As 2026 approaches, the Italian travel experts at Citalia have analysed internal booking data to reveal the top emerging Italian destinations for the year ahead. Popular destinations include Sorrento (+78.5% YoY), Cefalù (+58.3% YoY) and Rome (+46.4% YoY). Emerging travel trends include The Grand Tour, Italian Overture and Adult Interrailing. Heather Green, Head of Product, comments on how luxury travel is evolving in 2026 as travellers prioritise meaningful connection over relaxation.
Sorrento (78.5% YoY), Cefalù (+58.3% YOY) and Rome (+46.4% YoY) have been revealed as the Italian destinations having the biggest uplift in interest for 2026 by the travel experts at Citalia. This comes from the team’s latest Luxury Travel Report, which analysed customer booking data to identify key emerging destinations and trends for 2026.
According to the insights gathered, the five destinations that have seen a significant spike in interest include the below.
- Sorrento – Bookings up by 78.5% (YoY)
- Cefalù – Bookings up by 58.3% (YoY)
- Rome – Bookings up by 46.4% (YoY)
- Lake Garda – Bookings up by 42.5% (YoY)
- Taormina – Bookings up by 41.6% (YoY)
Commenting on the findings, Heather Green, Head of Product said “People today are looking for more than just a relaxing holiday. We’re seeing travellers come to us seeking trips that give them the chance to unwind, but also offer culture, history, and adventure in one place. That’s one of the many reasons Sorrento is so popular, you can spend the morning exploring ancient streets, museums and artisanal delights, then kick back by the crystal-clear sea and finish the day with authentic local flavours.
“Rome is another interesting one, especially following the passing of the Pope earlier this year. It shows how travellers are looking for more meaningful experiences, and why religious pilgrimages are becoming increasingly popular in the city.”
Alongside this, the team also analysed booking patterns to pinpoint key trends in luxury travel to keep on the radar for 2026. More than half of travellers (55%) booked upgraded rooms for their getaways in the last year. Meanwhile, up to 10% selected suites or junior suites to make the most of their time away.
Key Luxury Travel Trends for Italy in 2026
- Lakeside Luxe
Bookings to Italy’s iconic lakes are booming — Lake Garda is up by 42.5%, Lake Maggiore by 18.9%, and Lake Como by 17.1% compared to the previous year.
- Amore in Italy
Romantic getaways dominate: 84% of luxury bookings are for couples. On average, high-spend travellers book 26 days earlier and stay more than five nights.
- The Amalfi Effect
Coastal escapes are growing rapidly. Luxury trips to the Amalfi Coast are up 54.8%, Sorrento is +78.5%, Cefalù in Sicily +58.3%, and Taormina +41.6%.
- Italian Overture
Cultural and musical trips are back in vogue. Tours to the Verona Opera Festival and Puccini Opera Festival are among the top-booked, along with small-group cultural tours in Puglia.
- The Grand Tour
Inspired by travel shows such as Race Across The World, multi-destination journeys are surging via rail or coach, multi-centre trips are up 82.7% YoY.
- The Suite Life
Over 55% of travellers are opting to upgrade, and 10% are selecting suites or junior suites. Many are also adding private excursions and personalised experiences.
- Turret Tales:
Unique accommodation is in demand — especially historic buildings, and cave hotels. In Matera, bookings for the Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel and Spa have spiked by 107.2% YoY.
- Adult Interrailing
Rail travel is reclaiming its glamour, with interrailing in Italy up 16% YoY. Luxury train journeys, like the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, are becoming a travel highlight.
- Spiritual Pilgrimage
Visits to Rome and Vatican City are rising — particularly after the death of Pope Francis earlier this year, with Rome interest up 46.3% YoY.
Commenting on the changing face of luxury travel, Heather said, “Looking ahead to 2026, we expect travellers to continue to seek experiences that feel purposeful, connecting with destinations in ways that go beyond a standard holiday. Personalised, authentic travel will guide many decisions, though the comfort and quality associated with luxury accommodation will still remain important. Across Italy, there are so many distinctive places to stay, castles, converted caves, historic properties, that put culture and heritage at the centre, yet still embrace contemporary wellness trends. Travellers increasingly want both character and comfort, as they are looking for experiences they can carry with them in their memories like a postcard.
“At the same time, luxury is no longer defined only by time spent at beautiful coastlines or meals created by top chefs. More travellers are choosing to invest in experiences that help them understand a place more deeply, from locally led tours to stays that reflect the spirit of the region. This shift is driving interest in rail travel and curated cultural trips such as opera tours.
“These evolving trends show how the luxury travel market is changing. Travellers remain willing to pay for quality, but they also want stays that offer a meaningful connection to the local culture, history and community, and they’re on the hunt for destinations that reflect this.”
About Citalia
Citalia has been helping customers discover the very best of Italy for 95 years. It’s experience and expertise, together with attention to detail and personal touch, makes them the leading Italian luxury travel and holiday specialist. For more information please visit https://www.citalia.com/about
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