16 places you must add to your Italian holiday bucket list
Italy rarely fails to impress visitors who tend to fall in love with its awe-inspiring landscapes, rich culture and incredible food and wine, not to mention the laidback Mediterranean lifestyle (think driving through rolling countryside in a Fiat 500 or sipping prosecco from the shores of Lake Como).
Whatever the time of year or your holiday style, there’s an Italian destination for you. Browse our pick of the best Italy holidays for 2025 and you'll find places that are perfect for checking into an Airbnb, spots that are ideal for booking a holiday package on the beach, and other destinations that are best explored on a guided tour or luxury cruise, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in La Dolce Vita.
Our selection of top Italy holiday destinations includes classic favourites you'll want to visit time and time again, as well as ideas that will take you off the beaten path and far from the tourist crowds. Here are the best places in Italy for a 2025 holiday.
Italian Lakes
Soak up the sublime scenery of Northern Italy by visiting the great lakes, where you can explore iconic and glamorous Lake Como, discover little-known Lake Orta or cruise around Lake Maggiore’s enchanting Borromean Islands, while taking in some of Italy's most spectacular gardens and villas.
You can see the best of the region with Italian lakes specialist Inghams. Alternatively, try a Lake Como tour that takes in one of the best holiday destinations in Italy with a day in Switzerland and a ride on the amazing Bernina Express.
Venice
With its winding alleyways, picturesque canals and countless historic corners (some of which still remain unexplored by visitors), you’ll never get bored of wandering the streets of Venice.
You won't want to miss getting to know the colourful nearby islands of Burano and Murano either, famed for their glass making and lace making. You can experience all the beauty of Venice on an eight-day cruise where you'll be joined by top chef James Martin.
CRUISE VENICE WITH JAMES MARTIN
Another fabulous food-themed cruise of Venice is available with the company of MasterChef judge Monica Galetti. Monica will host a talk and Q&A and join your visit to Chioggia, where you'll explore its lively food market.
Enjoy a visit to another of Veneto's best-loved markets on a cruise with Michelin-starred chef Angela Hartnett. The Rialto market in Venice's San Polo district is particularly loved for its fresh fish and you'll visit with Angela, who'll also host an onboard cooking demo.
Amalfi Coast
Made for lovers looking to experience one of Italy’s most memorable holiday destinations, the Amalfi Coast offers the very best of the Med, from its Hollywood-worthy towns to the chic beaches. Sorrento makes for an ideal base from which to visit the likes of Positano, Amalfi, Ravello and Praiano.
Good Housekeeping's eight-day Amalfi holiday includes a full-day includes a full-day tour along this glorious stretch of coastline. Your tour will take you to Positano, with its Moorish-style pink and white houses, and colourful Maiori, a lively town with the largest beach on the Amalfi Coast.
Bologna
The capital of Emilia-Romagna has a well-earned reputation as Italy's foodie capital - it is the home of tortellini and ragu (bolognese sauce), after all. An underrated Italian city, Bologna has its very own leaning tower, 25 miles of arcaded streets and cafes frequented by well-heeled locals and the many students who reside here.
If you're looking for an Italian city destination without the crowds, Bologna is a great choice. See the highlights of the city on a mouthwatering gourmet tour.
VISIT BOLOGNA ON A FOODIE ADVENTURE
Lake Garda
Italy's largest lake is a real haven of tranquility, nestled halfway between the bustling cities of Venice and Milan. With fjord-like landscapes and sun-kissed pebbly shores, Lake Garda is one of the best spots in Italy to unwind and take in some crisp mountain air.
Good Housekeeping is offering a wonderfully relaxing seven-night Lake Garda holiday. You'll stay in a lakeside hotel and make day trips to Verona and Venice. You can also look forward to a full day circular tour of the lake to see the region's glorious landscapes.
The Dolomites
The Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most beautiful mountain ranges, are best explored on an active break, where you can discover the jagged pinnacles of the imposing rocks rising above picturesque valleys by hiking, cycling or climbing.
Head there in the summer to see the stunning scenery in all its glory, with holidays in the Dolomites available from Inghams. Alternatively, explore the Dolomites on Good Housekeeping's fantastic railway holiday.
RIDE THE TRAINS OF THE DOLOMITES WITH GH
Italian Riviera
Home to some of the chicest places in the country, the Italian Riviera attracts the jet-set to its photogenic towns and quaint fishing villages. Colourful Cinque Terre is popular for day trips, while elegant Santa Margherita and Rapallo offer a wonderful, laidback atmosphere.
For an exclusive getaway, look no further than Portofino, where you might even spot an A-lister. You'll find affordable trips to one of the best holiday destinations in Italy from Inghams.
