How tourists relax in Italy. Italy

Italy is a large state in southern Europe. There is a huge number of UNESCO-protected world heritage sites here - historical monuments and works of art are located throughout the country. The country is also famous around the world for its national cuisine, fashion, sports cars and luxury motorcycles, as well as beautiful coastlines, lakes and mountains with numerous ski resorts.

On the territory of Italy there are two independent dwarf states: San Marino and the Vatican. Although not formally part of the European Union, both countries are part of the Schengen Area and the European Monetary Union.

Italy is located in the Mediterranean part of Europe and borders France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia. The boot-shaped peninsula on which it sits is bordered by the Ligurian, Sardinian and Tyrrhenian Seas to the west, the Sicilian and Ionian Seas to the south, and the Adriatic Sea to the east. Italian is the most widely spoken language among the majority of the population, but as you travel around the country, you will find that there are many different dialects of Italian depending on the region. The landscape of Italy is very diverse, but in the first place it can be called mountainous, taking into account the mountain ranges of the Alps and the Apennines that cut through it.

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The country consists of two large islands: Sardinia, located off the west coast, and Sicily, which is located near the southern tip (“toe”) of the boot. The capital of Italy is Rome.

How to get there

From the cities of Russia to the cities of Italy, it is most convenient to get, of course, by plane, since there is no shortage of flights. Regular flights from Moscow to Rome are carried out by the Russian carrier Aeroflot and the Italian AlItalia. Aeroflot also operates flights from Moscow to Verona, Venice and Milan, and AlItalia from Rome to St. Petersburg.

When flying from Moscow and St. Petersburg by the Italian national carrier to Rome, you can arrange a connecting flight to more or less large cities in Italy, thanks to the wide route grid of AlItalia. In addition, since May 2010 it is possible to fly directly from Yekaterinburg to Rome with Ural Airlines. However, despite the regular status of this flight, it is still seasonal.

As for other cities in Russia, you can get to Italy by air with a connection by European airlines flying to some Russian cities. If these airlines do not fly from your city, you can always fly to Italy via Moscow with Aeroflot or another airline that operates flights to the Russian capital. Below the links you can go to a block with detailed information on how to get to the main cities of Italy.

From other European cities, in the case of a combined trip, getting to Italy is many times easier than from Russia. The number of flights is so large that it makes no sense to list them (it is better to use). Do not forget that you may have at your disposal such a service as, they are suitable for those who prefer comfort and are not inclined to save money.

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Climate and weather in Italy

The climate of Italy is predominantly Mediterranean, but this does not mean at all that the weather in all its regions is the same. In the depths of the country and in the northern regions, features of a temperate climate are manifested. It gets warmer from north to south.

The climatic features of the regions are determined by two factors: the influence of the Mediterranean Sea and the Alps, since the mountains are a natural barrier to winds blowing from the west and north.

Summer in Italy is hot and dry (from +24 to +34 °C), winter on the coast in the center of the country is mild, in the north it is colder by 7-12 degrees.

Precipitation is unevenly distributed across the regions: up to 1200 mm per year falls on the vicinity of the Alps, including heavy snowfalls in winter. In the center of the country, on average, up to 750 mm falls, and a significant part of them falls on winter rains. In the south, the climate is drier, the amount of precipitation is within 500 mm.

Cities and regions

North of Italy. The most densely populated and developed part of the country. Cities such as Turin, Milan, Bologna, Verona and Venice attract many tourists, as well as wonderful landscapes like the Lake Como region, impressive mountains like the Dolomites and the Italian Alps, as well as first-class mountain resorts like Cortina d'Ampezzo and others.

Central Italy. Everything here breathes history and art. Rome is famous for its preserved curiosities of the Roman Empire and world-famous landmarks such as the Colosseum. Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, is the most attractive city in Tuscany for tourists, although in the nearby cities of Siena, Pisa and Lucca, those wishing to join the rich cultural and historical heritage of the country will find a lot of interesting things for themselves.

Southern Italy. Bustling Naples, the dramatic ruins of Pompeii, the romantic Amalfi Coast and tranquil Puglia, as well as the growing agritourism, make this most unvisited area an attractive destination for travelers.

Italian Islands. These are primarily Sardinia and Sicily, a large island south of the peninsula (the "ball" that kicks the "boot"), as well as Capri, Ischia, Elba, Procida, the Aeolian Islands, the Aegadian Islands, Tremiti and Pantelleria.

Cities

There are several hundred cities in Italy, here are nine of the most famous of them:

• Rome is the capital of both modern Italy and the ancient Roman Empire; center of the Roman Catholic Church (Vatican).
• Bologna is the location of the first university in history. A city rich in history, culture and technology. Bologna is famous for its local cuisine. One of the most important university centers in the world.
• Florence is the city of the Renaissance. Known for its architecture and art, as well as its worldwide influence. It is also home to Michelangelo's famous statue of David and many world-famous art museums.
• Genoa is a rich and diverse city. The presence of the port has always contributed to the development of tourism and trade, as well as art and architecture. Genoa is a historic city, the birthplace of Columbus and jeans.
• Milan is the world fashion center.
• Naples is an important port city full of life and sun. The local pizza is the best in all of Italy. In addition, the famous volcano Vesuvius is located here.
• Pisa - Here is the easily recognizable Leaning Tower of Pisa. The city is very popular among tourists. There are many merchants on the streets offering all sorts of goods.
• Turin is the birthplace of FIAT cars. Turin is an industrial city, there are enterprises in the automotive and aerospace industries. The city hosted the 2006 Winter Olympics.
• Venice – Venice is famous for its history, art and world-famous canals. This is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy; here is the island of Murano, famous for its hand-blown glass products. The Cathedral and St. Mark's Square are very popular with tourists, and in the summer season there are a lot of people here.

Regions of Italy

What to see

Apart from the Italian cities filled with sights, in Italy there will still be something to admire. At least by nature - the famous islands in the Gulf of Naples, the picturesque lakes of Garda and Como in northern Italy, the Italian Alps, including the magnificent ski resorts of Italy, and much more. But still, the main treasure of the country is its richest cultural heritage. All the sights are more than realistic to see on your own, or, to order a couple of detailed excursions, the benefit is quite democratic.

Below are the main attractions of Italydivided into groups:

• Sights of Rome- the world famous Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum and many others.

• Vatican and Michelangelo's painted Sistine Chapel, as well as St. Peter's Basilica and the Pontifical Pinakothek.

• Sights of Florence- Uffizi Gallery, Palatine Gallery and Gallery of the Academy of Fine Arts with a statue of David.

• Sights of Milan- here is not only shopping, but also Milan Duomo, Sforza Castle and the most famous opera house La Scala.

• Sights of Naples- the legendary city of Pompeii and its executioner - the mighty volcano Vesuvius.

• Sights of Venice- San Marco Cathedral, Doge's Palace and of course the famous canals, led by the Grand Canal.

