The Italian National Tourist Board – or ENIT (Ente Nazionale Italiano per il Turismo) – has announced a raft of new reasons to visit the country during 2025 – from cultural, gastronomical and sporting attractions to new hotel openings.
Italy is set to captivate the international travel market in 2025 with an exciting array of new openings, cultural events and initiatives that celebrate the country’s rich heritage and vibrant future.
The New Year will see Italian regions take centre stage with Sicily taking the crown as European Region of Gastronomy for 2025 in addition to Agrigento being named Italian Capital of Culture. A flurry of exciting new hotel openings paired with new flight routes from major providers including British Airways and easyJet, mean that the year ahead looks to be promising for tourism in the world’s cultural capital.
NEWS FROM THE REGIONS
Sicily named European Region of Gastronomy 2025
Sicily stands out as a culinary paradise, offering as many reasons to celebrate its gastronomy as there are iconic products from its rich land and sea. A delightful and evolving, fusion of Mediterranean influences, Sicily is renowned for its fresh seafood dishes, hearty pastas, delectable sweets and citrus-infused delicacies. It is no surprise that the region has been named the European Region of Gastronomy for 2025. Sicilian cuisine is an irresistible tapestry of flavours, aromas, colours and traditions that embody the island’s vibrant identity. As the birthplace of the Mediterranean Diet, Sicily has long championed a healthy and diverse approach to food, spotlighting fresh fish, vegetables and local specialties.
Agrigento named Italian Capital of Culture 2025
Agrigento has been named Italy’s Capital of Culture for 2025, a recognition that highlights its stunning blend of ancient, medieval, Baroque and modern architecture, as well as its renowned archaeological museum. Local authorities are dedicated to showcasing the city’s most inspiring aspects through a cultural program of 44 new projects exploring the relationship between nature and humanity. One standout event will be a live performance by the celebrated Italian operatic pop trio Il Volo at the iconic Valley of the Temples, evoking the grandeur and beauty of Agrigento’s illustrious past.
Florence celebrates 550-year anniversary of Michelangelo’s Birth
The renowned Casa Buonarroti Museum will commemorate the 550th anniversary of Michelangelo’s birth with a special guided tour on Wednesday 6th March at 3pm. Led by the museum director and esteemed art historians, this unique event will delve into the extraordinary life of Michelangelo and the achievements of his illustrious descendants, who upheld the Buonarroti family legacy over the centuries. The tour will be conducted in Italian, is free of charge and requires advance reservations. Please note that participants are responsible for paying the museum’s standard entrance fee.
NAPLES CELEBRATES ITS 2,500 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
With abundant cultural activities to experience, archaeological wonders to uncover and delectable foods to savour, there really is no better time to visit Naples as it readies to celebrate it’s 2,500th birthday in December 2025. Known as the city of the sun, Naples boasts on average 264 days of sunshine per year and acts as the gateway to the south, with over 70 flights per week from the UK to Naples International Airport. A short journey into the metropolis itself with visitors being treated to a melting pot of history and heritage, as well as a passion for local culture and an excitement for progression.
FESTIVALS AND CULTURAL EVENTS
LETS TRIESTE – The New Literature Museum in Trieste
The LETS-Literature Trieste Museum, which opened its doors to the public on 13th September 2024, celebrates the rich literary heritage of Trieste. It serves as a hub for honouring renowned writers and poets who found inspiration in the city, including Italo Svevo, James Joyce and Umberto Saba. It is expected to be a major attraction for tourists into 2025.
Palazzo Reale, Milan, until 2nd Feb 2025
Until 2nd February 2025, the Palazzo Reale in Milan presents Picasso the Foreigner, an exhibition exploring the life and work of one of the greatest artists in history from a fresh perspective. Featuring over 90 pieces, alongside documents, photographs, letters and videos, the exhibit examines Picasso’s art through political and cultural themes that remain strikingly relevant today.
Fabbrica del Vapore, Milan, until 2nd March 2025
Dive into Tim Burton’s surreal world with Labyrinth, a captivating exhibition at Fabbrica del Vapore in Milan, running until 2nd March 2025. This immersive experience takes visitors through the director’s creative universe with rooms filled with original artwork, iconic film sets and cutting-edge technology that showcases his unique storytelling style.
Venice, 14th February – 4th March 2025
The 2025 Venice Carnival will mark the 300th anniversary of the birth of Giacomo Casanova, the legendary Venetian adventurer and writer. Running from 14th February to 4th March across the Venetian metropolitan area, this year’s festivities will pay homage to Casanova’s extraordinary legacy.
Puglia, December 2024 – February 2025
The Putignano Carnival, Italy’s longest-running carnival, returns with spectacular papier-mâché floats, vibrant parades and family-friendly events. Visitors can revel in centuries-old traditions while experiencing one of Puglia’s most colourful celebrations.
27TH DOLOMITI SKI JAZZ FESTIVAL
Trentino, 7th – 16th March 2025
The Dolomiti Ski Jazz Festival returns in 2025, bringing the soulful rhythms of jazz, blues, funk and Latin music to the majestic mountains. Concerts will take place on sunlit terraces in Val di Fiemme and Val di Fassa, as well as in theatres, streets and pubs throughout the picturesque Dolomite valleys.
