Italy travel guide

So our Italy travel guide is designed to share everything you need to know before you go, from flight times to unmissable cities, what to eat on your Italy holidays and more.

Whether you’re hoping to lose yourself in centuries of history, indulge in world-class art and architecture, sip a few glasses of Italian wine in a sun-drenched vineyard, relax on an idyllic beach in Sardinia or simply enjoy a taste of la dolce vita, you’ll find all you need to know to plan the perfect holiday in this Italy travel guide.

There are 77 airports spread across Italy, as well as an excellent rail system connecting Italy to other European countries, plus national connections. The two biggest international airports are Rome Fiumicino and Milan Malpensa, although Pisa, Venice and Naples are also popular starting points for Italy holidays.

However, if you’re travelling from within Europe, there’s a huge choice including low-cost airlines connecting with smaller regional airports across the country. If you’d prefer to travel by train, you can also take the Eurostar from London to Paris then connect to fast trains onwards to Turin or Milan, with further connections onwards across Italy. There are also night trains connecting Italy with France, Germany, Austria and Spain, stopping at major cities including Rome and Florence.

Italy’s public transport system varies depending where you’re travelling within the country. The rail network connects most major cities with regular, fast and reliable trains, so it’s usually easy to get around between urban areas – if you have the time to spare, you could take a single train from Milan in the north to Lecce in Puglia in the south. Most are operated by Trenitalia, although there are some fast train services also run by Italo, a private train company.

There are also slower regional train services if you’re venturing beyond the main cities, although connections may be more limited, and you’ll need to allow more time for the journey.

You’ll also find buses connecting those areas which don’t have train stations, as well as long-distance coaches, all operated by a variety of different companies. In the cities themselves there are local bus services and some tram networks, with metro lines in larger cities such as Rome, Naples and Milan.

Venice has its own public transport system of vaporetti, or water buses, along with water taxis and other boat services. There are also boat services if you’re travelling to any of Italy’s islands. Larger ferries sail to the bigger islands, including Sicily and Sardinia, with hydrofoils and smaller ferries serving the smaller islands. Some also run along the Amalfi Coast, including boat routes from Sorrento and around Cinque Terre. If you’re heading into the countryside or the mountains, you’ll often find public transport options very limited, especially once you get further from the cities, so getting around without a car or an Italy guided tour isn’t easy.

Yes, UK drivers who hold a valid photocard licence can rent cars in Italy without needing an International Driver’s Permit (IDP). If you only have a paper licence or if your licence was issued in the Channel Islands or Isle of Man, you will need to get an IDP. Road conditions can vary across the country, and roads are often narrow and congested, while driving and parking in cities can be difficult. Look out for zona a traffico limitato (ZTL) signs in cities as well, denoting areas where driving is restricted – sometimes to all, sometimes only for residents during particular hours. You will be fined if you drive in these areas when not permitted. Rome, Florence, Milan, Pisa and Naples all have ZTL.

It can be best to avoid having a car within cities, and to use trains between urban areas. However, if you’re planning to explore the countryside or areas where public transport is limited, a hire car will allow you to explore more easily. If you are hiring a car, booking ahead is a good plan in the busier months, especially during the summer when demand can outstrip supply. A small compact car is often the best choice to navigate busy urban centres as well as narrow country roads,

From art and culture to beautiful countryside, coast and historic cities, you’re spoiled for choice when looking for things to do in Italy. These are some of the best of Italy’s main attractions.

No Italy holidays are complete without at least one visit to Rome, the country’s capital and a city which is never less than enthralling. From ancient Roman remains, including the iconic Colosseum, the Forum and the Pantheon, to other landmarks such as the Trevi Fountain and the 138 Spanish Steps, the endless enticing historic streets, squares and fountains, it’s a city where you’ll constantly be discovering somewhere new.

Coliseum, Rome

Discover the sights of the Vatican too, from St Peter’s Basilica to the Vatican museums and the nearby Castel Sant’Angelo, connected by a secret underground passageway. With world-class museums, green spaces, vibrant nightlife and quieter corners with their own local atmosphere, there’s something to tempt everyone. The Eternal City is also perfect if you love Italian food, with some wonderful places to eat in the city, from classic Italian dishes to fine dining, as well as Roman specialities such as cacio e pepe, carciofi alla giudia and pizza al taglio.

