Summer in Italy isn’t just about enjoying the peninsula’s stunning coastline and sampling gelato. Mother Nature gifts visitors a spectacular show of fields in bloom all across Italy between the months of June and July. If you are a tourist (or a local) looking for a unique experience, here are some of Italy’s best locations to see the hills in full bloom.

Lavender Fields and Italy’s “Little Provence”

Lavender cultivation in Italy has a long tradition, which dates back to Roman times. The most suitable areas are the hilly and mountainous ones of Northern Italy, in particular Piedmont, Liguria, Tuscany and Sardinia, thanks to its hot, dry climate and well-drained soils.

Lavender officinalis is known for its intense scent and is used to make essential oils, dried flowers, and a variety of other cosmetics.

In addition to its aesthetic value, lavender also contributes to the local economy and local communities benefit from it in terms of tourism.

Flowering generally occurs between June and July, granting visitors spectacular purple landscapes and attracting numerous tourists every year. Here are the regions where you can see lavender in Italy:

Piedmont

Every year the Langhe hills are tinged with purple and the small village of Sale San Giovanni (Cuneo) is particularly famous. You can admire the fragrant fields and take part in various events dedicated to this medicinal plant. Hiking trails of varying difficulty will allow you to explore the area and fully enjoy the beauty of the landscape.
Visit the Sale San Giovanni official website for details about events and the current year’s bloom.

Tuscany

In the Pieve di Santa Luce area, in the Pisan hills, you’ll find extensive lavender fields and a fairy-tale-like atmosphere. This purple carpet extends as far as the eye can see and is interrupted only by the green Mediterranean vegetation and the blue sky.

Stroll among the rows of lavender and breathe in its relaxing aroma: a real panacea for the body and mind. In some agritourisms and farms in the area, visitors can take part in workshops and tastings dedicated to lavender. You can discover its beneficial properties and purchase typical lavender-based products, such as essential oil, honey, herbal teas and cosmetics.

In addition to Pieve di Santa Luce, lavender fields can also be admired in the province of Pisa in Orciano Pisano, Volterra and Casciana Terme. Each location has enchanting views, making for a unique and unforgettable sensory experience.

The Terre di Creta website posts updates about the current blooming season as well as events in the area.

A Rainbow-Colored Patchwork Quilt in Castelluccio di Norcia

In Castelluccio di Norcia (Perugia), in Umbria, between the end of June and the beginning of July, a truly special phenomenon occurs: the lentils explode into bloom. Yes, lentils! Who knew?
The soft fields are transformed into an immense carpet of color that varies from white to pink, creating an evocative panorama. In addition to lentils, you can also see daffodils, poppies, gentians, poppies, ranunculus, violets, and cornflowers. It will leave you speechless.

Castelluccio di Norcia has a webcam that allows you to see the blooming in real time!

Sunflowers: One of Tuscany and Umbria’s Most Iconic Symbols

Tuscany and Umbria are famous for their sunflower fields, which reach their peak splendor between the end of June and mid-July. A classic itinerary is the one that crosses the Val d’Orcia, where you can take unforgettable photos among the yellow giants. But also in Umbria, between Assisi and Perugia, there are expanses of sunflowers that are worth a visit.

Tips to ensure a great experience:

• Remember that the blooming season is not an exact science so be flexible with your plans.

• Some blooms, such as the lentils in Castelluccio di Norcia, are found in mountainous areas. You’ll want to wear comfortable shoes if you’re planning to get close.

• No picking allowed no matter how tempting it might be!

In addition to the locations listed, there are many other places across Italy where you can admire splendid blooms in early to mid-summer. With a little research, you can find the perfect destination for your tastes and have an unforgettable experience. And don’t forget that often the very best experiences are improvised!