Things to do in Italy

Over 400 centres, 150 courses with at least 18 holes and resorts in panoramic positions. Italy is a paradise for golf enthusiasts. With more than 400 facilities, 150 courses with at least 18 holes and golf resorts in super panoramic locations, Italy offers a great opportunity to all golf enthusiasts: combining their favourite sport with a trip to a dreamy setting. Here we have selected for you the most scenic greens, perfect for a top-grade golf holiday.

A day at altitude, that is, at tree height, perfectly integrated in nature, will change your perspective, put yourself to the test, and strengthen your perception of yourself and the space around you. It will also strengthen team, class or family spirit, while you have loads of fun, of course. These are the principles that inspire the Trieste adventure Park, a high-adrenaline adventure park, suitable for young and old, in the heart of the Trieste Karst, set in forests of black pine, holm oak and alder.

The historic international regatta, the Barcolana in Trieste, is back for its 54th edition. As tradition dictates, it is held on the second Sunday in October, but spans an entire week with a rich calendar of events, including those specially tailored for children. Here is what to do in Trieste with children from 1 to 9 October 2022, to enjoy the beauty of the Gulf of Trieste and feel like the real stars of the Barcolana.

A splendid region on the border with Austria and Slovenia, Friuli is the perfect destination not only for trips to discover the sea, history and cuisine, but also to rediscover a deep connection with the land and nature thanks to an almost endless list of wonderful parks, lagoons, nature reserves and mountains. Sportland provides a total immersion experience in the greenery and relaxation of the North East region: an unspoilt area and an ideal destination at any time of the year. Here you can put your physical performance to the test with numerous activities that unite sport and attention to environmental sustainability.

Umbria - lush and green - boasts a dense network of evocative cycling itineraries for an active open-air holiday, perfect for experts or beginners thanks to the different degrees of difficulty. Five not to be missed and enchanting routes taking in broad panoramas, jewel-like villages and excellent food and wine.

While romantics are enchanted by its heart shape, sportspeople and nature lovers are drawn to its rugged and undeniably enchanting side: Lago di Scanno is the most spectacular and most visited body of water in Abruzzo.

Do you know Milan, but not its surroundings? We have selected 7 places worth discovering, Italian treasures no more than an hour away from Lombardy's capital.

Exploring Turin and its surroundings by bicycle is the best way to discover an astonishingly beautiful city and its majestic historic residences, lush metropolitan parks, local specialities and glimpses of nature that resemble paintings: here are five itineraries that reveal all its charms. Turin, the capital of Piedmont, is also the starting point for the Giro d'Italia 2021.

How can you blame him? Syracuse is one of the pearls of Sicily, capable of captivating tourists and visitors all year round with its Mediterranean climate, crystal-clear sea, unique food and wine specialities and colours that make every shot a postcard to show off. A crossroads of civilisations since ancient Greece and home of Archimedes, Syracuse proudly displays the footprints left by the centuries that testify to its greatness and importance in history. The city was in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2005, with two different sites: the rock necropolis of Pantalica and the historic centre, both bearing witness to the development of ancient civilisations and their progress.

Among the Italian jewels recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Europe's great spa towns, Montecatini Terme, in the heart of Tuscany, surrounded by art cities such as Florence, Pisa and Lucca. Beautiful and easy to get to.

Scattered across Switzerland, Austria, France, Germany, Italy and Slovenia, these UNESCO World Heritage Sites are valuable evidence of the pile-dwelling settlements of prehistoric communities. There are 19 in Italy, located in the immediate vicinity of lakes or the wetlands in Lombardy, Veneto, Piedmont, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Trentino and Alto Adige.

Vibrant and animated by the great history exuding from its walls, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the city's symbol and the most famous Italian monument in the world, immediately springs to mind. Along with the cathedral and the baptistery, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is part of a complex of works that Gabriele D'Annunzio dubbed "Miracles", hence the name Piazza dei Miracoli, which perfectly defines the place that houses them. Monuments, museums and impressive buildings of inestimable artistic value preserve the memory of Pisa as a Maritime Republic that, for a long time, was the undisputed master of the Mediterranean. As its title of Queen of Studies, which was given to it by the Florentines, suggests, Pisa is not only one of Italy's best-loved cities of art, but also remains a young, bustling and lively city where past and present merge.

Over 400 centres, 150 courses with at least 18 holes and resorts in panoramic positions. Italy is a paradise for golf enthusiasts. With more than 400 facilities, 150 courses with at least 18 holes and golf resorts in super panoramic locations, Italy offers a great opportunity to all golf enthusiasts: combining their favourite sport with a trip to a dreamy setting. Here we have selected for you the most scenic greens, perfect for a top-grade golf holiday.

