Top 10 Reasons to Visit Italy in 2025: New Adventures, Cultural Events, and Hidden Gems

Italy remains one of the most iconic and diverse travel destinations in the world, offering an exciting range of new experiences and cultural events in 2025. From serene walking tours to world-class exhibitions, here are ten compelling reasons to visit Italy this year.

1. Explore the Cilento Coast
   The Cilento coast in Campania, often overshadowed by the Amalfi Coast, is becoming a hidden gem for those seeking less-crowded beauty. Its natural landscapes are perfect for walking and cycling holidays. Guided and self-guided tours are available, with options ranging from coastal strolls to challenging mountain treks. Visitors can enjoy the region’s untouched charm with trips available from companies such as The Natural Adventure Company and Saddle Skedaddle, which offer everything from self-guided walks to coast-to-coast cycling tours.
2. Stay at Villa Fiaccherella
   If you can’t decide between the countryside or city life, the recently renovated Villa Fiaccherella near Florence offers the best of both worlds. Situated on a peaceful hillside among olive groves, the villa overlooks Florence’s skyline and provides a luxurious base to explore the city’s art and culture. With six bedrooms, a private pool, and an authentic farm-to-table restaurant, it’s an ideal spot for families or groups.
3. Celebrate Literature in Trieste
   The city of Trieste has a rich literary history, with connections to James Joyce, Italo Svevo, and Umberto Saba. The newly opened LETS literature museum, dedicated to these great figures, is an excellent way to explore the city’s intellectual heritage. Visitors can also join literary walks, which take them through cafes and bars once frequented by writers and artists. Trieste is also hosting cultural events in 2025, including performances by renowned musicians and exhibitions.
4. Discover Agrigento, Italy’s Capital of Culture
   Agrigento, located in southern Sicily, is the Italian Capital of Culture in 2025. It is home to the Valley of the Temples, one of the most spectacular classical archaeological sites in the world. Throughout the year, the city will host various events, including concerts, theater performances, and outdoor film screenings. Agrigento will also celebrate its culinary scene, as Sicily is this year’s European Region of Gastronomy.
5. Family Adventures in Basilicata
   For families seeking adventure, Basilicata in southern Italy offers an exciting mix of activities in the Pollino National Park. Children as young as seven can join in on guided excursions, which include everything from cooking classes to wolf tracking, white-water rafting, and gelato workshops. Families can stay in charming B&Bs and cave hotels while discovering the beauty of Matera and Maratea.
6. Tracey Emin’s First Solo Italian Exhibition
   In Florence, British artist Tracey Emin presents her first solo exhibition in Italy at the Palazzo Strozzi. The exhibition, which runs from March to July, showcases a range of Emin’s works, including paintings, sculptures, and video installations. Palazzo Strozzi, an iconic cultural hub, is also hosting a Fra Angelico retrospective later in the year, offering a perfect blend of contemporary and classical art.
7. Trek Across Elba
   Elba, Italy’s third-largest island, offers an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The Great Elban Traverse is a four-day guided hike that takes trekkers through rugged coastal cliffs and across rocky ridges. Participants will ascend Monte Capanne, the highest peak on the island, for breathtaking views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and surrounding islands. This trek is perfect for those looking for a physical challenge while enjoying spectacular scenery.
8. New Retreat in the Dolomites
   For those seeking a mountain escape, Casa Cook Madonna opens in June in Madonna di Campiglio, located in the heart of the Dolomites. This 50-room boutique hotel offers year-round activities such as skiing, hiking, and wine tasting. The hotel’s location makes it an ideal base for outdoor adventures, and guests can enjoy a range of wellness offerings, including yoga, a spa, and delicious meals curated by a Michelin-starred chef.
9. Experience Rural Sardinia at Luxi Bia
   Rural Sardinia offers a unique experience for travelers looking to connect with nature. The small hamlet of Luxi Bia in southern Sardinia has been lovingly restored, with traditional houses and a deep connection to local culture and craftsmanship. Visitors can stay in beautifully restored homes and explore the surrounding Mediterranean forests, vineyards, and beaches. It’s a serene escape from the more tourist-heavy areas of Italy.
10. Edvard Munch in Rome
    Art lovers can explore the emotional and intense works of Edvard Munch in a major exhibition at the Palazzo Bonaparte in Rome. This exhibit, “Munch: The Inner Scream,” celebrates the Norwegian artist’s legacy, showcasing his iconic pieces on themes like illness, love, and psychological introspection. It’s an opportunity to experience Munch’s works in a captivating setting, with 100 paintings, prints, and drawings.

With so much to offer, 2025 promises to be a year packed with new adventures and cultural discoveries in Italy. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in history, indulge in food and wine, or enjoy breathtaking outdoor landscapes, Italy has something special waiting for you.