Italy is just one of those countries you can’t help but fall in love with. That’s exactly what happened to me 10 years ago. And every vacation since, I discover new aspects of this incredibly diverse country. Thanks to the great weather and stunning nature, it’s the perfect destination for glamping. Italians love kids, making it super family-friendly too. Every region has its own unique charm and is worth exploring. But where do you even start?
Want to Visit Italy Without a Long Drive?
Sure, flying to Italy is easy, and glamping makes it even easier since you don’t need to lug camping gear around. But if you prefer hitting the road in your own car, consider glamping by a lake in Northern Italy. Lago Maggiore, straddling the border of Italy and Switzerland, is about 1,000 km from Utrecht. Lake Garda is also relatively close at 1,150 km. These lakes are perfect for water sports enthusiasts. Just a heads up: the water can be chilly in spring, and the weather a bit unpredictable. July and August guarantee warmth but also crowds. September might actually be the sweet spot – it averages 24 degrees, and the water has had months to warm up.
Looking for Something Less Touristy Than Tuscany?
Regions like Tuscany and the northern lakes are super popular during the summer. In August, when Italians are on holiday too, it gets even busier. We visited the Tuscan town of San Gimignano in May and it was magical. But come August, we barely recognized it, transformed into a kind of open-air museum swamped with tour buses at the gates. Not your cup of tea? Check out Umbria. It’s like Tuscany’s less-discovered neighbor – rolling hills dotted with vineyards and olive groves, and beautiful ancient towns. It’s a bit more traditional and less touristy.
Sardinia: Subtropical Italian Delight
I’ve got a thing for islands. Their isolated position gives them a unique culture. Sardinia is a gem with its white beaches, turquoise seas, and rugged interior. The island enjoys a subtropical Mediterranean climate – think summery weather in May and still lovely at around 25 degrees in September. Make the journey part of the adventure with a road trip through Milan to the Italian west coast. If you can, detour for a coffee in the Tuscan town of Lucca. From Livorno, catch the ferry to Sardinia. Booking a cabin is smart – it saves on hotel costs and you arrive rested. Ferries leave from various places, but flying is an option too. Don’t stick to one place; explore the island. From the touristy Costa Smeralda in the north to quieter spots and the historic, untouched interior.
Glamping in the Off-Season
I’ve shared a few tips, but that hardly does justice to Italy’s other regions. The famous Tuscany and the Adriatic coast, for example, are popular for good reason. You’ll find amazing glamping spots there too, from safari tents to treehouses. Traveling in the off-season? Seize the chance to visit hotspots like Florence, Siena, and Venice without the crowds. Plus, glamping sites are more affordable then.
No matter where you end up: take your time to really explore your surroundings. The true gems of your vacation are found in that random backstreet or when you take a spontaneous detour. Buon viaggio!
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