Italy in Winter: Top 8 Destinations

Winter in Italy offers abundance of cultural sights, noticeable lack of crowds, vibrant café and bar scene, mild climate to ski adventures.
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Written byIan packham
Kumod Dewan Basnet - Editor of Italy in Winter: Top 8 Destinations
Reviewed byKumod Dewan Basnet
    5 comments mins readJanuary 2, 2025

Italy is a magical place at any time of the year, but in winter it takes on a distinctive charm of its own. From snow-capped mountains and alpine ski runs to relaxed city breaks and a hint of Mediterranean sun, a tour to Italy in winter is bound to impress and delight!

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Couples in mask in front of Saint Mark square on Venice, Italy in winter.
Be a part of the Venetian Carnival, on the streets of Venice, and be a part of Italian culture in winter.

The beautiful city of Venice is a wonderful place to visit during the winter months. The attractions and sites are quieter, and the air is clearer than during the summer when pollution and crowds can detract from the surroundings. Venice has something for everyone from gondola rides to beautiful baroque architecture and fabulous food and wine. If nothing else, relax with a coffee in St Mark’s Square, and enjoy watching the world go by Italian style.

  • What to do: Take a gondola ride through the fog. The landscape in winter becomes even more mystical (great for photographs!) and there are fewer crowds, meaning no jostling of gondolas in the waterway. Wish for a light snowfall for the most magical experience!
  • Best time to visit: While winter in Italy starts in December, in January and February Venice is at its crisp, cold best with bright clear winter days.
  • What to take: Venice is a city of fashion, you’ll see fur coats and stylish suits in abundance; be sure to dress to impress and to keep warm!
See also:
Great Italy Tours in WinterBest Time to Visit ItalyGreat Italy Itineraries: How Many Days to Spend?All Italy toursItaly Group ToursItaly Travel DealsItaly Private Tours

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Tuscan vineyards, stretched out from as far as the eyes can see

The Tuscan countryside, with its numerous picturesque medieval towns and villages, provides a stunning backdrop to an Italian winter break. Explore the wineries and vineyards, or take a pleasant walk in the countryside. The ski slopes at Abetone are only an hour or so away from Florence and winter also provides a time for truffle hunting – a famous Tuscan pastime! With the opportunity of combining stunning countryside with a visit to some of Italy’s most famous Renaissance sites, a winter break here is bound to impress!

  • What to do: There are plenty of hot springs sprinkled all over Tuscany. Relax in the thermal water spas as you enjoy the snow-covered vistas around. Rent a classic luxury villa in Tuscany for an escape and wake up to majestic views of the countryside in the morning. 
  • Best time to visit: Visit for the New Year celebrations to see traditional Italy at its best or come in the late winter months for the first signs of spring.
  • What to take: Snow isn’t unheard of here during the winter so warm clothes and good footwear are essential if you’re planning on getting out into the countryside.

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