Summer holidays 2023 in Italy: here's where to go

1. Summer destinations in Northern Italy

   • Cinque Terre, Liguria

   • San Remo, Bordighera and Riviera di Ponente, Liguria

   • Sirmione and Lake Garda

   • Lignano Sabbiadoro, Bibione and the Veneto coastline

   • Sappada, Friuli Venezia Giulia

2. Summer destinations in Central Italy

   • Elba Island and Versilia, Tuscany

   • Riviera Romagnola, Emilia Romagna

   • Porto Recanati and San Benedetto del Tronto, Marche

   • Lido di Ostia, Nettuno and Sabaudia, Lazio

   • Termoli, Molise

   • Lucca and Garfagnana, Tuscany

3. Summer destinations in Southern Italy

   • Positano and Amalfi Coast, Campania

   • Salento, Apulia

   • Isola Capo Rizzuto, Calabria

   • Maratea, Basilicata

   • San Vito Lo Capo and the Zingaro Nature Reserve, Sicily

If, as soon as the days get longer and the sun comes out, you too fantasise about lying on the beach sunbathing, or walking through a beautiful village or a city of art, or if you imagine yourself admiring the view after a strenuous trek, it only means one thing... You definitely need a holiday!
We have selected the most beautiful Italian destinations to visit in summer. Here are 15 destinations from North to South for your summer holidays in Italy.

Summer destinations in Northern Italy

1 - Cinque Terre, Liguria

The Cinque Terre are probably one of the most visited and well-known areas of Liguria. They consist of five picturesque villages located along the eastern Riviera between Genoa and La Spezia. Monterosso al Mare, Corniglia, Vernazza, Manarola and Rio Maggiore are a romantic spot with small houses clinging to the rock and colourful colours. The entire coast of the Cinque Terre can also be easily visited with a tour from La Spezia.
Alternatively, for lovers of trekking and walking, we recommend a guided trekking tour of the Cinque Terre, with two routes connecting the villages: the first and more 'challenging' is theAlta Via delle Cinque Terre, while the second is also known as Sentiero Azzurro and runs from Levanto to Porto Venere. The latter route in particular is scenically very beautiful, especially the stretch between Rio Maggiore and Manarola, known as the Via dell'Amore. However, due to the large number of tourists visiting, there is a toll of just under €8.00 per person to access it.
SEE ALSO: What to see in the Cinque Terre

• Recommended period: June, when the villages are not yet overcrowded. In August, the situation becomes practically unmanageable, especially if you travel by car.

• Low cost flights: flights to Genoa or Pisa from €19.00 - look at the offers

• Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €75.00 per room - look at the offers

• Flight + hotel: 7 days from €345.00 per person - look at the offers

2 - Sanremo, Bordighera and Riviera di Ponente, Liguria

Liguria is often associated with the Cinque Terre, but the Riviera di Ponente also offers extraordinary views, sea and villages.
There is also a good concentration of blue flag beaches along this stretch of coast, such as in Sanremo, Bordighera, but also in Santo Stefano a Mare, Taggia and Riva Ligure.
This part of Liguria is also bordered by one of the most beautiful regions of France, Provence: within a few kilometres you can reach Nice, Saint-Tropez, Cannes, but also the Principality of Monaco with the surprising Monte Carlo!

• Recommended period: June, when the villages are not yet overcrowded. In August the situation becomes practically unmanageable, especially if you travel by car.

• Cheap flights: Flights to Genoa or Nice from €19.00 - look at the offers

• Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €85.00 per room - look at the offers

• Flight + hotel: 7 days from €405.00 per person - look at the offers

3 - Sirmione and Lake Garda

Who said that summer only means holidays by the sea? Not far from Brescia, in fact, is the beautiful Lake Garda, with the splendid village of Sirmione.
Popular both for its Roman and medieval ruins and for its thermal waters with regenerating properties, in Sirmione a real must is a boat trip on Lake Garda or, for those who like a little more adrenaline, a motorboat ride. For those who also like to visit the villages, it is unthinkable not to pay a visit to the Castello Scaligero, the access point to the historic centre, as well as to the world-famous Grotte di Catullo, an archaeological complex dating back to the 1st century BC.
If you have the chance to explore the surroundings a little, don't miss Desenzano del Garda, with its castle and elegant villas, the small town of Limone and, why not, the Gardaland amusement park, suitable for both young and old.

