Where does one begin with Italy? Italy is the land of mouthwatering meals that last all night, heady wines to drink underneath olive trees, pastel villas built into sheer cliffs above the crystal blue Tyrrhenian Sea, and Renaissance paintings and marble sculptures that leave you awestruck and inspired. It is everyone’s dream to travel to Italy, and for good reason. Whether you are heading to the beach or to the mountains, to the vineyards or to the cities, there are endless possibilities for exciting Italy travel. Check out Travel + Leisure’s Italy travel guide to decide what to eat, where to stay and what to see.
A good place to start is the capital city of Rome, the birthplace of Western civilization and the site of many epic historical events. All the regions of Italy are different and cater to different kinds of vacations—from skiing in the Dolomites to sunning on the Aeolian Islands.
Things Not to Miss in Italy
• Take a gondola along the canals in Venice
• Climb to the top of the Duomo in Florence
• Tour the volcanic city of Pompeii
• Hike through the five cities of Cinque Terre
• Swim in the Blue Grotto on Capri
• Take a bike tour through the vineyards of Tuscany
• Catch an opera performance at Teatro Massimo in Palermo
When to Go to Italy
Italy’s Mediterranean climate makes it a year-round destination with thrilling activities for every season. In general, the summers are hot and dry, and the winters are cold and damp. In general, the best months to visit Italy are April to June and September to October when the weather is comfortably warm. July and August can be stiflingly hot and muggy, and most Italians go on holiday in August, shuttering many shops and restaurants.
-
This Pass Lets You Ski at More Than 1,000 Resorts in Europe for an Amazing Price
Skiing is an expensive hobby. But, with a bit of planning (and perhaps an impulsive purchase), it could become more affordable to jet off and hit the... Read More
-
This Italian Island Will Refund Your Hotel If It Rains Too Much
You never have to worry about the weather ruining your vacation, as long as you go to this island off the coast of Italy.The Italian island of Elba, off... Read More
-
Why Italian Winemakers Are Setting Fires in Their Vineyards This Week
For the last week, some vineyards in Italy have been sporting a distinctly spooky vibe.Those who have happened to pass through northern Italy may have... Read More
-
Flights to These International Destinations Are Expected to Drop in Price By Up to 46 Percent This Month (Video)
There’s nothing more satisfying than finding a cheap international flight, especially during the summer when prices tend to be higher. According to... Read More
-
This Sculpture in an Italian Forest Looks Like a Chandelier Made Out of Rain
In the middle of an Italian forest hovers a chandelier made out of thousands of drops of rain.Of course, it's not actually a chandelier. Rather, it... Read More
-
The Best Summer Trips for Solo Travelers
Craving some adventure this summer? The notion of a solo trip might be a bit overwhelming at first, but once you get past the initial fear of traveling... Read More
-
The Photographer Behind One of T+L’s May 2019 Covers Reveals How She Got the Shot
May is Travel + Leisure's annual Europe Issue, and for T+L subscribers, its cover depicts perhaps the most recognizable structures on the... Read More
-
The Best Places in the World to Travel if You Love Mushrooms
The culinary world owes a lot to whoever first discovered the magic of mushrooms. Fungus — from everyday cremini to decadent morels — is an undeniable... Read More
-
The Vatican Is Unveiling Its Holy Staircase for the First Time in 300 Years
Visitors to Rome this spring will be able to experience a once-in-a-lifetime visit to an important Catholic relic.The Vatican announced it will display... Read More
-
Those $1 Houses in Italy Are Now Even Easier to Buy
Owning a vacation home in Italy doesn’t have to be a fantasy. In fact, it’s easier than ever to find your the charming, Italian bungalow of your dreams... Read More
-
This Rainbow and Cupcake-filled 'Unicorn House' Might Be the Most Magical Rental in Italy
How do you make a dream vacation to Italy even dreamier? Sleep among unicorns and rainbows, of course.The Unicorn House, located in Milan, is a... Read More
-
These Ancient Italian Towns Have All the Tuscan Beauty and None of the Crowds
“Every day I walk the vines,” says Gabriele da Prato, gesturing to the lush foliage surrounding us. “All of my senses are involved. I’m looking,... Read More
-
How This Man Got to Be the Only Person on a 188-passenger Flight to Italy
A vacant middle seat is enough to get most travelers excited, but this airplane passenger raised the bar when he boarded the plane and realized he was... Read More
-
Italy Wants to Overturn Budget Airlines’ Baggage Policies
Budget airlines Ryanair and Wizz Air are currently engaged in a legal battle in Italy to determine whether or not it is “misleading” to charge... Read More
-
This Country Is the Most Desired Vacation Destination in the World (Video)
With delicious food, gorgeous countryside, and ancient cities, it’s no wonder why people around the globe flock to Italy for their vacations.But Italy... Read More
