Best time to visit Italy
Best time of year to visit Italy
Choose periods between April and May or September and October as the best time to visit Italy. Despite possible showers, the weather in spring stays mild most of the time with perfect conditions for sightseeing and chilling in Terme di Saturnia. Easter might be rather busy, so book in advance. Peak season from June to August can sting with high prices and temperatures. Well, Italians invented gelato for a reason. In August, lots of local eateries and small shops close down, and big cities see more tourists than locals. A period from September to November will introduce you to the grape harvest traditions and Italian cheeses like Casu Marzu and Raguzano. Crowds and lodging rates in autumn go down a little, and the weather in southern regions is still good for a beach vacation. The Dolomites from December to February is a pure heaven for addicted to winter sports. Winter is the time to enjoy Chrismas foods, gondola rides in Venice, sunsets at the Colosseum, and shorter queues to major attractions.
34 THINGS TO DO IN ITALY (MAY 31 - JUNE 09)
Infiorata Flower Carpet Festivals
Witness how towns and villages create incredible art that will only last for a few days
Gelaterias
Don't jump to say you dislike ice-cream until you've been to Roman gelateria—these recipes have lived through centuries
Flea Markets
Get ready to hunt and maybe you'll be lucky to find something precious
Roman Pasta
Don't hesitate to try Rome's world-famous pasta. Bucatini all’amatriciana, spaghetti alla carbonara, tagliatelle cacio e pepe—these are a must!
Bougainvillea Bloom
Rome's streets become even more romantic when houses are covered by vibrant bougainvillea in bloom
A Walk around Mount Etna
For over half a million years mount Etna has been in a state of continuous eruption
Terme di Saturnia
Ancient Romans enjoyed this relaxing spot and used to come here for treatment. You too can try its healing powers
Trulli of Alberobello
One of Italy's best-kept tourist secrets
Zucchini Blossom
Fried zucchini blossoms, stuffed with cheese, is a masterpiece of the Italian cuisine.
Lake Garda Holidays
Visit Italy's largest lake to enjoy its landscapes and different activities
Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra), Capri
This sea cave amazes with its mysterious blue waters
Casu Marzu, Sardinian Maggot Cheese
This Sardinian delicacy has live maggots inside! Sounds disgusting? Just try it! The taste reminds of strong Parmesan
Grand Italian Trail (Sentiero Italia)
A long path of 6,166 kilometres around Italy must be quite a challenge to thru-hike. The good news is you can choose the most scenic parts from its 368 sections
Vespa Scooter Tours
Ever dream of riding like the wind with an Italian beau or belle? The teenage dream can come true!
Ragusano Cheese
One of the most famous Sicilian cow milk cheeses, Ragusano is usually seven months aged
Aperitivo Time in Milan
Pre-dinner drinks are something special in Northern Italy. They usually involve cocktails, snacks, and good company
Stelvio Pass (Passo dello Stelvio)
A popular cycling destination in the Ortler Alps
Great St Bernard Pass
A scenic mountain pass that gdot famous thanks to its dogs
Rock Climbing
Rock climbing can be the most exciting part of your holidays in Italy
Uffizi Gallery
Take your time to admire world-famous masterpieces of Italian Renaissance
Timmelsjoch
A secret Timmelsjoch High Alpine Road in the Ötztal Alps attracts adrenaline-seekers
Santuario Basilica Madonna della Corona
Have you seen a church, suspended half-way between Heaven and Earth?
Birdwatching
Numerous birds choose Tuscany as their temporary winter home
Frasassi Caves (Grotte di Frasassi), Genga
Visit the largest underground cave in Europe during your Italian vacation
Rose Gardens
The iconic symbol of passion and love blooms all around Italy
Beach Season
Turquoise water and plenty of shade make Tuscan beaches a dream summer getaway
Wild Mushroom Season
Italy is lucky to have plenty of fresh wild mushrooms
Strawberry Season
Don't miss the chance to try the best Italian wild strawberries
Scala dei Turchi
The large chalk cliff lures tourists and photographers to the azure coast
Panzanella
This is the summer taste of rural Tuscany
Aubergine Season
Don't miss the chance to try fresh aubergines while in Italy
Italian Black Summer Truffles
Try typical fresh Italian black truffles while visiting Italy
St. Peter's Basilica
The largest church in the world is a masterpiece of Renaissance art
Kitesurfing & Windsurfing
Ride strong thermal winds in the paradise of Mediterranean
73 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE
Calcio Storico (Calcio Fiorentino)
54 footballers dressed in ancient costumes give themselves up to the game to glorify their historic districts
Regata Storica
A great chance to see a historic pageant and race
La Sciuta di San Sebastiano
The celebration of San Sebastiano in Sicily can easily top every patron saint festival in the whole Italy
Saint Agata Festival
The celebration of the Catania martyr is one of the central events in this region of Sicily
EuroChocolate Festival Perugia
Visit one of the most significant Chocolate events in Europe
Carnevale Venezia
A party that simply can't be missed
Easter Explosion of the Cart
Easter in Florence is memorable for splendid fireworks display
Napoli Pizza Village Festival
The festival of the most known Italian dish
Winter Sunsets
Heard a lot about Rome's beautiful architecture? This city's Baroque masterpieces look especially charming during winter sunsets
Stelvio Bike Day (Scalata Cima Coppi)
One day a year one of the highest drivable paths in the Alps is completely free of traffic, drivers leave it in favour of thousands of cyclists
Palio di Siena
A picturesque horse race in the heart of historical Siena
Carnival (Carnevale)
The whole Italy dresses up in incredible costumes and masks
