If you are planning to make a short vacation in Italy or perhaps a weekend getaway, any season can be perfect to explore more and discover new places within the country.

Italy I a great country to explore solo, as a couple or as a family, where everyone will find something appealing, from outdoor activities to museums and great gastronomy. Especially easy to explore by train, but a delight to travel independently in your own vehicle, as you will be able to check out smaller villages and places a bit off the touristy path that will certainly bring a highlight in your trip.  You can Book your car here and save up to 15%!

I want to share with you, not the usual places, even tho it’s absolutely worth to visit Pisa, or spend a weekend in Florence. I’m sharing here some of the best recommendations from travelers so you can get great inspiration to plan your next Italian adventure!

 

Aosta Valley

Aosta Valley is one of the smallest regions in Italy. It is located in the north of the country. This tiny region of Italy is on the border with France and Switzerland. Filled with picturesque towns, stunning valleys, and incredible national parks, this region is the perfect destination for those nature lovers.

During your visit to this story-book region of Italy, make sure to stop by Courmayeur and go up the SkyWay Mont Blanc. I recommend heading up to the topmost part called Point Helbronner. The view of the alps from up there is stunning. You can also choose to hop on the Panoramic Cable Car that rides over the alps from Italy to France at a height of 3,466 meters. This surely is a bucket list experience for those adventure lovers. The other cool things to see in the region include the Grand Paradise National Park, Valley Veny, and Valley Ferret.

All three of these offer beautiful hiking and skiing paths for you to choose from. If you’re looking to relax on your holiday in Aosta Valley, make sure to schedule a spa day in QC Terme Pré Saint Didier Spa & Resort. Castle Savoia shouldn’t be missed out by those castle enthusiasts as it is one of the prettiest in the country.

Best time to visit Aosta Valley
The best time to visit Aosta Valley is during Summer if you plan to go Hiking, and Winter for Skiing and Snowboarding

You can check HERE the best offers for Hotels to stay in Aosta Valley 

Contributed by Merryl Fernandes from @merrylstravelandtricks 

 

 

Cagliari, Sardinia

Visiting Cagliari was a fantastic experience and it truly was one of the best European getaways I have had the luxury to visit in recent years. One of my favorite things about Cagliari is that it is the perfect size to get to know in a short amount of time but never feel bored if you’re there for too long. I stayed there for four days and the city felt chilled out and easy to explore. Everything was extremely manageable and efficient.

There are several unique sights on Sardinia worth exploring if you have additional time, too. From Cagliari, you have plenty of worthy day trips like to visit the ancient Nuraghe of Barumini. You also have many lakes and lagoons surrounding the city and many of them are home to gorgeous flamingos that, too, call Sardinia home. There are many unique things to do and see in and around Cagliari.

When you’re in Cagliari, don’t forget to try seafood fregola or to stop for a delicious multi-course menu at the very local restaurant, Lapola. The menu is more or less set there but all of the dishes were insanely delicious and left me craving more!

While in Cagliari, check out the Botanical Garden, the Marina Quarter, and Poetto Beach. All are worthy of spending time! Cagliari is a fairly easy flight from other cities in Europe and is an exceptional place to spend a few days exploring.

Best time to visit Cagliari
The best time to visit is during the shoulder seasons (spring/autumn)

Recommended place to stay in Cagliari
Hotel Flora was super nice, you can CHECK HERE their rates and availabitlity

Contributed by Megan Starr from Meganstarr.com 

 

 

Dolomites

The Dolomites region is a true gem and can be explored in just a few days. Located only two hours by car from Venice, the Dolomites offer the perfect weekend escape into the Italian mountains. With picture-perfect landscapes of rolling green hills, curvy mountain roads, crystal blue lakes, and sharp peaks, the Dolomites should definitely be on your bucket list! If you only have a few days, I would recommend staying in either Cortina d’Ampezzo or Ortisei. This will give you access to some of the best must-do activities in the Dolomites.

While every part of the area has plenty to offer, some of the highlights include Lago di Braies, Lago di Sorapis, and hiking on Seceda. There are plenty of hikes in the area, with hikes available for any fitness level.

Best time to visit The Dolomites
The Dolomites experience two peak seasons — the summer and the winter. If you are looking to explore the mountains on foot, then I recommend visiting between May and September. You’ll find the best hiking weather during July and August, but fewer crowds during the shoulder months. The destination is also popular for skiing in the winter, especially near Cortina d’Ampezzo and Ortisei.

You can check HERE the best offers for Hotels to stay in The Dolomites 

Contributed by Taylor Taverna from Tavernatravel 

 

Milan

Milan in the north of Italy might not be as popular as Florence, Rome, and Venice, but it is indeed one of the most charming and stylish Italian cities. Here is where you can easily avoid tourist traps and get to familiar with the Milanese lifestyle because there is a balanced ratio between the locals and tourists.

