Italy all-year round: top activities for spring, summer, fall, winter

Are you dreaming of a trip to Italy this year? From open-air music events and food festivals in summer to lively Christmas markets in winter, any season is a good time to plan a trip to Italy for a weekend getaway, a day trip, or a multi-day adventure!

On Ferryhopper, we created a guide so you can easily plan your holidays to Italy for 2023-2024:

• What to do in Italy in autumn
• What to do in Italy in winter
• What to do in Italy in spring
• What to do in Italy in summer

The enchanting Cala Grande beach in Favignana in October

What to do in Italy in autumn

Autumn in Italy is a magical time! The landscape transforms into palettes of colors, temperatures drop and summer crowds thin out. Here are some ideas for organizing a trip to Italy in the months of September, October, and November!

September: explore the islands of Elba and Giglio

Elba, the island where Napoleon chose to spend his final years in exile, is a great place to spend a couple of days.

Thanks to its 100 beaches, ancient history, and untainted landscape, it is an excellent place to unwind in September. It takes between 15 minutes and 1 hour to travel by ferry from Piombino Elba, which has 3 ports, Portoferraio, Rio Marina, and Cavo.

You can also take a day trip from Elba to the nearby island of Giglio, or stay longer and enjoy the Grape Festival and Open Cellars Festival which usually takes place in the Castle of Giglio on the last weekend of September.

A splendid panoramic view of the village of Giglio Campese

October: enjoy late-summer vacations in the Aegadian Islands

Do you want to prolong the summer season? Even in October, swimming in the Aegadian (or Egadi) Islands is the best option!

Book a ferry from Trapani to Favignana and explore the island's beautiful coves!

You can also continue your island hopping and get to the nearby Marettimo in 10 minutes.  If you’re looking for complete relaxation and peace instead, you can take the ferry to the peaceful island of Levanzo.

And if you have a little more time available, you can always be inspired by our 4-day trip to the Aegadian Islands!

Tip: October is also the ideal month to attend the autumn festivals in Italy. Try the divine wine and taste the local delicacies!  

November: travel through the villages of eastern Sicily

Even though autumn has arrived, it's still a great time to visit the villages on Italy's largest island. Plan a 4-5 day trip to eastern Sicily in November if you haven't already!

You can begin your journey in Catania, the town of Etna, continue to Syracuse and be mesmerized by the Ortigia island, descend to the magnificent Vendicari Reserve, and finally arrive in the Val di Noto to take in the region's baroque architecture. After that, travel inland to Ragusa Ibla, which is at an altitude of 450 meters.

A great place to end your journey is Pozzallo, located in the province of Ragusa, Sicily. You can easily reach the island in less than 2 hours by taking the Pozzallo - Malta ferry. Can we think of a better way to end your trip than with a day trip to Valletta? Neither do we!

 The beautiful historic center of Ragusa Ibla in Sicily

What to do in Italy in winter

In the heart of winter, Italy unfurls a tapestry of ethereal beauty and timeless romance. The bustling piazzas with the rustic trattorias beckon with warm lights and beautiful decorations. Below you can read Ferryhopper's suggestions for the coldest three months of the year!

December: Christmas begins in Tremiti

If you are NOT dreaming of a white Christmas, the Tremiti Islands are the perfect place to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year!

On December 6, this region celebrates the Feast of St. Nicholas of Mira, one of the most well-known holidays in southern Italy. This thousand-year-old festival will take you back in time with processions, medieval-style parades, and gastronomic delights. 

You can easily take the ferry from Termoli to the Tremiti Islands at any time of year to explore one of Italy's most beautiful archipelagos!

January: feel the spirit of the Epiphany in Urbania

Have you heard of the Befana, the Italian witch who makes her way through Italy on the eve of the Epiphany to deliver gifts to the children? According to legend, Befana is from the charming town of Urbania in the Marche region, in the province of Pesaro.

This town, which has a significant historical and artistic legacy, is transformed into a real toy town on the occasion of the Epiphany.

On January 6 of every year, 4,000 hanging socks adorn Urbania's historic district, which also hosts a number of parades, concerts, and performances.

Additionally, you can visit the "House of the Befana", watch her make coal (the sweet treat for misbehaving children), and let her stories enchant you!

The Befana doll flying among the markets of Urbania

February: visit Venice during the Carnival season

It may sound cliché, but experiencing the Carnival of Venice is something that everyone should do at least once in a lifetime.

Get ready to take a trip down memory lane as you relive the allure of the magnificent carnival masks and costumes you see everywhere! Attend the Carnival's opening festivities, which include the "Flight of the Angel", a traditional event held in St. Mark's Square, and the Venetian Water Festival.

So, have you chosen your carnival costume yet? 🥳

   Traditional masks and impressive dresses at the Venice Carnival

What to do in Italy in spring

Spring in Italy is an explosion of scents and enchanting atmospheres that make this season an ideal time for exploring the country. March, April, and May are perfect for walks, nature excursions, and trips to seaside places!

March: hike the Cinque Terre trails

The Cinque Terre is a must-see if you enjoy hiking and want to experience Italy's beauty off-season. In fact, the best time to visit the wonderful Unesco Heritage villages is in mid-March, when there aren't too many tourists around.

One of Italy's most picturesque routes is the 12 km-long Blue Trail (Sentiero Azzurro), which connects the five villages. It's  easily accessible to all travelers and it is considered one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Italy

Tip: once in Genoa, you can quickly travel to the Cinque Terre and try out this unusual experience. If you want to visit some of the park's fee-based areas and use the amenities, purchase the Cinque Terre trekking card in advance.

April: celebrate Easter in Naples and its surrounding islands

In Campania, Holy Week is a significant time marked by traditions and rituals. If you visit Naples during Easter, you will be able to see the city from a different perspective.

Think about making a day trip from Naples to Procida to participate in the “Procession of the Mysteries", a centuries-old Easter tradition. This festival, which has taken place on the island since 1600, starts in the historic village of Terra Murata and ends in the Marina Grande port.

The islands of Ischia and Capri also celebrate Easter with zeal including many events, concerts, and of course decorated chocolate eggs. Find out more about the Easter traditions in the Gulf of Naples and choose your favorite destination!

May: spend a weekend on the Amalfi Coast

The best time to visit the Amalfi Coast is probably in May. In fact, this is a pleasant time of year with mild temperatures, flower blooming, and less crowding than in the summer. You can take the ferry from Salerno to the Amalfi Coast villages and explore them all.

Do you want to take a photo in Positano, a seaside village known for its cosmopolitan lifestyle? Are you interested in trying the famous Cetara anchovies? If you're trying to decide where to start your adventure, check out our article on the most picturesque villages along the Amalfi Coast and start planning your next trip.

The scenic seaside village of Cetara on the Amalfi Coast

What to do in Italy in summer

From the breathtaking coasts of the Adriatic to the Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy shines under the summer sun. One thing's for sure: from June to September, your holiday options in Italy are endless!

June: go on a road trip to Sardinia

Sardinia is a lovely island, but it can be quite pricey in the summer. If you don’t want to spend a fortune, we advise taking a road trip in early June so that you can see unspoiled areas, idyllic beaches, and picturesque villages.

So, what is it gonna be? Car, motorbike, or camper vacation in Sardinia? You can embark your vehicle on the ferry to Olbia and start your road trip from here!

Head north and explore the splendors of the Costa Smeralda and make sure not to skip a day trip to the island of La Maddalena.

Go as far as Porto Torres and explore the Asinara National Park, then leave the area around Oristano and stop in Bosa, the second-most beautiful village in Italy.

Don’t forget to make a stop at the beautiful beaches of Villasimius and Costa Rei before continuing south to Cagliari.

Tip: take a look at the ferries to Sardinia for 2023 and discover the latest offers!

July: explore all the Aeolian Islands

Do you think it's impossible to visit 7 islands in a short time? Milazzo has many connections to the Aeolian Islands all year long, so it is not an impossible task.

In the summer, you can also travel to the Aeolian archipelago from other ports, such as Messina, Palermo, Reggio Calabria, Vibo Valentia, and Naples. 

Choose your starting point, plan your island hopping between the Aeolian islands, and explore the Aeolian archipelago in just a few days.

A stunning sunset over the Aeolian Islands

August: visit Salento during a folk-dance festival

Salento, known as the "land of sun, sea, and wind", attracts millions of visitors each year. In addition to having some of the most beautiful beaches in Italy, this area of Puglia is located very close to Brindisi, known for its lively nightlife and festivals.

In mid-August, several Salento towns (including Gallipoli, Otranto, Santa Maria di Leuca, and Porto Cesareo) celebrate the Night of Taranta, Italy's largest music festival and one of Europe's most important events dedicated to traditional culture.

The pizzica, a popular Italian folk dance from Salento, is the protagonist of a number of events, including concerts, shows, and local food markets.

A floral-adorned tambourine, the traditional instrument for the Taranta dance

So, when is the best time of year for your upcoming trip to Italy? Discover the wonders of Italy 365 days a year and start planning your dreamy vacation! Check out all the available routes on our Map of ferries and book your ferry tickets on Ferryhopper.