When anybody asks me what my favourite time of year is in Italy, it’s always a difficult question to answer. Every time of year has its special things. Summer has a great energy and atmosphere in the cities and on the beaches. Autumn is relaxed after high season has finished, and has some wonderful festivals. Winter has quiet city streets and festive decorations around Christmas.
However, if I had to pick one season, it would be Spring. To me, it’s the perfect time to travel to Italy. The weather is perfect, there’s wonderful food in season, flowers are in bloom, and everybody always seems so happy.
Here’s a few reasons why I believe Spring in Italy is the best time. If you agree and want to come and visit, then get in touch with us, and we can help plan your perfect trip!
The Weather is Perfect
For the last few years, the weather in Italy has been unpredictably odd – roasting hot, very dry summers, and then freezing, snowy winters. It recently snowed here in Rome for the first time in 6 years! However, Spring can always be relied upon to give the perfect temperatures and just the right mix of conditions.
While July and August temperatures are often 30 to 40° Celsius (85 to 105° F), Spring is much more reasonable. The cities still look stunning in the sunshine, but without oppressive heat, they’re much more pleasant to wander around.
Later in the Spring, it’s warm enough to head to the beach and, unlike the summer, you won’t need to jump in the water every 5 minutes to cool down.
Everywhere is in Bloom
In the cities and the countryside, Italy is bursting out in bloom. From the azaleas climbing up Rome’s Spanish Steps and the beauty of Florence’s Boboli Gardens, to the wildflowers covering the Alpine slopes in northern Italy, the country is a riot of colour. It also all fits beautifully against the fresh greenery of the countryside, which can often fade in the heat of the summer.
A highlight for flower enthusiasts is Florence’s Iris Garden, which is only open from April 25 to May 20 every year. Close to Piazzale Michelangelo, it hosts over 1500 varieties of Iris, and also has wonderful views over Florence – a floral photographer’s dream.
The Seasonal Spring Food
While many people have an idea of ‘Italian food’, there actually is no standard countrywide cuisine. Italian food is very regional – Milanese food is completely different to Sicilian, for instance – and also very seasonal. If you come to Italy in Spring, you’re in luck, as it’s one of the best seasons for eating.
Foods in season in Spring include artichokes – so in Rome, you can get the wonderful Roman specialty of Carciofi alla Romana, or alternatively the fried Jewish style artichoke, Carciofi alla Giudia – asparagus, lemons, tomatoes, fennel, fava beans, zucchini, and spring truffles, amongst many more.
Special Exhibitions Begin
This is the time of year when some great exhibitions begin in the galleries and museums around Italy. Since it’s not so busy yet in the cities, it’s a great time to catch some special opportunities to see some wonderful art.
This year, Rome has a few special events, including a wonderful interactive exhibition focusing on Gustav Klimt. While his works aren’t on display, it is a wonderful way to learn about this unique master. There’s also a great show about Rene Margritte, which is wonderful for children, at the Palazzo della Esposizione.
Venice has a European premiere of previously unseen photographs of Marilyn Monroe, in an exhibition of photographer Milton H. Greene, while Milan hosts ‘Frida Kahlo: Beyond The Myth’.
The Streets Are Not Yet Crowded
Anybody who has visited Italy in the peak season of June to September may remember the throngs of visitors at the monuments and in the streets. However, before this, up until mid-May, it is quieter and more pleasant. While there are always lines for the main attractions (unless you book ahead – which we can help with), they are not so long during Spring.
Similarly, it’s not a huge effort to walk down the narrow alleyways and smaller streets, which were clearly not designed with thousands of people in mind. You can enjoy the atmosphere and charm without being suffocated by the crowds if you travel during Spring.
If you’re inspired, and you’d like to see Spring in Italy, then contact us, and we’d love to help you have a wonderful bespoke Italian experience!
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