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.
-
The Chef Behind the World's Best Restaurant Is Opening an Inn in Italy This Spring (Video)
World-class Osteria Francescana chef, restaurateur, Chef’s Table star: Massimo Bottura has plenty of accolades under his belt, and he’s about to add... Read More
-
25 Secret European Villages to Explore Before Everyone Else Does
A few winters ago, my family and I checked into a restored 17th-century estate in the tiny town of Lower Monferrato, in Piedmont, Italy. Our bay window... Read More
-
You Could Get Paid $10,000 to Move Your Family to Italy (Video)
Packing your life up and moving to the Italian countryside is becoming more and more practical every day. Especially when you consider the benefits... Read More
-
Get 30% off Stays in a Former Medici Villa in Tuscany
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
-
This Gorgeous Town in Sicily Is Selling Houses for $1 (Video)
If you want your dream Italian retreat, all you need is some pocket change.According to CNN, Sambuca, an idyllic town in Sicily, Italy, is selling... Read More
-
Airbnb Will Pay You to Spend Your Summer in the Italian Countryside (Video)
If you’ve ever dreamed of having the opportunity to experience la dolce vita (but the rural version), Airbnb is offering four individuals the... Read More
-
Explore Italy With a T+L Editor and Stay at Some of the World's Best Hotels
Every year, our knowledgeable Travel + Leisure readers vote in the World's Best Awards, selecting their absolute favorite properties and places... Read More
-
14 Incredible Historic Buildings Around Europe You Can Book Now on Airbnb
As a traveler from the United States, there’s one thing that always stands out when I'm in Europe: history.Walk around in Paris, Rome, or... Read More
-
Man Caught Trying to Steal $9,000 From Another Passenger’s Airport Security Bin (Video)
Here’s your reminder to always keep an eye on your stuff, even when it’s in the security checkpoint bins.According to Fox News, a man at Rome's Leonardo... Read More
-
Perfumer Jo Malone Shares Her Family-friendly Venice Itinerary — and Her Best Tips for Finding Cheap Eats
A Room with a ViewMy husband, Gary, and I have been to Venice many times and have stayed in properties all over the city, from cheap B&Bs to high... Read More
-
The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2019
Ask the Travel + Leisure staff where we want to travel in 2019, and most of us will answer, honestly, where don’t we?When it comes to singling out the... Read More
-
Rome Is Banning Street Gladiators and Enforcing Strict New Drinking Regulations to Combat Unruly Tourists
The Roman city council just passed a new law banning costumed gladiators, drinking on the street and swimming in any of the fountains.The council claims... Read More
-
You Can Stay in This Italian 'Castle in the Sky' for Just $114 Per Night
There’s a beautiful castle in Italy that is waiting to make your fairy tale dreams (or ghostly nightmares) come true, even if you’re on a budget... Read More
-
Where to Find the Most Colorful Natural Wonders Around the World
Travel makes life more colorful.Whether you’re sampling new dishes or picking up crafts at an artisan market, venturing into the wild unknown brings new... Read More
-
This Hidden Beach Tucked Behind a Fjord Is Italy’s Best-kept Secret
Italy’s Amalfi Coast is already famed for its magnificent natural attractions, including a gorgeous rugged coastline and crystal-clear beaches.... Read More
