The ultimate destinations for a holiday in June in Italy

The beginning of summer brings longer days, mild weather, and an irresistible desire to set off on new adventures, making every trip even more enjoyable and memorable. June is the month when Italy dresses in its most vibrant colors: the sun lights up the coasts, villages come alive with events, and art cities reveal their full beauty without the crowds of the peak summer months. It’s the perfect time to explore the Bel Paese, with its crystal-clear seas, green hills, and radiant cities.

There’s no doubt that Italy—a land of timeless art, breathtaking landscapes, and flavors that capture the heart—is a perfect destination in every season. But it’s in June that the Bel Paese reaches its peak: the weather is mild yet summery, the days grow longer, flowers bloom in the fields, and villages come alive with events, festivals, and open-air life. It’s the ideal moment to experience Italy in its most authentic and vibrant form.

June is the month that invites you to set off, to be guided by the sunlight. Whether you’re looking to relax by the sea, hike along panoramic mountain trails, explore ancient villages, or dive into the culture of iconic places like Rome, Florence, or Venice, this guide will present the 7 perfect Italian destinations to visit for a vacation in June 2025. We’ll take you on a journey through nature, history, traditions, and flavors, enriched with helpful tips to make the most of each destination.

The Amalfi Coast, with its stunning landscapes and picturesque villages perched on cliffs, is one of the gems of the Mediterranean. June is the ideal time to visit, before the summer crowds arrive.

You can start your journey in Sorrento which, with its cobblestone streets and the scent of lemons in the air, is technically not part of the Amalfi Coast but is often the starting point for exploring it. Stroll through the historic center among artisan shops and fragrant limoncello, watch the sunset from Villa Comunale overlooking Mount Vesuvius, and visit the cloister of San Francesco. Don’t miss a walk to Marina Grande, the old fishermen’s village, where you can enjoy spaghetti with clams while watching the boats return.

Continue on to Positano, famous for its pastel-colored houses and artisan boutiques. Marina Grande beach is the vibrant heart of the town, perfect for a swim or a sunset aperitivo. Boat trips to Capri or along the coast also depart from here. While in Positano, visit the Church of Santa Maria Assunta with its majolica-tiled dome, and the recently restored remains of the underground Roman villa.

Halfway between Positano and Amalfi lies Praiano, a haven for those seeking beauty without the crowds. Its panoramic terraces offer breathtaking sunsets. From here, you can access the Path of the Gods, one of the world’s most spectacular hiking trails, crossing mountains and villages with dramatic sea views.

Don’t miss Amalfi, a former Maritime Republic, with its impressive cathedral. The Duomo of Saint Andrew dominates the square with its grand staircase, and the Cloister of Paradise is a peaceful, Moorish-style retreat. Wandering through its narrow alleys is a delight, as is tasting a “delizia al limone” in a local pastry shop.

A must-see: the Paper Museum, where you can learn how Amalfi produced paper as early as the Middle Ages.

Then there’s Ravello, the cultural and romantic heart of the Coast. Sitting 365 meters above sea level, it’s a place suspended in time. The gardens of Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo are among the most beautiful in Italy, offering breathtaking views of the coastline. Be sure to wander the quiet alleys, browse handmade ceramic shops, and, if you visit during the Ravello Festival, attend a concert in the gardens of Villa Rufolo.

The last town along the Coast is Vietri sul Mare, world-renowned for its colorful ceramics. Its workshops are perfect for picking up an authentic souvenir—plates, mugs, hand-painted tiles. The historic center is lively and genuine, and the beaches—like Marina di Vietri—are among the largest on the coast.

Must-see spots: the Ceramics Museum and the Church of San Giovanni Battista with its tiled majolica dome.

The Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are five enchanting villages perched along the Ligurian coast. In June, the mild weather and blooming flowers make the landscape even more captivating.

Explore Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore—villages connected by scenic trails offering breathtaking views of the coastline. The Blue Trail (Sentiero Azzurro), about 12 km long, is one of the most famous hikes, winding through vineyards and sheer cliffs above the sea. June is the perfect time to walk it, avoiding the intense summer heat and large crowds.

The beaches of Monterosso al Mare, the largest of the five villages—especially Fegina Beach—are ideal for relaxing in the sun and swimming in crystal-clear waters. For a unique culinary experience, dine in a seaside restaurant, savoring fresh seafood dishes and the famous Genovese pesto.

Vernazza is perhaps the most photographed of the five villages, with its romantic and picturesque charm. The small harbor surrounded by colorful houses, the seaside piazza, and the fishermen’s boats create a timeless atmosphere. Here, you can climb the Belforte Tower for an unforgettable sunset view, or hike the Blue Trail segment that connects Vernazza to Monterosso.

