1. Campania: Naples and Capri on the Amalfi Coast
We recommend Naples as a summer destination if you’re looking for somewhere to visit in Italy. The answer to your question is simple. The city is like a heartbeat. Here you can enjoy the authentic taste of life, the warm breath of Neapolitans, and a thousand-year-old history.
The historic center of Naples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers many amazing attractions, including the underground city, Catacombs of San Gennaro, and San Severo Chapel. Capri is just a short boat ride from the port at Naples. The stunning landscapes surrounding this island make it unforgettable.
Capri, Sorrento, and the Amalfi Coast are some of our favorite summer vacation destinations in Italy.
You can take a boat ride to see the Faraglioni, three huge limestone stacks rising from the sea, as well as the Blue Grotto. This is named after the unique optical effect caused by sunlight hitting the cave walls, which makes the water appear blue. You can visit Anacapri from where you will be able to take the chairlift up to Monte Solaro.
You should not miss Capri, home to the famous Piazzetta and other attractions. Here you can enjoy an espresso or an Aperol Spritz at one of the outdoor cafe tables, then stroll the streets. Although it is only 50km long, the scenic coastal roads will take your breath away.
Amalfi, an ancient Maritime Republic, will entice you. In particular, Sant’Andrea Apostolo’s Arab-Sicilian cathedral, with its picturesque staircase and suggestive cloister, will make you feel captivated.
Ravello rises 350m above sea level. The panoramic gardens of Villa Rufolo, Villa Cimbrone, and Villa Rufolo will delight your eyes. Positano is a stunning place with its white houses that are brightened by purple bougainvilleas and slope towards the sea. The Amalfi Coast is a paradise of idyllic beauty.
2. Emilia Romagna: The historic cities of Bologna, Ravenna
Some Italian cities have a nickname that reflects their origins or describes their character. Rome is one example. Bologna has three nicknames: La Dotta, La Grassa and La Rossa. Its University, which was founded in 1088, is the oldest university in Europe. The second is Bologna’s amazing culinary traditions, as it is home to fresh pasta such as tagliatelle and tortellini. The color of the terracotta bricks that were used to build the towers and palaces in Bologna during the Middle Ages is the third.
The Basilica of San Petronio, Piazza Maggiore’s first stone, is the ideal starting point for any visit to Bologna’s historic center. It was built in 1390. You can pay homage to Asinelli and Garisenda towers by wandering through the Jewish Ghetto’s alleyways. Bologna is a place where everyone is welcome and can have their say. It is also a great place to discover new things. It will be a joy!
Ravenna is a quick day trip from Bologna. However, it’s worth leaving early to make sure you have enough time to see the amazing UNESCO-protected artworks like Sant’Apollinare Nuovo and the Basilica of San Vitale. The beautiful mosaics on the ceiling and walls will capture your attention from the moment you step inside. These are stunning works that were created in the 5th to 6th centuries when the city was the capital and outpost of Byzantine Empire.
Ravenna is a popular summer destination in Emilia Romagna. This is due to the bustling bars in the center of the city, the constant flow of bikes, the scent of pine forests that line its lagoon, and the long beaches with fully-equipped swimming establishments. You can also take a road trip to Emilia Romagna. This includes towns like Ferrara, Parma, and Modena. This region is famous for its food.
3. Liguria: Cinque Terre
For those who want to relax by the sea, but also enjoy the charm of charming villages and art and culture, the Cinque Terre in Liguria are undoubtedly the best summer destination in Italy.
Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. These five charming villages are located along the stunning coastline that overlooks the sea. These villages can be connected by a small train or the Sentiero Azzurro which offers spectacular views for hikers.
These places retain the charm of old fishing villages. You can enjoy the delicious local seafood and the traditional trattorias along the harbor while you sip a glass of white wine. Porto Venere, Portofino, and other pastel-colored houses are worth a visit. The Cinque Terre was declared a World Heritage Site by in UNESCO honor of its beauty.
4. Lombardy: Lake Garda & Sirmione
It’s not just beaches that are found in Veneto or Venice. Lake Garda is a top summer destination in Italy. The lake is surrounded by three regions: Trentino Alto Adige (Lombardy), and Veneto. This region’s natural diversity draws crowds. The lake is surrounded by three distinct regions: Trentino Alto Adige (Lombardy), and Veneto. This diversity draws crowds. The lake is home to windsurfers, sailboats, and kite surfers. A new 140-km cycle path permits cyclists to discover Italy’s largest lake.
Many charming villages can be found along the shores. Sirmione is one of the many charming villages along the shores of the lake. Its stunning landscapes and surprising architecture are what makes it the “Perla del Garda” town. You must visit Scaligero Castle, which dates back to the 13th Century, is one of the most well-preserved castles in Italy, and the Grotta di Catullo, an ancient Roman villa, built in the first century. You can also go glamping in many places!
5. Puglia: Lecce, Polignano and Alberobello
The beaches of Puglia are characterized by fine sandy beaches and a turquoise sea with very shallow waters. Beautiful, unspoiled countryside sprinkled with olive groves. Beautiful cities of art and charming little villages. There are luxury masserias, boutique hotels, and cozy bed-and-breakfasts in small whitewashed villages. It is Puglia, a region in Italy that offers all of this.
It can be difficult to pick from the many wonderful Puglia destinations. We want to share at least three of the many wonderful destinations in Puglia. The historical center of Lecce, with its Baroque palaces, churches, and other buildings made entirely from local white stones. Alberobello is a charming village with its characteristic trullos, small houses with dry stone walls, and a conical roof. Polignano a Mare is an ancient settlement built on a rocky spur that overlooks the sea. The tiny white houses stand out against the turquoise sea and lean against one another.
