Italy Holidays

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Italy holidays are the ultimate triple threat: cities dripping in history, beaches made for daydreaming, and food so good it'll ruin your local takeaway. Whether you want your holiday in Italy this year or are looking ahead to holidays to Italy in 2027, we'll help you narrow your choices down.

✨ Highlights of your Holiday to Italy 2026 / 2027

Pizza and pasta in their birthplace – Naples alone will spoil Domino's for you - sorry!
Ancient history everywhere. The Colosseum, Pompeii, the Roman Forum, the lot.
Beaches for days – Sardinia's white sand, Sicily's coves, Amalfi's drama
Wine regions galore – Tuscany, Piedmont, Veneto, take your pick
Two countries in one. Italian holidays in the north mean lakes, Alps and city breaks; in the south they mean beaches, islands and 30°C in September.

Good to Know for your Italy Holiday

Culture Queen - Italy has more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other country in the world - 59 and counting - it's basically a massive, open-air, museum (with amazing food).
Pasta Power - there are over 350 different types of pasta in Italy - and yes, every shape has a purpose.
Price of a Pint - A beer costs €4 to €6 in most bars (slightly more in Rome, Venice and Milan). A sit-down meal at a local trattoria runs about €12 to €20 per head. Street food and pizza al taglio are the budget traveller's best friend - Saluti!

Making the most of your holidays to Italy

"Italy has a way of being better than you expect it to be. The food alone justifies any trip, and I mean at every level, a slice of pizza in a tiny Roman side street at midnight is as memorable as any restaurant meal at home. Rome and Florence are genuinely unmissable and I'd never tell anyone to skip them, but the best version of Italy I've found is in the places you don't plan for. Wandering into a hilltop town in Umbria with no particular reason to be there, finding a trattoria where nobody speaks English and pointing at what the table next to you is having, ordering the house wine and staying for three hours. That pace is what Italy does better than anywhere else in the world. If you get the chance to go further south, Puglia and Matera will completely change what you think the country is. Personally I would say if you're going south, go in May or September if you can."
-Rob Brooks, OtB Holiday Expert

A holiday in Italy is perfect for you if...

You want a city break and a beach week in one, because you can stay in Rome and get to the Amalfi Coast in only an hour on the train.
You would rather eat well than eat cheaply and you've figured out you can do both at the same time in Italy.
You want beach holidays without a resort strip, because beach holidays in Italy mean Sardinia and Sicily, which are much more coastal towns, than purpose built resorts.
You like visiting historical sites (Italy has one or two)
You (or your children) will gladly eat pizza, pasta and gelato for a week (and what a week it will be).

Local Lingo - Talk Like a Local

Italian is spoken across the whole country, but every region brings its own flavour. From the expressive southern dialects of Naples and Sicily to the sharper northern tones in Milan and Venice, the language shifts as you travel. One thing stays the same though, Italians love it when you make the effort.

Allora, al-LOR-ah, So / Well - You'll hear this constantly. It loosely means "so" or "well," and is often used to start a sentence or fill a pause. "Allora... where are we eating?" Very Italian.
Che bello!, keh BEL-loh, How beautiful! - Perfect for when you're staring out over Lake Como or wandering a Tuscan village. Simple, classic, and always lands well.
Magari, mah-GAH-ree, Maybe / If only / I wish! - A wonderfully flexible word. Someone suggests another Aperol Spritz? Magari! (Absolutely, yes please.)
Figurati, fee-goo-RAH-tee, No problem / Don't mention it - A relaxed, friendly response when someone thanks you. Effortlessly cool.
Fare aperitivo, FAH-reh ah-peh-ree-TEE-voh, To do aperitivo - Not just a phrase, a ritual. Pre-dinner drinks with snacks, usually early evening. In places like Milan, it's basically a way of life.

Where should I go in Italy?

Italy is shaped like a boot, and it is packed with more variety than a gelato stand. Most trips to Italy come down to picking a vibe first and a town second.

Beach lovers - head for the crystal-clear waters of Sardinia or the rugged, sun-soaked coastline of Sicily. These are the heavy hitters for a classic fly-and-flop.
City slickers - Italy city breaks start with the Big Three, Rome, Florence and Venice. History with a side of Aperol, and close enough together to do two in a long weekend.
Lake and scenery seekers - for "wowzer" views and total relaxation, Lake Como and Lake Garda offer Alpine backdrops and lakeside dining that will make you feel like a movie star.
Foodies and hidden corners - want to escape the crowds? Head to Bologna (the food capital), Puglia (for those iconic white stone towns), or the rolling hills of Tuscany.

Where to Stay on your Holidays to Italy 2026/2027

Italy has everything from city breaks to beach escapes to lakeside retreats. Here are our most popular destinations for La Dolce Vita...

Best for Families

Lake Garda - the undisputed MVP for Italy family holidays. You’ve got the shallow waters of Sirmione for splashing around, and Gardaland (Italy’s biggest theme park) is right on your doorstep. Plus, it’s an easy day trip to Verona if you want to squeeze in some culture between the ice creams.
Sardinia - Italy's answer to the Caribbean, minus the long-haul flight. It’s home to some of the best all-inclusive resorts in the Med, with white sand beaches and turquoise waters that stay calm enough for even the littlest "Beachers."
Sicily - perfect for an active family holiday. You can hike (or take a cable car) up Mount Etna, explore ancient Greek temples that look like movie sets, and eat your body weight in Arancini.

Best for Couples

The Amalfi Coast & Sorrento - the stretch of coastline that launched a thousand Instagram posts. It’s all about clifftop towns like Positano, lemon groves, and sipping limoncello while the sun dips into the sea. Sorrento is the perfect base for romantic day trips to the island of Capri.
Lake Como - George Clooney’s neighbourhood and the ultimate spot for romance. Think elegant villas, mountain backdrops, and spending your afternoons ferry-hopping between Como and Bellagio.
Venice - there’s no road noise here - just the sound of water against the bridges. Get gloriously lost in the maze of alleyways, then find a hidden Bacaro bar for a spritz and some Cicchetti (Venetian tapas).

