keen foodie, you could also roll up your sleeves and create your own delicious dish at a private pasta-making class!

A visit to Milan’s Cathedral, with its imposing Gothic-style, marble architecture, is a memorable addition to your holiday itinerary. The building’s magnificent stained glass windows depict biblical scenes and on the highest spire you’ll see the Madonnina, a golden statue of the Virgin Mary. In the square around the Cathedral you can spend some time exploring a host of delightful cafes, bakeries, bistros and delicatessens. For a unique Milanese experience, visit the Vertical Forest – a pair of skyscrapers covered in lush vegetation that represent the integration of nature and biodiversity with urban city living.

If you like museums, why not visit Milan during MuseoCity week? This citywide event takes place in March, with over 140 public and private museums and archives showcasing their collections. There’s something for everyone, with exhibitions and workshops and centred around art, history, science, and design.

Looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city? If you fancy escaping to a desirable location with a mountainous backdrop, head for Sorrento…

Located along the ‘Neapolitan Riviera’, Sorrento is a charming cliff-top town. Stay in a pastel-shaded pink, yellow or blue townhouse, with stunning views of Mount Vesuvius across the Gulf of Naples. Tuck into delicious pasta dishes and sip a limoncello liqueur on the waterfront at the picturesque Marina Grande fishing village. Wander around the Old Town, where local shops sell wood carvings and leather goods created by local artisans. Take a day trip by ferry to visit the scenic island of Capri – you can view the whole island on a chairlift ride that takes you to the top of Monte Solaro, Capri’s highest point. You can find out more about Capri later on in this blog.

If you enjoy walking holidays, hike along the Sorrentinian coast (on the northern side of the Sorrentine Peninsula). Walk among alpine trees and majestic mountains, visiting picturesque hilltop villages such as Vico Equense and Sant’Agata sui Due Golfi. On the Almafi coast (on the southern side of the Sorrentine Peninsula), you can immerse yourself in Italian culture in coastal towns like Positano and
Maior. Enjoy the scenery, taste some seafood platters, then take a dip in the Mediterranean Sea to cool off.

If you enjoy exploring the Italian countryside on foot, Tuscany is another great place for an active holiday…

Tuscany’s rugged landscape makes it an ideal destination to explore for adventurous travellers. As well as gently rolling hills, you find canyons, forested mountains and rocky terrain. In the gorges of the Garfagnana and Alta Val Fegana, you can even try your hand at water canyoning and river trekking.

This locale is also home to one of Italy’s greatest exports – wine. Taste it for yourself during a wine tour, or follow the wine trail within the wine region of Chianti. The trail runs from Florence to Siena, and you’ll encounter some picturesque villages to stop at en route, like San Gimignano. Have lunch with the locals at hidden hamlets, embracing a ‘slow travel’ holiday as you wind your way along. Then, after you finish your wine trail excursions, travel south towards the coast. Unwind at a relaxing beachside break on an award-winning sandy beach, like Castiglione’s delightful Spiaggia delle Rocchette .

Another Italian holiday location you can visit to discover some beautiful beaches is Sardinia…

An Italian beach holiday on the island of Sardinia could be for you if you’re missing the sound of the sea and the feeling of warm sand between your toes. Located near Olbia in the northeast of the island, Porto Istana’s stunning white sand beaches, clear water and green, hilly surroundings make it an ideal location for a relaxing holiday. For watersports enthusiasts, you can also try your hand at snorkelling, paddleboarding, kayaking and wind surfing. However, if you want a little more from an Italian holiday than downtime in the dunes, Sardinia has other attractions on offer! In the capital city of Cagliari, cool off at the National Archaeological Museum, where you can study fascinating artefacts. You can also tour the ancient towers and medieval city walls in the historic Cagliari Quartiere Castello district. At Santa Teresa Gallura’s city beach, book a boat trip out across the turquoise waters to explore the islands of the La Maddalena archipelago. On Sardinia’s west coast near Alghero, divers will be delighted to discover the marine life and caves off the Capo Caccia cliffs.

