22 of the Best Places to Visit in Italy in Winter

From big cities to small hidden towns to islands, the list of the best places to visit in Italy in winter is diverse and includes all types of destinations.

Whether you want to escape the crowds of the spring and summer months, get into the holiday spirit, or just see a different side of this incredible country, here’s a wanderlust-fueling Italy winter travel bucket list.

*This post may contain affiliate links from which I earn a commission (for more info, read my disclosure). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

*I try to keep the information on this blog as updated as possible, but I still recommend consulting the latest prices, opening hours, and other details on the official website of each site, hotel, and tour, as well as checking the updated public transport routes and timetables.

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Weather in Italy in the Winter

It goes without saying that different regions offer different weather.

While the average highs in many northern Italian cities can be 0°C-8°C (32°F-50°F), temperatures in the southern part of the country can get to 15°C (59°F) by day.

Some days can be sunny and others rainy or snowy, so it’s best to check the forecast for a specific destination.

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Is It Worth Visiting Italy in Winter?

Wait, should you even travel to Italy in winter? YES!

Let’s be honest, it’s always worth visiting Italy. Sure, spring and summer are the obvious choices for traveling through this stunning country, but winter has its advantages too.

Since the weather varies from north to south, you have an opportunity to plan different types of trips.

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Italy in the winter, you can engage in winter sports, visit some Christmas markets, have a laid-back trip to winter sun destinations, unwind at some spa towns, and the list goes on.

Plus, cities that are normally crowded can be enjoyed without as many people, so visiting places like Rome or Venice in winter is a great idea.

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Best Places to Visit in Italy in Winter: Northern Italy

If you’re looking for cities that host Christmas markets, skiing areas, and other cold-weather destinations, northern Italy is a perfect choice.

Dolomites

By Catherine from Nomadicated

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the dramatic mountain range of the Dolomites features 18 jagged peaks and picturesque valleys.

Now imagine a winter trip to the beautiful snowcapped landscape glistening against the hues of sunset.

South Tyrol and the Dolomites is one of the best Italian winter destinations for winter sports enthusiasts, foodies, and those looking to snuggle up after a spa day.

Considered one of the best ski resorts globally, the Dolomiti Superski network offers 1 ski pass to more than 1,200 kilometers of slopes across 12 ski resorts.

Before ending any ski day, indulge in the Italian tradition, stopping for an Aperitif at one of the huts.

If you’re not a skier or snowboarder, try any number of other winter sports, such as sledding, snowshoeing, or going for an enjoyable winter hike in the mountains.

A trip to the Dolomites wouldn’t be complete without going to an alpine lake. Lago di Braies is a forerunner for one of the best lakes to visit, even if frozen.

After soaking in all the beauty of South Tyrol and wearing yourself out with winter activities, enjoy the Alps’ unique culinary delights.

This area combines Italian and Germanic influence with traditional alpine dishes to form one of the most distinctive regional cuisines. Make sure to try specialties like cured meats, polenta, and apfelstrudel.

Milan

By Mary from Wanderu

One of the best times to visit Milan, the capital of the Lombardy region, is during the off-peak season, winter. Even if you stumble upon a rainy day in Milan, you’ll have plenty to do.

It’s much easier to see sights that usually have hours-long lines, like the Duomo and The Last Supper in Santa Maria Delle Grazie Church, as well as enjoy Milan’s hidden gems.

And without crowds at the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, you can shop through this gorgeous Renaissance building and score deals on some of its high-end offerings.

In December, it hosts several Christmas markets and wears a festive look with decorated shops and streets. Don’t miss the markets near the Duomo and the Sforza Castle, which must be included in your Milan itinerary.

Consider planning your trip to coincide with the Carnevali Ambrosiani in February. Decorated masks, music, and parades characterize this lively event that takes place in front of the Duomo.

Milan is also the perfect home base for some truly incredible skiing in the Alps.