There’s nowhere quite like Venice, floating on its network of canals, where grand palaces seem to emerge from the water and where you’ll love getting lost in the maze of twisting streets leading between sleepy squares.

Famous for its gondolas gliding through the waterways and its annual carnival, where for centuries masked revellers have celebrated the days before Lent, start a trip by heading up one of the historic belltowers for a view from above, then marvel at the ornate decoration inside St Mark’s.

Venice

There’s more history to uncover in the Doge’s Palace, where you can walk across the iconic Bridge of Sighs as prisoners would once have done, sighing at their last glimpse of this beautiful city. Browse markets which have been trading since Venice was a republic, or take a boat ride out to Burano with its colourful houses, and Murano, famous for its glass-blowers. Home to art galleries and museums, little bars where prosecco is sipped and cicchetti are nibbled, there are few cities as romantic or more memorable than La Serenissima.

Quieter than neighbouring Venice, Verona has plenty of romantic associations of its own – this is where Romeo and Juliet loved and lost, and from where Shakespeare’s two gentlemen based their pursuit of love. But it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with 2,000 years of history to discover, from the Romans to the Renaissance. Today, Verona’s Roman amphitheatre comes alive with the sound of opera and music, especially during the Verona Opera Festival in summer.

Verona arena

Older than the Colosseum in Rome, you can explore inside, with tours sharing some of the amphitheatre’s colourful history, as well as enjoying performances. Or discover some of Italy’s most ornate churches, such as the Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore, named for the city’s patron saint. The 14th century belltower gets a mention in Dante’s Divine Comedy, while in Shakespeare’s famous tragedy, the young lovers Romeo and Juliet were married in the church’s crypt. Not far from one of the city’s old gates, you can even visit Juliet’s House – while there are no genuine links to the Juliet of the play, it’s a chance to visualise how she might have lived and there’s now a tradition of sending letters to Juliet, sharing your own life, loves or troubles.

From its rolling hills and vineyards to the hilltop villages and historic cities, Tuscany is what springs to mind first when many people think of Italy. And it’s a region which repays the time you spend here, whether you love art, history, food, wine or scenery.

The starting point for most people is one of its fascinating cities, from Florence and Siena, where you can marvel at the intricately decorated cathedrals, to Pisa, with its iconic tower, and quieter Lucca, still enveloped in its ancient walls. For art-lovers, there are few places more tempting than Florence, home to Michaelangelo’s David, Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, the treasures of the Uffizi and a string of other galleries. Stroll over the Ponte Vecchio, still lined with shops as it has been for centuries, or wander along the banks of the Arno, stopping at a waterside table for a glass of Tuscan wine.

Florence

Beyond the cities, you’ll find vineyards galore among the olive groves and those cypress-lined hills. And as you explore, stop at one of the many fortified hilltop villages. UNESCO-listed San Gimignano still has 15 of its medieval towers still remaining, while quieter Monteriggioni’s boats 14 watchtowers, Volterra is famous for its marble and Montepulciano’s beautiful architecture is as well-known as its wine. You might not associate Tuscany with the sea, but Viareggio’s long sandy coast makes it the region’s largest seaside town, or you could follow in Napoleon’s footsteps with a day trip to Elba.

This chain of glittering lakes, set amid the forested hills of northern Italy, is one of the most popular areas to explore, with each lake having its own charm and character.

Lake Garda is the largest of the Italian Lakes, part-way between Milan and Venice, with Roman history to discover at Sirmione, the 13th century castle at Malcesine, the lemon groves of Limone and the Austrian influences of Riva. It’s easy to plan day trips to Verona from here as well.

Lake Como is glitzier, a favourite of celebrities – even James Bond stayed here in Casino Royale, while George Clooney has a villa on the lake’s shores. There’s more history to discover (along with yet more wonderful views) as you explore the old Citta Murata, with its cathedral and medieval town hall.

