Beyond Rome and Milan: The Top Italian Destinations for Israeli Travelers
Italy ranks as a top summer destination for Israeli travelers, offering direct flights to 11 diverse locations beyond Rome and Milan, from culinary hotspots in Bologna to scenic coastal getaways in Bari, Sardinia, and Sicily.
While Greece dominated the summer travel season for Israeli tourists with direct flights to 15 different destinations, Italy firmly secured its place as the second most popular choice, offering a wide array of cultural, culinary, and scenic getaways.
In July alone, Italy welcomed 180,000 Israeli travelers, ranking third behind Greece and Cyprus, and well ahead of the UAE, the US, Georgia, France, and Germany. Tamar Gerzon, CEO of Gulliver, noted that Italy remains a perennial favorite for Israelis, who return time and again to explore its diverse regions.
Direct flights currently connect Tel Aviv to roughly 11 Italian destinations, including Rome, Milan, Bologna, Verona, Venice, Bergamo, Naples, Bari, Catania, Palermo, and Cagliari in Sardinia. While some routes, particularly to Verona, Bari, Sicily, and Sardinia, are seasonal or operated on specific days, the variety of destinations allows travelers to tailor their vacations to everything from beaches and culinary tours to nature and lesser-known urban centers.
Bari: The Gateway to Apulia
At the heart of Bari's old city lies a labyrinth of stone alleys, churches, and small squares. The Basilica of San Nicola preserves the relics of the saint who inspired the figure of Santa Claus. The city also serves as a convenient gateway to the Apulia region and towns such as Alberobello and Polignano a Mare.
Flights: Israir.
Bologna: A Haven for Food Lovers
Bologna is much more than the culinary capital of Italy. It is home to the oldest university in the Western world and a network of over 60 kilometers of porticoes that have become a symbol of the city. Visitors can enjoy tortellini, mortadella, and tagliatelle al ragù—some of the most iconic dishes of local cuisine.
Flights: TUS Airways.
Cagliari: A Different Side of Sardinia
The capital of Sardinia offers an unexpected blend of an ancient city, sea viewpoints, and beaches located just minutes from the city center. It is ideal for those who want to enjoy Sardinia's crystal-clear waters while combining a vacation with restaurants, markets, and an urban atmosphere.
Flights: El Al.
Catania: At the Foot of an Active Volcano
Located at the foot of Mount Etna, Europe's highest active volcano, this Sicilian city combines Baroque architecture with Sicilian street food and vibrant street life. It also serves as a convenient base for trips to Etna, Taormina, and the beaches of eastern Sicily.
Flights: El Al, Israir, Wizz Air, ITA Airways.
Naples: Much More Than Pizza
Naples is one of the most colorful and lively cities in Italy, featuring dense alleys, markets, pizzerias, and a bustling historic center. Beyond the pizza born within its walls, it is an excellent base for excursions to Pompeii, Capri, Sorrento, and the Amalfi Coast.
Flights: El Al, Israir, TUS Airways, Wizz Air.
Venice: Beyond the Romantic Weekend
While Venice is famous for its canals, gondolas, and St. Mark's Square, travelers are encouraged to venture off the classic path to discover quiet neighborhoods and surrounding islands. Murano is renowned for its glass-making tradition, and Burano features brightly colored houses, with easy access to northeastern Italy.
Flights: El Al, Wizz Air.
Turin and Genoa: Culture and the Riviera
As Italy's first capital, Turin offers magnificent palaces, historic cafes, a rich tradition of chocolate and aperitifs, and one of the world's most important Egyptian museums against the backdrop of the Alps. Meanwhile, Genoa, one of Europe's most historic port cities, hides magnificent palaces behind its narrow alleys and serves as the birthplace of pesto and a gateway to the Italian Riviera and Cinque Terre.