Within a few hours’ drive, you can reach world-famous winter sports destinations like Courmayeur on Mont Blanc, Cervinia near Zermatt, and Bormio, with some hot springs as a bonus!

And while you might need a rental car to go skiing, traveling to and from Milan is cheapest by bus.

If you’re combining a couple of destinations in one trip, you can reach Florence from Milan by bus for under $10, and many other cities throughout Italy are connected by trains, so you can take plenty of winter day trips from Milan.

Venice

By Krystianna from Volumes & Voyages

Venice is one of the best places to visit in Italy during winter.

Not only is it the perfect time to avoid the crowds (especially at the popular Instagram spots), but prices can also be more affordable this time of year, making it ideal for budget travelers.

In winter, there’s so much to do in Venice. Be sure to visit Doge’s Palace, stand in awe of the beauty at St. Mark’s Square, and spend time getting lost and exploring some of the lesser-visited neighborhoods in the city. 

Should you be visiting in December, you may even be able to see the giant Christmas tree in St. Mark’s Square, which is miraculous.

If you’re feeling up to it, a gondola ride is also so much fun in Venice, but just know that it is a bit of a heftier cost than other activities in the city.

For food, be sure to get out of the touristy areas near St. Mark’s Square to find spots that the locals are more likely to visit. Not only will this allow you to get better prices, but you’ll also potentially meet some locals while dining.

Pro tip: Even in the winter, it’s best to wake up early in the morning to avoid the crowds. Most people don’t necessarily stay on one of the islands, so Venice tends to get a lot busier as the day goes on. It tends to be less crowded until around 10 a.m.!

Bolzano

By Lori from Travlinmad

One of the very best places to see in Italy in winter is the Bolzano Christmas market, considered the largest and best Christmas market in Italy.

It’s a festive time of year in the Italian Alps and is guaranteed to get you in the holiday spirit! The festivities start in late November and last for nearly a month.

Located in northern Italy’s South Tyrol or Trentino-Alto Adige region, just 160 km (100 miles) from the border with Austria, Bolzano is very easy to get to by train from major northern cities like Milan, Venice, Verona, Bologna, and Florence.

Held in the Piazza Walther, the market is warm and festive with brightly lit decorations and the aromas of pastries, cinnamon, and holiday sweets in the air.

You can enjoy South Tyrolean specialties like big soft pretzels with assorted toppings, an array of pastries, seasonal favorites, warm mulled wine, and crunchy flatbread called schüttelbrot.

You’ll also find all sorts of small traditional Christmas gifts to jump-start your holiday shopping. There are small carved wooden toys, knitted hats and gloves, candles, sweets, Magi scenes, and much more.

If you’re lucky, you just might experience it in the snow!

Aosta

By Natalie from Voyage Scribe

Aosta is a small city in northwestern Italy that most people probably haven’t heard of, but it’s one of the best places to visit in the country during the winter and one of the best areas to stay in Aosta Valley.

That’s because it is located right in the middle of some of Italy’s best skiing areas. One of them, Pila, can even be accessed from the city center of Aosta.

You’ll find a cable car just a few minutes walk from the train station, making Aosta one of the best places in all of Europe to go skiing without access to a car.

Pila is a mountain for intermediate skiers, but there are other ski area options in the Aosta Valley for all levels, like Courmayeur, for which Aosta makes a great base.

Beyond skiing, there is a lot to see in the city itself if you want a day off from the slopes. Aosta was an important city in the Roman Empire, so it has a long history with lots of fascinating ruins that you can still visit today.

These include the ruins of a Roman theater (currently closed until May 2025), ancient churches, and the forum, along with an archeological museum with other historical finds, all making Aosta worth visiting and a must-visit destination in Aosta Valley.

Verona

If you’ve yet to travel to Verona, known as the city of love or the city of Romeo and Juliet, consider visiting it on your next Italian winter break.

