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Best time to visit

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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.

110 things to do in Italy

Festa di San Marco

April 25 Event

A rose for a loved one and, of course, a regatta

Ivrea Battle of the Oranges

March 2-4, 2025 Event

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

Christmas Food

early December–late December Food

Try Tuscany Christmas dainties once – and you will want to spend another Christmas there

Castagnaccio

September–November Food

When on the lookout for something sweet, help yourself to a slice of chestnut cake

Sunflower Fields

late June–early August Nature

These large yellow flowers will please your eye throughout the summer

Carnevale di Venezia

February 14–March 4, 2025 Event

A party that simply can't be missed

Sea Urchins

mid-November–late April Food

Sea urchins, also known as sea hedgehogs, are a cool weather delicacy

Easter Holidays in Tuscany

March 24–April 1, 2024 Event

Colourful religious processions are the main highlight of the Holy Week in Tuscany

La Sciuta di San Sebastiano

August 10 Event

The celebration of San Sebastiano in Sicily can easily top every patron saint festival in the whole Italy

Grand Italian Trail (Sentiero Italia)

March–November Activity

A long path of all across Italy must be quite a challenge to thru-hike. The good news is you can choose the most scenic parts from its 368 sections

Olive Harvest

late September–late December Food

Live the life of a Tuscan farmer participating in traditional harvest activities

Giostra del Saracino (Joust of the Saracens)

June 22, 2024 | September 1, 2024 Event

Feel the medieval spirit during this ancient knight competition held twice a year in the city of Arezzo

Trulli of Alberobello

all year round Activity

One of Italy's best-kept tourist secrets

Stelvio Bike Day (Scalata Cima Coppi)

August 31, 2024 Event

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

Game of the Bridge (Gioco del Ponte)

June 29, 2024 Event

This most spectacular tradition in Pisa celebrates the great medieval history

Napoli Pizza Village Festival

June 14–23, 2024 Event

The festival of the most known Italian dish

Regata Storica

September 1, 2024 Event

A great chance to see a historic pageant and race

Bravio delle Botti

August 25, 2024 Event

A fun wine barrel race in a picturesque old town of Montepulciano

Palio di Siena

July 2 | August 16 Event

A picturesque horse race in the heart of historical Siena

The Feast of Archangel Michael

September 28–September 29 Event

The celebration in honour of St. Michael offers spectacular events and fireworks

Calcio Storico (Calcio Fiorentino)

June 24 Event

54 footballers in traditional costumes play the brutal game to glorify their historic districts

Saint Agata Festival

February 3–February 5 Event

The celebration of the Catania ma​​rtyr is one of the central events in this region of Sicily

Palio della Balestra

May 28, 2023 Event

This medieval crossbow competition is a real celebration of the Renaissance era

Chestnut Season

October–early November Food

One of the most awaited street foods in Tuscany

Acireale Carnival

February 15–March 4, 2025 Event

The most beautiful carnival in Sicily

Maratona di Roma (Rome Marathon)

March 16, 2025 Event

Rome hosts one of world's most scenic marathons

Zucchini Blossom

May–June Food

Fried zucchini blossoms, stuffed with cheese, is a masterpiece of the Italian cuisine.

Sicilian Blood Oranges

January–April Food

The oranges with the red juice and sweet distinctive taste are the fruity pride of Sicily

Birdwatching

April–May | December–February Nature

Numerous birds choose Tuscany as their temporary winter home

Marino Wine Festival (Sagra dell’Uva di Marino)

September 27–October 7, 2024 Event

An exceptional festival with local wine flowing from a fountain!

Easter Explosion of the Cart (Lo Scoppio del Carro)

March 31, 2024 Event

Easter in Florence is memorable for splendid fireworks display

Luminara of San Ranieri Pisa

June 16 Event

One of the most beautiful nights in the ancient Italian city

Wild Poppy Bloom

late April–early May Nature

Poppy fields attract many photographers trying to capture the beauty of spring flowers

Fiera del Cacio

August 26–September 1 Event

The cheese fair held in the birthplace of pecorino itself offers the best selection of world-famous Tuscan cheese

Vendemmia or Grape Harvest

late August–early October Activity

Vendemmia is one of the most important seasons in Tuscany

Easter Food

March 31, 2024 Food

You make know Easter bread and Italian panettone but how about trying dove cake or a rustic pizza?