Where to go in Italy

Attractions

Museums and galleries

Entertainment

Parks and recreation areas

Leisure

Transport

Wellness vacation

Private guides in Italy

Russian private guides will help you get acquainted with Italy in more detail.
Registered on the Experts.Tourister.Ru project.

Things to do

Thermal resorts in Italy

The thermal capital of Italy is the small town of Montecatini Terme, which already betrays its destiny with just one name. The first springs were built in the second half of the 18th century - these are Bagno Regio, Terme Leapoldina and Terme Tettuccio. However, Montecatini truly became a city of thermal springs in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was then that new luxury hotels, restaurants, theaters, nightclubs and even casinos began to be built. In various institutions one could meet celebrities and the Russian elite. For example, Giuseppe Verdi restored his health here every year for 20 years, Benito Mussolini also visited the resort.

Thermal baths of Montecatini Terme

• Baths "Leopoldine"
• Thermae "Excelsior"
• Baths "Tamerici"
• Baths "Tettuccio"
• Thermae "Regina"
• Thermae "Redi"
• Baths "La Salute"

You can read more about the thermal springs of Montecatini, the properties of local waters, accommodation features and much more related to this type of holiday in our material. "The thermal side of Italy" .

Alpine skiing and snowboarding in Italy

The most popular ski regions and their resorts

Follow the links to find detailed information about the resorts - descriptions of slopes and lifts, the cost of ski passes, location, accessibility and much more. You can also go to the page where all ski resorts in Italy are collected in a convenient form.

Valle d'Aosta

Monterosa Ski

Traveling in Italy

Traveling in Italy by train

Italian rail transport uses different types of trains: TBiz, Eurostar Italia, Eurostar City Italia, IntercityPlus, Intercity, Espresso, Interregionale and Regionale, Eurostar Italia and TBiz are the highest class trains. In general, there is a certain hierarchy, and travel on one train can cost twice as much as another.

The carriages used by TBiz and Eurostar Italia have electrical sockets, which can be useful for those who are going to work during the trip, or write notes about travels in Italy. On the other hand, in Intercity trains (intercity) there are cars divided into compartments with six seats each, which can be useful for traveling groups.

Intercity trains are generally pretty consistent, but if you need to catch a plane, for example, then perhaps the best solution would be to go with Eurostar Italia for an additional fee. The Interregionale and Regionale types are not as stable and stop at more stations along the way. Another feature that distinguishes TBiz, Eurostar Italia, Intercity Plus and Intercity from Interregionale, Regionale and Espresso is the seat designation on the tickets. that is, on higher-class trains, each passenger is guaranteed a certain seat. This also means that you have to buy tickets in advance. You can check the travel time on the Trenitalia website or by using the printed timetable, which is usually located near the exit of each platform.

On long routes, such as Milan - Rome, Trenitalia has introduced special night trains Treni Notte. They leave at about 10 pm and arrive at their destination in the morning. Depending on the train, you can choose between seating, compartments or sleeping cars of different types. Seating is the cheapest, but even sleeping places are not prohibitively expensive and are very comfortable for traveling long distances. Please also note that not all trains have air conditioning.

In train timetables at railway stations, each train is marked with its own color (for example, blue, red, green). Arrival times are shown in parentheses next to the destination name. Please note that some trains run only at certain times of the year or periods of time (for example, only on holidays).

Ticket lines are sometimes very long and move slowly, so it's best to arrive early at the station. The ticket can be purchased both at traditional ticket offices and at convenient multilingual machines. You can also buy tickets on the Trenitalia website. In this case, you will receive a code (codice di prenotatione, PNR) with which you can collect your ticket from the ticket machine at the station. For some trains, you can choose the option in which you have to print the ticket yourself. By default, the site will only display the “best” (usually the most expensive) travel options, but you can see if there are slower, cheaper ways to get to your destination by selecting the “Show all options” option.

There may be no seats left on Eurostar trains, so if you need to travel at a strictly defined time, buy tickets in advance. The Italian Railways Authority has launched a campaign against fare evasion and introduced large fines (from 50 euros). If you're really late and don't have a ticket, it's best to talk to the conductor ("il controllore or il capotreno") outside the train during boarding.

Remember that before boarding you must validate your ticket by stamping it in one of the yellow boxes (marked Convalida). Traveling with an unstamped ticket is technically the same as traveling without a ticket at all. It is very important not to forget to confirm the ticket, because the conductors do not show indulgence towards negligent passengers in this case.

The cheapest way to travel around the regions is to buy a local ticket . On the diagram next to the ticket validation machine, you will see how much you need to pay to travel between certain stations. To buy a pass for the next area, you have to get off the train, and since the stops are very short, you can only leave on the next train (usually in about an hour).

There are many discounts and special offers. Some concessionary passes allow unlimited travel for a certain amount of time, others are regular tickets with some restrictions at cheaper prices. Before choosing a travel pass, make sure that it costs less than buying a regular ticket (or a regular discounted ticket, if available).

If you are not Italian and travel a lot, you can purchase a Trenitalia card: you buy the opportunity to ride a selected number of days and you can use it for the next two months. However, on trains with a ticket reservation (TBiz, Eurostar Italia, Intercity Plus and Intercity) you will have to pay a surcharge (from 5 to 25 euros depending on the type of train).

Traveling in Italy by car

Northern Italy has a well-developed motorway system, while motorways in the southern parts of the country are of poorer quality and shorter lengths. Each highway is identified by the letter A followed by a number. Most highways (motorways) are subject to tolls. In some cases, access to a certain section of the road is paid for; in some cases, payment booths are placed at the entrance and exit. Do not lose your entry ticket or you will be charged for the longer distance (for example, if you are on the A1 Milano-Naples highway, upon arrival in Milan you will be charged for the entire 700 km distance). The blue lanes (labeled "Viacard") of toll stations accept major types of credit cards and prepaid cards, which can be bought at tobacconists, eateries, or gas stations.

Many Italians use an electronic payment device and drive through special lanes marked with a yellow "Telepass" or simply "T" sign. These roads are monitored by video surveillance systems and if you drive on them without a device, you will be forced to pay a fine and pay the maximum fare. By agreement with other countries, foreigners will have to pay extra to search for the violator in his country.

Although speeding on the freeway is common, be aware that there are many automatic and almost invisible systems on the roads to detect and punish speedy and dangerous driving. In addition, the Italian Highway Patrols (Polizia Stradale) use unmarked vehicles equipped with speed radars and video cameras. On unfamiliar roads, it is better to drive at a legal speed.

Many Italian motorways are equipped with automatic systems called SICVE or TUTOR, which monitor the average speed of vehicles over long distances (5-10 km) and their coverage area is constantly expanding (currently the beginning of the coverage area is indicated by signs, a complete list of covered roads can be found on that website).

A signal that a control system is nearby can be a sharp decrease in the speed of surrounding vehicles. If you see many drivers staying within the speed limit and not exceeding it, it's best to do the same. If oncoming vehicles flash their headlights at you, you may be approaching speed radars.

