Are you planning your trip to Italy in April and unsure what to do and where to go? Read on as we cover all the essential information about traveling to Italy in spring and making the most of your holiday.
We are going to tell you the best places to visit in April in Italy whether you like sightseeing in big cities or going for a hike. Our article wants to be your go-to guide to enjoying your Italy trip, from what to wear, what to do, how to enjoy Easter in Italy, and what to eat.
Is April a good time to visit Italy?
April is one of the best times to travel to Italy. Spring is in full swing, the flowers are blossoming all over the place releasing their scent and pastel hues, the days are getting longer, and the weather is perfect for sightseeing in big cities or hiking in nature.
Is it better to go to Italy in March or April?
March in Italy is slightly colder than April and the weather is more unpredictable. If sudden showers or temperature drops don’t scare you, March is a lovely time to visit Italy. April, however, is a better month for outings and excursions in nature as the days are longer and the weather more stable.
Can you go to the beach in Italy in April?
The short answer is no, April in Italy is not beach season. However, depending on where you are, what you want to do on the beach, and whether it’s the beginning or the end of the month, the beach in April can make sense.
For Pasquetta, for example, Easter Monday, if it’s a warm and sunny day, those living near the beach often celebrate the day out by the sea. While I wouldn’t go to the beach on the northern Adriatic coast, the shores of Sicily and Sardinia are likely to be warm and pleasant around the end of April.
This being said, you can always go to the beach for a walk, but if you are thinking about swimming, keep in mind that the water is still cold, even at the end of the month.
Which part of Italy is warmest in April?
Like in all seasons, the warmest regions in Italy in April are the southern ones, especially Sicily and Puglia, or the island of Sardinia.
Weather in Italy in April
Warmer than February or March, April’s weather in Italy is fantastic to plan days out in nature, hiking trips, outings in lakes, and also sightseeing in big cities because you can walk all day long without worrying about the sweating that usually characterizes the summer months.
Weather in April in northern Italy
The weather in northern Italy in April is lovely. The evening is still a bit chilly but during the day it warms up and becomes very pleasant. This is one of the best months for mountain hiking and cultural sightseeing.
- Milan: high 18°C (64°F) – low 10°C (50°F)
- Turin: high 17°C (63°F) – low 10°C (50°F)
- Aosta: high 17°C (63°F) – low 5°C (41°F)
- Venice: high 17°C (63°F) – low 8°C (46°F)
- Verona: high 18°C (64°F) – low 7°C (44°F)
- Bologna: high 17°C (63°F) – low 9°C (48°F)
- Ravenna: high 17°C (63°F) – low 7°C (44°F)
- Trieste: high 17°C (63°F) – low 10°C (50°F)
- Trento: high 13°C (55°F) – low 8°C (46°F)
- Bolzano: high 15°C (59°F) – low 6°C (43°F)
- Genoa: high 17°C (63°F) – low 11°C (52°F)
Weather in April in central Italy
Central Italy in April will have pleasant weather and sunny days. Mountainous areas of regions such as Abruzzo, Marche, and even Lazio like the beautiful Terminillo massif might get a bit colder but generally, the weather is perfect for hiking and trekking.
- Rome: high 19°C (66°F) – low 9°C (48°F)
- Viterbo: high 17°C (63°F) – low 7°C (44°F)
- Florence: high 15°C (59°F) – low 4°C (39°F)
- Siena: high 19°C (66°F) – low 7°C (44F°)
- Pisa: high 17°C (63°F) – low 7°C (44°F)
- Lucca: high 17°C (63°F) – low 7°C (44°F)
- Perugia: high 16°C (61°F) – low 7°C (44°F)
- Assisi: high 16°C (61°F) – low 4°C (39°F)
- Arezzo: high 19°C (66°F) – low 6°C (43°F)
- L’Aquila: high 12°C (53°F) – low 7°C (44°F)
- Campobasso: high 14°C (57°F) – low 7°C (44°F)
Weather in April in southern Italy
With peaks of 21°C/70°F, southern Italy in April can get quite warm. In some areas in the mid-afternoon, you might even feel like you want to wear just a t-shirt, especially towards the end of the month.
