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.
29 THINGS TO DO IN ITALY (MAY 18 - MAY 27)
Infiorata Flower Carpet Festivals
Witness how towns and villages create incredible art that will only last for a few days
Flea Markets
Get ready to hunt and maybe you'll be lucky to find something precious
Gelaterias
Don't jump to say you dislike ice-cream until you've been to Roman gelateria—these recipes have lived through centuries
Terme di Saturnia
Ancient Romans enjoyed this relaxing spot and used to come here for treatment. You too can try its healing powers
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!
Trulli of Alberobello
One of Italy's best-kept tourist secrets
A Walk around Mount Etna
For over half a million years mount Etna has been in a state of continuous eruption
Zucchini Blossom
Fried zucchini blossoms, stuffed with cheese, is a masterpiece of the Italian cuisine.
Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra), Capri
This sea cave amazes with its mysterious blue waters
Lake Garda Holidays
Visit Italy's largest lake to enjoy its landscapes and different activities
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 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
Cavalcata Sarda
on holdA great way to feel the real spirit of Sardinia and learn about its culture and traditions
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
Uffizi Gallery
Take your time to admire world-famous masterpieces of Italian Renaissance
Frasassi Caves (Grotte di Frasassi), Genga
Visit the largest underground cave in Europe during your Italian vacation
Rock Climbing
Rock climbing can be the most exciting part of your holidays in Italy
Santuario Basilica Madonna della Corona
Have you seen a church, suspended halfway between Heaven and Earth?
Birdwatching
Numerous birds choose Tuscany as their temporary winter home
Rose Gardens
The iconic symbol of passion and love blooms all around Italy
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
Beach Season
Turquoise water and plenty of shade make Tuscan beaches a dream summer getaway
Scala dei Turchi
The large chalk cliff lures tourists and photographers to the azure coast
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
78 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE
Calcio Storico (Calcio Fiorentino)
canceled54 footballers dressed in ancient costumes give themselves up to the game to glorify their historic districts
Regata Storica
out of rangeA great chance to see a historic pageant and race
EuroChocolate Festival Perugia
out of rangeVisit one of the most significant Chocolate events in Europe
La Sciuta di San Sebastiano
out of rangeThe celebration of San Sebastiano in Sicily can easily top every patron saint festival in the whole Italy
Saint Agata Festival
out of rangeThe celebration of the Catania martyr is one of the central events in this region of Sicily
Napoli Pizza Village Festival
out of rangeThe festival of the most known Italian dish
Carnevale Venezia
out of rangeA party that simply can't be missed
Stelvio Bike Day (Scalata Cima Coppi)
out of rangeOne 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
Easter Explosion of the Cart (Lo Scoppio del Carro)
out of rangeEaster in Florence is memorable for splendid fireworks display
Winter Sunsets
out of rangeHeard a lot about Rome's beautiful architecture? This city's Baroque masterpieces look especially charming during winter sunsets
Palio di Siena
out of rangeA picturesque horse race in the heart of historical Siena
Carnival (Carnevale)
unconfirmedThe whole Italy dresses up in incredible costumes and masks
Ravello Music Festival
out of rangeA classical music festival with breathtaking views over Amalfi Coast
Bougainvillea Bloom
out of rangeRome's streets become even more romantic when houses are covered by vibrant bougainvillea in bloom
Acireale Carnival
canceledSicily is known for its celebrations of carnival, but the celebrations in Acireale are considered to be truly remarkable
Ivrea Battle of the Oranges
out of rangeThis 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
The Feast of Archangel Michael
out of rangeThe celebration in honour of St. Michael offers spectacular events and fireworks
Sicilian Blood Oranges
out of rangeThe oranges with the red juice and sweet distinctive taste are the fruity pride of Sicily
Wild Poppy Bloom
out of rangePoppy fields attract many photographers trying to capture the beauty of spring flowers
Luminara of San Ranieri Pisa
canceledOne of the most beautiful nights in the ancient Italian city
Fiera del Cacio
out of rangeThe cheese fair held in the birthplace of pecorino itself offers the best selection of world-famous Tuscan cheese
Christmas Markets
out of rangeA mix of Mediterranean food and culture with Alpine traditions
Gubbio Festa dei Ceri and Corsa dei Ceri (Race of the Candles)
canceledOne of the oldest folklore events in Italy takes over the streets of Gubbio in May
Milan Women's Fashion Week
on holdTo stay stylish explore latest vogue collection in Milan
White Truffle Season & Fairs
out of rangeEnjoy the smell of fresh truffles in the air while visiting the best Italian white truffles markets
Medieval Festival Monteriggioni
unconfirmedOne of the oldest medieval festivals in Italy with dances, music, and traditional crafts
Red Bull Cliff Diving
out of rangeBreathtaking competition in Polignano a Mare on the scenic Adriatic sea coast
Castagnaccio
out of rangeWhen on the lookout for something sweet, help yourself to a slice of chestnut cake
Maratona di Roma (Rome Marathon)
out of rangeRome hosts one of world's most scenic marathons
Sunflower Fields
out of rangeThese large yellow flowers will please your eye throughout the summer
Cesena International Street Food Festival
out of rangeOne of the favorite gastronomic festivals in the Emilia-Romagna region
Olive Harvest
out of rangeLive the life of a Tuscan farmer participating in traditional harvest activities
Umbria Jazz
out of rangeThe largest and most famous jazz festival in Italy
Vespa Scooter Tours
out of rangeEver dream of riding like the wind with an Italian beau or belle? The teenage dream can come true!
