Best time to visit Italy

Spring is a splendid time of year on these lakes. Energizing nature, relaxing colours and mild temperatures are an invitation to an active open-air holiday with plenty to do, including sports and walks through history. Northern Italy has the three largest lakes in the Italian peninsula - the inspiration for poets, writers and musicians of all periods.

What does it take to soar through the blue sky aboard a hang glider? Naturally, a hill or a slope where to launch and then take off from with favourable currents, suitable weather conditions, a good dose of courage and the irrepressible desire, which man has cradled since the dawn of time, to observe the world from above. If you are looking for the place where all these conditions come together to create the perfect free flight experience, welcome to Umbria, where you will also have the opportunity to explore one of Italy's sweetest and most prized natural and artistic landscapes from a different point of view (from above). Umbria offers several flight centres for beginners and experts where you can experience the thrill of tandem flying with an experienced pilot for the first time, or get personally involved if you are already good, surrounded by enchanting natural scenery.

Bracciano is built on a hill above the clear water of Lake Bracciano, a volcanic lake where it is possible to canoe, scuba-dive, sail and much more (especially during hot summertime days, when a dip in the lake can be most refreshing).

The venue has become a “Mecca” destination for professional sports people and enthusiasts from all over Europe. Due to its ideal characteristics it is considered a select port of call by those who practice this kind of sporting activity, but also on account of a magnificent setting and panoramic views across the sea and the various rock formations.

The Lagoon of Orbetello, in Tuscany, is a natural paradise that draws numerous travelers in the know all year long. In the lower Maremma, it is protected by the World Environment Fund since 1971, allowing for its ecosystem – comprising many species of migratory birds – to thrive. This splendid zone, overlooked by the 2,083-ft. Monte Argentario, is covered by fragrant Mediterranean maquis. Three slight and sandy stretches of land wrap around Orbetello’s lagoon, connecting the town itself to the Argentario Promontory, making it unrivaled as a refuge of avifauna and charming coastal oasis.

Large pools of transparent water or small ponds framed by an idyllic, lush landscape: in Lombardy there is no sea, but many lakes. There is no shortage of opportunities to indulge in a nice trip outside the city, with your feet in the water and the sun's rays on your skin.

The common denominator shared by these four Italian villages, in addition to their beauty, is the sea. They can also be seen or experienced through different food and wine nuances, as well as proposals for trekking, cycling and spa routes. Not to mention unique historical, artistic and architectural heritages.

The Italian coasts are among the most beautiful in Europe, or perhaps, in the world. The reason is simple: from north to south, via the islands, the variety of landscapes is so diverse as to be unique. Treating yourself to a summer holiday in Italy, perhaps along the shores of the Peninsula, is a waking dream to be experienced at least once in a lifetime. To get the most out of your stay and experience a rejuvenating wellness holiday, we recommend seaside resorts whose services also include a spa with exclusive treatments. Pampered by expert hands and captivated by the beauty of breathtaking views, your holiday is bound to make you at peace with the world and your trip to Italy will be etched in your heart as a wonderful and special memory.

Large beaches of golden fine sand, with a clear, quiet sea and a shallow seabed, where the little ones can safely play in the water and on the water’s edge: In Italy, there are many – and beautiful - child-friendly beaches with full facilities from the north to the south of the Boot.

One of the most visited areas of Campania in the world, this stretch of coastline reaching from Positano to Vietri sul Mare along the Tyrrhenian coast of southern Italy. In front is the Gulf of Salerno, behind it the Monti Lattari. Its high cliffs, enchanting coves and small bays, terraces dotted with citrus fruits, vines and olive trees, and its high-fashion shops and artisan workshops make it one of the most popular destinations in the world. Included in the UNESCO World Heritage List as a perfect example of a Mediterranean landscape with a scenery of great cultural and natural value, it is composed not only of internationally famous locations such as Amalfi and Positano, but also of small villages with an ancient atmosphere.

It is one of the most-frequented destinations of sun-worshippers, scuba-divers and nature lovers, and it is the last trace of Italian terrain before the African coast. Lampedusa, glorious, sun-bleached island south of Sicily, helps to create the Pelagian Archipelago (“islands of the high sea” in Greek etymology), along with neighboring island Linosa and the Scoglio (a tiny boulder of an island) known as Lampione. A borderland straddling two worlds, Lampedusa contains within it the environmental characteristics of two continents: it is, after all, only 70 miles from Tunisia, and 109 miles from Sicily.

White sand, crystal-clear water, the colours of the sky blending into the sea: they look like the Caribbean and yet these are the white beaches of Italy. Especially in the South, the Bel Paese is full of shores with an exotic atmosphere bathed by an iridescent sea that are no less impressive than the Caribbean islands. So, here's where to find the Caribbean in Italy and stretch out on fine white sand.

