Italy - The Most Beautiful Destinations and Best Tips

We have gathered the most beautiful travel destinations, tips, and activities in Italy for you. Plus, everything you need to be well-prepared for your next trip to Italy. So let's get started!

Whether you're taking a flight, driving, or taking the train: Before you go, be sure to check with the Foreign Office to find out what entry restrictions and hygiene rules apply for Italy.

If you're driving south, you'll need the vignette for Austria. It's best to purchase this lovingly named sticker online before you leave (note: prices can vary significantly online, and for some providers, you need to order the vignette a while in advance). If you forget, no worries: Along the highways leading to Austria, you can get the vignette at every gas station.

In Italy, tolls apply for almost all highways, and sometimes you have to pay fees for tunnels. You can pay the respective fee at the terminals either in cash or by debit card. For everything in Italy, it's advisable to have some small change in your pocket for a gelato.

Numerous larger and smaller cities in Italy are served by Lufthansa and Air Dolomiti from Munich. The flight from Munich to Rome takes about one and a half hours. If you're heading north, for example to Milan, the flight takes just a little over an hour. You can conveniently find an overview of all connections and airlines on the airport's website.

If you prefer a slower pace, you can also take the train south. The best and cheapest way to do this is with special Europe Saver or Super Saver Tickets from the train service. If you want to travel spontaneously to Italy, these train tickets might not be suitable, as they need to be booked well in advance to get the best prices!

In summer, it can get very hot in Italy. Additionally, this is when most tourists are in the country. If you prefer it quieter and a bit cooler, it's best to plan your trip to Italy before or after the high season (around June to mid-September). Then temperatures are usually pleasant: In April, temperatures often reach about 18 degrees Celsius, and in October, you can still expect an average of 20 degrees.

It's really cool to visit the sea in winter as you're almost alone there. However, most restaurants and bars are closed during winter. It's best to rent a vacation apartment!

Why do we love Italy so much? Because it truly has something for everyone: for culture lovers with a passion for history as well as for those who just want to relax on the beach. We start with tips for all of you for whom Italy is synonymous with summer, sun, beach, and sea.

7,500 kilometers of coastline - not bad, right?

How about the Tuscany? Sure, this region is known for its medieval towns, good wine, and incredibly beautiful landscapes. Few people know that it boasts some of the best beaches in Italy.

Our first tip: Castiglione della Pescaia. In the surroundings of the winding town, dominated by the medieval fortress Rocca Aragonese, wine and olives are primarily cultivated. And right there, a bit away from the city, there are countless vacation homes: It's best to look online. The choice is vast; however, it is always advisable to secure your accommodation as early as possible, even if you prefer camping. Supermarkets to stock up on supplies are right in the town, fresh fish can be bought at the harbor, and there are plenty of bars and restaurants in the old town. Our insider tip: the Pizzeria 'La Scaletta', located right under the fortress, from which you have a fantastic view of the town and the sea. The pizza is delicious, and the prices are really affordable.

Maratea, Basilicata, Tyrrhenian Sea? If that doesn't sound like a beach holiday in Italy, we don't know what does! So let's head to Maratea. This small picturesque village is located about 200 kilometers south of Naples, right on the Tyrrhenian Sea, specifically at the Gulf of Policastro. Maratea, which hugs the Monte San Biagio, boasts an amazing 32 kilometers of (steep) coastline with everything that comes with it: rugged, rocky cliffs, crystal-clear sea, hidden sandy beaches, and caves that you can partly only reach by boat. We have a few more tips for you: If you get bored of the beach, you must go hiking in the Cilento National Park. If you're lucky, you might even observe the flying skills of the local golden eagles. Second tip: unwind at Spiaggia Nera, the black lava beach. In summer, the sand can get very hot, so don't forget your water shoes! And you should also visit the more than 20-meter tall Christ statue that stands atop the mountain overlooking Maratea.

Italy is also a great destination for anyone who doesn't have much time on hand. If you want to experience a fantastic weekend, a city trip is a perfect option!

From Germany, you can reach Milan, the fashion capital in the far north of Italy, the fastest. Here, you can splurge while shopping - no wonder, as boutiques line the streets one after the other. Conveniently, while shopping, you can almost automatically pass by the city's landmarks, including the Scala, the world-famous opera house, or the impressive Milan Cathedral. If you still have some time, a visit to one or two museums might also be worthwhile.

Or you can head to Bologna, a city that still seems relatively undiscovered. This is hard to understand since Bologna is not only a culinary metropolis but also a true highlight otherwise. In terms of nightlife - there are countless clubs, bars, and restaurants - and in terms of culture, which is showcased not only by the beautiful historical arcades that stretch for miles through the city.

Have you ever been to Padua? Be sure to check it out because this first insider tip attracts significantly fewer tourists than Venice, which is basically just around the corner. The old town is fascinating: many arcades, many old, beautiful buildings, and plenty of landmarks. Tip: Explore the city, where many students live, by bike!

Our second insider tip: Ferrara, located approximately midway between Padua and Bologna in Emilia Romagna. This town, with about 130,000 inhabitants, is known as the city of the Renaissance, and you can see that almost everywhere: Just let yourself drift, discover numerous magnificent churches, and then relax in a bar.

All roads lead to Rome. And that's a good thing because you can never get enough of the Eternal City. If your weekend getaway isn't about good weather, then it's best to fly to Rome in winter. And there are at least two reasons for this. First, between November and February, it's quite empty there, and second, it's significantly cheaper, especially regarding your accommodations. However, you should expect some rain.

Italy is not just a country for beach lovers or culture enthusiasts. It has something for everyone - of course, also for the active vacationers among you. Whether you're exploring the stunning Dolomites in South Tyrol on foot or by bike, challenging the climbing walls in Sardinia, or kayaking in Sicily - the whole country is a paradise for sports-loving travelers.

For example, when it comes to the Dolomites: With almost 4,000 tours of varying difficulty and length available, there's surely a hike for everyone. Our tip: Check out the Seiser Alm region where there are around 450 kilometers of hiking trails, various via ferratas, approximately 600 kilometers of mountain biking paths, and also plenty of shorter hikes for those who prefer a more relaxed pace. If you're planning a more extensive tour from hut to hut, the best time to visit is in July or August when it's warm even at 2,000 meters or higher. However, since the weather can change quickly up here, be prepared for sudden rain or even snow.

Did you know that at Lake Garda, you can not only sail, surf, swim, or simply unwind? How about an amazing canyoning tour, where you climb up or descend waterfalls and get thoroughly soaked? The range of tours of varying difficulties is extensive, including options for families with children, for those afraid of heights, and, of course, for the brave. No matter which group you belong to, you'll be securely guided on the tours. This also applies to canyoning at Lake Maggiore, in the Dolomites, or in Savona in Liguria - it's best to check before your trip to Italy where this recreational fun is available!

The same goes for other outdoor activities like rafting. You can particularly enjoy it on the Noce River in Nonstal in Trentino, which National Geographic has rated as the best rafting river in Europe.

In case you're traveling with kids, we've compiled a list of the most popular amusement parks in Italy. Have fun: