18 Weekend Breaks in Italy: Top Destinations to Visit and Things to Do

Looking for ideas for weekend breaks in Italy? A visit to Italy is a feast for the senses and a journey through time, culture, and beauty. Whether you’re dreaming of exploring the ancient ruins of Rome, admiring the Renaissance art of Florence, exploring medieval hilltop towns in Umbria, or indulging in delicious Italian wine and cuisine, be prepared to be swept off your feet.

With so many options for weekend breaks in Italy, choosing where to go first can be daunting. So to help you choose, we put together this guide to our favourite weekend destinations in the country. Be warned, once you start exploring Italy, you’ll keep coming back!

Rome

Must see: Colosseum, Vatican Museums, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain
Off the beaten path: Domus Aurea – Nero’s Palace

If you are just starting to explore ideas for weekend breaks in Italy, you can’t go past Rome -the eternal city of Roman emperors, Renaissance artists, and Catholic popes. And a weekend is the perfect amount of time to get a taste of Rome.

Start your explorations in the heart of Ancient Rome and visit the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Palatine Hill. To avoid the chaos of one of the world’s most famous attractions, it is a good idea to book an organized tour of the Colosseum and skip the confusing lines.

If you would like to get off the beaten path m, visit Nero’s Golden Palace – Domus Aurea, which is only a 15-minute walk from the Colosseum but remains a bit of a hidden gem.

If you are an early riser, check out some of Rome’s most exquisite fountains first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds. Start with Trevi Fountain and then head to Piazza Navona with its three stunning fountains.

And for the second afternoon, head to the Vatican Museums to see the enormous collection of some of the world’s finest art. Stay at the lovely Gemini Suites Navona, and you’ll be within equal walking distance from the Colosseum and the Vatican.

Florence

Must see: Piazza del Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, Ponte Vecchio, Ufizzi Gallery, David
Off the beaten path: Secret Passages tour in Palazzo Vecchio

You don’t need to be an art historian to fall in love with Florence. A cradle of the Renaissance, Florence’s cityscape has been shaped by some of the most gifted artists in history. So a weekend break in Florence is an aesthetic feast for the senses.

If you do love art, then start your weekend at Uffizi Gallery – this is where you’ll find Botticelli, Rafael, Caravaggio, and Da Vinci in Florence. And don’t miss Michelangelo’s David at the Academy Gallery.

Florence Duomo is a must. If you don’t suffer from vertigo, climb the famous Brunelleschi’s dome. And if the Medici family tickles your fancy, visit one of their palaces. I recommend Palazzo Vecchio for its exquisitely decorated interiors.

Once you had enough of the museums, stroll over Ponte Vecchio and explore the artisan district of Oltrarno. And for the best views of Florence, head to Abbazia di San Miniato al Monte for sunset. Stay at the lovely Locanda Orchidea and you’ll be within an easy stroll of all major attractions in Florence.

Venice

Must see: Rialto Bridge, Piazza San Marco
Off the beaten path: Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo

Venice makes for a fantastic weekend break in Italy, especially when you visit outside of the tourist season. This is when you get to see the real soul of the city without the crowds. The best time to visit Venice is early spring or late autumn.

Getting to Venice is easy, the city is served by two airports: Treviso and Marco Polo. Most of the low-cost airlines will land on Treviso. The others will land on Marco Polo, which is much closer to Venice than Treviso.

Venice is a small city, which means that you can easily explore it in two days. On your first day, see the main sites in the city, such as the famous Rialto Bridge and Piazza San Marco, with the incredible Basilica overlooking it. On the second day, make sure to discover some of the hidden gems in Venice, such as Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo, Sotoportego de la Corte Nova, or the intriguing Ponte de Chiodo which doesn’t have any railings.

A great place to stay in Venice that won’t bankrupt you is Ca’ San Rocco, a small B&B close to the bus and train stations and a mere 30-minute leisurely walk from San Marco.

Dolomites

Must see: Lake Braies, Tre Cime, Seiser Alm plateau.
Off the beaten path: Lakes Federa and Coldai

The Dolomites offer one of the most spectacular nature-based weekend breaks in Italy. The mountain range is easily accessible by car from northern Italy, as well as from Slovenia, Austria and southern Germany. The easiest way to hire a car in Italy is to book it online well in advance of your travel dates.