Ravello Music Festival
A classical music festival with breathtaking views over Amalfi Coast
Acireale Carnival
Sicily is known for its celebrations of carnival, but the celebrations in Acireale are considered to be truly remarkable
The Feast of Archangel Michael
The celebration in honour of St. Michael offers spectacular events and fireworks
Ivrea Battle of the Oranges
This celebration of the freedom costs 500,000 kilos of fruit and probably that many orange-sized bruises but locals know it's worth the price
Sicilian Blood Oranges
The oranges with the red juice and sweet distinctive taste are the fruity pride of Sicily
Luminara of San Ranieri Pisa
One of the most beautiful nights in the ancient Italian city
Milan Women's Fashion Week
To stay stylish explore latest vogue collection in Milan
Gubbio Festa dei Ceri and Corsa dei Ceri (Race of the Candles)
One of the oldest folklore events in Italy takes over the streets of Gubbio in May
Christmas Markets
A mix of Mediterranean food and culture with Alpine traditions
Castagnaccio
When on the lookout for something sweet, help yourself to a slice of chestnut cake
Maratona di Roma (Rome Marathon)
Rome hosts one of world's most scenic marathons
White Truffle Season & Fairs
Enjoy the smell of fresh truffles in the air while visiting the best Italian white truffles markets
Sunflower Fields
These large yellow flowers will please your eye throughout the summer
Fiera del Cacio
The cheese fair held in the birthplace of pecorino itself offers the best selection of world-famous Tuscan cheese
Olive Harvest
Live the life of a Tuscan farmer participating in traditional harvest activities
Wild Poppy Bloom
Poppy fields attract many photographers trying to capture the beauty of spring flowers
Cavalcata Sarda
A great way to feel the real spirit of Sardinia and learn about its culture and traditions
Milano Film Festival (MFF)
A movieholic can't miss this film event while visiting Milan
Umbria Jazz
The largest and most famous jazz festival in Italy
Red Bull Cliff Diving
Breathtaking competition in Polignano a Mare on the scenic Adriatic sea coast
Festa dei Serpari di Cocullo (Cocullo Snake Festival)
One of the most unusual festivals in Europe, where snakes wrap the statue of San Domenico
Game of the Bridge (Gioco del Ponte)
This most spectacular tradition in Pisa celebrates the great medieval history
Arena di Verona Opera Festival
Watch an opera at a majestic Roman amphitheatre
Stramilano
Join this highly popular run when you are visiting Milan
Medieval Festival Monteriggioni
One of the oldest medieval festivals in Italy with dances, music, and traditional crafts
Bringoli Feast of San Martino (Festa dei Bringoli di San Martino)
Delicious handmade spaghetti is a real treat for the real foodies
Spoleto Festival dei 2Mondi
A festival connecting two worlds and celebrating all forms of art
La Partita a Scacchi di Marostica
Watch an amazing living chess game dating back to the 15th century
Cartoomics
A large fair and cosplay area for comics enthusiasts
Vendemmia or Grape Harvest
Vendemmia is one of the most important seasons in Tuscany
Easter Food
You make know Easter bread and Italian panettone but how about trying dove cake or a rustic pizza?
Sea Urchins
Sea urchins, also known as sea hedgehogs, are a cool weather delicacy
Easter Holidays in Tuscany
Colourful religious processions are the main highlight of the Holy Week in Tuscany
Giostra del Saracino (Joust of the Saracens)
Feel the medieval spirit during this ancient knight competition held twice a year in the city of Arezzo
Chestnut Season
One of the most awaited street foods in Tuscany
Holy Week & Easter
Take to the streets to see elaborate and dramatic processions and honour the most important week in the Christian calendar
Biker Fest International
One huge roaring party by the warm Adriatic Sea
VinItaly Verona
Explore the Italian wine industry and its best-qualified wine
Cesena International Street Food Festival
One of the favorite gastronomic festivals in the Emilia-Romagna region
Bravio delle Botti
A fun wine barrel race in a picturesque old town of Montepulciano
Palio della Balestra
This medieval crossbow competition is a real celebration of the Renaissance era
Skiing & Snowboarding
The Alps and Dolomites have some of the greatest resorts in Europe
Liberation Day (Festa della Liberazione)
The holiday marked with anti-fascist rallies and speeches
Milano Marathon
One of the largest athletic events in Milan
Rome Film Fest
One of the most prestigeous film festivals in the world
MiVEG
Premier vegan festival in Milan
Cuneo National Chestnut Fair (Fiera Nazionale del Marrone)
One of the largest food festivals in Italy
Giostra Cavalleresca di Sulmona
A spectacular Medieval-style jousting tournament
Festa di San Marco (St. Mark's Festival)
A rose for a loved one and, of course, a regatta
Festival della Mente
The first European festival dedicated to human creativity in Sarzana
Christmas Food
Try Tuscany Christmas dainties once – and you will want to spend another Christmas there
Marino Wine Festival (Sagra dell’Uva di Marino)
An exceptional festival with local wine flowing from a fountain!
Marmeeting Mediterranean Cup
A spectacular high diving competition in a scenic place
Festa del Torrone Cremona
The sweetest Christmas-time festival in the Lombardy region
Griglie Roventi
The Barbecue World Championship for amateur cooks
Ypsigrock Festival
Sicily hosts one of the most well-known indie and alternative festivals in Italy
Bababoom Festival
Relax to reggae music on the beautiful Italian beach on the east coast
Giffoni Film Festival
A film festival dedicated to kids and teenagers
Journey into the Middle Ages (Viaggio nel Medioevo)
A summer medieval festival of historical reenactments
Manualmente Fiera
A creativity fair for all kinds of crafts in Turin
Halloween
Italians love holidays, and Halloween is no exception