Best for City Slickers & Foodies

Rome - the Eternal City, where every street corner has a 2,000-year-old monument. It’s a "must-do" for history buffs wanting to see the Colosseum and Vatican, balanced out by the best pizza al taglio in the world.
Bologna & Tuscany - for the foodies! Bologna is the food capital (home to that meat sauce), while Tuscany offers rolling vineyards and Renaissance art in Florence. It’s the perfect "culture without the crowds" pick.
Naples - raw, chaotic, and utterly addictive. This is where pizza was invented, and with Vesuvius and Pompeii just a train ride away, it’s the ultimate "authentic" Italian experience.

All Inclusive Holidays To Italy

We're sure you've seen all the TikToks of people holidaying in Italy, looking lavish and sippin' on some fine wine or an Aperol Spritz. Were you jealous? Do you know how to get revenge? When you post your shot, in the same location, with an Aperol Spritz in each hand!

An all-inclusive Italy holiday means the only limit on how many Aperols you can drink is just your constitution (and with a positive mental attitude - that's almost no limit at all!) Think poolside lunches, unlimited drinks, kids' clubs running all day, and the freedom to explore without worrying about the bill at the end. Whether you're after a Sardinian beach resort or a Sicilian clifftop retreat, all-inclusive packages let you enjoy La Dolce Vita without the mental maths.

Best all-inclusive Italy holidays for families

Mangias Selinunte Resort (Sicily) - private beach, food and wine-tasting experiences, and steps away from an ancient Greek nature reserve. A family all-inclusive Italy holiday with proper Sicilian character.
MClub Del Golfo (Sardinia) - sea views, water sports, and activities for the whole family. Mediterranean flavours on tap and enough going on to keep everyone from toddlers to teens happy.

Best all-inclusive Italy holidays for couples

Mangia's Santa Teresa Sardinia, Curio Collection (Sardinia) - private beach, water sports galore, and a theatre auditorium for evening entertainment. All-inclusive on the Sardinian coast with a touch of class.
Mangia's Torre Del Barone Resort & Spa (Sicily) - every room has a sea view, there's a shuttle train to the private beach, and a pizzeria with an outdoor terrace. All-inclusive Italy holidays don't get much more romantic.

Luxury all-inclusive Italy holidays

Mazzaro Sea Palace (Taormina, Sicily) - five-star luxury with private beach access, an outdoor pool, and Turkish bath. Taormina's clifftop setting with Mount Etna as the backdrop - a proper luxury all-inclusive Italy holiday.
Sighientu Thalasso & Spa Sardegna (Sardinia) - a four-star thalasso spa resort on the southern Sardinian coast. All-inclusive with a wellness focus - perfect for couples who want to switch off completely.

👉 All-inclusive holidays

Top hotels for your Italy holiday 2026/2027

Italy’s hotels are as varied as its pasta shapes. From clifftop palaces to chic city boltholes, here are the "Beacher" faves that we’ve hand-picked for your next holiday:

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 What are the best family hotels in Italy?

Leonardo Da Vinci (Lake Garda) is the king of family all inclusive holidays in Italy. A private beach, pools for days, and a stone's throw from the thrills of Gardaland.
Hilton Sorrento Palace (Sorrento) is a brilliant all-rounder. The kids get the citrus gardens to run around in, and you get a rooftop pool with views over the Gulf of Naples.
Grande Baia Resort Hotel (Sardinia) is the fly-and-flop option, a proper resort on the north-east coast with the shallow, clear water that makes Sardinia the easiest Italian beach week with small children.

💑 What are the best hotels in Italy for couples?

Grifo Hotel Charme & SPA (Ischia) is the highest-rated hotel on this list and it is on a thermal-spring island an hour from Naples. Spa, sea, and almost nobody from home.
Charme Spagna Boutique (Rome) is a small boutique a few minutes from the Spanish Steps, the sort of place you book when the point of the weekend is the two of you rather than the itinerary.
Grand Palladium Sicilia Resort & Spa (Sicily) is true five-star indulgence, with multiple pools and a spa that will make you forget the school run ever existed.

✨ What are the best luxury holidays to Italy?

Hilton Lake Como (Lake Como) has a rooftop infinity pool that is basically an Instagram dream. Elegant, swanky, and perfectly placed for a stroll to the posh villas of Como.
Grand Hotel Minerva (Florence) wakes you up to views of the Duomo. High Renaissance luxury with a rooftop pool that is made for a sunset Aperol.
TH Roma Carpegna Palace (Rome) is the grand one, Renaissance-inspired with 28,000 square metres of private gardens, which is a remarkable thing to have twenty minutes from the Vatican.

🏛️ What are the best city break hotels in Italy?

Hotel Colosseum (Rome) is named after what you can walk to. Two thousand years of history at the end of the street and a rooftop to come back to.
San Cassiano Residenza D'Epoca (Venice) is a converted palazzo in Rialto, so you can watch the gondolas go past from breakfast. It does not get more Venice than this.
ibis Milano Centro (Milan) is the reliable city-centre pick, soundproofed rooms, a 24-hour bar and the Duomo and Navigli both within reach. Thousands of guests a year, and they keep coming back.

🏖️ What are the best beach hotels in Italy?

CDS Hotels Terrasini (Sicily) has the highest waterslide in Europe, a rooftop bar and its own private beach nook west of Palermo.
The Pelican Beach Resort & SPA (Sardinia) has direct access to the beach at Pittulongu, a Mediterranean restaurant built around the view and a spa for when the sun has had enough of you. Adults only.
Mangias Selinunte Resort (Sicily) sits on its own private beach next to an ancient Greek nature reserve, which is the sort of thing only Italy throws in.

💰 What are the best value hotels in Italy?

