Camogli
Villa Rosmarino's motto is 'you don't stay, you live' and it's apt. Simply taking in the views here is life affirming. This elegant pink 1907 villa is a…
Must-see hotels in Italy
Trieste
Yes, there are seven suites and they are, indeed, historical, nestled on the beamed attic floor of a grand 1884 commercial building. Still, their lavish…
Positano
For such a talked-about hotel, the San Pietro is remarkably discreet. Built into a rocky headland 2km east of Positano, it’s almost entirely below road…
Ascoli Piceno
On its hilltop perch above Ascoli's historic centre, and reached by a seemingly never-ending flight of steps, this villa is a delight. Salvatore, your…
Umbria
Live like the local nobility at this refined family-run hotel, one of the few still operating in Norcia's historic centre. Its spacious rooms are a…
Ravello
One of three luxury piles on Ravello’s 'millionaires' row', the erstwhile Palazzo Sasso has been a hotel on and off since 1880, sheltering many 20th…
Turin
A business-friendly location doesn't mean this isn't a great choice for all travellers. Staff are young, clued-up and friendly, and the building's iconic…
Pisa
For peace, tranquillity and sundown drinks in a romantic walled garden after a busy day navigating the Pisa crowds, this outstanding three-star hotel hits…
Pistoia
This boutique guesthouse is everything one would expect of an address in the family palazzo where wealthy Pistoian philanthropist and merchant Niccolò…
Milan
One of the best addresses in Milan, the Four Seasons sits within a 15th-century convent wrapped around a delightful colonnaded garden. Original frescoes,…
Valle d'Aosta
Overlooking meadows, this green-shuttered mountain hideaway evokes its 1920s origins with romantic canopied timber 'cabin beds', weighty cowbells strung…
Naples
Contemporary artworks, cultural soirées and impeccable hospitality plug you straight into Naples' cultural scene at Magma. Its eight rooms – each designed…
Umbria
Everything else seems a world away as you settle into this charming farm stay, high in the hills between Gubbio and Perugia. Surrounded by wooded slopes…
Oltrarno
This romantic midrange hotel overlooking Florence's liveliest summertime square is legendary – Zeffirelli shot scenes from Tea with Mussolini here. Housed…
Marsala
Wake up to an invigorating view of colourful kites dancing above the pretty waters of Lo Stagnone lagoon at this bright and modern three-star hotel run by…
Umbria
Some 3km from Spello, this medieval farmstead is a delight. Surrounded by silent olive groves on the slopes of Monte Subasio, it commands stirring views…
Milan
With balconies overhanging the Naviglio Grande and striking vintage furniture selected by collector Raimondo Garau, this canalside hotel offers a touch of…
Bologna
One of Bologna's few design hotels, the 45-room Met mixes functionality with handsome modern furnishings. It injects peace and tranquillity into its…
Amalfi
Worth perusing even if you're not staying here, if only to engage in a little Ferrari-spotting in the car park, the Santa Caterina is an Amalfi landmark…
Tenuta Santi Giacomo e Filippo
Urbino
You can't help but unwind the minute you check into this gorgeous country retreat. Surrounded by vineyards, aromatic gardens and verdant hills, it sits in…
Salerno & the Cilento
For tranquillity and fabulous food, head to this family-run agriturismo 1.5km west of Casal Velino. The setting is bucolic: rolling hills interspersed…
Genoa
In a once derelict palazzo, Genovese locals Matteo and Laura have created the extraordinary place to stay that Genoa has been crying out for. Stunning…
Tyrrhenian Coast
Built around a 17th-century olive-oil mill and surrounded by organic olive and citrus groves, this serene hillside agriturismo 9km south of Castel di Tusa…
Salina
Star attractions at this peach of a family-run hotel beside Malfa's town square include the delightful grassy lounge and bar area and the outdoor deck…
Southern Tuscany
If only all accommodation could be as sustainable and comfortable as this. Set on an organic multicrop farm, it offers individually designed bedrooms in a…
Le Marche
Quite the rural idyll, this 17th-century farmhouse resides in 10 hectares of orchards, vines and woodlands just outside Sarnano. Besides its spotless…
Tyrrhenian Coast
At the foot of the Madonie, only 7km from the A19, owners Fabiola and Giancorrado have converted this 300-hectare fattoria (fortified country estate) into…
Western Sicily
Lovingly landscaped with bougainvillea, palms and herbs, this hillside complex south of the port is ideal for families or anyone wishing to linger a while…
Le Marche
Set back from Sirolo's beaches and surrounded by cornfields, meadows and olive groves, this converted farmhouse is a gorgeous country hideaway. Named…
Val d'Orcia
Sophisticated urban style melds with stupendous scenery at this rural retreat in one of the most stunning sections of the Val d'Orcia. Owned and operated…
Mount Etna
This is one of Sicily's top boutique hotels, set in a winery on Mt Etna's eastern flank, halfway between Catania and Taormina. The 27 rooms and suites –…
Urbino
What a delight this organic farm is, with bright, immaculate rooms and lovely, soothing views across wooded hills to the mountains beyond. Whether you…
Orta San Giulio
Bagging the prize for the Italian Lakes' most extravagantly ostentatious villa (no mean feat) is this over-the-top Moorish creation in Orta topped with an…
Lake Maggiore West Bank
If you want to join a guestbook that includes Hemingway, GB Shaw, D'Annunzio and British royalty, head for this rust-red hotel set at the southern tip of…
Catania
Not many B&Bs welcome you with a 3m-high pink flamingo at reception, but then this is no ordinary slumber pad. Its six 'Art Rooms' are designed by…
Western Sicily
An enchanting sunken garden full of centurion lemon trees frames this cosy whitewashed guesthouse, home of Gaetana and Giuseppe. Rooms open onto the lemon…
The Dolomites
This modern family-run chalet, launched in the 1970s by award-winning skier Gerard Mussner and now lovingly managed by his two well-travelled daughters,…
Ferrara
Occupying a lovingly remodelled 15th-century home with a spacious, green backyard, this classy six-room B&B seamlessly blends wood-beamed high ceilings…
Ischia
Monastery stays offer some of Italy's best bargains but you know you're onto something really special when the digs are inside Ischia's huge castle. The…
Naples
An easy walk from the hydrofoil terminal, this chic, contemporary slumber spot is a hit with fashion-conscious urbanites. Spacious white rooms are…
