The sky turns blue, the trees fill with flowers, the air smells good: hello spring; the time of year that represents new beginnings.
What better way to welcome the spring than with a trip to Italy, among cities of art and natural landscapes ?
During this season, Italy shows off its best face : the days are getting longer, people flock to the streets to spend time in the open air, the atmosphere is relaxed and relaxing.
As a couple, with children or alone, a spring getaway is all you need to fully enjoy the enchanting places of the boot. We have selected 10 top destinations to visit with Itabus between March, April and May , also taking advantage of long weekends and holidays , such as Easter.
WHAT TO DO IN BOLOGNA IN SPRING
Lively capital of Emilia-Romagna, Bologna is nicknamed "La Rossa" (The Red) for the color of the bricks that characterize the buildings built in the Middle Ages and for its political past as a bulwark of the Italian Left in the post-war period. Art and culture therefore mix, giving life to a place of sure interest, perfect to visit in spring when the climate becomes milder and university students pour into the squares, enlivening the city.
To have a first, panoramic view of Bologna it’s worth climbing to the top of the Torre degli Asinelli , one of the symbols of the city, from where you can enjoy an enchanting view over the terracotta roofs and which, on the clearest days, reaches as far to the hill that houses the iconic Sanctuary of San Luca . After a day spent in the streets of the Quadrilatero among luxury shops and historic workshops, the advice is to sip an aperitif with buffet in one of the many taverns that represent a true institution for the Bolognese.
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WHAT TO DO IN LECCE IN SPRING
Known for its Baroque-style buildings, Lecce is the city of Salento nicknamed "the Florence of the South". Bright decorations in Lecce stone characterize its historic center, to be visited on foot lazily, getting lost with eyes full of amazement among squares, elegant alleys, churches and palaces.
Spring is the ideal month to visit the city, not yet besieged by the tourists who flock to Puglia during the summer, and feed on its original beauty.
In this season, then, the courtyards of many noble palaces open their doors to visitors, allowing them to discover the jewels that are hidden behind the majestic entrance doors. A unique opportunity to admire unexplored treasures in peace.
WHAT TO DO IN FLORENCE IN SPRING
Florence needs no introduction. Perhaps it is the city that, most of all, summarizes the typical Italian charm: art, history and good food. The Duomo with its dome designed by Brunelleschi and Giotto's bell tower is the undisputed symbol of the Tuscan capital, but alongside the most famous monuments there is a Florence that slows you down, made up of hidden gardens and green walks .
The Rose Garden with its spectacular views over the city, the Iris Garden with its fragrant blooms, the Bardini Garden with its terraces or the Boboli Garden hidden behind Palazzo Pitti offer a regenerated break from a day of spring tourism, from a bike ride to a picnic in the open air.
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WHAT TO DO IN CASERTA IN SPRING
The historical, cultural and artistic heritage of Caserta is truly precious and makes the city of Campania an exclusive destination for those who wish to retrace its glorious past in their imagination. Founded by the Etruscans, it became a Roman colony and finally dominated by the Bourbons in the period of its maximum splendour, Caserta hosts one of the most majestic buildings in Europe: the Royal Palace of Caserta , a complex that has nothing to envy to the Royal Palace of Versailles.
During the spring, in addition to the richly decorated internal rooms, it is possible to visit the royal park with its one hundred hectares and the romantic English Garden . The mild spring climate allows you to admire it in its most beautiful guise, with the singing of birds as a soundtrack, making everything even more magical.
WHAT TO DO IN PARMA IN SPRING
You write Parma, you read 'good cuisine'. The Emilian city famous for its Parmesan cheese and raw ham is the favorite destination for lovers of Italian gastronomy who can't give up a good plate of anolini in broth or a platter of fried dumplings. A lively university city, Parma is striking for its historic center dominated by the Cathedral with its frescoes and the Baptistery in pink marble.
It is perfect to lazily explore during the spring, stopping in historic shops and typical inns to taste delicious dishes accompanied by a glass of Malvasia or Sauvignon produced on the nearby hills. Then, when you've eaten too much, just get on the saddle of a bicycle to continue your tour along the Via dei Sapori. Spring is this too!
WHAT TO DO IN VERONA IN SPRING
story par excellence, the one between Romeo and Juliet. Walking hand in hand through the streets of the historic center is an experience to live with your sweetheart , but there are also many alternative activities.
Enjoy the sunset from the terrace of Castel San Pietro , a hill that offers one of the most magical views of Verona as it is reflected in the Arno river. The summit is easily reached by funicular, or on foot, to discover a still unexplored but extremely fascinating corner of the city, taking advantage of the wonderful light of the long spring days.
WHAT TO DO IN LA SPEZIA IN SPRING
Liguria is one of the most popular regions for its clear sea and the towns that populate the coast full of life, where you can relax with a walk along the seafront or enjoy a fish dinner. As well as in summer, it can be visited in spring to fill up on clean air without the crowds of tourists . Take advantage of this season to reach La Spezia, a strategic place from where to visit the Cinque Terre .
Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore are the enchanting seaside villages that you meet along the way, also connected by a dense network of trekking paths that cross terraced vineyards and olive groves overlooking the sea. One more reason to visit this corner of Italy in the spring.
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WHAT TO DO IN CATANIA IN SPRING
Every corner of Sicily deserves a visit, and Catania is no exception. An ancient port city located on the east coast, it offers a picturesque center full of charm and history. However the real protagonist is Etna, an active volcano with several paths that reach its summit, which can be traveled by the more daring with dedicated excursions.
On the other hand, those who love relaxation and tranquility can stroll along the seafront holding a delicious pistachio or almond granita , a specialty of the area, while admiring the volcano from afar. Whatever activity you prefer, Catania in spring is pure happiness.
WHAT TO DO IN FERRARA IN SPRING
Ferrara in spring rhymes with "slow". The Este city in Emilia-Romagna is the cradle of the Renaissance, rich in art and culture. Quiet and on a human scale, it is perfect to visit on foot or by bicycle to take a dip in its glorious past.
There are nine kilometers to go around the walls that surround Ferrara, stopping in front of its symbolic buildings: the Estense Castle , the Cathedral , Via delle Volte and Piazza delle Erbe . When tiredness sets in, it is possible to relax in one of its parks , such as Parco Bassani, ideal for a spring picnic . If, on the other hand, you are unlucky and happen to be in Ferrara on a rainy day, don't worry: there are many museums to visit, such as the Palazzo dei Diamanti or the National Archaeological Museum.
WHAT TO DO IN GIARDINI NAXOS IN SPRING
A bay protected by green hills that plunge into the crystal clear sea: this is the scenario in which Giardini Naxos stands , a splendid holiday resort in the province of Messina which was a quiet fishing village until the 1970s . Cradle of ancient Mediterranean civilizations, Giardini-Naxos offers postcard beaches and enchanting landscapes which show themselves in their most authentic beauty in spring.
Besides the sea, the Sicilian town has much more to offer: it was the first Greek settlement in the region. Just 15 minutes away is Taormina , another interesting city in Eastern Sicily with a fascinating past, famous for its still perfectly preserved Greek Theater from the Hellenistic era, perfect to visit without the scorching summer heat.
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Now that you know where to go in spring, all you have to do is get on board the Itabus and set off to discover splendid Italy!