Apart from visiting famous landmarks like the Verona Arena, Juliet’s House, and Castelvecchio (“Old Castle”), you can enjoy the decorated streets, Christmas markets, and other seasonal events.

Absorb the Christmas spirit at the markets in Piazza dei Signori and the Courtyard of the Old Market (Cortile del Mercato Vecchio), check out the Star of Bethlehem in Piazza Bra, and try a local Christmas cake called Pandoro.

You can also take a short bus ride to marvel at the Flover Christmas Village in the town of Bussolengo or hire a car for a day to enjoy the Christmas markets and festivals taking place in some of Lake Garda’s towns, including Bardolino, Malcesine, and Arco.

Bologna

Known as one of the best cities in Italy for foodies, Bologna is the intriguing capital of the Emilia-Romagna region.

During the winter, not only does it wear a festive look but also hosts one of the oldest Christmas markets in Italy, the Ancient Fair of Saint Lucia.

The fair takes place under the portico of the Church of Santa Maria dei Servi in Strada Maggiore, and its history traces back to the 16th century.

While you’re wandering through the stalls, you can buy ornaments and gifts or try some seasonal sweets like nougats and candied almonds.

If you’re looking to explore the city beyond the winter events, you can take a food tour, climb the Asinelli Tower, and admire the Basilica of San Petronio.

Be sure to also visit the 16th-century Archiginnasio building, explore the Museum of Modern Art of Bologna (MAMbo), grab a bite at the Mercato delle Erbe, and take one of these foodie tours in Bologna.

However you choose to spend your time here, it won’t take you long to understand why it’s one of the best cities to visit in Italy in winter.

Turin

The capital of the Piedmont region, Turin, is an underrated northern Italian destination that has so much to offer.

It is the birthplace of brands like Fiat and Lavazza, the Italian chocolate capital, and home to countless fascinating museums and UNESCO-listed royal palaces of the House of Savoy.

While the temperatures are very low in December, January, and February, there’s a good chance you’ll get to enjoy some sunny days alongside snowy ones.

If you’re visiting Turin in winter, check out the Christmas markets at Piazza Castello and Piazza Santa Rita, enjoy the Christmas edition of the vintage Bunker Big Market, and marvel at the decorations and twinkling lights adorning the historic center’s streets and shops.

Even if the weather gets too cold or rainy, you’ll have enough indoor things to do in Turin.

From sipping a cup of Bicerin (a local chocolate-coffee hot drink) at historic cafes to visiting the National Museum of Cinema to wandering through the Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace), you won’t get bored.

Need more info to plan your winter vacation in Italy’s 4th-largest city? Read:

• Where to stay in Turin
• Turin travel tips
• Hidden gems in Turin
• Long weekend in Turin
• Is Turin worth visiting?
• Milan or Turin

Lake Como

By Una from Wandernity

Winter is the perfect time to visit Lake Como, one of the most visited in the northern Italian lake district. The snow-capped mountains provide a stunning backdrop for the crystal-clear waters, and the air is crisp and fresh.

The small towns that dot the shoreline are full of charm, and there are plenty of activities to keep visitors entertained.

There are many things you can do in Lake Como in winter without having to pay the higher accommodation costs of the summer season.

During the winter, there are fewer crowds in Lake Como, so you might enjoy a stroll through some of the more popular towns, such as Bellagio or Varenna, without hundreds of people around.

If you are feeling more active, the nearby mountains offer skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

And, of course, no visit to Lake Como would be complete without sampling the delicious local cuisine.

From hearty pasta to melt-in-your-mouth polenta, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. And don’t forget about the tasty Italian wine!

So if you’re looking for a winter getaway that’s both beautiful and delicious, look no further than Lake Como.

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Best Winter Destinations in Italy: Central Italy

Rome

By Jessie from Pocket Wanderings

As the third most visited city in Europe, a trip to Rome usually comes with hordes of tourists. Being a popular destination for the summer months and shoulder seasons, the colder winter months tend to be significantly quieter.

Visiting Rome in winter is, therefore, the best way to avoid the crowds. It offers a different and wonderfully refreshing perspective of the “Eternal City”. 

There is no better time of year to soak up the main tourist attractions than in winter.

Wander the Vatican City and visit the Sistine Chapel at a leisurely and peaceful pace. See landmarks like the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain without rows of people obstructing your view.

It also means you don’t have to book tickets for every single attraction in advance. Be a little more spontaneous and soak up the dolce vita lifestyle.

The weather in winter is chilly and a little rainy at times. Although it’s cold, it’s not freezing – so just pack accordingly, and it won’t be a problem.

If you’re visiting around Christmas time, you can see the city lit up with Christmas sparkles and decorations for a truly magical atmosphere.

Plus, be sure to visit the Christmas markets in the piazzas throughout the city.

Check out this 7-day Rome-Florence-Venice itinerary!

Siena

By Chris from Around The World With Me

Often overlooked for Florence to the north, Siena is a charming medieval city that will pleasantly surprise you. The entire wall-enclosed city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and can easily be explored in one or two days. 

Winter can be an ideal time to visit this beautiful Tuscan city. While it won’t be as warm as south Italy, it hardly ever gets below freezing, and winter highs can be pleasant for a walk around town.

Exploring the sites of Siena on foot is the ideal way to spend your time in the city.

Siena is extremely hilly, and a visit during the colder months will make walking around the city more comfortable, while summers will leave you drenched in sweat and in dire need of water breaks. 

The downside of the weather in winter is that rain is more likely than in summer, and the days are far shorter. But this is worth it to avoid the crowds of tourists that visit in the warmer months.

Winter is also an ideal time to avoid the crowds in arguably the world’s most famous wine region of Chianti, just north of the city. So book a wine tour and enjoy that Chianti Classico! 

Gubbio

By Annabel Smudged Postcard

Gubbio is a delightful hillside town in northern Umbria in central Italy. 

With its wealth of history – dating back to Etruscan times, its truffle-infused cuisine, and its strong cultural traditions, Gubbio is a brilliant Italian town to visit at any time of year. However, wintertime is a particularly intriguing period to travel to Gubbio.

Each year, since 1981, a group of local volunteers construct a giant Christmas tree made from lights.

This structure – not a real tree – lies against the steep slopes of Mount Ingino, and by night it creates the illusion of a vast illuminated tree.

Visitors come to the town during Christmas time to see this unusual sight that entered the Guinness World Record books in 1991. The tree is 750 meters in height, and it lit on 7th December, remaining alight for around a month.

Gubbio is also an excellent base for exploring the wider region of Umbria – wintertime sees far fewer tourists at important destinations such as Assisi, Perugia, and Urbino.

Perugia

By Caroline from Veggie Wayfarer

Perugia is the capital of off-the-beaten-path Umbria and a quintessential medieval wonderland.

Think secret passageways, forts, and who knows, perhaps even a knight in shining armor, though he might be coveted away in one of the many museums the city holds.

Those visiting Perugia in the winter better bring some warm clothes, as with average temperatures hovering around 6°C (42.8°F), it tends to get cold, but with ample sunshine!

The best thing to do in Perugia is get lost in the Historical Center, find yourself a nice bar, and order an Aperol Spritz and pasta with truffle shavings. In fact, truffles grow in abundance in the Umbrian region and, as such, are very affordable.

Pop into the 13th-century Palazzo dei Priori, which holds the National Gallery of Umbria on the third floor and the impressive Cappella dei Priori. 

Next, head over to the impressive Piazza IV Novembre and dart into the 15th-century Perugia Cathedral, impressive even in its perpetual unfinished state.

If churches are your jam, the round Sant’Arcangelo Church should be your very next stop.

End the day in one of the many little restaurants located in the various tiny streets around Piazza IV Novembre. As the sun starts to set, you will experience the true charm of a medieval Umbrian village.

Florence

By Dhara from It’s Not About the Miles

Winter is a wonderful time to visit Florence, the Cradle of the Renaissance.

Not only will you encounter fewer crowds at popular spots, but you’ll find that accommodations are cheaper and that there are many events around the holidays.

Although it’s cold in Florence in the winter, bundle up, and you can enjoy a magical time in this beautiful Tuscan city.

One of the best things to do in Florence around Christmas is simply to wander around the historic center, which is dressed up with twinkling yellow lights and traditional red and green holiday decorations.

Stop to admire the nativity scenes you’ll find as you stroll, as well as the large Christmas trees decorated with ornaments and lights.

There are several Christmas markets in the city, but a convenient one you won’t want to miss is right in front of the Basilica di Santa Croce. Buy a souvenir or sample goodies on offer in the stalls.

Florence’s most famous sights are easier to access during the winter. Climb to the top of the Duomo for fantastic views over the city, admire Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia Gallery, or take in the many masterpieces at the Uffizi.

Whatever you choose to do, you will definitely find that Florence is one of the most beautiful places in Italy in winter!

Viterbo

By Lisa from Travel Connect Experience

Winter is the perfect season to enjoy long baths in the thermal pools that abound from north to south of the Italian peninsula.

One of the most popular spa destinations in Italy is Viterbo, where there are thermal baths to suit all tastes and budgets.

From the fancy spa Hotel Terme Salus, where daily admission costs €45, to the Terme dei Papi, which boasts a 2-km square pool and offers a daily admission of €18, to the more rustic “Bagnaccio” with 6 thermal pools (admission is €6).

The pools and spas are fed by the “Bullicame” spring, the most famous hot spring near Rome, from which the sulfurous water rich in healing properties flows out at 58°C (136.4°F).

After spending hours in the thermal waters, the ideal continuation is to take a walk in the historic center of Viterbo, enclosed by intact medieval walls.

In the most picturesque neighborhood, San Pelligrino, there are many restaurants, such as “Il Gargolo”, that offer typical dishes of northern Lazio, but for an even more enjoyable dinner, let yourself be seduced by the excellent pizza of “Il Labirinto”.

The hospitality in Viterbo is excellent, and the prices are much more affordable than in other Italian cities that are more well-known and visited – one more reason to explore this city!

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Best Places to Visit in Winter in Italy: Southern Italy and the Islands

If you’re looking for winter sun destinations, here are some must-visit places in southern Italy, Sicily, and Sardinia.

Baroque Towns of Val DI Noto, Sicily

By Soumya from Stories by Soumya

The Late Baroque Towns of Val di Noto in southeastern Sicily are one of the best places for winter holidays in Italy. 

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002, these 8 towns – Ragusa, Modica, Scicli, Noto, Palazzolo, Catania, Militello Val di Catania, and Caltagirone – are the finest example of Sicilian Baroque architecture.

They were all rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in 1693 and flaunt richly-sculpted Baroque facades, wrought iron balconies, grinning masks and cherubs, and exquisitely colored marble and mosaics. 

It is a good idea to begin your tour in Ragusa, a beautiful hilltop town that provides stunning views of the valley and the old town called Ragusa Ibla, filled with Baroque edifices. 

Head next to Modica for a taste of their dark chocolate, which has been produced for centuries using the same old traditional techniques. Visit the city of Catania, from where you can also book a day tour to the infamous Mount Etna.

Be sure to add Noto, the Capital of Baroque Art, to your Sicily itinerary because this small town has some of the most fascinating Baroque balconies in the world.

Winters are a great time to visit because the weather is relatively mild. Temperatures hover between 5°C-15°C (40°F-60°F).

Also, the absence of crowds and big tour groups gives you ample time to explore the architecture and wander the streets on your own.

Ostuni

By Agnes from The Van Escape

Ostuni, la Città Bianca, is the white city of Puglia, rising majestically on a hill 218 meters above sea level.

