Italy (summer)
Our Rating:
Italy: where life tastes better
With historic towns, local markets, and scenic landscapes, Italy is ideal for a sabbatical focused on culture, food, and outdoor adventures. Beyond the usual tourist spots, it offers plenty of hidden corners to explore, from coastal paths to mountain trails and regional eateries.
Best time of year to visit
From May until October (July and August can be crowded but great weather).
- Italy: where life tastes better
- Lake Como: getting to know a new side of this famous area
- Milan: a stylish city break in northern Italy
- Sicily: sailing adventures and islands to discover
- South Tyrol: forest trails up for exploration
- Turin: an understated city break in Northern Italy
- Discover your next Destination
Nature
Lake Como: getting to know a new side of this famous area
Lake Como is world-famous for its stunning waterside towns and luxury villas, attracting celebrities and travelers alike—and prices reflect its popularity. Yet just 40 minutes into the surrounding hills, you can find quieter spots with breathtaking views of the lake framed by the mountains, offering a more serene experience without the crowds.
Stay at Agriturismo Al Marnich
Perched in the green hills above Como, Agriturismo Al Marnich is a quiet, family-run retreat surrounded by nature. It’s simple, warm, and well-placed—close enough to reach the lake easily, but far enough to feel fully away.
Where to eat
The on-site restaurant of this Agriturismo serves truly fantastic and seasonal food—most of it sourced from the farm itself. Very highly recommended (bonus: it saves you the drive back and forth into town)
What to do
Hiking – The area around Al Marnich is full of quiet walking trails—some leading to panoramic views, others to stone villages with sleepy cafés and a strong espresso.
Lake Como – For sure take the short, scenic drive back down to Lake Como and spend the day in Bellagio, Varenna, or Menaggio, where old stone streets meet the water.
City
Milan: a stylish city break in northern Italy
Milan pulses with energy and style, offering a perfect mix of high fashion, historic architecture, and vibrant neighborhoods. It’s a city where you can shop, enjoy world-class food, and soak in the local scene, all in one day.
Stay at Hotel Tiziano
Located in a beautiful, calm neighborhood and perfect for exploring central Milan, Tiziano offers a comfortable base with easy access to both historic sights and trendy neighborhoods. Its charm and modern amenities make it ideal for a short city break.
Where to eat
La Bottega del Café – start the day with expertly brewed coffee and a relaxed vibe.
Osteria Serafina – traditional Italian dishes in a cozy setting, perfect for lunch or dinner.
Le Striatelle di Nonna Mafalda – a small gem serving hearty, home-style pasta that feels like a hug.
La Rinascente Rooftop – for drinks or a light bite with sweeping views of the Duomo and city skyline.
Where to drink
Mag Café – a cozy, cave-like spot right in the heart of Milan, for an aperitivo or evening cocktail
What to do
Shop – from fashion boutiques in the Quadrilatero d’Oro to unique finds in smaller streets, Milan is a fashion lover’s paradise (and shops are open until 9pm!)
Walk around Navigli – meander along the canals, explore independent shops, and stop at cafés or bars for a taste of local life.
Watch a football match
San Siro Stadium – Catch a football match and soak in the electric atmosphere of one of the world’s most famous stadiums. For tickets, try to buy directly through the AC Milan or Inter Milan websites; if not available, P1 Travel is a reliable alternative. Pro tip: arrive an hour or more before kickoff to grab a bite at the stadium’s food trucks and soak up the pre-match energy.
Island
Sicily: sailing adventures and islands to discover
Sicily, home to Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano and cliffside towns like Taormina with views over the Ionian Sea. Its beaches, local markets, and fishing villages make it easy to combine history, nature, and culture in one trip.
Where to eat
Taormina is a jewel of Sicilian culture and cuisine. For dinner, Trequarti is a great spot to savor local flavors served with care and a relaxed vibe. Afterward, head to Siciliano al Teatro—a lively bar perched on the stairs of Taormina’s historic center. It’s perfect for a casual drink with a view of the town’s rhythms.
Just down the coast in Giardini Naxos, Lido Europa is a welcoming beachside spot where you can enjoy fresh seafood and soak up the Mediterranean sun. It’s a great place to unwind after a day of exploring.
What to do
Sail the Northern Islands with Sunsail – One of the best ways to experience Sicily’s coastline and islands is by sea. Sunsail offers several great options: join an organized sailing trip to explore the northern islands like Vulcano and Lipari, hop on a flotilia (a group sailing adventure), or rent your own boat to cruise at your own pace. Visit our page on Sailing for more information.
