Italy Travel Guide 2026: Best Places to Visit This Year

Planning a trip to Italy in 2026? You've picked the perfect year. From the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina to hidden coastal gems and world-famous cities, Italy is buzzing with excitement. This Italy travel guide 2026 covers everything you need to know, including the best places to visit, practical travel tips, budget breakdowns, and answers to your most common questions.

Whether you're dreaming of ancient Roman ruins, stunning Mediterranean beaches, or snow-capped mountain peaks, Italy has something for everyone. Let's explore the top destinations that should be on your radar this year.

Why 2026 Is a Special Year to Visit Italy

Italy is always a fantastic destination, but 2026 brings some extra reasons to book your trip now. The biggest event is the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, running from February 6 to 22, 2026. This marks Italy's first Winter Olympics since Turin 2006, and it's spreading across multiple stunning locations in northern Italy.

Beyond the Olympics, travelers are increasingly looking past the usual tourist hotspots. There's growing interest in regions like Puglia in the south, Sicily's dramatic landscapes, and Emilia-Romagna's food-focused experiences. Slow travel is trending, with visitors wanting to fully experience each destination rather than rushing through a checklist.

The Dolomites have been named one of National Geographic's top travel destinations for 2026. This UNESCO-listed mountain range offers breathtaking scenery, amazing hiking trails, and world-class skiing. New eco-friendly accommodations and summer trails are opening up, making it easier than ever to explore.

Best Places to Visit in Italy 2026

Rome: The Eternal City

No Italy travel guide would be complete without Rome. This ancient city blends thousands of years of history with modern Italian life. Walking through Rome feels like stepping into a living museum.

Must-see attractions in Rome:

• The Colosseum and Roman Forum

• Vatican City, including St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel

• The Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps

• The Pantheon

• Trastevere neighborhood for authentic local dining

Budget tip: Expect to spend around €70-120 per day in Rome depending on your accommodation and dining choices. Visit free attractions like piazzas and churches to stretch your budget.

Venice: Romance on Water

Venice is unlike any other city in the world. Built on canals instead of streets, it offers a peaceful and romantic atmosphere that makes every moment feel magical. The narrow lanes, graceful bridges, and pastel-colored homes create endless photo opportunities.

Best things to do in Venice:

• St. Mark's Square and Basilica

• Grand Canal boat ride

• Rialto Bridge at sunset

• Murano for glass workshops

• Burano for colorful houses and quiet strolls

Pro tip: Explore early mornings and evenings to avoid crowds. Venice gets very busy during peak hours, but the magic returns when day-trippers leave.

Florence and Tuscany: Art and Wine Country

Florence is the birthplace of Renaissance culture. Art, architecture, and history come alive here at every corner. The Duomo offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the city, while the Uffizi Gallery houses masterpieces by Michelangelo, Da Vinci, and Botticelli.

Beyond Florence, Tuscany offers peaceful countryside, rolling vineyards, and charming medieval towns. The Val d'Orcia region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with iconic cypress-lined roads and picture-perfect hilltop villages.

Don't miss in Tuscany:

• Chianti wine tours

• Pienza for pecorino cheese

• Siena's medieval city center

• San Gimignano's towers

• Bagno Vignoni's thermal pools

The Dolomites: Italy's Mountain Paradise

The Dolomites are having a major moment in 2026. As a host region for the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, these stunning mountains are getting worldwide attention. The UNESCO-listed peaks are famous for their unique geology and dramatic ridgelines that turn pink at sunset.

Top spots in the Dolomites:

• Cortina d'Ampezzo - host city for Olympic alpine skiing events

• Lake Braies - one of Italy's most photographed lakes

• Tre Cime di Lavaredo - iconic three peaks

• Val di Funes - postcard-perfect church views

• Alpe di Siusi - Europe's largest alpine meadow

The Dolomites are perfect year-round. Winter brings world-class skiing, while summer offers incredible hiking trails with rifugio mountain huts serving traditional polenta and speck.

