Postcard-perfect scenery, gorgeous beaches and cities stacked with big-name sights – long-legged Italy manages to pack a lot into its borders. And no matter which part of the boot you plump for, you’ll find fantastic food, fine wines and a healthy dose of la dolce vita.

In the north, romantic Venice reigns supreme, while nearby Lido di Jesolo supplies the sands. A bit further south lies Campania, home to the dramatic Amalfi Coast and cliff-hugging towns like Sorrento, Ravello and Positano.

Holidays to Italy aren’t just confined to the mainland, though. At the toe of Italy’s boot is Sicily, which ticks off gorgeous beaches, ancient ruins and friendly resorts. And then there’s Sardinia, with its craggy coastline and sun-bleached beaches.

Summer temperatures in Italy give you reason to smile. On the islands – Sardinia and Sicily – the mercury hovers around the 30 degrees mark in July and August, while mainland temperatures range from around 27 degrees on the Venetian Riviera to 30 degrees plus down in Campania. If you prefer things a little milder, spring and autumn are great times to visit – temperatures in the low to mid-20s are the norm.