Valuable information and recommendations for a dream vacation in the land of the shores
Last updated: 28.01.2022 17.08 o’clock
You are planning a vacation in italy? A good choice, because anyone who has ever been anywhere in the heart of Italy knows how beautiful this country is. And for all of you who haven’t made it to the land of pizza and amore yet, it’s going to be high railroad. To make you feel well prepared for the upcoming vacation, I share in this article my best italy tips with you.
So you can save yourself the hassle of research and just pack your bags and go!
We’ll tell you how to get to italy, where to go, what sights and beaches not to miss, and what’s on the menu in the restaurants. Finally, I would like to give you a few etiquette tips for italy on the way, are you with me?
The best italy tips at a glance
How to get to italy
plane over rome
Before you set out full of anticipation, you should consider how the travel to italy should look like. Because there are plenty of options, according to your taste and budget. you have the choice between flight, car, train or bus.
Depending on your starting point, you can simply hop into your own car and chug off in the direction of the south. This is especially worthwhile for those who start from southern germany. The big advantage, of course, is that you’re super flexible even when you’re there, and you’ll get to see some beautiful corners on the way.
If you don’t want to waste any time, you can of course just hop on the next plane to italy and reach your destination in no time at all. In every corner of the boot country and certainly in the vicinity of your desired destination, you will find several airports.
A more environmentally friendly alternative is a train trip to italy. the railroad network is very well developed and with a little luck you will even find an uncomplicated direct connection. If you do your research in advance and plan early enough, you can even take advantage of some great deals and special offers.
Alternatively, there is certainly a long-distance bus provider that will get you to your destination slowly, but at unbeatable prices. For those who do not travel with their own car, a rental car is worth considering.
providers are available in every major city and at every airport. With a rental car you are noticeably more flexible and can arrange your vacation in Italy according to your wishes.
Best time to travel to italy
Summer in vendig
Like before every trip, you should also inform yourself about the weather and climate before your vacation in Italy. Logically, this information is included in these italy tips not to be missed. Many vacationers think that because italy is located directly on the mediterranean sea, there is a guarantee of good weather. But unfortunately this is not the case.
It depends on the region you are traveling to and what you have planned for your vacation. Basically you can’t go wrong with a trip from may to september, because these months are considered the best time to travel to italy.
If you are planning a pure beach or bathing vacation, you should aim for the summer months. But it is warm enough from may to october. Then the probability for heaps of sunshine is highest.
However, you should accept the fact that you will not be the only tourists who spend their summer vacation on Italy’s beaches. If you want to avoid the big crowds, you better come in the transition months. Then the prices for hotels and flights are also much cheaper.
All those who prefer to visit one (or more) of the beautiful cities in italy if you want to get to know it, it is best to arrive in spring or autumn.
Then the temperatures for an extensive city trip are neither unbearably hot, nor too cold. In addition, there are fewer tourists in the country, so you can look forward to deserted streets, sights all to yourself and discounted hotel rates. For one ski vacation in italy the winter months are of course the best time to visit.
→ learn more about the climate in italy
Most beautiful destinations in italy
South Tyrol
Lake Karersee in south tyrol, italy
If you are planning a vacation in italy, sooner or later you will have to decide on a travel destination. You have the choice between several top destinations in italy. Whether to the Adriatic coast, to the mountains, to the city or to the sea – the agony of choice is all yours. closest to germany, is the region of south tyrol.
Since this borders on Austria, both Italian and German are spoken here. The region is mainly known for its fascinating mountain world, which attracts many tourists to Italy in summer as well as in winter. In the summer months, of course, you can hike as much as you want and every now and then you can take a dip in the lake.
In winter the walking shoes are exchanged for skis and the slopes are made unsafe. On the list of south tyrol tips you will not only find the most popular italian ski resorts, but also exciting hiking regions and original mountain villages.
Lake Garda
Breathtaking view of the lake garda
Between the alps and the po plain lies the famous garda lake. The resorts around largest lake in italy attract thousands and thousands of tourists to the multifaceted region every year. No wonder, because the lake is nestled in a unique mountain panorama and surrounded by lush green nature.
