Summer 2023 in Italy: what to do and where to go on holiday

Summer 2023where to go in Italy?

If tropical paradises seem ever more distant, let us rediscover the beauties of our own home. Italy is a treasure chest of inexhaustible wonders artistic, cultural and natural wonders: cities of art, enchanting villages, unspoilt beaches lapped by turquoise waters, mountain peaks and picturesque lakes.

Sometimes you don't have to go that far to see the new and the different, so let's admire the great beauty Italy has to offer and the small great beauties closer to us.

Here are our recommendations for a holiday by the sea, at the lake, in the mountains or in Italy's most beautiful villages.

Summer in Italy 2023

Summer in Italy, where to go?

• Cinque Terre

• Porto Venere and Gulf of La Spezia

• Grado

• Conero, Marche

• Tuscan Maremma

• Elba Island

• Trabocchi Coast

• Pontine Islands

• Amalfi Coast

• Capri, Ischia and Procida

• Cilento coast

• Mareatea and Basilicata coast

• Gargano

• Salento

• Eastern coast of Sicily

• West coast of Sicily

• Sardinia

• Fassa Valley

• Dolomites

• Lake Garda

• Lake Como

• Italian Villages

• Less crowded islands

Northern Italy

Starting in the north of the boot, the Cinque Terre in Liguria could be a great summer destination for those who want to relax by the sea, but also visit enchanting villages amidst art and culture.

Along the rugged coastline are five villages set into the rocky cliffs overlooking the sea, declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. The villages are connected by train but also by paths that cross headlands and villages, recommended for the more sporty.

It is then worth making a diversion to Porto Venere and the three islands of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto to be reached by boat. Not to be forgotten is the Gulf of La Spezia, known as the Gulf of Poets, because it was chosen as a holiday resort by Byron and Shelley.

On the Adriatic coast, the inhabitants of Friuli Venezia Giulia will be able to enjoy the beach of Lignano Sabbiadoro, the largest in the region, or the shallow beach of Grado, ideal for families with children.

Further south, the famous beaches of the Romagna Riviera, including Rimini, Riccione and Milano Marittima, will probably not resound with music and mojitos this summer, but will still welcome the regulars who do not want to miss out on a holiday among the jet set.

Further south on the Adriatic coast, you will find the wonderful beach of San Michele and Sassi Neri in the Marche region, surrounded by the green Conero mountain, or the picturesque Porto Recanati.

Central Italy

Moving along the Tyrrhenian coast, however, in Tuscany the most beautiful sea can be found on theisland of Elba. The Cavoli beach is one of the best known on Elba, protected by Monte Capanna and divided into two parts, one equipped and the other free.

But Tuscany also offers beautiful beaches such as Cala Violina, a cove in the Grosseto Maremma that is part of the Bandite di Scarlino Nature Reserve.

Among the most evocative Tuscan seaside villages there is certainly Castiglione della Pescaia, among the most elegant ones Porto Ercole and Porto Santo Stefano from which to leave for a boat trip to theisland of Giglio.

Don't miss the most beautiful beaches on the Abruzzo coast, the Trabocchi coast is full of wonders.

The most beautiful sea near Rome, on the other hand, is that of Sabaudia and the Circeo promontory where beautiful caves and inlets are hidden, such as the Cala del Prigioniero cove, accessible only by sea.

Going further south along the Latium coast, you will then find Sperlonga, an enchanting white village with a Mediterranean atmosphere, and Gaeta, which offers great beaches of golden sand such as Serapo, much loved by surfers for its long waves.

But to dive into real natural pools you have to go to the Pontine IslandsThe largest is Ponza with its charming Chiaia di Luna beach, but the charming Ventotene and Palmarola are also worth a visit.

It is ideal to tour the Pontine Islands by boat because most of the most beautiful coves are only accessible by sea.

Southern Italy

The further south you go, the more difficult the choice becomes. At Campaniathe Sorrento peninsula overlooking the beautiful Gulf of Naples and the legendary Amalfi Coast need no introduction.

A trip to the colourful villages, seaside villas and scent of lemons on the world-famous coast is always a good idea.

The islands of the Gulf of Naples then, Ischia, Procida and Capri, always remain the paradigm of the Italian holiday between sea and worldliness.

Do not underestimate the southernmost part of the Campania coast, where you will find Paestum, famous for the ruins of the ancient city of Magna Graecia, and the Cilento coast, where you can stop at Santa Maria di Castellabate, Palinuro and Marina di Camerota.

Then, between Campania and Calabria, you will cross 30 km of coastline in Basilicata, a rocky coastline overhanging the sea on which lies the fabulous Maratea, an oasis of peace, blue waters and secret coves.

Maratea has the most beautiful sea and beaches in Basilicata, which on its Ionian side, on the other hand, offers large sandy beaches such as those at Policoro and Metaponto, but washed by less clean waters.

Salento, on the other hand, has become synonymous with the sea in Apulia: the southern tip of the region offers enchanting white villages, light sandy beaches and an irresistible shallow turquoise sea.

