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Italy in 1 Year - 5 Best Destinations per month

As we love traveling to Italy, we thought “Why not” – Italy is a wonderful country so let’s share the 5 best places to visit in Italy per month. So here are a few ideas for each month of the year. It all depends on your personal preference…are you more of a summer person or do you love the snow…? but you decide.

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Winter (Inverno)

December to February. Winters in Italy vary significantly by region. Northern Italy and mountainous areas experience cold temperatures, snowfall, and skiing opportunities. Central and southern Italy have milder winters with less snow but can still be chilly, especially in inland and higher altitude areas. Coastal regions generally have milder winters compared to inland areas.

December (Dicembre)

December in Italy offers a magical Christmas atmosphere with festive decorations, markets, and traditional celebrations. Here are the top 10 places to experience the charm of Christmas in Italy:

Rome: St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican for Midnight Mass and the Christmas tree in Piazza Venezia. (Piazza San Pietro at the Vatican)
Milan: Visit the Duomo for its impressive Christmas tree and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II for shopping and festive lights.
Venice: Explore St. Mark’s Square decorated with lights and Christmas markets offering local crafts and treats.
Florence: Admire the Christmas tree in Piazza del Duomo .
Naples: Experience the traditional Nativity scenes (Presepi) and street decorations in the historic center.
Bolzano: Visit the Christmas markets in the Alto Adige region with a mix of Italian and Austrian traditions.
Turin: Enjoy the festive lights along Via Roma and explore the Christmas market in Piazza Castello.
Verona: Visit the Arena di Verona for Christmas concerts and explore the Piazza delle Erbe market.
Bologna: Wander through the medieval streets decorated with lights and visit the Mercato di Natale.
Siena: Experience the festive atmosphere in Piazza del Campo with the Christmas market and decorations.

January (Gennaio)

Aosta Valley: Skiing and snowboarding in the Italian Alps.
Cortina d’Ampezzo (Veneto): Gliding through winter bliss (read more…)
Venice (Venezia in Italian): Experience the Venice Carnival festivities usually held during the end of January, and the beginning of February.
Florence: Explore art and culture indoors, without the summer crowds. Treat yourself to a luxury hotel stay.
Rome: Indoor historical sites and museums – with fewer tourists.

February (Febbraio)

Venice: Conclude the Venice Carnival celebrations.
Trentino Alto Adige (Südtirol / South Tyrol): In the Dolomites, for skiing and snowboarding in some of the most stunning landscapes.
Verona (Veneto): Visit during Valentine’s Day for a romantic getaway. Visit Juliet’s balcony and the historic center.
Sicily (Sicilia in Italian): Experience slightly warmer temperatures in places like Catane and Palermo.
Cagliari (Sardinia): The capital of Sardinia is a perfect winter getaway. Sardinia is milder than northern Italy, but can still be damp with occasional showers.

Spring (Primavera)

March to May. Spring in Italy brings mild weather, blooming flowers, and longer daylight hours. Temperatures gradually rise during this season, making it a popular time for outdoor activities and cultural events.

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March (Marzo)

Florence (Firenze in Italian): The gardens of Italy start to bloom and it is the ideal time for walking tours and outdoor sightseeing… (home of the gelato – don’t forget to taste.)
Tuscany (Toscana in Italian): Vineyards and picturesque spring landscapes, with wine tasting.
Milan (Lombardy): Fashion and cultural events for a city walking tour.
Alberobello (Apulia): Wander through the Trulli Zone, and visit the Trullo Sovrano in Puglia.
Matera (Basilicata): Explore the ancient cave dwellings and rock churches of this UNESCO World Heritage site. The weather is mild, making it perfect for walking tours.

April (Aprile)

Rome (Lazio): Easter celebrations and springtime in the Eternal City are very special.
Venice (Veneto): Explore the canals and visit Murano and Burano.
Cefalù (Sicily): is Sicily’s charming coastal town with a mix of beautiful beaches.
Bari (Puglia): Swim, relax and enjoy summertime.
Portofino (Liguria): Take a scenic walk to the Castello Brown for panoramic views.

May (Maggio)

Amalfi Coast (Salerno): Beaches and boat trips along the coast are starting to open up, but it is just before peak tourist season.
Pienza (Tuscany): Explore the lovely hilltop towns and wine festivals. In Val d’Orcia you can enjoy the lovely poppies that are flowering everywhere.
Lake Como and Lake Garda (Lombardy): Lakeside villas and gardens are decorated in flowers.
Ravello (Campania): known for its beautiful gardens, historic villas, and breathtaking views of the Amalfi Coast.
Cinque Terre (Liguria): Go on a coastal hike and enjoy their seafood cuisine.

Summer (Estate)

June to August. Summers in Italy are generally hot and sunny, especially in southern regions and coastal areas. Temperatures can reach high levels, particularly in July and August, making it ideal for beach vacations and outdoor festivals. Northern regions and higher altitudes in the mountains are typically cooler.

Make delicious Lemon Spritzers

June (Giugno)

In the heart of summer, you have so many options, like:

Venice: Gondola rides and summer festivals.
Rome: Evening walks and open-air concerts.
Florence: Summer exhibitions and gelato tasting.
Amalfi Coast: Sailing and beachside relaxation.
Tuscany: Flower fields and vineyard tours.
Sardinia: Beach holidays and water sports.
Lake Garda: Boat trips and lakeside towns.
Puglia: Trulli houses and Mediterranean cuisine.
Cinque Terre: Sunset views and coastal hikes.