The good thing is that the beautiful towns and villages around the lake are perfect for those who want to do a little sightseeing. If you prefer a little action, you don’t have to look far either, because the nearest amusement park is just a stone’s throw away.
Gardaland is the biggest amusement park in italy and really drives away any boredom. Alternatives are the "movieland park" the water park "canevaworld"or the safari parkparco natura viva". either way, neither young nor old will be bored at lake garda.
Tuscany
Breathtaking landscapes of tuscany
you don’t want to miss culture, nature or beaches? Then welcome to the tuscany. the central italian region is not only home to some of the most beautiful cities in italy, such as the capital city of florence, but also boasts miles of coastline as well as heaps of cypress and pine forests.
so you can start with a sightseeing tour of the great artistic towns, then take a stroll through the rolling hills and finally jump into the water at one of the many dream beaches. Do not forget to taste one or the other wine of the region.
Calabria
Tropea in calabria from the air
The boot tip of italy forms the region of calabria. Especially the lovebirds among you should now prick up their ears, because Calabria is the number 1 destination for newlyweds who want to spend their honeymoon in Italy. The wild romantic villages invite you to a romantic vacation for two.
At the hidden bays, which are framed by green hills, you can spend a few lonely hours and jump undisturbed into the water and have a picnic at sunset.
But also for all the others southernmost region of italy a trip worth. For example with an excursion to the sleepy village of chianalea di scilla, which has earned the nickname "venice of the south". The sight of the small houses built on rocks is guaranteed to knock you off your feet.
The small town is a little more lively pizzo to. There you can chug through the old town on a real italian piaggio and stop for a bite to eat in one of the restaurants and cafes. The highlight is the exciting cave church of piedigrotta, a small church carved by hand into the cliffs.
Sardinia
view of sardinia at sunset
you think white beaches, turquoise sea and 300 days of sunshine a year you can only find in the caribbean? You are wrong, because this is exactly what awaits you in sardinia. The second largest italian island is a true all-rounder among the top travel destinations in italy.
Families will appreciate the child-friendly beaches with the super soft sand and the shallow entrance to the water as well as the calm waves. In the lively capital of the island, cagliari, you can explore the exciting sights during the day and enjoy one bar after another in the evening.
If you still haven’t had enough of walking, you can take a detour into the green and inspect the countless caves and nature parks of the Mediterranean island during a hike.
If you prefer to spend your time in the water, you can go diving off the coast of sardinia and see the colorful underwater world.
Sicily
coast of sicily
A top alternative to sardinia is of course the bigger sister island sicily. Spend a vacation on italy’s largest island, relax carefree on the beach, take advantage of the wide range of leisure activities and learn all about the island’s enthralling history and culture. Probably the most visited sight is and remains the atna.
The atna with its four summit craters and a height of 3 meters.350 m, is one of the most famous volcanoes in italy. a guided volcano hike will bring you closer to this natural spectacle than you could ever imagine possible. Besides a pure summer vacation on the beach, city trips to the capital palermo are also super recommendable.
Puglia
view of brindisi, apulia
Also in the south of italy, you will find apulia. The region forms the boot heel of italy and was blessed with the location between the adriatic sea and the ionian sea.
In spite of its beauty and variety, this region has been largely spared from mass tourism. so you can look forward to a quite original italy (almost) for you alone.
You have the choice of many exciting resorts, such as vernazza, cinque.B. The capital bari, the coastal town monopoli, the vacation resort polignano a mare and the white city east university.
besides the charming towns and cities, the region captivates with countless dream beaches, magical grottos and a fascinating natural landscape. The national park gargano is located for example in apulia and belongs to the biggest national parks in italy. Or you can do some island hopping on the tremiti islands (most beautiful unknown italian islands), an archipelago consisting of five islands, with insanely beautiful beaches.
Cinque terre
view of vernazza, cinque terre
The last italian region I would like to introduce to you is cinque terre. We are talking about a 12 kilometer long coastal strip on the italian riviera. It is a union of the five villages of monterosso, vernazza, corniglia, manarola and riomaggiore.
