Italy is Rome and Venice, but it’s also the vineyards of Tuscany, lakes beneath the Alps, jagged peaks in the Dolomites and lemon groves above the Amalfi Coast. The country changes so much from north to south that deciding where to stay in Italy matters more than choosing the hotel, and that’s where most trips go wrong.
Try to see it all in one week and you’ll spend your holiday on the train. Instead, pick two or three bases that suit your trip and stay at least two nights in each. Here are my 14 suggestions for where to stay in Italy, with good hotels in three price ranges for each place.
Contents
Where to Stay in Italy: The Best Areas
- Rome - best city for first-time visitors and history
- Florence - best city for art, architecture and great food
- Tuscany - best area for wineries, hill towns and road trips
- Venice - best city for romance and canals
- Milan - best city for shopping, design and as a gateway to the lakes
- Lake Como - best lake for villas, views and romance
- Lake Garda - best lake for families and active holidays
- The Dolomites - best area for hiking and mountains
- Cinque Terre - best area for colourful villages and coastal paths
- Naples - best city for pizza, street life and Pompeii
- Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast - best area for a classic coastal holiday
- Puglia - best area for trulli, masserie and beach holidays
- Sicily - best island for Greek ruins, Etna and beaches
- Sardinia - best island for white beaches and clear water
I start with the big cities and Tuscany, then the lakes and mountains in the north, and finally the coast and islands in the south. For each place you get a map, the nearest airport and three hotels: the most expensive first, then a mid-range option and finally one for smaller budgets. Transfer times are estimates unless I mention the source.
So how should you choose? For a first trip, the classic triangle of Rome, Florence and Venice is hard to beat, and you can do it entirely without a car. The high-speed trains from Trenitalia and Italo run between the big cities, so Rome to Florence takes just over an hour and a half, and Florence to Venice about two hours. You’ll find out how to buy tickets and choose the type of train in my guide to trains in Italy.
The lakes, the Dolomites, the Tuscan countryside, Puglia and the islands, on the other hand, are places where a car makes your holiday much easier. Most people pick one base here and drive out from it. A good rule of thumb is one base per week in the countryside and two to three nights in each city. If you’re combining city and countryside, only pick up your hire car when you leave the city, as the historic centres are closed to foreign cars and monitored by cameras.
Italy has far more good bases than the 14 I have room for here. Bologna is Italy’s food city and sits in the middle of the railway line between Florence and Venice. In the north, Turin is a quieter alternative to Milan, and Bergamo is an obvious choice if you land at Bergamo Airport. Genoa is the gateway to the Ligurian coast, and Pisa works well for a couple of nights if you fly there. In the Bay of Naples, the islands of Capri and Ischia are great for a few relaxing days by the water. They all have their own guide if you’d like to know more about them.
1. Rome - best city for first-timers and history 🏛️
- 📍 Distance to the centre: The map shows Piazza Navona in the historic centre. All three hotels are within walking distance of the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain or Termini.
- 🚇 Transport: Metro, buses and trams, but in the Centro Storico you’ll walk most of the time. The metro doesn’t cover the historic centre well.
- ✈️ Time from the airport: The Leonardo Express runs direct from Fiumicino (FCO) to Roma Termini in just over half an hour. From Ciampino (CIA), you take the bus.
- 💰 Price level: €€ to €€€€. The Centro Storico is expensive, and the area around Termini is usually cheaper.
- 👮 Safety: A safe city for tourists, but pickpockets work the rush hour at Termini, the crowded buses and the big sights.
Rome is the obvious place to start a trip to Italy. The city has the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Pantheon and the Vatican within a few kilometres of each other, and in between are squares and streets where you can eat well all day long. Three or four nights is about right if you want to see the highlights without rushing.
I recommend staying in the Centro Storico around Piazza Navona and the Pantheon if it’s your first time. From here you can walk to most of the sights, and in the evening the streets are full of life. Trastevere is cosier and a little cheaper, while Monti and the area around Termini are handy if you’re catching an early train onwards.
If you want to choose between the neighbourhoods, I’ve written a full guide to where to stay in Rome, with five areas to choose from. What to fit in is covered in my guide to things to do in Rome. Book your slot for the Colosseum and the Roman Forum well in advance on the Colosseum’s official website, as tickets have a fixed entry time and often sell out in high season.
From Fiumicino, the Leonardo Express is the easiest option, and the whole journey is described in the guide to getting from Fiumicino Airport to Rome. From Termini, high-speed trains continue to Florence, Naples and Venice, so Rome works as both the start and the end of a round trip.
Hotels in Rome
Hotel Raphaël - five-star hotel with a roof terrace right by Piazza Navona
Hotel Raphaël sits on Largo Febo, a few steps from Piazza Navona, in a building with an ivy-covered façade. The hotel is filled with art, and the roof terrace looks out over the domes of the Centro Storico.
This is my pick if you want to stay somewhere elegant right in the thick of it and walk to both the Pantheon and Campo de’ Fiori. The price is high, and the rooms are small for a five-star hotel: the smallest are 18 square metres. Guests mention the size as the only downside.
One guest writes on Booking.com: “Beautiful hotel full of art. Great location. Breakfast was fantastic, and the staff were lovely throughout.”
See photos and book Hotel Raphaël here.
Hotel Smeraldo - three-star hotel with a rooftop bar near Campo de’ Fiori
Hotel Smeraldo is on Via dei Chiavari between Campo de’ Fiori and Largo di Torre Argentina, so the Pantheon and Piazza Navona are within a ten-minute walk. The hotel has a roof terrace with a cocktail bar and serves a breakfast buffet.
It’s one of the best-rated hotels in the historic centre in its price range. The rooms vary a lot, from an 8-square-metre single in the annexe to family suites of 70, so read the room type carefully. One guest warns of thin walls and noise at night.
One delighted guest writes: “Exceptionally friendly staff, fantastic location, really good value for money, excellent and varied breakfast and the SWEETEST rooftop bar.”
See photos and book Hotel Smeraldo here.
The RomeHello - modern hostel with private rooms near Termini
The RomeHello is on Via Torino between Termini and Via Nazionale. There are both dorms and private rooms, a bar, a restaurant and a shared kitchen, and the atmosphere is young and social.
I’d choose it if your budget is tight but you still want to stay centrally and close to the trains. The private twin rooms are 13 square metres with a bunk bed, so it’s not the place for a romantic weekend. On the other hand, it scores highly for cleanliness, and one guest’s only complaint is a creaky top bunk.
One guest sums it up on Booking.com: “Good-sized rooms. Very clean throughout. Great atmosphere and very helpful staff.”
See photos and book The RomeHello here.
2. Florence - best city for art, architecture and great food 🎨
- 📍 Distance to the centre: The map shows Piazza della Repubblica in the middle of the Centro Storico. All three hotels are no more than about 400 metres from the cathedral.
- 🚶 Transport: You can get around the city on foot. Santa Maria Novella station sits on the edge of the centre, and this is where the high-speed trains leave from.
