Events to help plan your Italian Adventure in 2024
Italy is the perfect recipe of art, history, and food that calls to travellers with its charm. From the ancient ruins of Rome to the romantic canals of Venice, every corner resonates with cultural richness. Indulge in the vibrant street life, where every espresso sip feels like a celebration.
Italy's diverse regions offer an array of experiences, from the sun-soaked Amalfi Coast to the artistic wonders of Florence. Culinary adventures await in local trattorias, tantalising taste buds with pasta, pizza, and gelato. With festivals, events, and a lively atmosphere, Italy is not just a destination; it's passion and life.
But when’s the best time of year to go? Let this wealth of incredible events happening across the country help you plan your trip.
Art Events and Exhibitions
El Greco Exhibition in Milan’s Palazzo Reale: 11th October 2023 - 11th February 2023
Witness the brilliance of El Greco's artwork in Milan at Palazzo Reale. Dive into the unique style and emotional depth of this influential painter.
Goya Exhibition in Milan’s Palazzo Reale: 31st October 2023 - 3rd March 2024
Continuing the artistic journey, explore the Goya exhibition at Palazzo Reale in Milan. Delve into the captivating works of Francisco Goya, a master of the Romantic era.
Re-opening of Cinema Modernissimo in Bologna
Film enthusiasts rejoice! The iconic Cinema Modernissimo in Bologna has reopened its doors, inviting you to experience the magic of cinematography in a beautifully restored early twentieth-century setting.
Milano Design Week: 16th - 21st April 2024
Once again, in April, Milano the Capital of Design steps under the spotlights of the world of creativity and design with Milano Design Week and the Salone del Mobile: presented from 16th to 21st April at Rho Fiera and throughout the liveliest city districts.
Fidia Exhibition at Musei Capitolini: 24th November 2023 - 5th May 2024
Explore the works of Fidia, the renowned Greek sculptor, at Musei Capitolini in Rome. Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty and classical mastery of his sculptures.
Leonardo from Design to Machines – Corigliano Calabro, Calabria until 30th of June
Embark on a journey through Leonardo da Vinci's ingenious designs and machines in Corigliano Calabro, Calabria. Discover the genius of one of history's greatest minds.
Classical Music Events
Festival Di Sanremo: 6th - 10th February 2024
The 74th Italian Song Festival, also known as the Sanremo Festival takes place in the Liguria Region. The event is broadcast live and in Eurovision by Raiuno, RaiPlay and Radio2.
Carnivals
Carnival of Venice: 27th January - 13th February 2024
The vibrant and colourful Venice Carnival is back for a fortnight of costumes, masks and celebrations. During the Carnival celebrations, Venice turns into an even more magical place. Every corner of this fabled city on the water flourishes with shows, music and parades. As in the past, private parties and masquerade balls still happen inside the Serenissima's grand noble palaces. However, the most spectacular moments of the Venetian carnival - such as the “Flight of the Angel” and the “Festa delle Marie” – will take place at the St Mark's Square, which becomes the centre of an amazing, open-air party.
Carnival of Farno: 28th Jan, 4th and 11th February
The Carnival of Fano is one of the oldest Carnival in Italy and the biggest in the Marche Region, featuring floats, masks, music, masquerades, shows and fireworks. However, what really makes this Carnival special is the launch of tons of sweets from the floats to the crowds of spectators.
Carnival of Viareggio: 3rd, 8th, 11th, 13th, 18th and 24th February
Among Italy's most flamboyant events in Italy, particular mention goes to the Carnival of Viareggio. The floats made of papier-mâché are the stars of this carnival; huge, majestic, and thought-provoking, they are inspired by Italian and international politics and other current events, often represented in satire form, most times with a lot of irreverence. These parades draw thousands of visitors of all ages, who come to participate in the festive air that can be breathed in the town on the days of the masquerade processions. Events include big parties, sports events, slang theatre show and food stalls.
Fashion Weeks
Milano Fashion Week: 20th - 26th of February
Milano Fashion Week Moda Donna, the key event on the Milano fashion calendar, makes its return to create dreams and aspirations. The biggest names in Fashion Week will enchant a global audience with their Autumn-Winter 2024/2025 collections.
