10 Summer Holiday Ideas for Italy in 2024

One of the best places in Europe to spend your summer holidays is Italy. With breathtaking scenery, from the snow-capped mountains of the Dolomites to the lush Mediterranean islands of Capri and Ischia, and the impressive towns on the Amalfi Coast, Italy has it all.

Whether you decide to spend your summer holidays in Italy exploring the ancient Roman ruins in Rome or falling in love with the towns of Cinque Terre, there is something for everyone.

Italy in summer is at its best (but also at its hottest) with the air fragrant with the aroma of freshly cooked food, people enjoying the sunshine, and the intoxicating scent of summer.

With such a variety of activities across the country, your summer holiday in Italy is the ideal time to relax on a beach, visit a UNESCO World Heritage site, or even indulge in a wonderful Italian cooking class. These are a small sample of the best places for holidays in Italy in summer.

The weather in Italy in summer

The weather in Italy during the summer months can quickly reach unpleasant temperatures, especially during August. Residents of large cities retreat to coastal areas or the mountains during August to escape the high temperatures in Rome, Florence, and Milan. 

Leave cities like Rome during the month of August and instead focus on coastal towns and villages. The Dolomites are wonderful during July and August and tend to be a little cooler, but still quite warm. 

June is the perfect month to visit all of Italy, as the weather is optimal and tourism has not yet reached its peak.

Cinque Terre

The Cinque Terre are five beautiful villages on the Ligurian coast that stand out for their unparalleled beauty. Over the last ten years, thanks to the rise of social media, these coastal towns have become increasingly popular and are best approached by sea.

These picturesque towns include Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Each town has its own unique charm and is worth dedicating a few days to discover its hidden secrets. The Cinque Terre are connected by rail with regular services from ItaliaRail that facilitate travel between the towns. One of the best ways to explore these towns is by ferry, as there are services from La Spezia, Portovenere, and Rapallo, which stop at each town. This hop-on – hop-off service is ideal for choosing a few towns you want to visit and exploring them at your leisure.

Accommodation options in the towns of Cinque Terre are limited, so it is recommended to stay in towns like La Spezia or Portovenere, which offer a wider variety of accommodation.

How to get to Cinque Terre

By air – The nearest airports are in Milan (MXP) or Pisa (PSA). From there, you can either take the train or hire a car. ItaliaRail, Italy's national railway company, offers an excellent network throughout the country. Car hire is also an option, but it should be noted that you cannot drive your car inside the towns of Cinque Terre. You will need to leave it at the ferry port or the train station.

Where to stay in Cinque Terre

Hotel Della Baia is a typical Italian hotel, old but with character, in an excellent location.

Capri & Ischia

Known for its famous visitors and numerous superyachts, Capri is a dreamlike Italian island where you can meet some of the world's wealthiest people. If that doesn't appeal, Capri is also exceptionally beautiful, with colourful waterfront buildings and imposing cliffs towering over busy streets and beaches.

Explore the manicured gardens and ascend to the top of Mount Solaro, where you will enjoy panoramic views of the Bay of Naples and the nearby islands. The view from the top of this stunning mountain is spectacular and makes for an ideal spot to dine and soak in the scenery.

Dedicate a morning in Capri to exploring the Blue Grotto, a series of underwater caves that are the island's most popular tourist attraction. This is also an excellent opportunity to join an organised tour of the remarkable rock formations found all around the island.

Capri can be visited as a day trip from Naples, Sorrento, or Positano. Don't forget to bring your swimsuit, as the waters are extremely inviting.

Where to stay in Capri

Hotel Weber Ambassador – a 4-star hotel with direct beach access and a large outdoor swimming pool.

How to get to Capri and Ischia

The nearest airport to reach Capri and Ischia is Naples. From the port of Naples, many ferries depart daily for Capri and Ischia.

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Ischia

Ischia is the perfect destination for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation during their summer holidays in Italy. The island is known for its thermal waters and spas. Besides its natural beauty, Ischia is also a more economical option for spending a few days. It is the ideal place to enjoy the mineral-rich thermal waters and regain your strength.

Beyond spa treatments, Ischia offers many activities. You can visit wonderful gardens, fortresses, and fantastic beaches. Ischia is an excellent alternative to Capri, offering a more relaxed Italian pace of life and being more affordable.

After all the pampering and wonderful Italian cuisine, you may find it hard to leave the tranquillity of Ischia.

Where to stay in Ischia

San Montano Resort & Spa: The ultimate luxury hotel in Ischia. The San Montano Resort & Spa, a 5-star hotel, exudes finesse and elegance. You will find it almost impossible to leave the spa and infinity pools behind. One of the best hotels in Italy.

Amalfi Coast

The iconic Amalfi Coast is arguably the most recognisable coastline in the world. The winding cliff roads and villages cascading down mountain slopes embody Italy in summer. If you have ever dreamed of hiring an open-top car, this is the perfect place to do it.

