Cities that are to die for and coastlines that’ll leave you swooning? Throw in pizza, pasta and limoncello and you’re living the La Dolce Vita dream!
Destination Highlights
Eating the best pizza in the world in its birthplace, Naples
Taking in all the sights of Venice from the water on a romantic gondola ride
Sipping wine on the Amalfi Coast. Enough said.
Basking in millenniums of history at the Colosseum in Rome
What are the best beaches for Italy Holidays 2025?
Italy is home to a gorge range of picturesque beaches, not placing bets, but we reckon you've never seen beaches quite like em. There’s a reason why they’re plastered all over your Instagram feed regularly - or is that just us? From beautiful sandy shores to secluded coves and beyond, the Boot is STACKED, and we’ve got you covered - whether you’re after a cheap holiday to Italy or something super last-minute. Here are our handpicked faves (sorry about all the pastry crumbs from our Neapolitan Sfogliatelle):
Marina Grand Beach (Positano) - Popular and sociable with plenty of bars and restaurants - the talk of the town, and all the other towns too, kinda like that one person you didn’t like from school. A beautiful beach.
Furore Beach (Amalfi) - Trigger fingers at the ready, your Insta is about to get the hit of its life from this little hidden location that is the epitome of ‘stunning’. A secluded cove with romantic steps leading down to truly set the scene for a proper Italian beach.
La Gaiola Beach (Naples) - A unique spot with bluey-green waters that’ll have you taking a dip no matter what - the word exotic actually translates to 'bluey-greeny', in Italian, no need to look it up, we already checked... Throw in the rocky scenery and diverse marine life and you’ve got your new fave beach.
La Pelosa (Sardinia) - If you’ve got the whole gang in tow, then make sure this beach in Sardinia is on your to-do list... unless maybe you're on the other side of Italy... although we'd argue it's worth the trip. Think shallow waters to paddle in and hustle and bustle to make it a true Italy holiday vibe.
Cala Goloritzé (Sardinia) - If UNESCO is labelling something a World Heritage Site, then you know it’s got a bit about it. Okay... a lot about it! This beach has a stunning backdrop, meaning you can top up that tan in style. Any beach created by a landslide is a must-visit in our eyes... like, how does that work? We need to know!
Spiaggia dei Conigli (Sicily) - when we think of legendary beaches, this one swoops in top of our list - we do say that to all the beaches - with it's retained beauty as a part of a protected nature reserve, and with the only access being via a 15-minute stroll or by boat, the secluded, pristine white sand and turquoise waters have us drooling - don't taste though. It's also home to loggerhead sea turtles that lay their eggs here during nesting season (off-limits at night May-August)
What are the top hotels in Italy?
We've handpicked our fave spots across Italy so you can jet off on your dream break filled with the best food you'll taste, sights you'll want to write home about and beaches that'll knock your socks and sandals off. Whether you’re looking for an all-inclusive holiday to Italy or just a place to rest your head before a full day of exploring, we got you. Check out these beauties below.
Europa Palace - Only a short stroll away from the town centre of Sorrento which means you're only minutes away from limoncello and pasta - you're welcome. Plus, it's got a beachside pool so you can take a dip without all the sand in your bits and bobs.
Palazzo Salgar - Get up close and personal with Naples by staying in this stylish hotel located in the heart of all the action. You're not far away from the waterfront, too, which is always a cheeky lil' bonus
Hotel Balocco - When we say cliffside, it sounds swanky doesn't it? Well, this Sardinian special is just that. Check out those views, soak em up, let em wash over you, any way you can experience em, you've gotta do it.
Grand Hotel Poltu Quatu - Fantastic views of the Sardinian coast? Check. A tonne of delish dining spots? Check. Sports facilities to suit everyone? Check. Our own boujee checklist? Check. There's a reason it's a 5* spot.
Colonna Grand Hotel Capo Testa - Private beach, huge pool area, amazing views of La Colba Bay - all of this and the kitchen sink. The list goes on and on and on...
Grand Palladium Sicilia Resort & Spa - a lil splash of Sicilian luxury to spice up your sun-soaked jolly - that's a lot of s', so you know we mean business - complete with dining venues to suit all tastes, an exclusive Signature Level package, pools and sports and entertainment, oh my!
Italy holidays 2025 travel guide
🥳 Things to do in Italy for groups
Round up the gang, because Italy’s a proper belter for group jollies - whether you’re craving big city buzz, lakeside luxury, or coastal chill. Fancy a splash of glam? Head to Lake Como or the Amalfi Coast for boujee beach clubs, boat trips, and Aperol Spritzes all round. For culture-packed chaos (the fun kind), Rome is where it’s at - gelato in one hand, Colosseum selfies in the other. Nightlife-wise, Milan’s serving up rooftop cocktails and DJs in swanky lounges, while Sorrento and Naples give you pizza-fuelled bar crawls with a view. Squad goals = achieved.
❤️ Things to do in Italy for couples
Italy is basically Cupid’s holiday home. Want romantic strolls? Venice has you gliding down canals like you're in your own romcom. Craving postcard views and sunsets? Positano’s got you covered. Keen on candlelit pasta moments straight out of Lady and the Tramp? Florence delivers, no question. Whether you're wine tasting in Tuscany or soaking in thermal baths in Ischia, Italy's romance game is a 10/10. And don't even get us started on the cute piazzas and backstreet cafés - date nights just got a major glow-up.
👨👩👧👦 Things to do in Italy for families
Italy isn’t just pasta and prosecco (though, yes please) - it's proper family-friendly too. Rome’s packed with epic ruins and gelato on every corner (which, let’s face it, is a kiddo dream combo). Venice is like one big floating fairytale, while Lake Garda is all about splash parks, bike rides and mountain views. Beaches? Sardinia and Sicily have soft sand and calm waters, perfect for swimmers and sandcastle architects alike. And if you go all-inclusive, you can count on pizza, pool time and ice cream on tap. That’s what we call parenting like a pro.
💰 How to do Italy on a budget
Think Italy’s all high fashion and five-star fizz? Think again. You can do a cheap holiday to Italy without skipping the good stuff. Trains between cities are fast and affordable, street food is next-level (arancini, paninis, pizza slices - yes please), and the views? 100% free. Stay in budget-friendly hotels just outside the big-name cities, and you’ll still be in easy reach of the action without rinsing your bank account. Bonus tip: local markets are your go-to for bargain bites, souvenirs and a little slice of real Italian life.
🍽️ Things to do in Italy for foodies
Food in Italy isn’t just a meal - it’s a lifestyle. Start your morning with a frothy cappuccino and a flaky cornetto, then eat your way through every region. Naples? Pizza capital. Bologna? Pasta heaven. Sicily? Cannoli central. Want to up your foodie game? Join a pasta-making class in Tuscany or learn how to craft perfect gelato in Rome. Local markets are packed with juicy tomatoes, fresh cheeses, and crusty bread - ideal for DIY picnics with lake or beach views. And dinner? Al fresco, under twinkling lights, with a bottle of local wine. Bellissimo.