Best Western Hotel Piccadilly (Rome) is a short walk from the Colosseum at a price that does not usually come with that sentence.
Art Hotel Gran Paradiso (Sorrento) is the affordable way onto the Amalfi Coast, using Sorrento as the base rather than Positano, which is the single biggest saving available on this coastline.
Hotel Da Vinci Milano (Milan) trades a central address for an 8,000 square metre park and a much lower nightly rate, with the metro into town.

Not sold on our faves? That's okay, we've got plenty more Italy hotels where they came from...

Last minute holidays to Italy

Last-minute holidays to Italy really tick every single box you can think of, whether it's an all-inclusive shaped box, a city break shaped box, a family jolly shaped box, or even a luxury shaped box. There's all to play for in this country; it kinda takes the cake (don't tell France). Doesn't it sound heavenly? You could book on Wednesday, put your OOO on on Friday, and be in strolling along the streets of Venice by Saturday morning... pure bliss!

What are the best beaches to head to on your Italy holidays?

Mainland & Amalfi Coast

Marina Grande Beach (Positano) – the ultimate "see and be seen" spot. It’s framed by those iconic pastel buildings and filled with high-end beach clubs.
- Top Tip - expect to pay around €30–€40 for a sunbed and umbrella. If you want a cheaper vibe, follow the coastal path for 10 minutes to Fornillo Beach - it’s quieter and easier on the wallet.
Furore Beach (Amalfi) – this isn't your typical sandy stretch; it’s a tiny fjord tucked under a massive bridge. There are no facilities here, so bring your own snacks and water. It’s a bit of a trek down the stone steps, making it perfect for couples after a "secret" swimming spot.
La Gaiola Beach (Naples) – a snorkeller’s paradise in the heart of your city break. It’s a protected marine area where you can swim over ancient Roman ruins. Entry is free, but you must book your slot online in advance as visitor numbers are strictly capped.

Sardinia (The Italian Caribbean)

La Pelosa (Stintino) – this beach is so beautiful, it’s strictly protected. You must book your entry online (€3.50 per person), and you must use a straw mat under your towel to prevent sand loss. The water is shallow and turquoise for miles, making it the MVP for families with little ones.
Cala Goloritzé – no roads, no bars, no loungers - just pure nature. To get here, you either need to take a boat or commit to a one-hour hike down a mountain trail. You’ll need to book your spot via the "Heart of Sardinia" app (€7 fee) before you arrive. It’s a 10/10 for adventure seekers.

Sicily & the Islands

Spiaggia dei Conigli (Rabbit Beach), Lampedusa – regularly voted the best beach in the world. It’s a protected nature reserve, meaning no loud music or beach bars. Booking is mandatory, and access is split into morning and afternoon shifts to protect the nesting loggerhead turtles. It’s a 20-minute walk from the road, so wear sturdy shoes!

Cheap holidays to Italy

Italy has a reputation for being pricey, but cheap holidays to Italy are more doable than you'd think - especially if you know where to look (hint: Right here!) Our package holidays to Italy bundle your flights, hotel and transfers into one price, which almost always works out cheaper than booking everything separately. And with low deposits available, you can lock in your dates without committing your whole holiday fund in one go.

The south of Italy is where your money stretches furthest. Naples, Sicily and Sardinia all offer brilliant value compared to the glossier northern lakes and city-break hotspots. A sit-down meal at a local trattoria in Naples or Palermo runs €12-€18 per head, beer is €3-€5, and street food (pizza al taglio, arancini, supplì) costs pocket change. Even the Amalfi Coast has its budget-friendly side if you base yourself in Sorrento rather than Positano.

Timing helps too. If your dates are flexible, travelling outside the school holidays means lower flight prices and better hotel rates across the board. But even in peak summer, Italy package holidays keep costs predictable - you know what you're paying before you go, so there are no nasty surprises. Combine that with free beaches, free churches full of Renaissance masterpieces, and free evening passeggiata people-watching, and you've got a holiday that feels far more expensive than it actually is.

Italy Holidays 2026/2027 Travel Guide

🥳 Things to do in Italy for Groups

Round up the squad because Italy is ready to host the ultimate group trip. Whether you are chasing culture, cocktails, or just a really good tan, here is where the vibe is popping off.

Lake Como Beach Clubs - channel your inner celeb (George Clooney, anyone?) at a boujee lido. Think Aperol Spritz in hand, stunning lake views, and vibes that are 10/10.
Rome Rooftops - after snapping a selfie at the Colosseum, head to a rooftop bar in Monti. Sip on Negronis while watching the sun set over the Eternal City – it’s a proper pinch-me moment.
Sorrento Bar Crawls - fuel up on pizza before hitting the lively bars of Sorrento. With Limoncello shots flowing and views of the sea, it’s a guaranteed belter of a night.
Milan Fashion & Fun - for the shopaholics and the party animals. Hit the designer stores by day and the Navigli canal bars by night for an electric atmosphere.

❤️ Things to do in Italy for Couples

Italy practically invented romance and the couples' holiday. From floating through canals to toasting with Chianti in the hills, here is how to earn some serious brownie points with your other half.

Venice Gondola Rides - it’s a classic for a reason. Drift through the silent canals with your beau for a moment that is straight out of a movie.
Positano Sunsets - head to the Amalfi Coast for the ultimate boujee escape. Watching the pastel houses glow pink at sunset is honestly gorge and perfect for a proposal (hint, hint).
Tuscany Wine Tasting - rent a car (or a Vespa!) and get lost in the rolling hills of Chianti. Sip on world-class reds and share a platter of meats and cheeses – pure bliss.
Florence Feasts - share a candlelit dinner of Bistecca alla Fiorentina (a mahoosive steak) followed by a romantic stroll across the Ponte Vecchio.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Things to do in Italy for Families

Keeping the kiddos happy in Italy is easy peasy - mostly thanks to the pizza and ice cream. But beyond the snacks, here are the top spots for a stress-free family jolly.