The Gargano Promontory in Apulia, due to its shape, is considered to be “Italy’s spur.” This promontory, projecting itself out into the Adriatic Sea, is almost entirely covered by a massive and mountainous carsic rock. Leafy vegetation, a crystalline sea, evocative places, a faithful people and the genuine tastes of this zone are its fundamental characteristics. One of nature’s jewels, it rests under the tutelage of the National Park, which also covers the Umbra Forest, the marine reserve of the Tremiti Islands and the coastal lakes of Lesina and Varano.

You don't need to be a passionate skier, winter ensures fun, relaxation and breathtaking views for everyone. From magical snowshoe treks, ice skating, adventure parks, thermal spas and much more, there will be no time to get bored. Brace yourself: here are the 10 best mountain spots for those who don't ski but love the snow.

Captivating for their age-old superstitions and stories of brigands and highwaymen, the Valleys of Comacchio are a vast wetlands area located between Ferrara and Ravenna, in the Region of Emilia Romagna. More specifically, they lie between the town of Comacchio and the Reno River, inside the Delta del Po Regional Park. Their 11,000 hectares of brackish, briny water, their immense variety of flora and fauna, and their culinary traditions - founded on eel, above all - make them a draw for tourists from all over Italy and from around the world.

The Sorrento peninsula extends from Castellammare di Stabia to the promontory of Punta Campanella at the far extremity spectacularly overlooking the Gulf of Naples: between sea, nature walks, archaeological sites and astonishing locations, here are 6 masterpieces that reveal all its beauty.

When one thinks of Sardinia, summer, the sea, celebrations and dream destinations oft-frequented by the international jet-set come to mind. But if we try to abandon this narrow image for just a moment, we can discover what the rest of Sardinia is truly about. The largest island in the Mediterranean, after Sicily, it is much more than just the Emerald Coast.

Over 400 centres, 150 courses with at least 18 holes and resorts in panoramic positions. Italy is a paradise for golf enthusiasts. With more than 400 facilities, 150 courses with at least 18 holes and golf resorts in super panoramic locations, Italy offers a great opportunity to all golf enthusiasts: combining their favourite sport with a trip to a dreamy setting. Here we have selected for you the most scenic greens, perfect for a top-grade golf holiday.

When it comes to bread, Italy's know-how goes back centuries. From north to south, every town can boast its own traditional bread, the most famous of which includes that made in one of Italy's most beautiful regions, Basilicata: we're talking about bread from Matera. Known for its ancient habitations literally set in stone, the sassi, and for its rupestrian churches, Matera is an undisputably fascinating city. Appreciated by tourists from all over the world, this town in historic Lucania is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. What makes Matera so captivating? Those that visit it immediately have the sensation of walking through a life-size Nativity scene. And it is not a coincidence that this "Second Bethlehem" was chosen for the making of such films as The Passion of the Christ. The particular bread from Matera has long been the city's symbol. Its form and unique taste are the fruit of ancient culture and tradition that still live on today.

While romantics are enchanted by its heart shape, sportspeople and nature lovers are drawn to its rugged and undeniably enchanting side: Lago di Scanno is the most spectacular and most visited body of water in Abruzzo.

The smallest region of Italy, on the border with France and Switzerland, the Aosta Valley is dotted with the highest peaks of the Alps: the Matterhorn, Mount Rosa, Gran Paradiso and the majestic Mont Blanc. An ideal destination for winter sports enthusiasts, it’s time to don your skis and let your hair down! With green valleys and fairy-tale castles, the Aosta Valley is an enchanting place to visit all year round.

Modica is a charming town located at the confluence of two rivers in the province of Ragusa, famous for its artistic treasures, but also for an ancient tradition of confectionery. Although it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List together with the Val di Noto in 2002 because of its important baroque architectural historical centre, Modica is known around the world for its chocolate.

The references to Byzantine and Gothic art, Renaissance, Baroque and 18th century influences illustrate a past along paths of absolutely unique charm. This astonishing city rising from the water is a real open-air museum, but also a unique shopping opportunity with its sestieri (district) of craft workshops. Consisting of a collection of 118 islands joined by over 400 bridges, Venice is a timeless myth

This is one of the Italian adventure parks with the most fascinating natural scenery: between the rock walls and the green waters of the Sentino river. Here, the relatively low number of available routes is compensated for by the infinite resources offered by the surrounding area: the park is a stone's throw from the extraordinary underground spectacle of the Frasassi Caves and the sulphurous San Vittore water spa. There are also a series of picturesque itineraries through the Gola della Rossa e di Frasassi Regional Park.