Arena di Verona Opera Festival
out of rangeWatch an opera at a majestic Roman amphitheatre
Milano Film Festival (MFF)
on holdA movieholic can't miss this film event while visiting Milan
Giostra del Saracino (Joust of the Saracens)
out of rangeFeel the medieval spirit during this ancient knight competition held twice a year in the city of Arezzo
Vendemmia or Grape Harvest
out of rangeVendemmia is one of the most important seasons in Tuscany
Stramilano
out of rangeJoin this highly popular run when you are visiting Milan
Stelvio Pass (Passo dello Stelvio)
out of rangeA popular cycling destination in the Ortler Alps
Spoleto Festival dei 2Mondi
out of rangeA festival connecting two worlds and celebrating all forms of art
Festa dei Serpari di Cocullo (Cocullo Snake Festival)
out of rangeOne of the most unusual festivals in Europe, where snakes wrap the statue of San Domenico
Game of the Bridge (Gioco del Ponte)
out of rangeThis most spectacular tradition in Pisa celebrates the great medieval history
Bringoli Feast of San Martino (Festa dei Bringoli di San Martino)
out of rangeDelicious handmade spaghetti is a real treat for the real foodies
Great St Bernard Pass
out of rangeA scenic mountain pass that gdot famous thanks to its dogs
La Partita a Scacchi di Marostica
out of rangeWatch an amazing living chess game dating back to the 15th century
Timmelsjoch
out of rangeA secret Timmelsjoch High Alpine Road in the Ötztal Alps attracts adrenaline-seekers
Cartoomics
out of rangeA large fair and cosplay area for comics enthusiasts
Biker Fest International
out of rangeOne huge roaring party by the warm Adriatic Sea
Chestnut Season
out of rangeOne of the most awaited street foods in Tuscany
Easter Food
out of rangeYou make know Easter bread and Italian panettone but how about trying dove cake or a rustic pizza?
Holy Week & Easter
out of rangeTake to the streets to see elaborate and dramatic processions and honour the most important week in the Christian calendar
Giostra Cavalleresca di Sulmona
out of rangeA spectacular Medieval-style jousting tournament
Sea Urchins
out of rangeSea urchins, also known as sea hedgehogs, are a cool weather delicacy
Easter Holidays in Tuscany
out of rangeColourful religious processions are the main highlight of the Holy Week in Tuscany
Bravio delle Botti
out of rangeA fun wine barrel race in a picturesque old town of Montepulciano
Palio della Balestra
out of rangeThis medieval crossbow competition is a real celebration of the Renaissance era
VinItaly Verona
out of rangeExplore the Italian wine industry and its best-qualified wine
Panzanella
out of rangeThis is the summer taste of rural Tuscany
Skiing & Snowboarding
out of rangeThe Alps and Dolomites have some of the greatest resorts in Europe
Liberation Day (Festa della Liberazione)
out of rangeThe holiday marked with anti-fascist rallies and speeches
Milano Marathon
out of rangeOne of the largest athletic events in Milan
Rome Film Fest
out of rangeOne of the most prestigeous film festivals in the world
MiVEG
out of rangePremier vegan festival in Milan
Cuneo National Chestnut Fair (Fiera Nazionale del Marrone)
out of rangeOne of the largest food festivals in Italy
Festa di San Marco
out of rangeA rose for a loved one and, of course, a regatta
Festival della Mente
out of rangeThe first European festival dedicated to human creativity in Sarzana
Halloween
out of rangeItalians love holidays, and Halloween is no exception
Christmas Food
out of rangeTry Tuscany Christmas dainties once – and you will want to spend another Christmas there
Marino Wine Festival (Sagra dell’Uva di Marino)
out of rangeAn exceptional festival with local wine flowing from a fountain!
Marmeeting Mediterranean Cup
overA spectacular high diving competition in a scenic place
Festa del Torrone Cremona
out of rangeThe sweetest Christmas-time festival in the Lombardy region
Griglie Roventi
out of rangeThe Barbecue World Championship for amateur cooks
Ypsigrock Festival
out of rangeSicily hosts one of the most well-known indie and alternative festivals in Italy
Bababoom Festival
out of rangeRelax to reggae music on the beautiful Italian beach on the east coast
Giffoni Film Festival
out of rangeA film festival dedicated to kids and teenagers
Journey into the Middle Ages (Viaggio nel Medioevo)
unconfirmedA summer medieval festival of historical reenactments
Manualmente Fiera
on holdA creativity fair for all kinds of crafts in Turin
