Different ways of exploring Italy and its territory: A Travel Guide Blog

Italy Travel Guide

Italy is a dream destination for travelers and ranks among the most visited countries in the world. In this Italy travel guide, venture from the majestic Dolomites mountains in the north to the sunny coastlines of Sicily in the south. Whether you’re seeking art, adventure, or relaxation, your options are endless when planning a trip to Italy.

Lago di Carezza, summer itinerary to the Dolomites and Italy travel guide

Things to know before You travel to Italy

  • Language: Italian is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas and larger cities.
  • Currency: The official currency is the Euro (€).
  • Visas: If you visit from outside the EU, check if you need a Schengen visa to enter Italy. It may be that your country is on the visa waiver list.
  • Time Zones: Italy in in the Central European Time Zone (CET).
  • Travel Insurance: If you travel from outside the EU, make sure you have travel insurance that covers medical expenses and emergencies.
  • Mobile: using an eSIM when you travel in Italy is very convenient. In fact, it requires no physical card and can be activated remotely before you arrive in Italy.
  • Plugs: Italy uses Type F power outlets. If you’re a foreign traveler, I recommend buying an universal adapter.
  • Transportation: Within cities you can easily use buses and metro services. Whereas, to travel between cities you can either use trains or cars.
  • Accommodation: Italy offers a wide range of accommodation to suit all budgets, from hotels to Airbnbs and Agriturismo.
  • Tipping: Is not mandatory and many restaurants include a fixed fee (usually between EUR 2-4) per person to cover service charges.
  • Must-try food: There is no place as renowned for food as Italy and the list of the must-try dishes in Italy is truly endless. You can’t leave Italy without trying pizza, pasta, gelato, risotto, lasagna, focaccia and tiramisu.

The Best Time to Visit italy

As someone who was raised in Italy, I’ve experienced every season and in my opinion there is no wrong time to visit. Choosing when to visit Italy depends a lot on the activities you want to experience during your stay.

Summer months in Italy are very hot and some beaches in the south can be very crowded. I would recommend not visiting in August, as that’s when most of the corporate businesses close for at least two weeks and everyone is on holiday.

Winter is a dream come true if you’re a ski lover. The Dolomites are especially popular during these winter months. This is not only because of the snow but also because of the Christmas Markets.

My favorite time of the year to visit Italy is either Spring or Fall. The temperature is milder, the crowds are fewer and you get to enjoy the place more.

ITALY Travel Guide: Best places to visit in Italy

  • Rome: is my favorite city in the world! Rome’s appeal lies in its rich history and iconic sights like the Colosseum and Vatican City. Also, its unforgettable dishes make it a must-visit. Try Carbonara, Cacio e Pepe, or a sweet gelato before you leave. If you only have time for one city, Rome should be the one making it up your Italy travel guide.
  • Venice: romanticized in many movies, every corner in Venice seems to hold a piece of history. From the city’s main waterway, the Grand Canal, to the iconic architecture in Piazza San Marco, and the dreamlike Gondola rides, Venice is a place where you feel the beauty of the past and present intertwine. If you travel to Venice, don’t miss out on visiting the island of Burano nearby.
  • Amalfi Coast: is one of the most scenic drives along the coast of Southern Italy. On your way, stop to visit Pompeii, the ancient Roman city completely covered by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Continue to Positano, a very picturesque cliffside town. Then head to Amalfi and its beautiful cathedral as well as Ravello with its stunning historic villas. This is one of the best places to visit in Italy to try a fresh lemon, which can be as big a ball.
  • Tuscany: Start by visiting Florence’s Duomo, Ponte Vecchio and the Uffizi Gallery. Continue on a countryside road trip south to Chianti, known for its world-famous wine, Siena known for its Palio horse race, San Gimignano for its medieval towers and Pisa for its leaning tower. The best way to explore Tuscany is by car, to fully capture and enjoy the beauty of this territory.
  • Cinque Terre: famous for its five colorful coastal towns perched on the cliffs of the Ligurian Sea. My favorite way of exploring these towns is while hiking from town to town, but you can also take an easier and shorter train ride.
  • Sicily: I recommend to start exploring this island in Palermo, a historic city with Arab-Norman architecture and go on a road trip around the entire island. Sicily is home to the Etna Volcano, which happens to be one of the most active volcanoes in the world. If you have time to only explore part of the island, you can split your trip in either Western side of Sicily or Eastern side.

Why you should travel to ITALY

I might be biased since I’ve been raised in Italy, but there are countless reasons why Italy should be at the top of your travel bucket list. Firstly, you can immerse yourself in the ancient Roman history and visit one of the best preserved treasures, the Sistine Chappel in Vatican.