Lake Garda Splash Parks - the lake is stunning, but the nearby theme parks (hello, Gardaland) are what will have the little ones buzzing.
Rome’s Gladiator School - let the kids burn off some energy by learning to fight like a gladiator. It’s educational, active, and way more fun than a museum.
Sardinia’s Beaches - with soft white sand and shallow, turquoise waters, Sardinia is ideal for little paddlers who want to splash about safely.
Gelato Hunting - turn sightseeing into a game. Who can find the best gelato in town? Spoiler: You’ll have to try a lot to find out.

🍽️ Things to do in Italy for Foodies

Prepare your belly, because the diet starts after the holiday. Italy is the food capital of the world, and every region brings something new to the table.

Naples Pizza - You haven’t had pizza until you’ve had it here. Go for a classic Margherita di Bufala—simple, sloppy, and absolutely mind-blowing.
Bologna Pasta - Head to the home of Ragu (don't call it Bolognese!) and Tortellini. It’s known as "The Fat One" for a reason—the food is rich, hearty, and top-tier.
Sicily’s Sweet Tooth - Dive into crispy Cannoli filled with sweet ricotta or cool down with a brioche and granita for breakfast (yep, ice cream for breakfast is allowed).
Coffee Culture - Start every morning standing at the bar with a cappuccino and a cornetto. Just remember the golden rule: No cappuccino after 11am if you want to blend in with the locals!
Cooking Classes - Don't just eat the food, learn to make it. Whether it’s rolling pasta in Tuscany or churning gelato in Rome, it’s a souvenir you can actually use back home.

🌍 Places to go in Italy:

We've got the lowdown on the most popular spots for your Italy holidays in 2026:

Florence - the Renaissance heart of Tuscany, packed with world-class art galleries and leather markets. It’s the ultimate "posh" city break for those who like their culture served with a side of incredible steak and red wine.
Lake Como - the elegant choice for scenery seekers. Beloved by poets and movie stars for centuries, it’s all about botanical gardens, glacial mountain backdrops, and catching the ferry between the "Golden Triangle" towns.
Lake Garda - Italy’s biggest lake and the undisputed king of active family fun. You’ve got Gardaland for the thrill-seekers, the "wowzer" lakeside town of Sirmione, and enough windsurfing spots to keep the most active "Beachers" busy.
Puglia - the trending "heel of the boot" known for its unique Trulli houses and olive groves. It’s the spot for an authentic, slower-paced holiday with some of the most underrated (and affordable) beaches in Italy.
Rome - the "Eternal City" where you can’t walk five minutes without hitting a 2,000-year-old monument. It’s a bucket-list must for history buffs and anyone who wants to experience the original home of the Caesar salad (and much better carbonara).
Sardinia - Italy’s answer to the Caribbean, where the Costa Smeralda offers emerald waters and white sands. It’s a family favourite for a classic fly-and-flop holiday with some of the best all-inclusive resorts in the Med.
Sicily - the biggest island in the Med with a personality to match. From the smoking craters of Mount Etna to the ancient Greek temples of Agrigento, it’s a proper adventure for anyone who likes their sunshine with a bit of "drama."
Sorrento & Amalfi Coast - the most iconic coastline in Europe, where pastel-coloured towns like Positano seem to cling to the cliffs. It’s the go-to for a romantic escape filled with lemon groves and jaw-dropping Tyrrhenian Sea views.
Venice - a floating masterpiece of 118 islands connected by bridges. It’s the place to trade your taxi for a gondola and get gloriously lost in a maze of backstreets where the only traffic is a passing rowing boat.

If you're after something a little less popular, though, then there are plenty more places in Italy that you can jet off too...

Popular Italy hotels

More Italy hotels

Stunning Italy resorts

Popular Lake Como destinations

Weather in Italy

JAN

12^°C

FEB

14^°C

MAR

18^°C

APR

20^°C

MAY

21^°C

JUN

24^°C

JUL

26^°C

AUG

27^°C

SEP

25^°C

OCT

20^°C

NOV

15^°C

DEC

10^°C

Think of Italy's weather as your favourite pair of pumps or trainers – comfortable, colourful and down for all occasions! When summer rolls in (June to August), temperatures crank the dial up to a sizzling 25-30°C. Perfect for lying on gorgeous beaches and maybe indulging in a gelato... okay, a cheeky second gelato... okay, a third and final gelato. Hey, who's keeping tabs?

Autumn (September to November) and Spring (March to May) in Italy are warm and enjoyable but not sweltering. We're talking temperatures around the peak years of teenage angst - 15-20°C. Ideal for sniffing out truffles in Umbria or swirling a glass of vino in Tuscany, right?

And winter (December to February)? It's not your typical freeze-fest. Italy keeps it comfy and a lil' toasty with the mercury hovering around 10-15°C. Picture yourself wrapped up in a cosy café, a steaming cappuccino in one hand, a cannoli in the other. Bellissimo!

FAQs

Italy has multiple international airports, and flight times from the UK vary by departure city and which Italian destination you're flying to. Most direct flights land at Rome Fiumicino (FCO), Milan Malpensa (MXP), Venice Marco Polo (VCE), Naples (NAP) or one of several regional airports depending on your destination.

Route	Flight time	Notes
London to Rome	approx. 2h 30m	Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton
London to Milan	approx. 2h 00m	Shortest UK–Italy route
London to Venice	approx. 2h 20m
London to Naples	approx. 2h 50m
London to Sicily (Catania/Palermo)	approx. 3h 00m
Manchester to Rome	approx. 2h 50m
Manchester to Italy generally	approx. 2h 45–3h 10m
Edinburgh/Glasgow to Italy	approx. 3h–3h 30m

Airlines operating direct UK–Italy routes include British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair, ITA Airways and Jet2. Italy is genuinely one of the most accessible European destinations from the UK, from London, you can be in Milan faster than you can get to Edinburgh by train.

