Benvenuti in Italia!

How about Italy as your next holiday destination? I take you on a tour of Europe’s historical, designer-labelled ‘boot’ to see if it’s a fit for your next escape. It’s time to explore la dolce vita

Italia – a country that screams glamour. It’s the Gucci, Armani and Prada of European holiday destinations.

It’s the sizzling espresso at a pavement café, the ice-cold glass of Aperol Spritz in a historic piazza bar, the ancient stone steps worn smooth over millennia, the scent of lemon groves wafting in the breeze… Whether you’re daydreaming of Renaissance art, sun-kissed coastlines or long lunches in hilltop villages, there’s one thing you can be sure of – Italy will always leave an imprint on your heart.

But here’s the secret: Italy isn’t just for couples on romantic getaways or well-heeled, luxury-seeking travellers. This is a destination that truly has something for everyone. And while some areas are famously chic, so much of Italy remains untouched and authentic.

Let’s take a slow journey through some of Italy’s most magical regions. With my insider tips you’ll have all the ingredients required to create delectable Italian memories.

Tuscany is the Italy you’ve always imagined – a blend of history, art, food and natural beauty all woven into one. 

With its golden hills, rolling vineyards, rows of cypress trees and timeless hilltop towns, life here is measured in glasses of Chianti and spoonfuls of ribollita (a rich Tuscan soup that’s just delicious). 

Most people start their Tuscan tour in Florence – and it’s easy to see why. This historical city is the jewel in Tuscany’s crown, boasting a mind-boggling collection of art. Walking its streets feels like flipping through the pages of a Renaissance novel.

Be sure to visit the Uffizi Gallery, but book tickets in advance or go with a guide – it’s the only way to avoid the snaking queues and get proper insight into masterpieces by Botticelli, Michelangelo and da Vinci. Speaking of Michelangelo, the Accademia Gallery is where you’ll find David – and yes, he’s every bit as magnificent in person.

Don’t skip the Duomo. Climbing Brunelleschi’s dome gives you panoramic views that sweep across the city’s terracotta rooftops and out to the Tuscan hills. And for a quieter, more romantic view, head to Piazzale Michelangelo at sunset where the views are spell binding.

As an insider tip, I would highly recommend you get up early to walk across the Ponte Vecchio before the crowds arrive. It’s the oldest bridge in Florence and still packed with goldsmith shops – but before 9am, it’s peacefully magical.

While Florence packs a punch, don’t let it dominate. Tuscany is home to towns that deserve your attention. The main stops are all linked via train or bus – although I would highly recommend hiring a car if you want to explore the glorious countryside. 

Pisa is less than an hour’s train ride west from Florence. It’s here that visitors seem determined to snap that obligatory photo pretending to hold up the Leaning Tower. But Pisa is so much more than this. Linger a little, and you’ll discover a charming riverside city with a youthful buzz (thanks to its university).

South of Florence lies Siena, sitting in a veritable time capsule. This medieval city is wrapped around the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, one of Italy’s most beautiful squares and home to the world-famous Palio horse race, held each July and August.

Even if you're not there for the Palio, Siena’s passion for tradition is palpable. Visit the Siena Cathedral (Duomo di Siena) – a Gothic marvel inside and out; wander the crooked streets and climb the Torre del Mangia for panoramic views.

To the west is Lucca. This walled city doesn’t shout for attention – and that’s exactly its charm. It’s off the main tourist trail, which means you can enjoy it at a gentler pace.

In my opinion the best way to explore this city is on two wheels. Its historic centre is a maze of quiet piazzas, Romanesque churches and boutiques. And as the birthplace to Giacomo Puccini, it’s the best place to catch an open-air opera performances under the stars. It’s intimate, local and totally unforgettable.

Meanwhile, the hilltop town of San Gimignano is famed for its towers. In the 13th century, wealthy families built taller and taller towers to show off – today, 14 still survive, and they give the town its striking silhouette.

Admittedly it gets very busy during the day, but stay overnight and you’ll see a totally different side once the crowds fade. Wander its cobbled lanes with a scoop of award-winning gelato from Gelateria Dondoli, then sip a glass of Vernaccia di San Gimignano – a crisp white wine that pairs beautifully with local pecorino cheese.

