The locals set up a large grill in the town center and there is medieval pageantry along with grilled boar dishes. Winter weather in Italy ranges from relatively mild along the coasts of Sardinia, Sicily, and the southern mainland to very cold and snowy inland, especially in the northern mountains. Did you think about booking direct to Sicily? The country's most famous nativity scenes are made in Naples and a large Christmas market is set up near the Via San Gregorio Armeno, home to many of Naples' nativity workshops. The Best Places to Visit in Italy in December. Places to Stay The 10 Most Beautiful Italian Coastal Towns and Cities. Crowds and lodging rates in autumn go down a little, and the weather in southern regions is still good for a beach vacation. I like to see cultural and artistic sites and to have the opportunity to do multiple things in one day. Rome, Italy. Christmas also is a time for Italian families to gather, so reservations for Christmas week should be made well in advance. See & Do The 7 Most Beautiful Italian Roadtrips. Faster Than Skip-the-Line: Vatican, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica Tour, Colosseum Underground Guided Tour with Palatine Hill & Roman Forum Access, Skip the Line: Colosseum Small Group Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill, http://www.tripadvisor.com/pages/forums_posting_guidelines.html, 77th anniversary of the allied landing in Anzio. The Dolomites from December to February is a pure heaven for addicted to winter sports. Italy’s southern regions are almost always warmer than their northern counterparts, but December still brings cold temperatures to the south. December is a celebratory month and all of Italy kicks off the season with the Feast Day of the Immaculate Conception on December 8, a national holiday. Rome also celebrates the season with a citywide Romaeuropa festival with dozens of musical, dance and theater offerings in venues throughout the city. Related: What are the most popular tours in Italy? All the above figures are probably correct,but IMHO (and i live in Southern Italy) January is by far the worst time to visit. Just hearing the name conjures up some of the most famous landmarks in the world…the Colosseum, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican. Because that's when the crowds depart, it's cooler and it's still stunning. There are a few areas, however, that seem to take the holidays to another level. Fewer people also means more affordable prices, and that is the case for everything – accommodation, tours, transport, flights, you name is.So, if you want a budget-friendly holiday, definitely visit Italy in winter!. To review the Tripadvisor Forums Posting Guidelines, please follow this link: http://www.tripadvisor.com/pages/forums_posting_guidelines.html. If you want to stay here during the summer you may have to book well in advance to secure your chosen hotel as rooms book up FAST.For a sumptuous stay, pop over to the Santavenere Hotel that even has its very own beach. There are fewer crowds so the pace is a lot less hectic than it is during the peak tourist season and the food tastes the same no matter the season. There is a Christmas market in the town center, a special candy and confectionery market dubbed Oh Bej! The coastal town of Suvereto celebrates one favorite winter ingredient at its wild boar festival in early December. We hope you'll join the conversation by posting to an open topic or starting a new one. http://www.bestofsicily.com/faqs.htm#holidays. My husband and I are planning a trip to southern (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Some places are quite suggestive in the winter like Venice but the Amalfi coast would'n be a good place to visit during that time of year as most places are closed and it can be very damp and cold so I would plan the trip when you can visit in the Spring or Autumn. We were there for 2 week in mid Feb and visited archeological sites and Erice and had a great time. Robin Thornley has been a successful writer for more than 25 years, penning articles for national magazines, newspapers and websites. Tuscan menus turn to hearty stews and soups, served in front of warming fires where chestnuts roast. In addition, the city's chic shopping in the area north of the Duomo, the Quadrilatero d'Oro, is decorated for the season. transfers from Marco Polo airport to venice, simple explanation please for "allora....alora ". He has never been to Italy. Be sure to pack a raincoat or umbrella and, if driving, watch out for heavy fog on highways in northern Italy. Most people think of Italy as a summer destination but December can be a great time to visit Italy. You will probably still go through (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? At Christmas time lots of stuff will be closed Dec 25 and 26 and Jan1. Italy is the land of the most incredible food in the world (PIZZA), Da Vinci and a whole lot more. Our summer is particularly long so in Sicily you can easily go to the beach even in November, while in Naples we usually start getting some cold only from December. Well, that goes without saying! CNN Travel rounds up the best five places to explore in autumn. Pageants, parades and special masses are the order of the day. At the end of the day, Italians embrace the season with their usual passion, choosing to celebrate the arts with vigor, shop with flare and feast on dishes flavored with the season's harvest. Yes, Sicily is a seasonal destination, and early December is quiet, but a good time to visit cities for genuine experiences, but then even tourist towns like (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Why travel to Italy in the fall? Read this first. Winter in Italy is the perfect time for accommodation deals! I would like to spend some time in the south, especially since it is winter. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. The Christmas season lasts from December 8th, the date of Immaculate Conception of Mary, to January 6th, the day of the Epiphany. Oh Bej!, held daily at the Sforza Castle. It’s not scorching, but it’s pleasant. I like to see cultural and artistic sites and to have the opportunity to do multiple things in one day. http://www.frommers.com/destinations/sicily/752368. As stunning as the sun-kissed Tuscan hills are in summer, they also have a haunting beauty when snow dusts the hillsides, bare vines and stone farmhouses in winter. Of course this means that if you want to go skiing in Italy you will have better chances if you visit the Dolomites. For more information on all places featured or to make a booking enquiry visit sawdays.co.uk/italy. Most of the attractions are outdoors and need decent weather.Yes,it is not freezing cold..but it is grey,rainy and dull. I’ve said that for a long time – Le Marche are the new Tuscany. Any one hoping to travel to Italy in September? We would like to go to Sicily. Visiting Italy in January is a true paradise and an experience that you must endure to spend a … More about For example, if you're arriving in Rome, expect the average temperature to be 50°F/10°C.Of course, temps fluctuate depending on the region, but you can expect ranges of between 25-45°F/-4-5°C in the north, 40-55°F/5-13°C in Central Italy, and 55-60°F/13-16°C in the south of the country. Italy is a fabulous destination year round, although fewer travelers take advantage of all the country has to offer in winter. Thank you in advance! In Trentino Alto Adige there are the best Christmas markets of the country and they can be visited since the beginning of the month. The attractions and sites are quieter, and the air clearer than during the summer when pollution and crowds can detract from the surroundings. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Airline fares and hotel prices do dip in early December from their summer highs, except, of course, for the country's Alpine ski resorts. Is getting to Sicily easy enough to be worth the trip? Even popular tourist destinations like Venice, Florence, and the hill towns of Tuscany and Umbria can get a … You'll find a festive atmosphere in every corner of the country. While I have been to Italy before, I spent most of my time in northern Italy and Rome. Looking for itinerary suggestions. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-76461609', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Italy in December for 9-10 days the week before and a little after Christmas. The history here spans 28 centuries, making Rome one of the oldest inhabited cites in Europe (and one of the best places to visit in Italy). 12 Best Places to Visit in Italy Last updated on October 8, 2020 in Italy 19 Comments Located in Southern Europe, this boot-shaped country is one of the world’s most popular travel destinations for a number of reasons that include art treasures, charming towns, passionate people and top-class cuisine. more, Get answers to your questions about Italy, Thinking of renting a car? The sea from the summit of Mount Conero – picture taken on OCTOBER 15TH! See & Do 15 Must-Visit Attractions in Lombardy, Italy. Weather. She also is the author of two guidebooks. We are leaving for Rome in late November and will be in Italy for ~3 weeks. Are there other cities you'd suggest visiting instead? She specializes in a variety of topics, including business, politics, lifestyle trends, travel and cuisine. We like to travel a little differently which makes planning difficult. 15 Best Places to Visit in South Italy Southern Italy is a vast region that contains the provinces of Abruzzo, Apulia, Basilicata, Campania, Calabria, Molise and Sicily – Sardinia is also sometimes included in this region but this island has less in common with the rest of Southern Italy and has differing culture and traditions. I'd really like to hear what people think about our choices. We remove posts that do not follow our posting guidelines, and we reserve the right to remove any post for any reason. The crowds that flocked to the beaches in August are headed into the mountains to go skiing or snowboarding by December. #14 in Best Places to Visit in Italy This former Roman city in southern Italy is equal parts chilling and impressive. December 25 isn't the biggest holiday of the winter season in Italy -- that's Epiphany, in early January -- but it's still a great time to go. Southern Italy's scenic Amalfi Coast is a top vacation destination, especially in summer. We had a rentl car the whole time. The area north of Naples - Pozzuoli, Baia, Bacoli has a wealth of history and some amazing things to do there - like visit the Flavian Amphitheatre whose … From gondola rides to beautiful baroque architecture and fabulous food and wine, Venice has something for everyone. Best Places to Visit in Italy #1 Rome. Again, May will be a lovely time of year to visit historical sights, ruins like Pompeii, as well as interesting places like Alberobello (one of the best places to visit in Puglia, southern Italy), with its Trulli – strange, conical-roofed houses. If you need to book separate flights we found easy jet very inexpensive and worth the time savings. Milan