Please note that the meaning of the headlights here may differ from those in your country. Flashing can mean a request to give way, or vice versa, an offer to go first, depending on the situation.

The following speed limits apply:

• 130 km/h on toll motorways (motorways);
• 110 km/h on normal highways;
• 90 km/h on local roads;
• 50 km/h within the city.

Italian laws allow a deviation of 5% (minimum 5 km/h) from these norms when setting local speed limits. Fines for exceeding are usually very high.

Riding motorcycles is allowed only with the headlights on, for other vehicles this rule applies only outside the city.

Drunk driving is a very controversial issue. The permitted limit of blood alcohol content is 0.50 g/l; exceeding this level is punishable by a high fine, driver's license suspension, and jail time, but many drivers don't worry about it. All passengers are required to fasten their seat belts, and children under 10 years old must ride only in the back seat of the car. If there is no sign on the road to the contrary, you must give way to vehicles traveling on the right side of another road. Road signs are designed according to EU guidelines and mostly use pictograms rather than text, but there are some peculiarities (for example: directions of highways are written on a green background, local roads on white, and other roads on blue).

Avoid using roads marked in blue for long distance travel. Although the freeways are more expensive, they significantly reduce the travel time, while driving on the roads marked in blue, you will have to pass through many cities and villages.

Traveling in Italy by bus

As in many European countries, buses in Italy are one of the main modes of transport not only within cities, but also outside them, often connecting such settlements that are simply not accessible otherwise. This explains the popularity of buses among local residents. However, they can also make life much easier for tourists, especially in areas such as the Dolomites, extremely popular with skiers and snowboarders.

There is no clear leader among bus companies in Italy, such as Greyhound in the United States. But at the same time, nothing prevented them from uniting in the transport alliance IBus, which controls the sphere of intercity bus transportation. In total, the alliance included 9 companies - Baltour, Marino Autolinee, Inter Saj, Consorzio Autolinee Cosenza, Salga, Rome Marche linee and others. Thanks to this diversity of companies, the IBus system covers all regions of Italy. In addition, the alliance has partnership agreements with European carriers, such as Eurolines, which makes it easier to travel from Italian cities to cities in other European countries.

culture

Italians are usually affable and friendly, and in order not to experience difficulties, it is enough to adhere to elementary courtesy.

People in Italy often gesticulate a lot during a conversation, and this is not regarded as a sign of bad manners. This casual love of gesture usually surprises and amuses foreigners, because the generally accepted degree of gesticulation varies greatly from country to country.

In Italy, a fairly large percentage of the population is made up of elderly people, who will be treated with respect. Assist them whenever possible, such as giving up your seat on the bus. You will be grateful.

Italians are ready to discuss many things, but not income: they never talk about their salary and inquiries about it will be considered faux pas. Talking about politics and complaining about politicians is practically a national sport, so if you criticize the government, there will definitely be someone who will support you. At the same time, inquiries about personal political beliefs can be considered tactless. Also Italians talk a lot about football, it's a national sport and they take it very seriously, maybe even more seriously than politics.

It's okay to take pictures, but some people don't want to be in the frame, so it's best to ask permission first. It is not recommended to take pictures of children: this can make Italian parents very angry.

Kitchen

As a language and culture, Italian cuisine is very different in different areas. Pasta and olive oil are staples of southern Italian cuisine, while rice and butter are more consumed in the north (although there are many exceptions these days). The use of local ingredients is also very important. In warm Naples, citrus fruits and other fruits play an important role in the preparation of food and drink, while in Venice one of the most important traditional ingredients is fish. To get around, know that in the south, pasta and dessert play an important role, while in the north, meat is the main focus, although these principles may differ depending on where exactly you are.

Lunch is considered the most important part of the day, a whole hour is specially allocated for it and an additional hour is set aside for the afternoon rest ("pausa pranzo", or more familiar to us - siesta). At this time, all shops are closed and resume work only after a two-hour break. To make up for this, they work until a later time. This rule may not be observed in the center of the largest cities or in shopping centers.

Cooking in Italy is considered an art form. Famous chefs such as Gualtiero Marchesi or Gianfranco Visani are considered to be somewhere between TV stars and magicians. Italians usually don't like foreigners ordering spaghetti and pizza all the time, so read the menu carefully and remember that almost every restaurant has a signature dish, and many cities have centuries-old traditions that you are invited to join. Keep in mind that the most famous Italian dishes like spaghetti and pizza are typical of the cuisine of Southern Italy, so when traveling to other areas, do not miss the opportunity to try lesser known traditional dishes.

To eat cheaply, you can visit the aperitivo bars (somewhat similar to Spanish tapas eateries), where in the early evening (around five o'clock) they serve plates of light snacks, cheese, olives, meat products, bruschetta (small local sandwiches with various fillings) and although it is meant to be just an appetizer before the main meal, everything is provided free of charge for those who order liquor. This type of food is especially popular in Milan, where you can often replace dinner with it.

National dishes

Pricing in restaurants

The bill in Italian restaurants increases (usually doubles) if you book a table instead of eating at the bar or taking food to go. The line in the menu that says this is usually printed in very small print. Sometimes it may also indicate that the restaurant charges a coperto (fee for a set of cutlery and a basket of bread) or a service charge. Eating on the run can save you money - many eateries charge extra for seating.

Sequence of dishes

A typical meal consists of (in order) antipasto (appetizer), primo (first course - pasta or rice), secondo (second course - meat or fish), served with contorno (usually a side dish of vegetables), cheeses/fruits, dessert, coffee, alcoholic drinks. Typically, Italians serve all the dishes on this list to the table, and in restaurants, customers are expected to follow this pattern; old restaurants and restaurants with a name usually refuse to change dishes at the request of the client (the exception is only for children and sick people) or serve them in a different sequence, and you will never be served a cappuccino between primo and secondo.

In Italian restaurants, smoking is either completely prohibited or allowed only in a special area separated from the non-smoking area; and although Italians are usually not very attentive to laws and regulations, this rule is strictly enforced almost everywhere.

The Denominazione di origine controllata (DOC) certificate specifies which grape varieties can be used to make a particular wine, but is not in itself a guarantee of high quality. The same applies to the Denominazione di origine controllata e garantita (DOCG). These two restrictions define a typical wine for each region, well suited to the local cuisine. Some of the best Italian wines are labeled with the Indicazione geografica tipica (IGT) certificate, which is often a sign of a more modern, "international" wine.

Before arriving in Italy, do a review of the most popular local wines (for the area you are going to), such as Barolo or Nebbiolo for Piedmont or Chianti and Sangiovese for Tuscany. Italian cuisine is very different from region to region (sometimes even from city to city), and the wine reflects these differences. Therefore, for example, avoid ordering Chianti unless you are in the center of Tuscany. Italians have a long tradition of matching wines to their dishes, and every dish often has a wine to match.

The well-known “color division” (red wines for meat, white wines for fish) can be completely ignored if the sommelier suggests it or if you are well versed in this: in Italy there are many strong varieties of white wine that go well with meat (for example, Sicilian or Tuscan Chardonnay), as well as red wines suitable for fish (for example, Pinot Noir from Alto Adige).