- ✈️ Time from the airport: The T2 tram runs from Florence Airport (FLR) to the centre in about 20 minutes. From Pisa Airport (PSA) you’ll need to take the train, so allow a good hour.
- 💰 Price level: €€ to €€€€. Hotels within the historic centre are expensive, especially in spring and autumn.
- 👮 Safety: A safe city. Watch out for pickpockets in the queues at the Uffizi and the Duomo, and keep an eye on your bag around the station in the evening.
Florence is the city of the Renaissance, and it’s small enough for you to walk between the Duomo, the Uffizi and the Ponte Vecchio in a single morning. Michelangelo’s David stands in the Galleria dell’Accademia, and across the River Arno you’ll find the Palazzo Pitti and the Boboli Gardens. Two to three nights is about right, or more if you want to take day trips out into Tuscany.
The historic centre is compact, so the neighbourhood matters less here than it does in Rome. I would stay inside the old city walls, either around the cathedral or in Oltrarno on the other side of the river, where it’s quieter and there are more local places to eat.
If you want help choosing between the districts, you can read my guide to where to stay in Florence, and what to see is covered in the guide to things to do in Florence. Book tickets for the Uffizi and the Accademia in advance, or you’ll be queuing for hours in high season.
If you’re landing in Florence or Pisa, you can see all the options in my guide to getting from Florence and Pisa Airport. Florence is also a good place to pick up a hire car when you’re heading out into the countryside, but do it at the airport rather than in the city. The historic centre is a restricted traffic zone with cameras, and the fines arrive in the post.
Hotels in Florence
Rocco Forte Hotel Savoy - five-star classic on Piazza della Repubblica
Rocco Forte Hotel Savoy stands right on Piazza della Repubblica, a few minutes’ walk from the Duomo. It’s a five-star hotel with a restaurant, bar and gym, and the smallest rooms are 25 square metres.
It’s the most central luxury hotel in Florence and a good choice for a special occasion. The price is among the highest in the city, and if you arrive by car, valet parking costs 65 euros (around £55) a night. Guests struggle to find anything to complain about.
One guest writes on Booking.com: “Our stay was absolutely wonderful. The hotel was stunning, the breakfast was excellent, and the staff went out of their way to make our experience really special.”
See photos and book Rocco Forte Hotel Savoy here.
Hotel Pendini - three-star hotel overlooking Piazza della Repubblica
Hotel Pendini is on the corner of Via degli Strozzi and Piazza della Repubblica, so it’s on the same square as the Savoy, but at a fraction of the price. It’s a classic three-star hotel with breakfast and a 24-hour reception.
Here you’re paying for the location. The double rooms are only 14 square metres, and guests themselves mention that the rooms are small. If you want more space, there are two-bedroom suites of 30 square metres. Valet parking costs 37 euros (around £30) a night.
One guest puts it short and sweet: “The staff are friendly.”
See photos and book Hotel Pendini here.
Hotel Dalì - simple, cheap hotel behind the cathedral
Hotel Dalì is on Via dell’Oriuolo, a couple of hundred metres from the cathedral. It’s a small, simple hotel with both en-suite rooms and rooms with a shared bathroom, and no breakfast is served.
It’s my budget pick in Florence, because you’re staying right in the centre at a price that’s otherwise hard to find. The double rooms are 16 square metres. Read the room description carefully, as some guests weren’t happy about sharing a bathroom. The tourist tax is paid on arrival.
One guest says on Booking.com: “The staff were extremely accommodating and friendly, even though I had to change my plans several times.”
See photos and book Hotel Dalì here.
3. Tuscany - best area for vineyards, hill towns and road trips 🍷
- 📍 Distance to the centre: The map shows Pienza in the middle of the Val d’Orcia. The hotels are in Montalcino, Pienza and Montepulciano, which are all no more than half an hour’s drive from each other.
- 🚗 Transport: Car. No trains run out to the small hill towns, and buses are infrequent.
- ✈️ Time from the airport: Allow around two hours by car from Florence Airport and just under three from Pisa. This is an estimate.
- 💰 Price level: € to €€€€. From simple agriturismo farms to some of Italy’s most expensive country hotels.
- 👮 Safety: A very safe area. Never leave valuables on show in your hire car when you park at the sights.
The Tuscan countryside means cypress-lined avenues, vineyards and medieval hilltop towns, and this is where to stay in Italy if you dream of a pool, a view and long dinners with local wine. I’ve picked the Val d’Orcia south of Siena as a base, because the landscape is the most iconic in the region and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
From the Val d’Orcia you can reach Montalcino and its Brunello wine, Pienza with its pecorino cheese and Montepulciano with its deep wine cellars in a single day. Siena is about an hour’s drive north. Stay at least three nights, and ideally a week if you want to relax by the pool between excursions.
You’ll need a car out here, and the easiest place to pick one up is at Florence or Pisa airport. Check the prices of hire cars at Booking.com, and remember that you’re not allowed to drive into the historic town centres. Park in the marked spaces just outside the walls and walk the last bit.
If you’d rather stay in Chianti, on the coast or in towns such as Lucca and San Gimignano, I’ve written a full guide to where to stay in Tuscany, covering seven areas. If you’re travelling as a group, a whole holiday home can work out cheaper than hotel rooms, and here you can read about agriturismo and holiday homes in Tuscany.
Hotels in Tuscany
Castello Banfi Il Borgo - five-star wine castle near Montalcino
Castello Banfi Il Borgo is a Relais & Châteaux hotel on a large wine estate south of Montalcino. There’s a heated outdoor pool, a restaurant, a garden and wine tastings, and the rooms are large: from 40 square metres upwards.
This is my pick if Brunello wine is a big part of the reason for your trip. Parking is free, but breakfast isn’t always included in the price. Guests find the prices of extras high and hard to make sense of, so check what’s included before you book.
One guest writes on Booking.com: “One of the most beautiful places I’ve ever stayed.”
See photos and book Castello Banfi Il Borgo here.
Hotel Corsignano - four-star hotel just outside the walls of Pienza
Hotel Corsignano is on Via della Madonnina just outside the town walls of Pienza, so you can walk into town in a few minutes and still park at the hotel. There’s a hot tub, a garden and a terrace, but no pool.
The rooms are 19 to 30 square metres, breakfast is a buffet, and there’s free parking, while a space in the garage costs extra. It’s a good choice if you want a hotel base in the middle of the Val d’Orcia rather than a remote farm. One guest felt the water in the hot tub wasn’t warm enough.
One guest puts it simply: “Everything about this hotel is wonderful.”
See photos and book Hotel Corsignano here.
Albergo Il Marzocco - historic three-star hotel from 1860 in Montepulciano
Albergo Il Marzocco is on Piazza Savonarola at the entrance to Montepulciano and has been a hotel since 1860. The rooms are 18 to 58 square metres, and the breakfast buffet features local specialities.