The most beautiful places in Salento are Torre dell'Orso, Baia dei Turchi, Porto Badisco, Punta Suina, Gallipoli and Marina d'Ugento, but if you have to choose one, go to Marina di Pescoluse, also called the 'Maldives of Salento'.

Less touristy but still interesting is the Gargano coast in Apulia and the Tremiti islands opposite.

Calabria then offers unspoilt beaches and turquoise sea such as Tropea and Pizzo Calabro on the Tyrrhenian coast or Capo Rizzuto on the Ionian coast.

Don't forget the Costa degli Aranci and the Costa dei Gelsomini. Before heading down to Sicily, the picturesque Scilla, located on a Calabrian promontory at the entrance to the Strait of Messina, is well worth a stop.

The ItalianIslands

In Sicily you will be spoilt for choice. On the east coast, the most beautiful seaside resorts are Taormina, Noto, Acitrezza, Siracusa and Punta Secca, famous because it is home to Inspector Montalbano.

Western Sicily offers equally beautiful beaches such as Mondello, the closest beach to Palermo, the Zingaro reserve to explore by land or sea, San Vito Lo Capo, Trapani and the striking Scala dei Turchi in the province of Agrigento.

If you prefer to tour Sicily by boat, you could explore the beautiful Aeolian or Pelagie islands, of which Lampedusa is one, boasting the most beautiful beach in Sicily and Italy, the Conigli beach.

Like Sicily also Sardinia has some of the most beautiful beaches in Italy. In the northern part of Sardinia is the paradisiacal archipelago of La Maddalena and the beautiful beach of Stintino.

Along the Costa Smeralda are the island's most fashionable beaches such as Cala Arena Bianca, Cala Petra Ruia, Isuledda and the Pevero beach, not far from Porto Cervo. Also noteworthy are the beaches of Alghero or those of Nuoro, including Cala Luna.

In the south of Sardinia, on the other hand, which is less touristy and less crowded than the north, we recommend the area of Villasimius, including the Porto Giunco beach, and do not miss the Golfo degli Angeli or the magnificent Sulcis coast.

Summer in the mountains

If beach life is not for you, you cannot stand the summer sultriness and prefer to cool off in the pure mountain air, you could plan a holiday at high altitude.

The Dolomiti, dotted with marvellous alpine villages and paths for trekking, walking and climbing, are the ideal natural setting for those seeking a holiday of nature, art and culture, but also for those who want to dedicate themselves completely to sport.

In Trentino, you could choose Vigo di Fassa, a village on one of the most important mountains in the Dolomites, or Glorenza, a village at 900 metres in Trentino Alto Adige, near the Swiss and Austrian borders, as your holiday destination.

Santa Maria Maggiore then is a famous mountain resort in Piedmont, located in the Vigezzo Valley. At the north-eastern end of the Dolomites, there is the village of Sappada, on the border with Carinthia in Austria, or the enchanting village of Valbruna in the Julian Alps, which also allows you to visit neighbouring Austria and Slovenia.

In Lombardy, on the other hand, we recommend the village of Chiavenna in whose surroundings you will also find the Marmitte dei Giganti park and the beautiful Acqua Fraggia waterfall.

Cortina d'Ampezzo is still the undisputed queen of the Dolomites, suitable for every season. Another famous ski resort such as Madonna di Campiglio, in Trentino, can also prove to be an excellent summer destination. If, on the other hand, you want to experience the thrill of enjoying the mountains with the sea at your feet, then the Etna park in Sicily is for you.

Where to go on holiday by the sea in Italy?

Seaside villages, uncrowded areas or famous beaches on the peninsula? Where to go to the sea in Italy? Here is our selection

• Gulf of Macari, Sicily

• Chia, Sardinia

• Cilento, Campania

• Vico del Gargano, Apulia

• Costa degli Dei, Calabria

• Tremiti Islands, Apulia

• Argentario, Tuscany

• Conero Riviera, Marche

• Marettimo, Sicily

• Trabocchi Coast, Abruzzo

• Maratea, Basilicata

• Riviera di Levante, Liguria

Summer by the lake

If you love neither the sea nor the mountains, you could choose the lake for a quiet and relaxing holiday, devoted to nature walks, water activities and the pleasures of the table.

The beautiful Lake Garda can be the destination for a pleasant summer holiday. Its enchanting lakeside villages are one more beautiful than the other, but among the many we recommend Sirmione, known for its Roman and medieval remains as well as its thermal waters.

But don't miss Desenzano del Garda, with its castle and elegant villas, Riva del Garda, Peschiera del Garda or Gargano sul Garda, also renowned for their starred restaurants.

The Lake Como is another fascinating destination, where you can admire wonderful views, Art Nouveau villas and historic palazzi overlooking the lake.

Or you could also choose Lake Maggiorewhich stretches between Piedmont, Lombardy and Switzerland. Around Lake Maggiore are pretty villages such as Cannobio, Arona or Baveno, aristocratic villas, vineyards as far as the eye can see, rolling hills and Alpine valleys.

