20 Most Beautiful Italian Winter Destinations to Visit in 2025 (For Young People and Couples Too)

Tourist destinations and Italian cities to visit in winter

Imagine a journey through the most fascinating Italian winter destinations , where every place is ready to welcome you and reveal its history and beauty. From the timeless charm of the largest cities to visit in winter in Italy to the small villages hidden among hills and mountains, each stop can become even more special if fully experienced, far from the summer frenzy.

For young adventurers looking for ideas for a winter vacation with friends or for couples on a romantic getaway to one of the most popular romantic winter destinations , here are 20 unmissable destinations for this winter . For each one you will find an Aua bracelet that celebrates its uniqueness, essence and colors, which you can buy directly online in our shop .

Northern Italian Cities to Visit in Winter

1. Burano (Venice)

Burano , a picturesque island with a thousand colors, is one of the Italian destinations that even in winter can enchant like few other places, an ideal escape far from the mass tourism that crowds nearby Venice. Here the tones of the colored houses manage to brighten up even the coldest and foggiest days, mirroring themselves in the waters of the canals and framing a village almost suspended in time.

The first stop to visit is Piazza Baldassare Galuppi , the heart of the island, where the Church of San Martino , famous for its leaning bell tower, and the Lace Museum , which tells the story of a centuries-old tradition through a collection of extraordinary artisan works, overlook. Continuing along its streets and squares, every corner of Burano in winter looks like a postcard, creating an unparalleled photographic setting, especially at sunset.

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An unmissable tip? A visit to the squeri , small shipyards where the typical rowing boats are still built today.

2. Sanremo

Sanremo , a Ligurian seaside village nestled in the Riviera dei Fiori , is much more than a glamorous stopover linked to the famous Italian Song Festival . In winter, this town transforms into a privileged place of elegance and serenity, with its mild climate that allows you to explore it without the summer crowds, giving visitors the chance to experience it without stress. Walking along the Passeggiata dell'Imperatrice , among the palm trees that sway to the rhythm of the sea, or exploring the maze of narrow streets of the medieval district of La Pigna , you will discover unexpected glimpses of an unseen Sanremo .

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If the Ariston Theatre becomes the symbol of a stage that is not only musical but also cultural, for art lovers a visit to the Russian Orthodox Church , with its coloured domes, and to Villa Nobel , the historic residence of Alfred Nobel, is a must. For lovers of good Ligurian cuisine, dishes such as Sardenaira and pansoti filled with borage are an absolute must.

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3. Carezza Lake (Nova Levante)

Nova Levante and Lake Carezza are winter tourist destinations in Italy that enchant visitors all year round and that in the coldest season transform into a snowy dream at the foot of the Dolomites . If in Nova Levante the direct access to the slopes of the Ski Area Carezza Dolomites attracts sportsmen from all over the country, Lake Carezza, also known as the " Rainbow Lake ", enchants with its emerald waters, its shades of colors and the reflections of the majestic surrounding peaks that rise to protect it.

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This masterpiece of nature is not just a landscape to admire: the legends surrounding the lake, such as that of the nymph and the magician Masarè, add a touch of mystery to every walk around its shores. In winter the body of water tends to freeze, creating fairy-tale atmospheres made even more welcoming by the Christmas markets in the area.

4. San Candido

Try to imagine the majestic silence of a snowy valley, surrounded by the scent of burning wood and the warmth of a crackling fire. San Candido is a hidden gem among the peaks of the Dolomites , a perfect winter destination for those looking for an experience outside of the classic Alpine destinations. This renowned resort in Alta Pusteria is transformed into a true paradise, where the brilliant whiteness of the falling snow envelops everything, creating a muffled and enchanted atmosphere in which to reconcile with nature.

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With 93 km of ski slopes and 200 km of cross-country ski trails that wind through breathtaking landscapes, San Candido satisfies every athlete, but also knows how to offer moments of peace and culture. Strolls through the pedestrian streets, a stop in the rustic inns to taste the local specialties or a visit to the Collegiata and the Dolomythos Museum , make it one of the most popular winter destinations in the mountains in Italy .

Not to be missed: the most beautiful places in the mountains in Italy in winter

• Cortina d'Ampezzo : the " Queen of the Dolomites ", an unmissable destination for those who love skiing but also for those who want to experience the elegance of the Italian Alps, among luxury boutiques, gourmet restaurants and the charm of a chic village;
• Madonna di Campiglio : one of the most renowned resorts for winter sports , which stands out for its lively nightlife and trendy après-ski;
• Livigno : ideal for snowboard lovers and duty-free shopping;
• Courmayeur : ready to welcome you at the foot of Mont Blanc with impressive scenery, a relaxing atmosphere and alpine refuges where you can enjoy high mountain cuisine;
• Corvara in Badia : a location much loved by expert skiers thanks to its proximity to the famous Sellaronda, one of the most famous ski circuits in the world, as well as an ideal destination for those who love nature and the quiet of the mountains;
• Abetone : the main ski destination of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines and an ideal place for families, thanks to its offer of snowshoeing trails, winter trekking paths and areas dedicated to children;
• Roccaraso : in the Abruzzo Apennines, certainly one of the most famous ski resorts in Central and Southern Italy . Its perfectly equipped slopes and modern snowpark make it a perfect destination for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.