Italy follows Central European Time (CET, UTC+1) in winter and Central European Summer Time (CEST, UTC+2) in summer. Italy changes its clocks at the same time as the UK, which means it is always exactly 1 hour ahead of the UK and Ireland, all year round, no seasonal exceptions.

Summer (late March–late October): UK/Ireland (BST, UTC+1) vs Italy (CEST, UTC+2). Italy is 1 hour ahead.
Winter (late October–late March): UK/Ireland (GMT, UTC+0) vs Italy (CET, UTC+1). Italy is still 1 hour ahead.

Simple, consistent and worth remembering when booking restaurant tables or connecting with home.

The official currency in Italy is the Euro.

The official language is Italian, though you will find many English speakers in tourist destinations - your Duolingo streak will suffer, it's inevitable.

Italy rewards visitors all year, but the experience varies significantly by season.

April–May: The sweet spot. Warm, uncrowded, everything open, wildflowers in Tuscany and the countryside. One of the best times to visit across the whole country.
June–August: Peak summer. Hot everywhere, extremely crowded in Rome, Florence and Venice, prices at their highest. Coastal destinations and lakes come into their own. Inland cities like Rome and Florence get hot and busy, so if your dates are fixed for the school holidays, head for the coast, the islands or the lakes, book early and start your sightseeing first thing.
September–October: Arguably the finest time to visit. Warm sun, retreating crowds, grape harvest in wine regions, lower prices than summer. September in particular is exceptional.
November–March: Off-season. Fewer tourists, lower prices, cooler weather. Rome and Naples are genuinely pleasant in winter. Northern cities get cold and wet. Many coastal resorts close entirely from October to April.

Best time by destination type

Destination	Best months
Rome	April–May, September–October
Amalfi Coast	May–June, September
Tuscany	April–May, September–October
Venice	November–March (crowds and heat manageable)
Lakes (Como, Garda)	May–June, September
Sicily	April–June, September–October

Tipping is not obligatory in Italy, waiters are paid a proper wage and do not depend on tips as part of their income the way they do in the US. Most Italians do not tip at all, or simply round up the bill or leave the small change.

That said, for genuinely excellent service, leaving 5–10% in cash is appreciated and entirely appropriate. The key word is cash, there is no tip line on Italian card receipts, so if you want to tip, leave it on the table or hand it directly to your server.

A few specific situations: for taxis, simply round up to the nearest euro. For tour guides providing an exceptional private tour, €5–€10 per person for a half-day and €10–€20 per person for a full day is a generous acknowledgement. For hotel porters, €1–€2 per bag is appropriate.

The one thing to be absolutely clear on: the coperto charge on your bill is not a tip and leaving extra on top of it is not expected. See the answer below.

The coperto (cover charge) is a per-person fee charged at virtually all sit-down restaurants in Italy, it is completely normal, not a scam and not a tip. It typically ranges from €1 to €3 per person and covers table service, bread, breadsticks and the general cost of setting your place. It appears as a separate line item on your bill.

The coperto is paid to the restaurant, not to the serving staff, leaving a tip on top of it is entirely at your discretion. You will not be charged a coperto if you order coffee or a drink standing at the bar rather than sitting at a table. If a restaurant charges significantly more than €3 per person for coperto, particularly in heavily tourist-facing areas of Venice, Rome or Amalfi, that is worth questioning, but the charge itself is entirely standard Italian dining culture.

Yes, tap water in Italy is safe to drink and meets strict EU standards. Italy's water is tested rigorously and regularly, and the majority of the country's supply comes from natural springs and mountain aquifers, particularly in the north. Rome alone has over 2,500 public drinking fountains (nasoni) providing continuously flowing, safe, free drinking water throughout the city.

Two things to know: first, restaurants will almost always bring you bottled water unless you specifically ask for tap water, ask for acqua del rubinetto (tap water) or acqua corrente if you prefer it. Second, look out for the sign acqua non potabile on ornamental or decorative fountains, this means the water is not for drinking. Any fountain or tap without this sign is safe.

The water is sometimes described as hard and mineral-rich, particularly in the south, which affects the taste rather than the safety. If you're carrying a reusable bottle, Italy's public fountains make it one of the easiest countries in Europe to stay hydrated for free.

For popular trattorias and any restaurant in Rome, Florence or Venice that appears on a recommended list, yes, book ahead, particularly in peak season (June–September). Walk-ins are perfectly possible at lunchtime and at less well-known places, but the restaurants that deserve to be busy usually are, and showing up without a reservation at 8:30pm in high season is a gamble.

A few practical points: Italian restaurants typically operate two services, lunch (12:30–2:30pm) and dinner (7:30–10:30pm) and many close for several hours in between. Booking is usually done by phone or email; online reservation systems are common in tourist cities but less universal elsewhere. Turning up for a table at 6pm will often meet with blank looks, Italians simply don't eat that early.

For iconic experiences, Osteria Francescana in Modena, Da Ivo in Venice, or anywhere recommended in prominent food guides, book weeks or months in advance.

The train is by far the best way to travel between Italian cities, fast, affordable, scenic and far more convenient than flying or driving for most inter-city journeys. Italy has two competing high-speed rail operators: Trenitalia (state-owned, Le Frecce trains) and Italo (private). Both connect the major cities at speeds up to 300km/h and are broadly comparable in comfort and price, check both before booking.

Key journey times by high-speed train

Route	Time
Rome to Naples	approx. 1h 10m
Rome to Florence	approx. 1h 30m
Florence to Milan	approx. 1h 45m
Rome to Milan	approx. 3h
Rome to Venice	approx. 3h 30m

Book high-speed train tickets in advance, prices rise closer to departure and popular routes sell out during peak season. One critical point: if you buy a paper regional train ticket, you must validate (stamp) it in the machine on the platform before boarding or you face an on-the-spot fine.

