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.
-
Get 30% off Stays at This Lavish Art-Centered Hotel in Rome
T+L launched Operation Vacation to inspire workers to use their days off and get away, offering exclusive travel discounts as incentive. For the latest... Read More
-
Police at Rome Airport Blow Up Bag That Turns Out to Be Filled With Coconuts
A saga about a suspicious bag at the Rome airport might just crack you up. Figuratively speaking.On Monday, Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport... Read More
-
This Comfy New Overnight Train Will Have You Skipping the Hotel on Your Next European Tour (Video)
Europe is fortunate to have many options for visitors to get around, from planes and trains to automobiles and bikes. This heavy competition for... Read More
-
Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel Are All Smiles Driving Through the Italian Countryside
Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel are saying “ciao” to Italy.On Thursday, the singer posted a video of himself and his wife driving through the Italian... Read More
-
Writing Fake TripAdvisor Reviews Landed This Man in Jail
On Wednesday, a man received a nine-month prison sentence for selling fake reviews to Italian companies on TripAdvisor."We see this as a landmark ruling... Read More
-
7 Destinations in Europe You Wouldn’t Think to Visit (but Really Should)
As one of the most accessible and beloved parts of the world, Europe is home to plenty bucket list–worthy places. History will draw you to ancient... Read More
-
Starbucks’ First Roastery in Italy Is What Coffee Dreams Are Made Of
Starbucks’ long-rumored expansion into Italy is finally reality. Its first Reserve Roastery in Europe is opening tomorrow in a opulent former post... Read More
-
Italian Tenant Union Says Vacation Rentals Push 1,000 Residents Out of Florence Each Year
In less than nine months, almost 500 people were pushed from their homes in Florence as landlords cleared buildings to make space for vacation rentals,... Read More
-
Florence Is Banning Tourists From Snacking on the Streets
On Tuesday, Florence passed a new ordinance banning tourists and locals alike from eating on the sidewalks, curbs, and doorsteps of the city's... Read More
-
Why Tuscany Is My New Favorite Shopping Destination
As a New Yorker who predominantly shops at small boutiques and vintage stores, I have to admit: I love a good shopping mall. I love the convenience. I... Read More
-
You Might Be Able to Retire to Beautiful Southern Italy Without Paying Taxes for 10 Years
Even if retirement is years away, it’s OK to dream about your ideal place to settle into your golden years.While some think packing up and retiring to... Read More
-
The Best Small Ship Experiences in the Mediterranean
Sailing on an intimate ship has many benefits, from being able to reach harder-to-access ports to smoother disembarkation. These destinations and brands... Read More
-
Flights to Europe Are on Sale Right Now Starting at $89 (Video)
Traveling to Europe and the Caribbean this fall or winter is looking like a bargain.Norwegian Air is having a sale on one-way flights to popular... Read More
-
Lavazza Has Opened a Coffee Museum in Italy (Video)
If Italy's deep-rooted café culture and exquisite, inky espresso weren't enough reason to visit, here's one more: a museum dedicated to all... Read More
-
Luke Evans Reveals What It's Like Traveling Italy With Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler
You may remember him as the daft and arrogant Gaston from Disney’s recent remake of "Beauty and the Beast," or you may remember him fondly as... Read More