Culinary Delights and Gastronomic Festivals
World Championship of Genose Pesto in Doge’s Palace, Genoa: 23rd March 2024
The World Championship of Genoese Pesto with Mortar is set to make a triumphant return to Genoa after a four-year hiatus imposed by the pandemic. Witness the culinary prowess of 100 competitors from around the globe as they go head-to-head, using pestles and mortars to create Genoese pesto according to traditional methods and with authentic ingredients. A panel of gastronomes and expert tasters will identify the top 10 finalists, who will compete in the final round in the afternoon. The World Champion of Genoese Pesto with Mortar will be awarded the prestigious "Pestello d'Oro," an olive wood pestle with a handle wrapped in gold.
Focaccia Festival of Recco in Recco, Genoa: 26th May 2024
Join the celebration of the iconic gastronomic symbol of Recco at the Focaccia Festival. Established in 1955 and organized by the Consorzio della Focaccia di Recco col formaggio and the Municipality of Recco since 2006, this event pays homage to the beloved focaccia. Experience the culinary tradition with the free distribution of both classic and onion-flavoured focaccia in the morning, followed by the afternoon delight of Focaccia di Recco with IGP cheese. Immerse yourself in the flavours of this cherished gastronomic heritage.
Eurochocolate in Perugia 18 – 27th October 2024
Indulge your sweet tooth at Eurochocolate in Perugia, where chocolate lovers converge to experience a delightful celebration of all thing's cocoa. In its 30th year, the event promises captivating cooking demonstrations, intricate chocolate sculptures and the opportunity to savour and purchase a variety of chocolate specialties at the chocolate market and expo. Immerse yourself in the world of chocolate artistry and craftsmanship.
Terra Madre Salone Del Gusto in Turin: 26 – 30th September 2024
Terra Madre Salone del Gusto is Slow Food's flagship international festival. Hosted every other year in Turin, Italy, this event is the best food conference you've ever been to, combined with a huge food marketplace, workshops, networking, music and the flavours of the world.
Sports Events
Tour De France Grande Depart in Florence - 29th June 2024
In 2024, the iconic Tour de France Grand Départ will pass through Emilia Romagna, offering cyclists breath-taking routes through Bologna, Rimini, Cesenatico and Piacenza. For the 111th edition of the iconic Tour de France, the race will depart from Florence.
Hike of Cycle the ‘Duchies Trail’ fromEmilia Romagna to Tuscany
Discover the Sentiero dei Ducati, an ancient pilgrimage route from Emilia Romagna to Tuscany. Hikers and mountain bikers will traverse picturesque landscapes, including vineyards, castles, and ancient churches.
Motoring and Boating Experiences
Test Drive at Imola Racetrack like Enzo Ferrari: All year round
To celebrate the film release of the Ferrari, the biopic of Enzo Ferrari's. Visitors to Emilia Romagna can follow in Enzo's footsteps and enjoy a test drive at Imola racetrack.
Genoa Boat Show in the Liguria Region: 19th - 24th September
Experience the pinnacle of Italian refinement at the 67th edition of the Genoa Boat Show, an event that showcases the best of Made in Italy brands. Located at the stunning Waterfront Marina in Genoa, the show offers a remarkable opportunity for both industry experts and enthusiasts to indulge in over 200,000 square metres of display space on land and water.
New Flights from the UK to Italy
ITA Airways is launching a new nonstop flight between Rome Fiumicino (FCO) and London City Airport (LCY) starting 1st April 2024. Operated with the new Airbus A220-100, this route will feature 12 weekly flights, catering to the significant demand from leisure and business travellers. Additionally, ITA Airways is introducing a fifth roundtrip flight from Milan Linate to London City, with service beginning on 10th April 2024 and increasing the weekly frequencies between Milan and London City to 31 flights.
Jet2.com is set to expand its offerings for summer 2024 with exciting new routes:
Edinburgh - Rome: Twice weekly flights from 8th March 2024, as part of Jet2's major expansion at Edinburgh Airport.
East Midlands - Naples: Weekly flights starting from 24th May 2024.
Glasgow - Verona: Weekly flights starting from 8th May 2024.
For summer 2025, Jet2.com introduces:
Edinburgh - Catania: Twice weekly flights from 7th May to 22nd October 2025.
In addition, Jet2.com will provide additional frequencies for the 2024 Six Nations Rugby Tournament, with extra flights to Rome during February and March 2024. Route increases for summer 2024 include expanded services from Edinburgh to Naples, Edinburgh to Verona, Birmingham to Catania, and Manchester to Olbia.
Ryanair introduces two new flights:
Luton to Treviso: Twice a week, starting from October 2023.
London Stansted to Genoa: Winter 2023-2024 season.
Are you planning an Italian Adventure this year? What else would you like to know?