Meanwhile elegant Lake Maggiore is split between Italy, and the Swiss canton of Ticino, so a trip can visit both countries. One of the highlights is venturing out to the little islands in the lakes, including the botanic gardens on Isola Madre and a Baroque palace on Isola Bella, while Isola dei Pescatori is known for its colourful boats.

Lake Molveno

Away from the big three, some of the less well-known lakes are equally tempting. Lake Orta is only an hour from Milan, but has a laid-back charm that’s a million miles from the buzz of the city. The 4th century basilica on Isola San Giulio in the heart of the lake is unmissable, as well as Roman history to be found in the foothills of the Swiss Alps. And Lake Molveno has been named the most beautiful lake in all Italy six years in a row, an accolade that’s beaten off some stiff competition. Perfect if you love walking, there are paths around the seven-mile shore and to take you into the forests. It’s ideal if you’re looking to go walking in the Dolomites or for a more indulgent holiday, enjoying the best food and drink at Lake Molveno.

One of the loveliest corners of Italy, the Amalfi Coast has been a popular holiday destination for centuries, gaining the nickname the ‘Divine Coast’ along the way. In Italy’s Campania region, overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea and Gulf of Salerno, these wonderful coastal views and colourful towns are the biggest draw for most visitors, including Atrani and Vietri sul Mare, which are considered two of the most beautiful. Pretty Positano, with its pastel-painted houses clinging to the cliff edge, is another unmissable spot. Take a boat from here to see the coast from the water, on a journey from Positano to Amalfi itself, or the bus to Ravello for some of Europe’s most scenic views - and perhaps its most hair-raising bends.

Amalfi Coast

Wherever you stop, it feels slightly like stepping back in time. Watch Vespas zipping across the piazzas from a café’s outdoor tables as you sip a glass of limoncello, made from the area’s huge Amalfi lemons, or devour a scoop of refreshing lemon ice cream. Finish by relaxing on the beach or strolling past traditional shops and souvenir boutiques lining the side streets.

Often combined with the Amalfi Coast, the Sorrento Peninsula is just a short journey away on the northern coast, looking out to the Bay of Naples. Bigger than the pretty villages of Amalfi, Sorrento itself is still a joy to explore. Discover the 14th century cloister of San Francesco and Sorrento’s cathedral, as well as wandering the historic streets of the town. It’s the ideal spot for a taste of la dolce vita, with long leisurely meals at family trattorias or fabulous gelato to enjoy as you stroll.

Sorrento Peninsula

Sorrento is also famous for its seafood, so save some time to explore the former fishing village of Marina Grande, and to enjoy the beaches along the coast. The town makes a perfect base for day trips too, including chartering a boat to the nearby island of Capri, visiting the ruins of Pompeii and climbing Mount Vesuvius, which looms on the horizon. It’s also easy to combine with visitors to Naples and the island of Ischia.

The heel of Italy’s boot is often overlooked when planning holidays to Italy, but in Puglia you’ll find historic cities, its own beautiful stretch of coastline, fields of olive trees and the unique sight of the trulli dwellings, small white-washing buildings with conical roofs. Don’t miss a visit to UNESCO-listed Alberobello, which has one of the highest concentrations of trulli, with a whole district of the quirky buildings, looking more like a scene from a story than an Italian neighbourhood.

Otranto, Puglia

But there’s also the fabulous Baroque architecture of Lecce, the gleaming white buildings of Ostuni, Roman history at Lucera, home to the largest amphitheatre in southern Italy, and bustling Bari, with its medieval heart and vibrant port. Save time to explore Martina Franca, a hilltop town dating from the 14th century, still surrounded by 24 watchtowers and walls, and an atmosphere which reminds you that life moves at a slower pace here. Take a tour of Puglia and you’ll also find castles and caves, imperial follies, sites linked to legends and the inspiration for Gothic novels, not to mention beaches galore.