Vino della casa (house wine) is a good drink of choice in small outlying communities (especially in Tuscany), where farm owners often make and drink it themselves. You can also drink it in good city restaurants. As a rule, if the restaurant is run by decent people and is not aimed at tourists, the house wine in it is not so bad.

Italians are rightly proud of their wines and rarely serve foreign brands, although they allow themselves to use imported grape varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, in production.

Beer

Beer is not part of the Italian tradition; although most bars serve beer, it is usually not of very high quality and there is not much to choose from. You can find good beer, but for this you will have to spend some time looking. Among the brands of beer, the products of international firms and their local branches are in the lead, which will completely satisfy the inexperienced consumer, which is the majority of Italians. The main types of Italian beer are Peroni, Moretti and Raffo. If you're into beer, it's best to stop by one of the smaller private breweries, often run by enthusiastic local brewers affiliated with an association called Unionbirrai.

Limoncello

Limoncello is a liqueur made from alcohol, lemon zest and sugar. You can consider it as a kind of moonshine, because almost every Italian family, especially in the central south (near Naples) has its own recipe for making it. Lemon trees thrive in Mediterranean climates and produce large yields, so in many areas you can find plants bending under the weight of lemons. From them you can produce lemonade or drive your own version of limoncello. It is usually considered a dessert liqueur and is served after a large meal (like amaretto), often at various festivities. To taste, the liqueur resembles a thick concentrated lemonade with a hint of alcohol. Best served chilled or at room temperature and sipped rather than gulped down.

Grappa

Grappa is a strong alcoholic drink produced in the northern regions of Italy. As the Italians say, you will either love it or hate it. Grappa is made from fermented grape pomace. When tasting grappa, make sure it has been distilled multiple times.

Despite the fact that there are not as many places with available Internet in Italy as, for example, in France or Germany, since 2005 a special law has been in force here that provides secure access to the World Wide Web. After the terrorist attacks in Madrid and London, it is impossible to enter the network in Italian cafes without presenting a passport or ID. So if you need urgent access to the Internet, then do not forget your passport.

Connecting to the Internet using phones with a Russian SIM card is extremely expensive, so the best option is to purchase a SIM card from one of the Italian operators such as Vodafone, Telecom Italia or Wind Telecomunicazioni. But it should be borne in mind that in order to connect, you will have to tinker with the settings, which, most likely, will be in Italian. As an option, buy a special Mi Fi (mobile Wi-Fi) device that is suitable for both Apple products and simple laptops or smartphones. It acts like a wireless modem. In addition, this gadget can be rented, especially if you do not have much time to spend in Italy.

Telephone

When calling Italian numbers, they must always be dialed in full, with codes. Landline numbers start with zero, mobile numbers start with three. Numbers starting with 89 belong to paid services.

To call from Italy abroad, you need to dial 00 + area code + local number; The type of local number depends on the country.

To call Italy from another country, dial the international code + 39 + the local number. Please note that if you are calling a landline in Italy, you cannot skip the zeros that begin the local number.

In an emergency, call the appropriate number listed below. Such calls are usually free of charge and even from pay phones you can call 112, 113, 115, 118 without inserting a coin or inserting a card. Calls to 112 (general emergency call number for GSM standard) are always free of charge from any mobile phone (you can call even if you have no funds on your account).

Useful Phones

If you are in an emergency and don't know where to call, dial 112 or 113 (outside big cities, it's best to use 113 for an English-speaking dispatcher).

There are public telephones, most often at stations and airports. In the age of cellular communication, the number of machines has decreased significantly. Some accept only coins, others accept phone cards, some accept both. Only a small number of machines (in major airports) accept credit cards directly.

mobile connection

There are three major mobile operators in Italy - Vodafone, Telecon Italia and Wind Telecomunicazioni. All of them provide roaming services to subscribers of the largest Russian mobile operators, but the prices in this case can be very, very biting. However, you should inquire about the cost of outgoing and incoming calls directly on the websites of MTS, Beeline and MegaFon. Coverage in Italy is almost universal, with the exception of the most high-altitude and remote areas. A more budget option than roaming can be to buy an Italian SIM card, as mentioned above in connection with the Internet. The option with tourist SIM cards Goodline and SimTravel is also gaining popularity. An outgoing call to Russia with such a SIM card will cost 0.49 USD.

Safety

Like most developed countries, Italy is safe for tourists. Incidents of terrorism and serious crimes are quite rare, they are usually provoked by domestic politics and rarely directed against foreigners.

Careless tourists can become victims of petty hooliganism. You need to know that pickpockets often work in pairs or teams, sometimes in alliance with street vendors. The level of crimes against the person in Italy is considered moderate, and although foreigners sometimes become their victims, this cannot be considered a serious threat. However, the number of robberies and rapes under the influence of drugs is on the rise. Tourists should be careful when going out alone in remote areas at night.

You should inquire about prices before making a purchase. When photographing with fun and friendly people in costumes, be prepared to be asked for a fee. The same goes for taking pictures with pigeons. When buying ice cream or cleaning shoes on the street, ask about prices first, because there have been cases of fraudulent price gouging.

There are many bars in Italy, these places are popular with many Italians, but sometimes there are thieves who ply these establishments in search of confused or drunk tourists. The easiest way out is to go to such establishments in groups.

In an emergency, call the following numbers: 113 (police), 112 (emergency calls in any dangerous situation), 115 (fire department) 118 (emergency). All tourists, regardless of citizenship, can count on the provision of emergency medical care.

Where to stay

In major cities and tourist areas, a wide range of accommodation can be found, from world-class branded hotels to family-run guesthouses, but tourist hostels are few and far between. Staying at a campsite is a good way to save money and still get decent service, but managers are usually reluctant to check in unexpected large groups of young people, especially in summer, for fear of possible damage, so it's best to book a room in advance.

Farm accommodation is gaining popularity among tourists, especially in the rural regions of Tuscany, Piedmont, Umbria, Abruzzo, Sardinia and Apulia. Farms provide guests with delicious and healthy food, excellent views, and all this for a relatively low fee. If you prefer self-catering accommodation, it's pretty easy to find on the gorgeous Amalfi Coast and coastal areas in general.

More detailed information about accommodation in hotels in Italy and amenities in the rooms can be obtained in the "Hotels in Italy" section on our website. You can book rooms in selected hotels on Tourister.ru in the "" section.

Photo: (except separately noted)

If you are among the tourists who are not very fond of group trips or organized tours. operator, then our advice is simply necessary. After all, when organizing your trip personally, you need to think about a lot. Today we will consider a trip to Italy: what you need to know for an independent tourist who wants to get a lot of positive and pleasant emotions.

Italy is a tourist country, it is comfortable here, everything is done for travelers. But there are things that should not be forgotten, especially when you consider that you are in another country. If you smoke, please note that it is better to clarify whether it is possible to smoke in the establishment where you came to dine or not. For a thrown cigarette butt, you are unlikely to be fined by the guardians of the law, who, by the way, are at every turn in Rome ... Although we advise you not to litter, this is not beautiful. But with regard to smoking in public places, then it is worth clarifying. Otherwise, you can fly in for a large amount, like for a tourist, for 200 euros.

By the way, one more piece of advice for smoking tourists: it is better to buy cigarettes in duty-free shops, it will be cheaper this way.

Now let's talk about travel. This is an important question for every traveler. If you will walk, drive all day long and according to the plan a lot of crossings are foreseen, then it is more profitable to buy a ticket for the whole day. It is designed for 75 minutes, you can travel with it in any type of public transport and do not waste time buying a separate ticket for each trip. Please note that with such a pass you can only ride the metro once. If a day pass is not an option for you, buy single tickets. They are sold in tobacco shops "Tabacchi", in newsstands, cash desks, as well as in the buses themselves. We advise you to buy a ticket in advance so that there are no problems and no one manages to spoil the mood.

The metro in Rome is open from 5 am to 12 am. By the way, this is the most convenient and fastest way to travel. When getting on public transport during rush hour, keep an eye on your belongings. It is not uncommon for naive tourists to be “ruined” by pickpockets.

It is also equally important to know what clothes to choose for walking around Rome. In Italian cities, it is not uncommon not to be very comfortable to walk in heels (because of the paving stones). And if you are going to explore the city all day, then leave uncomfortable shoes at home and put on something suitable (for example, sneakers, sandals). In addition, you should think about clothes: in the summer, do not try to wear long-sleeved clothes, it is better to choose outfits made from light natural fabrics. It will not be superfluous to grab a hat / cap, sunglasses and cream. Make sure you always have a bottle of water and a light snack with you. By the way, stock up on food, fruits in the evening. And now you will know why.

What you need to know about restaurants, taxis, hotels?

Above, we talked about the fact that it is better to stock up on food. Especially for those who are used to not skipping breakfast. It will not be superfluous at all to have a bag of oatmeal, which can be prepared in an ordinary mug, filled with boiling water. Also a good option for breakfast - fruits, yogurts, juices. Why are we focusing on this now? Because cafes, restaurants in Italy receive guests from 12 noon to 15.30. At this time you can have lunch, there is no breakfast time as such. Moreover, if you are late for dinner, you will have to wait until 7 pm. It is at this time that restaurants begin to work again, and establishments are open until a maximum of 12 at night.

Another nuance worth mentioning. Tipping in a restaurant is worth leaving if you are really satisfied with the service. And they can be no more than 7-10 percent of the order.

Going to Italy, consider such a traditional feature of this country as the presence of a "siesta". Lunch time for rest is from 12.30 to 15.30 many shops and other establishments are closed.

We talked about public transport, but it is worth mentioning taxis. Just stopping the car on the street will not work. Taxi parking is provided, there is also the option of ordering a car by phone.

In the hotel, you may also be surprised by some things. First of all, be prepared that Italian sockets are not suitable for your equipment, so we strongly advise you to buy an adapter at home. Second, check with the administrator if you need to pay for air conditioning separately. You will be surprised, but in some hotels the use of air conditioning is not included in the price of the entire room. Thirdly, it will not be superfluous to take with you or buy a mosquito spray or a raptor upon arrival. There can be trouble with living creatures in cheaper hotels. Centipedes and mosquitoes are something to be prepared for.

Air tickets and documents are best left with the administrator against receipt or in the hotel safe. Remember that pickpockets in Italy are very dexterous.

And yet, if you notice ropes in the bathroom near the shower, do not rush to pull them. Most likely, this is a way to communicate that you need help and that a non-standard situation has arisen.

And finally - always make sure that you have a mobile connection and mobile Internet. We advise you to pay attention to one interesting option - Vodafone 19 (special tariff for Italy). The mobile operator offers mega favorable conditions:

Incoming calls are free.
Outgoing within Italy - 0.01 cents + 0.19 cents per connection.
Cheap calls to Russia - 8 cents + 0.19 cents per connection.
Inexpensive mobile internet (1 GB for 6 euros per day).

If you want to know more, read the website.

You can easily purchase a local telephone SIM card in almost every major shopping center by presenting your passport. Most operators also have a so-called connection fee - scatto ala risposta. The cost of mobile Internet is approximately the same for everyone. You can pay for communication at tobacco kiosks, communication stores, even at gas stations. As for Wi-Fi, it is available in hotels, the quality of communication is not always at a high level, especially far from big cities.

Language and communication

Italians are always happy if someone knows at least a little of their language. A small phrase book to help you.

No = No - But

Thank you = Grazie - Grazie

Please = Prego - Prego (consensual response to a request or question)

Please \u003d Per favore - Per favor (for politeness in requests and offers)

Sorry = Scusa - Scusa

Hello = Salve, Ciao

Goodbye = Arrivederci, Ciao - Arrivederci, Ciao

Good morning \u003d Buon giorno - Buon Giorno

Good evening \u003d Buona sera - Buona sera

I don't understand = Non capisco - Non capisco

Features of the Italian mentality

There are no Italians as such, because Italy is a young country, it has existed only since 1861. Therefore, a Sicilian will never call himself an Italian, and when asked if you are an Italian, he will answer you - I am from Rome, or I am an Apulian. The main principle of Italians is to enjoy life. They are cheerful, with a sense of humor, love holidays, eat delicious food, dress beautifully. Everywhere behind the Italians style winds like a train. Is it really easy to distinguish an Italian even in a crowd? An Italian, like an actor, knows how to behave in public, and it doesn’t matter if he is a carabinieri, rides a bicycle to work, or whistles when he sees a beauty while drinking coffee.

Kitchen. What and where to try in Italy?

It's no secret that Italy is a country of gourmets. You will get a huge component of impressions from its cuisine and wine. And from the ability of Italians to make the most ordinary meal a holiday.

Ligurian A kitchen is made up of very simple components that miraculously turn into a masterpiece. The most famous local invention is pesto sauce, and the variety in the preparation of achovy is amazing. It is served fresh, fried, stuffed, canned.

Where else but in Tuscany taste dishes that are prepared according to recipes of a hundred years ago from stewed wild boar, hare or pigeons on a spit. Forest mushrooms, pasta, tender meat. What can we say about world famous wines!

Umbrian products also surprise with their archaic simplicity. And here there is a king of the table - this is a black truffle. It is collected with specially trained dogs, and this is a whole science.

In addition to numerous options for pastas and pizzas, simple peasant cuisine Lazio, inventive Romans used offal in their dishes: tails, stomachs, heads ... It doesn’t sound very appetizing, but, believe me, they are not only edible, but very tasty!

Seafood lovers will appreciate the cuisine Campaigns. In addition to fish and squid, they cook delicious octopus in tomato sauce, mussel soup, and pasta. Local cheeses will win the hearts of the most scrupulous gourmets: provolone, scamorza, caciocavallo, the freshest buffalo mozzarella!

