Safety

The security situation in Italy is quite ambiguous. On the one hand, it is one of the most criminalized states in the European Union, with a high crime rate for such a developed country. In large cities, one should constantly be wary of pickpockets and petty thieves; cases of fraud on transport and in restaurants are not uncommon. You should not carry large amounts of cash with you or withdraw them from an ATM in front of everyone. It is recommended to store documents and money in hotel safes, or, if necessary, place them in the most inaccessible place. It is better to carry something valuable in a belt bag or backpack - local “schipattori” (robbers) open purses, bags and handbags with grace worthy of better use, and often simply snatch them out of their hands using scooters or motorcycles.

It is not recommended to leave anything valuable in the car, and it is better to park the car itself in guarded parking lots or on well-lit streets. In the event of direct contact with a robber, it is recommended to comply with all his demands and not engage in direct confrontation. It is not recommended to run away from robbers, scream or confront them (although this is not excluded - the law will be on the side of the victim in any case), however, most local residents prefer to give money in such cases and then call the police.

The biggest fear for most travelers is usually the violent robberies that are common in many "ethnic" neighborhoods, but there are a number of long-established rules regarding this danger, such as preparing a small amount of cash (usually 20-50 euros) that can be given to the robbers without the risk of entering into conflict with them, and refraining from openly wearing luxury items and expensive samples of photographic or video equipment. Also, you should not show the contents of your wallet, often check the map of the area (a clear sign of a foreigner or stranger in the area), get into unfamiliar cars (for travel there is a developed and quite safe, albeit flawed, taxi system), etc.

On the other hand, in provincial Italy, far from noisy cities, there is almost complete idyll. Here it is quite enough to follow the usual safety measures. Cases of petty theft or fraud are extremely rare (usually teenagers are guilty of this) and are quite easily detected by the police. The notorious mafia minds its own business and is unlikely to pay attention to tourists - this threat, circulated in newspapers, is considered greatly exaggerated even by the Italians themselves.

Police

Italy has a fairly extensive and multi-level public security system. The Carabinieri are the largest unit of the Italian criminal police, with fairly broad powers. The characteristic uniform of the Carabinieri - a paramilitary cut with a white sword belt - catches the eye of all guests of the country. Their powers include fighting crime, maintaining public order and monitoring the non-proliferation of drugs. They must also be contacted in case of robbery. To do this, you should find the address of the police department (Questura, in small towns - Сommissariato) in the local telephone directory and call an investigator to the crime scene or apply directly. In some cases (Italian justice is slow) you will need to obtain permesso di soggiorno (permission to extend your stay in the country).

The city police (Vigili Urbani) mainly controls the situation on the roads. There is another unit with similar functions - the traffic police (Polizia Stradale), but its officers only patrol highways.

Operating mode

The national tradition of Italy is siesta. From 12.00-13.00 to 15.00-16.00 many institutions are closed. In fact, only street cafes, restaurants and transport are open, and even those are switching to a special operating mode. In the afternoon, it is simply impossible to catch a taxi or get on a bus or train on time; there are certain problems with choosing a place to eat - many cafes and bars are also closed.

The whole country goes on long holidays in July-August, so during this period there are also problems with both transport and catering establishments - there are simply not enough of them for everyone. To this should be added the crowds of Italians traveling to all the popular resorts, where many foreigners already vacation. Therefore, it is strongly not recommended to plan a trip for this period - June is much calmer here.

Opening hours of religious institutions

Churches are usually open from early morning until 12.00-12.30 and from 14.00-15.00 until 19.00-20.00. Major cathedrals and basilicas are open all day. It is not recommended to visit churches during religious ceremonies. It is necessary to prepare a sufficient number of 50-cent coins for the machines that include the lighting of church interiors. It is convenient to view the paintings on the ceilings and domes of churches through binoculars; photography is usually not allowed, especially using flash.

Museum opening hours

Museum opening hours vary in different regions of the country and depend on the time of year. Most of them are usually open from 9.00-10.00 to 13.00 and from 16.00 to 19.00 in summer, from 10.00 to 16.00-18.00 in winter. Many large congregations are free every last Friday of the month, from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm. The day off for most museums is Monday. If museum employees show or explain something, it is customary to tip when leaving the museum.

