VISIT Italy

Italy is a treasure trove of art, architecture, and culinary delights. From the ancient ruins of Rome and the canals of Venice to the rolling vineyards of Tuscany and the dramatic coastline of the Amalfi Coast, the country offers an unparalleled mix of history, beauty, and lifestyle. With world-class museums, charming towns, and mouthwatering cuisine, Italy captivates all who visit.

❄️ December – February: Winter is ideal for city breaks and ski trips in the Alps or Dolomites. Rome and Florence are quieter, with fewer tourists. Temperatures vary greatly: northern cities can drop to 0°C (32°F), while the south remains milder.

🌱 March – May: Spring is one of the best times to visit, with pleasant temperatures, blooming landscapes, and fewer crowds. It’s perfect for exploring historic cities and countryside regions like Tuscany or Umbria.

☀️ June – August: Summer is hot and lively, especially in July and August. Temperatures range from 25°C (77°F) to 35°C (95°F), particularly in central and southern Italy. Coastal areas and islands are popular but can get crowded.

🍂 September – November: Autumn brings milder weather, colorful vineyards, and harvest festivals. It’s a fantastic time for food and wine lovers, especially in regions like Piedmont and Emilia-Romagna.

Italy has an extensive and efficient transport network:

🚌 Buses: Regional and long-distance buses connect towns and rural areas. Companies like Flixbus and Itabus serve major cities at affordable prices.

🚂 Trains: Italy’s train system is excellent. High-speed trains (Frecciarossa, Italo) connect major cities like Rome, Florence, Milan, and Naples. Regional trains are slower but serve smaller towns and scenic routes.

🚗 Car Rental: Renting a car is a good option for exploring rural areas, especially in Tuscany, Sicily, and the Dolomites. Be aware of ZTL zones (restricted traffic areas) in cities. An International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required if your license is not in Latin script.

Cards are widely accepted in Italy, especially Visa and Mastercard. However, smaller shops, markets, and rural establishments may prefer cash, so carrying some euros is recommended. American Express is less commonly accepted.

Italy Italy uses plug types C and F, both with two round pins. The standard voltage is 230V and the frequency is 50Hz.

If needed, you can order an universal travel plug adapter here.

Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. In restaurants, service is often included (check for “coperto” on the bill), but rounding up or leaving a small tip (5-10%) is common. Tipping in cafés or for taxis is optional.

Tap water is safe to drink throughout Italy. Also, public fountains in cities like Rome often provide clean drinking water.

In Italy, some stores are closed on Sundays. There are 10 national public holidays in Italy:

• New Year’s Day (January 01)
• Epiphany (January 06)
• Easter Monday (date varies)
• Liberation Day (April 25)
• Labour Day (May 01)
• Republic Day (June 02)
• Assumption Day (August 15)
• All Saints’ Day (November 01)
• Immaculate Conception (December 08)
• Christmas Day (December 25)

On these days, most businesses and offices will be closed, and many attractions may be shut or have limited opening hours.

In Italy, traffic drives on the right-hand side of the road. The main speed limits are as follows:

• 50 kph / 30 mph in urban areas
• 90 kph / 56 mph on secondary roads
• 110 kph / 68 mph on main roads
• 130 kph / 81 mph on motorways

During adverse weather (rain, fog, etc.), the speed limits are lowered.

• Hello (informal) = Ciao
• Good day = Buongiorno
• Goodbye = Arrivederci
• Yes = Sì
• No = No
• Thank you = Grazie
• Please = Per favore
• You’re welcome = Prego
• Excuse me = Mi scusi
• Day = Giorno
• Night = Notte
• Good evening = Buonasera
• Goodnight = Buonanotte
• Mister = Signore
• Ma’am = Signora
• Street = Strada
• Road = Via

💡 Tip: With the GoogleTranslate app, you can download the Italian language to use it even offline!

Italy is generally a safe country to travel in. Most visits are trouble-free, though petty theft such as pickpocketing can occur in busy tourist areas. Use common-sense precautions:

• Secure Your Belongings: Be particularly mindful in places like Rome, Naples, and Florence.

• Emergency Numbers: Dial 112 for police, ambulance, or fire services anywhere in Italy.