Italy

Italy is called an open-air museum – in this country, where the civilization of Ancient Rome flourished and the geniuses of the Renaissance worked, there are more than half of all cultural monuments of Europe. Rome with the Colosseum and the treasures of the Vatican, Florence overflowing with attractions, Pisa with its amazing leaning tower, the canals of Venice, the ruins of Pompeii at the foot of Vesuvius, colorful Naples, romantic Verona, fashionable Milan – this is only the beginning of the list called “this must be seen”. But if suddenly it seems not enough – Italy will add the beaches of five seas, the dazzling peaks of the Alps, Tuscan vineyards and the most correct pizza in the world.

Why go to Italy

In 2022, 122 million tourists visited Italy. If you pick out a few typical tourists from this crowd, which is almost twice the country’s population, and ask them why they came to the birthplace of Julius Caesar and Leonardo da Vinci, they will probably answer:

• To admire the historical sights and museum treasures of Italy, climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa, ride a Venetian gondola and drink a cup of coffee in St. Mark’s Square. In short, to explore the cultural space of the country from top to bottom.
• To relax on the warm sea – either on the sandy beaches of the Ligurian Riviera and the Adriatic, or on the rocky, romantic shores of the Gulf of Naples.
• To go skiing or climb Mont Blanc.
• To relax on the island of Como, admiring the scenery, or to unwind in the thermal springs.
• To go shopping in Milan – well, that’s also a reason.
• To try something delicious every day in pizzerias, trattorias, cafes, coffee shops and restaurants. And maybe even go to a tasting at a famous winery or a cheese factory with a centuries-old history.

In most cases, tourists combine several types of vacation in Italy. The classic set looks like this: excursions, vacation in a beautiful place, gastronomic tourism and, perhaps, a little shopping. A great mix.

The main thing about the country

Holidays in Italy are considered more expensive than in Greece or Spain, but more affordable than on the French Riviera. However, the budget directly depends on the chosen location – the country has fashionable resorts where respectable people vacation. On average, a trip to Italy costs 100 euros per day (10 thousand rubles), if you are ready to spend the night in cheap hotels, dine in inexpensive cafes and spend money mainly on tickets to museums. For a comfortable vacation, you will need 150-200 euros per day (15-20 thousand rubles).

Basic information about the country:

• The capital is Rome.
• The official language is Italian. In the regions, especially in the south, dialectal features are quite strong.
• The state is secular, but the majority of Italians are Catholics, and for many, faith plays an important role in their lives.
• Time zone UTC+1, in summer UTC+2 (summer and winter time apply).

Italians are very emotional and temperamental people. They are cheerful, friendly people, easy to get along with. But they have a keen sense of self-worth. This is especially true for southerners – their temperament is simply explosive.

Italy’s geographic location makes it one of the most recognizable countries on a school map: it is located on the boot-shaped Apennine Peninsula. In the north, the “boot” is bordered by the Alps, like a fur trim. Another large mountain range, the Apennines, which gave the peninsula its name, stretches along the eastern coast.

The coast is washed by five seas: Ligurian, Tyrrhenian, Mediterranean, Ionian, Adriatic. The two largest islands are Sicily and Sardinia.

The relief is predominantly mountainous, but varied. Italy has mountains and even volcanoes – Vesuvius, Etna, there are hills and plains. The coast is also varied: along with vast areas with soft sand, there are steep, rocky shores.

Italy is lucky with its climate: the Alps protect the peninsula from northern winds. The climate in most of the country is subtropical, in the Alps it is continental.

Entry and visa

To visit this country, as to visit almost all countries in the EU, you need a Schengen visa.

When to go to Italy

• The beach season in Italy is from the end of May to the beginning of October. At the height of summer, the sea warms up to +26 ◦C. But the heat at this time is very strong, the air temperature is above +30 ◦C, which not everyone likes. The “velvet season” is at the end of May and September-October.
• For a rich excursion holiday, it is better to choose April-May and September-October. In summer, not only is it hot, but there are also so many tourists that it is impossible to get to the museum showcases. You need to book tickets to visit the main attractions several months in advance.
• Many fans of cultural recreation generally come to Italy in winter, especially since this is the height of the theater season, and hotel prices fall by 1.5-2 times. But there is a downside – some attractions may be closed, and the parks are not so picturesque.
• The ski season runs from December to mid-April.
• Spring and autumn are ideal for exploring natural beauty, cycling and trekking. But if you are planning to climb Mont Blanc, it is better to plan your trip for July-September.
• Sales are held from January 7 to March 1 and from July 10 to August 31.
• The festival of young wine is November 6. It opens the tasting season.
• Christmas markets in Italy take place from November 29 to January 6.
• The Venetian Carnival is held in February. The start date is variable, as the carnival is held before the forty-day fast preceding Catholic Easter.

Currency

Italy is part of the Eurozone, and the Euro has been used here since 1999. There are exchange offices here (they are in banks, at the post office, at the airport), but there is no point in coming with rubles or dollars, since you can lose up to 15% when exchanging.

In tourist areas, most hotels, restaurants and shops accept Visa and Mastercard, and it is better to book museum tickets online, and in advance. The more famous the attraction, the higher the probability that in high season tickets and places in excursion groups are sold out several months in advance.

In Italian villages and small towns, you may need cash. You can withdraw it from an ATM. Owners often announce that their establishment accepts cards by hanging a sign saying “Carta — si” (“Card — yes”).

Prices in Italy

In Italy, you can have a vacation both on a budget (with the “hostel, fast food, excursions” program) and in a luxury stop (Capri or Sorrento, villa, restaurants with Michelin stars, casino). But if you look at the average prices, the picture will be like this:

• The cost of a decent room in a mid-range hotel is 80–100 euros (8–10 thousand rubles). Prices vary widely depending on the city, proximity to the sea and attractions, and the season. You can find a room for 35–50 euros (3–5 thousand rubles) or for 3,000–4,000 euros (300–400 thousand rubles).
• The average bill in an inexpensive cafe, where locals mostly dine, is 12 euros (1,200 rubles), in a restaurant for tourists – 25 euros (2,500 rubles). In Michelin restaurants, even without ordering elite wines, the bill will easily exceed the 100 euro (10,000 rubles) mark.
• A cup of cappuccino costs on average about 2 euros (200 rubles). In establishments such as the Florian café on St. Mark’s Square in Venice, where Byron and Goethe frequented, a cup of coffee costs 12–15 euros (1,200–1,500 rubles).
• Sightseeing tours – about 30 euros (3000 rubles). One-day tours – for example, to Vesuvius from Rome – from 120 euros (12 thousand rubles).
• A ride on a city bus costs 1 euro, or 100 rubles (any number of trips within 2.5 hours).
• Transfer to the center of Rome from the airport – 40 euros (4000 rubles).
• Taxi – 10 euros for 3 kilometers (1000 rubles).
• Bicycle rental costs 2.5 euros per day (250 rubles), car rental starts from 50 euros (5000 rubles).

Prices here and below are valid as of September 2023.

How to get there

There are many international airports in Italy – in Rome, Milan, Pisa, Venice, Genoa, Bologna, Verona, Turin, Brescia, Bergamo, Naples, Catania, Cagliari, Rimini, Palermo. Some are small and mainly accept charter flights – such airports are located near resorts. The presence of a wide network of airports allows you to immediately go to the Italian region from which you decided to start your trip or where you plan to spend your entire vacation. However, there are currently no direct flights from Russia, you will have to fly with a transfer in Dubai or Istanbul. From other European countries, you can get to Italy by high-speed train, intercity bus or car. This is an option for those who like leisurely travel and beautiful landscapes floating outside the window. Most likely, there will be no savings: a plane from Paris or Berlin will cost less.

You can go to Italy by ferry from Greece, Montenegro, Croatia, Albania, Tunisia. The route “Poreč – Venice”, for example, is very popular with tourists vacationing in Croatia. People go to Venice for a day, ferries depart several times a day.

Resorts

In Italy there are four types of resorts: seaside, ski, lake, and balneological.