The Dolomites offer several ski resorts in winter and countless hiking opportunities in summer. If you have a free weekend, you can visit many beautiful spots in the Dolomites, such as Lake Braies, Tre Cime or Seiser Alm plateau. Another special attraction of the Dolomites is Lake Sorapis, located deep in the forest and accessible only by a difficult hike.

Perhaps the most popular of these is Lake Braies, which is easily accessible and offers excellent opportunities for photography, boating, hiking and cycling.

If you are planning a trip to the Dolomites, there is a wide range of hotels available, but it is advisable to book early. We recommend the Hotel Rosengarten in Dobbiaco, which offers modern rooms at a good price and is within easy reach of many Dolomites’ attractions.

Overall, in the Dolomites, you can discover breathtaking landscapes, enjoy fresh air sports and taste the delights of Italian and South Tyrolean cuisine in one place. If you would like to know more, you can read more in our guide to the Dolomites.

Assisi

Must see: St Francis Basilica, St Rufino Cathedral, Fontabella Street
Off the beaten path: Church of Santa Margherita

Assisi is a town that exists outside of time. Its perfectly preserved and uniform medieval ambience envelopes you as soon as you step foot in town. So you may as well forget what century it is. Your weekend break in Assisi will be a weekend in Medieval Italy.

And below Assisi’s medieval splendour lie the foundations of the Roman city of Assisium. While Assisi is famous for being the birthplace of Saint Frances – one of the most significant figures in Christianity and the founder of the Franciscan Order, the town had been settled for over a thousand years before St Francis was born in 1181. So you don’t have to be a devout catholic to fall in love with Assisi.

While it is a small town, there are plenty of things to do in Assisi to keep you busy exploring for two days. The most iconic site in town is the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi. Decorated with frescoes by Cimabue and Giotto (of Florence’s Duomo Campanile fame), it is considered one of the most beautiful churches in Italy.

The town’s main square, Piazza del Comune is home to a spectacular colonnade that used to be the facade of the Roman Temple of Minerva built in the 1st century BC. The reason the collonade is so well-preserved is that the temple was converted to a church in 1539.

But most of Assisi’s charm is found on the town’s narrow medieval streets and back alleys, many of which have spectacular views of the lush green Umbrian countryside on the plains below. To complete your medieval experience, stay at the charming historic Quo Vadis B&B. You can read my review of Quo Vadis if you’d like more details.

Varenna

Must see: Church of San Giorgio, Villa Monastero, Castello di Vezio
Off the beaten path: Secret Steps

The picturesque town of Varenna on Lake Como‘s eastern shore makes an excellent base for exploring the towns and villages around the lake and is incredibly easy to get to from Milan by train.

Allow at least one day to explore the sights around Varenna. Enjoy breakfast at one of the cafes around Piazza San Giorgio and then pop into the 14th-century Church of San Giorgio – it has some impressive frescoes.

Just a five-minute walk from the piazza are two lakefront villas – the Villa Monastero and the Villa Cipresi. Both are worth a visit for their beautiful gardens overlooking the lake. On your way to the villas, watch for the ‘Secret Steps’ sign and follow this stone staircase down for yet another incredible lake view.

Then, take a short hike up to the ancient Castello di Vezio, which has incredible views over the town and Lake Como and keep an eye out for the spooky, ghostly statues dotted around the castle grounds.

Varenna’s lakefront, known as the Riva Grande, is lovely and laidback with many cafes, but for the best dining, you should head to the restaurants on Via XX Settembre.

The lakeside promenade, the Passeggiata degli Innamorati (Walk of Lovers), will lead you to the ferry stop, where you can take the ferry across to nearby Bellagio and Maneggio. And if you are looking for a place to stay, the lovely Hotel Olivedor is close to the ferry stop.