It’s usually the cheapest of my three suggestions in Tuscany and a good choice if you’d like to stay in a town with wine cellars and restaurants rather than out in the countryside. There’s no pool, and Montepulciano sits on a steep hill, so expect to walk up and down hills every day.
One happy guest writes: “Everything was perfect!”
See photos and book Albergo Il Marzocco here.
4. Venice - best city for romance and canals 🚤
- 📍 Distance to the centre: The map shows the Rialto Bridge in the middle of the city. Two of the hotels are close to Santa Lucia railway station, and the third is by St Mark’s Square.
- ⛴️ Transport: On foot and by vaporetto, the water bus. There are no cars in the historic city, and the bridges have steps.
- ✈️ Time from the airport: From Marco Polo Airport (VCE), buses run to Piazzale Roma in about 20 minutes. The Alilaguna boat sails directly into the city, but takes considerably longer.
- 💰 Price level: €€€ to €€€€. Venice is one of Italy’s most expensive cities, especially at weekends and during the Carnival.
- 👮 Safety: A very safe city. Watch out for pickpockets on the crowded water buses and around Rialto and St Mark’s Square.
Venice is all about the Grand Canal, gondolas and narrow alleyways where you get lost on purpose. The city fills up with day-trippers in the middle of the day, and that’s exactly why you should stay the night. Early in the morning and late in the evening, you’ll have the streets almost to yourself. Two to three nights is about right.
If you stay near the station in Cannaregio or Santa Croce, you won’t have to haul your suitcase over lots of bridges. If you stay around San Marco, you’re in the heart of the most iconic area, but you’ll pay the most. Dorsoduro is my pick for a quieter neighbourhood with museums and good bars.
I cover the neighbourhoods in my guide to where to stay in Venice, and what you shouldn’t miss is in the guide to things to do in Venice. The journey from the airport is described in the guide to getting from Venice Airport to the city.
On selected days in high season, Venice charges day-trippers an access fee to enter the historic city. Overnight guests are generally exempt, but the rules and the calendar change, so check the city council’s page on the access fee before you travel. High-speed trains run from the station to Verona, Milan and Florence, so Venice is easy to combine with the rest of northern Italy.
Hotels in Venice
Baglioni Hotel Luna - five-star palazzo a few steps from St Mark’s Square
Baglioni Hotel Luna is about 80 metres from St Mark’s Square and close to the San Marco water bus stop. It’s a five-star hotel with a restaurant and bar, and several room categories have views over the water.
The hotel suits you if you want a classic, central stay in Venice and to stroll out onto St Mark’s Square before the day-trippers arrive. Rooms start at 20 square metres, and guests mention that some of them are small and in need of a refresh.
One guest writes on Booking.com: “Everything. The hotel is perfectly located, and the staff are fantastic.”
See photos and book Baglioni Hotel Luna here.
Hotel Antiche Figure - charming hotel on the Grand Canal opposite the station
Hotel Antiche Figure is on Fondamenta San Simeon Piccolo, directly opposite Santa Lucia railway station, with the Grand Canal right outside the door. Breakfast is included, and the best rooms have canal views.
This is my suggestion if you want that Venice atmosphere without dragging your suitcase very far. Rooms are 16 to 24 square metres, and a canal view costs extra. The price is high for a three-star hotel, and the area is busy, as everyone passes by on their way to and from the station.
One guest praises the hotel on Booking.com: “Everything. The staff were fantastic, and the hotel was wonderful.”
See photos and book Hotel Antiche Figure here.
Hotel Abbazia - quiet hotel with a garden close to the station
Hotel Abbazia is on a side street in Cannaregio, about 100 metres from Santa Lucia. The hotel has a garden, a bar and breakfast, and it’s one of the best-rated hotels in its price range in Venice.
I’d choose it if you want to stay in Venice itself at a price that’s actually affordable. Rooms are 15 to 20 square metres, and guests do mention that they’re small. On the other hand, the hotel is quiet, even though the station is just round the corner.
One guest writes: “A beautiful and very elegant hotel where everything is of a very high standard.”
See photos and book Hotel Abbazia here.
5. Milan - the best city for shopping, design and as a gateway to the lakes 🛍️
- 📍 Distance to the centre: The map shows Duomo di Milano. Two of the hotels are a few hundred metres from the cathedral, and the third is by Milano Centrale.
- 🚇 Transport: Metro and trams. Lines M1 and M3 run to Duomo, and M2 and M3 stop at Milano Centrale.
- ✈️ Time from the airport: The Malpensa Express runs from Malpensa (MXP) to Milano Centrale in about an hour. From Linate (LIN), metro line M4 runs into the city, and from Bergamo (BGY) there are buses to Centrale.
- 💰 Price level: €€ to €€€€. Prices rise sharply during trade fairs and fashion weeks.
- 👮 Safety: A safe city. The area around Milano Centrale can feel a little unsafe late in the evening, so stick to well-lit streets.
Milan is Italy’s wealthiest city, and it’s more about fashion, design, aperitivo and good restaurants than ruins. The cathedral and its rooftop terrace, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper are the big sights, and the Navigli canals are the place for an evening drink.
Lots of people fly into Milan because there are plenty of cheap connections, and the city makes a good first stop before the lakes. Lake Como is about an hour away by train, and Lake Garda and Verona can be reached in a couple of hours. Two nights is enough for the city itself.
The Brera and Navigli districts and the area around the Duomo are covered in the guide to where to stay in Milan, and what to see is in the guide to things to do in Milan. If you land at Malpensa, you can read about getting from Malpensa to the city centre, and if you fly into Bergamo, there’s a separate guide to getting from Bergamo Airport to Milan.
If you stay near Milano Centrale, it’s easy to catch the train on to Como, Venice or Rome. If you stay near the Duomo, you get more atmosphere in the evening. Tickets for The Last Supper sell out well in advance, so book them as soon as you know your dates.
Hotels in Milan
Park Hyatt Milano - five-star hotel by the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Park Hyatt Milano is on Via Tommaso Grossi, about 200 metres from the Duomo and right by the entrance to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. The hotel has a spa, a gym and a restaurant, and the rooms are large: from 35 square metres.
It’s Milan’s classic luxury hotel and my pick if you want to stay right among the shopping streets. The price is very high, and some guests themselves feel it’s on the steep side.
One guest writes on Booking.com: “It’s the best hotel in Milan. The staff are absolutely incredible.”
See photos and book Park Hyatt Milano here.
Hotel Spadari al Duomo - four-star hotel 150 metres from the cathedral
Hotel Spadari al Duomo is on Via Spadari, about 150 metres from the Duomo. Rooms are 19 to 28 square metres, and the breakfast buffet is included in most rates.
The location is hard to beat if you want to walk to the cathedral, the Galleria and Brera. Guests are happy with the staff, but some feel the hotel could do with a renovation.
One guest says: “Fantastic location, very comfortable and clean room, friendly and helpful staff.”
See photos and book Hotel Spadari al Duomo here.
Hotel Berna - four-star hotel close to Milano Centrale
Hotel Berna is on Via Napo Torriani, about 200 metres from Milano Centrale. It’s a four-star hotel with a large breakfast buffet, and rooms range from 11 to 26 square metres.