Where is the best place to relax at sea:

• The most luxurious resorts on the Ligurian Riviera are San Remo, Portofino and Genoa.
• The Neapolitan Riviera includes Sorrento, Capri and Ischia, considered a holiday destination for aristocrats.
• In the south is Lampedusa, which has the reputation of being the most expensive resort in Italy. Sardinia is also considered a premium holiday destination.
• On the Adriatic coast, the best resort is considered to be Rimini with its giant water park.

Since Italy owns part of the Alps, the country has many ski resorts. You can even climb Mont Blanc from the Italian side.

The most popular, universal ski resort is the Dolomites. Alta Valtellina is considered professional, Dolomiti di Brenta is youthful, Val d’Aosta holds the lead in prices, Val di Susa is located near Nice, and Trento guarantees an extensive excursion program with a visit to medieval castles.

The north of Italy is famous for its lake resorts. The most beautiful is Lake Como. As for balneological resorts, the most famous are located near Tuscany. The peculiarity of these resorts is the large number of sanatorium-type hotels, mud baths, clinics, SPA and wellness centers. The most popular are Abano Terme, Monsummano Terme, Montecatini Terme, Fiuggi and the island of Ischia.

Beaches

Italy is a peninsula washed by five seas:

• Ligurian – in the northwest;
• Tyrrhenian with the Gulf of Naples – in the west;
• The Mediterranean and Ionian seas are in the south;
• The Adriatic is in the east.

So Italy has no problems with beaches. The coastline is about 8,000 km, with beaches occupying about 5,000 km. The main resort clusters on the coast are:

• Ligurian Riviera (or Italian). This coastline from the border with France to Tuscany, washed by the Ligurian Sea, is a smooth continuation of the French Riviera (Cote d’Azur). The beaches here have fine golden sand, and the entertainment infrastructure is well developed.
• On the other side of the “Italian boot” is the Adriatic. The Adriatic coast also has excellent sandy beaches with a gentle slope into the sea, so families with small children love to relax here. Dolphinariums, water parks – everything is available.
• In the south of Italy there are rocky beaches. In order to relax in the Gulf of Naples or on the island of Capri comfortably, platforms with stairs leading down to the sea are arranged on the beaches. But do not think that the vacation here is cheap and unattractive. For example, it is in this part of Italy that the exquisite and expensive Sorrento is located, as well as the no less aristocratic Capri.
• Sicily and Sardinia are islands in the south of Italy. In Sicily, the beaches are mostly sandy or sandy and pebbly, sometimes rocky. In the western part of Sardinia, the beaches are sandy, in the eastern part – rocky.

Attractions

Italy has a rich heritage of the Etruscans, Ancient Rome, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and the Baroque. All other European countries combined have fewer cultural monuments than Italy alone. Here is just a short list of the most famous sights:

• In Rome there is the Colosseum, the Capitoline Hill, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Villa and Gallery Borghese, the Capitoline Museums, the Spanish Steps – one of the most beautiful in Europe, the Holy Stairs – according to legend, Christ climbed them to the trial of the procurator of Judea.
• It is worth remembering that the Vatican with St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel is located on the territory of Rome. Although it is a separate Papal State, tourists usually include a visit to the Vatican in their itinerary of getting to know Rome.
• Florence, which is considered the richest owner of Renaissance treasures, has the Academy of Fine Arts (where Michelangelo’s David is located), the Uffizi Gallery with priceless paintings, the basilicas of San Lorenzo and Santa Croce, as well as Giotto’s bell tower, Dante’s house-museum, the Galileo Museum, the Palazzo Vecchio and several other magnificent palaces.
• Milan has the stunningly beautiful Gothic Duomo Cathedral and the Sforza Castle.
• Venice has St. Mark’s Square and the Doge’s Palace, as well as bridges, canals and palazzos. The Museum of 18th-Century Venetian Art deserves special attention.
• In Naples there is the Galleria Umberto I, the Cathedral of San Gennaro and the royal palaces. And nearby is the famous Pompeii and Vesuvius that destroyed it.
• In Pisa, there is that very leaning tower. You can even climb it. Moreover, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is only one element of the architectural complex of Piazza del Duomo – the Square of Miracles.

