Milan’s magnificent Gothic Duomo tops many visitors’ itineraries, and others travel to see da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” mural, and La Scala, one of the most famous opera houses in the world. The 14th century Castello Sforzesco houses seven museums covering art, musical instruments, archaeology, furniture, and more. Known for fashion and luxury shopping, Milan is home to the elegant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, built in the late 19th century, with designer boutiques and restaurants.
While Rome and Florence are always popular destinations, other regions are steadily gaining in popularity this summer.
The beautiful colorful houses of Procida, one of the Phlegraean Islands off the coast of Naples in the Campania region.
KEY POINT
Italian regions outside of Rome and Florence are growing in popularity among American tourists for summer 2025. Interest in one region in Southern Italy has grown by 210 percent in 2025, according to Expedia search trends.
Italy is a top summer travel destination for Americans; that’s really nothing new. What could be as alluring as the idea of sipping Aperol Spritzes, gorging oneself on pasta, and strolling sun-drenched cobblestone streets? And while major cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice will always be popular for those experiences, other destinations across the southern European country are experiencing a boom in popularity this summer.
According to Expedia’s 2025 Summer Travel Report, people are seeking out more beaches and coastlines and fewer duomos for their Italian summer vacation.
Based on Expedia searches for travel between June 1 and Aug. 31, the Campania region of Italy had the largest spike in interest year over year. Searches for the region increased by 210 percent since 2024. That’s not too surprising, considering Campania’s geographic location.
Located inn Southern Italy, Campania has 311 miles of Tyrrhenian Sea coastline and stunning turquoise waters. Hands down, Campania is home to some of the best beach towns and most iconic sites in Italy. Notable destinations include Salerno, Naples, Positano, Amalfi, Pompeii, and Sorrento.
In addition to more well-known coastal cities, there’s also some lesser-known gems, like the hidden beach behind a fjord in the town of Furore.
Campania isn’t the only Italian destination experiencing a major spike in popularity compared to 2024. Alghero, on the island of Sardinia, saw a 110 percent increase in search interest. The city is one of T+L’s most beautiful places in Italy and offers numerous beaches, grottos, and cliffs to explore.
But beach destinations aren’t the only things Americans are seeking out, as evidenced by the third trending Italian location: Lombardy. Situated in Northern Italy, the region is famous for Lake Como, Milan, lakefront resorts, and charming medieval villages.
So, if you’re planning your own Italian getaway, consider expanding your search to include island beaches, cliffside hotels, and lakefront resorts.
