The clinking of glasses, sloshing with beautifully bitter Aperol, the splash of waves as families paddle and play, the crunch and snap of fresh-from-the-oven pizzas... These are the sounds of an Italian summer. We’ve vineyard-hopped, beach-bounced and gelato-gobbled our way around Italy and its islands in search of the best spots for a bellissimo break. So, without further ado…

Lake Garda

There are few places better to spend your summer than on Lake Garda’s twinkling shores. This lovely lake is tucked between the rugged peaks of the Alps and the Dolomites, so expect scenic mountain magic by the bucketload. Storybook towns drape themselves along the coast, each bursting with their own unique character and culture. Activity-aficionados will want to base themselves in the windswept north, where everything from biking to sailing is on offer. The towns here are an architectural treat too, frozen in time in the style of previous rulers. Whizz through charming Riva and you’ll notice Austrian architecture mingling with Italian piazzas. In the south, traditional towns like Bardolino and Lazise tempt visitors with their vineyard-enveloped surroundings and pebble beaches. Spend a day sampling the local tipples or hire a boat and embark on an aquatic adventure. Fancy an escape-from-it-all break? That’s Sirmione’s calling card. This spa town has everything you need for a welcome dose of R&R.

Venetian Riviera

When it comes to seaside stays, Lido di Jesolo’s got you covered. It’s a family favourite, so gather your expert sandcastle builders as there’s 15km of golden shoreline to enjoy. Beyond the beach, stacks of all-ages attractions await. Discover all the fun of the fare at New Jesolandia, where you can catch a ride on the giant Ferris wheel or try your luck on the traditional game stands. For a splash-tastic day out, there’s Caribe Bay, renowned as one of Italy’s best waterparks. Brave the plunge of Europe’s highest slide, the Captain Spacemaker, then put your feet up and relax as you float along the lazy river. History-heaped days won’t be hard to find either, as you’ve got all the magic of Venice on your doorstep. Head into the canal-covered city and tick off some of the must-see sights like the Bridge of Sighs and St Mark’s Square.

Sardinia

Holidays to Sardinia are synonymous with sun, sand and a whole lot of glam. This Mediterranean gem is famed for its scenic sweeps, boasting everything from the rugged to the relaxing and the secluded to the sprawling. The island’s heritage is as spectacular as its shoreline, so take the time to delve into its prehistoric past too!

The Costa Smeralda, the Emerald Coast, gets its name from the jewel-like waters that lap its sand-sprinkled shores. Porto Cervo is the star of the show here, tempting an impressive guest list with its bluer-than-blue waters and snow-white swathes. Budoni’s best for laidback lounging, a resort that’s kept its authentic island vibe.

Sorrento

Sorrento simply oozes romantic Italian charm, from the bursts of neon pink bougainvillea to the splashes of sunshine-yellow lemon trees. Summers here revolve around culture-stuffed days followed by limoncello-sipping nights. Piazza-hop your way around the town before getting lost in the old quarter’s maze of cobbled streets, where artisans sell treasures and trinkets. For a slice of local life head down to Marina Grande, where pastel-painted houses line the shore and fishing boats bob to-and-fro with their daily catch. Grab a seat at one of the waterfront restaurants and tuck into fresh fritto misto (deep-fried seafood) or spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams). If all that wasn’t enough to tempt you, it has hit the location jackpot too! Its clifftop perch means knockout views are guaranteed while its prime postcode, nestled in the heart of the Neapolitan Riviera, makes exploring iconic sights such as seared-in-time Pompeii, a breeze!

Sicily

A history-heaped haven, a beach-bejewelled beauty, a seriously scenic showstopper, sun-drenched Sicily has many feathers in its cap. In the interior, Roman ruins and medieval villages spring up around colour-popping pockets of countryside. Along the coast, there are more than 50 sandy spots to choose from, many flaunting the Blue Flag. And standing sentinel over it all? The mighty Mount Etna. But ask us what our favourite thing about Sicily is, and we’d have to go with the food! Each region puts its own twist on the island’s cuisine. Head to Catania for the Sicilian favourite, pasta alla Norma (pasta cooked with aubergine, basil, ricotta and tomato) and the street food staple, arancini. The city’s fish market opens the door to the island’s seafood stars too, with row upon row of tables topped with freshly caught swordfish, clams and mussels!

Tuscany

If you’re searching for a place where simply opening the curtains will illicit an ‘oh wow’, then be prepared to be swept off your feet by Tuscany. This is the land of rolling vineyards, terracotta towns and Renaissance splendour that’ll have you coming back year after year. Foodies flock to the region for gourmet blow-outs, with farm-to-fork treats showcasing the best local produce. Say buon appetito and tuck in!

It’s not all green valleys and cypress-lined lanes though, there’s a cluster of beach resorts for those who want to spend their summer soaking up the rays. Viareggio brings a touch of old-school glamour to a seaside stay, with palms, pines and swish streets. Glitzy Forte dei Marmi’s got the VIP vote, dazzling visitors with its designer shops and chic beach clubs.