Italy holidays are the ultimate triple threat: cities dripping in history, beaches made for daydreaming, and food so good it’ll ruin your local takeaway.

✨ Italy highlights

• 🍕 Pizza and pasta in their birthplace – Naples alone will spoil Domino's for you - sorry!

• 🏛️ Ancient history everywhere – Colosseum, Pompeii, Roman Forum, the lot

• 🏖️ Beaches for days – Sardinia's white sand, Sicily's coves, Amalfi's drama

• 🍷 Wine regions galore – Tuscany, Piedmont, Veneto, take your pick

• 🚣 Venice – the city where getting lost is literally the point

✨ Good to Know

• Culture Queen - Italy has more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other country in the world - 59 and counting - it's basically a massive, open-air, museum (with amazing food).

• Pasta Power - there are over 350 different types of pasta in Italy - and yes, every shape has a purpose.

• Price of a Pint - expect to pay around €4 to €6 for a local beer in most bars, slightly more in major cities. Cheers!

🌤 Best Time to go on your Italy holidays

• Spring (Mar–May) – mild days, blooming piazzas, and sunshine that’s warm but never overbearing make this the sweet spot for city-hopping and countryside strolls.

• Summer (Jun–Aug) – beaches come alive, the days stretch late into the night, and you’ll find yourself living on espresso and gelato at the all-inclusive just to keep up with the pace.

• Autumn (Sep–Nov) – think golden vineyards, truffle markets, and warm afternoons perfect for dining outdoors without the summer crowds, the perfect time for a last-minute getaway.

• Winter (Dec–Feb) – with fewer tourists and cooler air, you can wander historic streets in peace, enjoy Christmas markets, or swap city breaks for snowy slopes in the Dolomites.

🏆 Top 5 Things to Do on Italian holidays

• Glide through Venice – trade traffic jams for gondola rides, watching palaces and bridges slide by as your gondolier (sometimes badly) serenades you.

• Eat your way through Naples – bite into a pizza margherita where it was born, grab a sfogliatella pastry for dessert, and try not to fall hopelessly in love with the city’s chaos.

• Step into history in Rome – stand where gladiators once fought in the Colosseum, toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, and take in centuries of art, architecture, and aperitivo culture.

• Hike the Cinque Terre – follow scenic trails between colourful cliffside villages, pausing for seafood pasta and a glass of local wine at every stop.

• Sip and swoon in Tuscany – rolling hills, medieval towns, and wine so good you’ll start browsing “how to move to Italy” before the trip is over.

Where to Stay on your Holidays to Italy

Italy's got everything from city breaks to beach escapes to lakeside retreats. Here are our most popular destinations for La Dolce Vita....

Amalfi Coast

The stretch of coastline that launched a thousand Instagram posts. Cliffside towns in gelato colours, winding roads with views that'll make you gasp, and limoncello on tap. Sorrento is the classic base – close to Positano, Amalfi, and Capri for day trips.

• Europa Palace – Minutes from Sorrento centre with a pool right by the beach. Easy access to limoncello tastings and pasta nights aplenty.

• Palazzo Salgar – Stylish base in the heart of Naples, not far from the waterfront. Perfect for pizza pilgrims.

Sardinia

Italy's answer to the Caribbean, minus the long-haul flight. Think white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and that boujee Costa Smeralda energy if you fancy splashing out.

• Hotel Balocco – Boutique cliffside number in Porto Cervo with sweeping sea views. Made for lazy mornings and sunset cocktails.

• Grand Hotel Poltu Quatu – Five-star spot with fantastic Sardinian coast views, loads of dining options, and sports facilities for days.

• Colonna Grand Hotel Capo Testa – Private beach, massive pool, and stunning views over La Colba Bay. Properly indulgent.

Sicily

Italy's largest island brings the drama – Mount Etna smoking in the background, ancient Greek temples, and beaches that rival anywhere in the Med. Plus the food is next level.

• Grand Palladium Sicilia Resort & Spa – Sicilian luxury with multiple dining venues, pools, sports, and an exclusive Signature Level package for those wanting the full works.

• Hotel Le Calette – Split across two buildings with four private beaches, fine dining overlooking the sea, and a spa with beachside massage gazebos. Properly swish.

Lake Garda

Italy's biggest lake sits between the Dolomites and the vineyards of Valpolicella. Gorgeous little towns like Sirmione, Riva del Garda and Desenzano, easy day trips to Verona and Venice, and Gardaland theme park for the kids.

• Leonardo Da Vinci – All-inclusive option in Limone with private beach, indoor and outdoor pools, wellness centre, and water sports. Brilliant for families.