Central Italy Cities to Visit in Winter

5. Montalcino

Montalcino , suspended between the clear skies of Tuscany and the rolling hills of the Val d'Orcia , is a must-see destination for those who want to take a break in one of the main Italian villages to visit in winter . This place, far from mass tourism, is transformed into an ideal refuge for those who want to reconnect with the beauty of our country. Walking through its medieval streets you can admire the mighty Fortress that dominates the panorama, while the Palazzo dei Priori with its imposing bell tower marks the slow pace of local life. The Abbey of Sant'Antimo welcomes you with its thousand-year-old solemnity: visiting it at this time of year will give you a feeling of absolute peace!

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A must is a visit to the cellars scattered throughout the surrounding countryside, open for tours and tastings and a unique opportunity to learn the secrets of one of the most prized wines in the world, Brunello di Montalcino . And while the fresh air of January or February makes itself felt, the panoramas surrounding Montalcino are tinged with soft colors and you can enjoy scenarios that seem to have come out of a painting.

6. Orvieto

Nestled among the rolling Umbrian hills, Orvieto is an open-air museum that reveals its charm in every season, but is especially worth a visit in the autumn and winter months. With its imposing Gothic cathedral, the Duomo , which stands out as a masterpiece of art and architecture, this town is synonymous with history and beauty. Wandering aimlessly through the maze of its tunnels you can discover underground galleries that extend beneath the city, known as Orvieto Sotterranea : a hidden heritage of artificial cavities that are divided into tunnels, wells, cisterns and galleries, all worth visiting.

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Outside its walls, the city opens onto a breathtaking landscape of medieval villages , Etruscan necropolises and vineyards, where the local food and wine tradition finds its maximum expression. Among the places to visit in winter in Italy, choose Orvieto if you are looking for culture, art and nature: you will discover a place where the past intertwines with the present, on a journey that will take you beyond time and space.

7. Sulmona

Nestled in the Peligna Valley , Sulmona is a city with deep roots and a thousand-year history that dates back to Roman times. It is no coincidence that its urban layout still recalls the precision of the ancient Roman cardo, today transformed into the lively Corso Ovidio . It is precisely along these streets that Publius Ovidius Naso, one of the greatest poets of the time, walked, whose immortal works still seem to echo within the city walls.

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Founded in the 1st century BC, the village of Sulmona jealously preserves traces of its glorious past, visible also in its architecture: above all the ancient walls , built to defend the city center, Porta Napoli and the medieval aqueduct of Piazza Garibaldi , which draws on Roman engineering wisdom. Here, the grandeur of the Empire intertwines with local traditions, creating a timeless atmosphere that fascinates every traveler.

Southern Italian Cities to Visit in Winter

8. Naples

Naples is a mosaic of emotions, a city of indecipherable beauty where every corner is a surprise that pushes you to explore its treasures, beyond all appearances. The charm of Naples in winter is amplified: the narrow streets of the historic center are dressed in lights and the warmth of the people warms even the coldest days, welcoming you at home. Walking between Spaccanapoli and Via Toledo , among the votive chapels and noble palaces is a true journey into local folklore, where every alley hides a story to tell. And then there is the sea, which in this season becomes a silent spectator of the city, giving a breathtaking view of the Gulf, with the islands of Capri and Ischia in the background.

Sipping a coffee in Piazza del Plebiscito or getting lost in the alleys of the Spanish Quarters , discovering a thousand-year-old popular art preserved in museums, churches or within the walls of its buildings, is an experience that will envelop you like in an embrace. It is not just a city, it is an open-air theater where life is staged every day, inviting you to be part of it. We at Aua have even dedicated a limited edition to this city!

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9. Monopoli

Monopoli has seen exponential tourist growth in recent years, which has led it to be one of the most renowned seaside resorts in Puglia in all of Europe. If in the summer it stands as the undisputed queen of Southern Italy's nightlife, it is in the winter that this town reveals its most intimate side, which few know. During the cold months of the year, in fact, it transforms into a quiet refuge on the sea, where it is possible to enjoy its beauty in a more profound and contemplative way. The historic center of Monopoli , with its medieval walls and narrow streets that wind between white houses and hidden squares, is an invitation to get lost and discover corners that remain hidden among the crowds in high season.

