When it comes to travel guides for Italy in summer, we have got you covered. We have all the inside knowledge and tips you need to enjoy a great summer holiday, so sit back, relax and plan your perfect summer trip to Italy. Check out everything you need to know about Italy with our travel guide.
Must visit cities in Italy in summer
Rome
Though an obvious choice, a trip to Italy in the summer would not be complete without spending a few days in the iconic capital of Italy, Rome. Like many other impressive metropolises in Italy, Rome’s history is self-explanatory and well-known, but to really experience it is something else.
Check out the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Pantheon, and the Trevi Fountain to really live the history in front of you. The amazing preservation of such historical sites is quite simply incredible, and with much more on top to see, such as visiting Vatican City and St. Peter’s Basilica, you’ll be taken aback by this colossal city. Check out Roma Summer Fest, which is two months of live concerts held at the amazing Auditorium Parco Della Musica from June to August.
Venice
Take a journey around the wonderful city of Venice, for those romantic trips of course, but it’s also one of the most unique places to visit around the world. As one of the most famous tourist destinations, you’ll come across crowds, but for good reason, with the amazing architecture of St. Mark’s Square and Doge’s Palace to appreciate.
The network of canals, big and small, that weave in and around the city is something quite special, and you must be there to really experience its character and beauty. Take a traditional gondola boat trip through the canals or walk over the idyllic bridges that link each historical block of buildings.
If you’re still around at the start of September, check out the traditional Regata Storica boat race, with local gondoliers and rowers competing against each other in wonderfully colourful boats. Venice is truly awe-inspiring and one of a kind.
Verona
Another romantic and picturesque gem in the north of Italy, famous for Shakespeare’s admiration as well as its impressive history, Verona is a city not to be missed. Its Roman arena, ancient churches, and fascinating museums are just the start, with its architecture really taking centre stage.
If you’re an architecture fan, then Verona is for you. It could be classed as Northern Italy’s prettiest city, with its mix of Roman ruins, gothic churches, and former palaces that are now home to the city’s finest museums.
From June to August, Verona’s Opera Festival is a great opportunity to see some fantastic operas; tickets can be on the pricey side but it’s worth it. Also, on the third Tuesday in June, the unique celebration of Festa del Nodo d’Amore, or Love Knot Fest, takes place. It is a traditional dinner of more than 3,300 people sitting at a table 1 km in length – an extraordinary sight.
The best of Italy in the summer
Sardinia
The Mediterranean Island of Sardinia, much like its island cousin, Sicily, is a must-visit if you want to experience the traditional Italian summer holiday. With a variety of landscapes, you have a lot to see and enjoy, especially when it comes to beaches and crystal-clear waters – the island can claim some of the best beaches in the country. You can also get stuck into the mountain ranges and valleys, if sitting on a beach in the sun all day isn’t your thing. There are great walks to places such as the Nuragic village of Tiscali, which is hidden in a cave in the Lanaittu Valley – great for a half-day hike.
Campania: Naples, Capri, and the Amalfi Coast
The beating heart of the city of Naples is a place that will live long in the memory of any visitor. The vibrant nature of the city and the local culture and cuisine encompasses the inviting character that reflects the south of Italy. The historical centre of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers many amazing places to explore, whilst you can take a boat to Capri from the port and experience Naples’s Island neighbour.
Capri is home to some of the most breath-taking breathtaking landscapes that you can imagine. A drive down the Amalfi Coast is another must if you really want to experience Campania and the beauty it has to offer. If you’re a theatre fan, Naples is home to the Napoli Teatro Festival Italia, a unique theatre festival that takes place in June and July, across unusual venues like castles, abandoned breweries, and whole neighbourhoods.
Florence and the Tuscany countryside
When it comes to the summer holidays in Italy, it wouldn’t be the same without a visit to Florence and the stunning Tuscany countryside that surrounds this beautiful Renaissance city. Steeped in history and being one of the world’s art capitals, and the hub for Italy’s astounding history of art and architecture, Florence is an art lover’s dream.
Walk around the streets and you’ll be overwhelmed by the architecture around you. It’s been preserved for centuries and is still looking imperiously alluring, with wonders like the Piazza del Duomo and the Uffizi Gallery housing masterpieces by Botticelli, Da Vinci, and Michelangelo, amongst other masters. Choosing between the city and the Tuscany countryside is virtually impossible, as they are both stunning places to visit – why not try both? Grab a hire car and get out of the city for a few days to experience the luscious green hills that Tuscany has to offer.
For an unmissable event, from March through to the end of June, the Florence Music Festival takes place. It’s one of the oldest and most important European music festivals. Teatro Comunale, Piccolo Teatro and Teatro Goldoni are three of the main venues.
Hidden gems: Italy’s lesser-known delights
Castelmezzano, Basilicata
Castelmezzano, in the Basilicata region, is a stunning 10th-century town that’s situated against the backdrop of the impressive mountain range of Dolomiti Lucane. The remote location means you could easily pass the town by without noticing.
It’s a great addition to any summer road trip through Southern Italy, while on the other side of the mountain that makes this place so unique, you can also find a pretty town called Pietrapertosa. You can even travel between the two towns by zipline, which is known locally as Volo dell’Angelo (Angel’s Flight).
Tropea, Calabria
The beautiful region of Calabria in the southwest of Italy is much like the region of Puglia, on the other side of the country. Both are graced with the stunning azure waters that the country is so famous for. With sandy beaches and being reasonably priced to stay locally, you’ll be pleased you picked Tropea over more touristy coastal destinations.
In the summer, it can get busy with people from the north coming for their holidays, but this still provides a great buzz to the town. It’s also a great base for anyone looking to tour some of the Calabria regions. A picturesque highlight is a 12th-century cathedral, Santa dell’Islo, which overlooks the beach and is a perfect symbol of the town’s character.
Matera, Basilicata
The visually unique and beautiful city of Matera in the Basilicata region is a must-visit but still a place that isn’t well-known to many international tourists. If you’re looking to explore the southern regions of Italy, then Matera is a great place to stop off and admire. It is a settlement that has one of the longest histories in the world for human inhabitation, with preserved caves in the old area of the city known as Sassi being a sight to behold.
The caves are now open to explore and learn about the local history of the place and its humble beginnings. Staying nearby in the quieter Massafra or Castellaneta is recommended if you’re on a tight budget, both of which are easily placed for travel to and from Matera.
Alberobello, Puglia
Another gem to discover in the southern regions of Italy is the picturesque town of Alberobello, in Puglia. It’s a great place to walk around, especially if you have an interest in the unique Trulli houses that dominate the region. These houses are whitewashed stone huts with a distinctive cone-shaped roof, and really signify the style and history of the many towns in this part of the country.
You can stroll around Alberobello, a quieter Puglia town, to really discover and admire the beauty of these iconic structures, as well as learn their history.
Excited for your next adventure? Our friends at Where to Go, produced by the team behind the award-winning DK Eyewitness travel guides, are here to help!
Each fortnight, hosts James and Lucy talk to local experts about the destination they have chosen to call their home, exploring their personal connection to the place, what makes it so special and the best things to see and do.
Listen to the podcast below for more inspiration and tips from Italy:
