While most travellers flock to Italy during the peak summer months, the country’s true charm is best experienced during the off-peak seasons.
From the crisp autumn air in the Dolomites to the mild winter warmth of Sicily, visiting Italy outside the crowds means more affordable prices, authentic experiences, and a slower, more immersive pace.
With Google searches for “off-season holidays”1 up by 100% and hashtags like #winteritaly2 trending on TikTok, it’s clear that more and more travellers are seeking to explore Italy off peak. To guide you through the best low season destinations, Heather Green, Head of Product at Citalia, shares her expert insights on where to experience Italy without the crowds and how to make the most of your trip.
Early Spring in Rome (March – April)
Visiting Rome in early spring you’ll discover the Eternal City’s more intimate side that summer travellers rarely get to see. With the summer crowds still a few months away, you can stroll through the Colosseum and Vatican at your own pace, soaking in the history without the hustle and bustle.
Heather, Head of Product at Citalia, reveals “In early spring, the Tiber River comes alive with wisteria in full bloom, its cascading purple flowers adding a beautiful burst of colour to the landscape. This is also the ideal time to experience Rome’s outdoor café culture, as locals shake off the winter chill and gather in the city’s piazzas, savouring sun-drenched aperitivos.”
Late Spring in Puglia (May – June)
The unspoiled beaches and olive groves of Puglia in late spring make the perfect backdrop for exploring charming towns like Ostuni and Alberobello, with their signature whitewashed buildings. “May and June is when the region’s food scene is at its best, try fresh seafood and just-harvested vegetables like artichokes, tomatoes, zucchini, and fava beans. It’s also the time when the region’s vineyards come alive, making it the perfect moment for a visit to Puglia’s wineries,” Heather adds.
“For a unique cultural experience, visit the ancient cave dwellings in Matera, or explore the historic streets of Lecce, known for its beautiful baroque architecture.”
Summer in the Italian Lakes (July – August)
Whilst the more popular lakes in Italy can get crowded in summer, Lake Orta and Lake Iseo offer a peaceful escape with charming lakeside villages and stunning mountain backdrops. With warm days and cooler evenings, these lakes are perfect for alfresco dining by the water, where you can savour delicious dishes such as Risotto con Pesce Persico, a local favourite made with fresh perch from Lake Orta.
Heather highlights “At Lake Orta, you can wander through the quiet streets of Orta San Giulio, hop on a boat to visit the serene Isola San Giulio, or simply relax by the water with a glass of Barbera wine. Similarly, Lake Iseo offers a laid-back vibe with its beautiful lakeside promenades and the striking Monte Isola, the largest lake island in Italy.”
September in Sicily (Post-Summer Tranquility)
Whether you’re indulging in a long lunch under the sun in Taormina or wandering through Palermo’s lively markets that are overflowing with seasonal produce, September in Sicily is all about basking in the island’s slower, more authentic side.
Heather shares “September is harvest season, meaning Sicily’s vineyards are buzzing with activity as winemakers begin the vendemmia (grape harvest), a dream for wine lovers who can visit top wineries and taste fresh vintages straight from the barrel. The beaches are still sun drenched, but without the August crowds, making it ideal for relaxed days by the sea.”
Autumn in Piedmont (September – November)
As Autumn rolls around, Piedmont transforms into a tapestry of vibrant colours. The rolling hills and vineyards are particularly enchanting during this season, Heather adds “Piedmont’s status as a premier wine-producing region is well-deserved. The countryside is dotted with vineyards that yield some of Italy’s finest wines, including Barolo and Barbaresco.”
The Autumn season not only brings golden foliage across the vineyards, food enthusiasts are in for a treat too. The region’s cuisine is deeply rooted in the “slow food” movement, emphasising locally sourced, traditional ingredients. Heather notes “The White Truffle Fair in Alba, a small city surrounded by vineyards, is a highlight of the season, offering a unique opportunity to experience truffle hunting and indulge in truffle-based dishes.”
Winter in Florence (December – February)
Winter in Florence is truly something special. With the crowds from summer long gone, you can explore the city’s Renaissance art in peace, without the usual tourist rush. Heather explains “With milder temperatures, sightseeing becomes a lot more comfortable, the perfect time to wander through the Uffizi Gallery or admire Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia.”
Florence also comes alive with festive markets in December, “In Piazza Santa Croce, you can sip on a warm vin brulé (mulled wine) and treat yourself to traditional Tuscan pastries like ricciarelli and panforte. Stop by the magnificent Florence Cathedral and its surrounding piazzas, which are nothing short of magical,” Heather shares.
Heather Green, Head of Product at Citalia commented “Traveling to Italy during the off-peak seasons offers a chance to experience the country’s charm without the crowds. From the quiet beauty of Rome in early spring, to the peaceful lakes of Orta and Iseo during the summer, there’s always an authentic side to Italy waiting to be explored. At Citalia, we’ve noticed a growing desire for off-season experiences that allow those seeking a more serene and personal travel experience to immerse themselves in Italy’s true charm, from its historical sites to its tranquil landscapes and culinary delights.”
To find out more information, please visit: https://www.citalia.com/holidays/italy/where-to-go-when/
