Italy Holidays

Think of this less as a rigid guide and more like some good advice before you visit Italy. Italy, for all its perfection, has its own rhythm and the first thing you need to do is to embrace il dolce far niente - the beauty of doing nothing. This 'doing nothing' isn’t laziness, it’s the art of lingering over a coffee, people-watching in a piazza, and letting the day unfold.  

Logistically, Italy is wonderfully straightforward for Irish visitors and less than three hours flying time from Ireland. Airlines like Ryanair and Aer Lingus fly to Rome (Fiumicino/Ciampino), Milan (Malpensa/Linate/Bergamo), Venice (Marco Polo/Treviso), and Naples, plus popular destinations such as Verona, Pisa, Turin, Catania, Bologna, and Palermo 

The best times to visit are the shoulder seasons of May-June and September-October - but Italy also has its own charm in winter, and flights are a lot cheaper too. During the shoulder season, you’ll dodge the peak summer crowds and scorching heat, finding milder days perfect for exploring cities or hiking coastal trails in Sardinia and Sicily. Getting around is part of the adventure. The high-speed train network is brilliant for connecting city greats like Milan, Florence, and Rome. But, it's worth remembering, to discover the hidden hill towns of Tuscany or the secluded coves of an island, renting a car gives you all the freedom you need. 

When it comes to dining and culture the following are worth noting. Dining hours are later than you're probably used to back in Ireland. Lunch is usually served between 1pm and 3pm, while dinner is rarely served before 8pm. Embrace it. That late afternoon aperitivo - a drink accompanied by some generous snacks - is your secret weapon to refuel while feeling like a local. When it comes to paying for things in Italy cash is still king in small trattorias and market stalls, though cards are widely accepted. Tipping is simple, round up the bill or leave a few euros for good service, but it’s not obligatory. 

Managing your time is important, especially for groups of friends with big plans. Here's some advice, Italy’s cultural wealth can be overwhelming. Don’t try to see everything in one trip. Prioritise one or two regions or cities - like pairing the lakes with Milan, or Rome with Florence. Book key sights (the Colosseum, Uffizi Gallery) online well (we mean WELL in advance) in advance. This is your ticket to skipping endless queues and gives you more time for spontaneous discovery.  

Finally, remember a few local courtesies. A cheerful "buongiorno" (good day) when entering a shop or trattoria goes a very long way. Dress respectfully when visiting churches - covered shoulders and knees are required. And while you’ll find Barry’s Tea in some spots, do as the Romans do and stand at a bar for a swift, perfect espresso, and feel like an extra in a 1960s Italian movie. 

ltaly is full of some of the world's best know cultural treasures, but what do you really need to see? If it's your first visit to Italy, it might be best to begin with the iconic sights that you've already known for year - they’re famous for a reason you know.  

In Rome, this means standing in the shadow of the Colosseum and tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain; visit the fountain late at night to see it glow without the hassle of endless crowds. And remember, book your Colosseum ticket online well in advance to bypass the head-shattering queues. A short journey away from the Colosseum, the Vatican City (the smallest country in the world at just 0.17 square miles, or 0.44 square km) awaits. The sheer scale of St. Peter’s Basilica and the breathtaking beauty of Michelangelo’s ceiling in the Sistine Chapel are simply unforgettable - pace yourself, as the museums are pretty huge.  

Up north, Venice demands that you simply get lost. Glide down the Grand Canal by vaporetto, but your real memories will be made in the quiet back lanes and side streets where you'll come across small shops and restaurants that have been doing business for centuries. And for romantic couples, or fans of movies like Death in Venice, or Indiana Jones, a gondola ride in the smaller, more atmospheric canals is a guaranteed lifetime experience.  

In Florence, the magnificent Duomo dominates the city's skyline where you can climb Brunelleschi’s dome for an unforgettable view. The art inside the Uffizi Gallery is the city’s true soul - but like most of Italy's iconic sites, book a timed ticket ahead to secure your spot. And, don’t miss the chance for a day trip into the Tuscan countryside; those rolling hills, cypress trees, and vineyards are exactly like you imagined, perfect for a delicious wine-tasting tour.  

Further south, the remarkably preserved ruins of Pompeii offer a uniquely haunting and fascinating window into ancient Roman life; hiring a guide can really bring the stories of the city and its inhabitants back to life. For many, the classic postcard image of Italy is the dramatic Amalfi Coast, its hairpin bends and cliff-side villages like Positano are every bit as stunning as you've seen in the movies.  