- Naples: high 20°C (68°F) – low 10°C (50°F)
- Caserta: high 18°C (64°F) – low 8°C (46°F)
- Salerno: high 18°C (64°F) – low 10°C (50°F)
- Amalfi Coast: high 19°C (66°F) – low 13°C (55°F)
- Sorrento: high 21°C (70°F) – low 15°C (59°F)
- Positano: high 17°C (63°F) – low 14°C (57°F)
- Bari: high 18°C (64°F) – low 12°C (53°F)
- Foggia: high 19°C (66°F) – low 8°C (46°F)
- Lecce: high 19°C (66°F) – low 11°C (52°F)
- Alberobello: high 18°C (64°F) – low 13°C (55°F)
- Ostuni: high 18°C (64°F) – low 10°C (50°F)
- Reggio Calabria: high 18°C (64°F) – low 13°C (55°F)
- Matera: high 19°C (66°F) – low 9°C (48°F)
Weather in April in the Italian islands
The temperature in the main Italian islands of Sicily and Sardinia in April is pretty much like the rest of the southern regions with peaks between 16°C/61°F and 20°C/68°F at its highest. While you might not feel like swimming, a walk by the beachfront is a lovely activity this time of the year both for the pleasant weather and because there will be little to no crowds.
- Palermo: high 20°C (68°F) – low 13°C (55°F)
- Agrigento: high 18°C (64°F) – low 11°C (52°F)
- Catania: high 19°C (66°F) – low 11°C (52°F)
- Taormina: high 20°C (68°F) – low 8°C (46°F)
- Siracusa: high 20°C (68°F) – low 13°C (55°F)
- Ragusa: high 19°C (66°F) – low 11°C (52°F)
- Cagliari: high 19°C (66°F) – low 11°C (52°F)
- Sassari: high 16°C (61°F) – low 9°C (48°F)
- Palau: high 17°C (63°F) – low 14°C (57°F)
- Nuoro: high 17°C (63°F) – low 8°C (46°F)
- Oristano: high 18°C (64°F) – low 10°C (50°F)
Important dates in Italy in April 2024
- April 1st – April’s Fool Day/Pesce d’Aprile + Easter Monday. Unless it falls on a Sunday, April 1st is definitely not a holiday in Italy. Even though there isn’t any particular celebration, there’s still the custom of making practical jokes. This year, April 1st coincides with Easter Monday, so a big picnic day in Italy that is mostly spent in nature in and around the cities.
- April 21st – Birthday of Rome/Natale di Roma. This is only celebrated in Rome and it’s not a holiday. Celebrations consist of masquerades with the clothes of the ancient Romans, period live shows usually in the city center and in the Circus Maximus, and sometimes even fireworks.
- April 25th – Liberation Day. This is the commemoration of the liberation of Italy from the Nazi invasion and it’s a national holiday. Schools and offices are closed while shops in touristy areas will be open.
- April 28th – Sardinia’s Day/Sa die de sa Sardigna. This is the commemoration of the so-called “Vespri Sardi”, Sardinian Vespers, a popular uprising that took place on April 28th, 1794 when the Piedmont rulers were expelled from Cagliari because unwilling to meet the locals’ request for more autonomy. This day, in Sardinia, schools and offices are closed.
What to do in April in Italy
Soak in nature
April in Italy is the perfect time to stay out in nature. Hiking in Trentino-Alto Adige, trekking in the Terminillo massif near Rome, and boat excursions in Sardinia are only some of the fantastic things you can do in spring.
April’s clear and sunny days scream outings in nature and Italy is literally full of great hiking and trekking routes. From the Alps to the Apennines, you are sure to find your favorite spot in all Italian regions.
Do you need some suggestions? If you are in northern Italy, check out the trekking and hiking routes of Parco Nazionale del Gran Paradiso between Valle d’Aosta and Piedmont or the breathtaking slopes of the Dolomites in Trentino-Alto Adige and Veneto. Spring is also the best season to hike the Sentiero degli Dei route on the Amalfi Coast in Campania because it’s not too hot yet.
If you are traveling to Italy with your family and are all passionate trekkers, you can take the long but easy route of the Appian Way to Castelli Romani south of Rome. While if you are a top expert, you can challenge yourself in Sardinia on the breathtaking but very difficult trekking path known as Selvaggio Blu between Santa Maria Navarrese and Cala Gonone along the island’s eastern coast.
Go sightseeing
Spring in Italy is also a fantastic time for cultural sightseeing in the big cities because the days are sunny enough to enjoy your walk and not too hot to melt from sweating.
The big cities like Rome, Florence, Naples, and Venice will be pretty crowded because April and May are fantastic months to enjoy what they offer. If you want to enjoy artistic and historical sightseeing but are not too fond of crowds or have already seen Italy’s biggest tourist draws, head to other large cities where you can combine exciting city life with rich culture and long history.
