Explore Italy

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.

Seceda in Val Gardena, hiking the Dolomites in Italy, 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. In fact, it may be that your country is on the visa waiver list.
  • Time Zones: Italy is 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 service fee (usually between EUR 2-4) per person.
  • Must-try food: Few places are as famous for food as Italy, and the list of must-try dishes is nearly endless. Don’t leave without tasting pizza, pasta, gelato, risotto, lasagna, focaccia, and tiramisu.
Lago di Braies, best viewpoints in the Dolomites

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 get very crowded. I would recommend not visiting in August. That’s when most of the corporate businesses close for at least two weeks and everyone takes holidays.

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

Cathedral in Sicily, Italy

Italy Travel Guide: Best places to visit

  • Rome: My favorite city in the world! Rome’s charm lies in its rich history and iconic sights, such as the Colosseum and Vatican City. Also, its unforgettable dishes make it a must-visit. Don’t miss classics like Carbonara, Cacio e Pepe, or a scoop of gelato. If you can only visit one city in Italy, let it be Rome. It truly deserves a spot in your Italy travel guide.
  • Venice: 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: 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 as 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. Then drive to Siena and check the Palio horse race. Don’t forget to add San Gimignano and Pisa to your itinerary. The best way to explore Tuscany is by car, to fully capture and enjoy the beauty of this territory.
  • Cinque Terre: Five colorful coastal towns overlooking 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: Start exploring this island in Palermo, a historic city with Arab-Norman architecture. Continue 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 (together with Hawaii). 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 Should You Travel To Italy?

I might be biased since I was raised in Italy, but there are countless reasons why Italy should be at the top of your travel bucket list. You can walk through ancient Roman history and marvel at treasures such as the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City. Or take a scenic road trip through Tuscany’s rolling hills and vineyards, or along the sun-kissed coastlines of Southern Italy. Oh, let’s not forget about the delicious food. You won’t find any dishes as good as the ones in Italy. I challenge you to prove me wrong!

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

Top Destinations Based on Your Interests

With so many incredible places to explore in Italy and limited time, planning can feel overwhelming. That’s why this Italy travel guide breaks down the top sights by activity, to help you focus on what you love most.

  • Dolomites (Trentino – Alto Adige): A UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning mountain peaks, valleys and alpine lakes. If you’re a mountain and nature lover, there is no place such as 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. You can do an array of activities, but you can also enjoy some relaxation.
  • Tuscany: And the Chianti region have 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. In fact, some of the finest wines produced in this region include Barolo and Barbaresco.
  • Sicily: The island’s volcanic soil gives its wines a unique character. For some of the best tastings, head to the wine regions around Etna and Marsala.
  • Rome (Lazio): 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): Best known for Romeo and Juliet and the impressive Arena di Verona. Also, Verona’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll also find the impressive medieval castle, 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.
  • 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, as well as 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
Local tip

Good To Know

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 12 pm and 3 pm. Similarly, restaurants open their doors for dinner after 7 pm.

Read All My Posts In This Italy Travel Guide