Know Before You Go… Italy

Recently updated on January 30th, 2020 at 02:02 pm

The coastlines, the canals, the cathedrals: Italy’s charms know no bounds. A country of dazzling beauty, rich and varied culture and captivating history, it’s little wonder that Italy is one of the most visited destinations in the world. If you’re planning a trip, we’ve curated a list of helpful hints, tips and fundamental facts to brush up on before you go.

The Basics

Capital: Rome

Language: Italian

Population: 60.8 million

Currency: Euro

Land Area: 116, 347 square miles

Famous for: Culinary exports like pizza, pasta and fine wines; show-stopping Renaissance art and architecture; leading fashion brands like Gucci, Prada and Dolce and Gabbana; and world-class supercars such as Lamborghini and Ferrari.

Climate

Italy enjoys fantastic weather for most of the summer, experiencing hot, dry and sunny weather between May – September. Temperatures average 28°C- 33°C, and there can be intermittent thundershowers. Winters tend to be cool but harsher in the north, around the mountains. The south rarely experiences harsh winters.

What to See

Where to begin? Italy is bursting with beautiful, romantic sights, from its mountainous northern regions right down to the bottom of its heel. In the north, take in the stunning Lake Como, cosmopolitan Milan’s chic boutiques, and Venice’s waterways and basilicas. Journey through Tuscany’s rolling hills, taking in Florence’s Duomo and the picturesque landscapes of the region. Visit Rome’s iconic Colosseum, the Pantheon, and throw a coin into Trevi Fountain. Hop over to the enchanting island of Capri, and explore its grottoes and beaches. In the south, admire Puglia’s quaint trulli houses and enjoy a Sicilian dinner in the view of Mount Etna.

What to Eat and Drink

Italian food may be loved all over the world, but there’s nothing like tasting a spaghetti dish made with the freshest locally grown tomatoes and basil. In short, you can never beat the taste of authenticity. Italian cuisine doesn’t differ too radically by region, but each area does have its own indigenous dishes, like orecchiette (‘little ear’) shaped pasta in the south and aubergine parmigiana in the north. When dining out, look for delicious squid ink risottos, sourdough pizzas with a thin base and squishy crust, and zingy fruit gelatos. If you visit in autumn, it’s truffle season, so seek out this rarefied gastro treat shaved over pasta or pillowy gnocchi.

As every wine lover knows, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Italy. Many of the best white wines come from the north, around Piedmont, while Prosecco comes from a small northern region near Venice. Speaking of which, you can’t visit Venice without sampling a classic Bellini – Prosecco with peach purée, created at the iconic Harry’s Bar. In Tuscany, try local Chianti and Montepulciano reds, while down in the south, the well-rounded, chocolatey Primitivo reigns supreme.

Etiquette

When meeting and leaving, it’s customary to wish the other person other good day (buongiorno) or good evening (buonasera). ‘Please’ is per favore, ‘thank you’ is grazie and ‘you’re welcome’ is prego. Italy is largely a Catholic country, with countless beautiful churches and places of worship. When visiting, be sure to keep arms and legs covered, avoid eating or drinking inside, and don’t use your phone.

What to Pack

If you’re travelling in summer, you’ll want to bring plenty of short sleeve tops and shorts, with a throw-on that you can layer up for cooler evenings. Comfy, sturdy shoes are essential for exploring ancient sites and long sightseeing walks. Pack a simple but elegant outfit or accessory for dining out – you’re in Italy after all, and Italians like to dress up. Of course, don’t forget your swimsuit and sun cream!

If you’re dreaming of sitting in a gorgeous Italian piazza, sipping a glass of Chianti, click here to discover a wonderful Trafalgar Italian tour.

Image Credits: Main image & Venice © iStock/RudyBalasco.  Pizza © iStock/Razerbird. Capri Grotto © iStock/TaraTata. Al fresco dining © iStock/solstock.