5 suggestions for the perfect winter beach holiday

The charm of Sicily does not fade during the winter months; on the contrary, it is precisely during this period that you can enjoy the wonders that this region has to offer without the usual hustle and bustle of summer. If you are thinking of spending the Christmas holidays in Sicily, or even just a weekend for New Year, take the opportunity to discover the Scala dei Turchi, the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, the thousand faces of Palermo or the historical palaces of Catania. All in a slow travel style.

Visiting Sicily in winter also means teasing the palate with delicacies that you can only find on the table at Christmas time. Two examples are the Sicilian buccellato, a doughnut version of the so called duci, and the tasty nucatoli, stuffed biscuits from Ragusa. And if even in winter you don't want to miss out on the most beautiful sea in Italy, head to the Isola Bella in Taormina or the golden beach in Cefalù.

From Alberobello to Ostuni, from Brindisi to Lecce: if you are wondering where to go in Apulia in winter, get ready to choose from many charming locations that become even more magical when the summer season ends. The beautiful beaches of Salento will leave you speechless even in winter, and it’s easy to find events and festivals where you can experience the more traditional aspect of this region.

Among the places to visit in Apulia in winter, you will not want to miss the historic centre of Polignano a Mare and the Baroque palaces of Lecce, but if you are thinking of spending Christmas in Apulia or celebrating the arrival of 2023 amidst history, nature and gastronomy, treat yourself to a few nights in the trulli of Alberobello, or go and discover the great Father Christmas House in Monopoli.

What would you say to Christmas on the Amalfi Coast? It is always the right time to visit this pearl of Campania, but in winter, it has even more charm. You can easily travel from Salerno to Sorrento, stroll through the alleyways of Amalfi and marvel at the many jewels of the entire Sorrento Peninsula, without hurrying.

Positano in winter will seem even more magical, and if you want to explore it during the Christmas holidays, the Father Christmas Village and a full programme of events await you.

And if you want to ring in 2023 with some of the most spectacular fireworks in Italy, spend New Year's Eve here - you won't regret it!

The climate may not be as favourable as in Apulia or Sicily, but visiting the Cinque Terre in winter will enable you to uncover the more authentic side of Liguria's small villages overlooking the sea.

The charm of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore remains unchanged throughout the year, but the many hiking trails of the Cinque Terre in winter can be tackled slowly, discovering the true essence of this slice of Italian paradise.

For a truly evocative Christmas in the Cinque Terre, we recommend a visit to Manarola to admire the world's largest illuminated nativity scene that dominates the village until late January.

Are you contemplating an escape from the chaos, and choosing what to see in Tuscany in winter? After visiting art cities such as Florence, Siena and Pisa, move to the coast to admire the winter sea from the historic centre of Livorno, or stroll on the semi-deserted beaches of Viareggio amidst Art Nouveau architecture and a unique Carnival.

Between November and January, Christmas events in Tuscany attract thousands of visitors. Forte dei Marmi, the beating heart of Versilia, enchants with highly suggestive plays of light and plenty of attractions for young and old, from the ice skating rink to Father Christmas's kingdom. Capalbio and Orbetello are also beautiful during the holidays - and beyond.

For an unforgettable New Year's Eve in Tuscany, among spas, agritourisms and events in the piazza, you will be spoilt for choice, including by the sea.