Holiday destinations

September is an ideal month to visit Italy and explore new places and landscapes. With mild weather, fewer tourists and a wide variety of events and festivals taking place across the country, travelling in September is certainly a good idea. If you prefer the coast, the mountains, a city, an island or a budget-friendly destination, there is bound to be a place that suits your holiday. Here, then, is where to go on holiday in Italy in September.

There is no need to travel as far as England to see a genuine English-style garden in Italy. Liguria has one overlooking the sea, with blooms that have few rivals in the country. On the hillside above Alassio, the Gardens of Villa della Pergola combine Mediterranean views with exceptional botanical collections, including iconic wisteria and a record-breaking collection of agapanthus.

With more than 7,500 km of coastline, Italy has seafront promenades that are far more than simple walks beside the sea. For a sunset stroll or an evening wander, here is a selection of the most scenic seafront promenades in Italy, spanning the country from north to south, along with the features that set each one apart. Some, including Bari and Caorle, still tend to sit outside the usual tourist radar.

A car-free mountain trip can be surprisingly simple: no traffic, no need to hunt for a seat, and a view that changes with every tunnel. In many Alpine resorts, the train is already the most direct way to reach the heart of the towns and enjoy the cool air, even in August. A real advantage for Gen Z and Millennials seeking flexible, sustainable, and highly free-spirited experiences. Here's where to set your sights for a truly effortless high-altitude getaway.

The last weekend of August is the perfect time for many to get away: the beaches are a bit emptier and prices are more reasonable. It's the perfect window to indulge in a two- or three-day getaway without the chaos of Ferragosto, but with all the light and warmth that only this period can offer.

Are crowds really necessary to feel as though you are on holiday?

Dreaming of escaping the stifling heat? While the sea and crowded coastlines are the choice for many, there are surprising alternatives for those truly seeking relief: destinations immersed in nature where you can breathe in fresh, pure air!

One of Salento’s most recognisable scenes has changed pace. Entry to Grotta della Poesia and the archaeological area of Roca Vecchia now requires a ticket.

A car-free village reached only by cable car, a queen’s castle overlooking glaciers, a village reshaped around esoteric symbols, and crotti where cold air blows out from deep inside the rock. The Italian Alps hold small worlds with strong identities, where the setting is not merely a backdrop: it finds its way into homes, food and daily habits.

Welcome to the south, a deeply evocative part of Italy steeped in history and tradition, where art and architecture tell the story of a rich and layered past.

Summer 2026 could be the perfect opportunity to choose Italian islands where mass tourism doesn't dictate the agenda. These are destinations that still thrive on authenticity, offering essential services but memorable experiences. Here, then, are five "off-the-beaten-path" destinations for those seeking a truly carefree vacation, with helpful tips for arriving prepared and enjoying every day without the crowds.

August is holiday time for many people, but for others it is also a chance to view a few properties and gather information ahead of a future purchase. According to data from the REMAX Italia Research Centre, property sales in mountain locations reach their peak in the months between December an

Paying more than €300 a week for a parasol and two sun loungers is no longer unusual. In 2026, beach club prices have risen again. Codacons estimates a year-on-year increase of 12.9%, while Altroconsumo reports a 6% rise compared with 2025 and a 24% increase over five years. It is a sizeable cost for holiday budgets, with major differences between resorts and even between rows of parasols. A price comparison based on 222 beach clubs across 10 destinations shows where costs are highest and where a better deal may still be found.

One place in Italy has been ranked Europe’s happiest tourist destination. The village on the Amalfi Coast achieved a perfect score of 100 out of 100 in a study measuring where travellers experience the most genuine joy. But how is a place’s happiness measured? A recent study by JustCover attempted to answer that by analysing more than one million reviews left by tourists at all kinds of venues: attractions, national parks, viewpoints, resorts and iconic destinations across 155 of the world’s most popular places.

Elba Island sits off the Tuscan coast in the Tuscan Archipelago National Park, a short ferry ride from Piombino.

Abruzzo is one of the most underrated regions during the summer months. It’s often seen as more of a winter destination, thanks to its mountains and well-known ski resorts popular across Europe. In reality, a holiday in Abruzzo works perfectly well in summer too. The key is understanding the regional climate, so you can pick the periods that suit you best and avoid the less favourable ones.

August is the holiday month par excellence in Italy, when many people are off work and looking to escape the daily routine.

August is Italy’s busiest holiday month, and prices rise sharply in the country’s best-known seaside resorts.

Finding a quiet beach in Italy in July or August seems almost impossible. Yet the peninsula still hides dozens of coves accessible only on foot, bays protected by nature reserves, and inlets where the only sound is the crashing waves. Many of these uncrowded beaches owe their tranquility to their difficult access: forest trails, boat arrivals, or limited-access reservation systems that limit daily admissions.

A reopened flight route, a surname spotted on the village bell tower, a recipe scribbled in pencil: sometimes that is all it takes to trigger a return ticket.

A beach without stifling heat, set among forests and peaks, really does exist. In many cases, it’s just a few hours by car, with clear water to dive into and meadows where you can stretch out in the shade. The new “cool” summer destinations aren’t by the sea but at altitude: Alpine lakes and valleys with proper lidos, equipped or completely natural, suited to swimming, picnics and sport.

Planning a trip to Italy should be about choosing the right piazza to stay near and arguing over which gelato flavour wins, not dealing with fraud.

Ready to plan your perfect summer?Here’s a look at 6 dream islands between Italy, Spain and Portugal, ideal if you’re after striking beaches, dramatic scenery, high levels of comfort and unspoilt nature.If you’re looking for peace and quiet, outdoor experiences or special moments to share with famil

Discover the pleasure of a slow holiday, a different way of travelling that puts calm, time and wellbeing at the centre of the experience. We’ve selected five routes to help you explore some of Italy’s most remarkable natural wonders.

Sicily is dotted with small historic centres that sit on cliffs, hide behind medieval walls or spill gently towards the sea.