Enter your email address and receive notifications of all new posts. The building dates back to the 14th century, giving you the opportunity to connect with the citys history. BTW, you didnt tell me how many days you are planning to spend in Italy: if you have a couple of weeks, you may consider merging two of these destinations. Whilst there arent any budget-friendly hostels in Positano, Sorrento is nearby and is home to Ulisse Deluxe. If you plan on visiting a few places in Italy, we recommend staying in at least one urban area and one rural area to get a grasp of the different ways of living in the country. Whilst many travel guides reference towns and cities in the South of Italy as the main budget destinations, Bologna remains somewhat a hidden secret when it comes to foreign visitors. This is also where you will find world-class ski and snowboard instructors. Id suggest you take a train to Genova, then change to 5 Terre (Monterosso). We are open to both trains and renting a vehicle. This two bedroom apartment is located in a small town called Fondo, giving you a super local experience in the heart of the Dolomites. This gorgeous four-star hotel in southern Sardinia comes with a large swimming pool and sunbathing terrace. We are planing a one month trip to Italy during July/August this year. It is only a short walk from Piazza Maggiore, with plenty of fantastic restaurants, boutiques and coffee shops nearby. Like Fondo, Rovereto is a small village that has a strong local identity giving you a more authentic experience of what life is like in the heart of the Dolomites. Highlights are Palermo, Siracusa, Ragusa, Catania, Taormina. Dont miss the Val dOrcia, to the south: thats the region you see on Tuscany postcards, cypresses dotting endless smooth hills, and indulge in Montepulciano and in Pienza, the perfect renaissance town. The main highlghts are the already mentiuonned Trulli (ancient conic stone houses, you cant find them anywhere else) and the medieval monument such as the many cathedral and Castel Del Monte. End of October weather may not be optimal, so question mark. I dont want to drive this time. During the summer (generally the best time to visit Italy), the Dolomites become a major hiking destination! It is close to an excellent pizzeria, as well as the main transport hubs in the town. Umbria and Marche are both just as beautiful as neighbouring Tuscany, but in both regions youll find the crowds far fewer and the experience arguably more authentic. Absolutely avoid it in August, when it gets hiper crowded and expensive, while early July is a good moment to spend time there. Italy is also a great backpacking destination but it can get quite tricky when it comes to travelling on a budget. Portofino and Cinque Terre (and I would add the Golfo dei Poeti): one of Italian top coastal destinations, easy to be reached from Milan (direct train) and very easy to visit without a car. If youre planning an Italian holiday and need some advice on where to stay in Italy, get in touch with Bookings For You and wed be happy to help provide you with a suggested itinerary for your villa holiday in Italy. Instead of constantly being on the move, weve selected a number of bases from where you can enjoy some fantastic day trips but also still uncover some of those incredible off the beaten track destinations that makes Italy so unique and so special. Fifty years ago and you wouldnt have seen a tourist anywhere near Matera (in the 1950s it was a place of slum dwellings) but these days, its sassi have been converted into luxury boutique hotels and upmarket restaurants. It is also located in Modena, a firm favourite with tourists choosing to stay in Emilia-Romagna. Its a must, obviously, and everybody has in mind highlights such as Florence, Siena and Pisa. If you look for out of time Mediterranean islands, then the Aeolian islands are a must (you can actually get there from Naples by boat, and combine the two areas). Dont hesitate to contact me should you wish to get help on your trip planning, All the best An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! Spread over three regions, most towns and villages in the Dolomites are well connected with major cities such as Venice and Milan. Housed within a former taverna, this apartment oozes with rustic tradition that feels very stereotypically (but respectfully) Italian. If you are travelling elsewhere in Italy, Cagliari has ferries to a number of cities. If thats the case, we can find solutions to accommodate it into your trip. Get in touch at [emailprotected]. The two main cities are Alghero and Cagliari though we also like Sassari! The small beach is perfect for sunbathing and paddling, whilst the streets of Positano have a romantic atmosphere with cobblestones and ornate stairways. For a truly rural experience, this hotel is quite secluded giving you some peace and quiet among the mountains. If you want a more urban base, have a look at the best places to stay in Naples. However, Marche can rival its more famous neighbour, Tuscany, when it comes to art and architecture too. In the Northern part, look for Polignano a Mare, Trani, Alberobello (to see the famous trulli), Castel del Monte, Ostuni. The UNESCO World Heritage Site comes with mesmerising views that have to be seen to be believed. Close, Where to Stay in Italy: The BEST Spots in 2022. After all, Urbino was one of the main centres of the Italian Renaissance and the birthplace of Raphael. Along with that, youve got the fascination of the ancient Roman remains at Pompeii and Herculaneum along with the glitz and glamour of the island of Capri and the only active volcano in mainland Europe, Mount Vesuvius. The Apulian landscape changes quite dramatically from North to South. 