Travel Tips: Get answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Amalfi Coast: Read more…

July (Luglio)

Castelluccio di Norcia (Umbria): In full bloom during June and July, when it transforms into the picturesque and magical scene called “Flowering of Castelluccio”.
Lombardy: The region is spoilt for choice: from Lake Como to Lake Iseo, from Lake Maggiore to Lake Garda.
Positano and the Amalfi Coast,(Campania): Yacht cruises and lemon groves. Need we say more?
Cagliari (Sardinia): Crystal-clear waters and beach parties await.
Cinque Terre (Liguria): Enjoy seafood dinners in any of the 5 beautiful villages.

August (Agosto)

Lago di Braies (South Tyrol): Lago di Braies is a stunning alpine lake with crystal-clear waters surrounded by mountains, perfect for hiking.
Lido di Venezia (Venice): Venice International Film Festival (Aug + Sept) and romantic gondola rides.
Capri Island (Campania): Visit the Blue Grotto, exploring the island’s charming towns and the beautiful Gardens of Augustus with stunning views.
Festivals and Events:
August 15th is Ferragosto,

a national holiday in Italy. Many Italians take vacations during this time, and there are numerous festivals, fireworks, and celebrations across the country.

Sagra del Redentore (Third Sunday in August)

is celebrated in Venice and commemorates the end of the plague epidemic that struck the city in the 16th century. It includes a religious procession, fireworks over the Grand Canal, and feasting.

Autumn (Autunno)

September to November. Autumn in Italy is characterized by mild to cool temperatures and vibrant colors as the foliage changes. It’s a pleasant time to visit, especially for wine enthusiasts who can participate in the grape harvest (vendemmia). September is usually warm, while November sees cooler temperatures and occasional rainfall.

Italians never give away their Gelato secrets, but we have a pretty good recipe…

September (Settembre)

Florence (Tuscany): September is the time for the wine harvest festivals in the surrounding Tuscan countryside.
San Gimignano (Tuscany): Known for its medieval towers, this picturesque town is less crowded in September.
Orvieto (Umbria): This hilltop town boasts a stunning cathedral and underground caves. September’s mild weather is ideal for exploring its historic sites.
Lucca (Tuscany): Lucca is perfect for a relaxed bike ride or stroll through its historic streets.
Barolo (Piedmont): Famous for its wine, Barolo offers scenic vineyards and wine-tasting opportunities.

October (Ottobre)

Taormina (Sicily): With its stunning views of Mount Etna and the Mediterranean Sea, Taormina is a beautiful place to visit. The weather is still warm, but the summer crowds have thinned.
Bologna (Emilia Romagna): Known for its culinary delights, Bologna is perfect for food lovers. Enjoy seasonal dishes and explore the city’s historic architecture.
Giovinazzo (Puglia): If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path escape.
Lake Garda (Lombardy) is a fabulous option any time of the year, but autumn means it is less crowded… Take the gap and enjoy.
Kastelruth (South Tyrol): is beautiful dressed in autumn colors and still great for hiking.

November (Novembre)

Alba (Piedmont): Known for its truffles and wine, Alba is a culinary delight. The town also hosts the famous International White Truffle Fair (Oct – Dec).
Perugia (Umbria) – Home to the EuroChocolate annual chocolate festival (Nov.), held since 1993. It is one of the largest chocolate festivals in Europe.
Florence (Tuscany): Explore the rich art and history of Florence. The Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia Gallery are less crowded, and the city’s cafes and restaurants are cozy in the cooler weather.
Turin (Piedmont): Known for its elegant squares, museums, and chocolate. The cooler weather adds to its charm.
Greve (Chianti): Oktober and November are some of the best months to visit when vineyards change into their vibrant autumn colors.

Visit a cemetery at night - Best travel tip:

Travel Tip: Often in our articles about villages in Europe, you’ll find us recommending a visit to the cemetery and there are many reasons. One of which is that it often is a really beautiful place to visit as Europe looks after its cemeteries. So, if you find yourself in Italy at the beginning of November, immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of Italy, and visit a cemetery at night. Yes, you’ve heard right – visit after sunset in the evening on All Saint’s Day.

The decorating of graves with candles and flowers in Italy often begins on the evening of November 1st, All Saints’ Day, and continues through November 2nd, All Souls’ Day.

All Souls’ Day (or “Giorno dei Morti”), is a unique and beautiful experience. On this day Italians honor their deceased loved ones by decorating tombs with candles and fresh flowers, especially chrysanthemums. The sight of cemeteries aglow with thousands of flickering candles and adorned with vibrant flowers creates a peaceful and touching atmosphere.

- This period encourages quiet reflection and respect, offering a deep and meaningful insight into Italian culture and traditions. Always be mindful to respect privacy and stay quiet. It’s truly beautiful and very special if you take it all in while showing the necessary respect.

You can read more about this tradition and how it is celebrated in Europe…read more…

Remember – The above is not stating “the perfect time to visit”, but it is merely suggestions as to places that can be nice to visit during that time of year. You might feel differently about where to go and when, so let us know what your preferences are on our Facebook page…or maybe you can confirm and tell us about your fabulous experience.

If you enjoyed this post, don’t hesitate to let us know! And if there’s something specific you’d like us to feature and write about, feel free to share your ideas with us. We’re always eager to hear from you and explore new topics to cover!

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