From the Alps to the Coast: Where to Stay in Italy For a Bella Vacanza

Keep catching yourself dreaming about an Italian getaway? Well, this is your sign to book that ticket. Upon arrival, you may be surprised at just how diverse Italy is, from Alpine grandeur and bucolic countryside, to historical cities and sunny islands. The best part about it? There’s something for every type of traveller, whether you’re interested in art and architecture, food and wine, or getting active in nature. Our travel experts at Plum Guide know Italy inside out, and have put together this guide on where to stay in Italy. Whether you’re whisking your other half away on a romantic escape, travelling with friends or family, or embarking on that solo trip, say ciao to your new favourite destination.

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For an island break as you’ve never had before, head to Sicily. This diverse island has everything you could think of: fascinating archaeological sites, vibrant cities, quaint villages, dreamy beaches, rugged mountains and blissful vineyards. Its history dates back 10,000 years, and you can explore a history influenced by the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, French, Germans, Spanish, Italians and British. One of the most famous historical highlights is the sprawling Valley of Temples, the largest archaeological site in the world and one of the most perfectly preserved Greek ruins in the world.

For those keen to get outdoors, Sicily is home to the three active volcanoes of Etna, Stromboli and Vulcano. They were made to be explored, and you can either lace up your hiking boots or, on Etna, take the narrow-gauge railway or cable car. If that all sounds too exhausting, you’ll be forgiven for opting to chill out on Sicily’s beaches instead. There are plenty to choose from, and we can highly recommend the pristine Torre Salsa for snorkelling and scuba diving, or the idyllic San Vito Lo Capo with its towering headland and swaying palm trees. Why not switch things up with an island-hopping adventure? Discover the enchanting Aegadian Islands for hiking, the Pelagie Islands for secluded beaches and the Aeolian Islands for wine and volcanoes (although maybe not at the same time).

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When you think of Italy, a typical image in your head may be of rolling green hills, winding countryside lanes, and medieval hilltop towns shrouded in mist. Tuscany is just that, where everywhere you look is like a scene from a postcard, with most of its landscapes remaining unchanged from centuries ago. The jewel in Tuscany’s crown is Florence, a city known as the cradle of the Renaissance. It’s a treasure chest of incredible architecture, art and history, and you could easily spend your entire time here discovering works by Michelangelo and da Vinci.

However, it’s worth venturing further afield and visiting other parts of the region like the Val d’Orcia, an idyllic landscape of olive groves, sunflower fields, magical castles and hill towns. Wine lovers should make a beeline for Chianti, one of the most renowned wine regions in the world. With vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see, there are countless wineries where you can sample reds, whites and sparkling wines. The small towns of Greve or Panzano are the best places to stay, both central to the area and brimming with history and rustic Italian architecture.

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For a sun-soaked Mediterranean getaway, make your way down to the heel of Italy’s boot. Puglia is easily one of Italy’s most attractive holiday destinations, with its verdant landscapes, historical sites and enticing cuisine. Its capital city of Bari offers a little bit of everything, from history and culture to food and coastal scenery.

One of Puglia’s main draws is its wonderful beaches. The choices are endless, whether you’re after a family-friendly spot with all the amenities, or hidden coves and natural swimming pools. One of the most well-known beaches is Baia dei Turchi, where clear waters are backed by peaceful pinewood forests. See more of the coast with a boat trip around the Tremiti Islands which are ideal for swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving in magical sea caves like Grotta delle Viole and Grotta del Bue Marino.

Heading inland, you have the Gargano National Park, which offers endless opportunities to hike its mountainous interior, cycle through its Aleppo pine forests or amble leisurely through photogenic towns like Monte Sant’Angelo. Agrotourism is popular in Puglia, with many centuries-old olive farms and wineries, which give you the opportunity to see how the products are made and pick up a few bottles to take home.

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If you’re searching for somewhere to stay in Italy that isn’t just beaches and cities, perhaps an escape to the mountains is just what you need. Nestled in the foothills of the Italian Alps, Lake Como is the country’s third-largest lake and an attractive destination for nature lovers. Surrounded by lush green hills, charming villages and peaceful harbours, the lake is somewhere you can truly unwind and slow down.

The best way to take in the views is to join a boat tour, or if you’re here on a special occasion, hire a boat and spend a romantic day out on the water, just the two of you. Bring a picnic with you, as Comacina Island and Teresio Olivelli Park are both idyllic spots.

Thanks to its location, there are many hiking trails for outdoorsy folk to explore. For an easy option, the Greenway del Lago di Como is a scenic trail that stretches for over 10 kilometres along the shores of the lake. Connecting the towns of Colonno and Cadenabbia, the route takes you through villages and pretty gardens. Seeking a challenge? Hike up to the summit of Monte Grona for breathtaking panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Sighignola, also known as the Balcony of Italy, is a fantastic spot to watch the sunset. At 1,314 metres high, watching the golden light fill the lake and valley below is an unforgettable experience.

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Italy is home to many amazing cities, but we couldn’t miss putting Rome on the list of where to stay in Italy. The country’s capital is a truly special place, where thousands of years of history can be seen throughout the city. Rome was home to one of the most powerful ancient empires in the world, and today, it’s an open-air museum where you can marvel at landmarks like the Colosseum, the Pantheon and the Roman Forum. There’s also stunning Renaissance and Baroque architecture, from St. Peter’s Basilica and the Trevi Fountain – remember to toss a coin (with your right hand over your left shoulder) to guarantee a return to Rome someday.

For art lovers, the city is home to some of the most important works of art in the world. One of the must-visits is the Vatican Museum which is home to the Sistine Chapel, renowned for its ceiling painted by Michelangelo. Other world-class museums and galleries include the Galleria Borghese and the MAXXI Museum of Modern Art. In between all that sightseeing, be sure to fuel up on Rome’s delicious food. Pasta fans can try specialities like spaghetti alla carbonara (pasta with egg, pecorino cheese and pancetta) and cacio e pepe (pasta with pecorino cheese and black pepper). If pizza is more your thing, traditional Roman-style pizza is thin, crispy and cooked in a wood-fired oven, with typical toppings being prosciutto, mushrooms and artichokes. Choosing a pizzeria can be one of the toughest decisions you’ll ever make, but we highly recommend Piccolo Buco just a stone’s (or coin’s) throw away from the Trevi Fountain.

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Ready to be blown away by one of the most beautiful stretches of coastlines in Europe? Head to northwestern Italy to the crescent-shaped region of Liguria. Located by the Ligurian Sea, this stretch of coastline is better known as the Italian Riviera, famous for its colourful seaside towns and crystal-clear waters. In Western Liguria, or Riviera di Ponente, you have attractions like the lovely botanical gardens at Villa Hanbury, and Dolceacqua, with its medieval humpback bridge and castle overlooking the village. Travelling east, you’ll come across seaside resorts like Sanremo, Alassio and Albenga.

The eastern part of Liguria is called Riviera di Levante, where you can find the five picture-perfect villages of Cinque Terre: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is easily recognisable from the colourful cliff-top houses overlooking the harbours below. The best way to see it is the 11-kilometre Blue Trail between the villages of Monterosso and Riomaggiore. Strolling along this route will spoil you with views of the azure waters and rugged mountains.

Speaking of mountains, although it may be famous for its coastline, there is a great deal to be seen inland. Swap your flip-flops for hiking boots and head to the Ligurian Alps, where you’ll come across a large network of hiking paths leading you through medieval villages, lush valleys and wildflower meadows.

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