Some of the coolest cities I recommend visiting in Italy in April include Turin, Bologna, Ravenna, Palermo, Catania, and Perugia.
Check out our guide to visiting Italy in May.
Celebrate Easter
Usually, Easter is in April and every Italian region has its own traditions. The fil rouge is obviously the Holy Mass on Easter Sunday, but depending on where you are, you can find different foods, local processions, and different events.
Traditionally, Easter is when Lent is broken and we celebrate the Resurrection of Christ, making it one of the most important events in the Catholic calendar. In Rome, you can attend the Vatican celebrations in Saint Peter’s Square, in the Marche region, they perform propitiatory rituals, and in other cities, they organize food fairs.
In Florence, you can see the Scoppio del Carro, a folk tradition that takes place every year from Piazzale del Prato to Piazza Duomo where a cart full of pyrotechnics, is lit and provides a big show that has very ancient origins, probably dating back to the first Crusade.
Go out for Easter Monday
Known in Italian as Lunedì dell’Angelo or Pasquetta, Easter Monday is traditionally a day for outings in nature. You will find urban parks crowded with people picnicking and going for excursions in nature.
If you are in a big city like Rome, Florence, or Milan, you can either head to one of their urban parks or plan a day trip.
Among the easiest day trips from Rome will take you to Lake Bracciano, Calcata, or beach resorts like Santa Severa. Lovely day trips from Florence for Pasquetta include an excursion to the Chianti region or Val d’Orcia, while from Milan, you can head to Lake Garda or Lake Como.
Join local festivals and celebrations
Along with Easter and Easter Monday, April in Italy is a great month for Easter-related celebrations and other festivals. You can attend celebrations in commemoration of Palm Sunday where they organize processions and create large and highly-decorated palm branches.
As the new season and harvest begin, in April in Italy you will find also several food fairs (sagre) devoted to seasonal produce and foods. This is the month of the artichokes (carciofi) and many towns organize their own “sagra del carciofo“, such as Ladispoli near Rome (April 14th-16th), Niscemi in Sicily (April 22nd-30th), and Ramacca near Catania in Sicily (April 14th-16th and 22nd-25th).
If you are in Sardinia, a food fair not to miss is the one taking place in Tonara in Nuoro province for the specialty they are famous all over the region for, their torrone (nougat). Tonara’s sagra del torrone this year takes place on April 22nd. Another lovely festival you can attend in Sardinia is Tortolì in Fiore (April 15th and 16th), when the streets of the small town of Tortolì in the Barbagia region are covered with flower-made carpets.
Fantastic places to visit in Italy in April
Rome
Rome in April is a fantastic destination. In fact, this is when the highest tourism season begins. Apart from the Easter celebrations, April’s weather makes it great to walk around the city for hours on end without suffering the summer heat of months like July and August.
The mild climate of Rome in spring calls for long walks along the river, day trips, relaxing at the park, visiting open places like the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Palatine Hill, the Caracalla Baths, and sightseeing in Rome’s Centro Storico, a huge open-air museum.
Check out the best private tours of Rome.
Florence
There’s hardly a wrong time to visit the gorgeous capital of Tuscany. Whether you are spending one day or two days in Florence during a classic 2-week Italy trip, in April it’s lovely to walk around the city center, along the Arno river, and visit beautiful parks like the Boboli Gardens near Palazzo Pitti, one of the main landmarks in Florence.
On a nice day, you can also plan a few easy outings such as a day trip to Pisa to see the famous Leaning Tower and Piazza dei Miracoli, to the medieval town of Lucca, and the beautiful walled city of Siena.
If you are short on time, you can book one of the many private tours of Florence and delegate all the logistics and transfer to a local guide.
The Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle
If you enjoy taking walks in parks and gardens, in April in Italy you shouldn’t miss the magical Gardens of Trauttmansdorf Castle in the city of Merano in Trentino-Alto Adige. The gardens usually close during the coldest winter months and reopen on April 1st.
Here, you can easily spend half a day or, if you are passionate about different plant and flower species, even the whole day. Inside the gardens is also a restaurant so you can have lunch, relax with a cup of coffee, and carry on with your visit.
Lake Garda
Lake Garda is Italy’s largest lake surrounded by beautiful towns, mountains, parks, and hiking routes. Spring is the best season to visit the many parks, gardens, and landmarks around this beautiful lake.
Some of the best places to visit in April around Lake Garda are the lovely historic town of Villa del Garda in Trentino, Parco Sigurtà which reopened in March and where you can admire the seasonal blossoming of the different flowers and plants, and Parco Natura Viva to see several animal species in a project to protect biodiversity.