I’d choose it if you’re heading on by train to the lakes or Venice, or if you’re flying from Bergamo or Malpensa, as the buses and trains leave from Centrale. It’s four stops on the metro to the Duomo. One guest mentions that a couple of the reception staff weren’t particularly welcoming.
One guest writes on Booking.com: “The staff were lovely, the location was lovely, the breakfast was fabulous and the room was pretty good.”
See photos and book Hotel Berna here.
6. Lake Como - best lake for villas, views and romance ⛴️
- 📍 Distance to the centre: The map shows the ferry pier and Piazza Mazzini in Bellagio. One hotel is in the town, one is in the harbour of Pescallo about ten minutes’ walk away, and the third is up the hill.
- ⛴️ Transport: Ferries link the towns on the lake. Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio face each other, with short crossings between them.
- ✈️ Time from the airport: Allow about two hours from Malpensa to Bellagio by train to Varenna and ferry across the lake. It’s a lovely journey.
- 💰 Price level: €€ to €€€€. Lake Como is one of Italy’s most expensive holiday spots in summer.
- 👮 Safety: A very safe area. The lakeside roads are narrow and winding, so drive carefully if you’re coming by car.
Lake Como is all villas with terraced gardens, small towns of pastel-coloured houses and mountains that plunge straight into the water. It’s the most romantic of the Italian lakes, and it suits couples best, along with anyone who wants to relax and hop between towns by boat rather than go swimming.
I’ve chosen Bellagio as a base because the town sits on the point where the lake’s three arms meet. From here there are short ferry trips to Varenna and Menaggio, and Villa Melzi in Bellagio and Villa Carlotta on the other side of the lake are easy to reach. Varenna is a good alternative because it has a railway station. Two to four nights is about right.
The ferries on the lake are run by the state-owned operator Navigazione Laghi, which also sails on Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore. Timetables change with the seasons, and there are far fewer sailings in winter, so check them before you plan your day.
If you want to compare Bellagio with Varenna, Menaggio and the town of Como, I’ve written a full guide to where to stay on Lake Como. If you’re travelling without a car, take the train from Milano Centrale to Varenna-Esino and the ferry across to Bellagio. A car is mostly a hassle out here, because parking in the towns is expensive and scarce.
Hotels on Lake Como
Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni - five-star grand hotel right out on the tip of Bellagio
Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni sits on the waterfront in the middle of Bellagio, a few minutes’ walk from the ferry pier. The hotel has both an indoor and an outdoor pool, a spa, a tennis court and several restaurants, and many of the rooms have lake views.
This is Lake Como’s classic grand hotel and an obvious choice for a honeymoon or a special occasion. The cheapest rooms face the park rather than the lake. One guest feels the service should be even better given the price per night.
One guest writes on Booking.com: “Everything. It was 10/10.”
See photos and book Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni here.
Borgo Le Terrazze - three-star hotel with a pool and lake views above Bellagio
Borgo Le Terrazze is on Via Panoramica, high above Bellagio and about 3.3 kilometres from the ferry pier. All the rooms have lake views, there’s an outdoor pool, and the rooms measure 25 to 30 square metres.
This is my pick if you’re coming by car and want a pool and a view at a mid-range price. Without a car the location is a drawback, but the hotel runs a shuttle bus for a fee. Guests mention that some parts of the hotel need maintenance.
One guest says: “The hotel was fantastic from start to finish.”
See photos and book Borgo Le Terrazze here.
Hotel La Pergola - simple waterfront hotel in the fishing harbour of Pescallo
Hotel La Pergola is by the little harbour of Pescallo on the eastern side of Bellagio, about ten minutes’ walk from the ferry pier. The lake-view rooms measure 17 to 20 square metres, and you can swim from the quay right out front.
It’s usually the cheapest of my three suggestions and a good choice if you want a quiet stay by the water. There’s no pool, breakfast is simple, and the restaurant is closed on some days.
One guest writes on Booking.com: “The room with a balcony and view exceeded the photos on Booking.com. An absolutely fantastic view over the lake, and it’s easy to get into the water.”
See photos and book Hotel La Pergola here.
7. Lake Garda - best lake for families and active holidays 🚴
- 📍 Distance to the centre: The map shows Rocca Scaligera castle at the entrance to the Old Town in Sirmione. All three hotels are no more than around 600 metres from the castle.
- ⛴️ Transport: Ferries and buses around the lake. A car is handy if you want to get to the towns in the north, but the Old Town in Sirmione is closed to cars.
- ✈️ Time from the airport: Allow around 35 minutes by car from Verona Airport (VRN). That’s an estimate.
- 💰 Price level: €€ to €€€. Slightly cheaper than Lake Como, with more family hotels with a pool.
- 👮 Safety: A very safe area. Sirmione is packed with day-trippers in the middle of the day in summer, so keep an eye on your bag in the crowds.
Lake Garda is Italy’s largest lake and the most family-friendly of them all. In the south the landscape is flat, with beaches and theme parks, while in the north the mountains rise above Riva del Garda and Malcesine, where you can go hiking, cycling and sailing.
I’ve chosen Sirmione as a base because the town sits on a narrow peninsula at the southern end of the lake, with Rocca Scaligera castle, hot springs and the ruins of a Roman villa. From here it’s a short trip to Verona and to the railway stations in Desenzano and Peschiera. If you’re into hiking and windsurfing, you’re better off staying in Riva del Garda or Malcesine in the north. Three to seven nights is about right.
I compare all the towns around the lake in my guide to where to stay on Lake Garda. Verona is only around half an hour’s drive from Sirmione, and if you’d like to see an opera in the Arena, you can read about where to stay in Verona.
Sirmione gets very busy during the day in July and August. If you stay on the peninsula, you’ll get to enjoy the atmosphere in the evening once the coaches have left. If you’re driving, check the hotel’s parking before you book, as you can’t drive into the Old Town yourself.
Hotels on Lake Garda
AQVA Boutique Hotel - adults-only boutique hotel with a beach and pool
AQVA Boutique Hotel is on Via XXV Aprile by the lakeshore, around 600 metres from the castle. The hotel is adults-only and has a pool, its own beach area and a restaurant.
This is my pick for couples who want peace and quiet and direct access to the lake. The rooms are small, from 16.5 to 18 square metres, and parking is outside the hotel and costs 28 euros (around £25) per day. The guests’ only complaint is that they wish they could have stayed longer.
One guest writes on Booking.com: “Everything! Beautiful location, excellent staff who did everything to make our stay perfect.”
See photos and book AQVA Boutique Hotel here.
Hotel Vinci - four-star hotel with a pool and free parking
Hotel Vinci is next door to AQVA on Via XXV Aprile, around 600 metres from the castle. There’s an outdoor pool, a spa, breakfast and free parking, and the rooms are 20 to 27 square metres.