In autumn, for example, Sardinia becomes a place to visit without hesitation: the mild temperatures still let you enjoy abundant sea life and the region offers numerous cultural opportunities throughout its territory. The occasion is made perfect thanks to Autumn in Barbagia, an abundant festival organised by the Nuoro Chamber of Commerce and its special company Aspen. The event offers a journey through traditions and culture to promote the province, its excellences and breathtaking landscapes, through the involvement of an increasing number of villages characteristic of the area.

An autumn trip to Italy is not only the right opportunity to experience the Bel Paese in an extraordinary season, but it also offers the chance to indulge in detox, meditation, yoga or activities that will help you recharge your batteries for winter. How about an agriturismo overlooking a lake or a Caribbean-like beach in southern Italy? It's hard to choose, but easy to immerse yourself in the beauty of both places, to find your balance through a relaxing holiday. If you are looking for places to go in Italy in autumn for a rejuvenating holiday, we have selected some activities, and just as many exclusive locations, that will fit the bill.

Autumn at high altitude is what you need to say goodbye to the summer and experience one of the most romantic seasons of the year to the fullest. With colours that bring the mind to moments of watching fires crackle fireplaces, to falling foliage and typical crisp air, autumn is the ideal season to experience all the beauty of the Trentino valleys. Above all it offers a unique opportunity to enjoy sustainable holidays that are kind to the environment.

The autumn equinox is a key moment in the cycle of the seasons and the organisation of the year. On 23 September, the hours of light and dark will be the same, marking the beginning of a new phase, which deserves to be celebrated by reconnecting with the deepest part of us with a yoga retreat, a state-of-the-art spa, or a resort surrounded by nature. Vital balances change and our organism adapts, preparing for the cold season. Days are getting shorter, the weather is cold and rainy, and nature begins to slumber after a lush summer. It all has an impact, not only physically but also mentally and psychologically, and it is no coincidence that according to Ayurveda and holistic philosophies this is a delicate phase, where taking time to reflect on ourselves is of the utmost importance. Let go, renew, detox and regenerate are the key words for this change of season. To make the most of it, we reveal some of the most magical and relaxing places to celebrate the autumn equinox in the name of psychophysical well-being.

The Marche region in autumn is a true spectacle of nature, and that’s for certain. Treating yourself to a multi-sensory tour of the region with visits to wine cellars, scenic walks in nature with stops in historic villages and tastings of the best wines of the Marche region - from Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi to Bianchello del Metauro - combined with typical products is an experience you will definitely not forget.

Autumn in Sardinia is a delightful season both for enjoying magnificent walks and challenging yourself with a run on the many nature trails available. They are of varying levels, but all are immersed in the breathtaking Sardinian landscape. From trekking to cycling, from water sports to running: enjoying an hour of sport in Sardinia is good for body, mind and spirit. Each path transforms a simple walk in Sardinia into a unique opportunity to discover its lesser-known and uncrowded spots, ancient villages, where you can wander through ghost towns, and savour ancient traditions. Running amidst stunning views and breathing in the ever-present sea air is priceless: all you need to do is lace up your trainers to make this come true.

Busy lives, full agendas and multiple worries: being, or feeling, stressed is a condition that many people share. So why not recharge your batteries by treating yourself to some relaxation away from work and everyday life? Spas in winter can regenerate you, and the good news is that Italy is full of facilities, spas and thermal centres where you can reconnect with yourself. If you are looking for ideas for a romantic weekend or a wellness weekend among thermal baths, outdoor pools and invigorating massages, here are some beautiful spas in Italy also open in winter.

What to do in Cervinia in the Aosta Valley on winter weekends enjoying the beauty of the surroundings? A lot, really. Whether you are an athlete, an adventurer or simply in search of relaxation, Cervinia is the perfect destination when it comes to offering something for everyone.

What could be better than combining intense days on ski slopes with relaxing well-being and spa treatments? There are several destinations in the Alps that precisely offer this opportunity, for all tastes and abilities: here are as number of destinations you absolutely should know about.

You don't need to be a passionate skier, winter ensures fun, relaxation and breathtaking views for everyone. From magical snowshoe treks, ice skating, adventure parks, thermal spas and much more, there will be no time to get bored. Brace yourself: here are the 10 best mountain spots for those who don't ski but love the snow.

Let's find out how many winter holiday variations there are in the Alps and the Dolomites for close contact with the firmament. Around the moon. Or at table.

Dog sledding is an increasingly popular winter sport in Italy, but also an original and fun way to discover the snowy landscapes: an excursion in the snow on a sled pulled by dogs. What’s needed? Winter trekking clothing or ski clothing, trekking boots and a great desire to have fun and be in close contact with the dogs. If you’re eager to discover beautiful winter landscapes on a dog sled: here are the best destinations for dog sled lovers to enjoy the experience, obviously, in winter time in Italy.