You have surely seen a picture of the colorful houses built in terraces on steep slopes facing the sea. Whoever spends a vacation in this magical region can look forward to an unforgettable beach vacation. Where to find the most beautiful beaches in the region, I tell you in my cinque terre tips.
city trip in italy
Colosseum in rome
The italian capital is paved with ancient buildings, historical monuments and other exciting corners. What could be more suitable than an extensive city trip?? The highlights among the rom sights are crystal clear the trevi fountain, the spanish stairs and above all of course colosseum.
The eternal city is bubbling over with cultural sites that invite you to travel back in time. Another plus point are the countless authentic restaurants and cafes where you can take a breather and fill your belly with typical local delicacies. Rome is always worth a trip.
Florence
Florence in tuscany
A less crowded but not less beautiful alternative is the capital of tuscany. Because you may hardly believe it, but florence is home to even more cultural hotspots than rome. Especially on an artistic level, hardly any other city can hold a candle to florence.
No wonder that the entire old town of florence has been declared a UNESCO heritage site. For those who are interested in art, but also for everyone else, is certainly the world famous david by michelangelo in the galleria dell’accademia or "the birth of venus" of botticelli in the uffices of interest.
Of course, the cathedral of Florence, the palazzo vecchio and the ponte vecchio are also among the most worth seeing corners of the city of artists. After so much sightseeing, you will surely long for a little time in the green. fortunately, florence is an excellent starting point for a day trip into the surrounding nature.
Venice
View of venice -canale grande
venice has also made it to the list of top vacation spots in italy. The romantic city consists of a total of 120 islands, which are separated from each other by an incredible 175 canals. It’s no wonder that venice has 444 bridges that connect and take you from island to island.
For those who like sightseeing, you can hop from sight to sight in the floating city. For example you can choose between the bridge of sighs, the basilica san marco and the markus square and the doge’s palace. As you can imagine, venice is the perfect destination for a couple’s vacation.
It doesn’t matter if you’re newly in love or married for decades – a venice vacation brings a little togetherness into your daily life.
Milan
milanese cathedral at sunrise
also a wonderful destination for a city trip and therefore part of this italy tips is the cultural and fashion city of milan. The pompous city in lombardy captivates with one or the other first-class art treasure, among them the world-famous renaissance painting "the last supper"by leonardo da vinci.
Among the architectural masterpieces are the castello sforzesco, the teatro alla scala and of course the city’s landmark, the milanese cathedral. If you want to take a look over the metropolis, you can catch a glimpse of the city from the cathedral terraces at the top of the cathedral and take some unforgettable photos.
If the weather is good, you can even see as far as the alps.
Verona
sunset over verona, italy
The upper italian city of verona competes with paris as a city of love. The capital of the province of the same name is the location of the most famous love tragedy "romeo and julia" by shakespeare. The picturesque squares, such as the piazza delle erbe, with their romantic restaurants and cafes, invite you to relax in the old town of verona.
The cityscape is characterized by important monuments and buildings, which is why verona has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thanks to its perfect location, the city is ideal for a day trip to Lake Garda. And also to milan and venice you have not far to go from verona.
Rimini
Rimini from the bird’s eye view
In your opinion, a city trip can’t be complete without a little party and dancing? Then you are welcome to rimini! Located in the northeast of Italy, on the beautiful Adriatic coast, Palermo is known for its legendary party nights and its colorful party crowd.
While you can make yourself comfortable on the sandy beach during the day, in the evening it turns into a meeting point for exuberant parties until the wee hours of the morning. in my rimini tips, you will find a list of the best clubs in town.
The rimini coast is one of the most beautiful and varied areas in all of italy. Especially the unbeatable offer of free time comes in handy when you feel a bit bored. From beach volleyball and banana boat to water skiing and countless events, it’s all here.
But that’s not all, for those who long for a bit of culture and history will also find what they are looking for in the Italian party city. Just stroll through the historic center, passing by the piazza cavour.
Palermo
The fabulous mondello beach in palermo, sicily
That sicily is a top travel destination, we have already clarified. But did you know that palermo, the capital of the island, is made for an exciting holiday? italy city trip is? The Sicilian metropolis is teeming with exciting buildings, monuments and entire neighborhoods with exciting stories.
Coupled with a postcard-worthy beach and a few nightlife districts, palermo offers the perfect mix and is in no way inferior to rome, florence and other italian cities. by the way, streetfood is very important in palermo. The capital of the island is known and appreciated for its authentic streetfood cuisine.