If it’s (more) wine you’re wanting to savour, then head to the towns of Montepulciano and Montalcino where Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Brunello di Montalcino are among Italy’s best reds – and tasting them in a centuries-old cellar is an unforgettable experience.

Tuscany for…

Families: First up let’s say: all Florence state museums are free on the first Sunday of every month! Yes, you read that correctly. And if you’re travelling with teenagers, then hop on a E-scooter to see the sights. 

Where to stay: with a stay at AQA Palace, you'll certainly be centrally located, four minutes by foot from Palazzo Vecchio and a very short stroll from Piazza del Duomo. Quadruple deluxe rooms in this traditional townhouse sleep four. 

Couples: Truffle hunting – yes, it’s a thing. This ‘trade’ is seeped in history and tradition. Join an official ‘truffle hunter’ and his dog and go foraging. Then once you’ve found ‘Nature’s Diamonds’ you’ll bring them back to the hunter’s traditional home and create a delectable dish for lunch, accompanied by one (or three) suitable local wines. It’s fun and educational.

Where to stay: Castello Di Casole is a 10th century castle – hard to beat in the romance stakes. Set within glorious gardens that then blend into the estate’s olive groves and vineyards. There are on 39 rooms in this exquisite Belmond hotel. 

Groups: It has to be wine tasting surely? You’ll tour the cellars, with glass in hand, of vineyards such as Vernaccia di San Gimignano, Castello di Verrazzano, Antinori nel Chianti Classico, Castello di Brolio and Castello di Fonterutoli (stop us before we have too many!)
 
Where to stay: Case della Collina is based 10 miles from Lucca and sleeps 12. It’s been lovingly furnished and the views from the terrace are to die for. 

OK, I know it’s not exactly a region, but Rome pretty much stands alone and deserves its very own section. 

The Eternal City is a place where ancient history rubs shoulders with contemporary chic, where every cobbled street whispers secrets of emperors, artists and saints.

It’s in Rome where the big-hitter attractions – the landmarks that define the city – just have to be seen to be believed.

Standing mighty for nearly 2,000 years, the Colosseum is the undisputed icon of Rome. 
It’s within this architectural masterpiece that up to 80,000 spectators would flocked to watch gladiators fight, wild animals roar and emperors show off their might. 

Book skip-the-line tickets or a small group guided tour – it’s worth it. And go early – not just to avoid crowds, but to see the sunlight pouring over the arena.

Just next door lies the Roman Forum, a tangle of ancient streets, arches and broken columns that was once the beating heart of political, religious and commercial life in ancient Rome. 

From ancient empire to holy state – your next stop should be Vatican City. Even if you’re not particularly religious, the artistry and history here are jaw-dropping. St Peter’s Basilica is a staggering feat of architecture, crowned by Michelangelo’s vast dome, which you can climb (it’s a tough ascent, but worth it for the view over St Peter’s Square and beyond). Below lie the crypts, where many popes – and St Peter himself – are buried. 

The Vatican Museums are vast and rich with treasures, from Roman sculptures to Renaissance masterworks. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, so pace yourself and don’t miss the Raphael Rooms or the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel. For a more atmospheric visit, consider booking a Friday evening slot – fewer crowds, softer lighting, and a sense of real magic as you stare up at Michelangelo’s Last Judgment.

Now, Rome isn’t all ruins and reverence – it’s also a city of fountains, piazzas and the sweet joy of living well. 

Piazza Navona is a great place to soak up this side of Rome. At the centre of this bustling square full of buskers, baroque churches and cafes, stands Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers – a theatrical tangle of marble gods and gushing water, watched over by an ancient Egyptian obelisk. Take a seat with a coffee or gelato, and watch the world go by – this is Rome at its most relaxed.

Of course, no visit would be complete without tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain. Legend has it that doing so ensures your return to Rome – and with a view like this, you’ll certainly want to. The fountain is an overwhelming burst of stone and spray. Visit early in the morning or after dark, when the crowds thin and the lighting makes it feel even more magical.

Not far away are the Spanish Steps, a wide, elegant staircase that sweeps up from the chic Piazza di Spagna to the church of Trinità dei Monti. It’s long been a favourite of artists, poets and people-watchers – although be warned, sitting on the steps is now forbidden and policed with a whistle! Still, it’s a gorgeous spot to pause.

But Rome rewards the curious traveller most. Wander and explore. Cross the Tiber into Trastevere, a neighbourhood of narrow alleys, trailing vines and lively piazzas. This is where the locals go – for aperitivo with friends, for honest Roman cooking and for a slower pace of life. 

Rome for…

Families: kids (big and small - all you need is an imagination) can learn how to become a gladiator in a two-hour gladiator training session. You’ll gain insight into the lives of gladiators, learn the art of swordplay and discover the rich history of the Roman Empire.

Where to stay: with kids in tow you want to be somewhere central. That’s why The Inn at the Spanish Steps is perfect. Step out the door and you can walk to the most of the main attractions. Family rooms sleep up to five people. 

Couples: avoid the crowds and take a private tour of the Vatican at sunset. And if you enjoy opera (and even if you don’t) spend an evening at Teatro dell’Opera di Roma - it’s one of the finest opera houses in the world.

Where to stay: Leon’s Place is a boutique hotel that oozes glamour and elegance and is less than a mile walk from the Trevi Fountain and Villa Borghese gardens. 

Groups: A fun way for everyone in the group to see the main city sights is on a over-sized golf buggy. Alternatively, how about by Segway? 
Where to stay: UNAHotels Trastevere is located in the busting Trastevere district with it's bohemian atmosphere and cool bars. It’s a great area for groups and a favourite for locals. 

Puglia is Italy’s heel – and perhaps its best-kept secret. It’s a land of ancient olive groves, dazzling whitewashed towns and sun-drenched beaches. For years, Puglia quietly charmed Italian holidaymakers, but now UK travellers are catching on. And for good reason. This is southern Italy at its most authentic—laid-back, unspoilt and bursting with soul.

It’s probably best known for its trulli houses – whimsical, whitewashed stone cottages with conical roofs in the town of Alberobello. Wandering around the narrow streets you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into the pages of a fairytale. The Trullo Sovrano is a two-storey trullo open to the public and offers a peek into what life was once like here centuries back.

Architecture on a grander scale can be admired – it certainly can’t be missed – in the city of Lecce. Known as the ‘Florence of the South’, this golden city is a masterpiece of Baroque design. The buildings, carved from soft sandstone, seem to glow in the sunlight, especially around the Basilica di Santa Croce, where every inch is a swirling riot of cherubs, foliage and symbols. Right in the centre of town sits a Roman amphitheatre, partially excavated and hemmed in by cafes – and around the corner, Piazza del Duomo opens up like a grand theatre set. 

Just down the road, perched on a hilltop with sweeping views over the Adriatic, is Ostuni – the White City. Its nickname is well-earned: a cluster of whitewashed buildings spills down the hillside. The labyrinthine old town is a place to get gloriously lost, ducking through archways and up twisting staircases. At its heart stands the Ostuni Cathedral, a majestic blend of Gothic and Romanesque styles. Around sunset, locals gather in Piazza della Libertà to chat, sip aperitivi and watch the light change. 

Finally, and while not technically in Puglia, the city of Matera in neighbouring Basilicata deserves an honourable mention. Just a short drive from the Puglian border, it’s one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world, known for its haunting Sassi cave dwellings carved into the rock. In fact, almost the whole town is made up of caves!

Puglia isn’t a region that shouts. It whispers. It draws you in slowly, gently, and before you know it, you’re utterly under its spell.

Puglia for… 

Families: Kids will love exploring the trulli houses. Plus, Puglia has some of Italy’s best beaches. The famous Lama Monachile beach, a narrow pebble cove squeezed between cliffs, is a must-visit – though best enjoyed early in the morning before the crowds arrive. Teenagers will love exploring the underground caves dotted along its coast. The Grotta della Poesia – a natural sea cave and swimming hole near Roca Vecchia – should be top of the list. Locals call it one of the most beautiful places in Italy to swim, and they’re not wrong.

Where to stay: how about a converted trulli? Giu al Trullo has three bedrooms, a private pool, kitchenette – all of which oozes character.

Couples: How about a cooking class? This region is renown for its distinct, rustic (delectable) dishes. If you love olive oil, you’re in for a treat – Puglia produces nearly half of Italy’s supply, and it’s some of the best you’ll ever try.

Where to stay: how about a converted farmhouse? Masseria Montenapoleone has been lovingly restored and full of charm. The owners offer cookery classes for guests in its communal kitchen. 

Groups: rent a bike and pedal through the Itria Valley, a patchwork of olive groves, dry-stone walls and sleepy hamlets. Explore by bike, stopping off for lazy, long lunches in the villages or doing a tour of a few local vineyards.

Where to stay: just a 10-minute walk from the centre of Ostuni, the four-star Hotel Monte Sarago makes a perfect base from which to explore. 

This stretch of southern Italy is pure dolce vita. It’s a Unesco World Heritage Site – and the moment you catch your first glimpse of it, you’ll see why. Picture a ribbon of pastel-hued towns clinging to cliffs that tumble into the sea. Add to that winding coastal roads so scenic they’re almost cinematic.

Sorrento is the gateway to the Amalfi Coast and a superb base for exploring the region. Perched high above the Bay of Naples, the views stretch across to notorious Mount Vesuvius.

Today, its old town is a maze of narrow alleyways packed with boutiques, gelaterias and cafes serving dangerously good limoncello – the region’s signature lemon liqueur.

From Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast unfurls eastwards. One of the most photogenic towns – and an absolute must – is Positano. This vertical village is made up of tiny lanes snaking past chic boutiques and bougainvillea-draped terraces, leading down to Spiaggia Grande, the town’s iconic pebbled beach. 

As you continue down the coast you’ll come to Amalfi, the historic heart of the coastline. Wander its compact centre and you’ll stumble upon the striking Cathedral of Saint Andrew, whose grand staircase and Arab-Norman facade hint at the town’s exotic trading past. 

Just up the hill from Amalfi sits Ravello, a place that feels like a well-kept secret even when it’s not. Quieter and more refined than its neighbours, Ravello has long attracted artists, writers and musicians. The town's clifftop gardens at Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone are among the most romantic in all of Italy.

While many stick to the coast, the hills above the Amalfi Coast hide a world of authentic experiences. Towns like Scala and Agerola offer fantastic hiking trails – the best known is Path of the Gods – a three-mile clifftop walk with outstanding views. It’s a chance to experience rural Italy – quiet villages, goats clinking their bells and trattorias where you’ll eat better than in most Michelin-starred places back home for a fraction of the cost.

Apart from on foot, the best way to get around this area is either by taxi or, even better, via boat. Boat taxis hop between the coastal towns giving you a different perspective on the area – and a real sense of glamour. 

Talking of boats, be sure to take a day trip to Capri. Hop on a ferry from Sorrento and cruise across the bay to explore this glamourous island. The highlight is visiting the Blue Grotto, a series of caves where the waters are illuminated a brilliant blue. The busy Capri Town is an ideal place to stop for lunch and a spot of shopping – perhaps pick up a pair of the island’s famous sandals? 

Another trip definitely worth making while you’re on the Amalfi Coast is to the ruins of Pompeii – about an hour’s drive from Sorrento. Put aside a whole day to visit this historic city destroyed by Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.

When the volcano erupted, the falling ash came so quickly that it preserved the city just as it was, burying Pompeii under six meters of ash. It’s a city frozen in time.

Amalfi Coast for…

Families: spend the day diving off a boat, exploring caves and eating a seafood lunch on deck as you sail over to Capri for the day. It’s a winner for the whole family. 

Where to stay: Parco Del Sole is a great choice for families with larger than average rooms and an all-inclusive option. The central location in Sorrento is also a bonus. 

Couples: savour the taste of locally-grown lemons with a tour of the coast’s fragrant lemon groves. Learn how to make Limoncello and all-things lemon. Tasting is obligatory. 

Where to stay: the views overlooking the Bay of Naples from the terrace of the Grand Hotel President are pretty spectacular. And there’s a complimentary shuttle bus into the centre of Sorrento. 

Groups: friends will love the buzz of Positano’s beach clubs and the laid-back glamour of Amalfi evenings. One of the most glamourous beach clubs is Conca del Sogno. Expect to rub elbows with celebrities here. They moor their yachts just offshore and head here for their ‘sgroppino’ cocktails created by theatrical mixologists who know how to put on an Instagram-ready show.