Bougainvillea Bloom

June–September Nature

Rome's streets become even more romantic when houses are covered by vibrant bougainvillea in bloom

Terme di Saturnia

March–May Activity

Ancient Romans enjoyed this relaxing spot and used to come here for treatment. You too can try its healing powers

Bringoli Feast of San Martino (Festa dei Bringoli di San Martino)

November 9–10, 2024 Event

Delicious handmade spaghetti is a real treat for the real foodies

Beach Season

May–September Activity

Turquoise water and plenty of shade make Tuscan beaches a dream summer getaway

Arena di Verona Opera Festival

June 8-September 7, 2024 Event

Watch an opera at a majestic Roman amphitheatre

Gubbio Festa dei Ceri and Corsa dei Ceri (Race of the Candles)

May 15 Event

One of the oldest folklore events in Italy takes over the streets of Gubbio in May

Frasassi Caves (Grotte di Frasassi), Genga

September–May (all year round) Activity

Visit the largest underground cave in Europe during your Italian vacation

Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra), Capri

mid-March–October Nature

This sea cave amazes with its mysterious blue waters

Rose Gardens

May–mid-June Nature

The iconic symbol of passion and love blooms all around Italy

Aubergine Season

May–September Food

Don't miss the chance to try fresh aubergines while in Italy

Wild Mushroom Season

April–early November Food

Italy is lucky to have plenty of fresh wild mushrooms

Aperitivo Time in Milan

all year round Food

Pre-dinner drinks are something special in Northern Italy. They usually involve cocktails, snacks, and good company

Italian Black Summer Truffles

May–August Food

Try typical fresh Italian black truffles while visiting Italy

Flea Markets

all year round Activity

Get ready to hunt and maybe you'll be lucky to find something precious

Stramilano

March 23, 2025 Event

Join this highly popular run when you are visiting Milan

Rock Climbing

March–October Activity

Rock climbing can be the most exciting part of your holidays in Italy

Infiorata Flower Carpet Festivals

May 18–21, 2024 | June 1–2, 2024 | June 13–17, 2024 Event

Witness how towns and villages create incredible art that will only last for a few days

Skiing & Snowboarding Season

late November–late April Activity

The Alps and Dolomites have some of the greatest resorts in Europe

Milan Women's Fashion Week

February 20-26, 2024 | September 18-24, 2024 Event

To stay stylish explore latest vogue collection in Milan

Strawberry Season

May–June Activity

Don't miss the chance to try the best Italian wild strawberries

EuroChocolate Festival Perugia

November 15–24, 2024 Event

Visit one of the most significant Chocolate events in Europe

VinItaly Verona

April 6-9, 2025 Event

Explore the Italian wine industry and its best-qualified wine

White Truffle Season & Fairs

mid-September–December Food

Enjoy the smell of fresh truffles in the air while visiting the best Italian white truffles markets

Cavalcata Sarda

May 19, 2024 Event

A great way to feel the real spirit of Sardinia and learn about its culture and traditions

Casu Marzu, Sardinian Maggot Cheese

mid-May–mid-November Food

This Sardinian delicacy has live maggots inside! Sounds disgusting? Just try it! The taste reminds of strong Parmesan

Milano Film Festival (MFF)

June 3–8, 2025 Event

A movieholic can't miss this film event while visiting Milan

Scala dei Turchi

May–September Activity

The large chalk cliff lures tourists and photographers to the azure coast

Christmas Season

early December–early January Event

With festive decorations and dozens of nativity scenes, Rome has plenty to offer during the holidays

Christmas Markets

early November–early January Event

A mix of Mediterranean food and culture with Alpine traditions

Carnival (Carnevale) in Italy

December 26, 2024–March 4, 2025 Event

The whole Italy dresses up in incredible costumes and masks

Great St Bernard Pass

June–September Activity

A scenic mountain pass that gdot famous thanks to its dogs

Timmelsjoch

June–October Activity

A secret Timmelsjoch High Alpine Road in the Ötztal Alps attracts adrenaline-seekers

Stelvio Pass (Passo dello Stelvio)

June–October Activity

A popular cycling destination in the Ortler Alps

Holy Week & Easter

March 24–31, 2024 Event

Take to the streets to see elaborate and dramatic processions and honour the most important week in the Christian calendar

Santuario Basilica Madonna della Corona

all year round Activity

Have you seen a church, suspended halfway between Heaven and Earth?