Venice rightly considers its cuisine unique. Hundreds of recipes for cooking fish for every taste. A popular dish is dried fish seasoned with olive oil, thoroughly mashed with potatoes, or Venetian-style veal liver.

Residents of the region Emilia Romagna like to repeat: we live to eat, not eat to live. Who does not know pasta with bolognese meat sauce or multi-layered lasagna, Parmesan cheese or Mortadella sausage - the ancestor of our Doctor's - all these are the inventions of local gourmets.

many dishes Sicilian cuisine Greek, Arabic or even Spanish origin. Local gastronomy has taken the best traditions of these peoples. And Sicilian wines - noble and tannic, in turn, won the hearts of wine lovers all over the world.

On Sardinia the choice of food is huge. In addition to traditional Italian dishes, try local anchovies and sardines, Sardinian pig fried over an open fire, cheeses and, of course, bread, because there are more than a hundred of its types here.

Holidays and events

Italians love holidays! There are a myriad of them here - from traditional Christmas and New Year to carnival, Republic Day, St. Giuseppe or Antonio Day, Immaculate Conception, Tree Day, hundreds of sagras and festivals in all towns and villages. But a special mention is worthy of a holiday that more than others affects the plans of a tourist. This is Ferragosto - the rest of August. Once upon a time, it was a mass feast with tables full of dishes and wines, horse races and competitions. Now is the time of vacations, crowded resort hotels, closed businesses, offices and shops.

Safety

When planning a trip, prepare copies of your documents in advance (it is better to have certified by a notary), purchase medical insurance and choose bags and backpacks that are most difficult to unfasten in a crowd or rip off your shoulder.

There are street thieves in the big mountains of Italy, do not keep all your money and cards in one place, do not display expensive jewelry or equipment in poor areas, follow the usual precautions.

Also, do not get involved with offers of free services or cheap goods, just ignore them, and your trip will not be overshadowed by unpleasant events.

A complete guide on how to organize an independent holiday in Italy: which resort to choose, where to find and book flights and hotels, how to get around the country, various routes in Italy, what to see, where to go, where to eat; summary information to help you plan your trip.

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Briefly about Italy

Italy is a southern country with European service, an excellent climate and a variety of recreational opportunities. In summer, people come here to beach resorts, in winter - for ski holidays, in spring and autumn - for a rich excursion program.

Italy is elongated and has the shape of a "boot", the total length of the country is just over a thousand kilometers. In the north you will be greeted by picturesque mountains, while in the south you will find the sandy beaches of Sicily. Italy is washed by the seas from three sides, it is not surprising that a beach holiday in the country is one of the main directions of the tourist flow.

In addition to the sea coast in Italy, there are also lakes that are also suitable for a beach holiday. The mountains in Italy are in demand all year round - in winter they go skiing and snowboarding, in summer they study hiking and car routes. The cities of Italy are world centers of attraction for tourists, here you can get acquainted with the amazing architecture, history and traditions of the country.

Helen Cook/Anzio Coast

Holiday destinations in Italy

Almost all of Italy is suitable for independent recreation and active travel. In total, there are 20 regions in Italy, and each of them specializes in its own type of recreation.

The following regions and areas are suitable for a beach holiday:

– Emilia-Romagna, which is perhaps the most famous beach resort in Italy - Rimini. The region is washed by the Adriatic Sea. People mainly come here on package tours, and the place is of little interest for independent tourism: there are too many tourists, the coast is not so clean, and the nearest sights are quite far away. Among the advantages, one can single out sandy beaches, a gentle entrance to the sea, a developed hotel infrastructure;

– Veneto, the second most popular region for package tourism. Here, Lido di Jesolo Bay is in demand for recreation, the sea in which is cleaner, the water warms up faster, there are fewer tourists, but tours are more expensive. The nearest sightseeing destination in Veneto is the "unsinkable" city of Venice;

– Tuscany, is considered the most luxurious region for a beach holiday in Italy. The Tuscan Riviera is located on the western coast of Italy, washed by the Tyrrhenian Sea. Tuscany boasts long sandy beaches, clear sea, entertainment for the whole family. On the coast, you can find both democratic resorts that are loved by locals, as well as fashionable resorts, where holidays are considered one of the most expensive in Italy. Nearby you can find many destinations for sightseeing holidays - Pisa, Lucca, Arezzo and other ancient cities; More about ;

– Liguria, the northwestern region of Italy, whose main beach resorts are San Remo, Alassio, Savona, Portofino. There are also many options for sightseeing holidays, first of all, these are Genoa and the Cinque Terre National Park, there is an opportunity to go to France. In general, we can say that, with the exception of the named resorts, there are not so many beaches in Liguria, the coast is quite mountainous, you can often watch the sea waves breaking on rocky cliffs. Liguria is washed by the purest Ligurian Sea; More about ;

– Southern Italy And Sicily, in terms of tourism are considered the least developed regions, although wild sandy beaches can be found everywhere. These areas are washed by the Mediterranean Sea. Sicily is also famous for its sightseeing opportunities, for example, it is here that you can visit Mount Etna; More about ;

– Lakes of Northern Italy, no less popular destinations for beach tourism in Italy. The lakes are famous for their picturesque views, nature, historical sights and entertainment. We can say that holidays on Italian lakes are three in one. The swimming season here lasts from June to September. The most popular lakes in terms of tourism are Lake Garda, Lake Como and Lake Maggiore. All of them are within an hour's drive from Milan. More about holidays ;

– Italian Islands, which are located near the West coast of Italy. These include, in particular, Sardinia, Ischia, Capri and several smaller ones. Rest here is considered quite expensive. There are several large beach resorts in Sardinia, famous for their sandy coastline. More about . Ischia and Capri, on the contrary, cannot boast of sandy sloping shores and are of little use for swimming;

–Apulia, located on the southeastern coast of Italy and washed by the Adriatic and partly by the Ionian Sea. Here you can completely combine beach and sightseeing holidays. It offers travelers sandy beaches, cozy and picturesque bays, ancient cities and architectural “pearls”. More about .

For a ski holiday, you should go to:

– Veneto, the region is famous for its beautiful Dolomites and luxurious ski resorts such as And . Local resorts are considered one of the most expensive and prestigious in Italy. Trails of varying difficulty are open for skiing, there are wooded and treeless areas. In addition, Veneto boasts excellent opportunities for snowboarding and freeride; In summer, gorgeous views of the mountains and transparent emerald lakes open up here; hiking and climbing routes are organized for tourists;

– Trentino-South Tyrol also offers skiing in the Dolomites. Here are more democratic resorts, such as , and others. According to their taste, skiers can choose either one area for skiing, or purchase a card for skiing throughout the Dolomites Super-ski region, which allows you to master the slopes of all the listed resorts;

– Lombardy located in the heart of Northern Italy, and its resorts are the most remote from major cities. It is here that you can feel at one with nature and discover almost unlimited opportunities for freeriding. There are also much fewer tourists here than in the Dolomites. The most popular ski resorts in Lombardy are And ;

– Val D'Aosta, a small ski region in Italy bordering Switzerland and France. Despite their compact size, local resorts are quite popular, and almost everyone has heard their names. , – sound like music for skiers. There have been fewer tourists here lately than in the "promoted" Dolomites, so among the rest you can meet true connoisseurs of the good old traditions. The resorts of Val D'Aosta are also loved by the Italians themselves in view of their intimacy;

A rich excursion program can be found in:

An excursion program in Italy can be organized almost everywhere, with the possible exception of the east coast. Often holidays in Italy can be called combined, because. beach resorts are located next to ancient cities and natural attractions, and getting from one point to another is not so difficult.

