Italy has been named as one of the go-to holiday destinations for 2024.

With its remarkable history, famous cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes, Italy continues to be a favourite destination for travellers worldwide. Several lists of top destinations for 2024 have included Italy as one of the best places to choose for your holiday next year.

While not as popular as Spain, millions of Brits visit Italy every year.

The combination of sunny weather, beautiful landscapes, and historic monuments give it a huge appeal to holidaymakers from the UK. The cuisine is another big plus — pizza and pasta dishes remain popular as ever, and who wouldn’t want to sample the authentic thing in Italy itself?

The fallout of Brexit has done little to stop the UK’s love affair with Italy. Brits are still expected to head to destinations like Rome, Naples, and Florence in droves next year — in spite of the extra travel requirements set to come into effect in 2024.

The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) visa waiver will be introduced next year as a mandatory requirement for all non-EU travellers. This will include visitors from the UK coming to Italy and other Schengen area countries.

The ETIAS is an electronic travel authorization designed to enhance the security of the Schengen Zone. Although it is an additional step to planning a holiday, it can be conveniently obtained online. Once you have it, you can use it for as many trips as you like for the next three years.

The ETIAS Italy requirements are a valid passport and an email address to sign up for the visa waiver.

Once you have authorised your trip, booking flights and accommodation in Italy can be done as before.

While Italy offers a captivating experience throughout the year, the peak tourist seasons, summer (June to August) and winter (December to February), witness a surge in prices for accommodations and attractions.

For budget-friendly deals, it is advisable to travel during the shoulder seasons, spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these periods, the weather remains agreeable, the major attractions are relatively less crowded, and there is a general reduction in the prices of flights and accommodation.

Smart travellers can avoid packed beaches, swarms of tourists, and five-hour queues for St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City by coming in May instead of July.

Another way to save money on a holiday to Italy is knowing when to book. According to Scott Keyes, founder and chief flight expert of Going.com, January and February are the months with the most cheap flights to Italy available.

When travelling abroad, it is also a good idea to consider where to fly from — the UK’s best and worst airports were recently named in a survey of passengers.

There are many attractive and popular destinations in Italy, from the beautiful lakes in the north of the country to the Mediterranean beaches of the south; from the canals of Venice to the Roman splendour of the capital.

These are just a few of the reasons that sites like travelsphere have named Italy the number 1 destination for 2024.

Top Destinations in Italy for 2024

1. Rome 

The Italian capital remains a favourite destination, with so many iconic things to see. From the legendary Colosseum and the Roman Pantheon to the pomp of the Vatican and the postcard-perfect Spanish Steps, visitors could easily spend several days soaking up the culture in Rome.

2. Matera

Renowned as the 'Underground City,' Matera is celebrated for its ancient cave dwellings, magnificent stone-carved architecture, and spectacular panoramic views. It has been progressively gaining popularity and is a must-visit destination in 2024.

3. Naples

Often overshadowed by the more renowned cities of Rome and Florence, Naples should top the list of Italian destinations for history buffs. The city itself offers a blend of history, culture, and delectable cuisine — Naples is famous as the birthplace of pizza!

The most famous attractions are the nearby ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius. Other key attractions include the Naples National Archaeological Museum and the subterranean Naples tour.

4. The Dolomites

An idyllic destination for outdoor enthusiasts, the Dolomites boast stunning landscapes, exceptional hiking, and skiing opportunities. The region is also home to several picturesque villages and towns, such as Ortisei and San Candido.

5. Sicily

The largest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily, is characterised by its diverse landscapes, ancient ruins, and top quality seafood. One of the biggest draws is taking a trip up Mount Etna — one of the world’s most active volcanoes.

Other noteworthy attractions include the Valley of the Temples, the dramatic views from the clifftop town of Taormina, and the pristine beaches of San Vito Lo Capo and Cefalù.