Where to go on holiday in January in Italy: 10 ideas for a unique winter stay

Are you trying to decide where to go on holiday in January in Italy? Then someone will probably ask you why you plan to leave when the climate in becomes harsher. Actually, Italian winters are never too cold, especially in the south, and there are many good reasons to visit the beautiful country even in the off-peak season.

In Italy, for example, the celebration of the Epiphany is very heartfelt and very evocative, so if you decide to leave at the beginning of the new year, you will be able to enjoy the celebrations of January 6th. After the frenzy of the Christmas and New Year holidays, even the most popular tourist destinations become quieter. So January is a good time to travel, if you don't particularly like large crowds.

Finally, nature in Italy shows off even in January. The mountains are covered in snow, to the delight of winter sports lovers, while in the south, the air is crystal clear on nice days, and you can enjoy incredible views without the summer heat. And what about the charm of the sea in winter? On Italian beaches in January you can take long walks in the warm  sun, breathing in the scent of salt.

In January, Civita di Bagnoregio offers a unique experience, perfect for those seeking a winter escape in an extraordinary historical and natural setting. This enchanting village, often referred to as “the dying city,” owes its name to the erosion of the tuff rock upon which it is built. During the winter months, it reveals its full beauty.

Access to the village is via a long pedestrian bridge connecting Civita to the modern world, offering breathtaking views of the Calanchi Valley. As you stroll through Civita’s narrow streets, you’ll admire its distinctive medieval houses. The Porta di Santa Maria, the main gateway to the village, is an ideal starting point to explore its architectural wonders. Don’t miss the Church of San Donato, located in the main square, where you can appreciate sacred art.

The Geological and Landslide Museum, housed in the Palazzo degli Alemanni, provides fascinating insights into the area’s geology and the village’s battle against erosion.

A highlight of the winter season is the Living Nativity, held on December 26 and January 1 and 6. This event features numerous costumed performers reenacting the Nativity, creating a magical atmosphere that attracts visitors from all over.

With its low tourist influx, January allows for a peaceful exploration of the village. The winter light adds a special charm, accentuating the contrasts between the golden tuff rock and the surrounding landscape.

Madonna di Campiglio, nestled among the majestic Brenta Dolomites, transforms into a winter paradise in January. This alpine destination offers a myriad of activities for every type of traveler.

With 156 kilometers of slopes and 61 ski lifts, Madonna di Campiglio is part of the Skirama Dolomiti Adamello Brenta ski area, making it a premier destination for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. Beyond alpine skiing, visitors can enjoy snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Snowboarders will find thrills at Ursus Snowpark, one of the best in Europe. For those who prefer exploring on foot, the trails of the Adamello Brenta Nature Park offer breathtaking views and unique flora and fauna. For an unforgettable adventure, try sled dog racing, where you can guide a husky-driven sled through fairytale-like landscapes.

The town center is dotted with elegant boutiques, cozy cafés, and gourmet restaurants—perfect for relaxing after a day outdoors. Don’t miss the Church of Santa Maria Antica, an architectural gem that adds a historical touch to the alpine charm of this destination.

January also brings exciting events, like the Winter Marathon, a classic car rally through the Dolomites, and on January 8th, the historic 3Tre Ski Race—a thrilling nighttime slalom that captivates athletes and spectators alike.

Gualtieri, nestled along the banks of the Po River, is a village that enchants visitors in winter. In January, the mist wraps around Piazza Bentivoglio, one of Italy’s most captivating squares, lending an air of mystery to its 17th-century arcades. Designed between 1594 and 1600 by Ippolito Bentivoglio in collaboration with architect Giovanni Battista Aleotti, the square boasts an almost perfectly square layout, measuring about 100 meters per side.

Its architecture is defined by elegant porticoes supported by 69 arches on three sides, creating a scenic yet welcoming atmosphere. Surrounding the square are historic landmarks such as Palazzo Bentivoglio, the residence of the marquises of Gualtieri, the Civic Tower, and the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria della Neve.

Inside Palazzo Bentivoglio, the Teatro Sociale surprises with its unique inverted design. The original stage was demolished, turning the seating area into a performance space while spectators now occupy what was once the stage.

Gualtieri is also deeply tied to Antonio Ligabue, the renowned 20th-century naïve painter. A visit to the Ligabue Museum immerses visitors in the artist’s world, showcasing his works and personal artifacts that reveal his troubled genius.

In January’s hushed atmosphere, Gualtieri invites tranquil exploration. Stroll along the Po River embankment and soak in the authentic charm of this timeless village, offering an escape from mass tourism and a retreat into quiet beauty.

In the heart of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Aquileia is another must-visit destination. Even in winter, this city offers a captivating experience, with fewer crowds and an atmosphere that invites quiet contemplation of its historical treasures.

Its archaeological site is among the most significant in Italy, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, with its extraordinary 4th-century floor mosaics, takes visitors on a journey back to the early Christian era.