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Walking along the Porto Vecchio and in front of the imposing Castello Carlo V and Palazzo Palmieri you can discover places of culture animated by exhibitions and events. But Monopoli is not only sea and history: its districts, dotted with centuries-old olive trees, are a paradise for those who love nature and slow tourism. Pedaling among the olive trees, breathing in the scent of the earth and stopping in one of the many fortified masserie is an experience that brings you back to the true essence of Puglia.

10. Bronte

Bronte , nestled at the foot of Etna , is a Sicilian jewel where winter is experienced as a season of great charm and taste. Much of its fame comes from the famous Bronte pistachio , the so-called “ green gold ” of Etna, which has elevated the name of the town and its products to a guarantee of quality throughout the world. Walking through its streets you come across ancient churches such as the Church of the Sacred Heart or the SS. Trinità , which tell of a city crossed by Arab, Norman and Renaissance influences.

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Bronte is not just culture: a visit to the Museo del Carretto Siciliano will immerse you in the island's folklore, while the nearby Castello di Nelson , immersed in a breathtaking volcanic landscape, offers nature lovers a break of peace and beauty. Between a walk in the Nebrodi Park and a tasting of pistachio cannoli, this destination will invite you to rediscover the warmth of Sicily in winter , far from the summer chaos and the most crowded tourist destinations.

11. Stromboli

Stromboli is an island that enchants with its primordial nature and breathtaking views, a destination for adrenaline lovers that offers moments of rare beauty that only the most adventurous will be able to capture to the fullest. With its black sand beaches and paths that cross unique volcanic landscapes, Stromboli in winter can also be an idea for sports lovers who love trekking. It is possible to climb up to the Sciara del Fuoco , a scenic place in the north of the island where the typical local flora of citrus fruits, olive trees, capers, bougainvillea and prickly pears thins out in a lunar landscape: to do so it is essential to follow the indications of the Civil Protection to ensure your safety, given the constant volcanic activity.

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Local guides offer valuable support to make the most of this experience in an extraordinary context.

Winter destinations in Italy for young people

12. Bari

For young people looking for a winter destination that combines history, culture and a vibrant atmosphere, Bari can be a smart choice. During the colder months, the charm of its streets is preserved until late at night, while the city comes alive with events, evenings and meetings in the numerous venues of the Murattiano district and its squares. Starting from Piazza del Ferrarese , the beating heart of Bari's nightlife , is a must: from here you can discover ancient buildings and hidden courtyards and, above all, the Basilica of San Nicola .

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Bari Vecchia offers gastronomic experiences that taste of authenticity: eating homemade orecchiette or a panzerotto in Largo Albicocca , chasing the fragrances of freshly baked focaccia barese in the alleys of the historic center or sipping the typical local beer along the city walls. You will really have a wide choice! You will be able to love Bari in winter even by walking along the seafront.

13. Alghero

For the younger ones looking for an alternative winter holiday in Italy , Alghero is an unusual destination ready to surprise. This small town in Sardinia, overlooking the emerald sea of ​​the Riviera del Corallo , will win you over with its vibrant atmosphere even out of season, with a nightlife that is anything but boring. The historic alleys, illuminated by the soft light of winter and made welcoming by the mild island climate, will guide you towards lively squares and historic cafés, where you can stop for a break while exploring the historic center. Here it will be impossible not to raise your eyes to the sky to admire shapes and geometries in which Catalan architecture blends with elements of the ancient Sardinian tradition, such as in the Cathedral of Santa Maria .

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Alternative New Year's Eve ? We recommend you reach Sardinia for the traditional appointment with the Cap d'Any de l'Alguer , the New Year's Eve of Alghero . This is the first New Year's Eve in Sardinia : throughout the month of December the city comes alive with shows, concerts and cultural itineraries, offering moments of great fun that combine tradition, entertainment and music.

14. Florence

Imagine Florence in winter : a city that reveals itself slowly, without the frenzy of summer crowds but that maintains its dynamism throughout the year. Lose yourself in the alleys of Oltrarno , where modernity flows silently alongside centuries of artisan tradition, kept alive by the magic of the handmade that you can still feel walking around the city. If the cold should make itself felt, you can always pop into the small leather shops, warm up with a glass of local wine in a hidden tavern or stop at Palazzo Pitti and the Uffizi Gallery .

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The clear and sharp winter sky frames architectural masterpieces such as the Duomo and the Ponte Vecchio , offering a new perspective on a city that will be able to speak to you even in its silences, simply by remaining itself. Florence in winter is not just to be seen, but a destination to be experienced, letting yourself be transported by its casual elegance, preserved uncontaminated over time.

