Italy – a flawless destination rife with vineyards, villas, and views of the Mediterranean Sea – offers all of the best things about vacation: delicious foods, astounding sites, and charming accommodations set up for relaxation. Perfect for any time of year, these are some of the best places to visit each season.
It’s no secret that wherever you go in Italy in the summer, it will be absolutely stunning. While tourists flock to beloved locations like the Colosseum of Rome, the canals of Venice, and the picturesque countryside villas of Tuscany, you can experience a lesser known, yet perfectly superb summertime getaway in the region of Puglia – the heel of the boot! Here, you can saunter right up to the water from a sandy beach, and experience some of the best breads, wines, and unique cuisines, setting itself apart from the other flavors of Italy. Avanti has recently added new accommodations in this region, which we highly recommend for the perfect poolside getaway!
Catch the Changing Colors of Autumn
Autumn in Italy is incredibly dazzling – not only has the sweltering heat faded into milder and less humid conditions, but the changing colors of the landscapes are an unbeatable sight. This is an ideal time to experience the sprawling vineyards of Piedmont – imagine sipping fine wine on a terrace while the surrounding grapevines put on a colorful autumn show. This is also peak truffle season, the best time to go on a truffle hunting tour in Piedmont’s southern Langhe region, or visit Alba’s famed International White Truffle Festival that takes place from October through December. These specialty fungi make their way into Italy’s tantalizing seasonal cuisine, resulting in a uniquely delicious experience only available during this time of year.
If you haven’t been to Italy in the winter months, it’s time you earmark it for this upcoming season. Whether you are a winter sport enthusiast or just a lover of stunning snowy scenery, you must visit Cortina d'Ampezzo – one of the world’s oldest and most dazzling ski resort towns, located on the doorstep of Italy’s breathtaking Dolomite Mountains, offering thrilling ski slopes with an unforgettable scenic backdrop. Winter is also an ideal time to visit popular draws such as Rome and Florence, as the tourist season has died down and the most famed landmarks and museums are no longer impossibly crowded. This time of year is quite magical, as the city squares light up with cheery Christmas Markets, winter light festivals, and delicious wintertime treats that will warm your heart and soul. For travelers looking to escape the cold and forget about the chill of winter for a while, the subtropical climate of Sicily will let you enjoy milder wintertime weather while feasting your eyes on the stunning scenery of the Mediterranean Sea.
Blooming with Beauty in Spring
Italy’s crisp, blossoming springtime is not only beautiful, but you can visit some of the most glorious destinations while still beating the rush of bustling summertime tourists. The Amalfi Coast awakens in the early spring, flaunting an array of vivid bulbs and delicate flowers, creating a galaxy of color along the coastline. Soak in the cliffside views from Ravello, and meander through the charming streets to spot blooming gardens and festive potted plants. As the chill of winter fades and the cool breeze intertwines with gusts of pleasant springtime air, it’s also a perfect time to head just north along the coast to Naples, the colorful, historic city, regarded as a fantastic destination between March and April, when the weather is perfectly pleasant and fresh, but the crowds haven’t yet arrived. While in the area, take a trip to Pompeii for a rare chance to visit the famed ruins during a quieter season.
No matter the time of year, Italy guarantees to deliver unbeatable flavors, beautiful surroundings, and intriguing history. See our recommendations for hotels and experiences by checking out our Go365 e-Brochure – a collection of resources that highlights winter travel to Italy and other European destinations!