The largest island within the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily is another great hideaway for a romantic escape. However, it’s not just an idyllic seaside destination. Sicily’s hillsides are a treasure trove for history buffs. Agrigento, the ‘Valley of the Temples’, is one of the world’s best-preserved site of ancient Greek temples. In Syracuse, you’ll find both Greek and Roman ruins at Neapolis archaeological park. Stroll along the seafront in delightful Ortigia, and try some traditional Sicilian dishes, such as Zucchini Parmigiana. Not seen a live volcano before? Visit Mount Etna, where you view rocky volcanic cones and craters venting steam. Also, you should add the city of Palermo to your list of places to visit on an Italian holiday. Here you can visit Villa Romana del Casale (an UNESCO World Heritage Site), which features some intricate Roman mosaics, including the famous ‘bikini girls’. The Palace of the Normans is also well worth a visit, which is an outstanding example of Arab-Norman architecture.

The ancient city of Naples looks out over the sweeping Bay of Naples (also known as the Gulf of Naples). Mount Vesuvius looms large in the view, and visitors can take a ferry to Pompeii to see the world’s most famous volcano up close. Known for its winding alleyways, picturesque courtyards, succulent seafood and a classic Neapolitian sweet pastry called sfogliatella, Naples has a charm all its own.

The islands in the Bay of Naples – Capri, Ischia and Procida – are also must-see destinations, offering visitors sun, sand, culture and cuisine. These glamorous locations are just a short ferry trip away from Naples, and with new flight routes to the city opening up in 2026, they’re sure to become increasingly popular destinations. Read on to learn more…

As mentioned earlier, Capri is renowned for its beauty and has long been a desirable, glamorous holiday location. Visit the Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra), a sea cave so-named for its sun-lit, dazzling blue waters. Take a boat tour to view the island’s sheer cliffs and hidden coves. Smell the fragranced floral air at the beautiful gardens of Villa San Michele, which is also home to numerous ancient artefacts, including a 3,200 year Egyptian Sphinx statue. For a refreshing swim, take a dip at the Marina Piccola. Indulge in a little shopping at Capri Town’s luxury boutiques, then take it easy at a fashionable café or bar. Finally, gaze out at the sea and watch the sunset the vantage point of the enchanting Punta Carena lighthouse.

For outdoor adventures, head to the island of Ischia. Hiking enthusiasts will enjoy trekking their way through vineyards and forest trails to the summit of Mount Epomeo, Icshia’s highest peak. From here, at a height of 789 metres, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the Gulf of Naples. For a taste of local history, visit Aragonese Castle. This medieval fortress was built on a small islet, which can be via a causeway. Ischia is a wine connoisseur’s paradise, as the island’s volcanic soil and Mediterranean climate make it the ideal place to nurture grape vines. Take a tour around one of the numerous wine estates – sample a glass or two of white wine made from the island’s signature Biancolella grapes. Sunbathe on San Pietro Beach, then head for the nearby town of Ischia Porto. In this delightful, bustling town, settle down at a quayside restaurant and try a local delicacy – Ischian-style rabbit.

On Procida, you may feel like a movie star! As the beautiful setting for films such as the Talented Mr. Ripley and Il Postino (in English, ‘The Postman’), the island’s stunning surroundings have led to it being a choice location for big-screen productions. The horseshoe-shaped bay of Calla del Pozzo Vecchio is tranquil spot to spend some quiet time – it’s also known as ‘Il Postino Beach’ as it was featured in the award-winning 1994 film. Explore the Terra Murata, a medieval village set high up on the island. Featuring an ancient abbey and 16th-century complex, the Palazzo d’Avalos, that was once a nobleman’s residence and later a prison, this atmospheric location is well worth a visit. The picturesque fishing village of Marina de Corricella, with its charming, pastel-coloured houses is great place for a relaxing stroll. Enjoy some tasty seafood dishes here, followed by a delicious lemon granita dessert.