• Leonardo Hotel Lago di Garda – Wellness & Spa – Posh suites with whirlpool baths, top-notch spa, and just minutes from Gardaland and Canevaworld. Pure indulgence.

Lake Como

George Clooney's neighbourhood – need we say more? Elegant villas, mountain backdrops, and ferry-hopping between Como and Bellagio. Proper swanky.

• Hilton Lake Como – Rooftop infinity pool with jaw-dropping lake views, wellness spa, and stylish suites. A short stroll from Villa Olmo.

• Palace Hotel Lake Como – 19th-century Art Nouveau elegance right in the centre of Como. Classic rooms, some with lake views, and a Mediterranean restaurant.

Milan

Fashion capital, design hub, and home to the Last Supper. Milan mixes sharp style with serious culture – think designer shopping on Via Montenapoleone, aperitivo in the Navigli, and catching a show at La Scala.

• Melia Milano – Stylish stay in the Fiera district with 24-hour gym, rooftop bar, and easy access to San Siro and the CityLife Shopping District.

• Hotel Dei Cavalieri – Classic elegance in central Milan, walking distance from the Duomo. Restaurant, bar, and proper old-school Italian charm.

Rome

The Eternal City. The Colosseum, Vatican, Trevi Fountain, and enough history to make your head spin. Plus brilliant pizza al taglio and aperitivo hour.

• Savoy Rome – Classic elegance near the Spanish Steps with a rooftop bar for Aperol Spritz with a view. Restaurant terrace for al fresco dining.

• The Hoxton, Rome – Cool and contemporary in a brilliant central location. On-site restaurant, coffee spot, and private event spaces for groups.

Tuscany

Rolling hills, cypress-lined roads, and vineyards as far as the eye can see. Tuscany is the Italy of your dreams – Renaissance art in Florence, the Leaning Tower in Pisa, and Chianti wine country in between.

• Grand Hotel Minerva – Rooftop pool overlooking Florence's Duomo, fine dining at La Buona Novella, and rooms ranging from classic to frescoed suites. Proper luxe.

• MH Florence Hotel & Spa – Modern Florence hotel with a flagship spa featuring swimming pool, bio sauna, and Turkish bath. Sixth-floor terrace bar with city views.

Venice

Canals instead of roads, gondolas instead of taxis. Get gloriously lost in the maze of bridges and alleyways, then find a bacaro bar for cicchetti and spritz.

• Hotel Rialto – Right by the iconic Rialto Bridge with breakfast overlooking the Grand Canal. Baroque furnishings, private balconies, proper Venetian charm.

• Ai Mori d'Oriente – Boutique gem in the quieter Cannaregio quarter with canal-side terrace bar. Romantic, atmospheric, and still close to all the action.

🏖️ What are the best beaches for Italy Holidays 2026 / 2027?

Mainland & Amalfi Coast

• Marina Grande Beach (Positano) – this lively spot is framed by pastel buildings and the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea, with beach bars and boutiques just steps away from your sun lounger.

• Furore Beach (Amalfi) – a hidden cove tucked beneath dramatic cliffs, where stone steps lead you down to crystal-clear waters perfect for a romantic swim.

• La Gaiola Beach (Naples) – blue-green waters meet rocky scenery and protected marine life, making this the go-to for snorkelling in between city break sightseeing.

Sardinia

• La Pelosa – shallow, calm waters and soft white sand make this beach a family favourite, with plenty of space to spread out and spend the day.

• Cala Goloritzé – a UNESCO-listed gem created by a landslide, this beach is all turquoise water, towering limestone cliffs, and a sense of adventure.

Sicily

• Spiaggia dei Conigli – accessible only by boat or a short hike, this protected cove rewards your effort with powdery sand, turquoise seas, and the chance to spot nesting sea turtles in summer.

🧳 Italy Holidays 2026 / 2027 Travel Guide

🥳 Things to do in Italy for Groups

Round up the squad because Italy is ready to host the ultimate group trip. Whether you are chasing culture, cocktails, or just a really good tan, here is where the vibe is popping off.

• Lake Como Beach Clubs - channel your inner celeb (George Clooney, anyone?) at a boujee lido. Think Aperol Spritz in hand, stunning lake views, and vibes that are 10/10.

• Rome Rooftops - after snapping a selfie at the Colosseum, head to a rooftop bar in Monti. Sip on Negronis while watching the sun set over the Eternal City – it’s a proper pinch-me moment.

• Sorrento Bar Crawls - fuel up on pizza before hitting the lively bars of Sorrento. With Limoncello shots flowing and views of the sea, it’s a guaranteed belter of a night.

• Milan Fashion & Fun - for the shopaholics and the party animals. Hit the designer stores by day and the Navigli canal bars by night for an electric atmosphere.