• Recommended period: end of August, when many people return from their holidays and you will have more opportunities to enjoy a nice walk or a bike ride along the lakeside

• Cheap flights: flights to Verona (36 km) from €61.00 - look at the offers

• Where to stay: Hotels and b&b from €80.00 per room - look at the offers

• Flight + hotel: 7 days from €390,00 per person - look at the offers

4 - Lignano Sabbiadoro, Bibione and Veneto coastline

Lignano Sabbiadoro is a seaside resort suitable for both families and young people, a perfect combination of relaxation and fun, as is Bibione and in general the whole Veneto coastline. One of the most popular destinations on the Adriatic, Lignano Sabbiadoro is characterised by its golden sandy beaches, which have been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag for over 30 years, and the surrounding area is also one of the best in terms of nightlife.

Not far from Lignano, Bibione is also a very popular destination, so much so that it is the second most popular beach in Italy. However, if you have the opportunity to get around the area well, we advise you not to limit yourself to these two centres, which are often very crowded, but to explore the neighbouring resorts, among which Jesolo and Cavallino Treporti stand out. And while you're at it, if you want to make a detour to Venice...

• Recommended period: June is the cheapest and most crowded month. However, the heart of summer events in the area occurs between July and August.

• Cheap flights: Flights to Venice or Trieste from €19.00 - look at the offers

• Where to stay: Hotels and b&b's from €85.00 per room - look at the offers

• Flight + hotel: 7 days from €395,00 per person - look at the offers

5 - Sappada, Friuli Venezia Giulia

A well-known summer and winter tourist resort, Sappada is a splendid location in the Friulian mountains, so much so that in 2007 it received the Orange Flag award that has always distinguished Italy's most beautiful villages. Suitable for those who love to immerse themselves in nature and small rustic towns, Sappada is characterised by the presence of cottages made entirely of wood, a fundamental part of the town's architectural and cultural heritage. In addition to these, the area is rich in sanctuaries and religious buildings of great importance, including the Church of Santa Margherita, the Regina Pacis Sanctuary and the Church of Sant'Osvaldo on the summit of Cima Sappada. Moreover, you cannot say that you have visited the wonders of the area without having made a regenerating excursion into nature: from this point of view, you will be spoilt for choice, although we personally recommend you head for the Muhlbach Waterfalls, the Sorgenti del Piave or the three enchanting Laghetti d'Olbe.

• Recommended period: July, when the Borgate in festa event with sale of handicraft products is held

• Low cost flights: flights to Verona from €61.00 - look at the offers

• Where to stay: Hotels and b&b from €90.00 per room - look at the offers

• Flight + hotel: 7 days from €570.00 per person - look at the offers

Summer destinations in Central Italy

1 - Elba Island and Versilia, Tuscany

Between Italy and Corsica, about 10 km from the Tyrrhenian coast, lies the largest island of the Tuscan Archipelago, completely covered in typical Mediterranean scrub: the Island of Elba. It is suitable for seaside tourism, but also for those who love being surrounded by greenery and scenic trekking routes. Among the most beautiful beaches on the island, we recommend Sansone Beach, Capo Bianco, Cavoli, Sant'Andrea, and the Spiaggia del Relitto (Wreck Beach), very popular with snorkelling and scuba diving enthusiasts.
If you love walking, do not miss the path leading to the famous Stone Monsters: to get there, starting from the municipality of Marciana, you must follow the signs for the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Monte, where Napoleon Bonaparte himself is said to have stayed.

If, on the other hand, you want to mingle among the VIPs, Versilia and Forte dei Marmi are the most famous stretch of coastline in Tuscany, the destination of footballers, showgirls and celebrities. But beyond the entertainment opportunities that the Versilia Riviera offers, this area stretching from the mountains to the sea is much more than just a place of entertainment.

• Recommended period: June-July, when the island is not so overcrowded. In August, in fact, the situation often becomes unmanageable, and if you want to grab a spot on the beach, you will need to leave very early in the morning.