Milan- the center of shopping and cultural life in Italy, the "gateway" to the sights of Northern Italy, whether it be lakes, mountains or ancient cities. More about

- the northern "pearl" of Italy, famous for its architecture, historical monuments and museums, the former capital of the Winter Olympic Games. More about

Genoa- an ancient port and a once prosperous empire. Genoese architecture, coupled with views of the sea bay and the best cuisine on the coast, attracts a considerable number of tourists every year. More about

Brescia is an ancient city in Northern Italy. The main attractions are the archaeological heritage and historical monuments, many of which are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. More about

Bergamo- Another city in Northern Italy, which is literally full of historical and architectural monuments. In addition, just like Milan, it is the "gateway" to the natural beauties of the north of the country and its ski resorts. More about

Verona- the ancient city and the scene of Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet". Many call Verona "the city of love" for its special aura and atmosphere. More about

- a city where instead of streets - canals. Venice has long attracted tourists with its unusual location in the bay. In addition, the city was once a prosperous republic, and its sights have survived to this day. More about

It became famous, first of all, for its “wrong” tower, slightly deviated from the axis, and thanks to it, for many years it has been a major tourist center in Central Italy. More about

- an old Tuscan city that will amaze you with its architecture and amazing color. No wonder Lucca is called "Florence in miniature". More about

Rome is the capital and administrative center of the Lazio region. It is located exactly in the center of the country and attracts with its numerous historical and archaeological monuments, because once Rome was the center of a huge and large-scale empire. More about

Naples- the southern "gate" of Italy and the ancient port city. Naples has its own unique southern flavor, in addition, it is from here that it is most convenient to get to the resorts of Amalfitana and to the volcano Vesuvius. More about

Visa to Italy and entry rules

In order to travel around Italy, it is enough to open a Schengen visa type C (tourism). Such visas can be single-entry or multiple-entry (repeated entry is allowed for a certain period of time, also called “multi-visas”). You can open a visa at the Italian embassy or consulates in Russia (Moscow and St. Petersburg), as well as at the Italian visa centers, which are located in many major cities of Russia.

In addition to the standard set of documents and fingerprinting, to open a visa, you will need to present return tickets, hotel reservations and with a coverage amount of at least 30 thousand euros. When passing through passport control upon arrival in Italy, it is also better to have these printouts with you, because they may be required to present. In general, visa processing and the rules for entering Italy coincide with the Schengen rules, because. The country is a member of the Schengen Agreement.

Weather in Italy

The predominant climate in Italy is Mediterranean, with the exception of the very north of the country, where the continental climate prevails. The swimming season lasts from June to September in all regions of the country. In Tuscany and more southern areas, including Sicily, the swimming season can be extended until October inclusive. The ski season lasts from the end of November to the end of March, in some areas it is possible to ski until mid-April.

With sightseeing purposes, Italy can be visited all year round. In winter, there will definitely be fewer tourists, which means a more relaxed holiday is guaranteed. Spring and autumn in Italy are quite warm, the time is ideal for long walks. Please note that in northern Italy, in regions such as Veneto, Piedmont and Lombardy, it can be quite rainy in the autumn-winter period, and 100% snow falls in the mountains.

Summer is more suitable for a beach holiday, but many tourists combine beach and sightseeing holidays. The advantage of the Mediterranean summer is that it is not too exhausting or stuffy, there is always a light sea breeze. Not very comfortable weather in summer for hiking during the daytime can only be in Sicily and in some southern regions.

Currency, language, time

The currency of Italy is the euro. Other currencies are not accepted for payment. You can exchange money in advance or upon arrival at any airport in the country. Airport exchange offices may charge an additional service fee. In Italy, bank cards are accepted everywhere, but the level of the card must be at least Standard. It is not possible to pay with cards like Electron and Maestro. If you are planning to travel to the countryside or small towns, it is better to have cash with you.

The language of Italy is Italian. In tourist places, you can speak English without any problems, many signs and symbols are also duplicated in English. You need to understand that in non-tourist places and small towns, locals may not know English. But, in general, Italy is a tourist country, so everything is done here for the convenience of travelers.

Time in Italy is behind Moscow by 1 hour in summer and 2 hours in winter. Throughout the country - a single time zone. It gets dark in Italy earlier than in Moscow, this should be taken into account when planning a trip, especially for a sightseeing tour.

How to get to Italy

The best way to get to Italy is by flight. Many major Italian cities have their own international arrival airports, where direct flights are operated from Moscow and St. Petersburg. There are also local airports in Italy, where you can fly with a transfer in one of the European cities. So, flights to Italy are operated by:

• Pobeda operates direct flights to Bergamo and Pisa. It is considered the most budgetary way to get to Italy;

• Aeroflot operates direct flights to Milan, Venice, Rome;

• S7 operates direct flights to Genoa and Verona;

• Alitalia operates flights to all of the above cities + Turin, Naples and Palermo.

Flight geography:

• If you are going to Northern Italy (ski resorts, Lake Garda, Como, Maggiore), then it is most convenient to fly to the airports of Milan, Bergamo, Verona, Turin;

• If you are going to the Venetian Riviera, then it is most convenient to fly to Venice or a little further - to Verona;

• If you are going to Liguria, it is most convenient to fly to Genoa or a little further - to Milan;
• If you are going to Tuscany, it is most convenient to fly to Pisa;

• If you are going to Rome and the cities of Lazio, then it is most convenient to fly to Rome;

• If you are going to Amalfitana and other southern regions, then it is most convenient to fly to Naples, a little further - to Rome;

• If you are going to Sicily, then it is most convenient to fly to Palermo;

• In Rimini, as a rule, separate charter flights fly in the summer.

Buying tickets to Italy:

It is better to look for suitable tickets to Italy and buy them no later than 3 months before departure, especially when it comes to the “high” season. The cheapest flights are carried out by the Pobeda low-cost airline, which lands at the airports of Bergamo and Pisa. Other companies usually have a standard fare, but there are also various discounts, especially from Alitalia, by catching which you can fly to almost any city in Italy on a budget.

It is more expedient to search for flights to Italy through special search engines that compare all available flight options for specific dates from different airlines:

As for regular bus service, it is poorly developed in Italy, each region has its own bus network, which means that getting from one region to another by bus is problematic. The exception is some routes operated by a European carrier . These, in particular, include the routes Milan-Rome (about 8 hours on the way), Milan-Genoa (2 hours on the way), Rome-Naples (2.5 hours on the way) and some others. Also, with a few reservations, it is more convenient to travel by bus in Sicily, as it has its own developed network of bus transport.

