When to visit Italy

Italy is an ideal destination all year round. So the best time depends on what you plan to do in Italy:

Spring (March to May): the weather in spring is usually mild and pleasant. The crowds of tourists are less intense in late spring than in summer (except for the Easter celebrations, which are spectacular in Rome and the Vatican). Spring is ideal for exploring cities and hiking.

Summer (June to August): summer in Italy is hot and sunny – the perfect time to relax on the beach and enjoy the lively nightlife. This is the peak tourist season, so coastal areas and popular cities like Rome, Venice and Florence tend to be quite crowded.

Autumn (September to November): the weather is getting colder and rain is more frequent, but temperatures are still very pleasant for exploring the cities and hiking. In autumn, harvest festivals are held, especially in wine-growing areas such as Tuscany.

Winter (December to February): the weather gets colder, especially in northern areas where snow is common in the Alpine regions. Winters are milder in the southern parts of Italy. Tourist crowds are smaller, except during Christmas and Carnival. This is the perfect time of year to explore cities for those who don’t like crowds or are travelling on a budget. Winter also guarantees great skiing in the Dolomites and the Italian Alps.

Transport in Italy

Public transport

Italy boasts a network of high-speed trains such as the Frecciarossa, Frecciargento and Italo, which quickly connect major cities such as Rome, Milan, Florence and Venice. For travel to smaller cities or within regions, regional trains are a more cost-effective, albeit slower, option. Some train routes offer fantastic views, such as the route from Rome to Sicily, where the train runs along the coast and then takes a ferry across the Strait of Messina to Sicily. Here you will find train connections in Italy.

Buses complement the train network and reach areas that are not accessible by train. Long-distance buses, operated by companies such as FlixBus, connect major cities and are often cheaper but slower than trains.
Local buses are widely used in towns and cities, for example Cotral in the Rome area. Here you will find bus services to and within Italy.

Ferries are widely used to travel to islands such as Sicily, Sardinia and other islands in the vicinity or between coastal towns. At this link you can search for all ferries.

By car to Italy

Italy’s roads and motorways are in good condition. The motorways are toll roads – the toll will cost you about 8-9 € per 100 km. You can pay the toll in cash or by card. Each payment gateway has a symbol at the top showing how you can pay.

This link will give you up-to-date information on traffic in Italy (tolls, closures, etc.), but Google Maps will also give you sufficient information.

The maximum speed on Italian motorways is 130 km/h and 110 km/h in wet weather, 90 km/h on roads and 50 km/h in the village.

If you plan to rent a car locally, choose in advance. In Tuscany and similar areas, choose smaller models as the roads are narrow and winding. Plus, parking lots can be full early and you have a better chance of parking with a smaller car. Here you will find the largest range of vehicles at the best prices.

ZTL zones

If you are travelling to larger cities in your own or a rental car, please note that some cities have dedicated “car parks”. ZTL zones. These are areas with traffic restrictions where non-residents are not allowed to enter. These include Rome, Pisa and Florence. It’s safer to park in the suburbs or in more distant neighbourhoods and take public transport to the centre.

A number of smaller towns and villages have closed historic cores where entry is forbidden. In these cases, parking lots are located on the edge of villages.

Culture and tradition in Italy

Culture

Italian cities resemble open-air museums. From the Renaissance art of Florence to the ancient ruins of Rome to the magnificent canals of Venice, each city tells a story through its architecture.
Visiting famous galleries such as the Uffizi in Florence or the Vatican Museums in Rome will give you an insight into Italy’s enormous contribution to the art world.

Italy is the birthplace of opera and to enjoy a performance at La Scala in Milan, for example, is simply an experience.

Cities like Milan are also a mecca for fashion lovers. And even if you don’t plan to go shopping, you’ll feel the fashion at every turn. The locals are impeccably dressed and the windows are perfectly decorated.

Traditions and festivals

The central element of Italian life is the family. You will notice it in the way people interact, dine and celebrate together. The majority of Italians are Roman Catholic, which is evident in the numerous churches and religious festivals.

In Venice, take part in local festivals such as Carnevale, where the city comes alive with masks and costumes, or experience traditional religious festivals in smaller towns.

Typical dishes in Italy

Italian cuisine may be famous, but it is incredibly diverse. Each region boasts its own specialities – seafood in Venice, risotto in Milan and fresh, hearty cuisine in Tuscany, for example.

Here are some of the most typical and popular dishes to try in Italy:

Pizza: pizza in Naples – the traditional simple Margherita pizza with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella and basil was created in Naples.

Pasta: In Rome, try the classic Roman pastas – Carbonara (creamy sauce with pancetta and egg), Cacio e Pepe (cheese and pepper) and Amatriciana (tomato and guanciale).
Bologna is famous for its Bolognese sauce, but don’t miss the Tagliatelle al Ragù or Tortellini in brodo.
A typical dish in Florence and Tuscany is Pappardelle with wild boar sauce.

Seafood in coastal areas: in Venice, enjoy seafood risotto or cuttlefish cooked in its ink (Nero di Seppia). In Sicily and Sardinia, enjoy fresh seafood dishes such as Frutti di Mare or Bottarga (salted, dried fish roe).

Meat and cheese: Parma and Modena are home to Prosciutto di Parma and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. Also try balsamic vinegar from Modena.
Tuscany is famous for its cured meats, especially salami and prosciutto, and Pecorino Toscano cheese.

Truffles: Alba and Piedmont are famous for their white truffles.

Desserts and sweets: for dessert, try the coffee-flavoured Tiramisu from Veneto. In Sicily you must try the Cannoli, a Sicilian pastry filled with sweet and creamy ricotta. Gelato is a classic throughout Italy and gelaterias offer a variety of flavours.

• Italian cuisine is based on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
• Try local wines with your meal, often designed to complement regional dishes.
• Visiting local markets can be a great way to experience regional food and ingredients.
• Enjoying a quick espresso at the bar while standing up is a typical Italian experience.
• Cappuccino is for breakfast and is not drunk after 11. one o’clock in the morning.
• Many restaurants include a service charge (“coperto”) on the bill to cover service. This is not a tip, but a service charge. Tipping is not expected but is appreciated (approximately 5-10% of the bill).

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