Italy is one of the most visited travel destinations in the world and a bucket list item for many. This country has it all – stunning scenery, rich history, priceless art, delicious food and friendly people. It’s easy to see why everyone wants to visit Italy at least once. Now that we live here, we’ve got to know Italy inside and out.  

We’ve created this Italy travel guide to help you plan a trip to Italy and ensure it’s one you won’t forget. Whether you’ve never been to Italy and are unsure where to start or need a refresher, you’re in the right place. This comprehensive guide will give you all the practical info about travelling to Italy.

The undeniable charm of Italy

Chances are that once you visit Italy, you will be hooked on it for life. It’s a country that has inspired many visitors, including writers, painters, musicians and filmmakers. You’ve likely watched shows and movies set in Italy and read books that use the country’s idyllic settings as backdrops.

Italy’s appeal is that it offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, or nature lover, you’ll find plenty to keep you occupied. And with so many beautiful places to visit, you’ll never get bored. Here are just a few of the many reasons you should put Italy at the top of your travel list.

A practical guide to visiting Italy

Planning a trip is always fun. Italy is an amazing destination that offers so much. You’ll love planning your trip as much as you’ll enjoy exploring it. Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, or nature lover, you’ll find plenty to keep you occupied. This Italy travel guide includes practical information to help you plan your trip to Italy, including visa requirements, geography, language and currency, plus tips for getting around.

Geography

Italy is the boot-shaped country in Southern Europe, and it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia. Italy is a relatively small country, with 301,340 square kilometres (116,350 sq mi). It is the fifth-largest country in Europe, after Russia, Ukraine, France and Spain. Italy’s geography is dominated by the Apennine Mountains, which run down the entire length of the country. The Alps form the country’s northern border and the mountain range spills into neighbouring countries.

Italy has three major active volcanoes: Etna in Sicily, Vesuvius near Naples, and Stromboli, named after a little Sicilian island. According to Geology.com, Stromboli is one of the most active volcanoes on the planet and has constantly been erupting since 1932. The country experiences occasional volcanic activity, earthquakes and tsunamis.

Best time to visit Italy

Ultimately, the best time to travel to Italy depends on what you want to see and do. There is no wrong time to visit Italy, but there are a few factors to consider to help you decide when to plan your trip.

Italy has a Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Italian summers can get very hot, especially the further south you go. Summer (between late May and the end of August) is also the peak season for travelling to Italy. You’ll encounter larger crowds and higher prices during this time.

If you prefer more moderate temperatures, lower costs and fewer crowds, then you should consider travelling to Italy in the less touristy months. Spring and fall are your best options. Winters in Italy are also a great time to visit, especially if you’re into winter sports. December is also a great time to experience Italy, as many cities host Christmas markets and light displays.

What to pack for Italy?

While Italy is renowned for its art, food, and wine, it’s also known for its fashion. From the streets of Milan to the beaches of Sicily, Italians take style seriously. So what should you pack for your trip? Here are a few suggestions.

First, consider the weather. Italy experiences hot summers and cool (and often rainy) winters, so make sure to pack clothes that can be layered. A light jacket or sweater will come in handy, as will a pair of comfortable walking shoes. A sweater or a scarf will also come in handy if you plan to visit churches, as they require you to cover your legs and arms.

If you plan on spending time at the beach, remember to pack a bathing suit and sunscreen. Head coverings are also great if you plan on spending a lot of time outside. Many of the archeological sites don’t offer much shade, so a hat can go a long way in making sure you don’t overheat.

Finally, remember to pack at least one nice outfit. Italians love to dress up, so it’s worth having something special to wear for an evening out. 

Opening hours

Many Italian museums and tourist attractions are closed on Mondays. Opening hours for tourist destinations vary by season, with many attractions (including archaeological parks) staying open longer during summer. Book your tickets to famous tourist sights like the Vatican, Colosseum or the Uffizi in advance to avoid disappointment.