Car rental in Italy

One of the most convenient ways to travel around Italy and not depend on public transport schedules is to rent a car. This option is very popular among tourists due to the convenience of movement and the adequate cost of the service, comparable to the prices of public transport.

Italy has a developed network of high-speed roads, so if you wish, you can go around the whole of Italy, especially since its total length is a little more than a thousand kilometers. Car rental is also suitable for trips to certain regions. So, for example, from Milan, Verona or Bergamo you can go along the lakes of Italy and to the Dolomites; from Genoa - along the picturesque Ligurian coast; from Rome you can drive through the towns of Lazio; from Pisa to ride along the Tuscan fields and the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea; from Naples - go around Amalfitana, etc.

In order to rent a car, it is enough to have a foreign passport, a driver's license (an international or national new sample with an entry in Latin), a bank card to pay for services and block a deposit. Rental points can be found in any major city or resort in Italy, as the service is in high demand. Also, rental offices of various companies can be found at all Italian arrival airports. You can book the desired class of car at a specific pick-up point using specialized services:

Sicily : the beaches in Sicily are mostly sandy, but if in the south they are golden and snow-white shallows, then in the north they are mixed with grayish volcanic ash. The best beaches can be found in (White sand), (golden sand) (sandy bays), Lido di Noto (sandy beach), Marina di Ragusa (sandy beach) and others;

Sardinia : the island has amazingly beautiful sandy beaches and seems to be created for a beach holiday. You can find a beach for swimming almost along the entire coast, travelers especially like the coast , , Porto Rotondo, Bahia Sardinia, , and many others;

Emilia-Romagna : here the king of all beach resorts is Rimini. The beaches in Rimini are gentle, sandy, long, but there are also a lot of tourists here. Also, beach areas can be found in the neighboring resorts of Riccione, Cattolica, Cesenatico and others;

Veneto : the beaches of the region are located mainly in the bay of the Venetian Riviera. The beaches here are small, but sandy and equipped with everything you need. The best beach resorts include Lignano, Bibione, Lido di Jesolo;

Apulia: almost all the beaches in the region are equally good, because they are sandbanks. The region is washed by two seas - the Adriatic and the Ionian. On Ionika, the beaches are more extensive; on the Adriatic, the beaches are cozy bays. Especially attention is drawn to the beaches near , , .

Prices for holidays in Italy

Prices for holidays in Italy largely depend on the particular resort. So, for example, Sardinia, Tuscany, Amalfitana are traditionally considered more fashionable, and therefore more expensive resorts in terms of beach holidays, but even there, if you wish, you can find budget options. As for ski holidays, Cortina D'Ampezzo and Madonna di Campiglio are considered to be luxury resorts here, although the latter also follows the path of democratization of accommodation and recreation.

Generally, accommodation cost in Italy it starts from 35-50 euros per night for a bed and breakfast or apartment. In the high season, prices can rise by 20-30%, so it is recommended to book accommodation in advance;

Travel by city public transport will cost between 1.5-2 euros per trip. If you stay in any city in Italy for a day or more, then it is usually more profitable to purchase a travel pass for the whole day (from 4.5 euros);

Meals in the restaurant will cost 20-40 euros (without alcohol), in the cafe– 15-20 euros, in fast food establishments- 10-12 euros, in pizzerias takeaway pizza will cost from 5 euros. Cheapest to buy products in stores. Approximate prices for some popular food products: pizza (semi-finished product) from 4.5 euros, a bottle of wine from 2 euros, fruit from 1 euro, fish and seafood from 70 cents, fresh meat, meat products, frying sausages from 4 euros, ham or dried meat from 16 euros, hard cheeses from 3.5 euros, olive oil from 4 euros, chocolate from 1.30 euros (prices are presented at the beginning of 2018 per kg, package or liter);

Entrance to some sights of Italy also paid, you will have to pay for the entrance to museums and amusement parks. As a rule, the cost of an entrance ticket to museums, palace and park ensembles, galleries, viewing platforms costs from 5 to 10 euros, to amusement parks - from 15 to 20 euros.

Ski equipment rental will cost 20-35 euros, depending on the required equipment. Ski pass price often depends on the coverage area (home ski area or combined areas, for example, "Super-ski Dolomites", "Aosta Valley", etc.). On average, a ski pass for one day will cost from 45 euros for an adult, discounts are provided for pensioners, youth and schoolchildren. During the high ski season (the period of Christmas holidays and spring break) prices for ski passes become more expensive, on average, by 10%.

Food in Italy

Italy is a country of gourmets, so many tourists choose Italy as a holiday destination not only because of the beaches and attractions, but also because of the possibilities of gastronomic tourism. Indeed, Italy is home to many culinary creations that travelers seek to taste exactly where they originated. If we don’t talk about haute cuisine, then the most common dishes in Italy are all kinds of pasta with delicious sauces, pizza, calzone and other dough pastries, fresh fish and seafood (the proximity of the sea affects), and for dessert, the Italians invented delicious ice cream and dessert tiramisu . Add to this the world-famous Italian wines, and you will understand that lunch or dinner in Italy is a real paradise for gourmets.

You can eat in Italy restaurants, cafes or pizzerias, you can also buy ready-made products in stores or at markets and cook your own food.

The restaurant is considered the most expensive segment of food, especially if its theme is haute cuisine. Here, the average check starts from 20 euros and goes up to infinity. But it is here that you can try real gourmet dishes;

It's a little cheaper to eat in a cafe. As a rule, there are various options such as "breakfasts", "business lunches", etc. The food here is less pretentious than in restaurants, but you can “stumble” on real masterpieces if, for example, this is a family cafe away from the tourist trails. The cost of food in a cafe should be calculated on the basis of 10-20 euros per person;

Instead of fast food, Italians often go to pizzerias, where you can eat pizza on the go or take a freshly baked pizza to go with you. The cost of such a pizza starts from 5 euros. Local pizzerias carefully preserve the traditions of cooking and baking, so it is in such small establishments that you can most often taste real Italian pizza.

Shopping in Italy

Italy is famous for its shopping. As a rule, the accumulation of shopping centers is observed in large cities. In this sense, Milan overshadows all other cities. Italy is also famous for its outlets. Outlets are entire trading towns where you can find various brands and brands with discounts. Whole shopping tours are organized to visit such outlets.

In general, we can say that Italy, like no other country, can offer a wide variety of types of recreation - beach resorts, a rich “excursion”, skiing, gastronomic tourism, outdoor activities. You can come to Italy all year round and always find something to do. For the curious traveller, Italy offers many opportunities and experiences. At the same time, the quality of service and maintenance in Italy tends to be exemplary according to European standards.

We will be happy to answer your questions in the comments!

Photo at the beginning of the article: Gian Luca Ponti