So don’t forget to try a few events. The ballarò market is even one of the most popular sights in palermo.
Naples
view of the old town of naples
Last but not least, go to naples. The southern Italian city is located in the region of Campania and is considered a hotspot for art, culture and modernity. naples is also located directly on the sea and is therefore ideal for lying on the nearest beach and soaking up tons of sun. But also on a cultural level, naples is a real treasure trove.
The old town alone, which is often compared to a labyrinth of alleys, squares and churches, is incredibly exciting, chaotic, but also simply beautiful.
for more detailed information about the sights, check out my naples tips. But that was not all. Naples is the perfect starting point for an excursion in the surrounding area. For example to the only still active volcano in europe, the vesuvius. Or visit the ancient city of pompeii and walk in the footsteps of the ancient romans.
And if you are looking for a little privacy and tranquility, take the next ferry to the vacation island of capri.
Most beautiful beaches in italy
Italy’s most beautiful beach
Italy is one of the most popular countries for a beach vacation in the entire mediterranean sea. No wonder, because there are endless dream beaches that will fulfill your every wish. Whether you’re traveling as a family, partying or looking for complete peace and quiet, there’s a beach in italy for everyone.
To make it easier for you to choose a beach, I’ve put together for you these italy tips five favorites listed. For more detailed info, check out this article about italy’s most beautiful beaches.
Top 5 beaches in italy
- Cala marioli, sardinia
- Lido de jesolo, venice
- Cala del gesso, tuscany
- Capo vaticano, calabria
- San vito lo capo, sicily
Italian cuisine
Classic ingredients of italian cuisine
Another plus point and a decisive argument for all gourmets is, of course, the food and drink. The italian cuisine is undoubtedly one of the most popular and widespread cuisines in the world and is therefore literally on everyone’s lips. Also in germany you can get a pizza, tiramisu or spagetti bolognese served. But let’s be honest:
What better way to taste the evergreens of Italian cuisine than in your home country?? Basically it can be said that we are dealing with a very down to earth and simple cuisine.
Among the most commonly used ingredients are pasta in every shape and color imaginable, as well as plenty of fric vegetables, olive oil and cheese, preferably parmesan. In an italian restaurant, you will usually first be served a few antipasti or bruschetta served as appetizer.
the main course can be a bit more carbohydrate-rich and includes some sort of pasta or gnocchi. The often in combination with meat, mostly beef. In the coastal areas or on the islands, fish and seafood are often on the plate. For dessert tiramisu, panna cotta or also zabaglione served. the latter is a kind of wine mousse, prepared by default with the liqueur wine marsala.
Travel hacks for italy
Friends drinking wine in a bar, italy
To conclude this italy tips I would like to give you a few travel hacks on the way. Although Italy is only a stone’s throw away from us, some things are handled very differently here. So that you can confidently avoid all the pitfalls when you’re on vacation, i’ll give you a quick overview of the most important practices.
Coperto
As soon as you open the menu in a restaurant, you’ll hear the term coperto attract attention. Translated, the word means "deck", but it actually means that tip. To be more precise, it is a kind of service charge. This amounts to about one to two euros, regardless of what you eat or drink.
These are not paid to the waiters. Since the wages in the gastronomy in Italy are quite low, your waiter would be very happy if you leave him a tip. Usual are about 10 – 15% of the price.
Meal times
Even when it comes to mealtimes, the italians tick a little differently than we do. Lunch is usually between 1 and 3 p.m. the farther you travel to the south of the country, the later dinner is served. usual time is around 21 – 22 o’clock.
So if you expect to have dinner at 6pm, you may have to eat alone or you may not find a restaurant that is open at that time.
Ferragosto
Although the best time to visit Italy is basically from april to november, I would recommend that you avoid august. The reason is that august is the official vacation month (ferragosto) in italy. In plain language, this means: the italians are taking their own vacation.
And preferably in their own country. So in addition to the flood of foreign tourists, there are also the own countrymen. So you can imagine how crowded the beaches, hotels and sights are in august, when the entire population travels from the cities to the sea.
In addition, the supply of hotels and restaurants is quite meager, because there is hardly anyone working.