Wandering through Puglia, take a detour towards the Baia dei Turchi. This white beach is protected by a pine forest and is surrounded by turquoise waters.
6. Sicily: Syracuse, the Valley of the Temples, and Sicily
It is undeniable that Sicily is beautiful, with Syracuse being one of the most notable examples. Its ancient Greek ruins and lush citrus groves surround it. The tables are set in Baroque squares that lead to each other. And the shining stone buildings. Every aspect of Syracuse is beautiful and captivating.
The island of Ortigia is the heartbeat of Syracuse. It connects to the city via a small bridge that stretches out towards cobalt blue waters. The first settlement was established by the Greeks in 734 BC. It is now possible to see the remains of the “new” city in the Archaeological Park of Neapolis. This park is one of the largest in Sicily. Ortigia is the most picturesque corner of Syracuse. It offers beautiful views as well as interesting options for eating, sleeping, and shopping.
You should not miss Noto Valley, another gem of the Sicilian south, if you plan to spend your summer in Italy. This area includes stunning baroque towns like Modica and Noto, RagusaIbla, and Scicli. It is now part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The most popular attraction on the south coast of Sicily’s Sicily is the Valley of the Temples. 13-km in area, the stunning archeological site encompasses Akragas’ ruined city. Three of the most impressive and well-preserved temples are just a short walk away. The Temple of Hera was built in the 5th Century BC. It is also home to the Temple of Concordia which survived nearly intact after its construction in 430 BC. And the Temple of Hercules dates back to the 6th century BC.
This is a great opportunity to see the impressive temples at night. This is a unique experience that will transport you back in time to the days of ancient Greeks. This is one of the most beautiful places in Italy to visit in summer, especially if you consider the beaches on Sicily.
7. Sardinia, archipelago La Maddalena
Budelli, Caprera and Maddalena are just six of the 63 islands or islets that make up the archipelago La Maddalena off the Costa Smeralda. The archipelago La Maddalena is a great place to go on boat trips or dives. It boasts crystal clear waters that range in color from turquoise to emerald, from azure and intense blue to intense blue.
Sardinia offers visitors a unique natural environment. Both the coast and the inland have vast areas that remain intact. They are covered in lush woods and populated with wild horses, deer, mouflons, and other wildlife. You will find the Nuragic complexes scattered across the territory, among the many Sardinian wonders. These towers made of large stones and built from blocks of stone are one of a kind and a testament to an ancient culture.
8. Trentino Alto Adige – Dolomites and Lake Braies
Do you long for a vacation in the midst of nature? Are you a lover of hiking along the trails or in the woods? The Dolomites in Trentino Alto Adige is a great place to go in summer in Italy. There you’ll find tranquility, peace, pure air, and traditional culture.
A malga is a unique and intense experience that you can have during your stay. Malaga is charming huts that overlook grazing cows. The malgaro’s can join you for dinner and listen to stories about local legends. You will be able to see the stars at night and, very early in the day, start traditional activities such as milking the cows, grazing the cows, and making cheese.
Lake Braies, located at 1.496m above sea level in the Fanes Senes Braies Natural Park is an exceptional place. It is a dazzling emerald set in the Dolomites. This is how you will find the lake: green-turquoise waters, wooden boats that appear to be suspended above the water, and majestic mountains all around. Bicycling is one of the most popular ways to get there. Beautiful cycle paths cross the Braies Valley, and a trip to the lake on two wheels is a wonderful detour.
9. Tuscany: Florence, the countryside
Are you still unsure where to go on a summer vacation in Italy? You can’t miss Florence and Tuscany! Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance and one of the most important cities for art in the world. It is home to so much beautiful architecture and fine art that it can be overwhelming.
Piazza del Duomo is Florence’s heartbeat. It houses the monumental Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore complex, the San Giovanni Baptistery, and the Giotto’s Bell Tower. Piazza della Signoria is home to Palazzo Vecchio. This is Florence’s town hall and one of its most iconic monuments. The Uffizi Gallery is an UNEXPECTED wonder that displays the works of Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.
There are many museums and monuments. Florence is full of excellent restaurants and artisan shops, many of which are located along the famous Ponte Vecchio. You can easily plan a day trip from Florence to other Tuscan cities such as Arezzo and Pisa.
The stunning Tuscan countryside is well-known all over the globe. The hills are dotted with charming villages and churches, and the vine-lined hills are a great way to enjoy the countryside. Montepulciano is located between Val D’Orcia & Val di Chiana. It is well-known for its delicious red wines. We recommend visiting the underground cellars to take part in wine tastings. Be careful not to get too drunk… too fast!
10. Veneto: Venice & Verona
Respectively, the setting for Shakespeare’s Moor in Venice and Romeo & Juliet, Venice, Verona, and Romeo and Juliet is simply breathtaking.
The view of the Venice lagoon from Santa Lucia station will take your breath away as you step out of Santa Lucia station. There are only canals in this city. The Grand Canal is flanked by magnificent Gothic and Renaissance palaces.
To find a quiet place to rest or visit a church, you just have to turn around or cross a bridge. You should also visit the Basilica of San Marco with its Byzantine mosaics and the bell tower of San Marco. From here, you can see the red roofs of Venice. What about sunset at Piazza San Marco It was simply stunning! You can find great restaurants in Venice and hotel recommendations.
Verona is a fascinating city that makes even a short vacation unforgettable. You can enjoy an opera performance in the Arena. You will experience an authentic Italian atmosphere as you stroll the cobbled streets leading down to the Roman amphitheater. It is a must-see!
