Live La Dolce Vita With These 24 Italian Summer-Inspired Manis

An Italian summer manicure. — @vanityprojects / instagram

Who doesn’t want to spend the summer in Italy? There’s something for every type of traveler, whether you’re into exploring ancient ruins in Rome, wine tasting in Tuscany, museum hopping in Florence, or relaxing in the sand in Capri. The same could be said for Italian summer nail ideas—there’s a mani out there for every aesthetic.

If flight prices are steep, you can still enjoy the magic of an Italian summer on your nails for a fraction of the price—and these are the top manis to get you started. Keep scrolling for 24 ideas.

01 of 24

Vine Ripened

Manicure featuring cherry tomato nail art and decorative details — @gotg0ld / Instagram

I say tomato, you say tomato, but everyone says these nails are chic as can be. Nothing says Italian summer nails like fresh, juicy tomatoes straight from the vine.

02 of 24

It’s All Gucci

@imarninails / Instagram

Founded in Florence, plenty of tourists make a pilgrimage to the Gucci store (hello, VAT refund!) while visiting Italy. This nail art costs a lot less than one of their iconic bags.

03 of 24

Aquatic Adventure

Person's hand showing nail art with decorative patterns, wearing multiple rings — @heluviee / Instagram

When you’re on the ferry on the way to Capri, the water looks incredibly blue and clear. Bring those crystal waters to your fingertips.

04 of 24

Slice of Sicily

A Sicilian lemon manicure. — @vanityprojects / instagram

When life gives you lemons... add Sicilian-inspired pottery designs to make a perfect Italian summer manicure. Despite the sourness of its subject, how sweet is this design?

05 of 24

Orange Crush

Hands with manicured nails in orange gradient, wearing gold ring and band with decorative text — @imarninails / Instagram

If you turned an Aperol spritz into a manicure, this is what you would get. The hue is just right, and the ombré design reminds us of when the ice starts to melt.

06 of 24

Tangerine Dream

A hand displaying manicured nails with light blue tips and small orange designs on some nails, wearing a white top and a ring — @heluviee / Instagram

Fun fruit and French manis with a twist are two nail trends that scream summer—Italian summer, that is. The tangerine nail art adds a fresh and sweet touch to the look.

07 of 24

Shore Thing

Hands with decorative long nails, wearing multiple rings — @myprettyset / Instagram

It’s not your imagination—if this ebullient set reminds you of Dolce & Gabbana, it’s because it’s based on an apron they created that pays homage to Portofino. It certainly captures that coastal magic.

08 of 24

Lemon Squeeze

Decoratively manicured nails with a lemon theme — @myprettyset / Instagram

When life gives you lemons, create this manicure. We love the mix of lemon slices and yellow Frenchies.

09 of 24

Packed Like Sardines

A hand with detailed nail art featuring a fish design, showing intricate craftsmanship — @betina_goldstein / Instagram

You know how sardines bring saltiness to whatever you add them to? They do the same for your manicure—and we're so into this aquatic mani.

10 of 24

Citrus Surprise

Hand displaying nail art with floral and patterned designs, wearing gold rings with one featuring an orange design — @brushedbyb_ / Instagram

Ciao, bella! You’ll be transported to a spritzy cocktail every time you look down at your fingertips.

11 of 24

Citrus Stunner

Hand with nail art depicting orange fruit segments and flowers, wearing a knitted sleeve — @phoebesummernails / Instagram

Citrus fruits are synonymous with an Italian summer, making it perfect for the theme. The 3D oranges are deliciously juicy.

12 of 24

Lemon Drop

Close-up of hands with lemon-themed nail art design — @imarninails / Instagram

The more lemons, the better, and this look is full of the yellow citrus fruit. Throw in a few French tips into the mix for balance.

13 of 24

Extra Lime

A hand with nail art featuring lime slice designs and accents on each nail — @heluviee / Instagram

Have you ever seen a more Italian summer nail idea? The limes give this set a refreshing vibe.

14 of 24

Juicy Fruit

Close-up of hands with fruit-themed nail art featuring designs of cherries, oranges, grapes, kiwi, and strawberries — @gotg0ld / Instagram

Produce always looks extra delicious when it’s at one of those farmers’ markets in a piazza. Transfer that vibe to your nails with this fruitful mani.

15 of 24

Produce Party

A hand with fruit-themed nail art and a ring with a cherry motif on a checkered fabric background — @imarninails / Instagram

Strawberries, lemons, and cucumbers, oh my! This short manicure is good enough to eat.

16 of 24

Feeling Blue

A hand with long fingernails, wearing a ring and featuring nail art with floral designs — @phoebesummernails / Instagram

Doesn’t it feel like the best pasta you’ve ever eaten in your life could be served on plates with the same design? Buon appetito!

17 of 24

Coast Guard

Hands displaying nail art with a blue and white ocean wave theme, wearing rings with a pearl and metallic design — @imarninails / Instagram

Ride the wave! Capture the coastal towns of Italy with this marine moment.

18 of 24

Eye Bet

Hands with nails featuring decorated designs, including multicolored eye patterns and metallic accents — @gotg0ld / Instagram

The evil eye is a popular motif in Southern Italy. Wear your protection on your nails.

19 of 24

Flower Power

Close-up of hands with floral nail art and gold rings — @imarninails / Instagram

Wildflowers dot the Italian landscape in the summer. The classic motif makes a seasonal statement.

20 of 24

Pretty Pucci

Colorful abstract swirl design on manicured nails — @gotg0ld / Instagram

Pucci is undoubtedly one of the most iconic design houses from Italy. Sport those famous bright swirls on your fingertips.

21 of 24

Take Me To Church

Close-up of manicured nails featuring gold and jeweled designs — @imarninails / Instagram

Our prayers are answered with this Italian summer nails idea. Anyone who has ever been inside an old ornate church in Italy will instantly get this reference.

22 of 24

Fresh Squeeze

Hand with nail art featuring an intricate floral design on long nails — @phoebesummernails / Instagram

Say “si” to dessert. The hues of sweet gelato and a citrus slice scream Italian summer getaway.

23 of 24

Io Amo Citrus

Hand showing fingernails with colorful and artistic designs — @heygreatnails / instagram

By the way, there's no reason whatsoever to choose between lemons and oranges. They're both bountiful where you're vacationing.

24 of 24

L'italiano Definitivo

Vanity Projects called this set "the ULTIMATE summer in Italy nails," and we'd have to agree. They have absolutely everything going for them. Who needs a plane ticket, after all?