Cinque Terre

Must-see: Colorful houses of Riomaggiore, the harbour and the castle in Vernazza, Via dell’Amore (Path of Love) in Manarola.
Off-the-beaten-path: Guvano Beach

Cinque Terre is a perfect destination for a weekend break in Italy due to its blend of natural beauty and cultural charm. To get there, you can take a train from major Italian cities like Florence or Pisa to La Spezia, and then catch a local train or ferry to reach the five villages.

One of the best things to do in Cinque Terre is hiking the Sentiero Azzurro. The famous Blue Trail connects all five villages. You’ll enjoy views of the rugged cliffs, vineyards, and the Mediterranean Sea. Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes and pack a picnic for a lunch break along the way. It’s a good idea to break up the hike into two days to enjoy the stops at the villages.

Visit the charming village of Corniglia, perched on a cliff and surrounded by vineyards. Climb the Lardarina staircase, consisting of 382 steps, to reach the village centre. Wander through its narrow streets, sample local wines, and enjoy panoramic vistas of the sea and countryside from the terrace.

To experience the beauty of Cinque Terre from a different perspective, take a boat tour along the coastline. Admire the colourful villages from the water, discover hidden coves, and take a swim in the crystal-clear sea.

Hotel Porto Roca is conveniently located 5 minutes from Monterosso’s town centre. It offers an outdoor pool with sea views, perfect for relaxation and sunbathing.

Amalfi Coast

Must see: Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi
Off the beaten path: Hiking the Path of the Gods

One of the best weekend breaks in Italy is, without a doubt, the Amalfi coast. It is hard to imagine a more picturesque place in Italy with the pretty coves of golden beaches below colourful houses clinging to the steep cliffs that make out the coastline.

With a weekend on the Amalfi Coast, the best thing is to rent a car to explore a few of the quaint towns. You will typically arrive in Naples or Sorrento, which is only a one-and-a-half-hour drive away. You can easily explore Sorrento, Positano, and Amalfi in a day; make sure you sip some local Limoncello and Gelato while you are there.

In Positano, you will also get the iconic view of Spiaggia Grande Beach. But while on the Amalfi Coast, you should also go on a boat tour to explore the incredibly pretty coastline and visit Capri and go swimming by the Blue Grotto.

If you prefer staying on land, hiking the Amalfi Coast offers spectacular views and is a fantastic way to stay active while uncovering the area in a less touristy way. Particularly the famous Path of the Gods, also known as Sentiero degli Dei, which takes you atop the picture-perfect Amalfi towns. Sorrento is a great base for a weekend trip; you will be comfortable at Casa Lucia, where you can dip in the pool in the evenings.

Bari

Must see: Castello Svevo (Swabian Castle), Basilica San Nicola, and Teatro Petruzzelli.
Off the beaten track: Ruins of the Church of Santa Maria del Buonconsiglio.

Budget-friendly, laid-back, and less touristy than other destinations, Bari is an unexpected weekend break in Italy. With its irresistible old town, fantastic culinary scene, and quiet beach, it’s an ideal place to visit if you’re after a fuss-free vacation. It’s easily reachable by flight, though you can also get there by public bus/train from Naples and Rome.

The city’s main focal point has to be Bari Vecchia, where you can take in the traditional atmosphere. Wander through the charming old-town streets, visit the impressive Swabian Castle, admire the Basilica San Nicola and Bari Cathedral, and try typical Apulian dishes like orecchiette with broccoli rabe and tiella.

On the other hand, you must enjoy the newer part of the city – Murat. Packed with shops, cozy cafes, international cuisine restaurants, and bars, it’s also the closest district to the train station, which should be handy if you want to take day trips from Bari.

Another fun activity is walking along the city’s lovely promenades all the way to the beach called Pane e Pomodoro, which is a great place to soak up the sun and relish the seaside views.

Choose to stay in the vibrant Murat district, offering a variety of accommodations, including the budget-friendly and well-located B&B Alighieri 97.

Siena

Must see: Piazza del Campo, Siena Cathedral
Off the beaten path: Historic city streets

Siena, a fascinating medieval city in the heart of Tuscany, is an ideal destination for a weekend city break. Its rich history and stunning architecture provide endless must-see sites to explore. Siena’s convenient location, approximately 70 km south of Florence, makes it easily accessible. You can reach Siena by train from major Italian cities.

