Italy in summer has its own rhythm. Cities empty out, beaches fill up, dinners stretch late into the evening and daily life shifts around the heat. Many of the common mistakes tourists make in Italy during peak season aren’t about rudeness.

Planning a trip to Tropea in 2026? This clifftop town on Calabria’s Costa degli Dei blends a characterful old town with some of the clearest water in southern Italy.

Caorle immediately stands out for its historic center of pastel-colored houses overlooking the sea, a unique cylindrical bell tower in Italy, and a waterfront transformed into an open-air art gallery. For summer, this Veneto town also boasts two golden beaches, while its seafood cuisine is also worth considering.

Northern Italy in summer is all glistening lakes, pastel fishing villages, Alpine backdrops and long aperitivo evenings by the water.

Sea, mountains, nature or art cities: Italy remains one of the most varied and rewarding places in Europe for a family holiday.

Valle d’Aosta is one of the most sought-after destinations for anyone dreaming of a luxury home in the mountains, surrounded by Alpine scenery, complete privacy and high-end services. Chalets overlooking Mont Blanc, penthouses in the historic centre of Aosta, elegant residences in Courmayeur: the region’s property market combines prestige, build quality and long-term value. Before investing locally, it is worth understanding which are the most exclusive municipalities in Valle d’Aosta and browsing the latest listings for homes for sale or rent on idealista.

Planning a short break in Milan in 2026? Italy’s financial and fashion capital is far more layered than its glossy image suggests.

The world-famous Palio di Siena 2026 will take place on Thursday, 2 July 2026 (Palio della Madonna di Provenzano) and Sunday, 16 August 2026 (Palio dell’Assunta). As always, both races are held in the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo in the heart of Siena, Tuscany.

Step into this tiny village that feels as though it has slipped out of a fairy tale.

If you’re after a slice of Italy that feels genuinely removed from the usual Rome–Florence–Venice circuit, an island in Sardinia has a certain quiet drama about it. This limestone and granite island rises sharply out of the sea, with a unique flat summit.