Where to stay: Le Agavi comes with its own luxurious spa and beach club. It’s also close to the centre of Positano.

Nestled at the foot of the Alps in northern Italy, the stylish lakeside towns of Garda and Como sit serene against a scenic backdrop that is breathtakingly beautiful. 

Both Garda and Como are effortlessly chic, offering the perfect balance between relaxation and adventure.  

Lake Garda is Italy’s largest lake and arguably its most diverse. Stretching from Lombardy in the south to the rugged alpine slopes of Trentino in the north, Garda feels like multiple holidays wrapped into one. 

The southern shores are framed by olive groves and vineyards. Towns like Sirmione, with its fairytale castle and Roman ruins, are perfect for romantic wanderings. The Scaliger Castle here, rising dramatically above the water, is one of the most striking sights in all of Italy. 

Just a short walk away is the Grotte di Catullo – crumbling ruins of an ancient Roman villa perched at the lake’s edge.

Head north and the scenery becomes even more dramatic. Malcesine, clinging to the lake’s edge is a must-visit. From here, hop aboard the rotating cable car to Monte Baldo. At the summit, you’ll be treated to sweeping Alpine views and a refreshing breeze – perfect for hiking or simply breathing in the cool, pine-scented air. 

Garda’s eastern shoreline, with towns like Bardolino and Garda Town itself, is dotted with colourful waterfront promenades, gelaterias and cafes. 

Holidaymakers looking for something a bit livelier should swing by Desenzano del Garda or Riva del Garda. Desenzano, the largest town on the lake, has a youthful buzz, elegant shopping streets and a lovely harbour.  Riva, tucked into the lake’s northern tip, is a windsurfing mecca with a hint of Austrian influence thanks to its Trentino roots.

As you venture west you’ll reach Lake Como, Garda’s more glamorous sibling and a favourite of Hollywood royalty. It seems that every bend in the road here reveals another opulent villa or picture-perfect village. 

Como town, at the lake’s southern tip, is a good place to start. Ringed by mountains, it boasts a lovely cathedral, a vibrant café culture and funicular access to Brunate – a tiny village with bird’s-eye views and fabulous hiking paths.

One of Como’s real joys is travelling by boat. Take the slow ferry up the lake and you’ll feel like you're inside a postcard. Stop at Bellagio, often dubbed ‘the Pearl of the Lake’, where cobbled stairways lead to artisan boutiques and terraced gardens. 

A little further north lies Varenna, arguably the prettiest village on the lake. Less showy than Bellagio but equally charming, Varenna’s ivy-clad houses, romantic lakeside walkway (the Passeggiata degli Innamorati), and tranquil atmosphere make it a must-visit.

No trip to Como is complete without a peek at its famous villas. Villa Carlotta, with its botanical gardens and sculptures by Canova, and Villa del Balbianello, perched on a wooded promontory, offer glimpses into an opulent past. 

In both lakes, you’ll find more than just stunning views. Activities abound – cycling the lake roads, kayaking or paddle boarding in the calm morning waters, wine tasting in hillside vineyards or soaking in the thermal baths near Sirmione. 

The Italian lakes for...

Families: Kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding – the lakes provide families with so many options to wear everyone out. And if they want more thrills, head to Gardaland, an incredible theme park nestled right next to the lake itself. 

Where to stay: Poiano Resort Apartments sleep four or six and come complete with cooking facilities, an Olympic-sized pool, tennis courts and shuttle bus transfers to the shore of Lake Garda. 

Couples: views don’t get more dreamy than from the grounds of Villa Melzi and Villa Serbelloni. These two estates in Bellagio offer manicured grounds and panoramic lake views. Villa Serbelloni stretches for about 21 hectares and tours last for a good two hours.

Where to stay: There are so many romantic hotels fringing the lakes. But why not stay at the five-star Belle Époque Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni? It comes with its one star Michelin-rated Restaurant Mistral and glorious spa.

Groups: this is hiking heaven. It’s worthwhile exploring beyond the lake side towns and venturing inland. It’s also worth crossing the border into Switzerland for a day trip to Lugano, a perfect blend of Swiss precision and Italian flair.

Where to stay: How about Hotel du Lac situated in a small piazza of Bellagio opposite the lake's landing stage from where the boats and hydrofoils operate – perfect for exploring. 