❤️ Things to do in Italy for Couples

Italy practically invented romance and the couples' holiday. From floating through canals to toasting with Chianti in the hills, here is how to earn some serious brownie points with your other half.

• Venice Gondola Rides - it’s a classic for a reason. Drift through the silent canals with your beau for a moment that is straight out of a movie.

• Positano Sunsets - head to the Amalfi Coast for the ultimate boujee escape. Watching the pastel houses glow pink at sunset is honestly gorge and perfect for a proposal (hint, hint).

• Tuscany Wine Tasting - rent a car (or a Vespa!) and get lost in the rolling hills of Chianti. Sip on world-class reds and share a platter of meats and cheeses – pure bliss.

• Florence Feasts - share a candlelit dinner of Bistecca alla Fiorentina (a mahoosive steak) followed by a romantic stroll across the Ponte Vecchio.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Things to do in Italy for Families

Keeping the kiddos happy in Italy is easy peasy - mostly thanks to the pizza and ice cream. But beyond the snacks, here are the top spots for a stress-free family jolly.

• Lake Garda Splash Parks - the lake is stunning, but the nearby theme parks (hello, Gardaland) are what will have the little ones buzzing.

• Rome’s Gladiator School - let the kids burn off some energy by learning to fight like a gladiator. It’s educational, active, and way more fun than a museum.

• Sardinia’s Beaches - with soft white sand and shallow, turquoise waters, Sardinia is ideal for little paddlers who want to splash about safely.

• Gelato Hunting - turn sightseeing into a game. Who can find the best gelato in town? Spoiler: You’ll have to try a lot to find out.

💰 Italy on a Budget – Top Tips for Cheap Holidays

Think Italy is too spenny? Think again. You can absolutely live la dolce vita without blowing the budget if you know these savvy tricks to keep things cheap.

• Train Travel - skip the expensive taxis and zip between cities on Trenitalia or Italo trains. If you book in advance, high-speed tickets can be super cheap.

• Street Food Wins - you don’t need a sit-down meal to eat well. Grab a slice of 'pizza al taglio' or a fried 'supplì' (rice ball) for just a few Euros—tastes delish, costs peanuts.

• Aperitivo Hour - the ultimate budget hack. Buy a drink between 6pm and 8pm, and many bars will give you access to a buffet of snacks for free. Dinner sorted.

• Free Water - bring a reusable bottle. Rome and other cities are full of 'nasoni' (drinking fountains) serving ice-cold, fresh water for free.

• Stay Local - accommodation prices drop massively if you stay just outside the main tourist hubs (like Mestre instead of Venice Island). A short bus ride saves you a fortune.

🍽️ Things to do in Italy for Foodies

Prepare your belly, because the diet starts after the holiday. Italy is the food capital of the world, and every region brings something new to the table.

• Naples Pizza - You haven’t had pizza until you’ve had it here. Go for a classic Margherita di Bufala—simple, sloppy, and absolutely mind-blowing.

• Bologna Pasta - Head to the home of Ragu (don't call it Bolognese!) and Tortellini. It’s known as "The Fat One" for a reason—the food is rich, hearty, and top-tier.

• Sicily’s Sweet Tooth - Dive into crispy Cannoli filled with sweet ricotta or cool down with a brioche and granita for breakfast (yep, ice cream for breakfast is allowed).

• Coffee Culture - Start every morning standing at the bar with a cappuccino and a cornetto. Just remember the golden rule: No cappuccino after 11am if you want to blend in with the locals!

• Cooking Classes - Don't just eat the food, learn to make it. Whether it’s rolling pasta in Tuscany or churning gelato in Rome, it’s a souvenir you can actually use back home.

🚗 Getting Around on your holidays to Italy

• Trains – high-speed routes from Trenitalia and Italo link major cities in hours, making multi-stop holidays a breeze.

• Domestic flights – quick and convenient for hopping between the mainland and islands.

• Ferries – scenic rides to Sardinia, Sicily, and smaller islands, perfect for breaking up beach days.

• Car hire – ideal for exploring Tuscany’s countryside or navigating the Amalfi Coast — just bring your best driving nerves for those hairpin bends.

🌍 Italian Destinations

Looking for somewhere specific? Here's where we've got hotels across Italy:

• Abruzzo

• Adriatic Riviera

• Bologna

• Brescia

• Capri

• Florence

• Lake Como

• Lake Garda

• Liguria

• Lucca

• Milan

• Naples

• Neopolitan Riviera

• Pisa

• Positano

• Puglia

• Rimini

• Rome

• Sardinia

• Sicily

• Sorrento

• Turin

• Tuscany

• Venice

• Verona