3. Guests are also given access to a private ski shuttle for residents of the hotel only. Rome is located fairly centrally, so if you are travelling elsewhere you will have easy access to both the North and South of the country. The main tourist strips are expensive, but head out to the university areas and you will find some cheap and cheerful alternatives that dont skimp on quality. Here you wont find the inflated tourist prices youll find just 15 minutes down the road in Assisi and the locals are incredibly warm and welcoming. Were unsure which is the best way from Milan to go. As the highest-rated three star hotel in Bologna, this is perfect for budget travellers that want a little more privacy! An amazing cultural melting pot, and one of the best cuisine in Italy, with a taste of Middle East (dont the Cus Cus alla Trapanese). OR from Milan, down to Cinque Tere, Pisa, Florence, Rome, Amalfi coast, over to Croatia (ferry or fly not sure what the best option is here) then up to Venice, Lake Como, Milan. s.src = u + '?v=' + (+new Date()); Trying to do all the lakes is just too rushed and we think youd be better choosing just one as a base. Split is interesting and Dubrovnik is really lovely, but maybe you could visit something more in Italy, such as Sicily or Matera + Apulia. It is also where you will be able to sample some of the best limoncello in the world. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Its good to get lost sometimes, but its also good not to get too lost. We also reckon its worth visiting the North for history and culture, and the South for the laid-back lifestyle, stunning beaches and deeply held traditions. We bring you epic FREE content!Find out how YOU can help support us. })(document, 'script', '//aff.bstatic.com/static/affiliate_base/js/flexiproduct.js'); If you wish tovisit Italyfor the first time, or if you already discovered Venice, Rome, Florence, the Amalfi coast, but still want more, delightfullyitaly.com is here to disclose to youItalian Must Seeas well asItalian hidden treasures. I can help you plan your trip, selecting the best and most charming hotels (consistently with your budget) and identifying the travel experiences that will make your Italian trip simply memorable. Positano, Ravello, Furore and Amalfi: lovely hamlets built on unbelievable cliffs (dont miss Villa Cimbrone terrace in Ravello!). I would choose Assisi or Orvieto as my hub. But, by choosing an apartment or villa rental in each of these areas and then using this base from which to explore some of our suggested highlights in each area, we think you can enjoy the very best that Italy has to offer. Learn how your comment data is processed. If you have only 2 weeks in Italy, then you may decide to stay in just a couple of places and explore them more fully. Sorrento is a major gateway to the Amalfi Coast, with hourly connections to all of the major towns throughout the year. Positano is known for its lemons, and restaurateurs are experts on how to make the best dishes out of the abundant citrus fruit. Locate on the interactive Italy mapthe best areas to stay in Italy, and use them as hubs for your day trips. A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic booooring. Our favourite towns in Puglia are definitely those in the central swathe of the region though Ostuni, Alberobello, Cisternino and Locorotondo along with Otranto and Lecce further south. More than large beaches, expect secluded coves and archipels, with amazing water colors and granit rock sculped by the strong winds. . Rooms are elegantly decorated, borrowing from Italian tradition. In the southern part (the so called Salento), look for Lecce, Otranto, Gallipoli. We might as well get the obvious out the way this hotels most notable feature is that it is also a castle! Your email address will not be published. Its up to you how long you spend in each place or how many bases you choose to stay in. Whilst most people arrive by flight, there are also ferries connecting Sardinia with mainland Italy, Sicily and Corsica. It is truly a melting pot of cultures, with each town having its own charms. There are so many things to do on Lake Maggiore but some of our favourite towns to visit would include Cannobio, Cannero and Arona. Im so in love with this region, and I cant believe that most travelers limit their visit to Pompei and to Sorrento. Bucket list highlights: The Duomo in Milan, the Arena in Verona, the Basilica di San Marco in Venice. Rooms are extravagant, with traditional furnishings and exposed ceiling beams. Aside from the historic architecture and romantic canals, Venice is also home to some of the best art galleries in the world. And I def want to spend at least a week in Rome but figure Ill hand back car by then as no need to garage it for the week. More information. Reggio Emilia is the home for parmigiano reggiano, and many other towns have their own unique dishes waiting to be sampled. If you want MORE top-tier Broke Backpacker content like this, then sign up for our weekly newsletter below to get the latest and greatest! I would