Liberation Day (Festa della Liberazione)

April 25 Event

The holiday marked with anti-fascist rallies and speeches

Umbria Jazz

December 28, 2024–January 1, 2025 Event

The largest and most famous jazz festival in Italy

Spoleto Festival dei 2Mondi

June 28-July 14, 2024 Event

A festival connecting two worlds and celebrating all forms of art

Milano Marathon

April 6, 2025 Event

One of the largest athletic events in Milan

Medieval Festival Monteriggioni

July 5–7, 2024 Event

One of the oldest medieval festivals in Italy with dances, music, and traditional crafts

Rome Film Festival

October 16–27, 2024 Event

One of the most prestigeous film festivals in the world

La Partita a Scacchi di Marostica

September 6-8, 2024 Event

Watch an amazing living chess game dating back to the 15th century

Festa del Torrone Cremona

November 9-17, 2024 Event

The sweetest Christmas-time festival in the Lombardy region

MiVEG

October 26–27, 2024 Event

Premier vegan festival in Milan

Festa dei Serpari di Cocullo (Cocullo Snake Festival)

May 1 Event

One of the most unusual festivals in Europe, where snakes wrap the statue of San Domenico

Griglie Roventi

April 10, 2023 Event

The Barbecue World Championship for amateur cooks

Cesena Festival del Cibo di Strada

October 4–6, 2024 Event

One of the favorite gastronomic festivals in the Emilia-Romagna region

Cartoomics

November 22-24, 2024 Event

A large fair and cosplay area for comics enthusiasts

Ypsigrock Festival

August 8–11, 2024 Event

Sicily hosts one of the most well-known indie and alternative festivals in Italy

Biker Fest International

May 9-12, 2024 Event

One huge roaring party by the warm Adriatic Sea

Bababoom Festival

July 17-21, 2024 Event

Relax to reggae music on the beautiful Italian beach on the east coast

Cuneo National Chestnut Fair (Fiera Nazionale del Marrone)

October 18-20, 2024 Event

One of the largest food festivals in Italy

Giffoni Film Festival

July 19–28, 2024 Event

A film festival dedicated to kids and teenagers

Red Bull Cliff Diving

June 30, 2024 Event

Breathtaking competition in Polignano a Mare on the scenic Adriatic sea coast

Journey into the Middle Ages (Viaggio nel Medioevo)

August 25–28, 2022 Event

A summer medieval festival of historical reenactments

Giostra Cavalleresca di Sulmona

July 27–28 | August 3, 2024 Event

A spectacular Medieval-style jousting tournament

Festival della Mente

August 30–September 1, 2024 Event

The first European festival dedicated to human creativity in Sarzana

Manualmente Fiera

MalpensaFiere: March 18–19, 2023 | Torino Lingotto Fiere: May 18–22, 2023 Event

A creativity fair for all kinds of crafts in Turin

Ravello Music Festival

July 7–August 25, 2024 Event

A classical music festival with breathtaking views over Amalfi Coast

Kitesurfing & Windsurfing

March–October Activity

Ride strong thermal winds in the paradise of Mediterranean

Halloween

late October–early November Event

Italians love holidays, and Halloween is no exception

Rome Christmas Markets

early December–early January Event

You can't miss this holiday fair in the beautiful Piazza Navona

Mediterranean Cruises

April–October Activity

Enjoy an award-winning vacation, highlighting picture-perfect coasts, ancient history, and fine cuisine

Ponte alla Luna (Bridge to the Moon)

all year round (best April–November) Activity

Suspension bridges connect two peaks in Sasso di Castalda

Italian International Balloon Grand Prix in Todi

July 26-August 4, 2024 Event

Be sure to book tickets to this fairytale hot-air balloon festival!

Torino Film Festival

November 22–30, 2024 Event

The second-largest film festival in Italy

Merano WineFestival

November 9-11, 2024 Event

The festival in the picturesque Italian town of Merano will introduce you to the world of wine culture

Sanremo Music Festival

February 4–8, 2025 Event

Experience the magic of Italy's premier musical event at the Sanremo Music Festival

Trento Film Festival

April 25–May 4, 2025 Event

The first and oldest international film festival dedicated to the themes of mountains, adventure, and exploration

Krampus in Italy

late November–early December Event

During Christmas time, the region’s Germanic spirit comes alive

Krampus in Bolzano

November 23–December 5, 2024 Event

Experience the region's unique festive spirit with Krampuslauf in Bolzano

Krampus in Merano

early December Event

In Merano, keep an eye out for devilish figures making surprise appearances among the festive stalls of the Christmas Market

Krampus in Brixen (Bressanone)

December 5, 2024 Event

On Krampusnacht the Christmas devil comes alive

Krampus in Sterzing (Vipiteno)

December 5, 2024 Event

Traditional spine-chilling figure of South Tyrol's Christmas season

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