This is my suggestion for families and for anyone arriving by car. You can walk into the Old Town in a quarter of an hour and have the pool waiting when you get back. One guest mentions that some rooms are a slightly odd shape.
One guest praises the hotel: “Good beds, nice rooms, close to the historic part of Sirmione and Lake Garda, a swimming pool, and the breakfast is delicious.”
See photos and book Hotel Vinci here.
Hotel Pace - three-star waterfront hotel inside the Old Town
Hotel Pace is on Piazza Porto Valentino by the lake inside the Old Town, around 270 metres from the castle. The rooms are 18 to 25 square metres, and some have a balcony.
It’s usually the cheapest of my three suggestions, even though it’s right in the thick of things. The rooms are in an older style, and there’s no pool. Parking is 1.5 kilometres away, with a shuttle, for 15 euros (around £13) per day.
One guest writes on Booking.com: “Large breakfast buffet with more to choose from than expected. The rooms are bigger than usual, and there’s a large balcony.”
See photos and book Hotel Pace here.
8. The Dolomites - best area for hiking and mountains 🏔️
- 📍 Distance to the centre: The map shows the tourist office in the middle of Ortisei. Two of the places are a few minutes’ walk from the centre and the cable cars, and the third is about three kilometres up the valley side.
- 🚡 Transport: Cable cars, chairlifts and buses in the valley. A car is handy if you want to cross the passes to the other valleys.
- ✈️ Time from the airport: Allow two to three hours by car from Verona or Innsbruck and about three from Venice. This is an estimate.
- 💰 Price level: €€ to €€€€. Many hotels sell half board, and prices peak in July, August and the ski season.
- 👮 Safety: A very safe area. Check the weather before you head into the mountains, as afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer.
The Dolomites are all jagged limestone peaks, green alpine meadows and mountain huts where you can tuck into knödel and strudel with a view of it all. The mountains are on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and in summer this is one of the best places in Europe for hiking. In winter, it’s all about skiing.
I’ve chosen Ortisei in Val Gardena as the base, because the town has both the cable car up to Seceda and the one to Alpe di Siusi, Europe’s largest high-alpine meadow, right from the centre. People here speak German, Italian and Ladin, and the atmosphere feels more Alpine than Italian. Stay at least three nights so you have a spare day if the weather plays up.
If you’d rather stay in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Alta Badia or by Lago di Braies, you can read my guide to where to stay in the Dolomites. It’s a long way from the airports to the mountains, so most people drive themselves. Check prices for car hire on Booking.com and pick up the car in Verona, Venice or Innsbruck.
The cable cars only run in season, usually from late May or June to October and again in winter, so check the opening times if you’re travelling in the shoulder season. In July and August the best-known trails get busy, so set off early.
Hotels in the Dolomites
La Cort My Dollhouse - adults-only four-star hotel with a rooftop infinity pool
La Cort My Dollhouse is in Pineies, about three kilometres from the centre of Ortisei, with a bus stop nearby. The hotel is adults-only and has a rooftop spa with an infinity pool and saunas, and parking is free.
This is my pick for couples who want to end a day’s hiking in a heated pool overlooking the valley. Rooms range from 14 to 27 square metres, so go for a deluxe room with a balcony if you want space. One guest’s only small gripe was about the pillows.
One guest writes on Booking.com: “Absolutely everything! One of the best hotels I’ve ever stayed in.”
See photos and book La Cort My Dollhouse here.
Hotel Hell - four-star hotel close to the cable cars in Ortisei
Hotel Hell is on Via Promeneda in Ortisei, a few minutes’ walk from the cable cars to Seceda and Alpe di Siusi. There’s a spa and an outdoor hot tub, and the breakfast buffet is included in the price.
This is my choice if you want to be able to walk to both the lifts and the restaurants in town. Rooms range from 16 square metres up to 70-square-metre family suites, so it works for families too. Parking costs 10 euros (around £8) a day, and one guest complains about poor ventilation in the room.
One guest writes: “We loved the place, and the location is just a few minutes’ walk from the cable cars to Seceda and Seiser Alm.”
See photos and book Hotel Hell here.
Residence Magdalena - apartments with kitchens and balconies above Ortisei
Residence Magdalena is on Strada Petlin, about a five-minute walk from the centre and the cable car. The apartments range from 30 to 70 square metres with fully equipped kitchens, and there’s free parking.
I’d choose it if you’re a family or want to cook for yourselves and save on restaurant bills. No breakfast is served and there’s no spa. One guest found the beds a little firm.
One guest sums it up on Booking.com: “Spacious, quiet, good parking, convenient location, great shower, lovely view from the balcony and a helpful host.”
See photos and book Residence Magdalena here.
9. Cinque Terre - best area for colourful villages and coastal paths 🥾
- 📍 Distance to the centre: The map shows Monterosso al Mare, where two of the hotels are. The third is in La Spezia, about 20 minutes away by train.
- 🚆 Transport: The regional train between La Spezia and Levanto stops in all five villages. In summer there are boats too.
- ✈️ Time from the airport: Allow about two hours from Pisa Airport (PSA) to Monterosso by train via Pisa Centrale and La Spezia. This is an estimate.
- 💰 Price level: €€ to €€€. There are few proper hotels in the villages, and many people stay in small guesthouses.
- 👮 Safety: A very safe area. The paths are steep and can be closed after rain, so check their status before you set off.
Cinque Terre is five colourful fishing villages clinging to the cliffs on the Ligurian coast: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. Between them, walking paths wind through terraced vineyards and lemon trees, and the train links them in just a few minutes.
I’ve chosen Monterosso as the base because it’s the largest of the villages and the only one with a proper sandy beach. It also has the most hotels and restaurants. If you want to save money, you can stay in La Spezia and take the train in each morning. Two to three nights is enough to walk the paths and see all five villages.
See hotels in Cinque Terre here.
The villages are in a national park, and you need a Cinque Terre Card to walk the best-known paths. The card also comes in a version that includes unlimited travel on the regional trains between Levanto and La Spezia. Prices vary with the season, so check them with the national park.
I compare the five villages in my guide to where to stay in Cinque Terre. If you’re coming from Pisa, you can read about transport from Pisa Airport, and if you’d like to combine your trip with a coastal city, Genoa is about an hour north by train. Leave the car behind, as the roads down to the villages are narrow and there’s almost no parking.
Hotels in Cinque Terre
Hotel La Spiaggia - small hotel by the beach in Monterosso
Hotel La Spiaggia is on Via Fegina by the beach in Monterosso, about 100 metres from the train station. Breakfast is included, and several rooms have sea views.
There are no luxury hotels in the villages, so this is the most expensive of my three suggestions. You’re paying for the waterfront location rather than the space, as the rooms are only 11 to 12 square metres. If you’re coming by car, the public car park is nearby and costs about 25 euros (around £20) a day.
One guest writes on Booking.com: “Fantastic location, beautiful sea view, good breakfast, friendly staff. Everything was good.”
See photos and book Hotel La Spiaggia here.
