Where to go on holiday in Italy in April: 10 ideas to discover

With the month of April and the spring that has already entered our lives it is right to take a few days of relaxation to pull the plug and recharge your batteries. We have compiled a selection of ideas on where to go on holiday in April in Italy. As you will see in the article there are for all tastes.

From the countryside, with a visit to Alta Tuscia among the hills of Lazio, Tuscany and Umbria, or in the Langhe of Piedmont, among good food and especially excellent wine. But if the countryside is not enough we thought to suggest a nice high altitude trekking: in South Tyrol there are options for professionals and not, choose the one that best suits your characteristics.

In this article there are cities of art. Agrigento, with the wonderful Valley of the Temples, Lucca and its medieval walls, Lecce, called the Florence of the South and Caserta, with its unique palace in the world.

If, however, you prefer to relax near the water we recommend Levanto near the Cinque Terre, or the beautiful setting of Lake Como. 

As an option for where to go on holiday in April in Italy we suggest you consider visiting one of the most famous and beautiful buildings in Italy: 'The Royal Palace'. Caserta, known for its majestic Royal Palace and baroque architecture, offers visitors a fascinating journey into the royal past of Southern Italy. Let’s see what else you can include in your itinerary.

Let’s start with the main attraction. 'The Royal Palace is one of the largest royal residences in the world, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, was built in the eighteenth century at the behest of Charles III of Bourbon. The palace is a masterpiece of architecture and design. The palace is famous for its imposing park, grand staircase and the famous Throne Room.

In addition to the Reggia there is the park of 120 hectares. It is enriched with fountains, statues, ponds and a long visual perspective, making each walk a magical experience. The Great Waterfall, inspired by that of Versailles, is one of the most spectacular elements.

As mentioned, in addition to the Royal Palace, which is worth a long visit, he also devotes some time to the city of Caserta and its surroundings. 'Casertavecchia' is situated on a hill near the modern city. The narrow cobbled streets and medieval churches, such as the Cathedral of San Michele Arcangelo, make this town a fascinating place for a walk. Still, a short distance away you will find the Museum of Capua that offers a rich collection of archaeological finds, testimony of the ancient history of the region.

Finally, if you still have time to visit San Leucio, a town built by Ferdinand IV of Bourbon. Very close to Caserta, it is known as the "City of Silk". San Leucio, in fact, houses a historical silk factory and the Real Belvedere, a panoramic place that offers a spectacular view of the Caserta Valley.

Lecce, known as the "Florence of the South" for its extraordinary baroque architecture, is a city that enchants visitors with its beauty, its rich culture and its authentic traditions. Here are some of the main attractions you should not miss.

Piazza del Duomo is the beating heart of Lecce, surrounded by some of the most important baroque works of the city. The Basilica of Santa Croce, with its richly decorated façade, is a real artistic marvel, while the Campanile offers a panoramic view of the city. The Cathedral of Lecce and the 'Palazzo del Seminario' complete the magical atmosphere of this square.

To mark in your itinerary is the Roman Amphitheatre: a fascinating testimony of the city’s past. It was discovered only in the 20th century by Cosimo De Giorgi, a doctor and passionate about history and science, during the demolition of a part of the Governor’s Island in 1900. The Amphitheatre was later integrated into the urban fabric, creating a striking mix of history and everyday life.

Then, take a walk along the picturesque Viale dell'Università which offers a relaxing atmosphere, with centuries-old olive trees, ancient buildings and the baroque facade of the University of Lecce. Also 'Porta Napoli' deserves to be visited, it is one of the main entrances to the Old Town. The Gate, with its Baroque arch, was built in 1548 to commemorate the entry of Charles V into the city. 

Located in the heart of Tuscany, Lucca is a city that enchants with its medieval city center surrounded by walls, its charming squares and the peaceful atmosphere. With a rich artistic and architectural history, Lucca offers a number of attractions that will invite you to immerse yourself in its fascinating past.

One of the distinctive features of Lucca are its perfectly preserved medieval walls, which surround the entire historic center. Walk and rent a bike to walk the walls: a charming way to explore the city, enjoying breathtaking views and medieval towers that emerge from the urban fabric. After you have seen the city from the walls immerse yourself inside by taking a jump in Piazza dell'Anfiteatro and then visit the Cathedral of San Martino. Its elaborate façade and sumptuous interior with works of art by artists such as Jacopo della Quercia and Ghirlandaio are not to be missed. The Guinigi tower is one of the most emblematic. It is 45 meters high and what makes it unique are the oaks planted on its top, which create a suspended garden with a panoramic view of the city.