Explore Vulcano by foot or scooter- The island of Vulcano is one of those rare places where you can climb an active volcano by day and soak in natural mud baths by afternoon. The hike to the crater offers stunning views of the Aeolian Islands and the Tyrrhenian Sea—well worth the effort. If hiking isn’t your thing, renting a scooter is a fun, flexible way to explore the island’s hidden corners and coastline without rushing.
Cruise around – For those who want to discover Sicily beyond the islands, renting a car is a perfect choice. It gives you the freedom to explore coastal towns, mountain villages, and everything in between, at your own pace. Whether it’s winding along the coast or heading inland to the less-traveled spots, a car makes Sicily feel accessible and open. Check out our car rental page.
Nature
South Tyrol: forest trails up for exploration
This stunning region, nestled between the Dolomites and the Alps, blends Italian flair with Austrian charm— a very interesting combination that you need to see for yourself.
Stay at Terrace Camping Alpin Fitness Waldcamping
For a unique and restful stay, look no further than Terrace Camping Alpin Fitness Waldcamping, located near the village of Lana. Set on quiet, terraced slopes surrounded by forest, this campground offers more than just a place to pitch your tent or park your camper. It’s a tranquil, nature-immersed base for anyone looking to reconnect with the outdoors.
The facilities are modern, the setting is serene, and from here, you can access some of the most beautiful hiking routes in South Tyrol.
Where to eat
After a day on the trail, the village of Lana offers cozy and authentic spots with great food and local wine. Two standout restaurants are:
Pfefferlechner – A traditional South Tyrolean farmhouse restaurant with its own brewery and cider production. The terrace is charming, and the menu features hearty regional classics like dumplings, speck, and mountain cheeses—all served with a modern, rustic flair.
Traube – Elegant yet welcoming, Traube delivers refined local cuisine in a warm setting. This is the place for seasonal ingredients, local wines, and excellent service—perfect for a relaxed evening after a day spent in hiking boots.
What to do
Hiking – Trails wind through larch forests, apple orchards, vineyards, and past crystal-clear streams. Routes vary from beginner-friendly loops to more demanding climbs with stunning vistas of the Etschtal Valley and the surrounding peaks. You don’t need to go far—many trails begin right from the campsite.
Mountainbiking – For a different kind of outdoor experience, rent an electric mountain bike at SS38 Bike, a reputable and well-equipped rental shop in the area. From here, you can access a variety of eMTB routes that take you through mountain passes, forest trails, and vineyard-covered hillsides. E-bikes make it easy to explore without overexerting yourself—ideal for sabbatical travelers who want to stay active but still relax. Guided tours and GPS route suggestions are also available, making it easy to plan a loop that matches your energy level and experience.
City
Turin: an understated city break in Northern Italy
Just across the border from Switzerland, Turin offers a calmer alternative to Milan’s high-energy fashion and business scene. Elegant yet approachable, it’s a city where you can eat well, explore wide streets, and enjoy local cafés without the usual crowds.
Stay in Quadrilatero Romano
Look for an Airbnb in Quadrilatero Romano. It’s a historic neighborhood with narrow streets, easy charm, and small cafés. You’ll be well-placed to explore the city on foot, without needing to plan much.
Where to eat
La Stampa – a stylish, relaxed spot for morning coffee or early drinks.
Mezzaluna – fully plant-based dishes available both for lunch and dinner
Asaje – casual Neapolitan pizza that hits the spot
Piola da Cianci – honest Piedmontese food. They don’t take reservations, so best to show up and wait with a glass of wine in a bar nearby.
What to do
Walk and shop – The boulevards are wide, its shops are full of design and craft, and its piazzas are quiet enough to sit in for an hour without needing a reason.
Ski – Only 1.5 to 2 hours from Turin lies the famous Via Lattea ski area, with slopes for all levels.
Watch a football match
Watch a Juventus game – If you’re in Turin during football season, catch a match at the Allianz Stadium. Even if you’re not a die-hard fan, the energy in the stands is part of the city’s identity. For tickets, try to buy directly through the Juventus website; if not available, P1 Travel is a reliable alternative. Pro tip: arrive an hour or more before kickoff to grab a bite at the stadium’s food trucks and soak up the pre-match energy.