Corniglia is the only Cinque Terre village not directly on the sea—it sits on a promontory and is reached by climbing 377 steps (or by a shuttle bus). It’s the most peaceful and intimate of the five, perfect for those seeking authenticity and quiet. Enjoy the view from the Santa Maria Belvedere, visit the Oratory of the Disciplinati, and sip a glass of the famous local wine, Sciacchetrà, in one of the village's cozy wine bars.

Manarola is a maze of narrow alleys leading to the sea, famous for its sunsets and for the Via dell’Amore, the romantic path connecting it to Riomaggiore, the first of the Cinque Terre villages if you're arriving from La Spezia, known for its scenic views and relaxed nightlife.

Lake Garda is one of the most versatile and spectacular places in Italy—an ideal destination for a June vacation filled with relaxation, nature, and culture. With its clear waters, historic villages, scenic trails, and mild climate, this lake captivates every kind of traveler.

In the south, Sirmione is one of the most enchanting towns: a peninsula suspended over the water, dominated by the Scaligero Castle and famous for its natural thermal baths. Strolling through its ancient alleys and stopping at one of the artisanal gelaterias is one of the most delightful experiences of the trip.

In the north, Riva del Garda offers breathtaking mountain views and a wide range of outdoor activities: climbing, windsurfing, hiking, or biking along the Ponale Trail. June is the perfect month for sports, with sunny days that aren’t yet too hot.

For culture lovers, the area abounds in museums, historic villas like Villa Feltrinelli, and the ancient lemon houses of Limone sul Garda—unique examples of lemon cultivation in an alpine environment, now transformed into open-air museums that tell the story of rural life in times past.

Sicily is a land of contrasts and wonders, where wild nature blends seamlessly with a millennia-old history.

Start your journey in Palermo, a vibrant city rich in Arab, Norman, and Baroque influences. Stroll through the Ballarò and Vucciria markets, letting the scent of panelle and arancini guide you. From Palermo, it's easy to explore Monreale, with its famous Byzantine mosaics, or head along the coast to Cefalù, a seaside village with one of the most beautiful beaches in northern Sicily.

From there, you can travel to Taormina, the gem of eastern Sicily, where the Greek Theatre offers one of the most iconic views—sea and Mount Etna in a single glance. In June, outdoor concerts and performances take place as part of the Taormina Film Festival and Taobuk. Nearby, relax on the beaches of Isola Bella or explore the Alcantara Gorges, basalt canyons where you can hike or cool off in crystal-clear waters.

If you're in search of the sea, San Vito Lo Capo is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, while the Zingaro Nature Reserve offers hours of hiking among coves and unspoiled nature. A visit to Scicli, Modica, and Ragusa Ibla—jewels of Sicilian Baroque—is also highly recommended.

Catania is a bold, dramatic city at the foot of Mount Etna, with a Baroque soul and infectious energy. Its buildings are carved from lava stone, giving it a unique appearance. Walk down Via Etnea, visit the Cathedral of Saint Agatha, and dive into tradition at the fish market, one of the most authentic on the island.

Don’t miss an excursion to Mount Etna—ideally with a volcanology guide—where you can climb up to the summit craters, walk over steaming lava flows, and take in breathtaking, lunar-like scenery.

Just a few kilometers off the Sicilian coast lie true gems: the minor islands, perfect for a one-day trip or longer getaway.

The Egadi Islands (Favignana, Levanzo, and Marettimo): Located west of Sicily near Trapani, they’re a paradise for lovers of crystal-clear waters and a slower pace. Favignana, with its turquoise coves and fresh tuna, is the most visited.

The Aeolian Islands (Lipari, Salina, Vulcano, Stromboli, etc.): North of Sicily, these volcanic islands offer wild, untamed beauty. June is ideal for visiting—Stromboli glows at night, while Salina enchants with its lush vegetation and famous Malvasia wine.

Pantelleria and Lampedusa: More remote, but absolutely spectacular. Pantelleria features a dry, lunar landscape, lava-stone dammusi houses, and natural thermal lakes. Lampedusa is queen of the beaches, home to the Rabbit Beach (Spiaggia dei Conigli), one of the most stunning in the world.

June in Tuscany is a symphony of colors: the green of the fields, the yellow of sunflowers, the red of poppies, and clear blue skies. It’s the perfect time to explore medieval villages, taste exceptional wines, and get lost among rolling hills and vineyards.