If Italy is a feast for the senses, then Sicily is the final, decadent course – rich, bold and utterly unforgettable. If you’re dreaming of a sun-soaked escape packed with character, drama and a serious dose of history, Sicily ticks all those boxes and more. 

This isn’t your typical Italian getaway – it’s a land where ancient temples rise from the earth, volcanoes breathe smoke into cobalt blue skies and life moves to a rhythm that’s uniquely Sicilian.

Start in Palermo, the capital, where chaos and culture collide. It’s noisy, messy and utterly alive – a real-life opera set to the soundtrack of buzzing Vespas and street market banter. 

The markets of Ballarò and Capo are a sensory overload of colours, smells and sounds – locals shouting prices over piles of tomatoes and gleaming fish while the scent of sizzling arancine (deep-fried saffron rice balls) wafts through the air. Palermo’s charm is in its contrasts: raw and refined, grand and gritty. 

From Palermo, head east to Taormina. Perched high above the Ionian Sea, with the smoking cone of Mount Etna looming in the background, Taormina is all elegance and romance. The main street winding through the centre of the town is flanked by glorious boutiques and galleries, interspersed with cafe-laden church squares.

Be sure to take the cable car down to Isola Bella – a tiny pebbled island perfect for a swim or a lazy paddle around with a snorkel. And check out the Greek theatre, dramatically carved into the hillside with the sea on one side and the volcano on the other. It hold regular concerts so look out for the timetable to see what’s on. 

And then there’s Mount Etna itself – Europe’s tallest and most active volcano, and without doubt one of Sicily’s most thrilling adventures. You can take a cable car and 4x4 jeep up into its black, otherworldly slopes where steam seeps from the ground and the air has the faint scent of sulphur. 

For those eager for adventure head to Etna Adventure Park, where rope bridges, tree-climbing circuits and a zip wire course give kids (and adventurous grown-ups) a thrill among the pines. There’s also the Etna Zipline near Castelmola – not for the faint-hearted, but the views are out of this world and it’s a fantastic way to see the landscape from above.

Heading south, Syracuse is a gentler, more contemplative kind of beauty. Once one of the most powerful cities of the ancient Greek world, it’s now a lovely coastal city with impressive archaeological sites and an easy-going charm. 

Just across the bridge is Ortigia, the heart of old Syracuse, with its honey-coloured stone buildings, baroque piazzas and its gloriously majestic cathedral. Here, time slows down and the best way to explore is to ditch the map and get lost.

Nearby is the grand Baroque town of Noto. This open-air museum is awash with history and opulent architecture at every turn, earning it its Unesco status. 

Back on the coast, Cefalù is probably Sicily’s best-known sandy beach. Skirting its golden sand is a charming old town full of gelato shops, pizzerias and an impressive Norman cathedral. 

Wherever you go in Sicily, you can be sure of a warm welcome. It stands apart from the rest of mainland Italy. With its own dialect, its own distinct culinary flavours and cultural traditions, it prides itself on its individuality. Sicily doesn’t try to impress. It just is impressive – endlessly so.

Sicily for…

Families: if the best beach on the island is your driver then Cefalu is the obvious choice. The beach is huge and glorious 

Where to stay: why not opt for Mangia’s Pollina Resort. It’s right on Cefalu sands and a good option for families, complete with a kids’ club, tennis courts and watersports.  

Couples: for elegance and romance, Taormina is right up there. What could be more romantic than a boat trip around the Taormina coastline visiting the Grotto Amoretta (Lovers Cave) and then enjoy dinner anchored in the Bay of Naxos watching the sun go down over Mount Etna?

Where to stay: Hotel Villa Belvedere is slightly out of town, but the seclusion and the views make up for it. Plus, the family who own it will happily drive you into town - it’s all about personal service here. 

Groups: scale mighty Mt Etna. This volcano is very much alive and as you hike be prepared to see plumes of smoke. With the cable car you’ll reach about 8,200 feet and from there continue on foot or via jeep. A popular combination is combination of a Mount Etna 4×4 Jeep Tour and a wine tasting at some of the local wineries on the fertile slopes. The Etna sunset tours are particularly spectacular. 