Excellent alternatives could be Lake Carezza in South Tyrol, Lake Caldaro in Trentino Alto Adige, Lake Iseo and Lake Varese in Lombardy, Lake Bracciano and Lake Bolsena in Lazio, Lake Trasimeno in Umbria or Lake Accesa in Tuscany. If you are looking for unforgettable country places to spend a holiday, here is all you need to know.

The most beautiful villages in Italy

Italy, as you know, is rich in cities of art with an enormous artistic and cultural heritage that often not even we Italians know well.

Summer can be the time to discover and rediscover forgotten masterpieces of art and hidden wonders in the many Italian cities scattered all over the country.

Venice, Florence, Rome, Naples or Palermo can be an interesting stop on a summer tour between sea, lakes and mountains. But even the very cities we live in could prove to be cities to explore with the eyes of the summer traveller.

What we know even less about, however, are the countless small villages, nestled in the mountains or overlooking the sea, where you can slow down the pace and find yourself.

Here is our list of the most beautiful villages in Italy:

• Bard in Val d'Aosta, is the smallest village in the region, located at the foot of a mysterious fortress.

• Orta San Giulio in Piedmont, located on the island of San Giulio in Lake Orta.

• Montagnana, a village dating back to Roman times in Veneto.

• The Cinque Terre in Liguria, including the unmissable Vernazza.

• Grottammare in the Marche, Vipiteno and Chiusa, mountain villages in Trentino Alto Adige, plus the beautiful Ortisei.

• Brisighella, a medieval village in Emilia Romagna, also called the Fiesole of Romagna

• Spello, a jewel in pink stone in Umbria

• Tagliacozzo in Abruzzo

• Buonconvento in Tuscany, which has the colours of terracotta and crete

• Pitigliano, the little Tuscan Jerusalem

• Civita di Bagnoregio in Lazio, known as the 'dying city', situated in the valley of the calanchi between Lake Bolsena and the Tiber valley

• Sepino in Molise, at the crossroads of the sheep-tracks

• Vietri sul Mare, first pearl of the Amalfi coast, in Campania

• Castelmezzano, the amphitheatre in the Lucanian Dolomites or Craco, the abandoned village, in Basilicata

• Otranto, gateway to the Orient, and Maruggio, which takes you in the footsteps of the Templars, in Puglia

• Chianalea, the little Venice, and Rocca Imperiale, the land of lemons, in Calabria

• The mythical Cefalù and Erice, perched on the mountain overlooking Trapani, in Sicily.

• Castelsardo with its Mediterranean atmosphere, in Sardinia

Sea-view trails for the summer

Trekking on ancient mule tracks and millenary roads still little travelled and overlooking the Mediterranean can be another way to experience the sea and discover the secret beaches of Italy.

Sometimes it takes little to get away from crowded places and discover unexplored treasure troves of peace and beauty. The most beautiful trails can be found in Liguria, Campania, Sardinia, Salento and Basilicata.

Italy's lesser-known islands

Strips of land surrounded by turquoise and transparent waters, frequented by few travellers and inhabited by very few inhabitants.

If you are looking for sea and relaxation without crowds, here is where to go this summer: among the most beautiful are Salina, Filicudi and Alicudi, Marettimo and Levanzo, Palmarola and Palmaria.

Most beautiful and little-known destinations in Italy

• Chia, Sardinia

• Campomarino, Apulia

• Pizzo Calabro, Calabria

• Marettimo, Sicily

• Linosa, Sicily

• Lake Resia, South Tyrol

• Mattinata and Baia delle Zagare, Apulia

• Marina di Pisciotta, Campania

• Montefalco, Umbria

• Gabicce Mare, Marche

• Laga Mountains, Abruzzo

• Valle del Chiese, Trentino

Summer in Camper, which are the most beautiful itineraries?

An alternative way to discover Italy this summer is by planning a trip in a camper van: a journey in freedom to be organised in complete autonomy, choosing from time to time what to see and where to stay overnight.

Among the best destinations are the Val d'Orcia, the Amalfi Coast, the Ionian Coast, the Conero Riviera and the Pontine coast with its beautiful islands.

15 walks to do this summer in Italy

1. The Southern Via Francigena, from Rome to Santa Maria di Leuca

2. Kaolin quarries, San Calogero thermal baths and Punta Palmareto - Lipari, Aeolian Islands

3. From San Vincenzo to the summit craters of the volcano - Stromboli, Aeolian Islands

4. Route of the Seven Stones, Basilicata

5. Mediterranean Trail in Italy, from Basilicata to Liguria

6. Infinity Trail and Blue Trail, Liguria, Cinque Terre

7. Path of the Gods, Campania

8. The Ring of Portonovo, Marche

9. Dante's Path, between Romagna and Tuscany

10. The 100 Towers Walk, Sardinia

11. Lake Orta, from the Sacro Monte to the Island of San Giulio, Piedmont

12. Lake Como along the Greenway

13. Sentiero Italia, a stretch in Friuli Venezia Giulia

14. The Oropa Path, Piedmont

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