Amalfi Coast: Dramatic Coastal Beauty

The Amalfi Coast remains one of Italy's most spectacular destinations. Colorful villages cling to dramatic cliffs above crystal-clear Mediterranean waters. Positano and Amalfi are the must-visit towns, but the 13 seaside communities each have their own unique charm.

Amalfi Coast highlights:

• Path of the Gods hiking trail

• Ravello's gardens and concerts

• Capri island day trip

• Fresh seafood in local restaurants

• Limoncello tasting

Best time to visit: Late spring (late April to May) or early fall (September to early October) offers pleasant weather and smaller crowds. Summer is peak season with higher prices and more tourists.

Milan: Fashion, Food, and the Olympics

Milan takes center stage in 2026 as a host city for the Winter Olympics. The opening ceremony will be held at the iconic San Siro Stadium, home to legendary football clubs AC Milan and Inter Milan. But Milan offers much more than sports.

This fashion and design capital blends modern innovation with timeless elegance. The stunning Milan Cathedral (Duomo) is a must-see, with its intricate Gothic architecture and rooftop views. For shopping, head to Via Montenapoleone and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.

During the Olympics, ice sports including figure skating, short track speed skating, and ice hockey will take place in Milan venues. Expect high accommodation prices during February, but the atmosphere will be electric.

Hidden Gems for Your Italy Travel Guide 2026

Looking beyond the famous destinations? Here are some underrated places worth adding to your itinerary:

Trieste - In the far northeast corner, this former Austrian stronghold offers Central European grandeur on the Adriatic. The city has a rich literary heritage and café culture that rivals Vienna's.

Lecce - Often called the "Florence of the South," Lecce is packed with ornate Baroque churches and golden-stone palaces in the Puglia region.

Lucca - This charming Tuscan city is ringed by Renaissance walls that have been converted into a four-kilometer walking and cycling park. Cars are mostly banned, making it wonderfully walkable.

Umbria - Tuscany's less crowded neighbor offers excellent value, Franciscan frescoes in Assisi, truffle markets, and the dramatic Marmore Falls.

Italy Travel Budget: How Much Does It Cost?

Understanding your travel costs helps you plan a realistic trip. Here's what to expect for daily expenses in Italy:

Budget Travelers: €70-100 per day

• Hostels or budget guesthouses (€25-40/night)

• Street food, pizza by the slice, and cooking some meals

• Public transportation

• Free walking tours and free museum days

Mid-Range Travelers: €150-250 per day

• 3-4 star hotels or nice Airbnbs (€80-150/night)

• Restaurant meals and wine tastings

• High-speed trains between cities

• Guided tours and museum entries

Luxury Travelers: €400+ per day

• 5-star hotels and boutique properties (€250+/night)

• Fine dining experiences

• Private guides and transfers

• VIP experiences and skip-the-line access

Money-Saving Tips for Italy

• Visit during shoulder season (April-May or September-October) for lower prices and fewer crowds

• Book train tickets in advance through Trenitalia for discounts of 50-70%

• Eat standing at the bar like locals - coffee is cheaper this way

• Skip tourist trap restaurants near major attractions

• Take free walking tours (tip your guide at the end)

• Stay slightly outside city centers for better accommodation rates

• Look for accommodation with an included breakfast to save on morning meals

Essential Italy Travel Tips for 2026

Getting Around Italy

Italy has an excellent transportation network. High-speed trains connect major cities quickly and comfortably. A train from Rome to Florence takes just 1.5 hours, while Rome to Venice is about 4 hours.

• Trenitalia and Italo operate high-speed trains between major cities

• Regional trains connect smaller towns at lower prices

• Renting a car is best for exploring Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast

• For the Olympics, special shuttle services will connect Milan with Alpine venues

Best Time to Visit Italy in 2026

• Spring (April-May): Pleasant weather, blooming flowers, smaller crowds than summer

• Summer (June-August): Peak season, hot weather, higher prices, best for beaches

• Fall (September-October): Great weather, harvest season, wine festivals, fewer tourists

• Winter (November-March): Lowest prices, fewer crowds, Christmas markets, ski season

Olympics tip: If you're visiting during the Winter Olympics (February 6-22), book accommodation and transportation well in advance. Prices in Milan and the Dolomites will be significantly higher during this period.

Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics: What You Need to Know

The 2026 Winter Olympics will be the most geographically spread-out Games in history, covering over 13,000 square miles across northern Italy. Here's what travelers should know:

Key Dates:

• Olympics: February 6-22, 2026

• Paralympics: March 6-15, 2026

Event Locations:

• Milan: Opening ceremony, ice hockey, figure skating, speed skating

• Cortina d'Ampezzo: Alpine skiing, bobsled, luge, curling

• Bormio: Men's downhill skiing

• Val di Fiemme: Cross-country skiing, ski jumping

• Livigno: Freestyle skiing, snowboarding

• Verona: Closing ceremony at the ancient Roman Arena

Budget Considerations:

Attending the Olympics isn't cheap. A weekend trip for two people averages around €1,800, with costs ranging from €450 in Milan for ice hockey to over €3,000 in Cortina for downhill skiing. Ticket prices start at €30 but can exceed €2,000 for premium hospitality packages.

Accommodation tip: Consider staying in nearby towns like Bergamo (40 km from Milan), Bormio, or Livigno for more affordable options. These towns offer authentic Italian experiences at lower prices.

Frequently Asked Questions About Italy Travel 2026

What is the best time to visit Italy in 2026?

The best time to visit Italy is during spring (April-May) or fall (September-October). These shoulder seasons offer pleasant weather, smaller crowds, and lower prices compared to summer. For skiing and the Winter Olympics, February 2026 is ideal but requires advance booking and higher budgets.

How much does a trip to Italy cost per day?

Budget travelers spend around €70-100 per day, including accommodation, food, and transportation. Mid-range travelers typically spend €150-250 daily for comfortable hotels and restaurant meals. Luxury travelers should expect €400 or more per day for premium experiences and five-star accommodations.

What are the top destinations in Italy for 2026?

The top destinations include Rome for ancient history, Venice for romantic canals, Florence for Renaissance art, and the Amalfi Coast for dramatic coastal scenery. For 2026 specifically, the Dolomites and Milan are highlighted due to the Winter Olympics, making them especially exciting places to visit this year.

Is Italy expensive to travel in 2026?

Italy is moderately priced compared to other European destinations. You can travel affordably by staying in hostels, eating street food, and using public transport. Peak season (summer) and special events like the Winter Olympics will be more expensive. Shoulder seasons offer better value for budget-conscious travelers.

How do I get around Italy?

Italy has excellent train connections between major cities through Trenitalia and Italo high-speed services. Regional trains connect smaller towns affordably. Renting a car is recommended for exploring rural Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast. Within cities, public buses, metro systems, and walking are the most efficient options.

Where will the 2026 Winter Olympics be held in Italy?

The Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will be held across multiple locations in northern Italy. Milan hosts ice sports and the opening ceremony. Cortina d'Ampezzo hosts alpine skiing and sliding sports. Additional venues include Bormio, Val di Fiemme, Livigno, and Anterselva. The closing ceremony takes place in Verona's Roman Arena.

What hidden gems should I visit in Italy in 2026?

Consider visiting Trieste for Central European charm on the Adriatic, Lecce for Baroque architecture in Puglia, Lucca for walkable Renaissance walls in Tuscany, or Umbria for a less crowded alternative to Tuscany. These destinations offer authentic Italian experiences without the massive tourist crowds of more famous cities.

Start Planning Your Italy Trip Today

Italy in 2026 offers something special for every type of traveler. Whether you want to experience the excitement of the Winter Olympics, explore ancient Roman ruins, relax on the Amalfi Coast, or discover hidden gems off the beaten path, this year is perfect for your Italian adventure.

Start planning early, especially if you're visiting during the Olympics or the peak summer season. Book accommodations in advance, purchase train tickets early for the best prices, and create a realistic budget based on your travel style.

Buon viaggio! Your Italian adventure awaits.