Italy Travel Essentials

A woman walks the empty beach of Cefalu in the winter.

Sicily in Every Season: Best Time to Visit Sicily

Sicily's iconic beaches, historic palaces and cathedrals are best visited from May to June or September to October, when temperatures hover around 70ºF (21ºC). While the weather is ideal during these periods, be prepared for larger crowds and higher prices. Prices for accommodation drop and the tourist crowds thin out at other times of the year, making off-season travel a good option. Travel in November and December is highly recommended for these reasons.

A quiet moment by the beach in Cefalù, Sicily

Best Time of Year to Visit Italy

When should you go to Italy? Summer is very warm, especially in the south, along with plenty of tourists in pursuit of 'la dolce vita'. Hit the coast in late spring, early summer, or September when weather is warm and crowds are manageable. Autumn brings moderate temps throughout the country and beautiful foliage in Tuscany—this is also a quiet time of year in Rome and Florence, making it ideal for sightseeing.

Best Time of Year to Visit Tuscany: Seasons, Travel Tips, and More

Tuscany is a fantastic destination throughout the calendar year. But there are advantages to visiting in spring and fall: you'll encounter fewer crowds, avoid high peak-season pricing on hotel rooms, and enjoy comfortable, sunny weather that's ideal for hiking, sightseeing, and the beach. Read on for more details on the best times to visit Tuscany—and the top events you won't want to miss during all four seasons.

7 Top Highlights of Italy: Classic Italian Sites & Tips for Beating the Crowds

From the cinematic coastline of Amalfi to the canals of Venice, Rome’s lavishly frescoed Sistine Chapel to Florence’s treasure-trove Uffizi Gallery, Italy's classic stops are worth visiting again and again. Read on for the inside scoop on seven Italian must-sees.

Guide to Italy's Regions: Where to Go for Beaches, Wine, History, and More

Italy is comprised of 20 different regions, each with its own identity and heritage yet all combined to form the Bel Paese (Beautiful Country) we know and love. While navigating these geographical divisions can be logistically challenging, travelers owe it to themselves see as much of the country as time and budget will allow.

Tuscany Off the Beaten Path: 7 Ways to Go Beyond Florence

It’s easy to fall into the Florence trap in Tuscany. While no one is denying the appeal of that most cultured of cities, Tuscany goes way beyond the obvious appeal of Pisa’s leaning tower, Siena’s Palio and popular hill towns like San Gimignano. Read on to find out how you can sidestep the crowds and find Tuscany's off-the-radar highlights.

A cobbled street in Rome's Jewish Ghetto

Getting Off the Beaten Path in Rome

There’s more to Rome than standing in line at the Colosseum and jostling up to the Spanish Steps. With a little insider knowledge (and a pair of decent walking shoes), you can see a totally different side of the Italian capital. See an Egyptian-inspired pyramid, take in the views from hidden hilltop gardens, and stroll through blissfully uncrowded neighborhoods brimming with markets and cafés.

Getting Off the Beaten Path in Venice

Venice is one of the most popular destinations on Earth, with a well-developed hospitality industry that goes back to the early 1800s. It can seem like the city is little more than a giant museum where visitors far outnumber the locals, but it’s surprisingly easy to lose the crowds. Indeed, getting off the beaten path is the best way to appreciate the enduring charm of “La Serenissima”—find out how below.

Getting Off the Beaten Path in Florence

As the epicenter of the Renaissance, Florence remains one of Italy’s—and Europe’s—most popular destinations, crammed full of mind-blowing art. But as Mark Twain wrote in Innocents Abroad, “I used to worship the mighty genius of Michelangelo…But I do not want Michelangelo for breakfast, for luncheon, for dinner, for tea, for supper, for between meals. I like a change, occasionally.”

Spoleto at sunset, with the medieval bridge of Ponte delle Torri and Rocca Albornoziana hilltop fortress

6 Places Most Travelers Miss in Italy (But Shouldn't)

So you’ve ticked off the Colosseum in Rome, boated the canals in Venice, and have come back for more. Bravo, as the Italians would say—there is a lot more to this country than the trophy sights, and enough little-known treasures to fill a lifetime of repeat visits. Get to know the Aeolian Islands, Saturnia, the hill towns of Umbria, and more.

Discover history, culture, and nature in Italy

How kimkim Trips Work in Italy

Italy is one of the most sought after destinations in the world for its history, romance, and (of course) incredible cuisine. Hit the classic stops or head off the beaten path—no matter which route you want to take, kimkim can create a perfectly unique experience.