Venice
Venice in spring is a feast of beautiful views, romantic corners, and great light. April is less humid than the previous winter months and also than March so walking around its canals and bridges will be very pleasant.
Given the clear skies and the longer days, some of the best things you can do in Venice in April is to enjoy the city from one of its most scenic viewpoints such as San Marco bell tower, Ponte Rialto bridge, San Giorgio Maggiore bell tower, and Fondaco dei Tedeschi historic building.
Even though the city’s rich culture and fascinating history call for at least a few days’ stay, Venice can be also a lovely day trip if you are staying in Bologna, Trento, or Milan.
Turin
Turin is magical all year round but in spring you can feel a lively vibe. Apart from the Easter celebrations, with the nice season, the city parks will reopen and you can enjoy some relaxing time in the green, with a picnic, walking, or jogging.
The city is always very exciting culturally, and this April 2024 you can check out the many exhibitions taking place in Turin such as the photography of Robert Capa and Gerda Taro in CAMERA – Centro Italiano per la Fotografia, the one devoted to dinosaurs displaying real-size examples in the Stazione Porta Nuova station, and the Stupinigi Hunting Lodge, one of Turin’s most famous landmarks, opening its secret spaces to the public.
Sardinia
Sardinia in spring is lovely. The weather is mild and warm and organizing days out in nature is a favorite activity. Spring is a great time to visit Neptune’s Grottoes in Alghero, hike the spectacular Gorropu gorge in the Barbagia region, or walk in the beautiful Giara plateau to see the small native horse species.
More expert trekkers can book a scenic tour of the Orosei Gulf that, depending on the day, will take you to Gorropu Gorge, Cala Luna, or Mount Tiscali.
In Sardinia, Palm Sunday is marked by very scenic celebrations with religious processions where the priest and the townspeople carry spectacular and highly decorated palm branches.
If you are spending Easter in Sardinia, I suggest you try the delicious local pastries known as “pardulas” featuring a tender heart of fresh ricotta cheese.
Book your scenic Gorrupu gorge day trip now!
Bologna
After the dark and foggy winter months, in spring, the elegant city of Bologna is a lovely travel destination. Stroll around the streets of its Quadrilatero, on clear days climb Torre degli Asinelli for a great view, and visit Bologna’s top landmarks such as Basilica di San Petronio and Piazza Maggiore.
If you have only one day in Bologna and want to see as many places as you can in a little time, probably your best bet is to book a private tour led by a local expert who knows where to take you and helps you save time.
Since food is one of the things that make Bologna famous, what’s a better experience than a cooking class to learn how to make tagliatelle, tortellini, and ragout from scratch or a cooking lesson that includes also a market tour?
Naples
Naples is a great destination to visit in April. You can enjoy pleasant sightseeing around the city center and the important Spaccanapoli artery and you can also go on day trips in surrounding coastal areas, including boat excursions to Ischia and Capri.
When in Naples, do yourself a favor and tuck into the local cuisine, which is not limited to the yet amazing pizza.
Pompeii
If you can, I always recommend visiting Pompeii in spring rather than in the hot, crazy-crowded summer months. Pompeii is a huge, open-air archaeological site not far from Naples. I visited in summer years ago and I still remember the panting and the sweating.
For those who are traveling to Italy in April and are interested in building cultural experiences, this is a fantastic site you don’t want to miss. If you are staying a few days in Naples, you can make it a day trip from there.
If you are not including Naples on your itinerary or you are staying not long enough, Pompeii can be also a cool day trip from Rome. However, while it’s possible to make it happen by traveling by public transport, if you are visiting from Rome, joining a private tour is probably your best choice.
Sicily
Sicily enjoys mild weather all year, but spring offers the best of the island’s views, scenery, and activities. Even though very popular in summer for its beautiful beaches, if you are more of a cultural traveler and not much of a beach-goer, April is the perfect time to visit Sicily.
Wonderful cities like Palermo, Catania, Taormina, Syracuse, and Ragusa are great to walk around with the typical breeze of spring. Also, important sites like Agrigento’s Valle dei Templi and Mount Etna, or activities such as boat tours are perfect this time of the year.
Book your Mount Etna day trip with food tasting!
The Italian Riviera
Pretty biting in winter, the Italian Riviera is a fantastic destination in spring and summer. You can book your hotel in one of the famous five towns known as Cinque Terre or in beautiful nearby places like Portovenere, Levanto, or La Spezia, and take the local train to reach them in the morning.
