7 Places to Visit in Italy in Winter

You don't need a reason to visit Italy (but you do need a visa). And any time of year is suitable: there's always something to see and something to eat. Although this destination is considered a summer resort by tourists from Russia, winter Italy also has a special charm – on the eve of Christmas, surrounded by snow-capped Alps, or to the creak of parquet floors in countless museums. We have selected 7 places worth visiting in December, January, or February.

Weather in Italy in Winter

It all depends on the region. In the interior of the country and in the north, it's colder and snowier, while in the southern regions, especially along the coast, the climate is milder. Generally, January is the coldest month in Italy, and December is the rainiest. Prices are lower during this time, there are fewer tourists, and the probability of clear weather increases towards the end of February. In cities with a more moderate climate, such as Rome and Naples, the average temperature ranges from +10 to +15 °C, while on the snowy slopes of Italian ski resorts, temperatures can drop to -12 °C.

Where to Go in Italy in Winter

It all depends on your intentions. Some only need mountains and slopes, others only restaurants and shops. And Italy has plenty of both. In large cities like Rome and Florence, the cultural program takes precedence in winter. Coastal resorts are peaceful and quiet, as all the fun shifts north to the mountains.

Rome

The winter program in Rome will differ from the summer one only by the fewer number of tourists around. And the cost of Moscow – Rome tickets. No matter how many times you've been to the Eternal City, you'll never tire of enjoying its sights. Don't forget to dress warmly if you plan to see the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain. Winter is an excellent time to visit Vatican City. There aren't as many visitors as usual, and you can easily spend a whole day, for example, in the Sistine Chapel. If you come for Christmas, you can even hear the Pope's Christmas address.

For the holidays, the Spanish Steps are especially brightly decorated, so add them to your itinerary. And we recommend checking out the city's most famous Christmas market, which takes place in Piazza Navona.

Naples

If a trip to Naples in summer turns into endless walks and excursions to Vesuvius and the sea, then in the winter months, it's worth paying more attention to museums and shopping. You can spend a whole day just at the archaeological museum! It houses one of the best collections of Roman artifacts, including treasures from Pompeii and Herculaneum. Next, we suggest visiting two castles and one palace – Castel Nuovo, Castel Sant'Elmo, and Palazzo Reale. The first houses the city museum with works by artists and sculptors native to Naples, the second is home to the Bruno Molajoli Museum of Art History, and the third will appeal to all interior design enthusiasts – its exhibition is dedicated to historical apartments.

The second reason to visit Naples in December is the anticipation of Christmas. During this time, you should definitely visit the Christmas market on Via San Gregorio Armeno. And the third reason is low prices for tickets to Naples (even with a layover in Yerevan).

In winter, the city is relatively warm compared to other major Italian cities, but it often rains, so be sure to bring a raincoat and an umbrella. And, of course, don't forget to buy pizza.

Milan

Milan is best visited in December, when the city is actively preparing for the winter Catholic holidays. After St. Ambrose's Day (December 7), the streets are transformed, decorated, and Christmas markets spread across the squares. The most famous one, with a colorful Christmas tree, is located in Piazza Duomo, the city's main square. By the way, the easiest way to get there is by taking tickets for the Moscow – Milan route and making a short layover in Istanbul or Yerevan.

Traditional Milanese attractions, such as the Duomo or Sforza Castle, also remain on the must-visit list. If only because the Gothic style is simply incredibly beautiful. And don't forget that Milan is considered the world's fashion capital. For admiring luxurious shop windows, head to Via Torino and Via Monte Napoleone. For searching for rare vintage treasures, you should go to Via Fauché market or Remira Market. And in the Navigli district, we recommend visiting Milan's oldest flea market, Fiera di Sinigaglia, which operates on Saturdays.

Venice

Venice and crowds are almost inseparable. But in winter, the streets of the aquatic city become a little quieter. So December and January are perfect for buying plane tickets to Venice. However, in February, the famous Venice Carnival takes place here, which causes hotel demand to skyrocket. During this time, the city transforms, donning colorful costumes and extravagant masks (by the way, this is the best souvenir from Venice at any time of year).

Outside of carnival season, it's worth visiting Venice in winter to see the main attractions, such as Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Basilica, and St. Mark's Square. Cold weather is also a great reason to warm up in one of Venice's 'bacari'. These are small traditional taverns that serve wine and local cicchetti snacks, something like Spanish tapas.

Tuscany

Tuscany province is home to some of Italy's most beautiful places, and in winter, you can explore them in peace and comfort. Get tickets to Florence and spend cold winter days in the warmth of the Uffizi Museum, getting acquainted with its incredible collection of paintings. Want to ski? Head for a day or two to Abetone, the region's main ski resort with 48 km of slopes.

To warm up, head to Bagno Vignoni or Saturnia: here you'll find stunning hot springs and luxurious resorts where you can relax amidst picturesque landscapes. In Saturnia, they even resemble a miniature Pamukkale – the same white natural pools with turquoise water. Moreover, Tuscany is one of Italy's best wine regions. Although some wineries close for the winter, many continue to offer wine tastings in cozy estates.

Dolomite Alps

The Dolomite Alps in northeastern Italy are a wonderful place to relax all year round, and in winter, it's one of the best, especially if you're a fan of skiing, slopes, and lifts. The Dolomiti Superski region includes 15 interconnected ski resorts, accessible with a single ski pass. We especially recommend paying attention to Val Gardena – a spacious resort where there's enough room for skiing even during peak season. Another option is Cortina d'Ampezzo. Here, skiers and snowboarders will also find a wide selection of mountain hotels and slopes.

Lake Como

Although the lake is more associated with summer holidays, in winter it's worth considering for a trip if you crave a quiet, peaceful, and even slightly languid atmosphere. The closest airport to the lake is Milan-Malpensa. From December to February, air temperatures drop to +5-10 °C, and snow occasionally falls in the surrounding mountains, making the views especially stunning. But it never gets cold enough here for the lake's surface to freeze. So ferries run all year round, albeit on a reduced schedule.

And ferries are a great way to explore the region, especially with hop-on hop-off tickets. This makes it easier to reach nearby small towns, such as Moltrasio and Cernobbio. These are quiet and picturesque places with magnificent villas and churches. But that's not all: Lake Como is located close to ski resorts, so from its shores, you can quickly reach Piani di Bobbio in the east and Monte Sighignola in the west.

Dress warmly and grab a slice or two of pizza often: that's how winter in Italy feels best!