• Cheap flights: Flights to Pisa from €22.00 - look at the offers

• Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €80.00 per room - look at the offers

• Flight + hotel: 7 days from €390,00 per person - look at the offers

2 - Riviera Romagnola, Emilia Romagna

The Riviera Romagnola and its surroundings offer many different alternatives, suitable for all types of travellers. This stretch of coast overlooking the Adriatic Sea, more than 90 km long, offers solutions suitable for families, such as Bellaria Igea Marina, Ravenna and the best amusement parks of the Riviera Romagnola, and solutions for young people in search of nightlife, such as Rimini, Riccione and Milano Marittima. On one side, therefore, Acquafan, Italia in Miniatura and Mirabilandia, on the other discos and clubs such as Baia Imperiale and Cocoricò.

The receptivity is among the best in Italy, both in terms of hospitality and infrastructure: from accommodation facilities to lidos, there are solutions for all budgets and all needs. As regards things to do, as mentioned above, you will be spoilt for choice, but considering the high season, we recommend that you book tickets in advance for the various parks: Mirabilandia(tickets from €29.90), Italia in Miniatura(tickets from €22.00), Aquafan (tickets from€30.00) and Oltremare(tickets from €26.00).

• Recommended period: Always. To avoid crowds on the beach or in the clubs, June is better, for nightlife, parties and events, July and August are better. Every year at the beginning of July there is the eagerly awaited Pink Night.

• Cheap flights: flights to Bologna from €61.00 - look at the offers

• Where to stay: hotels and b&b from €80.00 per room - look at the offers

• Flight + hotel: 7 days from €410.00 per person - look at the offers

3 - Porto Recanati and San Benedetto del Tronto, Marche

The northernmost coastal municipality in the province of Macerata is Porto Recanati. Characterised by mostly stony beaches and slightly high seabeds, Porto Recanati is a picturesque locality, suitable to be visited at any time of year but even more so in summer.
In July, in particular, on the second Sunday of the month, the town comes alive thanks to the famous Festa del Mare (Sea Festival): this is a popular festivity in which the boats of the mariners parade in solemn procession, led by the ship carrying the statue of the Madonna del Soccorso. In addition to beach life, Porto Recanati also conceals notable treasures in the religious and architectural spheres: the Swabian Castle, dating back to 1200, and the Abbey of Santa Maria in Potenza are a must-see.

Finally, San Benedetto del Tronto is located in the southernmost part, and is the busiest tourist centre on the Riviera delle Palme. The San Benedetto del Tronto promenade is considered one of the most beautiful in Italy, with its 6 km length and the presence of lush gardens, tennis courts, benches and relaxation areas along its course.

• Recommended period: early July, when the Sea Festival is held

• Cheap flights: flights to Ancona from €22.00 - look at the offers

• Where to stay: hotels and b&b from €75.00 per room - look at the offers

• Flight + hotel: 7 days from €480.00 per person - look at the offers

4 - Lido di Ostia, Nettuno and Sabaudia, Lazio

Lidodi Ostia is the closest seaside resort to the capital, in fact considered Rome's beach. It is integrated within a rich territory, between the nature reserve of the Roman coastline, the coastal dunes and the shallows of Tor Paterno. Moreover, the nightlife here is certainly second to none: we are still a stone's throw from the capital!

A few kilometres from Rome is Nettuno, a municipality of 50,000 inhabitants, which has always been known as a spa and holiday resort since the time of the ancient Romans. Today it is a booming resort, rich in points of interest, and with a historic centre built overlooking the sea with the typical houses and alleyways of medieval architecture.

Finally, going further south we reach Sabaudia, with its seafront promenade and lake, and this long strip of sand and dunes stretching to the Torre Paola. This very stretch, on the slopes of the Circeo, is one of the most beautiful. The shoreline is ideal for kite and water sports enthusiasts, as it is often windy, but when the sea is calm, it is really beautiful! Here, too, the nightlife is guaranteed!

• Recommended period: June and September to avoid crowds, July and August for the nightlife

• Cheap flights: from €70.00 - look at the offers

• Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €40.00 per room - look at the offers

• Flight + hotel: 7 days from €420.00 per person - look at the offers

5 - Termoli, Molise

As soon as you arrive in the vicinity of Termoli, the first thing that jumps out at you is the beautiful historic centre stretching out towards the sea and entirely surrounded by defensive walls. Always loved for its strategic location, Termoli today is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Molise, both in winter and summer, when it is possible to alternate a walking tour along the city walls and the historical centre with a relaxing afternoon at the nearby beach. Among the must-see attractions, you cannot miss the town's symbolic monument, the Castle, made of limestone and sandstone; but also the Apulian-Romanesque style Cathedral, the Church of San Timoteo and the Sinarca coastal tower, as well as the town port, the only port in all of Molise.
SEE ALSO: Termoli: what to see, where to eat and what to do in the evening

• Recommended period: August, despite the crowds. At the beginning of the month, celebrations are held for the patron saint, San Basso, with processions, stalls, fireworks, etc.