The National Archaeological Museum houses a rich collection of Roman artifacts, including sculptures, coins, and everyday objects, all testaments to the grandeur of the ancient city. Moreover, a stroll along the Via Sacra reveals the remnants of the river port on the Natissa River, once a bustling hub of Roman trade.

Cervia, located on the Adriatic coast of Emilia-Romagna, boasts a variety of attractions even in January. The historic center, anchored by Piazza Garibaldi, is surrounded by remarkable landmarks such as the Palazzo Comunale and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, both well worth a visit for their stunning architecture and historical significance.

The Salt Pans of Cervia are a must-see. This protected natural area offers the chance to spot a diverse array of bird species and provides scenic trails perfect for winter walks.

For a peaceful retreat, the Cervia Natural Park, with its 27 hectares of pine forest, is a lush oasis where visitors can stroll among nature and observe local wildlife.

Lastly, a walk along Cervia’s canal or the new promenade in Milano Marittima allows you to enjoy the fresh sea air and winter landscapes, providing a revitalizing experience even during the colder months.

Let’s start with Agrigento. This city, located on the southern coast of Sicily, is a must-see destination for history and archaeology enthusiasts. Agrigento has been named Italy’s Capital of Culture for 2025, an honor that highlights its rich historical and cultural heritage.

Its most famous jewel is the Valley of the Temples, a sprawling archaeological site home to majestic Doric temples from the 5th century BC, including the Temple of Concordia, one of the best-preserved Greek temples in the world. Walking among these ancient ruins, you can feel the grandeur of Akragas, the ancient Greek city that once thrived here.

Agrigento’s historic center also offers incredible landmarks to explore. For example, the Cathedral of San Gerlando, perched atop the city, dominates the skyline and provides breathtaking views of the valley below. Nearby, the Church of Santa Maria dei Greci stands on the remains of an ancient Greek temple, a testament to the city’s rich cultural layers.

Just a short distance away, the Scala dei Turchi is a spectacular white cliff plunging into crystal-clear waters, offering a truly unique and stunning landscape. For literature lovers, the birthplace of Luigi Pirandello, now a museum, offers an immersive journey into the life and works of the famed Sicilian playwright.

Visiting Agrigento in January allows you to explore these marvels without the summer crowds. The peaceful atmosphere is perfect for a deep dive into Sicily’s history and culture.

In Trentino, surrounded by some of the most beautiful mountains in Italy, there is the village of Pinzolo, a small jewel suitable for ski lovers, and not only them.

Here, the Brenta and Adamello Dolomites offer views that make the heart beat, and if the modern ski slopes are close and easily accessible, there are also many other activities to do. For example, you can choose a quiet walk in the largest protected area of Trentino, the Adamello-Brenta National Park, or a sleigh ride in the company of friendly Husky dogs. The Pinzolo ice palace has a nice Olympic rink where you can skate or perhaps watch a hockey match, while the center of the village offers many suggestive corners, many shops, or markets where you can learn about local crafts.

Furthermore, Trento is nearby and is certainly worth a visit for its famous Buonconsiglio Castle, but also for other unmissable attractions, although sometimes less well-known. One of them the MUSE, a large science museum suitable for all ages.

More info about MUSE museum❯

Probably, when you ask youself where to go on holiday in January in Italy, Sicily is not the first destination that comes to your mind, much less if the goal is skiing. Yet, in western Sicily there is a nice ski area, the one located within the Madonie Park, a beautiful protected area where you can carry out various activities all year round. In winter one of the most evocative trips is the night torchlight descent on the snow.

The Madonie Park itself is quite large, it reaches all the way to the sea and includes different landscapes and various municipalities. Among them there's also the pretty coastal town of Cefalù, one of the most popular destinations in Sicily.

The ski lifts are instead located in Piano Battaglia, near the highest peak in the park, Pizzo Carbonara, which reaches 1979 meters and is also home to the rare Madonie fir trees.

If there is a place in the world that needs no introduction, it's Venice. The lagoon city is always wonderful and fascinating, so why go there just in January? Seeing the Befane Regatta, for example, is an excellent reason. It's a race of particular boats, often mistaken for the classic Venetian gondolas, conducted by rowers dressed as Befane, the good witches that bring sweets to Italian children. It's more about the fun than the victory, but the regatta is still very popular and takes place on the Grand Canal.

Once the Christmas holidays are over, the city becomes a little quieter and easier to visit. Even if it rains, there are so many things to do and see indoors that getting bored will be impossible. In addition to its famous monuments, Venice also has many lesser-known destinations that you can enjoy exploring. Right in Piazza San Marco, for example, there is the Olivetti shop designed by the architect Carlo Scarpa, a true monument for those who appreciate 20th century architecture. The squeri, ancient shipyards where gondolas are still built and repaired, also certainly arouse curiosity, even if unfortunately there are only a few of them left. One of the most fascinating is that of San Trovaso in Dorsoduro.
Venice also has beautiful courtyards that constitute a world of its own, waiting to be discovered. Among the best known is the Corte Seconda del Milion, which is located in the place where Marco Polo once lived.