And yes, you must go to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Take the obligatory photo, and enjoy the playful atmosphere of the Field of Miracles - climbing the tilting stairs is a fun, quirky experience, if you're fit enough.  

Beyond the mainland, the ancient Greek temples in Sicily’s Valley of the Temples stand like sentinels set against a dramatic landscape, while Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda offers a taste of pristine, celebrity-style beaches with unbelievably clear water.  

Between sights, your most important activity is simply living the Italian way. Linger over a long lunch at a family-run trattoria, join the evening passeggiata (stroll) with the locals, and always say yes to that second scoop of gelato. The greatest attraction here is the dolce vita lifestyle where time comes to a standstill and life passes by at a different pace. 

For beach lovers, Italy's coastline is a fabulous mix of landscapes, offering everything from glamorous celebrity haunts to secluded, family-friendly coves. Whether you're after vibrant beach clubs, soft golden sand, or water so clear it seems unreal, you'll find your perfect stretch of paradise somewhere. While the country has literally thousands of great beaches, here are fifteen of the very best, from the islands of the south to the dramatic shores of the north.  

• Spiaggia dei Conigli, Lampedusa, Sicily - Often ranked the world's best beach. This remote, pristine cove with talcum-powder sand is a sanctuary for loggerhead turtles. Accessible by boat or a scenic path, its clear waters are unforgettable.  
• Cala Goloritzé, Sardinia - A UNESCO-listed masterpiece accessed by hike or boat. Famous for its iconic limestone pinnacle and stunningly blue waters, it's a rugged, spectacular cove perfect for adventurers and snorkellers.  
• Spiaggia della Pelosa, Stintino, Sardinia - This beach looks like a Caribbean postcard with shallow, turquoise lagoons and soft white sand. The view towards the ancient Aragonese tower is iconic. Perfect for families with young children.  
• Marina Piccola, Capri, Campania - Nestled beneath Capri's famed Faraglioni rocks, this small pebbled cove offers stunning views and famously warm water. It's a glamorous, classic spot to see and be seen on the island.  
• Tropea Beach, Calabria - Dramatic cliffs and a historic old town provide the backdrop to this long stretch of fine white sand. The clear, gentle waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea are ideal for a relaxing swim for all ages.  
• Spiaggia dei Due Mari, Punta della Suina, Puglia - A unique stretch of coast where you can swim in both the Ionian and Adriatic Seas. Surrounded by sweet-smelling pine forests, it's a natural, idyllic beach with incredibly clear water.  
• Baia dei Turchi, Puglia - Named after Turkish invaders, this wild and beautiful beach is reached via a path through a fragrant pine forest. Its rocky coves and clear waters feel wonderfully undiscovered.  
• Calanchi di Maratea, Basilicata - Known as the 'Pearl of the Tyrrhenian'. This dramatic, pebbled beach is framed by striking white clay cliffs and lush greenery, offering a uniquely beautiful and rugged coastal landscape.  
• Spiagge di Chiaia di Luna, Ponza, Lazio - An Instagrammable, crescent-moon beach enclosed by towering volcanic cliffs. Access is via an ancient Roman tunnel, adding to the sense of arriving at a hidden, secret world.  
• Monterosso al Mare, Cinque Terre, Liguria - The largest and most accessible beach of the five Cinque Terre villages. Its golden sand and calm waters make it a family-friendly haven in the otherwise cliff-hugging landscape.  
• Spiaggia di Sansone, Elba, Tuscany - A real gem on Napoleon's island, with dazzling white pebbles and strikingly clear, azure blue waters. Fantastic for snorkelling directly from the shore among the smooth, wave-worn rocks.  
• Cala Pulcino, Lampedusa, Sicily - Another Lampedusan treasure - requiring a scenic hike. Its seclusion is rewarded with untouched natural beauty, deep blue waters, and a true sense of escape from the modern world.  
• Spiaggia di Punta Prosciutto, Puglia - Nicknamed the 'Maldives of Salento' for its long, shallow shelf of incredibly clear, warm water and fine white sand. It's a fantastic  choice for a long, relaxing paddle in spectacular surroundings.  
• La Sorgente, Baia di Ieranto, Campania - A magical, secluded pebble beach within a protected marine reserve close to Sorrento. A natural freshwater spring meets the saltwater sea here, creating a unique and refreshing swimming experience.  
• Cala Rossa, Favignana, Sicily - Named for the red hue of its volcanic rocks, this stunning cove on an Egadi Island offers dramatic scenery and exceptionally clear, deep waters perfect for diving and snorkelling. 

