

Which Italian destination is your perfect match?
From historic city breaks to glamorous beach clubs, find out which corner of Italy fits your holiday style
Words: Laura Itzkowitz
06/08/2026
Looking for some more inspiration?
Read on to discover more Italian destinations right for you

The 18th-century Trevi Fountain (Michele Bitetto)
Delve into more than 2,000 years of history in Rome
If you’re fascinated by history and how it melds with contemporary Italian culture, there’s no better place to start than Rome. One of the most incredible things about the Italian capital is the way ancient ruins are woven into the fabric of the modern city. Take, for example, the new Colosseo metro station, where artifacts dug up during its construction are displayed. Spend a few days touring sights such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum and the Vatican Museums, while getting your fill of carbonara, cacio e pepe, pizza and gelato. Whether you want to splurge or save, Rome has a wide range of restaurants and hotels for every budget.

The intricate marble exterior of the Duomo (Jenny Zarins)
Have a culture-filled city break in Florence
Smaller and more compact than Rome, Florence is justifiably famous for its Renaissance treasures. The historic centre is densely packed with art-filled museums and monuments such as the Uffizi, Accademia and the Duomo. It’s also one of the most walkable cities in Europe, with streets lined with shops, restaurants, and bars that all seem to vie for your attention. Florentines hold fast to traditions such as leathermaking and paper marbling, so if you like to shop for unique, hand-made items you’ll find plenty of them here. Plus, it’s easy to get out into the rolling hills for wine tastings in Chianti and other nearby wine regions.

Positano on the Amalfi Coast (Getty Images)
Live out your dolce vita fantasy on the Amalfi Coast
A string of 13 towns on a picturesque peninsula jutting out into the Bay of Naples, the Amalfi Coast is the stuff of which dreams are made, but when and where you choose to go will have a huge impact on your experience. If you visit between the months of May and September, it can be hard to avoid the crowds in the more famous towns of Positano, Amalfi and Ravello, but there are plenty of lesser-known villages such as Atrani, Praiano and Vietri sul Mare that are worth exploring. Many of Italy’s most luxurious hotels are located here, making this fabled coast a popular spot for honeymoons and other romantic escapes. It’s also a great jumping-off point for day trips to the islands of Capri, known for its glamourous shopping and nightlife, and Ischia, where you can soak in thermal hot springs.

Trulli dwellings in Alberobello, Puglia
Experience small-town life in Puglia’s charming villages
Perhaps more than any other Italian destination, Puglia really rewards slow travel. If you’re looking for somewhere to unplug and relax, this is an excellent place to do so. Though there’s lots of history, a trip here is more about enjoying the scenery and immersing yourself in village life. There are plenty of villas dotted throughout the countryside, making this a great place for families or groups of friends. Puglia is also full of agricultural riches, producing olive oil, fresh vegetables and cheeses including burrata. The sea is never far away, so it’s easy to combine beach time with a bit of exploration.

Romazzino, a Belmond Hotel, in Costa Smeralda
Indulge in a luxe beach holiday on the Costa Smeralda
If it’s spectacular beaches you’re after, the Costa Smeralda is high on the list. After all, that’s why the Aga Khan fell in love with the island in the first place. In the 1960s, he developed Sardinia’s rugged northeastern coast as a haven for royalty and celebrities, earning it a reputation as one of Europe’s premiere jet-set destinations. Today it’s still the kind of place where superyachts moor in Porto Cervo’s marina and visitors clad head-to-toe in Dolce&Gabbana or Missoni go to see and be seen at hotspots such as Phi Beach and resorts such as Cala di Volpe, a Luxury Collection Hotel and Romazzino, a Belmond Hotel. Between days spent at the glam beach clubs, you’ll want to take a boat tour of the protected Maddalena archipelago and jump into the glittering azure sea.
British Airways flies direct to 19 Italian destinations. For routes and frequency, visit ba.com