You’ll also find that many attractions, shops and restaurants close for several hours during the day, normally between 1 or 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. In larger cities, you’ll find more places that stay open all day, although that’s not always guaranteed. Make sure you grab lunch or a snack before restaurants close so you’re not starving all day as you wait for things to reopen.

Travel to Italy & getting around

Italy is easily accessible by plane, train or car. You can even take a ferry from nearby countries and islands. There are numerous airports throughout the country, with the two largest being Rome’s Fiumicino Airport and Milan’s Malpensa Airport.

There are a few different options for getting around Italy, depending on where you’re going and how much time you have. If you’re visiting major cities like Rome, Florence or Venice, the best way to get around is by public transport. Italy has an extensive public transport network, including buses, trains and metros. If you’re planning on using public transport a lot during your trip, it might be worth getting a travel pass.

Driving in Italy

Driving in Italy is a must for discovering hidden gems. One of the best ways to get around Italy is to rent a car. This can be a good idea if you’re travelling to more rural areas or if you want more flexibility with your itinerary. Keep in mind that roads in Italy, especially through small towns, are often very narrow and winding through steep hills.

Travel by train

Once in Italy, visitors can use the country’s extensive train network to travel between cities. The high-speed Frecciarossa trains connect Rome with other major cities such as Florence, Naples, and Venice. For those who prefer to travel by car, Italy’s highways are well-maintained and offer breathtaking views of the country’s countryside.

Ferries in Italy

Italy is surrounded by the Adriatic, Ionian, Tyrrhenian and Ligurian Seas, so there is an extensive ferry system connecting its many islands and coastal towns. The largest ports are located in Genoa, Livorno, Naples and Palermo. Ferries travel to various destinations, including the popular tourist islands of Sicily and Sardinia. In addition to providing travel between major cities and islands, ferries also offer stunning views of the coastline.

Italy travel tips: customs and etiquette

When travelling to Italy, it is important to be aware of the customs and etiquette to avoid offending the locals. It’s customary to greet people with a good day or good evening (buongiorno, buonasera). Shake hands with strangers and leave kissing on the cheek to friends and family. Avoid using foul language or yelling in public, as that’s also frowned upon.

When it comes to food, there are a few unspoken rules. Meals are meant to be enjoyed sitting down at a table, and it is also common for Italians to take their time when eating. Waiting for everyone to be served before eating is regarded as proper table manners. Eating while walking or standing on the street is considered rude.

As you’ll likely explore many of Italy’s churches, dress appropriately. Avoid shorts, tank tops and sleeveless dresses when venturing inside a church. Never enter a church during private services and turn your phone off.

Travel safety in Italy

Italy is a generally safe country to visit. As with other touristy countries, pickpockets are common in crowded tourist areas, so it’s important to keep an eye on your belongings. Avoid busy areas and travel during off-peak times if possible. This will help you avoid crowds and pickpockets.

Keep valuables hidden and out of sight. Don’t flash around large amounts of money or expensive jewelry. Also, be aware of your surroundings and watch out for suspicious people or activity, especially at night. Most importantly, use common sense when travelling and trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t do it.

What to see in Italy

You can spend years travelling in Italy and not see everything there is to see. From famous tourist destinations like Rome, Florence, Venice and Milan to the smaller yet just as popular cities like Naples, Genoa and Palermo, you’ll find something to love. Then there are the small towns packed with medieval charm, Baroque cathedrals and charming piazzas, ancient ruins and natural attractions. There is so much to see and do here.

Most visited cities in Italy

Most visited areas in Italy

Hidden gems in Italy

Italy is full of hidden gems waiting to be explored. Getting off the beaten pack and away from the main tourist attractions is a great way to immerse yourself in Italian culture. Whether you’re coming back to Italy or simply want to see places other than those everyone else goes to, you’ll have plenty of places to explore.

Italy travel guide FAQ