When in Siena, two must-see sites are the Piazza del Campo and the Siena Cathedral. The Piazza del Campo, the city’s main square, is renowned for its distinctive shell shape and is home to the thrilling Palio horse race. The lively square is surrounded by medieval buildings like the Gothic town hall, Palazzo Pubblico. Don’t miss climbing to the top of Torre del Mangia for sweeping panoramic views.

The Siena Cathedral, a masterpiece of Italian Gothic architecture, is adorned with intricate marblework and houses impressive artworks, including frescoes by Pinturicchio and sculptures by Donatello. The best way to explore the Duomo complex is with a combined ticket which includes the Baptistry, the Crypt, and the Piccolomini Library.

For an off-the-beaten-path experience, simply get lost in the web of historic streets that this UNESCO-listed city offers. The real hidden gem is in the details that only curious travellers will find – whether it’s a tiny courtyard, statue, or weathered door. For a charming and convenient place to stay, consider B&B San Francesco located in a historic palace in the heart of the old city. Your Siena adventure awaits!

Naples

Must see: Piazza del Plebiscito, Pompeii, Underground Naples
Off the beaten path: Toledo Metro Station

Naples is a perfect city for a weekend getaway; it has a plethora of exciting things to do and is easily accessible by train, plane, bus, or car, located only about 140 miles from Rome!

A walk around town is a great way to get a feel for the atmosphere of Naples. Head to the Piazza del Plebiscito to see the Royal Palace and the Basilica San Francesco da Paola. On the corner, stop by the iconic Gran Caffe Gambrinus to taste one of Naples’ famous pastries, the sfogliatella.

Naples has many fascinating underground areas to discover, including the Bourbon Gallery, the Catacombs of San Gennaro, and other excavations from the Roman Empire era. Don’t miss out on tasting the famous Neapolitan-style pizza from one of the many amazing pizzerias in town, such as the renowned Gino e Toto Sorbillo or L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele.

You also have an amazing opportunity to visit the archeological sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum and hike up Mount Vesuvius, as all are just a short train ride away. For a fantastic stay in the heart of the city, book a room at the charming Hotel Il Convento, located in a historic 17th-century building in the Spanish Quarter.

Palermo

Must see: Palermo Cathedral, Palatine Chapel, Teatro Massimo
Off the beaten path: The Sanctuary of Santa Rosalia

If you are looking for a weekend break in Italy, set your sights on the Sicilian capital of Palermo. With a rich history, enticing food, and some good old Sicilian grittiness, this bustling city offers the best of Sicily in one exciting location. Palermo is the perfect destination for a well-rounded weekend getaway.

To get to Palermo, fly to the city’s airport. Palermo Airport connects directly to many other Italian cities, as well as major European cities such as London, Paris, and Madrid. From the airport, you take a shuttle bus or taxi into the heart of town.

Some of the best places to visit during a weekend in Palermo are the Palermo Cathedral, Palatine Chapel, and Massimo Theater. Those with a penchant for the macabre should visit the Capuchin Monastery Catacombs, home to the mummified remains, all on display, of over 8,000 people. While this disturbing tour may not appeal to everyone and probably isn’t suitable for those travelling to Italy with children, it’s certainly one of the more unique attractions Palermo has to offer.

Don’t leave Palermo without visiting one of the city’s markets. Head to Ballaro market to see the fresh fish, produce, and meats being sold. Treat yourself to some grilled octopus, fresh cheese and bread, or dozens of olive varieties.

For a centrally located hotel for your time in Palermo, stay at the charming Quintocanto Hotel & Spa.

Matera

Must see: Sassi caves, Park of Rupestrian Churches, Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario
Off the beaten path: Church of Madonna de Idris

Of all the destinations for weekend breaks in Italy, Matera, in the south of the country, is one of the most unusual. It is a hidden gem of a destination. This age-old city is celebrated for its extensive networks of caves that have been inhabited since the Paleolithic era.

Three of the must-see sites are the ancient cave dwellings known as the Sassi of Matera and the Cathedrals of Matera. For a real hidden gem, visit the small church cut out of rock, the Church of Madonna de Idris.

