The world of set-jetting, also known as cineturismo, stands as one of the strongest travel trends of recent years. After thrilling audiences with phenomena like The White Lotus, Emily in Paris, and Bridgerton, an increasing number of travelers now choose their next destination by drawing inspiration from places captured on big and small screens. Yet this is not merely about visiting a location; it’s about experiencing firsthand the atmosphere of a film or TV series that captivated us, strolling through the same picturesque towns and admiring those breathtaking landscapes that have sparked our imagination.
Italy, within this trend, is one of the reigning favorites: from the Dolomites to Tuscany, through Lake Garda and sun-kissed elegant cities, to small lakeside villages off the beaten path, there are countless settings that will dominate the jet-set crowd this year thanks to new film productions set in the Bel Paese, which we discussed in our coverage.
The Dolomites in “Una Nuova Vita” and in “Rosso Volante”
Among the destinations vying to become the stars of mountain set-jetting in 2026 are the Dolomites featured in Una Nuova Vita, the drama starring Anna Valle and Daniele Pecci. Filmed between Primiero San Martino di Castrozza and Predazzo, the series showcases some of the most spectacular landscapes of Trentino, turning them into an invitation to embark on a journey.
The undeniable focal point is San Martino di Castrozza, perched at the foot of the Pale di San Martino, a UNESCO World Heritage site, a year-round destination cherished for summer hikes, ski runs, and awe-inspiring panoramas.
On screen, viewers also encounter the evocative Laghetto Welsperg, set in the Val Canali, and Fiera di Primiero, a Alpine-charmed village with elegant historic buildings.
Rounding out this evocative route are Tonadico and Sagron Mis, two diminutive villages immersed in nature that, thanks to the series, could become the new must-visit stops on travelers’ lists.
The Dolomites reign as the queens of Italy’s cineturismo, a prominence reinforced by the shadow of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. In addition to the Anna Valle series, they also provided the backdrop for Rosso Volante, the film with Giorgio Pasotti about the legendary bobsledder Eugenio Monti, shot in some of the most iconic settings of the Dolomiti Bellunesi.
The heart of the production work centered in Cortina d’Ampezzo, with its UNESCO-listed peaks and emblematic spots like the historic Hotel de la Poste, which in the film evokes the atmospheric charm of the Sixties. Alongside the “Queen of the Dolomites,” San Vito di Cadore also appears, nestled in a green basin at the feet of the Belluno peaks.
The Bracciano Lake from “A Head Held High – The Courage of a Woman”
Among locations that have already won over readers and travelers as key stars of Italy’s set-jetting is Bracciano Lake, the principal setting of A Head Held High – The Courage of a Woman, the Rai TV series featuring Sabrina Ferilli.
Filming took place particularly in Anguillara Sabazia, one of the Lazio’s most charming villages perched along the lake’s edge. Narrow medieval alleys, panoramic squares, and a picturesque lakeside promenade provide the backdrop to a destination that blends tranquility, history, and romantic scenery, ideal for a short weekend escape.
Bari in “Warriors – The Rule of Balance”
Among the destinations that could benefit from the set-jetting effect in 2026 is Bari, the star of Warriors – The Rule of Balance, the TV series with Alessandro Gassmann inspired by Gianrico Carofiglio’s novels.
The fiction paints an elegant, authentic city, weaving through the historic center, the seafront, and its emblematic spots, evolving into a genuine itinerary to follow: filming winds through the Bari Court, Palazzo Ietri, the Murat district, Bari Vecchia with the famed Via delle Orecchiette, and the seafront, revealing a city rich in charm.
The series also expands beyond the urban core, drawing attention to several of the region’s prettiest towns, such as Giovinazzo, Trani, and Monopoli, as well as inland centers like Modugno and Grumo Appula.
The Lazio Countryside of “Welcome to the Countryside”
Among the locales likely to fuel a desire for a slow escape in 2026 is the Lazio countryside depicted in Welcome to the Countryside, a comedy starring Maurizio Lastrico. The shoot took place among ancient farmhouses, lakes, and villages just a few kilometers from Rome, turning the countryside into a true protagonist of the story.
The heart of the filming centers on , surrounded by woods and trails and overlooking the picturesque Lake Martignano, one of Lazio’s most tranquil nature oases. Nearby is the , with its waterfalls, streams, and the remains of the ancient Etruscan city, an ideal destination for those seeking nature and relaxation.
The journey continues to , a village crossed by the and completing a perfect route for those who dream of slowing down and discovering the most authentic face of the Roman countryside.
The Romantic Tuscany of “Not a Country for Singles”
Tuscany remains one of cinema’s favorite playgrounds for jet-setters, and 2026 is no exception. A multitude of productions have used the region’s most beautiful locales as backdrops, and one of the latest to showcase its most romantic side is Not a Country for Singles, adapted from Felicia Kingsley’s bestseller. It elevates the hills of Siena province and turns medieval villages and vineyards into a postcard inviting you to join the journey.
Filming concentrated between Montalcino and its hamlet Sant’Angelo in Colle, which on screen becomes the imagined “Belvedere in Chianti.” Stone lanes, squares, views of the Val d’Orcia, and landscapes dotted with vineyards frame a poignant love story.
Lake Garda, an Open-Air Set That Never Goes Out of Style
There are places that keep inspiring filmmakers and travelers year after year, and Lake Garda is precisely one of them. With lakeside towns, cliffside scenic routes, and medieval castles, the largest lake in Italy remains a symbolic destination for cineturismo and set-jetting in Italy: from Tremosine on Garda, with the spectacular Forra Road made famous by 007 – Quantum of Solace, to Sirmione, featured in romantic films like Letters to Juliet and Love in the Villa, through Gardone Riviera with the Vittoriale degli Italiani, Riva del Garda, and Malcesine, every corner serves as an open-air cinematic stage.
