Where to stay in Italy for spring and summer
Published 13 December 2024
Italy beckons for next year - check out some of our highly recommended hotels!
Italy has been one of our most popular programmes for many years. Perhaps Lord Byron - itinerant and infamous poet who sought exile in Italy during the 19th century - sums it up best in the poem ‘Beppo’ where he describes countryside near Venice: ‘Where the green alleys windingly allure, Reeling with grapes’. This evocative description aligns with the charm we know that Italy exudes, continuing to excite and fuel the imaginations of travellers from all over the world.
As such, if you’re considering travel plans to jet off in spring or summer next year, there are several areas we recommend below and one accompanying hotel.
Amalfi Coast, Positano
This is a picturesque village on the Amalfi Coast. From being a prosperous market port between the 15th and 17th century, it fell on hard times until tourists from around the world started to become aware of its coastal charm, the Marina Grande beach and gorgeous sunsets. John Steinbech writes in his famous essay ‘Positano Bites Deep’: ‘It is a dream place that isn't quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you have gone.’
The Hotel Poseidon in Positano is a charming 4-star, family-run retreat that exudes character and understated elegance. Located just a 10-minute stroll from the heart of Positano and its beaches, the hotel features a swimming pool and terrace with stunning coastal views. Its 48 rooms are tastefully decorated in a regional style, showcasing white-washed walls, tiled floors, original artwork, and antique furnishings. A delightful home-away-from-home for an enchanting getaway.
Lake Como, Bellagio
A small town on the headland separating the two southern branches of the crystalline Lake Como, this captivates visitors with its winding streets, boutique shops and array of colours.
Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, Bellagio
The Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, a distinguished 5-star retreat, offers breathtaking views of the lake and its shores, just steps from the charming town of Bellagio. Steeped in history, the hotel boasts opulent public spaces and rooms adorned with antiques, exuding grandeur while maintaining a welcoming and cozy ambiance. Many rooms feature stunning lake views, and guests can indulge in dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant or a relaxed, informal eatery. Amenities include an outdoor pool, direct lake access, and a spa with an indoor pool for ultimate relaxation.
Tuscany
Tavarnelle Val di Pesa is a small commune 25km south of Florence. Set in the heart of Tuscany, this is a breathtaking region known for hilly countryside, looming mountain ranges, rugged beauty and lush slopes. The River Arno runs alongside most of the major cities in the region including Florence and Pisa, offering a dash of blue in amongst verdant vineyards.
Como Castello del nero, Tuscany
This 5-star hotel is set within a stunning 12th-century castle adorned with Renaissance frescoes, perched on a 740-acre estate of vineyards and olive groves. Its 50 beautifully appointed rooms and suites blend historic charm with serene, elegant decor. Guests can enjoy a range of dining options, including a Michelin-starred restaurant, and unwind at the COMO Shambhala spa. The hotel offers a wealth of experiences, from year-round truffle hunting and cookery classes to wine and olive oil tastings. A convenient shuttle service connects guests to Florence and Siena, making it a perfect base for exploring Tuscany.
Lake Garda
Lake Garda, the largest of the Italian lakes, boasts stunning scenic diversity. The southern end is expansive and sea-like, surrounded by gentle, flatter landscapes, while the northern end narrows dramatically, framed by towering mountains. Thanks to its mild climate, Mediterranean plants thrive here, with the lower slopes adorned with lemons, olives, chestnuts, palms, magnolias, and camellias. Charming ports and fishing villages, often featuring brightly painted houses, dot the shoreline, adding to the lake’s picturesque appeal.
Hotel Villa del Sogno, Lake Garda
The 5-star Villa del Sogno is an elegant boutique hotel, established in 1904, perched on a hillside above Gardone Riviera. Offering sweeping views over Lake Garda, its terrace and rooms provide a serene vantage point, with the distant hilly shoreline visible on clear days. The 32 bedrooms feature refined decor with soft pastel tones, while select suites showcase a more intricate Venetian style. Ideally located near Il Vittoriale degli Italiani and other notable villas and gardens, Villa del Sogno serves as an excellent base for discovering the beauty of Lake Garda.
Sicily, Taormina
On the east coast of Sicily, this ancient town was established by Ancient Greece in the 8th century BCE. Beaches on the Ionian Sea, theatres and temples make this a fascinating area to explore on a day trip from the Villa Belvedere.
The 4-star luxury boutique Hotel Villa Belvedere, established in 1902, is nestled within lush gardens of citrus trees, bougainvillea, and palms on the site of an ancient almond orchard. Its 49 elegant rooms and suites are adorned in warm, soft tones, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Guests can savor freshly baked pastries at breakfast and enjoy lunch on the pool terrace under citrus trees, with stunning views of Mount Etna and the sea. Unwind with a book in the cozy lounge or take a short stroll to the vibrant heart of historic Taormina. The hotel also offers a 3-bedroom villa, perfect for families or groups of friends.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully this has given you some inspiration for going on holiday next year! We guarantee here at Expressions that any of these regions and accompanying hotels will make for a truly special visit to Italy.