Undoubtedly the most beautiful coastline in Europe, the Amalfi Coast exudes an old-world glamour. Positano and Sorrento are just two of the most important towns on the Amalfi Coast, attracting millions of tourists each year with their winding streets surrounded by endlessly beautiful alleys.

Positano is the ideal destination for summer holidays in Italy, combining the vibrancy of a town with a popular pebble beach and famous beach clubs. Consider Ravello or the town of Amalfi as an alternative to Positano, especially if you are looking for a romantic escape from the hustle and bustle of Naples or other busy Italian cities.

The towns of the Amalfi Coast are built on steep mountain slopes, with narrow roads winding along the coastline, offering some of the most impressive views in all of Italy. It is a destination to stroll around in your most elegant attire, but do not forget that there are many steps in these hilly seaside towns and villages.

How to get to the Amalfi Coast

The nearest airport to the towns of the Amalfi Coast is Naples. If you are not an experienced driver, it is not recommended to hire a car to drive on the very narrow roads of the Amalfi coastline, as it is one of the busiest roads during the summer and parking is extremely difficult.

Instead, consider travelling by train or local bus that connects the entire region and coastline. If the winding roads make you nauseous, you can opt for the ferry to travel along the coastline. Another option is to hire a small scooter to move from town to town.

Where to stay on the Amalfi Coast

With so many accommodation options on the Amalfi Coast, you will find plenty of choices to satisfy you. Refer to my guide on where to stay on the Amalfi Coast if you are planning your dream holiday to one of Italy's most charming destinations. Below is a small taste of what is on offer in some of these fantastic coastal towns.

Positano

Casa Buonocore offers an enchanting stay in the centre of Positano, where your breakfast will be accompanied by an amazing, breathtaking view.

Sorrento

At Grand Hotel Capodimonte you will enjoy views of Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples, while the town of Sorrento is just a short walk away. You will be impressed by the numerous swimming pools the hotel has to offer.

Puglia

The 'heel' of Italy, Puglia, has gained international popularity thanks to its picturesque Trullo Houses, which often grace Pinterest and Instagram.

Although once considered one of Italy's poorer regions, Puglia now attracts a large number of tourists visiting its picturesque towns and villages. Towns such as Alberobello are becoming famous for their impressive Trulli structures, many of which have been converted into Airbnb residences. Staying in a Trulli offers a unique and authentic experience, ideal for those who wish to immerse themselves in the local culture. Additionally, Puglia's Adriatic coastline boasts some of the best beaches in Italy.

How to get to Puglia

There are several ways to reach the Puglia region with airports in Bari and Lecce. Popular European airlines, such as Ryanair and EasyJet, have cheap flights from Rome and cities across Europe to these airports.

A rental car is essential for this region, as it will give you the freedom to explore this up-and-coming destination with comfort and ease.

Venice

Venice is like something out of a postcard, a city many of us have seen on our television screens, having been the setting for numerous films and TV shows. Venice is exactly as you imagined it, and even better.

The Rialto Bridge, overlooking the Vaporetto and gondolas, blends perfectly with the city's aquatic landscape. Due to Venice's immense popularity, the local government is considering imposing a cap on the number of daily visitors. Although quotas have not yet been finalised, visitors staying overnight will not be affected by these restrictions.

From May 2024, a fee of 5 euros per person will be imposed on day visitors not staying overnight in the city. Venice is a labyrinthine city with alleys that circle back on themselves, and part of the fun is getting lost and discovering its hidden secrets. Gondola rides are extremely popular and cost approximately 100 euros for 30 minutes. 

St. Mark's Square is a huge piazza filled with beautiful restaurants and cafes. You can watch people feeding the hundreds of pigeons or see the queue for St. Mark's Basilica, which seemingly wraps around the entire city. You can buy skip-the-line tickets to avoid waiting in the hot Venetian sun.

Essential day trips when visiting Venice are the islands of Murano and Burano. Murano has a long history in the art of glassblowing, with guided tours of factories and local artisans producing unique handmade pieces. The buildings in Burano and Murano are painted in bright pastel colours, providing a stunning backdrop.

Where to stay in Venice

Canal Grande: An impressive 4-star hotel with wonderful furnishings and a location in Santa Croce. Enjoy views of Venice's canals from the comfort of your balcony and watch the city come alive.

How to get to Venice

Venice has its own international airport, just 20 kilometres from the city's canals. With flights from international airlines worldwide, access is extremely easy.

Venice's central railway station connects the city with the rest of Italy and has daily services to London and Paris. One of the best ways to arrive in Venice is by local small boats, known as Vaporetto, which is the ideal way to see Venice for the first time.

Venice is a surprisingly small city and can easily be explored on foot within a few hours. Part of the charm of exploring Venice is getting lost in the labyrinthine alleys and discovering hidden spots in the city.

