5 Best Places to Visit in Italy in April (2025)

1. Puglia

So there's no confusion: Puglia is a region in Italy, not a specific town or city. It's really common though for people to talk about this region generally (kind of like Tuscany) when referring to the area.

Puglia is the boot of Southern Italy's heel and a great destination for spring. I visited Puglia in April last year and enjoyed it so, so much. Even then, I could get a feel as to just how hot the area would be in the summer. While it was slightly too chilly for me to swim (although others were), it was the perfect temp to walk around and explore.

The thing about visiting Puglia to keep in mind is that the public transportation isn't as good as other places in Italy. Along the coast the train runs smoothly but to get inland to popular places like Alberobello, you'll need to take a bus, rent a car, or hop on a tour.

During my 3-day trip to Puglia, I went from Bari to Matera to Polignano a Mare to Monopoli to Alberbello and back to Polignano a Mare and Bari all by public transportation (bus and train) so I can attest that it's possible. The issue is you will waste a lot of extra time. Renting a car will be the fastest and easiest way to get around the region.

My top recommendations to visit in Puglia are:

• Monopoli: Highly underrated and preferred for a bigger hub than Bari.
• Alberobello: A day trip to walk around and see the unique architecture and to eat ---- should be enough).
• Polignano a Mare: A day trip to see the view of the town is enough in my opinion.
• Ostuni: I haven't actually been here but have heard enough good things that it's high on my list.

Where to Stay in Monopoli

Don't know where to stay? As I mentioned above, I personally think Monopoli is a great base. Most people choose Bari since it has the airport but for something a little less expected, take the train a little south.

In Monopoli, I recommend staying at:

• Budget Option: Mamma Maria: This hotel is just steps from Monopoli's city beach. The rooms are simple but the location and included breakfast make it a great stay.
• Mid-Tier Option: Palazzo Fiscaiolo: Right next door to Mamma Maria, the rooms here are a big step up, while still offering a great breakfast and the perfect location, especially if you want to spend some of your time at the beach.
• Luxury Option: Al Console Luxury Suite: This hotel is located just steps from Porto Antico and Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi, both of which I'll recommend below as must see places in Monopoli. The rooms here offer luxury amenities and more space, still alongside an included breakfast.

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2. Sicily

Sicily is on most people's Italian bucket list so after doing a few of these monthly deep dives, I was itching to wait until warmer temperatures to add Sicily in.

Tourist season throughout Italy is in the summer (mainly July and August). The only exception to this is that the Alps and Dolomites in Northern Italy have a second peak season for the winter slopes.

While you might be tempted to save Sicily for a summer trip, know that it'll be a whole lot hotter and a whole lot more crowded. You might enjoy spending your days in the water and having a lot of action at night but personally, I'm more intrigued in the shoulder season, like April. This is of course a personal preference and one you might want to adjust given your own dreams of Italian getaway.

Given that Sicily is so far south, it's likely that you might still get some swimming weather, especially if your visit is later in the month.

Personally though, since you'll face less crowds, I'd use a spring trip to Sicily for a road trip around the island or at least partially around the island. This will give you the chance to explore a few different areas and the freedom to enjoy a mix of big cities, beaches, and small towns inland.

While there's a lot to see and do in Sicily, you'll need to narrow down your area of focus in Sicily unless you have a ton of time on your hands.

Most people would tell you to choose between exploring the southeast side of the island or the northern side. The southwest side is harder to get to but offers a more off-the-beaten-path experience if you can get there.

Here are some suggestions:

• If you head to the southeast side, it'll likely be easiest to base yourself in Catania. Taormina, Noto, and Ragusa are great spots in the area.
• If you prefer to explore the north, Palermo will be the busiest hub, if that's what you're after. Cefalu is a good stop along the route to Palermo to break up the drive.
• If you have the budget and the time to put in a little more effort on the destination, I've heard fantastic things about the Aeolian Islands off the coast of the northern side of Sicily and the point of Italy's boot.

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3. Verona

I adore Verona. It's easily a top destination of mine in Italy and one I just keep coming back to.

The old town is picturesque and the perfect size. You'll have plenty to explore but the area is compact and easily walkable. Right outside of the old town are charming neighborhoods to add a little variety into your trip.

Personally, I think Verona is best seen on foot. The old town is full of twisting and tiny alleyways that make exploring a lot of fun. Plus, since the Adige River surrounds 3 sides of it, it's hard to get lost. If you have limited mobility you can still explore Verona, just know that many streets in this area are pedestrian-only.

To make things even better, Verona is right next door to Lake Garda. Just know though that if you visit Lake Garda in April, it'll be too cold to swim. From experience, the southern side of Lake Garda gets a lot of tourists year-round. Even though it's considered shoulder season, last year Sirmione was still pretty crowded in April.