Where to stay: Villa Acquamarina has the wow factor for groups of up to 20. It’s got 10 bedrooms and 11 bathrooms and the most dramatic views through its vast floor-to-ceiling windows. Alongside accommodation on the ground floor this luxury villa also has a fully-equipped fitness area, sauna and massage room, where in-villa wellness treatments can be arranged upon request – perfect following that hike up Mount Etna. 

Sitting quietly in the middle of the Mediterranean, this Italian island is a tapestry of contrasts: ancient history and glamorous beach life, untouched nature and charming towns, rustic traditions and refined cuisine. For UK holidaymakers seeking something beyond the mainland’s hotspots, Sardinia offers a blend of authenticity, adventure and sun-soaked serenity.

Let’s start with the beaches – because frankly, they’re some of the best in Europe. The Costa Smeralda, or ‘Emerald Coast’, is the island’s glittering crown jewel, a 55-mile stretch of jaw-dropping coastline in the northeast that’s famously favoured by the jet-set. Spiaggia del Principe and Liscia Ruja are idyllic spots with powdery sand and shallow, aquamarine sea. 

Porto Cervo makes a good base. This small town isn’t just about designer boutiques and waterfront cocktail bars, it also offers beautiful architecture inspired by traditional Sardinian styles and a lively piazza atmosphere in summer. For something more low-key, the nearby town of San Pantaleo is an artist’s village set against dramatic mountains, ideal for pottering around galleries and craft shops.

Venture south and the vibe shifts. Cagliari, Sardinia’s capital, feels lived-in and layered with history. This is where you feel the pulse of the island. Stroll up to the Castello quarter, the city’s fortified hilltop heart, where narrow alleys spill into panoramic terraces.

Sardinia’s interior is a world away from the coast, and utterly worth exploring. It’s here you’ll encounter the soul of the island, in small mountain villages where life follows the seasons and traditions run deep. The town of Nuoro is an excellent base for inland adventures and is considered a cultural heartland. Visit the Museum of Sardinian Life and Popular Traditions to understand the fiercely independent spirit of the Sardinians. From here, head out to explore the nearby Supramonte mountains or the ancient village of Orgosolo, famed for its striking political murals and rustic charm.

And then there are the Nuraghi – mysterious stone towers scattered across the island, some dating back over 3,000 years. These Bronze Age structures, unique to Sardinia, are part of what makes the island so intriguing. Su Nuraxi in Barumini, a Unesco World Heritage Site, is the most impressive of them all. It’s not just a tower but a whole complex with walls, corridors and lookouts – like stepping into a time capsule. For families with curious kids or history-lovers of any age, it’s a must-see.

Sardinia for…

Families: the great thing about the waters around the island is that they tend to be calm, warm and relatively shallow during the summer months. If having played on the beach they still have more energy to burn, how about a trip to Cala Gonone Adventure park, complete with zip lines and treetop trails.

Where to stay: Grand Hotel Smeraldo Beach has magnificent views from its two terraces and has its own secluded beach. It’s just two miles from the resort of Porto Cervo.

Couples: explore Sardinia’s countryside and beaches on horseback. Canter across the sands and through the waves as they break onto the shore. You don’t need to be an experienced horse rider to join this tour; you just need a sense of adventure.  

Where to stay: it doesn’t get more romantic than Capo D’Orso Thalasso & Spa. This spa hotel is perfectly positioned next to two spectacular beaches. 

Groups: what better way to see the coast than from the deck of a boat. Hire your vessel with an experienced local skipper so he’ll take you to all the best hidden coves – and will probably serve you up some lunch too.

Where to stay: Villa Sabbia sleeps eight and sits poised on the beachfront at Capo Coda Cavallo, just 20 km south of Olbia. It’s a new built with modern, sleek finishings - so Italian. 

Feeling inspired? Italy is so much more than a holiday. It’s a place that feeds the soul – with its history, its flavours, its landscapes and its people. 

Whatever region of this Bel Paese you choose to visit, let me lead you there. 

As your personal Not Just Travel agent, I have got all the contacts and the suppliers to be able to curate your perfect, personalised Italian holiday. There’s no Italian job that’s too small for me. 

I'll do all the leg work and plan it all for you. All you need to do is pack a sense of adventure, a comfortable pair of walking shoes and a large appetite!