Visit Venice with the Venice Pass❯

Are you looking for the comfortable warmth of a heated swimming pool, the pampering of a wellness treatment and also the beauty of nature? Then Tuscany is definitely the right place where to go on holiday in January in Italy. This region, already so incredibly rich in things to do and see, also has the largest number of spa resorts in Italy.

Saturnia is one of the most famous because it's a place of great beauty and charm where, in addition to an actual spa, there are also the Cascate del Mulino. The spectacle that nature offers here is truly unique, furthermore these wonderful natural pools are free, open all year round and accessible even at night.

They are located in the province of Grosseto, in southern Tuscany.

In the warm south of Italy, in Puglia, there is a small town famous for its pretty white houses with cone roofs. This is Alberobello with its trulli, one of the Itria Valley's jewels. These houses made of dry masonry have a very ancient history, but in this area of Puglia they have always been built and today the town has as many as one thousand six hundred of them.

The spectacle offered by Alberobello, a UNESCO heritage site and rightfully so, is truly unique. In winter it even happens that the trulli are covered in snow, turning this town into the perfect place where to go on holiday in January in Italy.

As incredibly charming as the trully can be, however, they are not only nice to look at from the outside, there are in fact several that can also be visited inside. Among the most famous ones are the Siamese Trulli, two trulli under the same roof, or the church of Sant'Antonio, whose domes are actually cone-shaped roofs built in real trullo-style.

Last but not least, the Trullo Sovrano has the particularity of being larger than average and is the only one built on two floors. Today it is a house-museum and also hosts a bookshop.

Visit the City of Trulli❯

San Gimignano is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful medieval villages ever, difficult to describe in a few lines. In fact, its value does not lie only in aesthetics; this little jewel located on the top of a hill, in the heart of Tuscany, is truly a mine of art, culture and flavours.

Its towers, often linked to the names of important medieval families, but also to myths and legends, still define its skyline today and in the past there were even more. In the historic center, which revolves around Piazza della Cisterna, there are several churches, including the Duomo and Sant'Agostino, which house works by numerous artists, such as Ghirlandaio, Jacopo della Quercia, Pollaiolo and many others. Even the beautiful Town Hall is today an art gallery of immense value.

This small town, also appreciated by Dante who lived there for a while as an ambassador, has gained fame and wealth also thanks to an extraordinary food and wine tradition. The precious saffron is still produced here today, while the wines of the region are a source of pride for all of Italy.
Furthermore, San Gimignano is located along the Via Francigena, the pilgrims' road, and is well connected to other unmissable places in Tuscany, such as Volterra and Siena, but also Florence itself.

Tour San Gimignano and Siena + wine tasting❯

Matera is a small city in Basilicata with a historic center that is almost unique in the world, let's find out why.

Piazza Vittorio Veneto, the main square, is a very lively place, surrounded by bars, restaurants and souvenir shops. Here is also one of the access roads to the Sassi, the two neighborhoods that make this town so unique. The small houses clinging to the mountainside, once inhabited by shepherds and farmers, are half built into the rock and create a setting that has no equal.

Today, some of these houses have become shops, others museums, others art studios and so on; in any case walking up and down the alleys and stairs of Matera is an experience worth doing at least once.

There is also another good reason to choose Matera as the place where to go on holiday in January in Italy, or anyway away from the summer months, and that is the Murgia Materana park, right outside the centre. The park is full of rock churches and archaeological sites dating back to the Neolithic, its wild nature is of great charm and offers extraordinary views of Matera itself. However, this is one of the hottest areas of Italy, in summer the temperatures are scorching and can make exploring the park, but also Matera, definitely less pleasant.

Visit Matera with Matera Pass❯

In Campania there is a winding road that runs along the side of the Lattari Mountains, joining the Sorrento Peninsula with Salerno. Here, traveling right over the sea, you will get to admire spectacular views of the villages that occasionally interrupt the long strip of asphalt, get to know the unmistakable flavors and aromas of Mediterranean cuisine, or perhaps be enchanted by the bright colors of Vietri ceramics, which are a important part of local craftsmanship.

The Amalfi Coast is an authentic paradise where to go on holiday in january in Italy, even if it's to cold to swim. Here, everybody will find what they're looking for. Positano is for glamour lover, for example, always very elegant with its characteristic alleys and romantic restaurants right on the seashore. In Amalfi you can breathe history and beauty, with the spectacular Cathedral in Arab-Norman style, with the ancient paper mills or with the monument to Flavio Gioia, the mysterious inventor of the modern compass. And what about Ravello, with its magnificent villas and hanging gardens that seem suspended in the air?

January in the south can offer very bright days. When the sun shines don't miss a walk along the Path of the Gods, a trekking route rightly considered among the most beautiful in the world. When the air is clear, the winter light makes the sea seem even bluer, offering views that will make your heart beat.

Visit Amalfi, Positano and Ravello❯