Alternatively, you can go on many scenic road trips along rolling hills and vineyards in Tuscany or sun-kissed coastlines in the Southern Italy.

You have both lakes like Lake Como and the Mediterranean Sea at your doorstep. But if you prefer the mountains, the trails can be easily reached from the main cities.

Oh, let’s not forget about the delicious food. You won’t find any dishes as good as the ones in Italy and I challenge you to prove me wrong!

Have I convinced you yet? Read below this Italy travel guide for more inspiration and recommendations.

LOCAL TIP: If you visit small towns in Italy, be aware that many stores and business will close for a few hours in the afternoon, usually between 12pm and 3pm. Similarly, restaurants open their doors for dinner after 7pm.

ITALY Travel Guide: Top Destinations Based on Your Interests

With so many incredible places to explore in Italy and limited time, it can feel overwhelming. So, this Italy travel guide simplifies your trip by grouping top attractions by activity.

Outdoors

  • Dolomites (Trentino – Alto Adige): A UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning mountain peaks, valleys and alpine lakes. If you are a mountain and nature lover, there is no place like the Dolomites. Whether you’re visiting Italy in summer or winter, you can hike, ski or climb year-round.
  • Cinque Terre (Liguria): If you start in La Spezia, you can hike along the rugged coastline and the surrounding hills that connect the five main picturesque towns. It’s an amazing experience!
  • Lake Como (Lombardy): The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor adventures, from hiking to kayaking or enjoying the lake framed by the mountains.
  • Gran Paradiso National Park (Aosta Valley): Is one of Italy’s oldest national parks, where spectacular hikes and alpine camping awaits. You can do an array of activities, but you can also enjoy some relaxation.

Wineries

  • Tuscany: and the Chianti region has some of the best vineyards and wineries in the world. Make sure you add the following wine-renowned towns to your trip: Montalcino, Montepulciano and San Gimignano.
  • Piemonte: The Langhe region is especially famous for its rolling hills and vineyards. Some of the finest wines produced in this region includes Barolo and Barbaresco.
  • Sicily: The volcanic soils of the island add to the distinctiveness of the wines. If you want to try great wine, head to the areas around Etna and Marsala.

Historic Towns

  • Rome (Lazio): is the ultimate destination for history lovers. With its ancient ruins, historic landmarks such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Pantheon, Rome is a must-see destination and should be on every traveler’s bucket list.
  • Florence (Tuscany): From the Uffizi Gallery to the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio, Florence really stands up to its name as the birthplace of the Renaissance.
  • Siena (Tuscany): Mostly famous for the Palio horse race, Siena is a medieval town with narrow streets and ancient buildings.
  • Verona (Veneto): Famous for Romeo and Juliet and the Arena di Verona, the historic center being a UNESCO World Heritage site and the caste of “Castelvecchio”.
  • Bologna (Emilia Romagna): The birthplace of Bolognese sauce (ragù) and delicious tortellini, Bologna has also some of the most iconic landmarks, such as the Two Towers, Porticoes and Piazza Maggiore. Interestingly, Bologna has the oldest university in the world, founded in 1088.

City Life

  • Milan (Lombardy): If you love fashion and design, look no further. Milan should be on your Italy travel guide! Additionally, to experience Milan’s nightlife I recommend heading to the Brera district for chic cocktail bars and trendy nightclubs in Navigli and Corso Como.
  • Naples (Campania): A lively city known for its pizza but also for its friendly and welcoming people. In fact, the Chiaia and Vomero districts have several trendy bars and clubs.
  • Rome (Lazio): Head to Trastevere to enjoy Rome’s best nightlife scene. There’s something for every taste, whether you’re into an elegant drink or dancing until dawn.

Scenic Drives

  • Tuscany: A road trip through Tuscany in Italy, with its rolling hills, vineyards and medieval towns is everyone’s dream. The variety of scenery and activities on the road is endless with every corner showcasing the true beauty of Italy.
  • Amalfi Coast: One of the most scenic drives in the world, with stunning views of cliffs, coastal towns and the Mediterranean sea.
  • Lake Garda: Is the largest lake in Italy and a popular holiday location. A road trip around the charming towns with panoramic views of the lake is an absolute must.

Beaches

  • Sardinia: If you could only choose three beaches to add to your Italy travel guide, these should be La Pelosa Beach, Cala Brandinchi and Cala Luna. Here, the crystal-clear waters and the fine white sand make you feel like in a tropical paradise.
  • Sicily: Has many stunning beaches, from Cefalù to Scala dei Turchi and San Vito Lo Capo. Sicily has some of the most photogenic beaches in Italy, where you can both relax and try water sports.
  • Puglia: The area of Pescoluse is known as the “Maldives of Italy”, as the beach has fine, white sand and turquoise water.

Read all my posts in this Italy Travel Guide