When should you go to Italy? Summer is very warm, especially in the south, along with plenty of tourists in pursuit of "la dolce vita." Hit the coast in late spring, early summer, or September when weather is warm and crowds are manageable. Autumn brings moderate temps throughout the country and beautiful foliage in Tuscany—this is also a quiet time of year in Rome and Florence, making it ideal for sightseeing.
As the epicenter of the Renaissance, Florence remains one of Italy’s—and Europe’s—most popular destinations, crammed full of mind-blowing art. But as Mark Twain wrote in Innocents Abroad, “I used to worship the mighty genius of Michelangelo…But I do not want Michelangelo for breakfast, for luncheon, for dinner, for tea, for supper, for between meals. I like a change, occasionally.”_x000D_
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February in Italy may be right in the middle of the chillier off-season, but those who venture here during this month are in for some pleasant surprises and wild parties. Not only are there fewer crowds to contend with, but all across the country Italians celebrate one of the biggest religious shindigs of the year: Carnevale._x000D_
October is an ideal time of year to visit Sicily and explore its popular attractions without the crowds. Plus, the weather is pleasant enough to entice beachgoers and harvest festivals are plenty. Let this monthly guide help you find the best places to visit and things to do.
Sicily can be experienced in as little as three to five days if you are short on time and interested in a quick coastal retreat. However, it's much better to spend at least a week discovering this Mediterranean paradise. If you have seven days, you can explore a meaningful section of the island. Lucky travelers who have two weeks for their trip to Sicily can comfortably drive around Italy's entire coastline, experiencing the island's colorful clash of amazing flavors, ancient ruins, medieval villages, beaches, and volcanoes.
The Amalfi Coast is arguably Italy's most glamorous destination, lined with pastel villas, colorful port towns, hiking paths, rocky shores, and posh islands. Enjoy walking along some of the trails, including the popular Path of Gods, and exploring the beaches, islands, and coastline by boat. Go wine tasting or peruse the region's signature lemon groves and tasty products. And because the Amalfi Coast is so close to Naples, enjoy a day trip to the ruins of Pompeii near Mt. Vesuvius.
In Milan, all you need is a day to experience the highlights, whether it's visiting the Gothic Cathedral or shopping the high streets of the Quadrilatero della Moda. With more time, however, you can venture outside the city for a hike around the famous Lake Como. And with close to a week, there's the added adventure of visiting Turin and the wine-producing region of Piedmont, too.
Thirteen to 15 days is the most popular trip length for Italy travelers interested in visiting Sicily's Syracuse, Taormina, and Palermo, especially when also including Catania. If you're only headed to Syracuse, Taormina, and Palermo, you can enjoy a comfortably-paced trip in eight to nine days. A fast-paced highlights trip is possible in six or seven days for travelers with limited time. Read on for the best itineraries, including Syracuse, Taormina, Palermo, and beyond.
Around five days should be more than enough time to soak in the wonders of the Amalfi Coast, one of Italy's most beautiful destinations, but even if you have a day or three to spare, you'll be able to see just why this region has been captivating visitors since Ancient Roman times. The Amalfi Coast isn't a place you rush through, and with a little planning, you'll be able to relax on its beaches, explore its secluded coves and grottos, wander its dreamy towns, and enjoy some incredible meals.
Italy is a place you can spend a lifetime getting to know, while still feeling like you’ve barely scratched the surface. This country rewards long periods of time and repeat visits, but even if you only have a few days, you can still get a sense of its many rich and varied regions. In as little as five days (or as much as three weeks), you can cover Northern Italy’s elegant cities, sweeping mountains, and seaside towns, seeing some legendary works of art and architecture and enjoying more than a few good meals.