Italy and summer? A match made in Mediterranean heaven. Imagine gelato melting in your hand under the Roman sun, your hair blowing in the breeze on a ferry in Capri, or your footsteps echoing down a cobbled street at sunset in Florence. This beautiful boot-shaped country is what travel dreams are made of, and when summer rolls around, Italy truly comes alive. Whether craving seaside serenity, mountain magic, or city charm, Italy has a summer escape to match your vibe.

From north to south, each region offers something breathtaking—dramatic coastlines, sparkling lakes, ancient ruins, or foodie heavens. We’ve handpicked Italy's 12 best summer holiday destinations to help you plan the perfect escape. Let’s dive in!

1. Amalfi Coast
Top Hotels in Amalfi Coast from $110

If Italy were a necklace, the Amalfi Coast would be its most dazzling jewel. Stretching along the southern edge of the Sorrentine Peninsula, this sun-drenched coastline is pure cinematic beauty—vertical villages, turquoise seas, and lemon groves clinging to cliffs.

In summer, Positano sparkles with bougainvillea-covered villas and chic beach clubs. Amalfi’s historic center is bustling, while Ravello offers panoramic gardens and music festivals under the stars. Drive along the cliff-hugging roads or take a ferry to soak in the sea breeze. It’s glamorous, it’s dramatic, and it’s so very Italian.

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2. Sicily
Top Hotels in Sicily from $90

Sicily is like Italy’s wilder, sun-kissed cousin. This island is a melting pot of cultures—Greek temples, Roman amphitheaters, Arab-influenced markets—and the summer sun shines extra brightly here.

You’ve got black sand beaches near volcanic Mount Etna, stunning baroque towns like Noto and Ragusa, and food that could convert anyone to the church of cannoli. Explore Taormina’s cliffside amphitheater or dive into the turquoise waters of the Aeolian Islands. Sicily delivers an unforgettable mix of history, nature, and vibrant local life.

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3. Sardinia
Top Hotels in Sardinia from $70

Sardinia is calling if you dream of white sand, crystal-clear water, and secluded coves. This massive island in the Tyrrhenian Sea is an underrated gem that rivals the Caribbean for beach beauty.

Costa Smeralda is the glamorous north, where yachts bob in the harbors and celebs sip Aperol in Porto Cervo. But venture south or west and find hidden coves, rugged cliffs, and charming towns like Bosa and Alghero. Go snorkeling, paddleboarding, or just lay on the sand doing nothing—it’s all perfect.

Photo: unsplash.com/@massimovirgilio

4. Cinque Terre
Top Hotels in Cinque Terre from $75

You’ve seen the photos: brightly painted houses tumbling down rocky cliffs into a dazzling blue sea. That’s Cinque Terre, and yes, it’s even more beautiful in person.

These five towns—Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore—are connected by hiking trails and trains, making it easy to explore them in a few days. Summer is peak time, but also the best for swimming, seafood risotto, and sunset aperitifs on a terrace with a view. Bring your walking shoes and your camera—you’ll need both.

Photo: unsplash.com/@gettyimages

5. Lake Como
Top Hotels in Lake Como from $122

Welcome to the Italian lake district, where mountain meets water and luxury meets tradition. With its glitzy villas and lush gardens, Lake Como has been a summer favorite for centuries—and for good reason.

You can take a boat to charming towns like Bellagio and Varenna, each offering postcard-perfect beauty and lakeside cafés. The lake is surrounded by forested hills and snow-capped peaks in the distance, making it calmer and more peaceful than coastal spots. It's no wonder George Clooney made it his summer home.

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6. Tuscany
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Tuscany is a sun-drenched blend of wine country and Renaissance culture. Summer here feels like stepping into a warm, golden dream—rolling hills, cypress trees, stone farmhouses, and towns frozen in time.

Florence boasts iconic art and architecture, but venture into the countryside and discover sleepy villages, local festivals, and world-class vineyards. Sip Chianti in a vineyard tour, feast on handmade pasta, or relax by the pool of a rustic agriturismo surrounded by olive groves. Tuscany is all about slow travel and soaking in the good life.

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7. Venice
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Yes, it’s crowded in the summer. Yes, it’s worth it. Venice is one of the most magical places on Earth, and it shines brightest during the long, golden summer days.

Drift along the Grand Canal in a gondola, lose yourself in the alleys of Dorsoduro, and visit the colorful islands of Murano and Burano. Summer is also when festivals like Festa del Redentore take place—fireworks light up the lagoon. Grab a spritz, sit by the water, and watch life unfold. Venice is timeless.

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8. Rome
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Rome in the summer is hot—in temperature and energy. The city buzzes with life as locals and tourists fill piazzas, fountains glisten in the sun, and history surrounds you at every turn.

Tour the Colosseum at twilight, toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain, or escape the heat in the cool halls of the Vatican Museums. Don’t forget the food—summer means gelato in every flavor imaginable and late-night dinners under string-lit terraces. Rome is chaotic, romantic, and utterly unforgettable.

Photo: unsplash.com/@gettyimages

9. Puglia
Top Hotels in Puglia from $60

Puglia is still a little off the tourist radar, which makes it even more magical. Located in Italy’s heel, it boasts some of the best beaches in the country, charming whitewashed towns, and delicious food.

Visit Alberobello’s famous trulli houses, dip in the Adriatic from Polignano a Mare, and eat orecchiette like a local. Puglia is raw, rustic, and honest—it’s perfect for travelers who want authenticity without the crowds. And let’s not forget those golden hour beach views.

Photo: unsplash.com/@massimovirgilio

10. Verona
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Verona is more than the city of Romeo and Juliet—it’s a northern Italian treasure with Roman ruins, summer opera under the stars, and streets that beg to be wandered.

Catch an opera at the Arena di Verona, sip wine in Piazza delle Erbe, or take a quick trip to nearby Lake Garda. Verona offers culture, calm, and a dash of romantic drama. It’s ideal for a slower-paced summer trip that still feels full of life.

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11. The Dolomites
Top Hotels in Dolomites from $70

Tired of the heat? Head north to the Dolomites, where cool alpine air meets jaw-dropping landscapes. These mountains aren’t just for skiing—they’re stunning in summer, too.

Whether hiking, cycling, or just enjoying a mountain spa, the Dolomites offer something peaceful and refreshing. Visit Lago di Braies for a fairy-tale lake experience, or take a cable car for panoramic views. It’s the perfect cool-weather contrast to Italy’s hot cities and beaches.

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12. Capri
Top Hotels in Capri from $55

Capri is Italy’s answer to paradise. With its dramatic cliffs, luxury villas, and electric-blue grottos, this tiny island packs a serious punch.

Take a boat ride around the island, swim in hidden coves, and explore the Blue Grotto. Stroll through the chic streets of Capri town, or take the chairlift up to Mount Solaro in Anacapri for panoramic views. Capri is indulgent, beautiful, and oh-so-Mediterranean.

Photo: unsplash.com/@giuliasq