Italy is one of the premier world tourism destinations, with thousands of tourists sampling the culture, sights, and cuisine every day. There’s really no bad time to visit, but there are a few key advantages to visiting Italy during the spring months. Here are eight reasons why a trip to Italy during the spring is an ideal choice.
1. You Can Avoid the Crowds
Summer is the time of year when Italy’s tourism industry is in overdrive. And while that might be to some people’s tastes, others would prefer to experience their vacation with a few less fellow tourists.
2. Prices Are More Reasonable
To go along with the previous note, traveling in Italy during off-season months like spring can also benefit your pocketbook. Hotel rates are influenced by tourism volume, so traveling to Italy in spring can save you a considerable amount of money.
3. Spring is Becoming More Attractive Than Autumn
If you’re looking for those above benefits of lower costs and smaller crowds, traditionally the two choices would be spring or autumn. But in recent years, autumn has seen an uptick in popularity, edging ahead of spring. This means that crowds are bigger and prices rise. That leaves spring as your best option.
4. Beautiful but Temperate Weather
Some travelers prefer summer temperatures, but for others, those scorching temperatures can be an issue. This is especially true for older or infirm travelers who might be more vulnerable to the heat. For example, you’ll regularly see highs of 90 degrees plus in Florence during July and August. Choosing spring for your Italy vacation will give you much more temperate days, while not exposing you to frigid winter temperatures.
5. Experiencing Certain Festivals and Events
Italy’s culture is replete with festivals and other events, many of which draw their inspiration or origin from centuries before. Some of these events are only held during springtime, so you’d need to book a trip then in order to experience these unique events. Easter in particular is a hugely notable period in Italy’s culture, and a range of festivals and holidays take place during April to commemorate it.
6. You Won’t Need to Book Reservations as Much
If you’re traveling to Italy in peak tourism seasons, you’ll need to be extremely vigilant about getting reservations in advance, for anything from museums to restaurants. Otherwise, you risk getting shut out from some great experiences. The environment is a little more relaxed in spring, and you can get away with showing up on the same day in many cases. For the most popular destinations, you still may want reservations, though.
7. Your Guides and Other Hosts Will Be More Energetic
Spring is the beginning of a new tourism season, which means everyone working in hospitality will have fresh batteries, so to speak. By the peak summer months or the autumn, your hosts will often be a bit wearier, and the experience may not be quite as vibrant.
8. Seasonal Cuisine Unique to Springtime
Italy’s cuisine is based on the freshness of its ingredients, which means that certain dishes are best served in the spring. For example, Roman artichokes are harvested in spring, as well as a handful of other vegetables. By visiting during the spring, you’ll be treated to a new range of dishes you may not have experienced before if you’ve been to Italy during the summer.