Store opening hours

Shops are open from 8.00 to 13.00 and from 15.00-15.30 to 20.00. All shops are closed on Sundays, and most are closed on Thursday afternoons. Large supermarkets are open from Monday to Saturday from 9.00 to 21.00 (without lunch), on Monday they open at 14.00. On Saturdays, some stores are open only until lunch, but on pre-holiday days, large retail outlets are open even on Sundays. Small shops are open from 8.00 to 20.00 with a break for lunch (they also close on Thursday afternoons). Some even work without lunch on Saturday, since on this day the population usually buys food for the week and therefore there is a large influx of buyers everywhere. Bars and restaurants operate on individual schedules. Most retail outlets close for at least two weeks during the summer (usually in August).

Smoking

In Italy, there is a state monopoly on the sale of tobacco products - they can only be purchased at kiosks with a special emblem. Smoking is prohibited in public places (including train stations), on public transport, in taxis, in most theaters, cinemas, and in shops. Smoking is also prohibited in most bars and restaurants, the only exceptions being establishments with special rooms for smokers, as well as street cafes. Violators are subject to a fine of 250 to 500 euros (the latter for smoking in the presence of a pregnant woman or a child under 12 years of age). There are also penalties for owners of establishments that allow smoking on their premises, as well as (sic!) a fine for failure to report on the owners of such restaurants. But in Italy, as well as in Russia, the rigidity of the laws is compensated by the optionality of their implementation - many Italians have long found loopholes in the new rules. However, tourists are not recommended to take risks - it is much easier to simply find out from the service staff where the smoking areas are.

On the territory of the Vatican, it is prohibited not only to smoke, but also to simply light cigarettes, for everyone without exception, regardless of citizenship, position and rank. They say that several times even archbishops and cardinals were fined 30 euros.

The legal age for buying wine and visiting bars in Italy is 16, although there has long been debate about raising this threshold to 18.

Toilets

All airports, railway stations, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, cafes and hotels have toilets (designated as WC). If the toilet room is not classified as public, it can still be used for an appropriate fee. Public toilets are located near many major attractions, but major cities have a distinct shortage of these facilities. When using them, the main thing is not to confuse them - men's rooms are indicated by the sign Signori, ladies' rooms - Signorie, that is, the difference is only one letter.

Electricity

The mains voltage is 220 V, 50 Hz. European-type sockets are used - round with two cylindrical pins (the familiar Type C) and its variety with two stampings on the sides of the plug for grounding contacts (Type F or Schuko), as well as rectangular connectors with three pins arranged in a line (Type L). Moreover, the appearance of the latter clearly indicates the permissible connection power - the smaller the pins and the closer they are located, the less the permissible current (usually 10 A, large plugs with thick connectors are designed for a current of more than 16 A). For better compatibility of Italian connectors with plugs of other standards, special cover plates with shaped holes are used.

Museums and attractions

It is not recommended to swim in the city fountains - the fine can reach 500 euros. Also, in many cities, the popular tourist entertainment of feeding pigeons in city squares is increasingly being restricted (in Venice, for example, it is completely prohibited).

According to the law, which came into force in Rome on July 12, 2008, it is prohibited to eat, drink alcoholic beverages, shout or sleep near historical monuments of the Italian capital. Violators will be fined 50 euros. Similar rules are already in place in Florence and Venice.

There are decent queues outside many popular museums and historical complexes. The wait to enter the Vatican Museums can take up to several hours! Therefore, with a clear focus on Italian museums and historical monuments, it is recommended to go in winter - the prices are lower and there are no queues. Entrance to the territory of almost all historical and archaeological monuments is paid. If there are several objects related to the same theme nearby (palace - museum - gallery, etc.), then a ticket to one of them is usually valid for the entire complex.

Beaches

Many beaches, even those that do not belong to resort complexes, are paid. Sun beds, umbrellas, and towels are also paid separately. You should pay attention to the same point in hotels, in most of which beach equipment is a separate service. Moreover, it is often necessary to pay for a sun lounger or towel by purchasing a subscription, which, by definition, cannot be valid for less than 3-4 days, which is extremely inconvenient in the case of short-term visits to several beach areas.

Hotels

The level of services in Italian hotels is a topic for another discussion. Almost anywhere you can find a good “three” with excellent service and a very expensive “five” with a full range of services of dubious quality. Often, in a hotel restaurant, the quality of food is much inferior to that of a neighboring trattoria, with prices that are not comparable.

Restaurants

If you want to have lunch or dinner, then it is better not to be led by guides or hotel workers, but to choose an establishment yourself. This is extremely simple - there are a great variety of restaurants and cafes of all kinds in Italian cities, and many of them have first-class cuisine. This is very easy to figure out - if a lot of Italians dine in an establishment, then it will be suitable for tourists too. However, during the day many restaurants are closed - siesta! Therefore, during this period it may be easier to have lunch at the hotel or find out in advance the opening hours of the most popular restaurants.