If you’re looking for gleaming white sand beaches and sparkling azure waters, you can’t beat a stay on the island of Sardinia. And despite its exclusive reputation, and the yachts which flock to the Costa Smeralda, there are plenty of places to escape the well-heeled crowds and enjoy the wonderful coastline without needing a celebrity’s income. The capital Cagliari should be your starting point, including a chance to learn more about the island’s fascinating past at the National Archaeological Museum, tracing Sardinia’s history from the Bronze Age to the Phoenicians, Romans, Normans and beyond. The whole island is a history-lover’s dream.

Cagliari, Sardinia

Tharros dates from the 8th century BCE, built by the Phoenicians and later inhabited by the Carthaginians and Romans, while you’ll also find sites like Barumini built by the ancient Nuragic civilisation, perhaps the earliest to settle here back in the Bronze Age. Or enjoy a Sardinia tour to soak up the sights in the pretty medieval city of Alghero, the rainbow of colourful houses at Bosa and the medieval citadel towering over picturesque Castelsardo. There are some unusual attractions to discover too, including Laconi, famous for its truffles and the prehistoric statues in the Mehir Museum, or the Bandit Museum at Aggius – today a sleepily pretty village that begs you to amble through its streets, but once a haven for outlaws on the island.

The largest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily is as famous for its archaeology and history as its sunny coastline and beaches, with its own unique character, culture and heritage. Part of Italy since 1860, it has survived the Phoenicians, Vandals, Ostrogoths, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Spanish and French to name but a few, resulting in a corner of Italy that has its own language, festivals and food.

Mount Etna

Mount Etna has also had its own hand in shaping Sicily, not least with the volcanic activity resulting in a rich harvest of fruits and vegetables, with oranges, olives, citrons, grapes, almonds, tomatoes, artichokes and pistachios all grown on the island. A favourite among writers and artists for centuries, the climate and the scenery have proved equally tempting. Along with its winter sun and golden beaches, there’s always a chance to explore the historic sites on a Sicily holiday, including the Valle dei Templi, Villa Romana de Casale and the Necropolis of Pantalica, with its 5,000 tombs. Not forgetting some of the lovely cities, from Palermo to Taormina, as well as smaller spots such as Ortigia, first settled by the Greeks, with its creamy limestone architecture.

Italian food consistently ranks among the world’s most popular, from pasta and pizza to delicious seasonal ingredients, seafood, mouth-wateringly indulgent desserts and that famous Italian wine to wash it all down.

Wherever you visit in Italy, you won’t be disappointed by the dishes on offer. But the more you travel around the country, the more you’ll discover the local specialities and regional influences that set each area apart. But whatever tempting creations you stumble across, there are some dishes you shouldn’t miss out on during your Italy holidays.

In Naples, that has to be pizza – the birthplace of the dish, they’re usually cooked in a woodfired oven with a paper-thin base. When it comes to pasta, you’re spoiled for choice, with over 600 different types across the country – and that’s before you consider the sauces and ingredients involved. Look out for ear-shaped orecchiette in Puglia, spaghetti or linguine in Campania, gnocchi in Venice, or if you’re a fan of pesto, head to Liguria where the classic pesto alla Genovese is traditionally served with a short twisted pasta called trofie.

Pizza

Elsewhere Rome is famous for its cacio e pepe, a simple mix of pecorino and black pepper, as well as classic carbonara. In the north, you’ll find more meaty pasta, especially ham and pork in Emilia-Romagna, while the south’s dishes often feature more vegetables, such as aubergine pasta alla Norma in Sicily. Just don’t fall into the trap of ordering Bolognese in Bologna. The classic minced meat dish is known as tagliatelle al ragù in the city where it was invented.

In Venice and Verona, look out for risotto and fish dishes using some of the best ingredients from the coast. Squid ink risotto is a Venetian speciality, with its eye-catching black rice, but Verona is the true home of risotto using the local Vialone Nano rice, mixed with a whole string of seasonal ingredients.

You’ll also find lots of polenta dishes in the Veneto too, and also in Milan, where it’s the traditional accompaniment to ossobuco, a veal shank cooked with the bone in until it’s meltingly tender.

