Best Italy holiday destinations: When to travel and where to stay

With a rich cultural heritage, fine cuisine and a Mediterranean climate, southern Europe’s global tourist hotspot, Italy, gives dull summer holidays the boot – literally.

Famed for its romantic allure, dynamic mountain regions in the north meet idyllic islands in the south, plus there are mainland cities brimming with echoes of the past. Charming Positano fuses days spent sunbathing with sightseeing, fashion capital Milan boasts a wealth of delights for every season, and the olive groves and vineyards of the Tuscan countryside offer visitors a chance to live in the hills as the Romans did.

Whether a food lover, artist or history buff, feast your eyes (and stomach) on iconic landmarks and ancient architecture while enjoying a slice of authentic pizza on glamorous seaside shores.

From when to travel and where to stay, here are The Independent’s top Italian holiday destinations for city breaks, beach stays and countryside getaways where you can exprience la dolce vita.

Read more on Italy travel:

Rome

Best for: History buffs

Rome is home to art masterpieces, ancient mythology and the Vatican City, the smallest country in the world. The passionate Italian capital is littered with ancient ruins, Roman villas, haunting temples and 13 heritage landmarks, including the Colosseum and the Pantheon. Within the walls of the historic centre, a Unesco World Heritage Site, indulging on streetside carbonaras, tiramisu and fried artichokes to refuel from long days of sightseeing comes highly advised, after all, when in Rome…

When to visit Rome

A good time to visit Rome is the spring shoulder season from March to May, as temperatures are warm but mild, and crowds are far more sparse than in the height of summer. Accommodation and flight prices tend to see better rates and average daily temperatures reach highs of 24C in May – perfect for sightseeing.

Where to stay

The exuberant Mama Shelter Roma in Prati offers quirky decor, three restaurants and a spa in the basement. A short walk from the Vatican, loud fabrics, lush greenery and comfortable bedrooms greet guests who can enjoy a Roman pizza and homemade gelato in the colourful lobby.