suggest to start from the North (Venice, Veroa, Milan, CT) then go down to the South. Bucket list highlights: Basilicaof Saint Francis in Assisi, the Furlo Gorge in Marche along with the Tempietto del Valadier which is nestled into the cliffs. What should I say? In general, I wonder if adding Croatia to your tour wouldnt complicate it too much. Whether you want nightlife, history or cuisine we have you sorted. Others include Siena, Florence, San Gimignano and Lucca as well as some smaller, lesser known spots such as Volterra, Anghiari, Cetona, Cortona, Montalcino, Montepulciano and Pienza. You can use Venice or Verona as a Hub, or make stops while transferring to Milan / Como lake (makes more sense from a logistic point of view). Positano is my favorite. We hope this guide has helped you narrow down your options for your upcoming trip to this dazzling nation. Naples: yes, you will need to keep your eyes opened (but wouldnt you do the same in New York or in Rio? Hi Trina, nice to hear from you. Which hotel would you recommend in Positano? Check out our bucket list to Rome for ideas on what to see and do in the city. This stunning three-star hotel is a great way to experience a little slice of luxury without breaking the bank! Rooms are simple, but come with sturdy furnishings and a historic setting. Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market andditch the plastic. Check out Positano as a great base. And if you like what you read, why notfollow delightfullyitaly.comand get free updates? As Sardinia is an island, it has a unique culture separate from the rest of Italy. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. There are plenty of watersports on offer for older kids, and some easy-going adventure activities for all the family. Dolomites: in my view, the most beatiful mountains in the world! (function(d, sc, u) { Sestri Levante, picturesque Liguria village, with a beautiful small beach (the baia del silenzio) and a gorgeous promontory overlooking the sea, The Golfo dei poeti (poets gulf), with. The rest of the coast is stunning, and Sorrento is a great place to discover Campanian culture. Rome is a massive city, with a diverse range of neighborhoods! Sicily is home to two of Italys four UNESCO Nature World Heritage sites theAeolian Islandsand Mount Etna, the tallest active volcano in Europe and home to numerous picturesque, tiny villages and hamlets that perch on its fertile slopes. Enzo Ferrari, founder of the famous car brand, was born in the city and there is an excellent museum dedicated to his life. This region is, mysteriously enough, out of the mainstream touristic itineraries, even though nearly all visitors cross it while travelling from Florence to Venice or to Milan. Sardinia has some of the best beaches of all the Mediterranean sea, and its one of my favorite sea destinations. There are numerous amazing hostels in Italy. Our favourite of the lakes is Lake Maggiore. No Naples and Amalfi coast? The funny thing is that in general foreign tourist neglect what the Italians consider the region top destination: Portofino. Consider fly with a low cost airline to Puglia (Brindisi) and then rent a car there to visit, it will save you a long road and could be cheap if you book your tickets now So heres a suggestion for an itinerary allowing you to explore Italy from top to bottom in four weeks whilst still being able to enjoy the country at a slower pace. -Capri and the Amalfi coast: one of my favorite regions, you could easily spend 2 weeks there, visiting the islands (including off the beaten path Procida), enjoying natural SPA at Ischia, trekking the Cammino degli Dei Path, enjoying food and scenery. It is contained within an attic, with a skylight that provides gorgeous views of the surrounding city. Whilst we recommend visiting a few places, its impossible to see everything in one trip. Just follow the sun! The delightfull small towns, full of history, art and beautiful scenery: Assisi, Todi, Spoleto, Spello, Gubbio. Its location on the Amalfi Coast also means there are plenty of day trips available nearby! Tuscany is known for its rolling hills, stunning scenery and world-class attractions including the Tower of Pisa! Known for its canals, no trip to Venice is complete without taking a gentle gondola ride through the streets. Wed like to see Milan (2 days), Lake Como (1-2 days), Venice (4 days), Cinque Tere (2 days), Pisa (1-2 days), Florence (2 days), Tuscany (2 days), Rome (4 days), Amalfi Coast (2-3 days) and Croatia (Split & Dubrovnik) (6 days). Spend your first week in Italy exploring the Italian Lakes. No trip to Italy is complete without visiting Rome and even for shorter stays, it is your best chance of getting a comprehensive overview of what modern Italy is all about. The dining area comes with a beautiful terrace where you can admire views of the town whilst enjoying your complimentary breakfast every morning. If shes not working out or coaching peeps at the gym, you can catch her working alongside our lovely Art in the famous (but totally overrated) cafes of Canggu. Bologna is home to a major hub for budget airlines, with some excellent deals to the rest of Italy and further afield in Europe! So you should first visit Tuscany and Umbria, then hand back the car in Florence and go by train to Rome. For a true escape, consider spending up to one week in the Eolian islands. Florence 2 days We have been to