Where to go in Italy in 2024
Forget Rome and Florence: these are the best places to visit in Italy this year
Filled as it is with millennia-long history, impressive monuments, iconic artworks, beautiful beaches and so much fabulous food, it's little surprise that Italy is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world. Everyone wants a piece of La Dolce Vita, and understandably so – but we're here to tell you that there is so much more to the country than the most tourist-trodden cities of Rome, Florence, Venice and Milan.
They are very well worth visiting, too, of course, but there is much to be said for avoiding the crowds and spending your well-earned break somewhere exploring a place that's a little less well-known...
So, if you're wondering where to go in Italy, we're here to help. From nature-filled islands for a low-key summer escape to under-the-radar foodie hotspots, we've rounded up ten of the best places to visit in Italy for 2024.
Looking for somewhere that boasts world-class winter sports, spoiling spas and more Michelin stars than anywhere else in the country? Book yourself a trip to South Tyrol. Or, if you're over Tuscany but still want those beautiful idyllic green vistas, why not spend your next holiday in the neighbouring region of Umbria? We've also got the inside info on the coolest cities of the moment, that are packed with great restaurants, museums and cultural events aplenty – minus the massive queues.
These are our top recommendations for where to go in Italy, and the best hotels to stay in while you're there, too:
Italian Alps
The Italian Alps lie in the northwest of the country, stretching from the border with France over into the region of Valle d’Aosta, before continuing west and becoming the most famous mountainous sub-range: the Dolomites. Both ranges provide a host of beautiful destinations for what Italians refer to as La Settimana Bianca – The White Week – taken during the winter months to enjoy some of Europe’s best skiing.
But the Valle d’Aosta area can often be less crowded than its better-known neighbour, especially in the warmer season, when it becomes a playground of outdoorsy pursuits. Hiking trails offer extraordinary views for everyone from leisurely strollers to more adventurous hikers and bikers. Equally appealing is the promise of authentic hospitality – food, drinks and the spirit of la dolce vita – in the most scenic mountainous settings.
Where to stay: For a fully formed taste of the Italian mountain lifestyle, head for Club Med’s Pragelato Vialattea, which adds authentic Alpine charm to an all-inclusive experience. It’s located in a peaceful valley in the Piedmont region and resembles a picturesque hamlet of ski chalets set around a fountain. The Olympic slopes of the Via Lattea and Sestriere ski domains are easily accessible for skiers and snowboarders, while a soothing spa and Finnish sauna await for those intent on relaxation.
Naples
Cast aside any preconceptions of Naples being "dangerous", because the former bad boy of Italy has had a serious glow-up of late, and it's fast becoming the hottest holiday destination of 2024. A maze of charming cobbled streets, beautiful buildings, colourful markets and historical sites beneath the ever-looming Vesuvius, Naples has a distinctive rough-around-the-edges charm and uniquely vibrant energy that those seeking an authentic experience simply can't get enough of.
And then, of course, there's the food. With its pizza, pasta, patisserie, fresh mozzarella and so much more there besides, Naples is a veritable heaven for gourmands – and the fact it's all so affordable certainly helps too.
Where to stay: The elegant Grand Hotel Parker's in the exclusive (and delightfully quiet) Chiaia district, with its smart rooms, epic views, old-school hospitality, James Bond-inspired bar and Naples' first – and only – two-Michelin-starred restaurant.
South Tyrol
Italy's northernmost province bordering both Switzerland and Austria, South Tyrol is a real hidden gem. Nestled between soaring mountains and lush valleys, it's dotted with charming chalets and tree houses, boasts an incredible 300 days of sunshine a year, and has more Michelin stars than any other part of the country.
Skiing and snow-sports here are among the best in Europe – Val Gardena draws the world's finest athletes and hosts the annual ski world cup – while in the spring, it's a haven for hiking, wine and spa lovers.
Where to stay: Live the literal high life at Forestis, an ex-sanatorium turned super-modern five-star hotel that's perched 1,800 metres above sea level and looks directly onto the iconic rugged peaks of the Dolomites.
Bologna
The jewel in the Emilia-Romagna region's crown, Bologna is a must-visit destination for foodies. It is where the legendary meat-and-tomato tagliatelle al ragù (AKA spag bol) dish was born, after all... The produce here is some of the best in the world, from mortadella and prosciutto di Parma to Parmigiano Reggiano and balsamic vinegar, all of which are made nearby.
The city also boasts a rich historical and artistic heritage: it's home to the oldest continuously-operating university in the world, as well as numerous medieval towers, art-filled churches, important museums, monumental piazzas, pretty porticoes and year-round cultural events.
Where to stay: This might be a university city, but that doesn't mean you have to live like a student... Check into the centrally located Grand Hotel Majestic gia' Baglioni instead, that's about as luxurious as it gets.
Palermo, Sicily
Sicily is one of Italy's most fascinating regions, with its rich multicultural history, varied landscapes, ancient sites and unique cuisine. You could spend a full month exploring the island, and still not even scratch the surface – but a very good place to start is the capital city of Palermo. It's vibrant, buzzy and slightly chaotic, a little like Naples but decidedly more refined, and home to some of the most spectacular monuments in the country.
Namely, the 12th-century Cathedral, 9th-century Royal Palace, statue-filled Piazza Pretoria and the breath-taking Byzantine mosaics in the Palatine Chapel. There are also tonnes of great street food markets and up-market restaurants where you can try local delicacies such as cannoli, granita, arancine and pani câ mèusa.
Where to stay: Rocco Forte's lavish Villa Igeia, a restored 19th-century palazzo overlooking the Gulf of Palermo and a short (free) shuttle-ride away from the bustling Old Town.