BROWSE HOLIDAYS
Matera
This UNESCO World Heritage city is an absolute must-see. Located in the region of Basilicata in southern Italy, historic Matera is carved into the rock face and is home to sassi, prehistoric cave dwellings set beneath the mountainside.
You can experience the city like a local by checking into an Airbnb. While here, taste specialities like orecchiette pasta and the tasty local bread. For an incredible holiday that combines Matera with Puglia's lovely towns and villages, join our unique tour, where you can taste your way around the region.
VISIT MATERA WITH GH
Tuscany
One of the most picturesque regions of Italy, Tuscany captivates and delights visitors with its unforgettable cities, remarkable countryside and excellent vineyards. From irresistible Chianti to fascinating Florence, there’s so much to see and do on a trip to Tuscany.
Discover its rolling hills and medieval cities on a trip with Good Housekeeping. You'll enjoy an ultra-luxurious rail adventure on board La Dolce Vita Orient Express, enjoying dishes by a three-Michelin-starred chef and tasting exquisite Tuscan wines as you go.
Capri
For a seriously stunning island that's as glamorous as they come, look no further than Capri. Here, you'll find elegant villas adorned with bougainvillaea, dramatic cliffs and the bluest of waters. It's no surprise that Capri attracts celebs and wealthy travellers to its shores and whatever your budget, this picturesque isle is worth a browse.
Booking.com has a huge selection of hotels and places to stay in Capri, including the lovely Villa Calypso.
CAPRI HOTELS
Sicily
Packed with architectural treasures, bustling markets and mouthwatering cuisine, with specialities ranging from panelle and arancini to cannoli, Sicily offers a diverse island escape. Don’t miss a visit to Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano, or checking out the Church of Santa Lucia from The Godfather, where Michael Corleone’s wedding was filmed.
You can visit Sicily on a special tour with Good Housekeeping designed for solo travellers. You'll see some of the island's most incredible sights and historic gems with the company of an expert tour manager.
SEE SICILY WITH GH
Rome
The capital of Italy hardly needs an introduction. Rome is a supremely stylish city, with something for everyone. If you're looking for buzzing nightlife, you might want to check out the Monti district, which has transformed into a bit of a hipster hotspot in recent years.
Rome is best known for its unrivalled collection of historic monuments. From The Pantheon to The Colosseum, you'll be hard-pressed to find another city in Europe with as much history along its streets.
There is a huge number of excellent hotels to choose from in Rome. We love the Anantara Palazzo Naiadi, overlooking the newly restored Fountain of the Naiads, and Mama Shelter, just a stone's throw from the Vatican.
ROME CITY BREAKS
Calabria
Prefer to see a side to Italy that most travellers overlook? The less-travelled southern region of Calabria is ideal for getting to know the real Italy, from its white-sand beaches and hilly landscapes to its medieval villages.
Head to Tropea for some of Italy’s best beaches and child-friendly sands, which make it a great spot for family holidays. Expedia offers packages to one of the best holiday destinations in Italy.
BROWSE HOLIDAYS
Florence
Tuscany's capital and a world centre of Renaissance art and architecture, Florence is the city of dreams. It's romantic, cultural, foodie and packed with sights you could spend a lifetime exploring. Don't miss checking out Ponte Vecchio, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and seeing another side to the city in Oltrarno.
As you'd expect from such an elegant and culture-packed city, there is a good range of excellent hotels to choose from in Florence, one of the smartest being the Four Seasons, set in a gorgeous Renaissance palazzo.
BROWSE FLORENCE HOTELS
Puglia
See a side of the country that the Italians have managed to keep untouched, where vineyards sprinkle the countryside and sandy coves characterise the coastline. Here, you can live out your dream of staying in an authentic Apulian trullo, visit wild beaches and wander the ancient streets of Otranto, Ostuni and Fasano.
You'll find sun-kissed holidays to Puglia from British Airways Holidays but for an unforgettable trip to Puglia, you'll want to check out our amazing six-day escape that includes iconic trulli, a bakery tour, olive oil tasting and more.
TASTE YOUR WAY AROUND PUGLIA
Modena
Another of Italy's foodie gems, Modena is the home of the famous Italian export balsamic vinegar, which is made from freshly harvested white grapes grown in the wider region's vineyards and aged in wooden barrels. The city also has plenty of historical architecture to boast about and also attracts fans of luxury sports cars as the hometown of the Ferrari brand.
Join Good Housekeeping on a trip to Modena and you'll visit a local Balsamic vineyard and enjoy a cooking lesson with a local chef.
VISIT MODENA WITH GH
More Italian holiday ideas:
- Amazing ways to experience Italy this year
- Where to go for a weekend in Italy
- Where to take the family in Italy
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