Hotels in Sorrento

Lake Garda holidays are wild and wonderful. The sweeping lake sits between Milan and Venice, in the foothills of the Italian Alps, where colourful portside towns are backed by rolling vineyards and towering peaks. The best time to visit is during the summer when the weather rarely dips below 25°C. You can soak up the sunshine on the lakeside beaches, or take a dip in the refreshing waters. That's when you're not exploring the majestic castles and bustling café culture. And with scenery straight out of a storybook, it’s no wonder that holidays to Lake Garda are so sought after among nature lovers. 

The northern shores draw in adventurers, with hikers and cyclists taking to the mountainous trails of Monte Baldo. The breezier climate is also perfect for kite surfing and sailing, while kayakers and paddleboarders can take advantage of the lighter winds in the afternoon. The south on the other hand, is the land of lemons and olive groves. Here, the sun-soaked villages and sprawling wineries invite you to take things down a notch. 

Crisp air, dazzling scenery and enchanting towns - holidays to Lake Garda are anything but ordinary.

Things to do

A holiday to Lake Garda is like taking a walk back in time, with so many Venetian villas and ragged ruins lying untouched in this region. If you’ve got the kids with you, make sure to set aside some time for a visit to the best-known amusement park in Italy: Gardaland Resort.

The coastal paths east of the lake make for easy and superbly scenic walks. Those who want more of a challenge on their Lake Garda holidays might fancy mountain climbing on the northern shores. Or, take a leisurely amble through the centre of Garda and watch the world go by from the lakefront cafes.

Excellent beaches

Lake Garda holidays are just as suited for lounging. Soak up the Mediterranean sunshine along the golden bays where soft sand shelves into the glistening, turquoise waters. One of the most spectacular beaches is Baia Delle Sirene (Mermaids’ Bay). Its shores are backed by fragrant orange and lemon trees. Enjoy views over the lush olive groves that roll up the hillside. The combined winds from the surrounding mountains lend the area to windsurfing and sailing, as well as kayaking and fishing. Enjoy a day on the water, then relax in one of the coastline bars, cafes or restaurants when the sun goes down.

History and culture

There is so much more history to uncover amongst the mountainous landscapes and luscious valleys. Poke your nose around the Gothic and Renaissance-inspired villas, churches and medieval castles that adorn the skyline. Visit the historic town of Sirmione to see the ancient ruins of the Grotte di Catullo grotto, or take a dip in the hot springs to soak up the natural therapeutic minerals.

Nightlife

Lake Garda has a whole host of entertainment to suit all tastes both day and night. The after dark scene in particular has quite a reputation. As well as having a huge amount of vibrant bars and clubs, which stay open till the early hours, the region comes alive with concerts, beach parties and theatrical events throughout the summer months. Book your stay during the summer firework season to watch the iconic displays on a boat trip.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Amalfi | Ischia Porto | Florence | Limone | Malcesine | Rome | Sant'Agnello | Sardinia | Sicily | Sorrento | Venetian Riviera | Venice

The largest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily will amaze you with its ancient monuments, pretty piazzas, and varied landscapes. Ideal for couples, families and adventurers alike, this picturesque region boasts some of the most spectacular sights in Europe. Explore its fascinating history on a day trip to the Valley of Temples in Agrigento, browse the stylish boutiques of Taormina, or soak up the Mediterranean sun on the sandy shores of Cefalu beach. If you’re feeling really adventurous, why not climb the slopes of a volcano? No matter what you decide to do on your holidays to Sicily, don’t leave without tasting a glass of the local vino!

Things to do

Sicily is famous for the Teatro Massimo, Italy's largest opera house. Dating back to the end of the 19th century, it was featured in the film 'The Godfather, Part Three', and is near the heart of the historic Sicilian capital, Palermo. With a capacity of nearly 1,400 and exceptional acoustics, it's a must-see if you're an opera fan. Just a few minutes away is the Museo archeologico regionale "Antonino Salinas", an archaeological museum with a fascinating collection of Phoenician and Ancient Greek artworks.
Then, take some time to explore the resort and ancient Greco-Roman theatre of Taormina on the east coast, or see the wonderful Castello di Venere fortress near Erica in the far west of the region. 