For a quieter and more scenic visit to Lake Garda, I suggest heading to the northern side of the lake. Malcesine and the surrounding area is fantastic. But, this side of the lake is harder to get to so if you only have a few days in Verona, I suggest staying in town and not trying to squeeze in too much. In low and shoulder season, the northern half of the lake is super quiet and many restaurants, attractions, and even ferries might be closed.

Personally, if you visit Verona in April, I suggest sticking with the city unless you have plenty of time to see the lake. Otherwise, I'd save Northern Lake Garda for the summer.

When in Verona, a few of the top streets for shopping, eating, and people watching are:

• Corso Porta Borsari: If you have time for just one walking street in Verona, let it be this one. This shopping street has a nice mix of local and international brands, including my favorite, Paper Wardrobe. Their men's shop, Wooden Store, is just a block off this street. Start under the Roman archway and make your way down to the river, or vice versa.
• Via Giuseppe Mazzini: This is the main shopping street in Verona that starts right next to the Verona arena and ends at Juliet's house, at another shopping street. It's pedestrian-only and home to many known brands.
• Via Capello: Coming from Ponte delle Navi, you'll pass Roman ruins as you walk along this street towards the beautiful Piazza delle Erbe.
• Via IV Novembre: Walk across Ponte della Vittoria to Via IV November to see a more residential area, Borgo Trento. This street, just across the bridge, is home to trendy brunch spots, cafes, and bars.

Read up on more things to do in Verona and cool day trips from the city.

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4. Rome

Alright, I'll be honest...I'm not sure I'd visit Rome in April but some travelers might disagree and think it's the best time to visit. I wanted to add it to the list so you could make your own decision on this.

To be clear, when I say Rome, I'm also including the Vatican City in my recommendation.

Rome is a fantastic city and one I really do recommend but April 2025 means Easter on a Jubilee Year. That means more events, more people, and more religious extravagance than usual. And, to top things off even more, April 21 (which is Easter Monday in 2025) is Rome's birthday (known in Italian as natale di Roma). On this day back in 753 BC, the foundation of Rome was laid.

Every year, Rome is at its busiest for the Easter holidays and I imagine this year will be even more packed. During Holy Week, starting on Ash Wednesday through Easter Monday (which this year will include birthday celebrations), you can expect special events, public mass, and processions.

Many of these celebrations will be held at Saint Mark's Square but you'll find events at churches throughout the city.

If this sounds like the ideal time to visit Rome, I would recommend booking accommodation far in advance as well as any tours or attractions you'd like to visit. Reservations are usually needed in Italy (except a day or two in advance for the weekends) but if you're traveling with a big group, I'd plan at least a few meals ahead of time, just in case. Especially if you want to enjoy the cozier restaurants and dive into the best local food.

Here are some more details on what to expect during the Easter holidays in Rome.

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5. Genoa

Another great Northern Italy destination in April is Genoa. Genoa is a coastal city most well-known for its famous neighbor, Cinque Terre. You honestly might prefer to skip over the city and go straight for the 5 charming towns (Cinque Terre literally translates to 5 lands) but if you want something a little less touristic and a little more local, Genoa is a cool option.

Plus, it's the birthplace of focaccia so you know you'll be pleased in the food department. It's also the birthplace of Christopher Columbus if history excites you more.

Genoa is a coastal city but it's not a swimming destination, making it even better to visit in the cooler weather or spring instead of waiting until summer heat.

Although I haven't yet visited Genoa, it's somewhere that interests me. From my research, I suggest you explore the historic center (there's hardly an old town in Italy that I would avoid) and get out of the city and into the hills. There are a number of forts on the hills to explore and you'll enjoy great views of the Mediterranean Sea.

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Where Not to Visit in April

As promised, alongside my top picks for where to go, I suggest not visiting the Dolomites in April. If you've read any other article or have spoken to me directly, you'll likely be surprised by that given how much I love the mountains but here me out.

April can still be ski season still but it'll really depend on the year. If you're planning a trip to go skiing in Italy, I wouldn't recommend waiting until this far into the season to do so.

Even if the slopes are closed, it won't be hiking season yet. Likely there will still be plenty of snow on the trails (or they'll be really wet and muddy) and won't be open. May definitely fits this bill with even the chair lifts taking the month off but from my experience, April isn't a sure thing...unless you're just chasing the views from town and want a really laid-back holiday.

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Where Will You Visit in April in Italy?

April may bring showers but it also brings blossoms and sunny, warm weather. If you're up for a more affordable trip with less crowds than the summer, April is a great time to visit Italy. Just be smart about where you plan your trip and realistic activities to match the weather and you'll have a great time!