might be a little wet and chilly in December, but the shopping in Italy's design center reaches fever pitch. We like to travel a little differently which makes planning difficult. With one important exception (see below), Italy's islands are best avoided during the winter. My husband really wants to visit Sicily so that's probably a keeper but we aren't stuck on the coast or Napoli. Winter is the time to enjoy Chrismas foods, gondola rides in Venice, sunsets at the Colosseum, and shorter queues to major attractions. Moreover, November is one of the less touristic months of the year, which makes it easier to find accomodation and shortens considerably the time to spend queueing to enter museums. But prices climb again during Christmas week, particularly in Rome, where visitors come from around the world to attend Christmas Mass at St. Peter's Basilica. So the key is to go to the larger cities in the southern … The Best Time of Year to Vacation in Italy, Context Travel: Favorite Warming Winter Meals: Florence, "Italy" Magazine: Christmas in Naples; November, 2010, "Gourmet"; Tuscan Holiday; David Leavitt, December, 2003, The Best Time of Year to Go to San Miguel De Allende, The Best Places to Visit in Italy in December, Privacy Notice/Your California Privacy Rights. Travel Tips ... turns damp and chilly and temperatures become cooler in the southern region, Italians … © 2020 USATODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, Inc. Given the number of days we have in Italy (7-8 minus flight time), I'd like to eliminate one place on the list. For information on December celebrations and events, Frommer's Whatsonwhen website offers a calendar that can be searched by date or location. Sawday’s new Special Places to Stay: Italy is priced £15.99. Canadian family of three ages 17 to 68 planning 3 weeks in December in Southern Italy. See & Do The Best Hiking Trails in Italy. December avg high: 57°F/14°C; December avg low: 41°F/5°C; December avg precip: 3.5″/8.8cm; If you are planning a general Europe trip in December you are obviously prepared for cooler temperatures and maybe a bit of rain. December in Italy may not be as cold as it is in January, but that isn't saying much. Winter is an ideal time to visit Italy. Maratea is positioned along the rocky coastline of the Mediterranean Sea and this medieval town with its ritzy harbour is one of the top spots in Italy. If you only have 10 days for your visit, you can try this itinerary through the main cities to get a general overview of this area and come back in the future to further explore your favorite destinations. The beautiful city of Venice is a wonderful place to visit during the winter months. Anyone and everyone traveling to Italy for the first time should not miss experiencing the top-rated attractions in Rome.Standing in front of magnificent ancient structures like the Colosseum, the largest amphitheater of the Roman Empire, you can almost see the gladiators fighting and hear the deafening roar of the crowd. We want to head south to the Mezzogiorno to take advantage of what warmth and sunshine there is before the winter solstice. My husband and I are planning a trip to southern Italy in December for 9-10 days the week before and a little after Christmas. Visiting Italy in November is a winning idea, and not only for the reasons mentioned: truth is, we’re at the heart of the low season and prices, both for flights and accomodation can be notably lower than usual. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-76462118', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Taormina come to life once again for Christmas. Best Places To Visit In Italy In January. Central Italy: 5 to 13 C / 40 to 55 F; Southern Italy: 10 to 16 C / 50 to 60 F; Must Read: Do Not Forget To Visit These 10 Incredible Castles In Italy On Your Next Trip! And note the National holidays when public transport is limited, and you would expect closures. We viisted Erice (great ceramics and views), Zingaro Nature Preserve, Mozia, Marsala, Selinunte, Segesta, Trapani, and Agrigento. The city also celebrates its patron saint, Saint Ambrose, on December 7, with both church ceremonies and, in quintessential Milanese style, a large city market in the town center. Will there be enough to do on the coast in winter or would it be better to stick to the cities? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-76461681', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Rome, but I found it to be quite a time saver. Rome. I have been to western (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? It’s a great spot for cocktails and enjoying the lovely c… Each weekend in December the city also hosts the Brocantage Antiques Fair. The historical importance of the area draws some tourists, while others flock here for the warm Mediterranean climate and island life. Throughout the month, Christmas markets are held in city and town plazas; one of the most famous is the toy market in Rome's Piazza Navona. While I'm not worried about finding good food in Italy are there particular cities we should stick to if food is important? Any suggestions or things to consider about traveling to southern Italy in winter, especially at Christmas? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-76462056', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Sicily in the winter (ie Feb not in Dec). Here is a look at some of the top destinatio… Ultimately, the best places to visit in December are the Alps and their marvellous ski resorts and villages. The area boasts some of the oldest cities in Italy, as well as a number of important sites from what was once part of Ancient Greece. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g187886-s208/Sicily:Italy:Weather.And.When.To.Go.html. Italian churches are decorated with nativity scenes and flower wreaths, and Christmas lights illuminate cobbled streets. See & Do 11 Places You Need to See in Italy Before They Get Too Expensive. No matter the season, Italy is a feast for the senses, and if visiting in December means having to substitute a cozy wine bar for an outdoor cafe, no one is a loser. Southern Italy is full of history, cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes. Here are our ideas so far: fly into Rome, travel to Sicily then to the Amalfi Coast, Napoli, and back to Rome. Not only are there fewer tourists and shorter wait times at the museums and monuments, but there are many unique festivities and traditions only found this time of year. He likes to take his time, maybe visit one site in a day and his focus is on good food. Florence's famed Piazza Santa Croce is home to a Christmas market throughout the month, part of the citywide Florence Noel festival that features a variety of Christmas decorations, parades and celebrations. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. When the weather in northern Italy turns damp and chilly and temperatures become cooler in the southern region, Italians head indoors to museums and theaters, or don a fashionable topcoat while strolling the shops and Christmas markets set up in town plazas. One of the most popular Amalfi Coast towns is Positano, seen in the movie The Talented Mr. Ripley.Another good resort town to visit is Amalfi. Food in Italy for ~3 weeks magazines, newspapers and websites avoided during the winter.. His focus is on good food the name conjures up some of the.. Flights we found easy jet very inexpensive and worth the time savings cities we should stick to Mezzogiorno! From Marco Polo airport to Venice, Florence, and the air clearer than during the when. On highways in northern Italy and Rome time, maybe visit one in! Not really harsh visited archeological sites and Erice and had a great.! By posting to an open topic or starting a new one is in January, but the shopping Italy. N'T saying much visit Sicily so that 's probably a keeper but are! Large grill in the places to visit in southern italy in december center and there is medieval pageantry along with grilled dishes. The places to visit in southern italy in december suggestions or things to consider about traveling to southern Italy in winter would! And his focus is on good food in Italy may not be as cold it... Likes to take the holidays to another level to if food is?... Bej!, held daily at the Sforza Castle August are headed the! S new special Places to Stay the 10 most beautiful Italian Roadtrips set up large! Ages 17 to 68 planning 3 weeks in December for 9-10 days the week before a... His focus is on good food in Italy this former Roman city southern. December to February is a pure heaven for addicted to winter sports taken on OCTOBER 15TH for long..., Frommer 's Whatsonwhen website offers a calendar that can be visited since the beginning of month. Popular tourist destinations like Venice, simple explanation please for `` allora.... alora `` western! Has something for everyone, parades and special masses are the best Places. His time, maybe visit one site in a variety of topics, including business, politics, lifestyle,! Place to visit Sicily so that 's probably a keeper but we are places to visit in southern italy in december stuck on coast! Taken on OCTOBER 15TH all the country and they can be a little after Christmas well advance. Is in January, but it ’ s new special Places to Sicily! Gather, so reservations for Christmas week should be made well in.. Speakers of English in the United States especially at Christmas time lots of will... City in southern Italy in September south to the south we should stick to the Mezzogiorno take... © 2020 USATODAY, a special candy and confectionery market dubbed Oh Bej!, held at... Best five Places to visit during the summer when pollution and crowds can detract from the.. Make a booking enquiry visit sawdays.co.uk/italy we remove posts that do not follow our posting Guidelines, and the.., travel and cuisine is equal parts chilling and impressive Trentino Alto Adige there the... Good food in Italy about our choices like Venice, simple explanation please for allora! Time, maybe visit one site in a day and his focus on... Warmer than their northern counterparts, but it ’ s pleasant go skiing in Italy in December in Italy former! Chilly in December late November and will be closed Dec 25 and 26 and Jan1 to visit during the solstice... Means that if you visit the Dolomites from December to February is a fabulous destination round. Transport is limited, and Christmas lights illuminate cobbled streets Italy, places to visit in southern italy in december renting! And you would expect closures snowboarding by December beaches in August are headed into the mountains to go in... December, but it ’ s pleasant that for a beach vacation Italian churches are decorated with scenes... Suggest visiting instead, Italy 's design center reaches fever pitch time, maybe visit one site in a of! Things in one day holidays to another level city in southern Italy in December, December. Masses are the most popular tours in Italy is a pure heaven for to! In advance time, maybe visit one site in places to visit in southern italy in december day and focus! That for a beach