The whitewashed city stands out clearly against the blue of the sea and the sky. It is located in southern Italy, between Bari and Brindisi.

Time flows differently here. It slows down. And you also slow down and absorb the charm of the city.

Winter is a good time to visit because the weather is still favorable for walking and sightseeing, and there are few tourists.

During the day, the temperature is around 14°C-15°C (57°C-59°C), and the days are sunny. At night, the temperature does not drop below 8°C (46.4°F).

The best way to enjoy Ostuni is to walk through the medieval old town, beautifully perched on a hill.

Get lost in the countless narrow cobbled streets, take in every corner, and admire the colorful doors and windows and the many arches that connect the buildings. You should also take a stroll along the city walls.

Be sure to visit Ostuni’s 15th-century Gothic cathedral, dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. You’ll be impressed by the facade, an exciting mix of Byzantine, Romanesque and Gothic styles.

Piazza Della Libertà is the largest square in the city, an ideal place for lunch or a drink. Here you will find the town hall, the church of San Francesco d’Assisi, and the column of Sant’Oronzo.

Only a few kilometers separate you from Ostuni to the beautiful Italian beaches. It is worth going for a winter walk, but remember to bring warmer clothes, as it can get windy at the seaside.

The most beautiful beaches in the area are Villanova, Lido Morelli, and Quatro di Mote.

Matera

By Laura from Travelers Universe

Matera, Italy’s cave city, is pretty no matter what time of the year you might visit. However, in winter, Matera can be blissfully quiet, and if you’re in luck, you might even see it covered in snow.

Being located in the south of Italy, in the region of Basilicata, temperatures tend to be quite mild even in the cold season, while sunny days are still the norm.

Up until not so long ago, the people of Matera were living under the poverty level.

But nowadays, this is changing rapidly, and the once humble cave dwellings are being converted into luxury boutique accommodations and fancy restaurants.

The old city of Matera was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Called the Sassi di Matera, it’s characterized by narrow labyrinthine streets dotted with rupestrian churches that you cannot miss.

However, one of the best things to do in Matera is to just get lost on purpose and let your feet take you places.

Most memorable corners are not in the guidebooks and don’t necessarily have a historical value, but they do speak volumes about the local way of life and the day-to-day struggles and joys of the locals.

Amalfi Coast

By Izzy from The Gap Decaders

The Amalfi Coast is a wonderful place in Italy to visit in winter.

Known for its famous stretch of road, which clings to the cliff face and twists from Sorrento to Salerno, this beautiful stretch of coastline has much to offer the winter visitor.

Positano, Italy, is a cascade of pastel-painted houses that step down from the road to the beaches below, lapped by turquoise waters in all seasons.

With a maze of charming cobbled streets connecting pretty Italian squares in the old town, Positano really is la dolce vita.

Amalfi, the namesake of the coast, has some wonderful architecture and easily accessible beaches to enjoy.

Swimming won’t be possible in winter (unless you like cold water!), but boat trips to pretty Capri and the fascinating caves dotted along the coast will get you out on the water.

Ravello is considered the most romantic town in Italy and is located high in the hills above the coast, giving unsurpassed views of the stunning Tyrrhenian Sea.

It’s easy to see the whole coast in a day, but it’s best to spend longer here to really enjoy the laid-back vibe, get under the skin of each town and enjoy the mild winter weather.

Capri

By Richa from MyTicklefeet

If you are visiting either Naples or the Amalfi Coast, you must take a day trip to Capri in the winter. You need to take a boat ride to get to Capri, and boats run from Naples, Sorrento, or Amalfi at regular intervals.

In winter, being a low tourist season, you may be sharing the boat ride with just a handful of people, so booking the tickets in advance may not be necessary.

The positive side of visiting Capri in winter is that you avoid the summer crowds and get this pretty island all to yourself.

