When considering when is the best time to visit Italy, the answer really depends on your style. Italy in summer is all about sun-drenched coastlines and vibrant festivals, while Italy in winter offers cosy retreats and festive charm. Whether you’re soaking up the Tuscan sun or sipping mulled wine in a snow-kissed piazza, Italy’s diverse regions cater to every traveller’s dream.
Top 5 Italian Regions to Visit in Summer
1. Amalfi Coast – Campania
Best time to visit: May to September
The Amalfi Coast in Campania in the summer is a Mediterranean dream. Explore cliffside villages like Positano and Ravello, take a boat trip to Capri, and indulge in fresh seafood along the coastline. While the Amalfi Coast in the winter has a quieter, more reflective vibe, summer showcases its vibrant energy.
Sip this: Falanghina — One of Campania’s oldest grapes, Falanghina dates back to ancient Roman times and is known for thriving in the volcanic soils near Naples. It’s an authentic taste of the region’s history and hospitality.
2. Sicily – Etna & Surrounds
Best time to visit: June to September
Sicily's summer is a blend of history and natural beauty. Climb Mount Etna, wander through the Valley of the Temples, and relax on the beaches of Taormina. While Sicily in winter offers milder temperatures and fewer crowds, summer is ideal for beach lovers and outdoor adventures.
Sip this: Etna Bianco — Made from Carricante grapes grown on the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna, this wine reflects centuries of cultivation on Europe’s most active volcano. Local farmers have been crafting wine here since ancient times, making it a true expression of Sicilian heritage.
3. Puglia – Salento
Best time to visit: May to October
Puglia's summer is all about sun-soaked beaches, baroque towns, and a laid-back lifestyle. Explore Lecce (often called the "Florence of the South"), stroll through whitewashed villages like Ostuni, and feast on seafood in Gallipoli. While Puglia in winter is more subdued, summer brings lively festivals and beach days.
Sip this: Negroamaro Rosé — Negroamaro is one of Puglia’s signature red grapes, dating back to the region’s Greek settlers. Its name means "black bitter" — a nod to its deep roots and rustic character. The rosé version showcases the region’s adaptability and easy-going summer style.
4. Tuscany – Chianti & Coast
Best time to visit: April to June, September
Tuscany in summer is a tapestry of rolling vineyards, medieval towns, and alfresco dining. Explore Florence’s art scene, drive through the Val d’Orcia’s winding roads, and relax on the Tuscan coast. While Tuscany in winter offers truffle hunts and cosy nights by the fire, summer is all about long lunches and unforgettable sunsets.
Sip this: Chianti — With a history dating back to the 13th century, Chianti is one of Italy’s most celebrated wines. It’s traditionally made from Sangiovese grapes grown in the heart of Tuscany, symbolising the region’s deep connection to its vineyards and agricultural heritage.
5. Liguria – Cinque Terre
Best time to visit: May to September
Cinque Terre’s colourful seaside villages and coastal trails shine in summer. Hike between the five towns, eat your body weight in pesto, and swim in the Ligurian Sea. While Cinque Terre in the winter is peaceful and crowd-free, summer is the time to experience its lively, sunlit charm.
Sip this: Vermentino — This grape has been grown along the Ligurian coast for centuries, thanks to its resilience to sea breezes and rugged terrain. Historically cherished by local fishermen and farmers alike, Vermentino is a testament to the area’s agricultural traditions.
Top 5 Italian Regions to Visit in Winter
1. Piedmont – Langhe & Monferrato
Best time to visit: October to February
Piedmont’s winter is a haven for foodies. Truffle festivals in Alba, slow-cooked stews, and cosy evenings in historic villages await. While Piedmont in summer is lush and green, winter is all about indulgence and rustic charm.
Sip this: Barolo — Often called “the King of Wines,” Barolo has been made from Nebbiolo grapes in the Langhe hills since at least the 18th century. This wine is inseparable from the region’s identity and is revered in Italian wine history.
2. Val d’Aosta
Best time to visit: December to March
Italy’s smallest region transforms into a winter wonderland. Ski in Courmayeur, explore medieval castles, and sample hearty alpine cuisine. While Val d’Aosta in summer offers hiking and mountain biking, winter is all about snow-capped peaks and warm firesides.
Sip this: Petite Arvine — Originally from Switzerland but cultivated for centuries in Val d’Aosta’s terraced vineyards, Petite Arvine has become a local favourite. Its presence in the region symbolises the blend of Alpine cultures that define this unique corner of Italy.
3. Trentino-Alto Adige
Best time to visit: December to February
This region is a blend of Italian and Austrian cultures. Wander the Christmas markets in Bolzano, ski the Dolomites, and enjoy rich alpine dishes. While Trentino in summer is perfect for hiking, winter brings a special magic with snow-dusted rooftops and mulled wine.
Sip this: Lagrein — One of the oldest native grapes in Alto Adige, Lagrein has roots going back to medieval times. Traditionally cultivated in the river valleys, it’s a proud symbol of the region’s enduring wine heritage.
4. Umbria – Montefalco & Perugia
Best time to visit: November to February
Umbria’s winter is serene and soulful. Explore Perugia’s medieval streets, discover jazz festivals, and warm up with truffle-infused dishes. While Umbria in summer is lively and green, winter offers a peaceful escape with authentic local experiences.
Sip this: Sagrantino di Montefalco — Indigenous to the Montefalco area, Sagrantino has been cultivated since Roman times and was historically used for sweet wines before evolving into a bold, dry red that embodies the region’s rustic charm.
5. Veneto – Valpolicella & Verona
Best time to visit: December to February
Veneto in winter is both romantic and festive. Experience Verona’s opera season, wander the quiet canals of Venice, and savour rich risottos and polenta dishes. While Veneto in summer is busy and bright, winter lets you discover its more intimate side.
Sip this: Amarone — This wine’s roots lie in the ancient practice of drying grapes before fermentation, a tradition that goes back to Roman times. Amarone showcases the ingenuity of Valpolicella’s winemakers and their dedication to quality.
The Final Pour: Choosing Your Italian Season
Deciding when is the best time to travel to Italy or when is a good time to tour Italy really comes down to what you want to experience. For beach days, sunshine, and bustling piazzas, Italy for the summer is unbeatable. For a quieter, cosier vibe, Italy during the winter offers snow-capped beauty and festive warmth.
Don’t overlook gems like Rome in winter, Florence in the winter, Venice in December, and even Sicily in winter. Regions like Milan during winter, Amalfi Coast winter, and Cinque Terre Italy winter bring out a different, more local side of Italy that many travellers miss.
No matter the season, Italy’s blend of culture, food, and of course, wine, ensures every sip is unforgettable. So pour yourself a glass, dream a little, and start planning your next Italian adventure.
Cin cin!