Plenty of classic Italian dishes were also created originally to use up leftovers or to stretch seasonal ingredients when money was limited – known as the cucina povera. That includes everything from Tuscan ribollita, using onion, cabbage, cannellini beans, kale chard and whatever else might be left over, all boiled up along with stale bread into a heart-warming stew, as well as panzanella, another speciality of Tuscany, using stale bread, tomatoes, basil, olive oil, onion and cucumber, to make a fresh summer salad. Not forgetting dessert, of course.

Wherever you travel in Italy, there’ll be gelato, the smoother, taste-packed cousin to ice-cream. For the best cone, look out for places where the gelato stays covered in its metal containers, and lies smoothly flat rather than whipped-up heaps on display. Another key giveaway is to check the fruit flavours to see if the gelato uses seasonal options, and to look at the pistachio – if it’s bright green, move on, as real pistachio is far subtler.

Equally iconic is tiramisu: a relatively recent creation, it’s quickly become a favourite world-wide, but there’s nowhere better than Italy for a mouthful of the indulgent creamy coffee-flavoured dessert. And if you’re in Sicily, don’t miss cannoli. These tubes of fried pastry have a sweet, creamy filling using ricotta cheese, usually with orange zest mixed in – for the best taste, try to find a bakery which will pipe the filling in immediately before you buy, to avoid ones which have gone soggy.

If you’re looking for a glass of wine to accompany your meal, Italy makes some of the world’s best. Barolo, Amarone and Chianti are three of the top wines to try, although Brunello di Montalcino should also make your list, with Tuscany and Piemonte among the best areas to find them. For white wine, look out for Soave, Frascati and Orvieto, along with sparkling Franciacorta from Brescia (Lombardy).

Stretching from the mountains of the north to the country’s sunny toe, Italy’s weather can vary dramatically depending when you visit and where.

During midwinter, there’s snow on the Dolomites, with temperatures in Milan dropping close to freezing, and while it’s warmer down south in Sicily, it’s also one of the wetter months.

In summer, the cities can be punishingly hot, even the northern cities of Florence, Venice and Milan, while in Rome, temperatures usually top 30C during August. If you’re planning to visit in midsummer, do as the Italians do and head to the coast and the islands, although can expect popular areas to be extremely crowded.

Spring and autumn tend to be the best months to explore the whole country. By late Spring, temperatures usually range from 15-20C, with little rain. Even in the warmer south, it’s still pleasant enough to go sightseeing, with flowers beginning to bloom.

With similar temperatures in early autumn, you can also experience some of the festivals around the grape harvest by October, although as you travel further north, expect it to become cooler and chillier.

You can stay in anything from a lakeside boutique hotel to a restored castle, as well as chic city centre properties and beach resorts during your Italy holidays. Here’s our pick of some of the best.

Like the Italian Lakes themselves, you can check into somewhere memorably stylish or charmingly relaxed during your stay in Italy’s north. If you’re heading to Lake Garda, it’s hard to beat Sirmione, where the four-star Hotel Du Parc is a stone’s throw from the lake beach and just a short walk into the historic centre. Or at Riva del Garda, the Art Nouveau Hotel Savoy Palace is also set right on the waterfront, while Caravel Bike Hotel in Torbole is ideal if you’d like to get out and explore by bike (or if you want a less active stay).

Even more unforgettable is Hotel Castello di Casiglio, a short drive from Lake Como, in a former castle which dates back centuries. Now an exclusive Relais & Spa property, the restaurant and some of the rooms are set within the old castle building, along with other elegant places to stay in the Villa Elena section of the hotel. Or the lavish Hotel Simplon on Lake Maggiore has a large outdoor pool if you want an alternative swimming space.

Even the smaller lakes have plenty of choice. Alle Dolomiti at Lake Molveno is a family-run boutique hotel which mixes the best traditional elements with plenty of mod cons.

If you’re visiting Tuscany, it can often be easier to pick a single town or city as your base to explore from, and while you’ll find lots of choice in beautiful Florence, the smallest cities and spa towns make an even more relaxing option. In Siena, stay around 10 minutes’ walk from Piazza del Campo (and conveniently close to the railway station) at the modern NH Siena. And in Lucca, you could stay a short way outside the historic centre at the four-star Grand Hotel Guinigi Lucca.

