The May Day long weekend is one of the best times to travel: the days are longer, the temperatures are pleasant, and you can get a taste of summer without too much traffic and crowds.
This year, with the holiday falling on a Friday, you can make the most of a long weekend. But even if you only have one day away, here's where to go for the May Day long weekend in Italy.
Where to go for 3 days in Italy for May Day?
In three days—Thursday evening, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday—you can organise a mini trip that, in some destinations, can offer the opportunity to see the main points of interest in a calm and relaxing way.
Lake Como
Lake Como in early May is an excellent choice for those seeking romantic landscapes, blooming gardens, and mild temperatures. But how best to organise your itinerary?
- The first day can be dedicated to Como: you can take the funicular to Brunate for a spectacular view of the lake and then stroll through the historic centre between the Duomo and the lakeside.
- On the second day, you visit one of the lake's top towns, Bellagio, considered the "pearl of the lake": to get there, it is worth using the scheduled boats.
- On the third day, you can choose one of the famous villas overlooking the lake, such as Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo, famous for its spectacular botanical park in spring.
Langhe
The Langhe in Piedmont allow you to cross the bridge between green hills, rows of vines and quiet villages, with plenty of good food and wine.
For a 3-day itinerary, the starting point is definitely Alba, the most important centre in the area: it's worth exploring its streets, the cathedral, the shops selling typical products and then stopping in an osteria to try tajarin and braised beef in Barolo.
On the second day, we'll head to Barolo and La Morra, where we'll organise a winery tour with a tasting of the finest Piedmontese wines. Afterwards, we'll head to the Belvedere in La Morra, which offers one of the most famous views of the Langhe hills.
The third day can be spent visiting villages like Neive and Monforte d'Alba, both listed among the most beautiful in Italy.
Naples and islands
For May Day, you can visit a city brimming with energy, culture, and good food, and even take a trip to the sea. Naples and its nearby islands are a great idea.
The first day should be dedicated to the historic centre, with Spaccanapoli , the Duomo, San Gregorio Armeno, and the Veiled Christ. Also, go for a stroll from Piazza del Plebiscito to the seafront promenade of Via Caracciolo all the way to Castel dell'Ovo.
The second day could be spent exploring Capri or Procida: the former is more chic and scenic; the latter is more intimate and colourful, ideal for strolling through narrow streets and scenic overlooks without the crowds.
On the third day, you can still explore the city, choosing between the Naples Underground, the Posillipo district with its views, or a visit to Pompeii or Herculaneum, easily reached by the Circumvesuviana train.
May Day with Kids: The Best Places
Travelling as a family with children means finding destinations that combine fun, outdoor spaces, simple activities, and some comforts for parents.
Ravenna and Mirabilandia
Mirabilandia offers activities for the little ones, with gentle and themed rides, as well as more adrenaline-pumping attractions for teens and adults.
Ravenna, on the other hand, allows you to combine a cultural visit. You can stroll through the pedestrianised historic centre and visit some of the famous mosaics (such as the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia and the Basilica of San Vitale). Weather permitting, you can head to the beaches of Marina di Ravenna or Punta Marina.
Genoa and the Aquarium
Genoa is an ideal destination for families, combining a large aquarium, interactive museums, and a historic centre rich in history that can also be visited with children.
A visit to the Genoa Aquarium takes up a good half day: between scenic tanks, dolphins, sharks, penguins and educational areas, the little ones will learn a lot.
The rest of your time can be spent at the Old Port, where you'll also find the City of Children and Young People, the Biosphere, and the Ferris wheel. In the historic centre, it's worth strolling through the narrow streets, seeing Piazza De Ferrari, and perhaps taking a short ride on the funicular or panoramic elevator to show the kids the city from above.
Lake Molveno
Trentino, and Lake Molveno in particular, is a perfect destination for those seeking nature, clean air, and outdoor activities with children. Molveno offers a long, grassy beach with facilities, suitable even for small children, with playgrounds, sports fields, and large spaces for running and playing. Around the lake is a flat walkway suitable for strollers.
Day trips for the long May weekend: top destinations
You don't always have a whole weekend to spare for a long weekend. In these cases, you can also opt for a day trip with an overnight stay, choosing an easily accessible destination that's pleasant to explore even in just a few hours.
Castelli Romani
A great day trip from Rome, the Castelli Romani are ideal for a short trip. The itinerary can begin in Castel Gandolfo, overlooking Lake Albano, also famous for the papal residence.
Afterwards, you can continue towards Ariccia, where you can cross the famous bridge and stop at one of the fraschette to sample traditional dishes such as porchetta, Castelli wine, and other local specialities.
Assisi
Precisely because of its size, Assisi is the ideal destination for a day trip with an overnight stay. During the day, you can visit the Basilica of Saint Francis with its famous frescoes, the Basilica of Saint Clare, and the Cathedral of Saint Rufino. Then, go for a stroll along the medieval streets leading to the Rocca Maggiore, which offers a splendid view of the Umbrian valley.
The following day, you can dedicate some time to a short tour of the surrounding area, for example, visiting the Eremo delle Carceri, or reaching Spello for a stroll through flower-lined alleys and photographic views.
Verona
Verona is a perfect city for a day trip with an overnight stay: the historic centre is easily explored on foot and is full of romantic views, elegant squares, and panoramic viewpoints.
Any visit to discover what to see in Verona obviously begins in Piazza Bra with the Arena, and continues along Via Mazzini to Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza dei Signori.
Next, head up to Juliet's house with its famous balcony, and then head to the Adige River for a stroll along the banks. A must-see is the view from the terrace of Castel San Pietro, reachable on foot or by funicular.
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