Finally, if you still have time, we recommend you visit the botanical garden. One of the oldest in Italy, dates back to 1820. Inside you will find a rich variety of plants and trees from all over the world.

Lucca, in conclusion, although small, is really full of attractions. Have fun visiting it far and wide, being surprised by its beauty.

Remember that from Lucca you can also make day trips and there are Tickets that allow you to reach Pisa and visit in one day, the two cities.  

Located on the shores of the Ligurian Sea, Levanto is a hidden pearl of the Ligurian coast, a destination that offers a fascinating mix of sea, history and culture. With its golden beaches, cobbled alleys and easy access to the Cinque Terre, Levanto is an ideal place to explore the best of the Italian Riviera.

Levanto beach is one of the largest and most welcoming in the area. With golden sand and crystal clear waters, it is perfect for those seeking relaxation in the sun. Water sports enthusiasts can take advantage of the favorable conditions for surfing and kayaking. Do not miss the historic center of Levanto is a maze of narrow and colorful streets, full of craft shops and cozy restaurants.

If you are a lover of panoramic views we recommend you climb up to the 'Santuario di Nostra Signora della Guardia'. From here you can overlook the bay of Levanto and the surrounding Cinque Terre. The walk to the sanctuary is a pleasant hike that rewards with breathtaking views.

Levanto is also renowned for its authentic Ligurian cuisine. From fresh fish dishes, such as the famous focaccia with cheese, to appetizers based on pesto alla genovese, every meal is a taste experience that reflects the richness of the Ligurian culinary tradition.

Alta Tuscia is a charming area located on the border between Lazio, Umbria and Tuscany, is a treasure trove of historical heritage, picturesque landscapes and local traditions. This fascinating region offers visitors an authentic experience, away from crowds, with its rich history and the beauty of its natural environment. The ideal if in April you want to spend a few days of vacation in absolute relaxation.

We recommend that you visit this area, having to drive around the countryside to see what this land offers. And for this, do not miss a visit to Civita di Bagnoregio, often called the "Dying City". A medieval village located on a tuff hill. Connected to the rest of the world by a pedestrian bridge, Civita offers a unique atmosphere and spectacular views over the valley below. Its cobbled streets and ancient stone houses create a timeless atmosphere.

Not far away is the picturesque Lake Bolsena: the perfect place for a relaxing break. With its crystal clear waters and quiet beaches, it offers the opportunity to practice water sports or explore the picturesque surrounding towns, such as Bolsena with its charming old town and the Rocca Monaldeschi Castle.

Viterbo, known as the "City of the Popes", is rich in medieval and Renaissance history. Its historic center preserves architectural jewels such as the Palazzo dei Papi and the Cathedral of San Lorenzo. The San Pellegrino district, with its picturesque alleys, is an ideal place to immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere of the city.

Tarquinia is famous for its Etruscan archaeological site, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The Necropolis of Monterozzi houses painted tombs and extraordinary frescoes that offer an immersion in the rich Etruscan culture. The Tarquiniense National Museum completes the experience with an extensive collection of exhibits.

The villages of Torre Alfina and Acquapendente are also small jewels. In the first, you can visit the castle, which is located on a hill overlooking the entire valley below. Acquapendente is also very characteristic with some taverns where you can eat local food, always very good. In this area is cultivated an excellent olive oil, you should try!

If you want to take advantage of the month of April for long walks in the mountains, here are some tips on where to go trekking in South Tyrol.  A region rich in history and landscapes to explore. 

The first you can consider is definitely La Grande Traversata delle Alpi ( also known as GTA). The GTA is one of the most famous treks in Europe and crosses the Alps for about 400 kilometers. Quiet you won’t have to walk so much! In South Tyrol, in fact, the section of Alta Via 1 offers breathtaking views of the Dolomites. Starting from Lake Braies, the route crosses valleys, alpine pastures and passes some of the most iconic peaks in the region.

Another interesting trek is the Three Peaks of Lavaredo: one of the icons of the Dolomites offers several options. The Three Peaks tour is a spectacular route that allows you to admire these majestic peaks up close. Well-marked trails lead through breathtaking alpine landscapes and testify to the natural beauty of the area.

Below you can evaluate a route in the Alps of Siusi from trails for beginners to those for the more experienced.

We also add the Merano High Mountain Trail (Meraner Höhenweg): This medium/high altitude trail offers a spectacular view of the Merano and Passiria valleys. The route is characterized by varied landscapes, from coniferous forests to alpine prairies. Along the way, you can find cozy shelters and you can enjoy the typical South Tyrolean cuisine.