Popular activities in Venice

Peggy Guggenheim Museum: A museum of 20th-century modern art.

Doge's Palace & St. Mark's Basilica: With pigeons, cathedrals, and long queues.

Gondola ride: With traditional stripes and singing.

Murano Island: Known for its unique handmade glass objects.

Rialto Bridge: Venice's iconic and popular bridge.

Rome

Rome is an essential destination for any summer in Italy. The stunning city of Rome offers so much that it's impossible to get bored. It's also a city where you can travel back in time simply by turning a corner and discovering Ancient Rome before you.

It boasts some of the best examples of a city that has preserved its historical heritage and continues to attract tourists from all over the world. Ancient Rome is showcased through the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon. These structures, and many others around the city, are over 2000 years old and are in excellent condition.

As in much of Italy, the food in Rome is amazing, and the city is a paradise for foodies. The popular Trastevere district is ideal for enjoying your evening meal and drinks, with a vibrant nightlife.

Of course, Rome is one of the most popular cities in Europe and attracts large numbers of tourists, so it is recommended to book your tours in advance to avoid disappointment.

Where to stay in Rome

Frattina27: Elegant apartments and rooms in the heart of Rome. With excellent restaurants and the Trevi Fountain just a 7-minute walk away.

How to get to Rome

Flying to Rome

There are two airports in Rome, Leonardo da Vinci (FCO) in Fiumicino and Ciampino Giovan Battista Pastine (CIA). All intercontinental flights from North America and other continents land at Fiumicino Airport. It is also well connected to other European destinations, such as Paris, Brussels, and Madrid.

Ciampino is served by low-cost airlines, such as Ryanair and Easyjet.

From Fiumicino Airport, the easiest way to reach the city is to take the Leonardo Express train, which takes 31 minutes and arrives directly at Rome's Termini station.

From Ciampino Airport, the only way to reach the centre of Rome is by bus. Terravision and SITBus offer direct services to Termini station.

Arriving by train

Trains in Italy offer an excellent travel experience. Services pass through Rome's Termini station. Although the railway station is not the most beautiful, it is the central gateway for moving around the city. Most travellers choose to quickly get on the metro or bus to continue their journey, as the area around the station is not particularly pleasant.

Florence

While Rome transports you to antiquity, Florence offers visitors the opportunity to discover the Renaissance period and enjoy some of the best artworks in the world. It is easy to fall in love with Florence, the capital of Tuscany, with its galleries full of Renaissance masterpieces.

Florence is best explored on foot, like the rest of Italy, as you never know what you will encounter as you wander its beautiful streets. Make sure you book tickets well in advance if you plan to visit any of Florence's Renaissance masterpieces, as tickets are limited during the summer months due to popularity. 

Florence is the ideal place for art lovers and those interested in one of the most remarkable periods of European history. But it is not exclusively limited to art and history; Florence is a beautiful city with a vibrant gastronomic scene, amazing trattorias, bustling cafes, and nightlife. 

Popular activities in Florence

Uffizi Gallery – Visit Botticelli's "Birth of Venus" & Leonardo da Vinci's "Annunciation."

Galleria dell'Accademia – Gaze in awe at Michelangelo's "David."> 

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore Duomo – Florence's terracotta cathedral.

Ponte Vecchio – A bridge over the Arno River with beautiful jewellery shops.

Where to stay in Florence

Hotel Berchielli – Centrally located in the heart of Florence and within walking distance of all major attractions, guests love Hotel Berchielli for its proximity to the Uffizi Gallery and the hotel's classic rooms.

How to get to Florence

The nearest airport to Florence is Pisa Airport, which serves regional and European airlines. The largest international airports are in Milan or Rome. The easiest way to get to Florence is to book your Train Italia tickets on Trainline. There are many trains per hour departing from all major cities in Italy and connecting to Florence.

You can also hire a car or arrange airport transfer to your hotel for a stress-free journey.

Lake Como and Lake Garda

The towns surrounding Italy's lakes are unique. Lake Como and Lake Garda are two of Italy's most famous and beautiful lakes. Both lakes make excellent summer holiday destinations, with many activities such as jet skiing, sailing, or simply relaxing on their beaches.

Lake Como is known for its luxury, much like Capri, Positano, and Portofino, with high prices for accommodation. However, its captivating beauty is worth the cost and promises unforgettable moments on its beautiful shores.

There are many hiking trails around Lake Como and several villas with beautiful gardens that are open to the public. The best way to explore the towns around the lakes is to hire a car and enjoy the scenic drive at a leisurely pace. Alternatively, you can use the ferry services that connect the towns and offer magnificent views.