Romantic Winter Destinations in Italy for Couples

15. Portofino

Portofino certainly needs no introduction. A place of undisputed popularity that is synonymous with elite tourism in Liguria and intimacy, held in an embrace between the sea and the mountains that here exchange their promise of love.

Even those who do not stay in the prestigious five-star hotels can enjoy its charm: walking in Portofino in winter along its picturesque streets is an experience within the reach of all couples. At sunset, few other places enchant as much as the Portofino Lighthouse , a privileged corner from which to admire the Gulf of Tigullio illuminated by the lights that are reflected in the emerald-colored water.

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Nature is also the protagonist. The green of Monte di Portofino offers paths that cross lush forests and wild promontories, perfect for trekking or a simple walk. Among castles, gardens and historic churches, the village offers unique emotions, to be sealed with a dinner for two in one of the most elegant restaurants in the area.

16. Positano

Positano in winter transforms into a true romantic nest that envelops you with its quiet and intimacy. The pastel-colored houses, nestled like a mosaic on the cliff, offer a postcard-like setting that invites you to get lost among the cobbled streets and the steps that overlook the sea. Walking along the Via degli innamorati you reach the beach of Fornillo , where the sound of the waves tells ancient legends and bears witness to the whispers of love.

It is impossible not to be captivated by the sight of the majolica dome of the church of Santa Maria Assunta , visible from every corner of the village, or not to treat yourself to a visit to the Roman Archaeological Museum , custodian of a buried villa and fascinating treasures of the past. For couples who want a temporary escape from the world, every corner of Positano invites discovery and wonder, with panoramas that seem painted and a peace that feels like a promise. A promise to always keep tight on your wrist, wearing one of our bracelets dedicated to this city .

17. Ostuni

Whitewashed houses that climb the three hills that embrace the village, labyrinths of narrow cobbled streets and breathtaking views that offer a glimpse of the trulli of the Itria Valley , all the way to the blue of the Adriatic. Ostuni , the White City , can leave its visitors breathless all year round. Here, every corner hides a surprise: ancient buildings, the Gothic Cathedral and small courtyards illuminated by the golden winter light invite you to slow down and treasure every moment.

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In the alleys, artisan workshops and typical restaurants offer the perfect opportunity to taste traditional Apulian dishes, such as extra virgin olive oil produced by the centuries-old olive trees that surround the city. And when night falls, the atmosphere of Ostuni in Winter is filled with a poetic charm: the white of the walls lights up under the street lamps and a walk along the belvedere , under the starry sky, will seem like an invitation to dream.

18. Verona

Verona , a romantic city par excellence and a UNESCO heritage site , shines with its own light even in winter, transforming into a true enchantment. Imagine walking through the ancient cobbled streets dominated by the majestic Verona Arena while the markets in Piazza dei Signori spread the scent of spices and mulled wine.

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This city is not only the symbol of the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet , but a place that holds artistic and cultural treasures to be discovered even in the coldest months. From Castelvecchio to the art exhibitions of the Galleria Achille Forti and the Museo degli Affreschi GB Cavalcaselle , passing by the lively opera scene, Verona is one of the most popular winter destinations for couples in Italy . And when the cold makes itself felt, it is possible to indulge in a moment of pure relaxation in the city's luxury spas, including saunas, Turkish baths and regenerating massages. The Veronese winter , with its lights and vibrant culture, will give you indelible memories.

Low cost winter destinations in Italy for cheap holidays

19. Maratea

Maratea , the Pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea , far from the frenzy of which it lives during the high season, can offer fascinating experiences at reduced costs. This enchanting village in Southern Italy not only offers views with black sand beaches and crystal clear sea, but from November to March it also reveals its lesser-known face.

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Here you can explore the 44 historic churches and several attractions such as the Grotta delle Meraviglie or the statue of Christ the Redeemer , without the surcharges typical of the busiest months. The local accommodations and restaurants are often more affordable than in the summer, making Maratea an ideal low-cost winter destination in Italy even for short weekend getaways. Furthermore, thanks to its privileged position, the climate remains temperate, offering the possibility of long walks on the coast, between beaches and sea caves where you can find tranquility.

20. Ortygia

Among the cheap places to visit in Italy in winter , the island of Ortigia undoubtedly deserves a special mention. If in summer walking through its streets can mean struggling between the various tourists traveling to Sicily and Syracuse , it is in winter, where life flows more slowly, that you can appreciate all its beauties. Ancient cradle of Greek colonization then transformed into a fortress by the Spanish, Ortigia in winter amazes with its buildings, among which the Maniace Castle , the Baroque Cathedral , the Fonte Aretusa and the alleys of Giudecca and Maestranza stand out.

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Wandering around to discover it will be easy to understand why this corner of Sicily will make you want to stay longer. Without spending a fortune!