12 Dreamy Weekend Getaways in Italy for Your Shortcut to La Dolce Vita

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Are you planning a European weekend getaway? Are you looking for somewhere exciting to explore? Look no further than Italy, a fascinating country famed for its rich history, iconic architecture, picturesque scenery, and world-class cuisine. From romantic weekends in Venice to historic adventures in Rome, there are plenty of options for an unforgettable trip to Italy.

The only difficulty you’ll have is deciding where to visit first. Luckily, that’s where we come in. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of 12 weekend getaways in Italy. The selected entries offer many things to see and do, authentic Italian charm, and plenty of adventure and excitement. Let’s get started.

Rome

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The first Italian weekend getaway destination on our list is Rome, the Italian capital. Arguably one of Europe’s best weekend city breaks, Rome is a historic city famed for its ancient architecture, delicious food, and iconic landmarks. It’s also renowned for being one of the most romantic cities in the world.

In Rome, you’ll spend your days discovering the city’s most famous landmarks, tucking into Italian cuisine, and visiting the world’s smallest country, Vatican City. Noteworthy points of interest in the city include the world-famous Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, and the Roman Forum. Sports fans might also be pleased to hear they can watch A.S. Roma and S.S. Lazio play soccer at the Stadio Olimpico.

Venice

Speaking of romantic breaks, Venice offers loved-up couples a genuinely magical experience surrounded by impressive beauty, charming restaurants, romantic gondola rides, and more. Admittedly, you might have to be willing to get your feet wet because the city is sinking, but Venice is a beautiful destination to explore.

Dubbed the “Queen of the Adriatic,” this city comprises over 100 small islands in the Adriatic Sea. As such, the city is famous worldwide for its canals, which are popularly explored by boat. When you’re not exploring the city’s vast canal system, admire local architecture, cross one of the many bridges, and enjoy a romantic dinner in a restaurant overlooking the water. Don’t miss Rialto Bridge, St. Mark’s Basilica, and Piazza San Marco.

Florence

No list of weekend breaks in Italy is complete without Florence, the breathtaking capital of Italy’s scenic Tuscany region. Like Rome and Venice, Florence is best known for its historic architecture and iconic landmarks, including the mind-blowingly beautiful Duomo Cathedral. Besides the city’s apparent beauty, one of the things that makes it a popular weekend getaway is its walkability.

Travelers can easily explore the city on foot in only a few days. Better yet, many of the city’s historic streets are closed to traffic. Get lost exploring the cobblestone streets surrounding the cathedral. Explore the city’s famous artwork in Uffizi Galleries, and reach your daily steps at Boboli Gardens.

Milan

Lovers of the finer things in life should head to Milan for a weekend getaway. Whether you’re looking for luxury shopping, mesmerizing landmarks, world-class restaurants, or 5-star luxury hotels, this elegant city has something you’ll enjoy. However, Milan is best known for its upscale fashion boutiques and perfume stores, which you’ll find in abundance at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.

Away from the busy shopping streets and fine dining establishments, Milan has many exciting landmarks and attractions to see. You don’t want to miss popular places like Duomo di Milano, Sforzesco Castle, Arco della Pace, and Parco Sempione. Meanwhile, opera buffs might want to watch a show at Teatro alla Scala.

Lake Como

If you’d prefer to spend a weekend exploring and relaxing in Italy’s picturesque countryside landscapes, look no further than Lake Como. Only a short drive or train ride from Milan, Lake Como is a breathtaking lake in Northern Italy’s Lombardy region. The scenery here is spectacular, consisting of emerald water, verdant hills and mountains, and charming Italian towns and villages.

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Most tourists visit Lake Como to enjoy the beautiful scenery, hike in the mountains, and relax by the water. However, adrenaline junkies can also participate in water sports like kayaking and head out on a tour of other lakes, such as Lake Maggiore and Lake Lugano. Other notable attractions in Lake Como include Villa del Balbianello, Villa Monastero, and Orrido di Bellano.

Lake Garda

Suppose you’ve already been to Lake Como but fell in love with the impressive natural beauty of the area. In that case, it’s time to visit Lake Garda, another picture-perfect lake that offers tourists natural beauty, relaxation, and an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Both lakes are beautiful, but we believe Lake Garda takes the crown.

