Bridges and departures. Italy on the move between April and May

Spring on the road. Stories, curiosities, and itineraries to discover the country during long weekends. It is the ideal time to take a few days of relaxation, taking advantage of the holiday bridges that the season offers. 

Forecasts indicate that millions of Italians will travel between Easter, April 25, and May 1, confirming these periods as some of the most dynamic of the year for internal mobility. At the same time, the accommodation sector continues to show positive signs, with occupancy levels in many destinations exceeding 60%, especially in art cities and the most sought-after locations. Italians confirm a strong preference for short but frequent trips, often organized around the bridges, favoring easily reachable destinations and flexible stays.

In pole position art cities like Florence, Rome, Venice, and Naples, ideal for those who love museums, architecture, and history, followed by picturesque villages like Civita di Bagnoregio, Alberobello, or San Gimignano, capable of offering timeless atmospheres.

Nature lovers are not lacking, attracted by mountain excursions in the Dolomites, walks through the Chianti hills, or paths along the Cinque Terre, as well as foodies, ready to follow food and wine itineraries to taste local products and experience unique culinary experiences. In many Italian cities, spring festivities coincide with fairs, festivals, and cultural events, from Easter markets to tastings of typical specialties, up to outdoor concerts and temporary exhibitions, turning every bridge into an opportunity to combine fun, culture, and relaxation.

Alongside Italian destinations, the desire to venture beyond borders is also growing, taking advantage of the bridges for short trips in Europe. Capitals like Paris, Barcelona, Vienna, or Lisbon become ideal destinations for a long weekend, thanks to increasingly rapid and accessible connections. In just a few days, it is possible to immerse oneself in different atmospheres, among museums, historic neighborhoods, and local traditions, experiencing a complete travel experience without straying too far. The spring bridges thus become an opportunity to discover new cultures and broaden one's horizons, combining the practicality of a short getaway with the charm of being abroad.

Overall, tourist movement during the spring bridges could exceed tens of millions of presences, with a total expenditure of billions of euros, testifying to how these days are among the most awaited and lively of the year. After a consolidating 2025, during which on average at least 6 out of 10 rooms were occupied in Italian accommodations, 2026 promises growth prospects for tourism. Between January and April, the occupancy rate of hotels and non-hotel accommodations has already approached 50%, driven especially by the increased influx of tourists from Germany, France, and Switzerland. This emerges from the latest survey conducted by ISNART for Unioncamere and ENIT as part of the Observatory on the Economy of Tourism of the Chambers of Commerce.

And now, with the spring bridges, expectations are high.

The beautiful, longer, and brighter days become a natural invitation to depart, the desire to organize, pack a suitcase, and take a trip, whether to discover a new destination or simply to carve out a few days of authentic relaxation, grows. It is a way to break away from the routine and recharge energies, leaving behind, even just for a while, the hectic rhythms and daily commitments.

In this sense, the bridges represent a precious opportunity to satisfy the desire for escape. Thanks to these favorable combinations of holidays and weekends, with the addition of a few days of vacation, a short break can become a longer holiday.