Where to stay on Lake Como

Grand Hotel Tremezzo: Located on the edge of Lake Como, in the town of Tremezzo. This luxurious and unique hotel offers grandeur and old-world charm. You will feel like a Hollywood star sipping your Aperol Spritz from the pool located right in the lake.

Where to stay on Lake Garda

Hotel Villa Miravalle: Located on the outskirts of the town, just a 10-minute walk from the beaches of Lake Garda. Hotel Villa Miravalle offers a wonderful swimming pool within a typical Italian garden and beautiful views of the old stone buildings in the area.

How to get to Lake Como or Lake Garda

The nearest airport to Lake Como is either Milan Airport or Bergamo Airport. From there, you can take the train from Milan Central Station to the towns of Sondrio or Tirano. This is a great way to approach Lake Como, and from there you can take a local bus or arrange transfer through your hotel or a transfer service like GetTransfer.

For Lake Garda, the two Verona airports are the most convenient options. The train journey from the airport to the towns of Peschiera del Garda and Desenzano takes less than 20 minutes. These towns are located at the southernmost point of Lake Garda.

The Dolomites

An escape to the Dolomites mountains or the Italian Alps not only offers relief from the Italian heat but also delight for those who love nature. The Dolomites are the pinnacle of a country already filled with so many outdoor activities and beautiful landscapes.

The town of Belluno is considered the gateway to the Dolomites, and its proximity to Venice allows travellers to escape the crowds of Venice's canals and head to the peaceful mountains. The Great Dolomites Road is considered one of the top road trips in Europe and offers incredible views of the Dolomites, the alpine towns, and hamlets scattered throughout this stunning landscape. 

Most visitors explore the fantastic hiking trails that pass through valleys and glacial lakes, surrounded by towering mountain peaks. Outdoor enthusiasts will be thrilled with the wide range of activities they can enjoy during the summer, while climbing enthusiasts will find the steep mountain slopes ideal for exploration. Enthusiastic mountain bikers will find the area's winding trails perfect for their adventures.

Where to stay in the Dolomites

Corona Dolomites Hotel: Despite its name, the Corona Dolomites Hotel is ideal for travellers seeking a little luxury after a long day of hiking or exploring the towns and valleys of the Dolomites. With a sauna, spa treatments, and a swimming pool, it is a beautiful resort hotel in the Alps.

How to get to the Dolomites

Milan has several airports: Milan Linate (LIN), Milan Malpensa (MXP) and Bergamo Airport (BGY). 

From Milan, the drive to Bolzano is approximately 3 hours by train or car. Car hire is ideal for exploring this region of Italy and is worth considering.

Sicily

The impressive Sicily is often overlooked when planning summer holidays in Italy, in favour of more popular regions such as the Amalfi Coast or Tuscany. However, Sicily boasts the best cuisine and is the perfect destination for those wishing to escape the crowds.

This does not mean that Sicily does not have busy coastal resorts or tourist spots, but the atmosphere here is different. For example, the capital Palermo is often skipped in favour of the beaches. Palermo is a vibrant city with some of the best restaurants in all of Italy. Although it may seem somewhat grubby, the city holds great charm, and once you discover it, you will be captivated. Nearby Cefalù has also become popular and is an ideal place for a seaside holiday.

The active volcano Etna is one of the most impressive sights and the most active volcano in Europe. It erupts regularly, spewing lava and ash into the air, visible across the island. However, do not let this deter you from visiting! Taormina, near Etna, hosts an international film festival and is known for its beautiful scenery and ancient Greek amphitheatre, the Teatro Greco, which is still in use today. For adventure lovers, there are trails starting from Taormina that lead to Etna, provided it is safe to do so.

The waters surrounding Sicily are ideal for diving enthusiasts. If you are looking for summer holidays with water-related activities, the towns and villages on Sicily's coast are the best choice.

Ortigia is a small island with narrow streets, artisans, and wonderful restaurants worth exploring. Spend two days discovering the fantastic shops, museums, and enjoying the emerald waters. Bellissimo.

Where to stay in Sicily

Some of the most popular places to stay on the island include Palermo, Taormina, Agrigento, Syracuse (Ortigia), and Erice.

Palermo

Casa Nostra Boutique Hotel: Located in the heart of Palermo and features a swimming pool and restaurant.

How to get to Sicily

Catania Airport (CTA): Located near the cities of Taormina and Catania and is well served by low-cost airlines such as Ryanair. Taormina is easily accessible by local bus, which takes over an hour from Catania Airport. You can also take the train to Taormina, but you will need to use a local bus or taxi from the station.

Palermo Airport (PMO): Located 35 km from the city centre and is also a Ryanair hub. With many options for cheap flights across Italy and neighbouring Malta, you can fly here at really low prices.

Touring Sicily is like a dream, with endless possibilities to spend an unforgettable summer in Italy. If you need more reasons to visit Italy, check out my post on why you should visit one of Europe's best countries in 2024.