Or the historic spa town of Montecatini Terme is handily located between Pisa, Lucca and Florence, with some fantastic places to stay and a chance to discover the thermal waters which helped the area become so popular. Choose from the rustic and traditional Hotel Parma e Oriente, or soak up the lovely views from the rooftop terraces at Hotel Minerva Palace and the more modern Hotel Ariston & Spa.

As Italy’s capital, there’s an almost overwhelming choice of hotels if you’re looking to stay in Rome. For a serene retreat after a busy day exploring, Hotel Eliseo overlooks the Borghese Gardens, while the rooftop terrace makes the perfect place to watch the sun set. Not far away, UNA Hotels Empire Roma is walking distance from the stylish Via Veneto, as well as from the iconic Trevi Fountain – throw a coin in to ensure you come back to Rome, or so the legend says

Where better to discover Puglia’s unique, UNESCO-listed trulli than a stay in Alberobello itself, famous for its conical white-washed buildings. Alberobello Grand Hotel la Chiusa di Chietri is set just outside Alberobello but only a few minutes away by car, plus it has its own wellness centre if you have time to relax between sightseeing. Or Grand Hotel Terme, in Margherita di Savoia on Puglia’s coast, has its own spa as well as a stretch of private beach. For somewhere with more unusual history, head to Otranto, where the world’s first Gothic novel was set, to the stylish and not remotely spooky Vittoria Resort, minutes from the Old Town, which also has its own pool to cool down in.

With the Amalfi Coast just a short drive away, Sorrento can make a great base to explore this whole area – as well as being a beautiful town to explore. One of the oldest hotels on the Sorrentine Peninsula, the Hotel Minerva has the best of all worlds, with lovely sea views from the terrace but a great location to explore. Or head a little way out of the town, for a peaceful stay in one of the many picturesque villages and fabulous views to the Bay of Naples. Hotel Jaccarino and Grand Hotel Hermitage are both set in Santa Agata sui due Golfi.

If you prefer to be closer to the Amalfi Coast, the San Severino Park Hotel & Spa near Salerno has modern monochrome rooms and a tempting pool. Or escape the crowds with a relaxing retreat on Ischia, just off the coast from Naples and Sorrento. The Hotel San Francesco has Mediterranean colours in the rooms, a beach almost on the doorstep and a wellness centre with treatments and hammam.

The second-largest island in the Mediterranean, you’ll probably find yourself staying in several places if you’re hoping to explore all of Sardinia. Fortunately, there’s plenty to tempt. Arriving in Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia, head the short distance to the coast to check into the Hotel Santa Gilla, right on the beach and with a lovely pool in its lush grounds.

If you’re looking for a base to venture out and discover some of Sardinia’s secrets, the traditional Mariano IV Palace Hotel at Oristano on the west coast is a short drive from the archaeological site of Tharros, while in the north of the island, Hotel Catalunya near Alghero, is close to the National Park and colourful Bosa.

Or for a taste of the glitzy Costa Smeralda, Hotel Marana in Golfo di Marinella has a far more laid-back, luxurious feel for a relaxing place to finish a Sardinia holiday.

For another tempting island escape, there are some lovely places to stay on Sicily too. Not far from Taormina, Giardini Naxos is ideal if you’re looking to explore historic Naxos, or if you simply want some time at the beach.

Hotel Naxos Beach Resort has an Olympic-size pool and a free shuttle to Taormina, while Sant Alphio Garden Hotel & Spa has stylish modern rooms and its own impressive pool. Further down the coast, south of Syracuse, Villa Favorita Noto lets you feel a little as if you’ve stepped into a family villa, while on the west coast at Agrigento, Hotel Scala Dei Turchi has its own villa-style buildings, close to the famous white beach of Scala Dei Turchi.

No trip to Sicily is complete without visiting Palermo, and the Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa lives up to its name – a suitably grand place to stay, and a great location to discover more of Palermo.

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