Italy fascinates with centuries of history, awe-inspiring art, and unforgettable landscapes that will simply take your breath away. Discover the rolling hills of Tuscany, the shining sea of the Amalfi Coast, the art treasures of Florence, and the romantic canals of Venice. Let yourself be enchanted by homemade pasta and exquisite wines under the Italian sun.
A warm welcome to Italy.
Top 10 Highlights of Italy
Where gladiators made history
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Colosseum
Rome, Lazio
The Colosseum, an iconic symbol of ancient Rome's grandeur, stands as a remarkable testament to the architectural and engineering prowess of the Roman Empire. This colossal amphitheater, once the site of heart-stopping gladiator combats and ferocious battles with wild beasts, draws the gaze of over 7 million visitors each year.
The Power & Splendor of the Popes
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Treasures of the Vatican
Rome, Lazio
The Vatican is – in the heart of Rome – the smallest independent state in the world and is home to some of the world's most beautiful masterpieces. A visit is among the top highlights in all of Europe. Both St. Peter's Basilica with its monumental dome and the Sistine Chapel, featuring Michelangelo's breathtaking frescoes, attract millions of visitors each year.
Lifeline of the Lagoon City
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Grand Canal
Venice, Veneto
The Grand Canal is Venice's main artery, gracefully winding through the city in a large S-shape. The palaces along its banks, such as the Ca' d'Oro and the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, are reminders of the Venetian Republic's former grandeur. Serving as the heart of Venice, the Grand Canal links many of the city's most significant landmarks.
Dreamy Coasts and Picturesque Villages
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Amalfi Coast
Amalfi, Campania
The Amalfi Coast is a spectacular stretch of coastline and is among the most celebrated travel destinations in Italy. Majestic, lush mountains plunge into the azure Tyrrhenian Sea, creating a captivating scene of rugged cliffs and charming houses that boldly perch on the edge.
Discover the Frozen City of the Romans
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Pompeii
Boscoreale, Campania
Pompeii is one of the most fascinating ancient cities in the world, offering a unique insight into the life of the ancient Romans. Preserved under a thick layer of ash from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, a visit to Pompeii feels like a journey through time.
Pristine Natural Beauty
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The Dolomites
The Dolomites, a mountainous area in northern Italy, offer breathtaking panoramas with dramatic rock formations and challenging hiking trails. These impressive limestone peaks span a variety of valleys and summits, providing spectacular views, especially at sunrise and sunset when they glow in vibrant colors.
Hiking paradise
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Cinque Terre
Corniglia, Liguria
The Cinque Terre, a picturesque stretch of coastline along the Italian Riviera, comprises five unique villages carved into steep cliffs. Hiking trails link these colorful settlements, offering breathtaking views of the turquoise Mediterranean Sea and terraced vineyards. Each town has its own special charm and unforgettable vistas.
Of Volcanoes, Temples & Turquoise Seas
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Sicily's Wonders
Enna, Sicily
Sicily is a place full of fascinating wonders, from majestic ancient ruins to breathtaking natural landscapes. Particularly impressive is Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano, whose massive eruptions and lava landscapes offer a unique natural spectacle. Another highlight is the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, where well-preserved Greek temples like the Temple of Concordia from the 5th century BC stand proudly. Additionally, the picturesque beaches of San Vito Lo Capo with their turquoise waters and fine sand are perfect for relaxation.
The Tower that defied Gravity
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Leaning Tower of Pisa
Pisa, Tuscany
The Leaning Tower of Pisa, with its distinctive tilt, is one of the world's most famous landmarks. Construction began in 1173, but by the time the third floor was added in 1185, the tower had already started to lean due to the soft, sandy ground. Originally intended as a freestanding bell tower for the Cathedral of Pisa, its completion was delayed by construction pauses and adjustments, finally finishing in 1372. Today, the tower tilts at about four degrees and draws millions of visitors each year who brave its 294 steps.