The answer depends on where you're going, but the train handles most of what most visitors need.

Train is the default for city-to-city travel. Italy's high-speed network (Trenitalia's Le Frecce and Italo) connects all major cities reliably and comfortably. Buy in advance for best prices and to guarantee seats on busy routes. On regional trains you must validate (stamp) paper tickets before boarding at the machine on the platform.

Car hire becomes essential once you leave the main cities, for Tuscany's hill towns, the Amalfi Coast, rural Sicily or anywhere off the rail network, a car is the only practical option. Note that most Italian city centres operate ZTL zones (Zona a Traffico Limitato) where access is restricted to residents, driving into these without permission results in automatic fines sent to your home address.

Vaporetto in Venice, the water bus is the primary public transport network across the city. Buy a multi-day pass rather than paying per journey if you're staying more than a day.

Metro exists in Rome (Lines A, B and C), Milan (one of Italy's most extensive), Naples and a handful of other cities, useful for longer cross-city journeys but limited compared to northern European systems.

Domestic flights are rarely worth it, the high-speed trains between Rome, Milan, Florence and Naples are faster door-to-door than flying once airport time is factored in. Internal flights make sense only for Sicily, Sardinia or the far south.

Italy does all inclusive differently to somewhere like Turkey or the Canaries. It is less about mega-resorts and more about well-placed hotels where the food, drinks and entertainment are sorted so you can focus on exploring. Obviously, given that it is Italy, you know the food will be good.

Sardinia and Sicily have the strongest range of all inclusive options, with resorts like Grand Palladium Sicilia offering waterslides, multiple restaurants and kids' clubs that run all day. Lake Garda is another strong pick for families, with Leonardo Da Vinci combining all inclusive with a private beach and easy access to Gardaland.

The beauty of going all inclusive in Italy is that your spending money goes further on the extras, the day trips to Pompeii, the boat tours around Capri, the wine tastings in Tuscany, because the basics are already covered.

Italy is brilliant for families. The food alone wins over even the fussiest eaters (pizza, pasta, gelato - sorted), and Italians are famously welcoming towards children.

For a beach-and-pool holiday, Sardinia and Sicily have family-friendly resorts with shallow waters and all-inclusive options.

Lake Garda is the ultimate for active families - you've got Gardaland (Italy's biggest theme park), the lakeside town of Sirmione for swimming, and enough gelato stops to keep everyone sweet.

For older kids who'll tolerate a bit of culture, Rome's Gladiator School lets them burn off energy while actually learning something, and hiking up Vesuvius to peer into a real volcano crater is the kind of thing that makes school projects write themselves.

Italy: The Insider's Guide

Aperitivo hour is your secret weapon

Between 6 pm and 8 pm, bars across Italy serve aperitivo. Order a drink (usually €8 to €10 in cities), and you'll often get a generous buffet of nibbles, bruschetta and sometimes hot food included. In Milan, especially, this is practically a free dinner. Just look for bars with a spread laid out and ask "E compreso?" (Is it included?).

Skip the tourist restaurants

The golden rule: if it has photos on the menu and a person outside trying to wave you in, walk past. The best food in Italy is almost always one street back from the main tourist drag. Look for places where locals are eating, handwritten menus, and the word "trattoria" rather than "ristorante". Your wallet and your taste buds will thank you.

The north and south are different countries (almost)

Northern Italy (Milan, Venice, Lake Como, Turin) is sleek, efficient and a bit more expensive. Southern Italy (Naples, Puglia, Sicily, the Amalfi Coast) is louder, cheaper, more chaotic and arguably more fun. Both are brilliant, just in completely different ways. A two-centre jolly combining both halves is one of the best trips you can do.

The Blue Grotto is worth the faff

Getting into Capri's Blue Grotto involves a ferry, a smaller boat, and then lying flat in a tiny rowboat while someone pulls you through a gap in the rock face. Sounds ridiculous. It is ridiculous. But when you're inside, and the water is glowing electric blue from the sunlight filtering through the underwater cave mouth, you'll understand why people have been making the trip since Roman times. Catch a boat tour from Marina Grande. Go early in the morning before the queue builds up, and check conditions before you go, as it closes in rough seas.

Walk up the volcano that buried a city

Mount Vesuvius is one of the few active volcanoes in Europe that you can actually hike up to the crater rim. The walk from the car park takes about 20 to 30 minutes on a well-maintained gravel path, and families with confident walkers (kids aged 8+) manage it fine. At the top, you peer right into the crater, and the views over the Bay of Naples and the ruins of Pompeii below are something else. It's a 30-minute drive from Pompeii, and most tour operators combine the two.

Villa d'Este: 500 fountains and zero regrets

If you're doing a few days in Rome, carve out a half-day for Tivoli. Villa d'Este is a UNESCO World Heritage Site about 30 km east of the city, and it's home to one of the most spectacular gardens you'll ever see. Over 100 fountains cascade down terraced hillsides surrounded by Renaissance architecture, grottoes and ancient cypress trees. It's the kind of place where you keep turning corners and going, "How is this real?" Easy to reach by train from Roma Tiburtina, and you can combine it with the nearby ruins of Hadrian's Villa for a full day out.