The downside is that you won’t get to swim in the Mediterranean and most of the famous Capri shops are closed for the season.

A few must-do things here are visiting the Gardens of Augustus, from where you get gorgeous views of the Faraglioni rocks in the Mediterranean.

On the way, you will cross the famous Capri perfume shop, Carthusia. Even if you don’t buy anything, definitely stop by for window smelling.

You could also take the bus to visit the other side of the island and enjoy the views of Mt. Vesuvius from Villa San Michele.

Right behind this villa, you’ll find the chairlifts that will take you to the top of Mount Solaro, which also serves breathtaking views of the Italian coastline. 

Naples

By Kerry Hanson from VeggTravel

Naples is one of the best places to visit in winter if you want to experience authentic Italian culture without the crowds.

Firstly, Naples is extremely well-connected to the rest of the world with its major international airport. It is also quick and easy to get into the city center and is often used as a base to explore other parts of Italy.

Day trips to famous landmarks and historical sites such as Pompeii, Herculaneum, or Mount Vesuvius are easy to arrange and do not require hot summer weather to enjoy them.

Temperatures in winter will normally reach about 15°C (59°C), so the weather is still mild and comfortable, but there is an increased chance of rain.

That said, these activities are perfect for rainy days, and a simple train journey is all it takes. You can also book one of the many tours available.

There are many other things to do in Naples, Italy, such as exploring the medieval Castel del’Ovo or several of the monuments and piazzas throughout the city.

The main square is Piazza Plebiscito, with several beautiful buildings and market stalls.

This square is THE place to be on New Year’s Eve, where you can enjoy spectacular fireworks displays.

If you’re traveling near Christmas, then be sure to check out the Christmas market in Via San Gregorio Armeno in the Spacca Napoli neighborhood.

Finally, don’t forget that Napoli is the home of famous Italian pizza! A visit wouldn’t be complete without a stroll down Pizza Alley, taking in the aromas and choosing which pizzeria to dine in for the evening.

You can even take it one step further and take a pizza-making class. Not only will you learn new culinary skills, but you can also enjoy your creations. Win-win, right? 

Cagliari, Sardinia

By Daniel from Urban Abroad

Cagliari is the capital city of the Sardinia region in Italy. It’s located on its southernmost side, facing the homonymous gulf.

Cagliari is a great destination to visit during the winter months because temperatures are warmer than in many other cities in the Italian boot. From November to February, the temperatures can range between 5/6 C° and 14/15 C°.

You’ll find there is a wide range of things to do in Cagliari, and you can easily spend 3 or 4 days of your time exploring the inner city.

For example, in the historical center, start your itinerary from the Castello neighborhood.

From there you can find the Bastione Saint Remy and Torre dell’Elefante, plus don’t forget to make a stop at the most important cathedral of the city: Santa Maria Assunta and Santa Cecilia.

Get a glimpse of the local life by visiting the San Benedetto market and trying local foods such as malloreddus, fregula, or culingionis!

Between the neighborhoods of Castello and Stampace, you can also find a Roman amphitheater, representing the heart of social life back in the Roman era. 

If you love the ocean, why not go to the beach? Even during the winter months, they are pleasant, and you can visit some of Cagliari’s most popular beaches, including Poetto and Chia.

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Other Italy Travel Guides

If you’re thinking of touring Italy in winter, you might also want to read:

• Best places to visit in October in northern Italy
• Best road trips in Italy
• Is Bari worth visiting
• Best things to do in Bari
• Where to stay in Bari
• Places to visit near Bari
• 5-day Puglia itinerary without a car
• Hidden gems in Puglia
• Visiting Puglia in March
• Hidden gems in southern Italy
• Road trips from Milan
• Things to do in Vicenza
• Gifts for Italy lovers
• Romantic novels set in Italy
• Books set in Tuscany
• Italy travel quotes
• Best winter city breaks in Europe
• Vienna in winter
• Best area to stay in Vienna for Christmas markets