Italy and done the Rome, Venice and Florence more than once. Emilia Romagna is also one of the Italian food capital, being home to Lasagne, Tagliatelle al rag and world renowned Parmigiano cheese, prosciutto crudo and Balsamic Vinegar. But for us, Spello has a charm that is unsurpassed anywhere else. Nearly as beautiful as Tuscany but as rich in history, culture and, less visited and, in my view, even more romantic. Bronwyn. Similar to Sicily, the region has seen so many dominations across the centuries (Greeks, Romans, Normans, Frenchs, ) that it has developed a culture and a life style of its own, probably the closest to the Dolce Vita you may still find in Italy. Or hire a boat and simply enjoy the slower pace of life on the lake waters! Italy is truly an eclectic country with so much on offer. It can sleep up to ten guests across five bedrooms, so is an excellent option for larger families heading to the island. Right in the heart of Old Bologna, Il Nosadillo is well placed to check out all of the historic attractions in the city. Taking up a large portion of the Italian Alps, the Dolomites are filled with excellent ski resorts that attract visitors from across Europe every year! Drink water from ANYWHERE. Hostels are pretty sparse in the region, but this backpacker accommodation in Rovereto is great for exploring the magnificent mountains on a budget! Should we add Sicily or Sardinia? . This 50 kilometre stretch of coastline in Campania is characterised by sheer cliffs that drop into the turquoise sea below. Our second stop in Italy, after a week in Rome, will be in Naples ( 2 nights) + Positano( 3 nights). Chianti could also be easily visited in one day trip from Florene or from Siena. If you plan to focus on Cinque Terre, then your hub could be Monterosso, otherwise Sestri is a very convenient option. Venice Florence (high speed train) Hi Linda, end of October / beginning of November is the beginning of Fall, so you must take weather into consideration. Hi Ramin, Im happy you found my post useful. But we do it because we love it we love providing epic and free content. Our flights are to and from Paris and we plan on taking a train over. Capri: beaty in its purest state. Its just that easy. My ambition was not to write a guide book of Italy, so had to make painful choices.. Ill try to cover these areas in my future posts! Bucket list highlights: Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Vatican City, the Colosseum and the Pantheon. From the Statue of David to the Birth of Venus and everything in between, Florence is a mecca for artists. You can also add on a chef, concierge or spa service among other extras. Airbnb Plus is a collection of apartments that have been hand picked for their excellent interior design and customer service. In case you would like a more structured advice, and get a complete, tailored made itinerary, what about considering my Tailored Italian Itinerary service? My husband & myself are travelling to Italy (first time) arrive 24th Sept 26th Oct, arriving & departing from Milan. We also love beautiful cities. Lucca is a lovely town, one of my preferred, and its close to Pisa and its leaning tower. Rooms are very spacious a rarity in Venice and decorated in the traditional Venetian style. By the end of October Sardinia (especially in the North) may be relatively cold and windy, while Sicily is still fine. Wondering where to stay on the Amalfi Coast? From Verona (or from Venice) a 2-3 hours drive will bring you to the Dolomites. Head across the border to Le Marche and youll be marvelling at the spectacular rural landscape. Its also extremely convenient. And then let the shenanigans begin. Again, thank you! SafetyWing is convenient, cheap, and trouble-free Insurance was never this easy! There are some great alternative neighborhoods in the south, as well as hillside hotels providing great views of the city. More interesting in my view, and with less disruption on your schedule. Ive got around 4 weeks or so in Italy with my husband and 3 year old daughter arriving in Milan on 3 Oct. We were thinking of picking up a car from the airport and heading straight to Bellagio in Lake Como, then spending time in Parma (2 -3 nights), then Tuscany thinking Lucca but also somewhere in southern Tuscany to enjoy day trips in our car. Is your phone eSIM ready? Less than an hour from Milan, its also under 2.5 hours from Verona and from here, just a 90 minute train journey to Venice. SPOILERS! That being said, Italy is such a diverse country that we cant truly say where the best single place is for you wherever that may be depends on your own wishes. We feel bad picking an overall favourite but Rome took our top spot because it truly has a little bit of everything on offer! Orvieto. For families, Sardinia offers a peaceful and secluded atmosphere and even the main urban centres have friendly locals and businesses. Any suggestions are very appreciated..! It is located right on the coast, giving guests immediate access to the beach and stunning Mediterranean views! However, Tuscany is an enchanting region, with hundred hiddedn jewells that deserve not less than a week to be explored. Evenutally, leave the beaten paths and discover the Etruscan territory: Pitigliano, Volterra and Tuscania. No trip is complete without a visit to the Uffizi Gallery, but there are also some great independent galleries for checking out modern pieces.