Italy

Italy rewards people who pick one region and stay. The country is long, the regions are distinct, and a week that tries to do Rome, Florence and the Amalfi Coast spends most of its time in transit. Choose a base, eat well, and come back for the rest.

Why go

Food that is worth the flight on its own, a coastline that varies from dramatic cliffs to long sandy beaches, and cities dense with history. Away from the headline spots, Puglia, Sicily and smaller towns are often better value than the Amalfi Coast or Venice.

Where to go

Naples and the Amalfi Coast — Naples is loud, historic and the home of pizza; the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento and Capri are the postcard. Staying in Naples or outside the most expensive Amalfi Coast towns can often reduce accommodation costs, while still allowing day trips by boat, train or bus.

Puglia — the heel of Italy. Whitewashed towns, olive groves, two coastlines, and it can offer very good value compared with Italy's best-known tourist hotspots. Fly to Bari or Brindisi; a hire car makes it.

Sicily — an island with its own identity: Greek temples, Baroque towns, Etna, and beaches on every side. Catania in the east and Palermo in the west are the two gateways.

Sardinia — famous for the water. The north-east coast is the expensive end; elsewhere the island is quieter and better value.

The Lakes — Garda and Como. Mountains meeting water, elegant lakeside towns, and easy access from Milan or Verona. Good for couples and for anyone who wants scenery without heat.

Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan — the classic city breaks, at their best in spring and autumn. Venice and Florence in particular are far more enjoyable outside July and August.

When to go

April to June and September to October are the months for almost everywhere. August is peak holiday season: coastal areas are busy and expensive, while some independent businesses in cities may close for summer holidays. Winter is good for the cities and for value, less so for the coast.

Getting there

From the UK, direct flights run from many airports to Rome, Milan, Venice, Pisa, Naples, Bari, Catania, Palermo and Olbia, with more choice in summer; UK regional airports are well served for the main cities and reasonably served for the south. Italy is also well connected by direct flights from across Europe.

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Getting around

Trains between the main cities are fast, frequent and easy to book, and for a city-based trip a car is more hindrance than help. For Puglia, Sicily, Sardinia and the countryside, a hire car is the sensible choice. Historic city centres commonly have restricted traffic zones that catch out visiting drivers, so park outside and walk in. Ferries serve the islands and the Amalfi Coast in season.

Who it suits

Food-led travellers, couples, families with children old enough to enjoy a town as well as a beach, and anyone combining a city with a few days on the coast. Less suited to those who want a single resort with everything on site — Italy has relatively few large all-inclusive resorts.

Planning notes

• Many Italian municipalities levy a local accommodation or tourist tax, usually collected by the hotel. The amount varies by destination and accommodation type.
• UK visitors should check the GOV.UK travel advice for Italy before booking; visitors from other countries should check their own government's guidance on entry requirements.
• Weighing a package against booking separately? Our package or DIY guide covers the trade-off.

Booking it

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