Italy Calls to Curious Travellers Year-Round

It’s a country for foodies, for history buffs, for art connoisseurs, for fashionistas, for first-timers and 10th-timers. Between mountains, islands, iconic cities, and all the villages in between, there is so much to uncover.

Once you decide to go, you’ve got to decide when to go. And the answer to that question depends entirely on what you hope to experience.

Italy in Spring

If the chill of the winter air is too much and you’re looking to skip the larger crowds of summer, spring (especially earlier in the season) may be the perfect time to visit Italy. As long as layers are packed and a rain jacket or small umbrella is on hand, you’ll be ready to explore.

Here are some more perks of visiting this trendy destination in the springtime:

Italy in March

March heralds the arrival of spring and is a great time to take advantage of the flexibility and smaller crowds of the low season. Shannon Levi, a Product Designer for Collette and a Rome native, notes that this is the perfect time to visit Tuscany and other Central Italy destinations on any bucket list.

“Florence is the City of the Flowers, and March truly brings out its beauty,” Shannon says. “It’s a perfect time for scenic walks and enjoying the blossoming gardens and countryside.”

Italy in April

Tourism in Italy begins picking up steam in April, and the larger cities become very crowded starting now. Like the flowers in bloom, small businesses that were still closed in the winter months begin opening back up. And tourism to popular locales is in full bloom, too.

But the beauty of the season calls to travellers — and rightly so. The Tuscan and Umbrian countryside is dotted with spring wildflowers, and local shops start showcasing the season’s best fresh produce like artichokes, asparagus, peas, radishes, and the first strawberries of the year.

Italy in Summer

More flexible schedules to travel with family, long hot summer days, and pleasant coastal experiences make summer a very popular season for travel to Italy. If you’re planning a trip for June, July, or August, you can expect to encounter large crowds.

Italy in Fall

Italy is very busy in early autumn because it combines the best weather with the convenience of peak travel season. It’s a tradeoff: ideal conditions come with bigger crowds in September and October.

Late fall, however, offers unique experiences, slightly cooler weather conditions, and fewer people visiting.

Italy in November

November is a “fantastic foodie month,” according to Shannon Levi.

“It’s the month of freshly squeezed olive oil, particularly from Rome northward,” she says. “There’s also a bit of foliage and crisp air — a perfect excuse for a glass of wine!”

With a bit of luck, travellers may even catch the olive harvest. Olives are picked over a period of approximately 45 days. The exact starting and ending day depend on the weather and can vary from mid-October to mid-December.

Italy in Winter

Smaller seasonal businesses may be closed for the year, and days may be shorter. Dressing in layers is essential. But the exchange? Getting closer to culture. Shannon Levi notes that visitors will hear locals speaking Italian more than English in the streets, and there’s a real opportunity to connect with business owners who have more time than they do in busier times of the year.

Italy in December

December brings the holiday season, especially vibrant around the Bay of Naples and the Amalfi Coast.

“There’s all the Christmas traditions coming up, with beautiful decorations and local customs to enjoy,” says Levi.

By mid-November, Sorrento’s main square is decorated with a massive Christmas tree each year. Rome’s Piazza Navona Christmas opens by early December, featuring sweet seasonal treats. It’s around this time that St. Peter’s Square gets its holiday transformation with bright lights, a large Christmas tree, and a huge nativity scene.

Italy in January

January is ideal for travellers looking to get a unique look at local culture with few other travellers in destination.

“It’s the quietest month of the year, perfect for visiting places like Venice where you can even hear your own footsteps,” says Shannon. “Enjoy a thick Italian hot chocolate at one of the historic cafes on St. Mark’s Square.”

Italy in February

February offers the charm of almond blossoms in Sicily and the excitement of Carnival. Shannon Levi offers advice for those looking to experience Carnival:

“Stay away from Venice during Carnival due to high hotel prices and crowds,” she says. “Instead, consider tours like Collette’s Spotlight on Northern Italy that stays on the mainland and goes into Venice for a day trip.”

Book Your Italy Trip

Ready to start planning your Italian adventure? To learn more about Collette’s Italy tours, visit gocollette.com.

CARP members save an additional $100 per person off any tour – combinable with all other retail offers. See www.collette.com/carp to learn more.