What events can I go to in Italy?
Italy's event calendar is one of the richest in Europe, a mix of centuries-old traditions, world-class cultural festivals and regional celebrations that most visitors stumble across by happy accident. Here's a month-by-month guide to what's worth planning your trip around:
Regata della Befana — 6 January | Venice - Italy's festive season ends not with a whimper but with witches on gondolas. The Befana, Italy's gift-giving witch, is celebrated across the country on the 6th of January, but Venice does it best. Members of the Bucintoro rowing club, the city's oldest, dress up as old witches and race from the Ca' Foscari to the Rialto Bridge, where an enormous stocking hangs from the bridge as the finish line. Free to watch from the banks of the Grand Canal. One of the most purely Venetian things you can witness.
Carnevale — Late January to February | Venice, Viareggio, Ivrea - Three carnivals, three completely different experiences, all extraordinary in their own way. Venice Carnival 2026 ran 31 January to 17 February, transforming the city into a sea of elaborate masks, period costumes and masquerade balls that feel genuinely Venetian rather than tourist-facing. Viareggio on the Tuscan coast counters with enormous satirical papier-mâché floats making political points you don't need Italian to understand. And Ivrea in Piedmont stages Italy's messiest festival, thousands of people pelting each other with fresh oranges through the streets for three days, commemorating a medieval revolt against a local tyrant. Book accommodation months in advance for any of these.
Venice Biennale — 9 May to 22 November 2026 | Venice - The world's most prestigious contemporary art exhibition returns for its 61st edition, spreading across the Giardini pavilions and the Arsenale. Curated by Koyo Kouoh under the title "In Minor Keys", the 2026 edition brings together artists and national pavilions from across the globe for six months. Whether you're deeply into contemporary art or just art-curious, wandering the Arsenale for a morning is one of the great cultural experiences Italy offers. Tickets required; the opening weeks in May are the most attended.
Infiorata di Noto — 15–19 May 2026 | Noto, Sicily - The streets of one of Italy's most beautiful Baroque towns are covered entirely in intricate flower-petal mosaics, a new design each year, created petal by petal by local hands. Free to walk through, genuinely spectacular and completely unlike anything else in Europe. Similar infiorate also take place in Spello (Umbria) and Genzano (near Rome) around the same time.
Regatta of the Ancient Maritime Republics — May/June 2026 | Pisa - Four historic Italian city-states, Amalfi, Genoa, Pisa and Venice, send eight-oared galleons and crews in full medieval costume to compete on the water, preceded by a spectacular historical procession through the host city's streets. In 2026, Pisa hosts the 71st edition meaning the race takes place on the Arno River, framed by some of the most extraordinary medieval architecture in Italy. The event rotates between the four cities each year, so seeing it in Pisa is a specific 2026 opportunity that won't come back for another three years.
Verona Opera Festival — June to September | Verona - Opera performed in a first-century Roman amphitheatre under the stars, in front of up to 15,000 people per night. The Arena di Verona hosts its summer season from mid-June, featuring full productions of La Traviata, Aida, Carmen and other classics with casts and productions to match the setting. Candles are lit across the arena at dusk before each performance, one of the most genuinely romantic experiences in Italy. Book seats and accommodation well in advance.
Palio di Siena — 2 July and 16 August | Siena - The most visceral, passionate and genuinely dangerous horse race in Europe. Seventeen neighbourhood contrade (districts) of Siena compete bareback around the Piazza del Campo twice a year in a race that lasts 90 seconds and is preceded by days of medieval pageantry, blessing of horses in churches, street feasting and neighbourhood rivalry that has been building for centuries. The race itself is watched from within the piazza (free but extremely crowded) or from paid grandstand seats. If you can only attend one event in Italy, this is a strong argument for it being this one.
Ravello Music Festival — July–August | Ravello, Amalfi Coast - Classical music performed on a clifftop stage at Villa Rufolo, 350 metres above the Tyrrhenian Sea, with the coastline stretching away below. International orchestras, conductors and soloists perform throughout the summer in one of the most dramatic natural concert venues anywhere in the world. The combination of the music, the setting and a warm July evening is genuinely hard to surpass. Book tickets and accommodation in Ravello early, it's a small town.
Ferragosto — 15 August | Nationwide - Italy's most important national holiday, dating back to Roman times when Augustus decreed a period of rest after the harvest. The country essentially shuts down, cities empty as Italians head to the coast, mountains or lakes, beaches fill to capacity and many restaurants and shops close entirely. In Naples, the celebration takes a particular form with an outdoor festival and fireworks over the bay. And yes, the cioccolata e melanzane (chocolate and aubergine cake) is a real Neapolitan Ferragosto tradition and it is much better than it sounds.
Alba White Truffle Fair — October–November | Alba, Piedmont - Every autumn, the town of Alba becomes the truffle capital of the world. The white truffle, the most expensive food ingredient on Earth, is harvested in the surrounding hills, and the fair runs across multiple weekends with tastings, markets, truffle hunts and feasts that give ordinary people access to fine-dining-grade ingredients in a festival atmosphere. The combination of autumn light, Barolo wine and white truffle pasta in the Piedmontese hills is an experience that resets your understanding of Italian food.
Capodanno — 31 December | Naples - Naples does New Year's Eve louder, longer and more spectacularly than anywhere else in Italy. The waterfront Lungomare hosts a free all-night outdoor concert and party, fireworks explode over the bay and Castel dell'Ovo from midnight, and the whole city is awake until dawn. It is chaotic, joyful and completely authentic, not a tourist event but the city doing what it does naturally. Book accommodation months in advance and arrive early for a good position on the waterfront.
Where’s the best nightlife in Italy?
Across the country, you’ll find everything from posh wine bars to pumping nightclubs, but you won’t need to stray far from the beach to get to these lively spots on your holiday to Italy, in fact, some of them are on the beach - it's like they knew:
- Piazza Bellini, Naples - This square is popular with party-goers young and old, head to a bar for non-stop dancing or just kick back, enjoy the live music outside and sip on a chilled beer, bliss should always be this easy to reach.
- Il Pirata, Praiano - Yo ho ho and a bottle of sun! This fun pirate-themed bar is built right into a rock formation and is the best place to live out your childhood dream of being Captain Jack Sparrow - drink up me hearties!
- Rada, Positano - If you wanna feel like a celeb, this is your place, and by celeb, we just mean a gorge, swanky cocktail on the outdoor terrace. Or, head inside to dance the night away to live Italian music.
- Agua, Alghero - This popular seaside nightclub has free entry, making it a great shout for cheaper holidays to Italy, think boozing, moving, shaking and grooving with plenty of tasty tipples on offer and a perfect location.
- Phi Beach disco, Baia - Get tipsy watching the sunset, then join the party as their DJs play international hits throughout the night - it'd be rude of us to leave out a disco, and one this bangin' deserves a special shoutout.
What's the food like in Italy?
If you haven’t eaten pizza, pasta, and ice cream - where have you been?! Your holidays to Italy are the perfect chance to try authentic versions of your favourites, but don’t miss out on these tasty dishes too:
- Cuoppo - Naples’ answer to fish and chips! Fresh seafood is fried in a light crispy batter and served in a cone.
- Totani E Patate Alla Praianese - A hearty dish of squid and potatoes doused in white wine.
- Sea Urchins - Yes, really! Sardinia is famed for its sea urchin dishes, try them with authentic fresh spaghetti.
- Limoncello - No Italian holiday is complete without a shot of cooling Limoncello to end a meal.
- Seadas - An unusual Sardinian dessert pastry filled with lemon-scented cheese and topped with orange blossom honey.
These coastal eateries are renowned for their fine foods:
- Antica Pizzeria Port'Alba, Naples - The world’s oldest pizzeria, they’ve been serving tasty traditional recipes for over 200 years - that's a LOT of pizza!
- Da Adolfo, Positano - This seafood restaurant’s secluded private beach location makes it ideal for a romantic lunch date, it wouldn't be right of us to not give you the heads up... so if you're popping a ring in a glass of bubbles, remember us.
- Cioccolato e Gelato Andrea Pansa, Amalfi - You can grab some of the world’s finest gelato here, as well as other Italian desserts... we're sure there are plenty... but gelato... gelato is the elite.
- Mediterraneum Caffe, Castelsardo - A chilled out and friendly place to share traditional lunch with family while you take in ocean views - the perfect blend of vibes for a perfect day out.
- Gintilla Vegan Restaurant, Cagliari - Nobody has to miss out on Italian delicacies at this fine-dining spot where elegance is the focal point... well the food is first, but the food is elegant too!