Matera's ancient Cave City
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Sassi di Matera
Matera, Basilicate
The Sassi di Matera are two districts of the Italian city of Matera, well-known for their ancient cave dwellings inhabited since over 7,000 (!) years. Called once the ‘Shame of Italy it is, after significant investment, now a popular tourist destination. It was in 2019 the European Capital of Culture and the location of Mel Gibson's "Passion of Christ" and the latest Bond film.
The region captivates with majestic Alpine landscapes and idyllic villages that invite you to dream. The rugged Dolomites rise dramatically against the sky, offering breathtaking views and diverse outdoor adventures. In this region, Italian and Austrian cultures uniquely blend, reflected in charming cities like Trento and Bolzano, as well as in the diverse cuisine. Historic castles and crystal-clear lakes like Lake Garda invite exploration and relaxation. A visit here is a sensory experience that will be remembered for a long time.
Fancy a road trip?
Explore our hand-picked road trips for inspiration. From the beautiful Northern Lakes, Italian classics to Sicily’s unique charm.
Tip: To save time during your vacation planning, take your favourite road trip as the basis for your own trip & adapt it any way you like it.
Here you'll find general information about Italy. For more in-depth travel tips, check out our travel articles below or explore specific regions and cities that interest you.
Best time to visit Italy
Italy is quite diverse, so it’s best to check out the best time to travel by region. However, in general, we can say that in Italy the shoulder seasons, Spring and Autumn, are best for vacation due to the warm weather with fewer crowds. It’s great for city exploration, hiking, and even swimming in the south.
If possible, avoid July, especially August since it’s very hot and the crowds are crazy. In August, particularly from the 15th on, Italians themselves have vacation. Beaches are full, and family businesses can even be closed.
In Winter, the Dolomites in the North are popular for skiing, while the South is great for city trips to , Naples, and Palermo. In the off-season it's cheaper and compared to central Europe, Southern Italy has mild temperatures. Average winter temperatures vary from around 0°C (32°F) in the Alps to 12°C (54°F) in Sicily.
Climate of Italy
The climate of Italy is quite diverse and it’s a great country to visit year-round.
The North has cold Alpine winters and warm, partially wet summers.
In the Po Valley, summers are hot and humid with cool winters.
The coastal areas of Liguria, Tuscany, and most of the South enjoy a Mediterranean climate with long hot and dry summers and mild winters. In the Apennines, at higher altitudes, summers are slightly cooler and winter months are colder and wet.
Major Hubs for Travellers
Italy has several major airport and train hubs that serve as key points of entry and transit for travelers. Here are the most important ones:
Rome, Lazio
The capital city of Italy is a popular destination for international travellers. As such it has two airports Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (Fiumicino), and Rome Ciampino Airport serving Lazio. It also has an extensive train and bus network.
From the main train station Roma Termini you can travel with the high-speed trains Frecciarossa and Italo very easily to Florence and Milan in the North, as well as to Naples in the South. Trains also run to Sicily (via a ferry) as well as through Apulia to Bari and even Lecce.
Milan, Lombardy
Italy’s financial and fashion capital, is well connected via the Malpensa Airport, Linate Airport, as well as the Bergamo Airport (most low-cost airlines arrive here). The main train station is Milano Centrale.
Florence, Tuscany
Tuscany's capital city is very conveniently connected via the Florence Airport (Peretola) as well as the Santa Maria Novella Train Station. International travellers also often arrive via Pisa International Airport (Galileo Galilei).
Venice, Veneto
As one of the most popular cities in the world, Venice has its own airport, Marco Polo Airport. It's also very well connected by train to European destinations (Venice Santa Lucia train station).
Naples, Campania
Naples is Italy's largest city in the south. Moreover it serves as the gateway to the Amalfi Coast. As such there are many international and domestic flights going to Naples International Airport (Capodichino). The main train station is Napoli Centrale. It also has ferry services running along the coastline of Campania.