Excellent beaches

Sicily has a range of beautiful beaches, some with soft sand, others are pebblier, so you can tailor your beach day accordingly. Large larva rocks speckle the warm shallow waters of Sicily’s coast adding to the striking scenery. The costal town of Taormina is mainly known for its long stretch of sandy shores. Enjoy reclining on sun loungers under parasols, taking in the picturesque views of the turquoise coast against the golden sand. There’s plenty of opportunity for water sports where you can paraglide, hire a pedal boat or snorkel in the shallow mangroves.

History and culture

Sicily has a rich, complex history, which can be seen through its ancient ruins that have a wide range of cultural influences taken from Phoenician, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, French, German, Spanish and Italian civilisations. Visitors can see Greek temples, Roman villas, Norman cathedrals and traditional Italian architecture on the island. Sicily became a part of Italy in 1860 but only converted to an autonomous region in 1946 with help from the Italian Republic. The region has a heavy religious culture with a number of festivals celebrated throughout the year.

Nightlife

Sicily is extremely traditional so the nightlife typically follows the same pattern of being quite low key. You’ll find bars and clubs that stay open late in certain areas, but the majority of nightly entertainment is focused in the restaurants and hotels. Enjoy a delicious Italian meal with a glass of local wine at a hillside restaurant whilst the sunsets over the beautiful coastline.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Amalfi | Ischia Porto | Florence | Lake Garda | Limone | Malcesine | Rome | Sant'Agnello | Sardinia | Sorrento | Venetian Riviera | Venice

Calabria holidays are full of rustic charm. From its dramatic cliff top villages, to its ancient olive groves and those sugar-white sands, this hidden gem is the lesser trodden toe of Italy’s boot. Full of spectacular sights, much of the region remains untouched, leaving you with vast areas of lush greenery and “the purest air in Europe”. Hike the Apennine mountain range that curves down to the tip of Sicily, explore the castles, monasteries and sleepy squares of Tropea, and taste the freshest, sweetest produce in Italy. That’s when you can tear yourself away from the quiet, paradisiacal beaches.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Amalfi | Ischia Porto | Florence | Lake Garda | Limone | Malcesine | Rome | Sant'Agnello | Sardinia | Sorrento | Venetian Riviera | Venice

Halfway between Africa and Europe, Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean and fiercely proud of its unique identity. If you’re looking for a break with plenty of peace and tranquillity, holidays to Sardinia could be just what the doctor ordered! While the mainland is buzzing 24 hours a day, the laid-back attitude is perfect for those holidaying with children or couples sneaking a romantic escape.

Blessed with some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean, there are plenty of places where you can top up your tan, from quiet, secluded coves with silvery sands, to spacious beaches with water sports on tap. Inland, you can unleash your inner adventurer and take treks on horseback, climb unusual rock formations, and go spotting rare species at La Maddalena Islands Archipelago National Park, or for something a little more laid-back there are a variety of wine tasting tours throughout the area. With so much to see and do, you can make your Sardinia holidays just what you want them to be.

Excellent beaches

Sardinia has some of the best beaches in the whole of the Mediterranean. The north coast of the island is decorated with nearly 80 coves carved into the rocky shoreline. Lovely, long stretches of sand shelve gently into crystal clear waters giving plenty of opportunities for water sports, like boating and snorkelling. Most of the beaches are within a short distance from superb restaurants, cafes and bars. Enjoy the spectacular views of the shimmering coast and unwind, basking in the wonderfully warm weather.

History and culture

Sardinia is a large picturesque island found just off the coast of Italy in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. It has an impeccable 2,000km of coastline made up of beautiful sandy beaches and rocky cliffs. The island is drenched in history and tradition, with its historic buildings, bizarre Nuraghi towers and wine vineyards.

The resort hosts a variety of religious and cultural festivals throughout the year with parades, firework displays and huge parties. Italian culture runs through the cobbled streets, join in with the age old tradition of the Passeggiata; a gentle evening stroll where the locals like to socialise after a hearty meal.

Nightlife

Expect a classy affair when it comes to Sardina’s nightlife, with nightly activities traditionally taking place on a terrace of a café or in restaurants. Enjoy a glass of wine or two and enjoy an evening of socialising in the laid back atmosphere by the beachside. If you’re looking for something a little bit more upbeat, you’ll find that areas like Olbia and Alghero have a livelier nightlife. Move from bar to bar enjoying the music and fruity cocktails as you go.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Amalfi | Ischia Porto | Florence | Lake Garda | Limone | Malcesine | Rome | Sant'Agnello | Sicily | Sorrento | Venetian Riviera | Venice