Things to do in Italy

Carved deep into the Brasa River gorge, between sheer rock faces and tunnels cut straight through the mountain, a dramatic stretch of road links Lake Garda to the Tremosine plateau. Over the years, it has drawn motorcyclists, drivers, cyclists and photographers, all keen to experience its cinematic curves and vertiginous views. Its reputation has grown to the point that many now refer to it simply as “the most beautiful road in the world.”

The Nemi Strawberry Festival is one of the most eagerly awaited events in the Castelli Romani area near Rome. Nemi’s strawberries are renowned throughout Italy for their vibrant colour and rich flavour. But what should you know about the 93rd edition of the Nemi Strawberry Festival?

Can a region be rebuilt with a handful of seedlings? In one Italian village, this is exactly what happened.

Is it really possible to walk along iron stairways suspended above the water and pause on natural terraces that open out across the whole of Lake Garda? It is, and these aren’t fantasy routes dreamt up for Instagram.

When people think of Northern Italy, they picture Lake Como, Venice canals and Milanese fashion week.

Toledo is considered a masterpiece of contemporary design and public art. Located on Line 1, in the heart of the city, it represents one of the most successful examples of the integration of urban infrastructure and cultural projects. It is not just a transportation hub, but a true tourist attraction.

On the eastern edge of Rome, a little-known route links a medieval village, a castle connected to the notorious Barberini family, and the ancient Latin city that once rivalled early Rome. Part of the Unexpected Itineraries project, it brings together history, nature and architecture within just a few kilometres, all of which are reachable by metro and bus.

Italy has more than 30,000 documented caves, but only a relatively small number are open to the public as organised “show caves”. These are some of the best caves in Italy that you can genuinely visit without specialist training.

Vernazza is one of the five villages that make up the Cinque Terre, perched along the Ligurian coast.

Every spring, Italy turns pink. From Rome’s elegant lakeside parks to the cherry orchards of Emilia‑Romagna, delicate blossoms briefly transform the landscape into something almost dreamlike. And in 2026, cherry blossom season in Italy is expected to be especially spectacular.

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.