To understand Italy is to understand that its greatest masterpiece is its way of life - la dolce vita -  where food, culture, and daily ritual are all deeply connected. The first and most delicious lesson is that Italian cuisine is fiercely regional. Forget a single national menu, Italy takes you on a culinary adventure where the local landscape dictates the food on your plate.  

In the south, Sicily bursts with bold, sun-soaked flavours shaped by centuries of cultural interaction and conquest, think sweet-and-sour caponata, arancini, and granita with brioche.  

Nearby Sardinia offers a taste of its rugged interior with utterly delicious porceddu (suckling pig) and pecorino cheese. Moving north towards Tuscany, the philosophy of food is simplicity and features world-famous olive oil, hearty ribollita soup, and the legendary Florentine steak. Of course, Naples is the altar where pizza lovers come to pray. Your best bet is to seek out a bustling pizzeria (bustling with locals) to experience the real, Neapolitan blistered-margherita pizza dish. Further north around  Milan and the surrounding lakes, the food becomes far richer and more suited to the region with risottos, creamy polenta, and butter-based sauces.  

This regional pride extends far beyond the kitchen and the table. Italian culture is lived outdoors in the piazza and kept alive in sacred traditions, like the evening passeggiata - the leisurely evening stroll through town with a gelato in hand - is a social institution. Coffee is a revered, almost religious swift ritual enjoyed standing at a bar. And speaking of religion, while the Vatican’s influence is visible right throughout the country, so too are countless local festas honouring patron saints and involve lively colourful processions, music, and local food stalls. 

If you can, try to time your visit to take in a local festival, whether it’s Venice’s elaborate Carnevale or a village’s humble seafood sagra - a traditional Italian food festival dedicated to celebrating local seafood.  

Or why not take an Italian cooking class in a Chianti farmhouse, or simply make it your mission to find the best gelato (avoid brightly coloured mounds - natural colours are the sign of the real thing). Most importantly, talk to people, a few words of Italian, a question about the wine, a compliment on the meal - all of these small engagements go a long way towards unlocking the warmth and passion for which Italy is truly famous.

Planning your Italian holiday should be an exciting part of the experience, and not overwhelming. The key is balancing smart preparation while giving yourself the flexibility to embrace la dolce vita once you get there.  

The first thing you need to know is that timing is everything. The sweet spots are May-June and September-October. You’ll enjoy warm, pleasant weather perfect for exploring the cultural heritage, sightseeing and enjoying the beaches, while avoiding the intense heat and dense crowds of July and August. However, these shoulder seasons are popular, so book flights and key accommodations well in advance. For winter city breaks or Italian skiing holidays, December to February offers a different, festive charm right throughout the country.  

While flight-and-hotel packages can offer great value - make sure to talk to the experts at Cassidy Travel - remember daily costs. Southern Italy and lesser-known towns generally offer better value for meals and accommodation than tourist hotspots like Venice or central Rome. A major plus for holidays in Italy is that many of the country's real pleasures are free: a stunning church, a panoramic piazza view, or a window-shopping passeggiata. In contrast, a significant minus can be city tourist taxes, added per night to your hotel bill - don't forget to factor this in.  

For getting around, Italy's train network is excellent for city-hopping. Book high-speed Frecciarossa tickets online in advance for the best prices. However, for exploring regions like Puglia, Sicily, or the Dolomites, a rental car is essential to getting off the beaten track. The major downside? Driving in historic city centres is often a stressful affair - if you do choose to hire a car, always try to opt for a hotel with parking.  

Minor details make a major difference. Invest in a good Italian SIM card or eSIM - or sign up for roaming from your home telephone provider - for seamless communication, navigation, maps, and translations. Pack a universal power adapter (Italy uses Type L plugs) and comfortable walking shoes (this is a must) cobblestones are beautiful but unforgiving. Learn a few basic Italian phrases; a simple "buongiorno" or "grazie" is warmly appreciated.  

Crucially, plan to not over-plan. Book your must-see attractions (Colosseum, Uffizi, etc.) online to skip queues, but leave gaps for wandering. Italians dine late; embrace the 8pm dinner booking. Most importantly, take out comprehensive travel insurance. It’s the one thing you need but hope never to use, ensuring a forgotten camera or a sprained ankle won’t derail your dream holiday - and watch out for pickpockets wherever you go.  

And finally, don't forget to book your hotel transport before you arrive. You don't want the comfortable experience of a less than three-hour flight to be ruined by a super hefty taxi fare just to get you to your accommodation.