Everyone loves Italy. Below, A-List travel advisor and dual American-Italian citizen Joyce Falcone shares where to go — and, just as importantly, when’s the best time to do it.
Your guide to the best places to visit in Italy every month
January: Florence and Rome
Put on your jacket and venture out into Rome to experience the city’s hidden gems on an iconic vintage Vespa. Or, head into the hallowed halls of the Uffizi Galleries in Florence after the midday crowds disperse to enjoy a personalised tour of the museum’s masterpieces.
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Book your stay at Relais Santa Croce By Baglioni Hotels via Agoda.com
Book your stay via ay Umiltà 36 Booking.com
Book your stay at Umilta 36 via Agoda.com
February: Venice and Viareggio
Venice is always an exciting city to visit, but during Carnival, the atmosphere is spellbinding. Take it all in amid the city locals and let yourself be carried away by the energy and charm that is the floating city — with plenty of fantastic hotels to choose from.
One of the best places to visit in Italy, the city of Viareggio, in Tuscany, is another great choice for February, as its annual Carnival includes one of the best-known papier-mâché float parades in the country. The streets buzz with activity; destinations like Forte dei Marmi, Carrara, Lucca, and Pisa are right on your doorstep; and you can easily arrange a day trip to Cinque Terre.
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Book your stay at The St. Regis Venice via Agoda.com
Book your stay at Grand Hotel Principe Di Piemonte via Booking.com
Book your stay at Grand Hotel Principe di Piemonte via Agoda.com
March: Piedmont
Famous across the globe for its food, wine, and stunning scenery, the Piedmont region is a treat for all the senses and surprisingly under-visited. Starting mid-March is the best season to taste local black truffles, along with decadent chocolate treats from the Cherasco commune, artisanal cheeses in the town of Bra, and wines of the Barolo appellation.
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Book your stay at Castello di Guarene via Agoda.com
April: Amalfi Coast
One of the best places to visit in Italy, Amalfi is a popular resort destination, but in April, you can truly enjoy it. Plan to spend time on the Path of the Gods, a hiking trail suspended between sky and sea, meandering mule tracks and vineyards with views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Or, book a special guided tour of local lemon gardens to taste lemon liqueurs.
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Book your stay at Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel via Agoda.com
May: Ischia
One of the best places to visit in Italy, Ischia is the largest island in the archipelago of the Campania region. If you’re intrigued by volcanoes, this is the best time of year to enjoy trekking in mild temperatures and see volcanic activity.
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June: Dolomites
In June, you’re guaranteed sunny days and warm evenings, with very little humidity. Enjoy outdoor adventures like hiking and bike tours in the UNESCO-designated landscape, punctuated by a traditional lunch at a mountain rifugio.
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Book your stay at Lake Spa Hotel SEELEITEN via Agoda.com
July
July is a high season almost everywhere in Italy, so if you’re visiting during this month, contact your travel advisor far in advance.
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August: Milan
Most Milanese locals are on holiday the entire month of August, so you can experience a truly private visit to places like Duomo di Milano cathedral after hours. The sunset views over the city are magical.
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Book your stay at Park Hyatt Milan via Agoda.com
September: Sardinia
Following the busy summer months, September is the best time to cruise around the La Maddalena archipelago, located in the Tyrrhenian Sea. The ideal way to experience the dramatic scenery of this island-dotted paradise: a private luxury yacht.
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Book your stay at Faro Capo Spartivento via Agoda.com
October: Tuscany
Be a Tuscan cowboy for the day at La Forra Riding Club, an equestrian haven located on a hilltop, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves.
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November: Puglia
Southern Italy has a reputation for its friendly locals, and Puglia is no exception. When walking around the small towns, especially during the fall and winter months, it’s easy to interact with the locals and feel like you’re a part of the community. From a cultural point of view, Lecce should not be missed — it’s often called the “capital of the Baroque.”
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Book your stay at Borgo Egnazia via Agoda.com
December: Sicily and Naples
Don’t miss the chance to visit southern Italy’s Christmas markets. Each of them has its own specialty, offering handcrafted wooden gifts, ornaments, festive food, traditional clothing, local products like torrone, hot wine, and more.
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Book your stay at Des Etrangers Hotel & Spa via Agoda.com
Book your stay at Grand Hotel Parker's via Booking.com
Book your stay at Grand Hotel Parker's via Agoda.com
(Hero and feature image credit: IC Bellagio)
This story first appeared on travelandleisure.com
Related: 29 Most Beautiful Places In Italy
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