Why visit Italy in spring?

Nov 7, 2026 | Blog, Top Tips

The Temperatures

Our walking holidays in April and May in central Italy are timed to coincide with mild daytime temperatures and cool evenings. The summer sunshine does not yet have its full intensity which makes spring ideal for exploring on foot. We may encounter spring showers along the way but with the right kit these rarely distract from our enjoyment of the hikes.

Enjoying the wild flower meadows in Umbria in spring

The Colours

Italy’s palette bursts into vibrant life in spring. The lush countryside is converted into a patchwork of fresh green hills, waving wheat-fields, colourful wildflowers and blossoming trees and vineyards. Almost every step we take is like walking through a picture postcard, and the landscape feeds the soul.

Fields of wild poppies in Tuscany in May

The Peace

If you travel to Italy early in the season, spring offers the chance to discover the country at a gentler pace. There are fewer visitors than at peak season. Our routes are far from the beaten track but, if you extend your walking holiday to visit any of Italy’s world-class artistic or heritage sites, you can dodge the busy crowds at this time of year.

Hiking in Abruzzo in the beautiful month of May

The Light

Our tours which run in April and May benefit from extended hours of sunshine and the clarity of spring light. Longer evenings mean that wandering through the charming villages where we stay at the end of the day, or enjoying an aperitif before dinner with a fabulous view, can be enjoyed in the balmy glow of the setting sun.

Hiking through the wild flowers on the island of Elba

The Cuisine

Spring brings delicious seasonal produce to our picnic tables and our dinner menus. Fresh asparagus, artichokes, fava beans, strawberries, cherries and apricots all appear at the local markets and we enjoy them at every meal. The vibrant spring fruits and vegetables instil a sense of new beginnings, and walking at this time of year fills us with excitement and optimism for the season ahead.

Fabulous fresh fruits and vegetable appear in springtime

To find out more about our spring tours in 2027 take a look at the itineraries:

Etruscan Trails in Central Italy22 – 30 April 2027
Lucca, Volterra and the Island of Elba4 – 12 May 2027
The Wilds of Abruzzo14 – 22 May 2027
Medieval Umbria24 – 31 May 2027
Visiting the stunning gardens of La Foce in Tuscany in April