Sentiero delle 'Cinque Torri': is located near Cortina d'Ampezzo. The route offers breathtaking views of the famous Cinque Torri and crosses alpine landscapes and forests. The area is also rich in history linked to the First World War, with trenches and fortifications that can be visited along the way.

Finally, you can also make the Sanctuary of San Romedio: a path, in fact, leads to this impressive sanctuary that is located on a small rocky promontory. The route starts in Sanzeno and winds through woods and scenic paths to the sanctuary. The view from the top offers a unique perspective on the valley of Non.

If you have a few days of vacation in April and want to visit one of the most beautiful cities in Italy, consider Agrigento. Located on the hills of Sicily, it is a destination that captures the imagination with its rich history, its majestic architecture and panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. Here, the testimonies of ancient Greek civilization blend with the charm of Sicilian culture.

Surely you can not miss a visit to 'La Valle Dei Templi': one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the world. This archaeological park houses well-preserved Greek temples from ancient Akragas, including the Temple of Concord, the Temple of Juno and the Temple of Hercules. The Valley of the Temples is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers an extraordinary immersion in ancient Greece.

After the Temples, we recommend that you enjoy the view from 'La Scala dei Turchi', a white rock formation that stretches towards the sea. The limestone rock forms a natural staircase, offering spectacular views of the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean. It is an ideal place for a scenic walk and to enjoy a breathtaking sunset.

The city of Agrigento itself is very characteristic, have fun walking around the streets and do not miss Il Duomo, with its imposing facade, and the Church of Santa Maria dei Greci. Real architectural gems. Cobbled streets and quiet squares add a touch of Sicilian charm.

The Langhe, with its undulating vineyards, medieval villages and extraordinary cuisine, are a hidden treasure in the heart of Piedmont. This region offers an unforgettable experience for lovers of food, wine and scenic beauty. Here are some of the main attractions not to be missed during a visit to the Langhe in April.

The Langhe are famous for the production of some of the most precious wines of Italy, in particular Barolo and Barbaresco. Visit the local wineries to taste these robust and complex wines, immersing yourself in the wine culture of the region. The landscape dotted with vineyards offers an idyllic setting to explore the winemaking tradition of this part of Italy.

Alba is one of those cities not to be missed if you are in these areas. It is especially famous for its truffles, but also for its chocolate and you might consider a visit to the local chocolate shops. Another jewel is the Castle of Serralunga d'Alba, an imposing medieval fortress that dominates the surrounding landscape. This well-preserved castle offers a window into the history of the region and offers spectacular views of the surrounding vineyards.

Lake Como, nestled among the imposing Alps and surrounded by picturesque villages, is one of the most charming and romantic destinations in Italy. Inspired by the writer Alessandro Manzoni, with its crystal clear waters, lush gardens and historic villas, Lake Como offers an unforgettable experience for those seeking natural beauty and refined culture.

Arrived in the town of Como and seen the Lake there are a lot of options to enjoy the best of this panorama. With the ferry you can easily reach various pearls overlooking the lake. Among these, we point out Bellagio, often called the "Pearl of Lake Como". It is a picturesque town located at the crossroads of the three branches of the lake. Its cobbled streets, elegant boutiques and flower gardens attract visitors from all over the world. Do not miss the opportunity to visit the Villa Melzi with its magnificent gardens on the lakefront.

Also, you can visit Villa Carlotta in Tramezzo. One of the most charming and historic villas in the area. Varenna, on the eastern shore of the lake, where there is also the Castle of Vezio that offers spectacular views. 

Todi, nestled in the green hills of Umbria, is a gem that fascinates visitors with its medieval architecture, cobbled streets and breathtaking views. This charming town offers a rich history, a vibrant culture and delicious cuisine.

Among the things you can visit in Todi, do not miss a tour in the main square: piazza del popolo. The Cathedral of Todi, dedicated to Santa Maria Annunziata, dominates the square with its majesty, while the Palazzo del Capitano and the Palazzo dei Priori add a touch of history and culture.

Just outside the village you will find the Temple of Santa Maria della Consolazione, designed by Bramante in the sixteenth century, it enchants with its majestic facade and its serene atmosphere. The temple offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding Umbrian countryside.

To end your trip, we recommend you go and admire the sunset at the Nido dell'Aquila, a place where there is also a theater with very interesting performances. From there you can admire the whole valley and enjoy a magical moment.