• Cheap flights: flights to Pescara from €22.00 - look at the offers

• Where to stay: Hotels and b&b from €60.00 per room - look at the offers

• Flight + hotel: 7 days from €300.00 per person - look at the offers

6 - Lucca and Garfagnana, Tuscany

We remain in Tuscany, but this time in the surroundings of beautiful Lucca and the surrounding area, the Garfagnana, known for the possibility of taking long walks in the woods and relaxing in contact with nature, but also for the quantity of medieval villages scattered throughout the area.
In fact, what we recommend is to start from Lucca (or use it as a base during your stay), dedicating a walking tour of the historical centre to get to know the city, and then explore the neighbouring towns and points of interest: among the region's must-sees, we must certainly mention Borgo a Mozzano and its famous Ponte del Diavolo (Devil's Bridge), Barga (already named Orange Flag by the Italian Touring Club), Castelnuovo, not to mention theHermitage of Calomini, a place of mystical charm. Nearby, for the more adventurous, there is also the Grotta del Vento, a natural cave with extraordinary stalactite and stalagmite formations.
SEE ALSO: Lucca: what to see, where to eat and what to do in the evening

• Recommended period: all season

• Cheap flights: flights to Pisa from €22.00 - look at the offers

• Where to stay: Hotels and b&b from €70.00 per room - look at the offers

• Flight + hotel: 7 days from €310.00 per person - look at the offers

Summer destinations in Southern Italy

1 - Positano and Amalfi Coast, Campania

In the province of Salerno, Positano is an ideal destination for a summer holiday in Southern Italy, representing the perfect combination of dreamy sea, typical village charm, and the presence of greenery.
If you are planning to stay near the town, we recommend that you do not limit yourself to relaxing on the beach but wander around the small houses and the historical centre, paying a visit to the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, the Watchtowers and the very interesting Sea Museum.

However, it would be a real shame to be in Positano and not go exploring all the wonders of the Amalfi Coast.
If you are based in Naples, we suggest an all-inclusive Amalfi Coast tour directly from the capital. If, on the other hand, you want to pamper yourself, treat yourself to the luxury and pleasure of a tour of the Amalfi Coast by boat.
If you are driving, you can also reach Amalfi, Atrani, Furore, Ravello and Vietri sul Mare. Alternatively, you can rent a boat or join an organised boat tour to visit the Coast directly from the sea. For trekking lovers, we recommend the Sentiero degli Dei, an unmissable panoramic walk from which to enjoy priceless views of the sea.

• Recommended period: June/July. In August, the crowds are unmanageable, although in Positano the celebrations on 15 August are very popular.

• Cheap flights: Flights to Naples from €10.00 - look at the offers

• Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €90.00 per room - look at the offers

• Flight + hotel: 7 days from €540.00 per person - look at the offers

2 - Salento, Apulia

Another popular destination in the South of Italy during the summer is the wonderful Salento area in Puglia (the heel of our boot). Since in this case it is even more difficult to make a choice regarding the places to see, given the vastness of points of interest, the best idea would probably be to rent a car and make a niceon-the-road trip along the entire region, stopping in Lecce, Taranto, Brindisi, Ostuni, Alberobello, Gallipoli, and Otranto (just to name a few). As far as the sea is concerned, the most beautiful beaches in Salento are Baia dei Turchi, Pescoluse, Porto Cesareo (for lovers of shallow, crystal-clear waters), Porto Selvaggio, Punta Prosciutto.

• Recommended period: August is the month in which most Salento events are held, but also the busiest month

• Cheap flights: from €40.00 - look at the offers

• Where to stay: Hotels and b&b from €70.00 per room - look at the offers

• Flight + hotel: 7 days from €380.00 per person - look at the offers

3 - Isola Capo Rizzuto, Calabria

Calabria is also a more than likely candidate to be chosen as this summer's destination, especially the very special village of Isola di Capo Rizzuto. Despite what the name would suggest, in fact, Isola di Capo Rizzuto is nothing more than a municipality of 20,000 inhabitants in the province of Crotone, made up of several hamlets (Capo Piccolo, Capo Rizzuto, Le Castella, Capo Colonna Promontory). The area lends itself to all types of travellers, from those who love the sea, to those who love villages and those who enjoy trekking along the coast. Among the must-see attractions, don' t miss a tour of the ancient village of Isola to admire the Feudal Castle, the Clock, the Gateway to the village and much more.

