Our Guide to Visiting Italy in June

Italy is a renowned luxury holiday destination for a plethora of reasons: its picturesque landscape, rich history and cultural heritage, and its delectable cuisine, to name a few. While any time of year is a great time to visit Italy, the spring and summer months offer visitors the opportunity to enjoy all that this beautiful country has to offer without the crowds that descend upon it during peak tourist season.

June is an ideal month for your luxury Italy holiday, as the weather is warm and sunny without being too hot, and the days are long, making it possible to pack a lot of activity into a short amount of time. From exploring the Amalfi Coast to visiting ancient ruins in Pompeii, there is no shortage of things to do in Italy. Of course, no trip would be complete without indulging in some of the country's world-famous food. From delicious pizzas and pastas to fresh seafood, there is something for everyone to enjoy! Italy is a must-see destination for anyone looking to explore all that il Bel Paese has to offer!

Check out our guide to visiting Italy in June:

• Florence
• Tuscany 
• Umbria
• Pisa

Feast in Florence

If you are looking to celebrate, head to Florence! The Festa di San Giovanni, also known as the feast of St. John the Baptist, is celebrated annually in June. The feast is a public holiday in the city and is celebrated with enthusiasm by locals and visitors alike. The Festa di San Giovanni is one of the oldest and most important religious festivals in Florence, and has been celebrated since the medieval era!

The feast commemorates the martyrdom of St. John the Baptist. In Florence, the feast is also seen as a celebration of the city’s patron saint, and is an important part of Florentine culture. The feast day begins with a large procession through the streets of Florence, led by the Archbishop of Florence and other clergy. The procession makes its way to the Duomo, where a mass is held in honour of St. John the Baptist. After the mass, the Archbishop blesses the city from the steps of the Duomo. If you happen to be in Florence in June, this festival would be a great way to experience an important part of Italian culture!

Pick up your lance in tuscany

For history lovers, go to Tuscany to witness a medieval spactacle! Giostra del Saracino is a medieval jousting tournament that takes place in the city of Siena. The tournament is held twice a year, on the first Sunday of June and on the second Sunday of September. It is a popular event that attracts tourists from all over the world, and is a unique sight to see during your holiday. The tournament is held in the Piazza del Campo, which is the main square of Siena. The square is divided into nine sections, and each section is represented by a different contrada, or district of the city. 

The tournament is a remnant of the city's medieval past, and features knights in armour riding on horseback and attempting to score points by jousting with one another. This once-in-a-lifetime event is fun for spectators of all ages! Dress up in medieval garb and enjoy some traditional food and wine as you watch the knights try to win honour for their district.

Celebrate the arts in Umbria

Art lovers will find their paradise in Umbria during the month of June. The Festival dei Due Mondi is an annual international arts festival held in the Umbrian town of Spoleto. The festival was founded in 1958 by composer Gian Carlo Menotti with the aim of bringing together the best of both European and American cultural traditions. 

Over the past six decades, the festival has played host to some of the world’s most celebrated musicians, dancers, actors, and artists. The festival takes place over three weeks in June and July, with a programme that includes opera, ballet, orchestral concerts, theatre, and visual art exhibitions. There is also a lively programme of talks, film screenings, and workshops that you can attend to learn more! The Festival dei Due Mondi is one of Italy’s most important cultural events and is an unmissable experience for anyone interested in the arts.

light up the night in Pisa

For a beautiful nighttime experience, go to Pisa. The Luminaria di San Ranieri is a tradition held to honour the city’s patron saint. The event features over 70,000 candles and lanterns placed along the River Arno, which runs through Pisa, creating a beautiful and unique light display. The Luminaria di San Ranieri has been held annually for over 400 years and is one of the most popular events in Pisa. It is also one of the most photographed events in Italy, so bring a camera! Every year, thousands of people come to Pisa to see these beautiful lights illuminate the river. Light your candle to honour the saint, then enjoy delicious food and celebration as you watch the magnificent fireworks display light up the sky!

Now that you know the best things to see while visiting Italy in June, all you have to do is choose where you'll stay. Make your dream luxury holiday a reality by choosing from our collection of luxury villa rentals in Italy, and contact one of our Tailors to personalise your stay!