Umbria
Sidestep tourist-heavy Tuscany for its lesser-known neighbouring region, Umbria. Dubbed 'the green heart of Italy', it's as nature-filled and glorious as the name suggests, all rolling hills, lush valleys, woodlands and sprawling parks. Its main city is Perugia, home to one of the oldest universities in the world, as well as charming medieval architecture, Etruscan ruins, the Perugina chocolate factory and a brilliant annual Jazz Festival.
Use this as your base to explore the region in all its glory: the UNESCO World Heritage site of Assisi, beautiful towns of Orvieto, Spoleto and Todi, and the picturesque Lake Trasimeno, are all an easy drive or train-ride away. The food in Umbria here is excellent too: noteworthy local produce includes fabulous wines, truffle, lentils, and charcuterie, while traditional pasta alla Norcina and torta al testo are a must.
Where to stay: The centre of Perugia, along the iconic Corso Vannucci, is where it's at all year round – and that's exactly where the boutique hotel Locanda Della Posta is located. It's one of the oldest in town, has hosted the likes of Goethe and Hans Christian Andersen, and even has private jacuzzis in some of the rooms for the ultimate post-exploration recovery.
Ischia
Forget Capri and the Amalfi Coast – those seeking the true dolce vita lifestyle are now spending their summers on Ischia, the largest island in the Gulf of Naples. It's been a favourite of locals for decades, as Elena Ferrante enthusiasts will know all too well, but a slew of smart new hospitality openings have brought with them a slew of stylish jet-setters who can't get enough of its authentic feel.
It's a volcanic island, famous for its thermal springs that have been healing visitors since antiquity, and many decamp directly to the largest ones – Sorgeto, Giardini Poseidon and Negombo – for their fill of wellness each year. Those seeking a little more movida head for Forio on the western side of the island, while the super glamorous amass around the exclusive Sant'Angelo district. The botanical gardens of Giardini La Mortella, conceived by Susana Walton back in the 50s, are also well worth a visit.
Where to stay: The island's premier luxury residence, Mezzatorre Hotel & Thermal Spa – from the same brains behind the iconic Il Pellicano and La Posta Vecchia hotels. It occupies a particularly scenic cove of its own, that's dotted with signature white-and-blue striped parasols and the fashion in-crowd all season long.
Matera
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the third-oldest city in the world and the setting of *that* iconic No Time To Die opening scene, Matera is an unmissable stop on a southern Italian tour – but also well worth a trip in itself. Beyond its ancient beginnings, Matera's history is absolutely fascinating: as recently as the 1950s, it was a crumbling ruin considered "the shame of Italy" and completely abandoned, before a new generation of creatives moved in and breathed new life in to the place.
It's hard to imagine that this unique hilltop town, a spectacular warren of limestone caves and rock churches perched on the edge of a ravine, was ever thought of as anything but a marvel. There's truly nothing else like it in the world, and the recent regeneration has made it something of a cultural hub too, with a world-famous contemporary sculpture gallery, thriving art scene and excellent restaurants and hotels to boot.
Where to stay: In the caves, of course! But make it luxury... Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita does just that, transforming 18 once-abandoned stone caves into scenic suites complete with flickering candles, minimalist furnishings, antique beds (topped with modern mattresses, thankfully) and standalone baths.
Pantelleria
If you've already visited the Aeolian Islands and are looking for your next Sicilian getaway somewhere a little more off the beaten track, then Pantelleria should be top of your list. Located 100km south-west of Sicily and just 65km from Tunisia, it was once only reachable by overnight ferry – but now new, regular domestic flights from Italy's major cities are finally putting this idyllic isle back on the map.
This also means that Pantelleria is still relatively rustic and untouched by tourism, a real rarity in Italy nowadays –particularly given its spectacular, rugged landscape. It's a dream destination for those seeking seclusion in nature: there's barely any phone reception, and 80% of the volcanic island is a national park with archaeological marvels at every turn, thermal waters and excellent trekking trails. Oh, and Giorgio Armani has his holiday home here too... Enough said.
Where to stay: Sikelia, the island's luxury hotel par excellence that's made up of twenty suites housed within traditional lava-rock dammusi dwellings. The aesthetic is as unique as they come, a mix of "strict monastic interior architecture and refined contemporary elegance" alongside an Insta-worthy infinity pool and killer sea views.
Lecce, Puglia
Puglia, aka 'the heel of Italy', has become one of the biggest summer holiday hotspots in recent years. But while most tourists will head straight for Polignano a Mare and Ostuni, we recommend heading a little further down the Salento peninsula to reach the beautiful city of Lecce.
It's a Baroque masterpiece, filled with light limestone buildings, impressive churches, intricate facades and an endless tangle of pretty streets to get lost in – not to mention some fabulous olive oil, wines and ceramics to take home. Lecce is also a great base for exploring some of the best beaches in the region, including nearby Pescoluse with crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches comparable to those of the Maldives.
Where to stay: Slap-bang in the centre of Lecce's old town, the design-led Palazzo Luce is a favourite of those in-the-know for its quirky art, colourful interiors, buzzy rooftop and peaceful gardens.
Lake Garda
Italy's second most-famous lake is just as beautiful as the first – if not even more so. It's also the country's largest, conveniently located between Venice and Milan in case you're interested in a wider tour of the northern regions.
But you'll want to spend a good amount of time on Lake Garda itself, because there is just so much to see and do – from hiking, swimming and water sports to visiting the countless castles, ancient ruins, natural wonders and picturesque villages dotted along its shores.
Where to stay: It would be silly not to take advantage of being so close to the legendary Lefay, an eco-sustainable resort that's widely regarded as one of the finest spa hotels in the world (and has the spectacular lake views to match).
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