As for the most beautiful beaches in the surrounding area, we recommend a stop at the Marinella, Valtur, La Cannella, as well as the marvellous Calanchi di Creta beach, according to many the most beautiful beach in the whole of Calabria.

• Recommended period: June and September

• Low cost flights: from €61.00 - look at the offers

• Where to stay: Hotels and b&b from €75.00 per room - look at the offers

• Flight + hotel: 7 days from €340.00 per person - look at the offers

4 - Maratea, Basilicata

Nicknamed the Pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea, Maratea is the only town in Basilicata to overlook the sea, as well as being one of the most touristy places in the whole region. Highly appreciated for its picturesque natural landscapes but also for its rich historical heritage, Maratea has a great number of points of interest (the town is even nicknamed the City of 44 Churches due to the presence of many churches, chapels and monasteries scattered throughout the urban fabric). Among the most important attractions, we cannot, however, fail to mention first and foremost the Statue of Christ the Redeemer, towering over the city centre from the top of Monte San Biagio: at 22 metres high, it is no less than the largest statue in Italy, made of white Carrara marble combined with a cement mixture. In addition to the statue and the historical centre, we suggest you also explore a little of the surroundings, starting from the small Maratea Sea Cave to the beautiful neighbouring beaches(Santa Teresa, Spiaggia Nera, La Secca, Cala Ficarra, etc.).
SEE ALSO: Maratea: what to see, where to eat and what to do in the evening

• Type: villages/sea

• Recommended period: August, being a month full of events and initiatives, including the Maratea Culture Festival, as well as live music festivals such as Marajazz and the Phonetica Jazz Festival.

• Low cost flights: from €40.00 - see offers

• Where to stay: Hotels and b&b from €45.00 per room - look at the offers

• Flight + hotel: 7 days from €395.00 per person - look at the offers

5 - San Vito Lo Capo and Zingaro Nature Reserve, Sicily

A renowned locality in Sicily, San Vito lo Capo is located on the western coast of the island, precisely in the north-western tip. Populated since ancient times, the area of San Vito Lo Capo is characterised by great natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for a summer holiday of relaxation and nature excursions. Among the natural areas most worth visiting are the Spiaggia del Bue Marino (according to Legambiente, the most beautiful beach in Italy), the Grotta dei Cavalli and the Grotta dell'Uzzo, not to mention all the coves and paths within the nearby Zingaro Nature Reserve. The protected natural area is a veritable paradise that offers refuge to a huge number of species of flora and fauna, and can be visited by following three paths of varying difficulty. The one that offers the most evocative scenery is the coastal path, which will allow you to reach the Contrada Zingaro, the heart of the reserve.

• Recommended period: June and September. In particular, on 15 June, don't miss the Feast of the Patron Saint, and in September the Cous Cous Fest

• Low cost flights: flights to Trapani or Palermo from €37.00 - look at the offers

• Where to stay: Hotels and b&b from €75.00 per room - look at the offers

• Flight + hotel: 7 days from €389.00 per person - look at the offers

More summer destinations

• Low-cost destinations in Italy and abroad: yes, Rimini and Lake Garda are beautiful, but... how much do they cost? And who said that a low budget necessarily means'giving something up'? Take a look at these low-cost summer destinations!

• No more sea! We want the mountains: if all that sand already gives you the heebie-jeebies, if crowded beaches give you hives and you prefer walks in the open air through forests, mountains and maybe even goats waving at you, here you go: the 10 most beautiful mountain places for the summer

• Destinations foryoung people: nightlife, discos on the beach, aperitifs at sunset, in short... let's not beat about the bush, we know exactly what you're looking for! Here are the best summer destinations for young people in Italy

• Yes, but no more Italy: we want to go abroad! OK, OK, no problem! If you feel like crossing Italian borders to discover summer in Europe and the rest of the world, we have prepared for you the top 10 best summer destinations abroad.