For pure Mediterranean beauty, nothing beats Italy's Amalfi coast. The scenic drives and pebbly beaches are well known by this point, as are the romantic grottoes that dot the rocky coastline. There are still some secrets to be discovered, though, and below we reveal the most romantic hidden grottoes, coves, and secluded beaches of Amalfi, from one end of the region to the other.
Although Venice has a reputation for crowds, it's an Italian city not to be missed. With over 100 islands, you can enjoy the top sites and still find hidden corners and authentic cultural elements, like tasting Cicchetti and drinking an Apertivo. You can't miss Venice's primary landmarks, including the sprawling Piazza San Marco and its dominating church, San Marco Basilica, nor the Grand Canal and the ornate Doge's Palace. But Venice allows you to go further, exploring its island network and venturing into the nearby Prosecco Hills.
July is high season in Tuscany, and with sunny, hot weather, it's a perfect month for getting outdoors to bike, hike, and play in the water. The whole region is waiting to be explored, so take advantage of the fine weather and the slew of festivals that take place throughout the month.
Head to the north of Italy and you'll find stunning alpine lakes, the most famous of which is Lago di Como. But there are plenty of lesser-known bodies of water in the region that rival the beauty of Como—let this guide take you to the islands of Maggiore, the crystalline waters of Garda, and beyond.
Have just one day in Venice? Plan on starting early. It is possible to get a decent taster of the city's art and architecture—and still have time to explore the back alleys and quieter canals that make "La Serenissima" so special. From riding the "vaporetti" to finding that special masterpiece by Titian or Tintoretto, here's the best plan for spending 24 hours in Venice.
Tuscany's first month of the year is also its coldest. But with the chilly weather comes fun snow activities, the start of carnivale season, fewer crowds, and lower costs than other times of the year. The snow and ice add an additional enchanting quality to already captivating attractions like Casentino National Park, the Apennines, and the Garfagnana mountains. Find out what to do and where to go with this January guide.
Most people visiting both Tuscany and Rome spend about a week to 10 days in Italy, which usually includes some time in Venice as well. For travelers wanting to visit Tuscany and Rome exclusively, plan six to eight days for a well-paced trip. Alternatively, quicken the pace to see the highlights in five days, ideal for travelers with limited time. Read on for the best itineraries, including Tuscany and Rome, and beyond.
In Sicily, culinary tradition is a unique mix of flavors from the Greeks, Arabs, and Normans who once called this island home. Dynamic food experiences reach far beyond Sicily's famed eggplant specialty, caponata. To give you a glimpse of Sicily’s food culture, we share a few less-talked-about (but equally important) signature dishes—paired with a list of restaurants locals swear by.
From its famous canals to festive Carnivale, Venice is a constant in pop culture imaginings of Italy. Long dismissed as over-touristed, this city still has some tricks up its sleeve: think historic restaurants with jaw-dropping wine lists, small islands full of master craftsmen, and lesser-known neighborhoods with nary a traveler in sight. Learn how to do Venice right with this guide.
Travelers to Italy typically plan a trip for 10 to 14 days when combining both Rome and the Amalfi Coast with Tuscany and Venice. If you're only headed to Rome and Amalfi, you can enjoy a comfortably-paced trip in seven to nine days. Even travelers with limited time can see the highlights in as few as five or six days. Read on for the best itineraries, including Rome, the Amalfi Coast, and beyond.