And then there are Tuscany, Turin, Genoa, Verona, Parma, Padua, Palermo, Lucca, Ravenna, Bologna… Each of these cities has enough attractions to fill an entire capital.

Entertainment

Italy has not only great beaches and hundreds of excursion routes. Here you can find dozens of entertainments for yourself – both elite and quite budget. What to do in Italy:

• Explore the depths of the seas, engage in water sports, go fishing, watch the sunset or sunrise on SUPs or yachts.
• Go on a short three-day cruise or a long trip around the Mediterranean. You can sail around the entire Apennine “boot”.
• See the landscapes of Italy from above by flying over it in a hot air balloon, helicopter or private jet.
• Go rock climbing or simply contemplate the world thoughtfully, standing on a rock in the Gulf of Naples, as dozens of famous poets and writers have done.
• Dive into shopping in the fashion capital of Milan. Raid the outlets.
• Visit a casino or a racetrack.
• Spend time from sunset to sunrise in night clubs and beach discos.
• Enjoy your holiday in peace among the Tuscan vineyards, ride horses, play golf.
• Experience the beautiful at Milan’s La Scala and other famous theatres in the country.
• Have fun at carnivals, festivals and city celebrations.
• Explore as many water parks and adventure parks with attractions as possible. The most famous water park is Aquafan, located in Rimini. It is one of the largest in Europe: 90,000 square meters of water fun.

Italian cuisine

Traveling to Italy is a great opportunity to try real Margherita, real tiramisu, real ravioli, real risotto, real pasta, real lasagna and several dozen more dishes that are well known to everyone from the menu of Italian restaurants. And here you can also get acquainted with truffles, gorgonzola, mozzarella, parmesan, prosciutto and other delicacies. 

Italian cuisine is divided into northern (considered more refined) and southern (with stronger folk traditions). When traveling around Italy, it will be interesting to pay attention to regional differences.

There are several ways to get to know gastronomic Italy:

• Visiting pizzerias and trattorias – small restaurants with traditional cuisine and a homely atmosphere.
• Go on a gastronomic tour – visiting vineyards, cheese factories and participating in master classes by famous chefs.
• Booking tables at the most fashionable Michelin-starred restaurants in Italy.
• By choosing famous historical establishments, many of which trace their history back to the 18th century.

Souvenirs

It is recommended to travel to Italy with an empty suitcase – after all, happy travelers bring back a mountain of purchases. What is most often bought in Italy:

• Murano glass.
• Venetian masks.
• Marionettes and other traditional Italian dolls.
• Prosciutto, cheeses, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, pasta, preserved truffles, chocolate (the best is considered to be the chocolate from Perugia).
• Italian coffee.
• Italian cosmetics.
• Handmade sandals.
• Moleskine diaries.
• Scarves, neckties and ties from the Como region.

The most fashionable shopping is, of course, in Milan: on the streets of Via della Spiga, Via Manzoni, Via Sant’Andrea and Corso Vittorio Emanuele. There are fashion clusters in Rome (the main street for shopaholics is Via dei Condotti), in Florence (Via de’ Tomabuoni) and in a number of other cities. If the prices on these streets seem astronomical, it makes sense to go to outlets – there are dozens of them in Italy.

And if you have money for very expensive purchases, it is worth getting acquainted with the masterpieces of jewelry art that are created in Lombardy, Tuscany, Piedmont and Veneto.

Transport

• The main form of city transport is the bus, and many cities also have trams. In large cities – Rome, Milan, Naples – there is a metro.
• Tickets are sold at kiosks and vending machines at bus stops. There are ticket vending machines inside the bus, but they often break down. The fine for fare dodgers is 50 euros (5,000 rubles), so it is better to board a bus or tram with a purchased ticket. It is advantageous to buy travel cards – they are available for a month, a week, three days, even a day. Single tickets are unlimited, but have a limited validity – 75 minutes.
• Most buses run until 10:00 PM. In large cities there are night routes, they are outlined in black in the schedule.
• Taxi in Italy is not cheap – on average 3 km cost 10 euros (1000 rubles). The price is made up of numerous services: they will charge separately for boarding, for luggage, for calling by phone, and so on. On popular routes there are fixed rates – they are usually more profitable.
• There are a lot of taxi calling apps, you need to check in each city which one is used. Uber only works in large cities.
• There are buses and trains between the cities. The most comfortable and fastest (but also the most expensive) are the Eurostar (ES) trains. Tickets, especially during the tourist season, should be booked in advance.
• It is convenient to travel around Italy by rented car – distances are short, and in every town you meet along the way you will find at least one attraction.

