Tuck in and have fun
If you can’t get enough of the amazing Italian cuisine (we don't blame you!), take one of the many tasting tours from Sorrento and get right amongst all the goodness. You’ll be toured around local farms and vineyards where you can try the finest wines, olive oil, and of course, limoncello. The Italian life sounds good, doesn't it?!
Take to the streets, Italian-style
If you’re a shopaholic, you’ll want to check out the town of Olbia, on Sardinia’s Emerald Coast. There are daily street markets where you can find everything from local delicacies to fine art, and over a hundred boutiques for unique fashion finds.
An Instagram Story dream
Whether you’re working with a high-tech camera or just your phone, the Neapolitan Riviera will inspire your inner photographer. Take the most Instagram-worthy pics at Positano viewpoint, the Terrace of Infinity, and the Path of the Gods.
The floor is lava!
We all learnt about the Mt. Vesuvius volcano in school, but how many kids got to walk up it? The hike is manageable for families of confident walkers and leads to amazing views over the ruins of Pompeii.
Blue is the colour
The Blue Grotto is a natural wonder that awaits you in a cave beneath the off-shore Capri Island. The famous site earned its name because it’s home to the brightest azure seawater you’ll ever see! Catch a tour from Marina Grande which will take you right to the rowboats at the cave entrance.
Villa dEste's Water Gardens
What's Italy without some UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it's crammed full of em, and we reckon they're all true sights to behold - take this one for example, nestled in Tivoli, near Rome, this complex of over 100 fountains is known worldwide for it's architectural prowess and time-capsule-esque snapshot into the countries vibrant history. Basically, if you're looking for a relaxing day off the streets of Rome, and you're a sucker for some ancient architecture (who isn't?), then make a day of this spot, we know we would.
What events can I go to in Italy?
You’ll find that the country has events that are celebrated nationally, as well as more local affairs to enjoy anytime of the year, so here’s a mix of both to expect on your holiday in Italy:
Regata della Befana (January) - Is it a bird? Is it a plane? NO! It's a witch on a gondola... As incredible as it sounds, this festival rings in the end of the festive period complete with stockings filled with sweets for the good kids and a parade of revellers dressed as witches rowing through the canals of Venice.
Carnevale (February) - Extravagance is key here, people wander the streets in their finery, towns across the country stage colourful parades and there's even a luxurious ball all spread over two weeks in the lead-up to Ash Wednesday.
Venice Biennale (April) - If you're an arty type, then you'll be well aware of this world-famous event where you’ll find the cutting edge of contemporary art in all its forms... if you aren't an arty type then... this is a world famous event where you'll find cutting edge contemporary art in all its forms.
Monumenti Aperti (May) - Throughout the month, cultural and historical sites that don’t usually allow visitors are opened to the public - this is your chance to get enriched by some local culture, and the fact this is the only month you get to see some of it gives you that lil edge when it comes bragging rights.
Regatta of the Ancient Maritime Republics (June) - A chance to see historical ships and costumes on the high seas, forget Pirates of the Caribbean, that's so 2000-late, this annual festival is so 1898 coded, we can't miss it and neither should you. Oh, it rotates annually between Amalfi, Pisa, Genoa, and Venice too, just FYI.
Napoli Pizza Village Festival (June) - Europe’s biggest pizza festival... so big in fact, that it's gone global, but what better place than direct from the sauce (heh) where you can try hundreds of different varieties of Italy’s best export from 50 world famous pizzerias.
Ravello Music Festival (July–August) - classical music meets Italy at this suit-and-tie bonanza of orchestral goodness - a surefire way to feel as boujee as possible with plenty of chances to see international orchestras play right by the sea, it's like they knew we were coming.
Ferragosto (August) - A national holiday dating back to Roman times, marked by locals ditching their jobs - not literally, just for the day - hitting the beaches and eating an unusual chocolate aubergine dish... don't knock it til you try it.
Round Sardinia Race (September) - Boats of all sizes travel the world’s oceans to take part in this race, which you can watch from any of the beaches in Sardinia - when people come from so many places, it'd be rude not to gawk for awhile really...
Truffle Season (October-November) - While we may associate truffles with the ultimate in fine dining, Italy has a huge harvest of the delicacy in the Autumn, and many towns host feasts and celebrations that foodies will love - plus you get to experience fine dining standard deliciousness as part of a festival... how could you say no?
Capodanno (December) - Naples does New Year’s Eve in style, with an all-night outdoor disco and fireworks across the city - when Dua sang, 'Watch me daaaance, dance the night away'... she really meant NYE in Naples... just a fact.
Where’s the best nightlife in Italy?
Across the country, you’ll find everything from posh wine bars to pumping nightclubs, but you won’t need to stray far from the beach to get to these lively spots on your holiday to Italy, in fact, some of them are on the beach - it's like they knew:
Piazza Bellini, Naples - This square is popular with party-goers young and old, head to a bar for non-stop dancing or just kick back, enjoy the live music outside and sip on a chilled beer, bliss should always be this easy to reach.
Il Pirata, Praiano - Yo ho ho and a bottle of sun! This fun pirate-themed bar is built right into a rock formation and is the best place to live out your childhood dream of being Captain Jack Sparrow - drink up me hearties!
Rada, Positano - If you wanna feel like a celeb, this is your place, and by celeb, we just mean a gorge, swanky cocktail on the outdoor terrace. Or, head inside to dance the night away to live Italian music.
Agua, Alghero - This popular seaside nightclub has free entry, making it a great shout for cheaper holidays to Italy, think boozing, moving, shaking and grooving with plenty of tasty tipples on offer and a perfect location.
Phi Beach disco, Baia - Get tipsy watching the sunset, then join the party as their DJs play international hits throughout the night - it'd be rude of us to leave out a disco, and one this bangin' deserves a special shoutout.
What's the food like in Italy?
If you haven’t eaten pizza, pasta, and ice cream - where have you been?! Your holidays to Italy are the perfect chance to try authentic versions of your favourites, but don’t miss out on these tasty dishes too:
Cuoppo - Naples’ answer to fish and chips! Fresh seafood is fried in a light crispy batter and served in a cone.
Totani E Patate Alla Praianese - A hearty dish of squid and potatoes doused in white wine.
Sea Urchins - Yes, really! Sardinia is famed for its sea urchin dishes, try them with authentic fresh spaghetti.
Limoncello - No Italian holiday is complete without a shot of cooling Limoncello to end a meal.
Seadas - An unusual Sardinian dessert pastry filled with lemon-scented cheese and topped with orange blossom honey.
These coastal eateries are renowned for their fine foods:
Antica Pizzeria Port'Alba, Naples - The world’s oldest pizzeria, they’ve been serving tasty traditional recipes for over 200 years - that's a LOT of pizza!
Da Adolfo, Positano - This seafood restaurant’s secluded private beach location makes it ideal for a romantic lunch date, it wouldn't be right of us to not give you the heads up... so if you're popping a ring in a glass of bubbles, remember us.
Cioccolato e Gelato Andrea Pansa, Amalfi - You can grab some of the world’s finest gelato here, as well as other Italian desserts... we're sure there are plenty... but gelato... gelato is the elite.
Mediterraneum Caffe, Castelsardo - A chilled out and friendly place to share traditional lunch with family while you take in ocean views - the perfect blend of vibes for a perfect day out.
Gintilla Vegan Restaurant, Cagliari - Nobody has to miss out on Italian delicacies at this fine-dining spot where elegance is the focal point... well the food is first, but the food is elegant too!