Villa Accini - three-star hotel with free parking in Monterosso
Villa Accini is on Via Molinelli in the newer part of Monterosso, close to Fegina beach. The hotel has free on-site parking, breakfast and rooms with sea views.
This is my pick if you’re coming by car anyway, as free parking is rare in Cinque Terre. The rooms are 11 to 25 square metres, so choose one of the larger categories if there are two of you with suitcases.
One guest writes: “Lovely room in a perfect location.”
See photos and book Villa Accini here.
Hotel Firenze e Continentale - four-star hotel right by the station in La Spezia
Hotel Firenze e Continentale is about 50 metres from La Spezia Centrale, where the trains to Cinque Terre depart. It’s a four-star hotel with breakfast, and the rooms are 14 to 25 square metres.
I’d choose it if you want more hotel for your money and don’t mind a short train ride each morning. In the evening, La Spezia has more restaurants than the villages. The garage costs 25 euros (around £20) a day, and the lift is small.
One guest praises the hotel on Booking.com: “Everything was excellent: staff, comfort, cleanliness, breakfast and parking.”
See photos and book Hotel Firenze e Continentale here.
10. Naples - best city for pizza, street life and Pompeii 🍕
- 📍 Distance to the centre: The map shows Piazza del Plebiscito. One hotel is on the waterfront on Via Partenope, and two are in the Centro Storico, about two kilometres away.
- 🚇 Transport: Metro, buses and funiculars up to the Vomero district. The Centro Storico is best explored on foot.
- ✈️ Time from the airport: The Alibus runs from Naples Airport (NAP) to the centre and the port in about half an hour. That’s an estimate.
- 💰 Price level: € to €€€. Naples is cheaper than Rome, Florence and Venice.
- 👮 Safety: Keep a close eye on your phone and bag, especially in crowds and around Garibaldi station in the evening. Leave jewellery and expensive watches at home.
Naples is noisy, chaotic and full of life, and it’s the city where pizza was invented. The Centro Storico is packed with churches, narrow streets and pizzerias, and from the city it’s a short trip to Pompeii, Herculaneum, Vesuvius and the islands in the bay. Two to three nights is about right.
If you stay in the Centro Storico, you’re right in the thick of the street life and close to the best pizzerias. If you stay by the water in Chiaia or on Via Partenope, it’s quieter and prettier, and you’ll have views of Vesuvius. Naples is also a good base if you’re heading on to the Amalfi Coast, Capri or Ischia by ferry.
Which neighbourhoods to choose and avoid is covered in my guide to where to stay in Naples, and what to see is in the guide to things to do in Naples. Getting in from the airport is explained in the guide to transport from Naples Airport.
Pompeii is just over half an hour from Naples on the Circumvesuviana local train. Buy tickets and check opening hours on Pompeii’s official website, and set off early, as there’s hardly any shade among the ruins.
Hotels in Naples
Grand Hotel Vesuvio - five-star waterfront hotel with views of Vesuvius
Grand Hotel Vesuvio is on Via Partenope along the seafront promenade, opposite the Castel dell’Ovo fortress. The hotel has an indoor pool and spa, and many rooms have sea views.
It’s the classic luxury hotel in Naples and my pick if you want somewhere peaceful and beautiful within walking distance of Piazza del Plebiscito. Rooms are 20 to 28 square metres, and guests mention that the bathrooms can feel a little dated.
One guest writes on Booking.com: “A beautiful, luxurious hotel with a spectacular sea view.”
See photos and book Grand Hotel Vesuvio here.
Decumani Hotel de Charme - four-star hotel in a historic palazzo in the Centro Storico
Decumani Hotel de Charme is housed in an old palazzo on Via San Giovanni Maggiore Pignatelli in the Centro Storico. Rooms are 12 to 22 square metres, and breakfast is a continental buffet.
It’s my suggestion if you want to stay right in the historic centre with the pizzerias just round the corner. Guests praise the staff, but some find the beds hard.
One guest says: “The hotel had a great location. The staff were very friendly and helpful.”
See photos and book Decumani Hotel de Charme here.
Hotel Piazza Bellini - three-star design hotel in a 16th-century palazzo
Hotel Piazza Bellini is on Via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli, close to Piazza Bellini and the National Archaeological Museum. The hotel occupies a 16th-century building and offers both hotel rooms and apartments.
It’s usually the cheapest of my three suggestions and a good choice if you want to stay in the Centro Storico without paying much. Breakfast is included with the hotel rooms but not the apartments. One guest would have liked a bit more variety at the breakfast buffet.
One guest writes on Booking.com: “I was really happy with the cleanliness, the location, the wide choice at breakfast and the decor and size of the room.”
See photos and book Hotel Piazza Bellini here.
11. Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast - best area for a classic coastal holiday 🍋
- 📍 Distance to the centre: The map shows Piazza Tasso in the heart of Sorrento, where two of the hotels are. The third is in the town of Amalfi, about an hour’s drive further east along the coast road.
- ⛴️ Transport: Ferries and boats between Sorrento, Capri, Positano and Amalfi in season, and buses along the coast road all year round.
- ✈️ Time from the airport: Allow about an hour by car from Naples Airport (NAP) to Sorrento and an hour and a half to two hours to Amalfi. This is an estimate.
- 💰 Price level: €€ to €€€€. Positano and Amalfi are the most expensive, while Sorrento gives you the most for your money.
- 👮 Safety: A very safe area. The coast road is narrow and packed with buses in summer, so think twice about driving yourself.
The Amalfi Coast is all pastel-coloured towns clinging to the cliffs, lemon groves and one of Europe’s most beautiful coastal roads. Positano and Amalfi are the famous names, and Ravello sits high above the sea with its celebrated gardens. Sorrento lies just outside the coast proper, on the peninsula facing Capri.
I recommend Sorrento as your base on a first trip, because the town is bigger, cheaper and has rail links to Naples and Pompeii. Boats leave from here for Capri, Positano and Amalfi, so you can see it all on day trips. If you want to wake up to a view over Positano or Amalfi, add a couple of nights there. Four to seven nights is about right.
The towns are compared in my guide to where to stay on the Amalfi Coast, and there are separate guides to where to stay in Sorrento and where to stay in Positano. For what to see along the way, take a look at the guide to things to do on the Amalfi Coast.
From Naples, the Circumvesuviana local train runs to Sorrento in about an hour and a quarter, and in summer boats also sail from the port in Naples. All the options are covered in the guide to getting from Naples to Sorrento. Expect lots of steps in Positano and Amalfi, so pack light if you’re staying there.
Hotels in Sorrento and on the Amalfi Coast
Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria - five-star grand hotel on the cliff above the Bay of Naples
Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria is by Piazza Tasso in the centre of Sorrento, yet set in a large garden right on the cliff edge. There’s an outdoor pool, a spa and restaurants, and many rooms look out over the Bay of Naples towards Vesuvius.
It’s Sorrento’s most classic hotel and my pick for a honeymoon or a special occasion. Rooms start at 25 square metres, and the harbour with boats to Capri is close by. One guest feels a renovation would make the experience even better.