April is a lovely time to hike the Cinque Terre following the famous hiking paths that connect one another. You can spend one or more days enjoying a different view from every corner of the coastline and stop for lunch wherever you are.
Umbria
In winter, Umbrian cities like Perugia and Assisi are freezing cold, but in summer, they can become unbearably hot. Apart from the big cities, in Umbria, you can enjoy the beautiful countryside with wonders like the colorful blossoming of Castelluccio da Norcia, Cascata delle Marmore waterfalls, and Lago Trasimeno lake.
Umbria is famous for its scenic towns, so if you are in Italy in April and are a fan of offbeat traveling, I suggest you rent a car and drive your way through this beautiful region to discover places like Orvieto, Gubbio, Spoleto, as well as the famous Assisi and Perugia.
What to eat in Italy in April
- Easter pastries. Even though Easter is in March, it’s at the very end of the month and Easter Monday is already April, so you can still find the most famous Easter cakes in Italy such as the dove-shaped colomba and the Easter eggs (uova di Pasqua) with surprise. If you are in Sardinia, you don’t want to miss the pardulas, while in Civitavecchia (Lazio) you can find the chocolate and cinnamon-flavored pizza di Pasqua (Easter pizza), in Naples their most famous pastiera, and in Sicily the cuddura with an egg whole.
- Artichokes. This is the season of artichokes and in Italy, we love them. A fantastic addition to seafood or any pasta sauce, or used as a side dish, if you find a recipe with carciofi, give it a try. In Rome, they are very popular as side dishes and you will find carciofi alla romana or the Kosher-style carciofi alla giudìa all over the place.
- Asparagus. Same for the asparagus, better if the wild ones. If you find them as ingredients in pasta or as side dishes, give them a try.
- Green peas. April is when you will start seeing fresh green peas in food stores and restaurants will start serving dishes that contain them.
- Fava beans. Spring is also the season for fresh fava beans, so you are going to find them in shops and restaurants. They are very popular in Rome, Sardinia, Sicily, and Puglia.
- Agretti. I love agretti. Called also “barba di frate”, monk’s beard, in Rome you are going to find them as a side dish seasoned with oil and lemon. If you are renting an apartment and feel like giving your cooking skills a try, you can make this fresh and easy spaghetti pasta with agretti and cherry tomatoes.
What to pack for Italy in April
- Travel documents. Your national ID paper is necessary for EU nationals while a passport and a visa are needed if you come from outside the EU.
- Backpack/crossbody bag. This is essential to carry your valuables around. A crossbody bag is a better option if you are visiting landmarks like the Colosseum where backpacks are not allowed. But if you are planning on spending your Italy April holiday in nature, a backpack is probably a wiser choice.
- Umbrella. Less rainy than the previous months, but April in Italy still gives us some showers so a handy foldable umbrella is necessary to avoid getting suddenly soaked.
- Reusable water bottle. This is very handy to carry in your backpack both if you are sightseeing in a city or taking a hiking trip. You can refill your bottle pretty much everywhere with tap water in Italy.
- Camera. Italy in April is very photogenic, so don’t forget your camera!
- Medicines. Italian pharmacies sell everything but if you know you need a specific one, it’s easier to carry it with you from home.
- Creams and skincare products. April can still be windy and chilly at times so always a good idea to keep your skin moisturized.
What to wear in April in Italy
- Underwear tops. Great for layering, still needed in April in Italy.
- Sweaters/jumpers. April in Italy still requires wearing sweaters and jumpers, especially in the evening or on chilly days.
- Long-sleeve tops. Whether it’s for underneath your jumper or under your jacket, tops are very versatile and easy to wear in spring in Italy.
- Jacket. Even though slightly warmer than in March, in April in Italy I still wear a jacket when I go out. Probably not a winter one, but a spring jacket I think it’s needed. In the evening, you can wear it with a jumper if colder.
- Walking shoes. A must wherever and whenever in Italy.
- Socks/tights. Still not the time for barefoot sandals, so socks are necessary with walking shoes, or tights if you are wearing a skirt.
- Comfortable trousers. In April in Italy, you won’t be needing very warm trousers, so jeans or cotton trousers are enough.
- Scarf or shawl. While I don’t wear a hat in April in Italy anymore, I still wear a scarf. In the evening, especially if a little chilly, I’m not ashamed to say that I still wear a winter scarf, but during the day, I opt for a lighter spring shawl.
- Sunglasses. These are necessary for Italy, for fashion and for the bright spring light.
