Things to do in Italy

What makes Italy stand out around Valentine's Day is the variety of ways that romance plays out in the country. Cities feel cinematic and lived‑in, coastal areas lean into simplicity and movement, and places shaped by time rather than tourism tend to leave the deepest impression.

Venice during Carnival is a bit like walking onto a film set: masks everywhere, music echoing off the canals, and something happening in every square.

Carnival in Italy is one of those festivals that completely takes over everyday life.

Venice Carnival is one of those trips you remember for years: misty canals, masked figures gliding through Piazza San Marco, and the odd glittery cape brushing past you.

Italy is famous for its history, landscapes and cuisine, but it is also one of Europe’s most welcoming destinations for beginner skiers and families.

Italy is one of the few countries in Europe where millions of people live in the shadow of active volcanoes. For many residents and foreign buyers, the appeal of living near an Italian volcano is obvious: dramatic landscapes, fertile soil, and, in some areas, more affordable homes.

Italy’s big‑name galleries are brilliant, but once you have done the hits, they can feel crowded and predictable.

Often called the “Florence of the South”, Lecce is packed with ornate Baroque churches, golden‑stone palaces and winding alleys that always seem to lead to another little piazza.

If 2026 is your big Italy year, lining up the best museums in Italy to visit makes a huge difference to how the trip feels.

Rai 1’s big New Year’s Eve celebration, L’Anno che Verrà, will take place this year on the seafront in Catanzaro, Calabria, with a star-studded line-up and a charismatic host.

Clear blue water, mountain backdrops and grand villas make the Italian lakes some of the most romantic landscapes in Europe.

Italy’s Capital of Culture 2026 is a mountain city that most tourists still skip in favour of Rome or the Amalfi Coast.

Tourism in Italy continues to grow as 2025 comes to a  close, with new data confirming its crucial role in the country’s economy and a clear shift in traveller preferences.

Once you have done the classic Murano and Burano loop, the Venetian lagoon starts to open up in more interesting ways.

Venice looks like a single fairy‑tale city floating on the water, but it is really a whole cluster of little islands stitched together by bridges.

Between the Alps and the islands, there are hundreds of appellations and thousands of wine producers in Italy.

Verona’s historic centre is full of pretty corners, but there is one small courtyard that always seems busier than the rest.

Verona is often treated as a quick stop between Milan and Venice, but it really deserves a bit more love. The historic centre is wrapped in a loop of the Adige River, full of Roman ruins, medieval towers and soft terracotta tones that look good even on a grey day.

What do Italians do at Christmas? Food, family and faith lie at the heart of the season, creating a rich tapestry of festive customs that vary from region to region.

Eating well in Italy is as much about place as it is about recipes.

December in Italy is filled with festive charm, but the month goes far beyond Christmas markets and seasonal lights. Italy’s cultural calendar for December 2025 includes major art exhibitions, international fairs and renowned music festivals.

Things to do in Salerno span seaside strolls, serious eating and time in a historic centre that still feels lived‑in.

Italy’s UNESCO World Heritage cities in Italy serve up hill towns with frescoed basilicas, elegant medieval centres, grand merchant palaces on marble-lined streets and cave quarters cut into honey-coloured rock.Italy’s most beautiful UNESCO sitesAssisiVerona Ragusa Genoa SienaMateraIt

Italy turns properly festive in winter, and the country's Christmas markets span snow‑dusted Alpine towns and storied city squares, with artisan crafts, nativity scenes and the scent of mulled wine in the air.

The many things to do in Bologna unfold under terracotta porticoes and across sun‑warmed piazzas, with medieval towers peering over a maze of arcades.