Puglia, March 22nd – 29th 2025
The Bari International Film Festival (Bif&st) returns in March 2025, hosted at the stunning Teatro Petruzzelli and other venues across the city. This annual celebration of Italian and global cinema offers screenings of new releases, Q&A sessions with filmmakers and an opportunity to immerse in Italy’s vibrant film culture.
EDVARD MUNCH ON DISPLAY IN ROME
Palazzo Bonaparte, Rome, 18th February – 2nd June 2025
The Palazzo Bonaparte in Rome will host Munch: The Inner Scream, an exhibition commemorating the 80th anniversary of Edvard Munch’s death. Featuring approximately 100 works, including paintings, drawings and prints from Oslo’s MUNCH Museum, this showcase provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore the profound vision of one of the 20th century’s most influential artists.
Trentino, Dates TBC
Paradice Music Festival offers a truly unique experience at 2,600 meters on the Presena Glacier; situated on the border between Val di Sole and Valle Camonica, between Trentino and Lombardy, the glacier is part of the Presanella mountain group. Held in an igloo, the festival features an orchestra performing on instruments made entirely of ice. Organised by the Pontedilegno-Tonale Consortium, the Val di Sole Tourist Board and Trentino Marketing, it is a magical blend of nature and music.
SPORT EVENTS
This 180km cycling route was winner of the 2024 Cycling Tourism Oscar, running between the town of Sacile and Gorizia (which will be European Capital of Culture 2025, together with the Slovenian Nova Gorica). The route is a journey through the spectacular Friulian Dolomites – a UNESCO natural heritage site, the Cornino natural reserve, medieval towns, the wine-growing areas of DOC Grave, Colli Orientali del Friuli, Isonzo and Collio, and no less than seven of the region’s 13 Slow Food presidia. With only a few elevation changes and bikers dedicated services along the way, path without difficulty and suitable for everyone.
Emilia Romagna, 22nd – 25th May 2025
Celebrate Emilia Romagna’s legendary automotive legacy at the Motor Valley Fest. This dynamic event highlights iconic brands such as Ferrari, Lamborghini and Ducati through exhibitions, high-performance vehicle displays, and cutting-edge technological showcases.
RED BULL CLIFF DIVING WORLD SERIES
Polignano a Mare, Italy, June 2025
Beautiful beach coves tucked between rugged cliff tops provide the perfect dramatic setting to watch the diving action unfold over the Adriatic Sea. Taking place at the end of June, the Redbull Cliff Diving in Polignano a Mare is the world’s most coveted high cliff diving event.
HOTEL NEWS
HOTEL TIVOLI PALAZZO GADDI in Florence
Opened Summer 2024
Set in a 16th-century palace, Tivoli Palazzo Gaddi provides luxury accommodations in the heart of Florence, just steps from Santa Maria Novella and other historic landmarks.
PALAZZO TALIA, 5* in Rome
Reopened Summer 2024
The luxurious Palazzo Talia has reopened after an extensive three-year restoration. This 17th-century boutique hotel offers 26 rooms blending historical elegance with modern amenities, providing guests with a refined, intimate stay in Rome’s heart.
CASA BRERA 5* in Milan
Opened Autumn 2024
Striking, with its Pietro Lingeri rationalist architecture, Casa Brera acts as a gateway to the rich tapestry of Milanese history, art and culture. Intertwined with the rhythm of the neighbourhood, the hotel is an authentic expression of the intangible Milanese spirit, where lifestyle, design and hospitality fluently intersect.
MANIACE BOUTIQUE HOTEL in Siracusa, Sicily
Opened October 2024
Maniace Boutique Hotel boasts elegant accommodations overlooking the sea and is ideally located in Ortigia, close to Syracuse’s UNESCO-listed landmarks, including Maniace Castle and the Cathedral of Syracuse.
PALAZZO DEI FIORI 4* in Venice
Opened 5th December 2024
Located a short walk from iconic landmarks such as the Rialto Bridge and Piazza San Marco, Palazzo Dei Fiori offers 4-star accommodations with stylish interiors and easy access to Venice’s main attractions.
TERRADAMARI RESORT AND SPA, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, 4* in Modica, Sicily
Opening 14th February 2025
Part of Hilton’s Tapestry Collection, Terradamari Resort offers seaside luxury with modern amenities, including a spa, fitness centre and on-site dining, all within easy reach of Sicily’s cultural gems.
THE HOXTON Boutique Hotel in Florence
Opening March 2025
Opening Spring 2025 near Piazza della Libertà, The Hoxton in Florence offers 161 rooms, a Riviera-inspired restaurant, a vibrant wine bar and an expansive garden terrace, perfect for enjoying Tuscany’s charm.
HILTON TURIN CITY CENTRE in Turin
Opening May 2025
Opening May 2025, Hilton Turin City Centre will offer central accommodations within walking distance of the Egyptian Museum, Porta Nuova Station, and other top attractions, along with Italian dining, event spaces, and a pool.
