Where to visit in Italy in 2023
As the fifth most-visited country in the world, with an abundance of history, culture, delicious food and a love of the arts, it is easy to see why so many people flock to Italy every year. But where do you go on a family holiday to Italy? From the sun-drenched beaches of Sardinia and buzzing metropolis of Rome, to the rolling vistas of Tuscany and bustling canals of Venice, Italy has something for everyone on their villa holiday. Here’s our experts selection of where to go on holiday in Italy.
Puglia
Want a more laid-back experience on your 2023 Italy holiday? Located in the south of the country, on the heel of Italy’s ‘boot’, is Puglia, known for its slower pace, whitewashed ancient houses, olive groves, tranquil coastline and historical sites. When you feel like heading out of your luxurious Villa Trulli Isabella to explore the local area, head to Castel de Monte citadel – a UNESCO World Heritage site with an unusual design and perfectly octagonal structure, before taking a drive to Corato, which is a food-lovers’ dream. Sample local dishes including handmade oricchiette pasta, fresh fish sourced from the nearby coast, or Taralli – a savoury snack that’s Italy’s answer to pretzels! Also worth checking out is the town of Alberobello – famous for its whitewashed stone homes with conical roofs, with origins that are still unknown. Fancy a respite from the heat? Visit Castellana Grotte and its many karst cave systems for jaw-dropping views of stalactite canopies.
Sicily
A melting pot of cultures and histories, covering Baroque architecture, Mediterranean culture, Greek temples and Norman religious buildings – you’ll be spoiled for choice for things to do on a villa holiday to Sicily. If you’re staying in one of our amazing villas, such as Villa Marzallo in Ispica, when you’re not relaxing by your villa’s inviting pool, enjoying the tranquil surrounding olive groves, spend your days exploring the natural wonders of the island, which boasts a mild North-African climate for most of the year. Hire a car and visit the Valle dei Templi – an archaeological site in Agrigento that features outstanding examples of ancient Greek history and architecture. Foodies are also catered for with regular food tours from the main cities of Palermo and Catania (worth trying are the chickpea Sicilian fritters known as Panelle – not to mention the deep-fried breadcrumb Arancini balls!). If you’re up for a hike, you can organise a guided tour of Mount Etna National Park, covering over 220 square miles of vineyards, volcanic craters and woods. You can even reach the summit with a local guide, creating a lasting memory of your family holiday in Italy.
Naples
Even if you’re staying in the opulent Villa Garofani, complete with private tennis court, large pool and expansive gardens, there will be times when you want to explore a little further. If you’ve hired a vehicle for your villa holiday to Puglia, why not hit the road and drive to Naples for a day? This is the home of Mount Vesuvius – a still-active volcano that completely destroyed the historical Roman town of Pompeii when it erupted in AD 79. Spend the morning wandering around Pompeii itself – a city that has been preserved in ash, giving visitors a unique picture of Roman life at the time thanks to its many well-persevered buildings and artefacts. Then head to inner Naples to sample the food it is most famous for – pizza. Tuck into a delicious Neapolitan, laden with tomatoes, basil and mozzarella cheese. If time allows, a stroll along the promenade Via Caracciolo e Lungomare di Napoli is well worth it, with plenty of cafes and restaurants to choose from for dinner.
Need more inspiration for your Italy holiday in 2023? Discover our luxurious collection of Italian holiday villas.