English Whether you’re already living in Italy, just here on holiday, or looking for a unique gift experience to surprise your partner this summer – we all end up running out of ideas and falling back on the same old touristy options. That’s why we’ve put together this list of what we believe are truly authentic Italian experiences to give your summer a real boost.
1. Sunset Picnics in the Vineyards (or Olive Groves)
There’s something magical about golden hour in Italy, and even more so when you’re sipping local wine in the middle of a vineyard. Whether you go for a simple picnic or a full “dinner among the vines” experience, this is one of the most romantic and slow-paced ways to enjoy the countryside.
These events are popping up more and more, but they still keep their intimate vibe – no massive tourist crowds, just you and the vines. You’ll usually get a basket of local food and a bottle of wine or prosecco for about €40 per couple. Here are my personal favorite spots:
- Valpolicella, near Verona. I suggest Agriturismo Acinatico Wine Relais, they offer the wine tasting and the picnic option. Plus, you can even sleep in a unique location: a converted wine barrel.
- Valdobbiadene, near Treviso. Here there are plenty of options too; it’s perfect for prosecco and tiramisù lovers (it was actually invented here).
- Langhe & Barolo, near Cuneo. If you’ve never heard of white truffle, this is the best place to try it. Take the opportunity to stop at Lake Maggiore or Lake Orta, where there are many beautiful villages like Stresa, Orta and Arona.
- Val d’Orcia & Montepulciano, Tuscany. This is a very popular area, lately a bit touristy (and expensive), but still undoubtedly beautiful.
- Villasimius, Sardinia. This is one of the best places to go during summer if you want Caribbean waters and a “wilder” atmosphere. Here too, there are a few options.
2. Nighttime Nature Experiences
Many small towns and mountain communities organize unique nighttime activities often led by local guides who truly love their territory.
A favorite of mine is in Asiago, in the Vicenza Alps. The local tourism board has a year-round calendar of experiences like firefly spotting with lanterns, tracking wildlife by their footprints, stargazing hikes under the full moon and aperitivo in mountain huts. Some events are free, others cost around €25-40, but I can promise you that it’s worth it, whether you’re alone, as a couple or with your children.
3. Join a ‘Sagra’
If you’re in Italy during the summer, make time for at least one ‘sagra‘ – a small-town food festival that’s about as local as it gets. It’s one of the best ways to connect with Italian culture and locals, as it’s an occasion that locals take advantage of to connect with other people from the same village. These events are usually organized by volunteers and held once a year to celebrate a specific dish, ingredient, or local tradition.
My favorite one is the Seafood Festival (“Sagra del Pesce“) in Chioggia, a small town near Venice and Sottomarina, where there’s the sea too; of course, it’s not the biggest or best festival, but still worth it just to see the town and enjoy an excellent plate of fish. It’s usually from July 11 to 20, in the main square. Others include:
- Tuscany and Umbria – Sagra del Tartufo, truffle everything, usually in fall but some summer events too
- Casalfiumanese (near Bologna) – Sagra del Tortello (handmade pasta with meat), from June 27 to 29, and from July 4 to 6
- Francavilla al Mare, Chieti – Sagra della Pizza Fritta, from July 17 to 18
There’s music, long communal tables, cheap homemade food, and a mix of families, teenagers, and nonni who’ve been going every year for decades. You don’t pay to enter – just for what you eat (usually under €10 for a full plate).
4. Open-Air Cinema in Historic Town Squares
Outdoor cinema in Italy is something many towns and cities organize in the summer, so if you’re around in July or August, check out the local “cinema sotto le stelle” (cinema under the stars). I think that’s a beautiful way to enjoy a particular city, sitting under the stars in a square or in the middle of nature.
These screenings are usually cheap (around €5) or free, and show everything from Italian classics to recent releases. Here are a few examples worth checking out:
- Bologna, Emilia-Romagna: Piazza Maggiore turns into a giant open-air theater – “Sotto le Stelle del Cinema” (June 16 to August 14)
- Venice, Veneto: “Cinemoving”, a traveling cinema that passes through towns like Mestre and Venice (June 27 to September 4)
- Milan, Lombardy: “AriAnteo” has multiple locations including CityLife (May 31 to September 28)
- Naples, Campania: “Cinema intorno al Vesuvio” in Villa Bruno, a villa with a real courtyard vibe (June 23 to August 6)
- Conversano, Apulia: “Imaginaria“, for indie animation fans (August 17-23)
5. Take a Regional Cooking Class Surrounded by Nature
Cooking classes are everywhere in Italy, both in big and small towns, run by locals or small associations, especially during the summer. If you’ve ever been to Rome, Treviso, Florence, or Genoa and Sestri Levante, you’ve probably heard of classes where you can learn how to make carbonara, tiramisù, pici, or pesto. Classes usually range from €50 to €100, and often include a meal, wine, and printed recipes.
However, there are also other options if you’re looking for something more unique, intimate and surrounded by nature. For example, Agriturismo La Filanda (Manerba del Garda, BS) organizes cooking classes near Lake Garda; same for Agriturismo Baldeschi (Tuoro Sul Trasimeno, PG), in Umbria’s countryside, but there are many others all around Italy.
6. Trekking + Local Food
If you’re into slow travel and nature, Italy offers countless trails where you can combine scenic hikes with food tastings in mountain huts, wineries, or agriturismi. Of course, this is one of the best ways to explore the country, especially in the summer when cities are boiling. And most of all, it can suit everyone, both experts and beginners, with short routes of around a 1–2 hour walk. Here are a few options to look into:
- Lake Como: half-day treks with llamas, followed by lunch at a local farm
- Langhe (Piedmont): walk through vineyards and stop for Barolo, cheese, and hazelnuts
- Trentino/Dolomites: here you have wide choice of multi-day hut-to-hut hikes, where you can sleep each night in different typical mountain huts
- Appennini near Emilia-Romagna or Umbria: less touristy, great food, and cheaper
Many of these places also have high air quality and low population density, which is perfect if you’re considering a quieter lifestyle in Italy.
Was this helpful?