One guest writes on Booking.com: “I had an absolutely wonderful stay at this hotel! From the moment we arrived, the service was outstanding.”
See photos and book Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria here.
Hotel Antiche Mura - four-star hotel with a pool in the centre of Sorrento
Hotel Antiche Mura is by Piazza Tasso, a few minutes’ walk from the station and the buses. The hotel has an outdoor pool, and rooms range from 15 to 56 square metres.
It’s my choice if you want a pool and a central location in one. The breakfast buffet is included in the price, but not all rooms have a sea view. Guests mention that the pool area can get busy.
One guest writes: “Everything about the hotel was perfect, from the late check-in to the early check-out.”
See photos and book Hotel Antiche Mura here.
Hotel Lidomare - three-star hotel with sea views in the town of Amalfi
Hotel Lidomare is on Largo Piccolomini in the town of Amalfi, about 80 metres from the beach. Many rooms have their own balcony with a sea view, and rooms range from 11 to 23 square metres.
I’d choose it if you want to stay on the Amalfi Coast itself without paying Positano prices. There’s no pool, the hotel can be tricky to find in the narrow streets, and there are steps up to it.
One guest praises the view on Booking.com: “The view from the balcony was amazing, spacious room, spacious balcony.”
See photos and book Hotel Lidomare here.
12. Puglia - best area for trulli, masserie and beach holidays 🫒
- 📍 Distance to the centre: The map shows the old harbour in Monopoli. The hotels are in the countryside, roughly 3 to 10 kilometres from Monopoli’s Old Town.
- 🚗 Transport: Car. The coastal train links Bari, Polignano a Mare and Monopoli, but you’ll need a car for the masserie and the trulli towns.
- ✈️ Time from the airport: Allow around 50 minutes by car from Bari Airport (BRI) to Monopoli and a bit longer from Brindisi (BDS). This is an estimate.
- 💰 Price level: € to €€€€. From simple B&Bs to some of Italy’s most exclusive resorts.
- 👮 Safety: A safe area. Never leave anything visible in the car at the beaches and in the towns.
Puglia is the heel of the Italian boot, and the region is full of olive groves, whitewashed towns, rocky beaches and trulli, the round stone houses with conical roofs. The trulli town of Alberobello is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Polignano a Mare, with its beach tucked between the cliffs, is one of the most photographed places in Italy.
I’ve chosen Monopoli as a base because the town sits right between Bari, Polignano a Mare, Alberobello and Ostuni, and because the Old Town by the harbour is lovely in the evening. Many people choose to stay at a masseria, an old fortified farmhouse converted into a hotel with a pool. Stay a week if you want to combine beach time with the towns.
The distances are long and the buses are infrequent, so you’ll get the most out of Puglia with a car. Check prices for car hire on Booking.com and pick up the car in Bari or Brindisi. All the best towns in the region, including Lecce and Ostuni, are covered in my guide to where to stay in Puglia.
If you fly into Bari, you can spend a night or two in the port city before driving south. Here you can read about where to stay in Bari. July and August are peak season with high prices and crowded beaches, so travel in June or September instead if you can.
Hotels in Puglia
Borgo Egnazia - five-star resort on the coast south of Monopoli
Borgo Egnazia is at Savelletri, around 10 kilometres south of Monopoli. The resort is built like an entire village in local limestone, with four pools, a spa, a golf course and a beach club a kilometre and a half away.
It’s Puglia’s best-known luxury hotel and a good choice for both couples and families who want everything in one place. Rooms start at 33 square metres, and parking is free. Guests find the restaurants expensive.
One guest writes on Booking.com: “It’s hard to describe how perfect this place is. The grounds are beautiful, with archways overflowing with bougainvillea and nature.”
See photos and book Borgo Egnazia here.
Masseria Torrepietra - four-star masseria with a pool close to Monopoli
Masseria Torrepietra is in the countryside, around three kilometres from Monopoli’s Old Town and three kilometres from the coast. There’s an outdoor infinity pool, a restaurant and free parking, and the rooms are 25 to 36 square metres.
This is my pick if you want to try staying at a masseria without paying luxury prices. Breakfast is included, and guests praise the pool. Some do find a few of the rooms basic and small, though.
One guest writes: “Beautiful place with a fantastic pool, a spacious and clean bedroom and really helpful, friendly staff.”
See photos and book Masseria Torrepietra here.
Torre Cintola Greenblu Sea Emotions - family resort with pools and its own beach area
Torre Cintola is on the coast around eight kilometres south of Monopoli. The resort has two outdoor pools, its own beach area, a kids’ club, a spa and free parking, and the rooms are 22 to 45 square metres.
It’s usually the cheapest of my three suggestions and my pick for families with children who want the beach and a pool in the same place. Guests complain about the restaurant and the payment system, so check what’s included in the price before you book.
One guest says on Booking.com: “Stunning place. Great facilities. Clean rooms. Lots of space for the children to run around.”
See photos and book Torre Cintola Greenblu Sea Emotions here.
13. Sicily - best island for Greek ruins, Etna and beaches 🌋
- 📍 Distance to the centre: The map shows Piazza IX Aprile on Taormina’s main street, Corso Umberto. All three hotels are no more than about 400 metres from Corso Umberto.
- 🚌 Transport: On foot in Taormina, the cable car down to the beach at Mazzarò and buses to Catania and Giardini Naxos. A car is useful for Etna and the rest of the island.
- ✈️ Time from the airport: Allow about an hour by car or bus from Catania Airport (CTA). This is an estimate.
- 💰 Price level: €€ to €€€€. Taormina is the most expensive town in Sicily.
- 👮 Safety: A safe town. The streets are packed in summer, and parking is difficult and expensive.
Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean, with Greek temples, Baroque towns, the Mount Etna volcano, good beaches and a cuisine with both Arab and Italian roots. The island is big, so it’s a great place to spend a whole holiday, and many people choose two bases: one on the east coast and one near Palermo.
I’ve chosen Taormina as the base because the town sits beautifully on a cliff above the sea, with the Greek Theatre and views of Etna. From here you can take day trips to the volcano, to Syracuse and to the beaches below the town. Taormina is expensive and full of tourists in the middle of the day, but in the evening the atmosphere on Corso Umberto is hard to beat. Three to five nights is about right.
All the island’s holiday areas are compared in my guide to where to stay in Sicily, and Taormina’s neighbourhoods are covered in the guide to where to stay in Taormina. If you’d rather stay in a big city, there are guides to where to stay in Palermo and where to stay in Catania.
Most people fly into Catania or Palermo. The onward journey is described in the guide to transport from Catania and Palermo Airport. If you’re touring the island, pick up your hire car at the airport, but leave it parked while you’re staying in Taormina, as the historic centre is closed to cars.
Hotels in Sicily
Grand Hotel Timeo - five-star Belmond hotel by the Greek Theatre
Grand Hotel Timeo is right next to the Greek Theatre in Taormina, a few minutes’ walk from Corso Umberto. The hotel has an outdoor pool, a spa and terraces overlooking the coast and Etna.
