Holidays to Italy

Awe-inspiring ruins, majestic palaces and ornate cathedrals are lasting evidence of Italy’s glorious past. Rome’s iconic Colosseum, Venice’s canals, Pompeii near Naples, Valley of the Temples on Sicily, Florence’s Ponte Vecchio Bridge and the Santa Maria delle Grazie Church in Milan are just a few sites of historical interest across Italy that offer tourists a unique insight into the country’s diverse and compelling past. 

Italy’s culture is a blend of passion, romance and zest for life played out through the Italians’ love of food, music and art. Immerse yourself in Italy’s culture – see the finest opera at Venice’s La Fenice Opera House, admire Boticelli’s Birth of Venus painting in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence and enjoy delectable Italian cuisine at traditional trattorias in Bologna.  

Italy has a varied climate because of its geography. Northern regions such as Milan and Venice have a continental climate so see colder winters with occasional snowfall and hot summers, though coastal areas bring relief with sea breezes. 

Central Italy enjoys a more temperate Mediterranean climate, so winters are milder than in the north and summers are hot and dry. Coastal temperatures will remain more temperate than inland. 

Southern Italy has a typical Mediterranean climate with long, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Generally, the south will see warmer temperatures than the north all year round. 

Spring is the perfect season for exploring historical sites and enjoying outdoor activities without the intense summer heat. A city break to Rome, Florence or Venice is ideal in the spring. 

Summer is peak tourist season so you will be dealing with crowds, especially in coastal areas and major cities. But the hot weather is perfect for a beach holiday. If you do want to travel to Italy during the summer months make sure you book well in advance to avoid disappointment but also to secure slightly better prices. 

Autumnal weather is still warm, and with the bulk of the tourist crowds having dissipated, autumn can be a great time to visit Italy. We’d recommend visiting Tuscany and Umbria in autumn months to see vineyards and olive groves at their best.  

Winter offers different attractions for travellers to Italy, from the festive Christmas markets in the country’s major cities to winter sports in the Italian Alps.