Start in the Val d’Orcia: Pienza, with its harmonious squares, Montepulciano and Montalcino, famous for Vino Nobile and Brunello wines. Every street here is like a postcard. You can travel by car, bike, or on foot—each bend reveals a breathtaking view.

If you love art and history, Florence and Siena await with museums, churches, and iconic piazzas. In June, Siena prepares for the historic Palio, a traditional horse race held twice a year in the stunning Piazza del Campo. The city’s 17 contrade (historic districts) compete in a bareback race, preceded by days of festivities, medieval parades, and community dinners. The entire city buzzes with excitement and pride in a centuries-old tradition.

Savor Tuscany at the table too: book a wine tasting at a Chianti vineyard or enjoy dinner at an agriturismo serving traditional dishes with views over the hills.

Puglia, with its radiant landscapes, crystal-clear sea, and a cuisine that speaks of sun and soil, is one of the most captivating destinations to experience in June. It’s the month when villages slowly come back to life with artisanal markets and local festivals. The beaches are still quiet, the historic centers breathe the calm of late spring, and the light has that golden southern glow.

Begin your journey in the northern part of the region, exploring the Gargano—a wild promontory overlooking the Adriatic. Here you'll find hidden beaches nestled among cliffs, like Baia delle Zagare, and authentic seaside towns like Vieste and Peschici, where you can enjoy the freshest seafood right at the harbor. Inland, powerful emotions await: don’t miss the Umbra Forest, a fairy-tale-like place perfect for hiking among beeches, oaks, and wild animals.

As you move toward the heart of the region, immerse yourself in the Itria Valley, land of trulli and ancient olive groves. Alberobello is the most iconic postcard image, but villages like Locorotondo, Martina Franca, and Cisternino are equally enchanting, with whitewashed historic centers and cozy squares perfect for sipping a glass of local white wine.

Continue south and reach the Salento, a land of deep-rooted traditions and Caribbean-like seas. Lecce, with its flamboyant Baroque architecture, will charm you with its elegance. Then head to the coast to discover the beaches of Porto Cesareo, Torre Lapillo, Gallipoli, or Pescoluse—also known as the “Maldives of Salento” for the clarity of its waters.

And for those who love combining culture and spirituality, a stop in Otranto is a must: its cathedral houses one of the largest floor mosaics in Europe, and the seafront offers sunsets that seem to come straight out of a dream.

In June, Venice becomes a symphony of light and reflections. Long, bright days wrap the canals in a dreamlike atmosphere, the calli echo with voices and music, and the city reveals its full beauty before the peak tourist season arrives. It’s the perfect time to experience it slowly, uncovering its most authentic, romantic, and lesser-known sides.

Start your itinerary at St. Mark’s Square, the beating heart of Venice, where the golden Basilica and the Campanile reflect in the shimmering water. Climbing to the top of the bell tower in the early morning—while the city still sleeps—offers a breathtaking view of the lagoon, red rooftops, and distant islands.

Wander aimlessly through the calli, cross smaller bridges, and follow your instincts—every corner has a story to tell, every wall breathes centuries of art and mystery. Don’t miss Dorsoduro, the artists’ district, where you'll find the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and the Gallerie dell’Accademia—ideal spots to dive into Venetian culture that bridges tradition and modernity.

Must-do experiences in June

Island hopping: Burano with its colorful houses and lacework, Murano with its world-famous glassblowing, and Torcello with its mystical calm are perfect for a day trip. In June, the sunlight makes them even more photogenic, and the ferries are less crowded, allowing for a peaceful escape.

Gondola or private boat ride: Especially at sunset, to watch the city transform under the last rays of light. A gondola ride through quiet canals or a small boat heading toward Giudecca offers a glimpse into an intimate, almost secret Venice.

Dinner at a bacaro or on a terrace: Embrace the tradition of cicchetti—small bites of seafood, polenta, creamed cod, and glasses of local wine—in historic spots hidden among the alleys. Or book a table overlooking the Grand Canal for an unforgettable evening.

Events and festivals in Venice in June

Festa della Sensa (early June): A symbolic event celebrating Venice's bond with the sea. A boat procession, where the Doge "marries the sea" by tossing a golden ring into the lagoon, re-enacts the glory of the Serenissima Republic.

Vogalonga (usually early to mid-June): A non-competitive rowing regatta involving thousands of participants from around the world. Boats glide silently through the canals, offering a beautiful and eco-friendly spectacle.

Contemporary art and exhibitions: June is at the heart of the Venice Art Biennale, one of the world’s most prestigious cultural events. The Giardini and Arsenale pavilions host installations, performances, and cutting-edge works that turn Venice into a living, breathing open-air gallery.