Safety

The northern regions of Italy are calmer and more prosperous than the southern regions. In the south of Italy, the population is poorer and there are more immigrants from developing countries, which increases the crime rate. When traveling in southern Italy, you should be more careful, and at night it is better to stay in the hotel.

But a tourist will need to be vigilant in any Italian city: you need to keep an eye on your bags, wallets and equipment. Pickpockets like to operate in dense tourist crowds, and a lone traveler can attract a tandem of criminals: one will distract attention while the other tries out a bag or camera. There are still motorcyclist robbers in Italy who snatch bags from the hands of gaping passersby.

If you are travelling by car, especially in the southern provinces, close the windows and do not leave valuables on the seats: your bag can be snatched from the car right at the traffic lights. And at gas stations in the south of the country, sometimes they even break the windows if there is something attractive on the seat.

Medicine

Medical tourism in Italy is not as developed as in Germany or Switzerland, but there are also clinics that attract foreigners interested in a combination of high quality services and reasonable prices. The most popular areas are aesthetic surgery, reproductive medicine, and dentistry.

A large flow of tourists is provided by health tourism: there are balneological clinics at thermal springs, and thalassotherapy centers on the sea coast.

Customs regulations

The export of artistic, archaeological, cultural and historical valuables is strictly controlled. To export them, you need permission from the export department of the Ministry of Culture. If you bought an antique or a very realistic imitation, you will need to present a receipt at customs, otherwise there will be proceedings.

It is not recommended to buy counterfeit brands, which are sometimes offered on the streets of Venice and a number of other cities – if you are suspected of buying a counterfeit, the fine will be very high, thousands of euros.

Traditions of Italy

• To better understand Italians, it makes sense to learn the meaning of the most common gestures. Italians are very emotional and actively gesticulate when talking, and hand movements often carry a large semantic load.
• Italians literally love close communication – they sit close during a conversation, they can hug, pat on the shoulder, take a hand.
• Respect for elders is an important part of local etiquette and mentality.
• The easiest way to create a conflict situation, especially in the south of the country, is to damage the self-esteem of an Italian by talking to him in a dismissive, condescending manner. In Italy, you should behave politely and with dignity.
• There are no strict dress codes in Italy, everyone dresses as they want. But remember that you should dress modestly in churches and cathedrals. You may not be allowed into a restaurant, museum, or even some stores in shorts.
• And never insult local shrines! The country is Catholic, many Italians are very religious.

Internet

Roaming calls from Italy are quite expensive, so it makes sense to buy a TIM, WIND, Vodafone or TRE SIM card in Italy, and use pay phones for international calls. IP telephony cards for such pay phones are sold in kiosks and tobacco shops. Interesting fact: short beeps in landline phones and pay phones in Italy mean that the line is free – enter the number. Operators have special rates for travelers. 100 minutes of communication and 4 GB of mobile Internet cost about 12 euros (1,200 rubles).

Free Wi-Fi is available in restaurants, hotels, airports, and many public places. The password will be given by the staff. Most often, you can log in via a social network account.

Useful facts

• Caperto (tips) are not obligatory in Italy: they are a reward for good service, not a universal rule. But, of course, the staff will not refuse a 10% tip. Traditionally, a hotel concierge is given a little more – 15%.
• Old hotels may not have European sockets – they will have three holes. It is better to take an adapter with you. You can buy one in Italy.
• Banks, by Russian standards, close quite early – at 16:15.
• Fines (for example, for fare evasion) are best paid immediately, on the spot. You are allowed to pay within 60 days of the receipt, but then the amount will double.