The city offers a range of things to do, whether you are into art and fashion or a culture lover, or even a foodie. You can begin your day by visiting one of the prettiest Cathedral in the world, Duomo di Milano, where Napoleon Bonapart was crowned King of Italy in May 1805. The decoration of 3,400 statues, 135 gargoyles, and 700 figures makes this marble church unique. You can also go to the roof where you will have an amazing view of the city and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. By strolling around the city you will be impressed by diverse and beautiful architecture and countless works of art.

Milan is recognized as one of the main fashion capitals in the world for a reason. This city is home to some of the famous brands like Versace, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, so when in Milan don’t forget to go shopping. No matter what is your budget is, you will find something unique and elegant in this modern Italian city. While in Milan, try traditional Milanese dishes such as Risotto alla Milanese (saffron risotto) and Cotoletta alla Milanese (breaded veal cutlet).

Best time to visit Milan
The best time to visit Milan is during Spring and Autumn

You can check HERE the best offers for Hotels to stay in Milan 

Contributed by Mansoureh from Travel with Mansoureh  

Sorrento

One of my favorite places for a short and relaxing break is the city of Sorrento. The beautiful city on a spectacular cliff is easy to access from Naples airport and an excellent base to explore the region. Also, if you’re in a lazy mood and you only want to unwind for a few days, you can do that in Sorrento. If you do want to visit the region, Sorrento is perfectly situated to access a lot of places worth seeing at least once in a lifetime. Start with the picturesque towns on the Amalfi Coast, take a ferry to Capri island, or visit the ruins of the Roman cities Herculaneum and Pompeii.

Sorrento also has good restaurants and a couple of shopping streets where you can buy lots of products related to the star of the region: the lemon.

I like staying in this little villa called Relais Correale Rooms and Garden. Besides being clean, comfortable, and situated close to everything, the place has a terrific garden where you can have breakfast on a warm day. Of course, most days are warm in this part of Italy. The garden is a citrus grove to be more specific and it is extremely relaxing to have your coffee under the lemon trees.

Best time to visit Sorrento
The best time to visit Sorrento is between September-October.

Recommended place to stay in Sorrento
Relais Correale Rooms & Garden

Contributed by Anda Bartos from Travel for a while  

 

Venice

One of the best places to visit in Italy is historic Venice, a series of small islands that float atop the Venetian lagoon. As one of the most romantic cities in Europe, there are endless reasons to visit Venice. Be it the city’s Gothic architecture, more than 400 bridges, or charming gondolas, it’s no surprise that Venice remains one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the world. After spending 14 days across Italy, I quickly fell in love with the country’s vibrant, delightful atmosphere.

Start off your stay with a stroll near Saint Mark’s Square. Visit the Basilica, Doge’s Palace, and take in the shimmering lagoon from the Rialto Bridge. Grab some fresh seafood at a local restaurant and get lost in the meandering streets. Above all else, have as many gelatos as you can! Whether you decide to have a leisure ride in one of the ancient gondolas or hop on an express ferry down to Burano, there is an endless number of options that will make your visit in Venice memorable. Sorry! I visited before I had a DSLR-all my photos are really blurry, but there are several from Pixabay that are free for commercial use!

Best time to visit Venice
The best time to visit Venice is in late fall (September-November) when there are little tourists. Although, February and March are also great alternatives as they offer a glimpse into Italy’s colorful Carnevale.

Recommended place to stay in Venice
Liassidi Palace Hotel, you can BOOK HERE and find the best rates and dates available

Contributed by Daisy from Beyond my Border  

 

Villasimius

Villassimius definitely is one of the best places in Italy for a short summer holiday. This small village located on the southern coast of Sardinia becomes a vacation hotspot in the months of June, July, and August, thanks to the myriad of pristine beaches, the possibility of engaging in other activities, and the overall tourist services.

Among the best beaches in Villasimius, make sure to spend a full day at Punta Molentis beach, which is at about 15 minutes’ drive from town. You will have to head there nice and early (I recommend no later than 7:30 am) to get a spot on the beach, as this is a protected area and only 500 visitors are allowed per day. You will need to pay a €10 parking fee for your car (it’s cheaper if you go by motorbike or bike) and €1 per person to get access to the beach – which is 100% worth it.

If you don’t want to worry about having to leave at the crack of dawn, you can opt for one of the many other beaches in the area. The most popular one is probably Porto Giunco, at whose back there is Natteri Lagoon, an oasis where pink flamingoes next and live. The beach is characterized by fine white sand and crystal clear turquoise waters. A trail that starts from its southern side will take you all the way to a Spanish watchtower from which you can enjoy breathtaking views. The beach is well serviced and accessible also to people with reduced mobility and wheelchair users.

Finally, the Protected Marine Area of Capo Carbonara is one of the best in Sardinia for diving excursions. One of the best ones is to Isola dei Cavoli, for it’s where you will see plenty of marine life as well as an underwater statue by Sardinian artist Pinuccio Sciola.

Best time to visit Villasimius
The best time to visit is during the Summer, from June to September.

Recommended place to stay in Villassimius
VOI Tanka Village is one of the best resorts in Sardinia. You can CHECK HERE their rates and availability

Contributed by Claudia Tavani from Strictly Sardinia

 

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