Places to visit

The Colosseum, Rome
This ancient amphitheatre isn't just old; it's well old, the granddaddy of all stadiums, where gladiators used to clash swords and slap sandals... much like you avid explorers today... well minus the swords. It's not just a pile of rocks, either, it's a mega monument that'll have Dad saying things like, 'Wow, they really built this without cranes!' Visiting the Colosseum is a must do for anyone visiting Rome on their Italy holidays; it's like stepping into a time machine, minus the DeLorean and Doc Brown. You can almost hear the echoes of ancient cheers... or is that just the sound of another gelato shop opening nearby? (We love gelato). Either way, the Colosseum is where history gets real and your history teacher gets jealous. So, gear up for a Roman adventure that’s 100% more epic than your average day. No time machines are needed, just a good pair of walking shoes and a flair for the dramatic!
Lake Como, Lombardy region
Oh, Lake Como – where the water's as glitzy as a celebrity gala and the mountains play backdrop like they're auditioning for Attenborough's next documentary - spoiler alert, they got the part. Here, every villa is basically a castle in disguise, just waiting for its Instagram moment to shine. Picture yourself in a boat, zipping around like you're in a Bond film, espresso in hand, casually scouting for Clooney. The views are so stunning, they'd make the Mona Lisa jealous - just ask Da Vinci, he'd know best. It's a mix of chill vibes and high fashion, where even the fish seem to swim with a little extra pizzazz.
The Amalfi Coast, Naples
Italy's very own ribbon of road that hugs the cliffs like it's clinging on for dear life! The towns here are stacked up the hills like colourful Lego blocks designed by artists. Cruise along the coast and you're in for a treat – every turn is a postcard begging to be sent, every building the perfect snapshot of quaint eye-candy, every sunset a gorge blinder, but you'll be too awestruck to find a stamp, to find your phone, to find anything - we're joking, you won't actually be blinded, maybe don't look right at the sun though, ehy? Sipping limoncello here is a must, with lemons so big they have their own gravitational pull, we're not joking, if you see us orbiting a lemon, do offer a hand. The Amalfi Coast is a 'brag to your friends forever' kind of journey! Time to make 'em jealous...

We'll let the professionals give you the lowdown on this one, check with your healthcare provider for all up to date vaccination advice before booking your holiday.

No you do not need a visa to travel to Italy. British and Irish passport holders do not need a visa to visit Italy. As a Schengen Area country, UK citizens can visit Italy for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without any visa requirement.

One thing to be aware of is ETIAS, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System, which will require UK travellers to register before visiting any Schengen country including Italy. It is not a visa, costs €20 and is valid for three years once issued. Check the current launch status and requirements at etias.com before booking, as implementation dates have shifted. Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay.

Yes, Italy's tourist tax (imposta di soggiorno) is charged in most major cities and is collected by your accommodation on arrival or departure. The amount varies by city, accommodation type and star rating, and is charged per person per night. It is not included in your room price when you book.

2026 rates at a glance

City	Rate per person per night
Rome	€3–€10 (varies by hotel star rating, capped at 10 nights)
Florence	€3.50–€8 (varies by category, capped at 7 nights)
Venice	€1–€4.50 (standard overnight tax, capped at 5 nights)
Milan	€3–€10 (elevated for 2026 due to Winter Olympics, capped at 14 nights)
Naples	€3–€5.50 (varies by accommodation type)

Children are usually exempt, the age cutoff varies by city (under 10 in Rome and Venice, under 12 in Florence, under 18 in Milan).

Venice also operates a separate day-tripper access fee between April and late July, for visitors entering the historic centre between 8:30am and 4pm. It is €5 per person if you register more than four days ahead and €10 if you leave it later, and overnight hotel guests are exempt but still have to register.

In 2026, Rome also introduced a €2 entry fee at the Trevi Fountain requiring pre-booking.