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The long weekend of the April 25th holiday (Liberation Day) in Italy is the perfect time to get away. This year, it just happens to fall on a Thursday making it a four-day weekend for many Italians. If you can get away, we’ve got 5 ideas for you for an unforgettable holiday from the mountains to the sea. Let’s go!
1. The Very Last of the Ski Season
While going skiing may not be the first thought that comes to mind at the end of April, there are actually several northern Italian ski resorts that stay open through the first week of May. Maybe you didn’t have a chance to hit the slopes this winter or maybe, you just can’t get enough of the Alps. Either way, April 25th is the perfect time to close out the ski season in style.
Breuil-Cervinia (Aosta Valley) at the foot of Mount Cervino (the Matterhorn) is our choice to guarantee a truly fantastic experience. 150km of slopes including Breuil-Cervinia, Valtournenche and Zermatt, Switzerland, are all conveniently connected by slopes and ski lifts. If it’s a sport that involves the snow, rest assured that you can do it in Cervinia!
Read the complete article on Breuil-Cervinia at the Foot of the Matterhorn for details
2. Off the Beaten Path Villages
In Italy where villages reign supreme, each region boasts a plethora of hilltop treasures just waiting to be explored. It’s difficult to choose just one to highlight in this article, but considering that the long weekend lasts 4 days, the location definitely matters and needs to be practical. Our pick is the beautiful village of Sermoneta, 80 km from Rome. You can arrive in an hour and a half by train or 2 hours by car.
In this medieval village, the atmosphere is magical and you can visit the famous Caetani Castle, palaces and churches from the 12th century. What’s more, if you have your own car, there is also the splendid Cistercian Abbey of Valvisciolo nearby which dates back to the year 1000. The month of April is also the perfect time to visit the Garden of Ninfa which is considered among the most beautiful in the world.
Continue reading about the village of Sermoneta.
3. A Big City Experience
Big cities are always a destination to consider in any season of the year since they guarantee a wide choice of activities for everyone ranging from museums, events, theaters, and nightlife. It’s impossible to say that one Italian city is better than another because they are all incredible, but if we had to choose one, or rather two, for the long weekend of the 25th, they would be the Capitals of Italian Culture 2023, Bergamo and Brescia.
The reasons are obvious: these Lombard cities are well connected by train and the autostrada from Milan, Venice, Florence and also Rome. Both cities have numerous UNESCO sites such as the Venetian Walls and the “Lombards in Italy”. Their squares are among the most beautiful and fascinating in the whole country without ever seeming too crowded.
Not to mention the food! There are 9 DOP (protected domination of origin) cheeses from the “Cheese Valleys” and the wines of Franciacorta are recognized as among the best in the world.
Read more about the cities of Bergamo and Brescia.
4. Where the Sun is Guaranteed to Shine
When we think of a place kissed by the sun; warm, friendly people; and an incomparable sea, we typically think of Sicily. Italy’s largest island warrants a complete visit from coast to coast and inland, but if we had to pick just one city, it would be Catania.
First of all, Catania has a large airport well connected to many Italian and European cities and is less than 10 km from the historic center. If you plan to stay in the center without visiting the coast, you can take a taxi and visit the main attractions on foot or by using public transport in the city. However, if you want to visit the breathtaking Ionian coast which includes Acireale and also Taormina, we recommend renting a car directly at the airport.
And don’t forget that one of the most famous volcanoes in the world is Catania’s backdrop- her majesty, Etna. Etna Park is an unforgettable experience in any season of the year and boasts many species of flora and fauna unique in the world.
Find out more about other destinations in the Catania province.
5. Far Away From the Chaos of Everyday Life
Finally, for those who really need a break from the stress of everyday life, get ready to breathe in the pure air of the Pollino National Park. Pristine nature awaits you between the regions of Calabria and Basilicata in this virtually undiscovered part of Italy. Spring is truly an exceptional time to visit because from April to June, the park comes alive with new life when flowers of all kinds are blooming, from orchids to gentians to daffodils, peonies, Pollino bluebells and violets.
The Park boasts practically every outdoor adventure you can imagine from hiking to rafting to paragliding over the Lucanian and Calabrian Apennine mountains.
Read the complete article for more details Pollino National Park
One of these five locations is sure to give you an unforgettable experience and lifetime memories! If you still need more ideas, use our search engine on the homepage to find your dream destination. You can even filter by interest (sea, mountains, etc.) and also by region.