TikTok’s New Obsession? Coffee Travel and Italy Has the Top Spots
With travellers already planning their 2026 adventures, Citalia‘s newly released 2026 Luxury Travel Report highlights the five Italian destinations set to define luxury travel next year. One of the most interesting shifts to emerge is the rise of coffee-focused travel, with holidaymakers building entire itineraries around Italy’s rich café culture.
The trend is already gaining momentum online. #coffeetravel has reached 2.1k posts on TikTok, and searches for “speciality coffee roasters” are up 90% in the last three months. It reflects a growing desire for culturally immersive, flavour-led escapes, where local food and drink rituals, especially coffee, are just as important as the scenery.
The 5 Emerging Italian Hotspots Everyone Will Be Visiting in 2026
Citalia’s 2026 Luxury Travel Report reveals that Italy is set to lead the way for high-end travel next year, as those with a taste for the exceptional seek destinations that blend authentic culture, refined design, and effortless sophistication. Internal booking data shows strong growth across every region, from the sun-drenched Amalfi Coast to the calm Italian Lakes, reflecting a wider shift towards experience led, immersive escapes.
Searches for “Amalfi Coast” have surged by over 5000% in the last month, while “luxury city breaks” have also risen by more than 5000%, highlighting a renewed appetite for indulgent travel. Heather Green, Head of Product at Citalia, reveals the five standout destinations shaping Italy’s luxury travel landscape for 2026.
1. The Timeless Beauty of Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast
Citalia’s latest booking trends reveal that Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast are set to be standout luxury travel destinations for 2026, with a rise in interest for Sorrento and an increase in bookings across the wider Amalfi region. Demand for Italy’s most iconic coastline continues to surge, with travellers typically spending around £2,500 per person on stays.
There’s also been an over 5000% increase in searches for ‘Amalfi Coast’ in the last month, and an 82.7% uplift in multi-centre holidays, as travellers look to combine Sorrento, Amalfi, Positano, and Capri for a richer, more immersive escape.
“The best way to experience the Amalfi Coast is by boat, taking in its dramatic scenery without the winding coastal roads,” says Heather Green, Head of Product at Citalia. “Visitors can explore seaside towns like Positano and Amalfi, swim in turquoise waters, and return to Sorrento for a taste of its famous limoncello. A visit to I Giardini di Cataldo, a family run lemon grove, is a highlight, while Bagni di Regina Giovanna and Punta Campanella offer history and breathtaking views of Capri.”
2. Discover Sicily’s Coastal Soul
According to Citalia’s booking insights, Sicily has cemented its place as the brand’s most sought-after beach destination for 2026, with interest continuing to rise across the island. Bookings to Cefalù are up 58.3%, while Taormina has seen a 41.6% increase, as travellers are drawn to Sicily’s irresistible mix of golden beaches and laid-back Mediterranean charm.
“In Cefalù, travellers can stroll through cobbled streets leading to its Norman cathedral, relax on golden beaches, or climb La Rocca for panoramic sea views. Over in Taormina, days are spent wandering the ancient Greek theatre, taking a cable car down to Isola Bella for a swim, or exploring Mount Etna’s volcanic slopes. Combined with Sicilian cuisine, from arancini and granita to local wines, it’s this mix of culture, flavour, and natural beauty that makes the island unparalleled,” Heather adds.
3. Escape to the Northern Italian Lakes
Growing demand suggests Lake Garda and the Italian Lakes are set to be among 2026’s most desirable destinations, according to Citalia. Bookings for Lake Garda have risen by 42.5%, while Lake Maggiore has seen an uplift, with over 10% of guests choosing suites or upgraded rooms for a more luxurious stay. Typically enjoyed over seven nights or more, the region’s tranquil waters, promenades, and sophisticated dining continue to entice those seeking a slower, more scenic side of Italy.
“Couples are increasingly drawn to the Italian Lakes for their balance of tranquillity and indulgence,” says Heather. “There’s something incredibly special about sailing across Lake Garda before stopping in Bardolino for a private wine tasting or spending an afternoon at a spa retreat overlooking the water. In Lake Maggiore, travellers can visit the Borromean Islands, stroll through the gardens of Isola Madre, and end the day dining in Stresa’s Michelin-star restaurants.”
4. Italy’s Stone City of Matera
Matera is emerging as one of Italy’s most desirable destinations for luxury travellers in 2026, driven by growing interest in characterful, design led stays. The Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & Spa has seen an impressive 107.2% increase in interest, making it one of Citalia’s most sought after luxury properties. Travellers are typically staying for five nights or more, drawn by the city’s blend of ancient architecture and cultural authenticity. With Google searches for “Sassi di Matera” up 5000% in the past month, the UNESCO World Heritage city is firmly on the radar of high-end travellers seeking somewhere steeped in history.
“Guests can stay in beautifully restored cave hotels that blend history with contemporary design, explore the winding alleys of the Sassi, or take part in intimate cooking classes that celebrate regional specialities such as orecchiette pasta, pane di Matera bread, and crisp peperoni cruschi. For an elevated dining experience, the city’s cave restaurants offer refined tasting menus, most notably at Vitantonio Lombardo Ristorante, Matera’s Michelin-starred jewel,” Heather recommends. “Often described as one of Italy’s hidden gems, Matera offers a rare blend of history, atmosphere, and understated luxury.”
5. The Renaissance of Rome
Rome is leading the revival of luxury city breaks for 2026, with bookings up 46.3%, Citalia reports. Interest in Italian city breaks overall has risen by 39.5%, with Google searches for ‘luxury city breaks’ up by over 5000% in the past month. The Eternal City remains Citalia’s most popular city destination, drawing discerning travellers eager to immerse themselves in its timeless architecture, fine dining, and world class art.
“Luxury city breaks are back, and Rome is at the heart of their resurgence,” says Heather. “Travellers are looking for short, high quality escapes that feel truly special, from private, after hours tours of the Vatican to front row seats at an opera in Verona. In Rome, guests can spend their mornings exploring ancient ruins, afternoons shopping in designer boutiques, and evenings dining beneath the glow of the Colosseum. Italy’s city landscapes blend timeless heritage with a renewed sense of luxury, redefining what it means to travel well.”