Matera stands as one of Italy’s most captivating and distinctive tourist destinations, thanks to the awe-inspiring architectural marvels of the Sassi caves. These remarkable caves rank among the world’s most stunning structures, adding an undeniable allure and uniqueness to the city’s appeal.

Amongst the 3 must-see sites in Matera mentioned, visit The Park of Rupestrian Churches, home to dozens of Byzantine churches carved out of sandstone cliffs! Take a stroll through the park, exploring these incredible structures and experiencing the beauty of this unique landscape.

Visit a former cave home by booking a tour of Matera, where you will get to visit Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario.

To get to Matera, the closest airport to Matera is Bari-Palese Airport (Aeroporto Karol Wojtyła). From here, you can catch a train to Matera, which will take you 1.5 hours.

A great place to stay where you can experience a cave home with all the modern amenities is Corte San Biagio. There is so much to see and do in Matera that visiting this fascinating city of caves is sure to make for a memorable weekend break.

Lakes Orta and Maggiore

Must see: Orta San Giulio, Isola San Giulio, Sacro Monte di Orta
Off the beaten path: Old washhouse in Pella

For a wonderful weekend break in Italy, look no further than two iconic lakes in northern Italy. Located in the Piedmont region is the charming town of Orta San Giulio on Lake Orta, one of Italy’s smallest and less-visited lakes.

With boutique shops and wonderful restaurants, the charming village is a great place to spend a night or two and an easy drive from either Milan or Turin.

The small town of Pella on the western shore of Lake Orta is worth a visit to see the old washhouse in Piazza Ravedoni, where women used to come to hand wash their laundry.

You can take a 10-minute boat ride from the main piazza to Isola San Giulio and visit the Basilica di San Giulio and the Benedictine monastery. There are also artisan and coffee shops and a few small restaurants.

Adjacent to Orta San Giulio is the UNESCO World Heritage site Sacro Monte di Orta, with a series of historic chapels along paths through manicured gardens.

Just 15 minutes from Lake Orta is Stresa on the western shore of Lake Maggiore, with lots of see and do. Take the ferry out to the historic Borromean Islands and explore elegant gardens, a spacious palace, and other historic sites. There are plenty of artisan shops, small cafes, some very nice restaurants, and gelateria shops as well.

Base yourself at the waterfront Hotel San Rocco in Orta San Giulio for the weekend.

Costa Smeralda

Must see: La Maddalena archipelago, Porto Cervo
Off the beaten track: Capo Testa

The Costa Smeralda in northern Sardinia offers an idyllic weekend break in Italy. With its pristine beaches, luxurious hotels, and awe-inspiring natural beauty, this 55-kilometre coastline is a sought-after destination.

The absolute must-visit attraction in the area is the La Maddalena archipelago. This UNESCO World Heritage Site consists of 7 untouched islands with endless stretches of white sand beaches, pink rock formations, and pristine turquoise waters.

If you like hidden gems, exploring Capo Testa is another must. It is a peninsula connected to the main island by a narrow strip of land with towering granite structures that can reach impressive heights and even form caves. You will also discover several hidden coves to enjoy exclusive bathing.

Finally, don’t miss the town of Porto Cervo. Although entirely dedicated to luxury tourism, you will definitely enjoy admiring the yachts, window shopping on the Sottopiazza, or partying in trendy clubs.

Depending on your city of departure, you reach Costa Smeralda by boat at the port of Palau or Olbia or by plane at the airport of Olbia. There are plenty of things to do in Olbia, so you might like to spend half a day there to discover its picturesque historical centre. As for accommodation, staying at City Garden Guest House is a good choice as it is quite affordable, considering the region’s prestige, and lies within easy driving distance to the region’s attractions.

Lake Barcis

Must see: Giro Lago di Barcis trail
Off the beaten path: Valcellina tourist train, Andreis

Lake Barcis (Lago di Barcis) is a small town by the lake in northern Italy. Located an hour and a half north of Venice, Lake Barcis is secluded, surrounded by natural beauty, and makes a relaxing weekend getaway for couples, individuals or families looking for a slow-paced lifestyle in a quaint town.