It’s one of Sicily’s most famous hotels and my suggestion for a really special occasion. The price is very high, and parking costs 44 euros (around £35) per day. Rooms range from 22 to 95 square metres, and guests mention that some of them feel a little worn.
One guest writes on Booking.com: “Excellent location with wonderful staff.”
See photos and book Grand Hotel Timeo here.
Hotel Isabella - three-star hotel right on Corso Umberto
Hotel Isabella is in the middle of Corso Umberto, a few minutes’ walk from the Greek Theatre. Rooms are 20 to 25 square metres, some have a balcony, and breakfast is included.
This is my pick if you want to stay right in the centre and walk to the restaurants in the evening. There’s no pool, and some guests feel the bathrooms could be better. Parking is at the public Lumbi car park for 15 euros (around £13) per day.
One guest writes: “The location couldn’t really be more central, right in the middle of Taormina on Corso Umberto.”
See photos and book Hotel Isabella here.
Hotel Condor - three-star hotel with breakfast on the roof terrace
Hotel Condor is on Via Dietro Cappuccini, about 400 metres from Corso Umberto. Breakfast is served on the roof terrace with a view, and rooms range from 12 to 38 square metres.
It’s usually the cheapest of my three suggestions in Taormina. It’s a bit of an uphill walk to the centre, and parking costs 25 euros (around £21) per day and must be booked in advance.
One guest writes on Booking.com: “Breakfast was excellent and was served on the roof terrace with a lovely view.”
See photos and book Hotel Condor here.
14. Sardinia - best island for white beaches and clear water 🏖️
- 📍 Distance to the centre: The map shows La Cinta beach near San Teodoro. The hotels are in and around San Teodoro, no more than about five kilometres from the beach.
- 🚗 Transport: Car. The beaches are spread out along the coast, and buses run infrequently outside the towns.
- ✈️ Time from the airport: Allow about half an hour by car from Olbia Airport (OLB) to San Teodoro. This is an estimate.
- 💰 Price level: €€ to €€€€. The Costa Smeralda north of Olbia is one of Europe’s most expensive coastlines, and prices drop the further south you go.
- 👮 Safety: A very safe area. Don’t leave valuables in the car at the beaches.
Sardinia has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean, with white sand and water that looks like something out of the Caribbean. The island is big and wild, and inland you’ll find mountains and small villages that tourism has barely touched. It’s an island for beach holidays and road trips, not city breaks.
I’ve chosen San Teodoro on the north-east coast as a base because it’s close to Olbia Airport and has the long sandy beach of La Cinta, with views of the island of Tavolara. You can reach both the Costa Smeralda and the beaches to the south on day trips. If you’d rather have a town with restaurants and an Old Town, look at Alghero in the north-west or Cagliari in the south. A week is the minimum.
See hotels in San Teodoro here.
You’ll need a car in Sardinia, and you can pick it up at the airport. Check prices for car hire at Booking.com, and book well ahead if you’re travelling in July and August. Getting from the airports in Olbia, Cagliari and Alghero is covered in the guide to transport from the airports in Sardinia.
All the island’s holiday areas, from the Costa Smeralda to Alghero and Cagliari, are compared in my guide to where to stay in Sardinia. The beaches around San Teodoro are packed in August, so arrive early, or travel in June and September, when the water is still warm.
Hotels in Sardinia
Due Lune Puntaldia Resort & Golf - five-star waterfront resort with a golf course
Due Lune Puntaldia is on the Puntaldia peninsula north of San Teodoro, about 34 kilometres from Olbia Airport. The resort sits right on the sea and has a pool, spa and golf course.
This is my pick for couples and golfers who want peace and quiet and good service. Guests praise the golf course and the staff, but mention that dinner isn’t worth the money and that getting into the water at the hotel’s small beach is rocky.
One guest sums it up on Booking.com: “Golf, spa, room, very friendly staff.”
See photos and book Due Lune Puntaldia Resort & Golf here.
Hotel San Teodoro - four-star hotel with an infinity pool and a shuttle to La Cinta
Hotel San Teodoro is in Badualga, just outside town. The hotel has an infinity pool with a large terrace, breakfast and a shuttle bus to La Cinta, which is about 2.5 kilometres away.
This is my choice if you want a pool and some quiet while still being a short trip from the beach. The rooms are 18 to 22 square metres, and guests mention that you can’t walk into town from here.
One guest puts it simply: “Everything was perfect.”
See photos and book Hotel San Teodoro here.
Hotel L’Esagono - three-star hotel with direct beach access
Hotel L’Esagono is on Via Cala d’Ambra in San Teodoro, with direct access to the beach. There are two pools, a garden and breakfast, and the rooms are 16 to 21 square metres.
It’s usually the cheapest of my three suggestions and a good choice for families who want to walk straight from their room to the water. Guests mention that service in the restaurant can be chaotic.
One guest writes on Booking.com: “Good location with direct access to the beach.”
See photos and book Hotel L’Esagono here.
Where not to stay in Italy?
I wouldn’t stay in Mestre to save money on Venice. It’s cheaper, but you miss the city in the evening once the day-trippers have gone home, and that’s exactly when Venice is at its best. Nor would I stay in Milan and do Lake Como as a day trip, because then you get the most time on the train and the least time on the lake.
Don’t stay inside a historic centre if you’re arriving in a hire car and want to park at the door. Rome, Florence, Siena and most small towns have limited traffic zones with cameras, and a fine can arrive in the post months later. And don’t stay on a remote farm in Tuscany or Puglia without a car, because hardly any buses run out there.
And don’t squeeze in too many stops. Italy is long, and getting from the Dolomites to Sicily takes a whole day of travel by plane or train. It’s better to change hotels every third night rather than every night, and choose either the north or the south if you only have a week.
If you have a week, I’d do three nights in Rome, two in Florence and two in Venice. With ten days, you can add three nights in Tuscany or on Lake Como. If it’s a beach holiday you’re dreaming of, pick one base in Sicily, Sardinia, Puglia or Sorrento and stay there for a week or more. If you’re travelling with children, Lake Garda and Sardinia are the easiest choices.
The best months are May, June, September and October. July and August are hot and crowded, and around 15 August the Italians take their own holidays, so the beaches and mountains are packed. The Dolomites are best from late June to September, and in winter it’s ski season. You’ll find more about the seasons and regions at the Italian tourist board.
Book your hotels in Venice, Cinque Terre and on the Amalfi Coast first, as they sell out fastest. Most Italian towns and cities charge a tourist tax per person per night, which you pay at the hotel on arrival. Buon viaggio!
Travel ressources & websites I use all the time 👇
• Booking.com has the best offers on hotels and unique places to stay
• GetYourGuide is the best place to book tours & activities with free cancellation
• Welcome Pickups is the best & safest place to pre-book airport transfers
Psst 👀 Have you subscribed to my Youtube channel and my Instagram where I provide more useful travel tips?