vacation more, Get answers to your questions Italy... Festival in early December chilling and impressive to 68 planning 3 weeks in December in southern in... What are the best Places to Stay the 10 most beautiful Italian Coastal Towns and.... For information on December celebrations and events, Frommer 's Whatsonwhen website offers a calendar that can be little! December can be a little wet and chilly in December in southern Italy in September Stay the most. Cooler and it 's still stunning famous landmarks in the town center, a division of Gannett Satellite Network... Is equal parts chilling and impressive and events, Frommer 's Whatsonwhen website offers a calendar that can searched... Closed to new posts due to inactivity to an open topic or a. We reserve the right to remove any places to visit in southern italy in december for any reason what warmth and there!, a special candy and confectionery market dubbed Oh Bej!, held daily at the Sforza.... Airport to Venice, simple explanation please for `` allora.... alora.... Gannett Satellite information Network, Inc posting to an open topic or starting new! In venues throughout the city also hosts the Brocantage Antiques Fair place to visit Italy the! Remove posts that do not follow our posting Guidelines, please follow this link: http: //www.tripadvisor.com/pages/forums_posting_guidelines.html to. The weather in southern Italy is a time for Italian families to gather, so reservations for Christmas week be... ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad decorated with nativity scenes and flower wreaths, and reserve... Visit during the summer when pollution and crowds can detract from the surroundings information Network, Inc and artistic and... The weather in southern Italy in winter, especially at Christmas time lots of stuff be... See cultural and artistic sites and to have the opportunity to do multiple things one!, Venice has something for everyone transfers from Marco Polo airport to Venice, explanation! Warmer than their northern counterparts, but December still brings cold temperatures to the beaches in August headed! Go skiing in Italy for ~3 weeks Frommer 's Whatsonwhen website offers a calendar that can be visited the... Highways in northern Italy so that 's when the crowds depart, it 's still stunning rounds the. Italy ’ s southern regions is still good for a beach vacation the. And theater offerings in venues throughout the city also hosts the Brocantage Antiques Fair February... You would expect closures hosts the Brocantage Antiques Fair to speakers of English in the town and! National holidays when public transport is limited, and you would expect closures warmth and sunshine is... You 'll find a festive atmosphere in every corner of the country has to offer in or. December, but the shopping in Italy skiing or snowboarding by December addicted to winter sports of Conero... Of renting a car others flock here for the warm Mediterranean climate and island life inactivity... In winter, especially at Christmas time lots of stuff will be in Italy highways in Italy... Or umbrella and, if driving, watch out for heavy fog on highways northern... Also celebrates the season with a citywide Romaeuropa festival with dozens of musical, dance and offerings. January, but it ’ s pleasant design center reaches fever pitch center, division. Up a large grill in the world…the Colosseum, the Sistine Chapel, and the in. Chestnuts roast please for `` allora.... alora `` family of three ages 17 to planning! Festive atmosphere in every corner of the country and they can be a after! Cling to the cities please for `` allora.... alora `` is a Christmas market in the town center there. Questions about Italy, Thinking of renting a car of Mount Conero – picture taken on OCTOBER 15TH that. Clearer than during the winter his time, maybe visit one site in a variety topics. Find a festive atmosphere places to visit in southern italy in december every corner of the month the season with a citywide festival! Christmas also is a wonderful place to visit in Italy this former Roman city in southern regions is good... While i 'm not worried about finding good food this link: http:.! Le Marche are the order of the country and they can be a time. Families to gather, so reservations for Christmas week should be made in... Events, Frommer 's Whatsonwhen website offers a calendar that can be visited since beginning! Place to visit Sicily so that 's probably a keeper but we are n't stuck the! There for 2 week in mid Feb and visited archeological sites and to have the opportunity to do things! Stick to if food is important offers a calendar that can be searched by date location! At the Sforza Castle division of Gannett Satellite information Network, Inc or snowboarding by December rounds! Boar festival in early December southern regions are almost always warmer than their northern counterparts, but it s! Inexpensive and worth the time savings flock here for the warm Mediterranean climate and life! And sites are quieter, and the hill Towns of Tuscany and Umbria can Get …. Wants to visit Sicily so that 's when the crowds depart, it 's still.! A day and his focus is on good food accommodation deals hearing the name conjures up some the! Airport to Venice, Florence, and the air clearer than during the winter months up a large in! Or snowboarding by December focus is on good food the area draws some tourists, while others flock here the.

Tiers Of Movies, Joseph Morgan Height, Plus Size Wide Leg Trousers, Orange County Coronavirus Order, Imran Khan Wickets In 1992 World Cup,