Appreciating, in a single day, the wealth of monuments, natural beauty and history of our country, without having to cross it far and wide: this is the fun and educational experience proposed by Italia in Miniatura, the theme park at Viserba di Rimini that reproduces the Belpaese and its architectural and natural heritage through miniatures on a scale of 1:25 to 1:50. It is the popular having fun while learning. Founded in 1970 from the passion of Ivo Rambaldi, who dedicated his entire life (and fortune) to the growth and development of his work, this extraordinary attraction has been updated over the years, acquiring increasingly more innovative services and resources.

Tuscany has not one but two Acqua Village water parks: one in Cecina, the other in Follonica. Both are Hawaiian-themed and tonnes of fun for the whole family. As well as water attractions, including slides, pools, lagoons and waterfalls, you can also enjoy a drink or a themed barbecue. You will find the most amazing array of slides: musical, flying, fire, and even one in the dark! There are also whirlpools, sensory showers, water games, wave pools and the Children's Islands with attractions designed just for the little ones to play in total safety. Both parks are home to Italy's most famous water slide, intriguingly named “Intrigo”.

The Aquarium of Genoa, the city that has built its greatness on the sea, located in the Old Port, is a treasure trove of the richest aquatic biodiversity in Europe. Its path unfolds in more than 70 spaces and contains around 12,000 specimens of 600 species from all the seas of the world. The Aquarium also offers the opportunity to engage in other thrilling experiences.

You can do it at Zoom, the immersive biopark on the outskirts of Turin where you can go on a walking safari and discover, very close up, 300 animals of 80 different species living in their terrestrial or aquatic habitats in Africa and Asia reproduced in a 16-hectare park. Biologists and veterinarians are on hand every day to satisfy any curiosity about animals.

Adventure, fantasy, excitement and plenty of fun: These are the main ingredients of experience in parks offering attractions and shows for young and old ensuring a totally carefree day out. Here are 5 absolutely unmissable venues.

Over 400 centres, 150 courses with at least 18 holes and resorts in panoramic positions. Italy is a paradise for golf enthusiasts. With more than 400 facilities, 150 courses with at least 18 holes and golf resorts in super panoramic locations, Italy offers a great opportunity to all golf enthusiasts: combining their favourite sport with a trip to a dreamy setting. Here we have selected for you the most scenic greens, perfect for a top-grade golf holiday.

You don't need to be a passionate skier, winter ensures fun, relaxation and breathtaking views for everyone. From magical snowshoe treks, ice skating, adventure parks, thermal spas and much more, there will be no time to get bored. Brace yourself: here are the 10 best mountain spots for those who don't ski but love the snow.

Imposing, beguiling and unexpected: Lake Garda has so many different aspects when looking out over its waters from Gardone Riviera or Sirmione, Peschiera or Riva del Garda. Peaks and valleys define its perimeter, small towns on its shores interrupt the expanse of lush vegetation characterizing the area. In short, staying at Lake Garda will certainly ensure inspiration, relaxation and well-being. You will come across echoes of history, magnificent castles and delightful villas in perfect symbiosis with the contemporary world, interpreted in a thousand ways and even celebrated at table serving excellent local produce. Oil, wine and citrus fruit: here are some of the treasures of this part of Italy. It's up to you to discover all the others...

Spring is a splendid time of year on these lakes. Energizing nature, relaxing colours and mild temperatures are an invitation to an active open-air holiday with plenty to do, including sports and walks through history. Northern Italy has the three largest lakes in the Italian peninsula - the inspiration for poets, writers and musicians of all periods.

Crystal clear waters and coasts that are still partly wild inviting countryside for those looking for relaxation away from the busy pace of the city villages nestled on ancient castles and a rich cuisine where you can find, unchanged, traditional, local food and wine. These are the things that make the Maremma so dear to Italian and foreign visitors. An ideal place for nature lovers, the Maremma is a place to discover on foot, by bike, or even better, on horseback.

If you’re fed up with the usual barbecue grill, in Italy you’ll be spoiled for choice. You can inaugurate the season at the beach or dedicate yourself to relaxation at a thermal spa, take advantage of a day trekking or explore a village, stroll in the gardens of a historic villa or among the halls of an exhibition. The choice is yours: here are some ideas for spending Easter Monday in perfect Italian style.