You never need to look far for an excuse to plan a trip to Italy. Not only does it offer myriad festivals, carnivals and celebrations, but it also has one of the best and most varied climates in Europe – from the snow-clad winter resorts of the Dolomites, to the summer heat of Sicily and the warm glow of Tuscany in the autumn.
But what all that means is that you do need to plan with a little extra care to make sure you make the most of it. You don’t want to arrive in Venice the day after the carnival and catch the hangover rather than the party, or squeeze onto the beaches of Puglia in August, when it’s cooler, quieter and cheaper during off-season months.
So here is our guide to planning the perfect Italian holiday no matter the time of year.
January
Florence
Florence is, of course, the cradle of the Renaissance, and it’s the city’s remarkable architecture and art that are the main draw for tourists. This means long queues for several of the key museums and churches at most times of the year. But in January you can enjoy the art and the sights – most of which are indoors – entirely free of crowds. There’s great shopping to be had, too – especially during the January sales – and it’s an excellent time to make the most of the best bars and restaurants.
Where to stay: Go boutique with a room at The Place on lively Piazza Santa Maria Novella. “With its immaculate interiors, cocooning, club-like atmosphere and exceptional service, it’s the perfect Florentine pied-à-terre,” says our expert Nicky Swallow. For more recommendations, see our guide to the best hotels in Florence.
February
Venice
Always beautiful, always alluring, always romantic and never disappointing: you can’t go wrong with Venice at almost any time of year. But, while it can undoubtedly be chilly, there is a special magic to the city in winter. On clear days, the canals sparkle in the sunlight, and you can see the snow-capped Dolomites on the horizon. In February you can also choose between crowd-free sights coupled with bargain prices, or the excitement and glamour of the Carnival (from 11 to 21 February 2023).
Where to stay: The Gritti Palace on a striking Grand Canal spot. Venice expert Anne Hanley describes the hotel as initmate, elegant and grown-up, packed with antiques, frescoes and glorious Murano glass chandeliers. For more recommendations, see our guide to the best hotels in Venice.