The minerals found in the rocks in Lake Barcis give the water a natural turquoise colour. That colour and the picturesque mountains surrounding the lake give the town of Lake Barcis a serene setting that you’ll never be able to take enough pictures of.

The best activity in the area is the trail that circles the lake, which is called Giro Lago di Barcis. The entire loop is 6.1 km (3.7 miles) long and takes just under 2 hours to complete, but it’s known for being great for all ages and ability levels.

To get off the beaten path, take a ride on the Valcellina tourist train. This slow-moving train takes you on a relaxed journey through Barcis and the nearby town of Andreis. On the way, you see beautiful views of the lake, mountains, rock formations and the landscapes of the towns.

After seeing Andreis, you may decide you want to spend more time there. Check out the Centro Storico (old town), which has quaint stone alleyways and historic buildings. Andreis is roughly a 25-30 minute drive from the town of Lake Barcis.

A great place to stay in Lake Barics is Residence Belvedere. You’ll have your own apartment with a choice between garden or lake views, your own kitchen, and the convenience of AC, free parking and a minimart attached to the building where you can grab any essentials.

Montepulciano

Must see: Piazza Grande, Palazzo Contucci
Off the beaten path: Hike to Monticchiello

Montepulciano, located in the heart of Tuscany, is the perfect destination for a weekend break in Italy. Known for its rolling hills, vineyards, hidden hot springs and its namesake wine, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, it has something for everyone.

When visiting Montepulciano, you absolutely must visit Piazza Grande, the main square of the town. It is lined with Renaissance palaces and the magnificent Duomo. Spend some time visiting the square, soaking up the sun and admiring the architecture here. If you’re a wine lover, you must also stop by Palazzo Contucci, a historic palace that houses a wine cellar dating back to the 14th century. Here you get the opportunity to taste and learn about the renowned Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

Spend your weekend taking leisurely strolls along the town’s narrow streets and discovering charming boutiques and artisan shops. You can also try some delicious local food at a number of osterias and trattorias in the town. Make sure to try the Pici al Cinghiale, a local pasta dish made with wild boar ragu. If you’re looking to try the Fiorentina steak around the area, head to Fattoria Pulcino Ristorante for a great local farm-to-table experience.

Montepulciano is easily accessible by car or public transportation. If travelling from Florence, a train ride to Chiusi-Chianciano Terme is followed by a short bus or taxi ride to Montepulciano.

With its rich history, scenic beauty, and culinary delights, Montepulciano will surely leave you captivated and yearning to return. For a charming hotel in the heart of the historic centre, consider Dimora Dell’Erbe Rooms.

Bologna

Must see: Asinelli Tower, University of Bologna
Off the beaten path: Via Piella

Smaller and easier to get to know than Italy’s largest cities, but with tons of charm and lots to do, Bologna is a perfect city for a weekend break in Italy.

Probably the most famous thing that makes Bologna worth visiting is its food. Bologna is in the Emilia-Romagna region, which has one of the richest traditions of gastronomy and wine-making in Italy. One of the most popular ways to experience it is on one of the many food tours.

As well as being nicknamed “la grassa” (the fat), Bologna has two other nicknames, “la dotta” (the learned) for its university, which is the oldest in the world, and “la rossa” (the red) for its striking red buildings. The most striking of all are Bologna’s towers, which pierce the city skyline. You can climb the most impressive, the Asinelli Tower, which dates back to the 12th century; 498 steps lead you up to the top for an incredible view over the city.

While you’re in Bologna, don’t miss one of the city’s less well-known sights. Bologna was once served by a network of canals, but today only a small section remains. A little window on Via Piella gives a glimpse into Bologna’s “little Venice”.

A great place to stay in Bologna is Zanhotel Regina, which has easy access to both the city’s train station and all the sights of the old town.

Final Thoughts on Weekend Breaks in Italy

By now you would agree that Italy is the perfect destination for a weekend break in Italy. With the country’s millennia-long history, extraordinary artistic heritage, and cultural penchant for enjoying the finer things in life, weekend breaks in Italy offer endless opportunities for purposeful travel.