Unlike Lake Como, the water is crystal-clear and turquoise in color. This creates a much more dramatic and inviting landscape. However, you’ll do many of the same things, such as hiking, sailing, and swimming. Alternatively, stroll through one of the lake’s charming towns, including Riva del Garda and Peschiera del Garda.

Positano

The Amalfi Coast is so magical that no amount of time there is enough. However, a long weekend in the gorgeous coastal town of Positano is enough to give you a good idea of what the region offers. This postcard-perfect town is recognized worldwide for its pristine beaches, vibrant hillside homes, and authentic Italian charm.

Life moves slower in Positano, with most people choosing to sunbathe at the beach, drink Italian wine, and admire the views from their hotel balcony. However, that doesn’t mean there isn’t still much to see. You don’t want to miss Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta, Positano Spiaggia, or the Sentiero degli Dei hiking trail during your visit.

Verona

Often referred to as the city of love, Verona is well-known for being the home of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Despite being fictional characters, the city has a gothic 13th-century house called Casa di Giulietta that supposedly inspired William Shakespeare’s story. Interestingly, it features a balcony just like the one Juliet stands on.

Verona is an excellent place for a city break because there is much to do. When you’re not following in the footsteps of Shakespeare, you’ll find yourself getting lost among the medieval city’s most spectacular delights. Popular attractions include Torre dei Lamberti, Scaliger Tombs, and Castelvecchio Museum. Meanwhile, foodies can tuck into local cuisine at the food market in Piazza delle Erbe.

Bologna

Bologna is another medieval city that makes an excellent place to spend a weekend in Italy. Like Verona, this gorgeous city, the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region, is famous for its elegant medieval architecture, vibrant atmosphere, and diverse cultures. The city is especially popular with history buffs who have many exciting places to explore.

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We recommend starting your adventure on the city walls, which were mainly built between the 4th and 10th centuries. The medieval Walls of Bologna offer terrific city views and feature impressive gates and watchtowers. Afterward, head into the city to find Piazza Maggiore, Basilica di San Petronio, the Two Towers, and the Fountain of Neptune.

The Dolomites

The Dolomites, also known as the Dolomite Mountains or the Dolomite Alps, are a vast mountain range in northeastern Italy best known for their jagged peaks and otherworldly landscapes. They extend from the Piave Valley in the east to the River Adige in the west. As expected, the Dolomites are a big hit with outdoor enthusiasts and hikers.

A long weekend is enough time to appreciate the sheer size and beauty of the mountain range. The most iconic sight in the Dolomites is the Tre Cime di Lavaredo or the Three Peaks of Lavaredo in English. These Godzilla-esque peaks are outstandingly beautiful and exceptionally difficult to hike. However, you could easily tackle the 6.4-mile (10.3-kilometer) Tri Cime di Lavaredo hiking trail in one weekend.

Cagliari

The penultimate weekend getaway destination on our list is Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia. Cagliari is an excellent place to visit if you’re looking for somewhere that offers a little bit of everything. History buffs can get lost exploring the city’s historic architecture. Beachgoers can soak up the sun on one of the many beaches, and shopaholics can shop until they drop in antique shops.

Some of the main highlights of a trip to Cagliari include the Bastion of Saint Remy, the Tower of San Pancrazio, the Citadel of Museums, and Porta dei Leoni. We also strongly recommend wandering around the medieval quarter, indulging in Italian cuisine, and swimming in the sea at Spiaggia del Poetto.

Cinque Terre

The final Italian weekend getaway destination on our list is Cinque Terre, a collection of five beautiful seaside towns on the Italian Riviera famed for their stunning natural beauty, vibrant traditional houses, and impressive coastal views. You can easily reach the area by train or car from Florence, Pisa, and Livorno.

Cinque Terre offers something for every kind of traveler, whether you want to relax, hike, swim in the sea, or explore Italy’s history. However, one of the biggest draws to the area is the Sentiero Azzurro hiking trail. This picturesque hiking trail connects all five towns. You’ll enjoy epic sea views, rugged coastline, and scenic village viewpoints along the way. Other attractions include the Ruins of Doria Tower, Monterosso public beach, and the Church of St. Margaret of Antioch.