You’ll find that the country has events that are celebrated nationally, as well as more local affairs to enjoy. Here’s a mix of both to expect on your holiday to Italy:

• Regata della Befana (January) - A parade of revellers dressed as witches row through the canals of Venice.

• Carnevale (February) - Towns across the country stage colourful parades in the lead-up to Ash Wednesday, where you can find lots of seasonal sweet treats.

• Venice Biennale (April) - Arty types will already know of this world-famous event, where you’ll find the cutting edge of 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.

• Regatta of the Ancient Maritime Republics (June) - An incredible display of historical ships and costumes at sea, rotating annually between Amalfi, Pisa, Genoa, and Venice.

• Napoli Pizza Village Festival (June) - Europe’s biggest pizza festival where you can try 100,000 varieties of Italy’s best export.

• Ravello Music Festival (July–August) - Italy’s answer to the Proms, with plenty of chances to see international orchestras play by the sea.

• Ferragosto (August) - A national holiday dating back to Roman times, marked by locals hitting the beaches and eating an unusual chocolate aubergine dish.

• 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.

• 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.

• Capodanno (December) - Naples does New Year’s Eve in style, with an all-night outdoor disco and fireworks across the city.

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:

• Piazza Bellini, Naples - This square is popular with party-goers young and old, where you can head to a bar or just enjoy the live music outside with a beer in hand.

• Il Pirata, Praiano - Drink up me hearties, yo ho! This fun pirate-themed bar is built right into a rock formation.

• Rada, Positano - Here you can sip on posh cocktails 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.

• Phi Beach disco, Baia - Get tipsy watching the sunset, then join the party as their DJs play international hits throughout the night.

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.

• Da Adolfo, Positano - This seafood restaurant’s secluded private beach location makes it ideal for a romantic lunch date.

• Cioccolato e Gelato Andrea Pansa, Amalfi - You can grab some of the world’s finest gelato here, as well as other Italian desserts.

• Mediterraneum Caffe, Castelsardo - A chilled out and friendly place to share traditional lunch with family while you take in ocean views.

• Gintilla Vegan Restaurant, Cagliari - Nobody has to miss out on Italian delicacies at this fine elegant dining spot.