Guides and travel services

Often, guides use a proven technique, leading groups through “fed” restaurants and shops - this method has long been known to everyone, so it is not difficult to find resistance to it. You should avoid evening excursions - almost all more or less famous objects have lighting, but they turn it on either according to a schedule or turn it on half-heartedly, so it is almost impossible to see anything in the dark, and even more so, to take a photograph. Therefore, when choosing a hotel, route, method of transportation, etc., you should carefully study all the conditions - Italy lives on tourism, so there are plenty of people here who want to profit from it. It is characteristic that in the south of the country, especially in Sicily and Sardinia, there are usually no complaints about the honesty of local residents - there is a slightly different mentality and a completely different attitude towards methods of making money. It is much easier with service in the pre-Alpine regions, where in many establishments comparing them with the south will be considered a direct insult (and for the most part they will be right, although by “south” here we should still mean the central regions of the country). It is fundamentally wrong to classify all Italians as scammers - there are many more people here who sincerely want to introduce a foreigner to the culture and traditions of their country. The warmth and hospitality of many ordinary locals is what you really need to go to Italy for.

Large sums of money

According to Italian law, it is prohibited to transfer from hand to hand an amount equal to or greater than 12 thousand euros. This is a criminal offense and all large amounts must be transferred through a bank or check only.

Tips

Despite the widespread use of complex prices that include payment for all services, in case of good service it is customary to tip 10-15% of the order amount or simply round the amount up (the latter is common in bars and small street cafes). Italians themselves can leave a tip in a premium establishment, but never pay over the bill in a cafe, taxi or pizzeria. When serving at the counter, tips are not accepted, and in general this method of dining is noticeably cheaper, since when seated at a table an additional “restaurant fee” is automatically charged, which in the case of a small order can easily double or even triple its cost.

Taxi drivers are not required to tip, but doormen and porters are required to leave 1-2 euros.

Price level

Italy is the most expensive country in southern Europe, although on its territory there is clearly a noticeable difference in prices between the northern and southern regions, as well as between large cities and the provinces. Hotels of the highest category ask for their services over 200 euros per night (usually breakfast or lunch is included in such prices), hotels of the middle category - 40-120 euros. In low-level hotels (previously they were designated pension, or pensione, but are now usually classified as one- or two-star) you can spend the night for 14-40 euros, depending on the level of additional amenities and proximity to the city center. Private boarding houses and very popular private hotels in Italy in villages (designated as agriturismi) are also divided depending on the level of services according to the European “star” system.

Hotels include VAT (IVA, 20-21%) in room rates. The exception is expensive five-star hotels, where the IVA is 13% and is added as a separate item to the bill. According to local law, tourists are required to obtain an official receipt for the entire range of hotel services and keep it until leaving the country, but in practice this requirement is practically not observed (especially in relation to groups). The staff is also obliged to provide the guest with comprehensive information about the operation of local transport (including car rental offices) and other characteristic nuances of this place, however, this service is almost not in demand, since only employees of hotels of large international chains or tourist centers usually know foreign languages.

Many Italian hotels, especially those located in historical buildings in the city center, do not have their own restaurant, offering food in the nearest street establishment. However, even if there is a restaurant, meals on half board or full board are practically not found. Some hotels do not include breakfast in the stated price of rooms, adding its cost to the bill (often breakfast at a hotel can cost as much as a hearty dinner at a nearby city restaurant, so this point must be clarified before check-in). Another characteristic feature of most local hotels is the small size of many rooms, especially single rooms.

Camping is very popular in Italy, with over 1,700 official campsites scattered throughout the country. Any TCI (Italian Touring Club) tourist office will provide information and details of all nearby sites, as well as issue their Campeggi in Italia guide. Larger sites offer tents and "caravans" for rent and are usually equipped with restaurants, currency exchange offices and other infrastructure. Staying in places not designated for camping is prohibited - all land in the country is private, so a tourist in this way can not only violate road or environmental rules, but also face criminal prosecution for violating private property rights.

Food prices are also quite high. You can spend 40-45 euros per day if you have lunch and dinner in street cafes (without alcohol!). Lunch at the hotel restaurant will cost 40-60 euros, dinner can cost twice as much. At the same time, with some skill, you can always find pizzerias and cafes where you can spend 20-30 euros for lunch and 40-50 for dinner (wine can double this amount, although you can always find inexpensive ordinary varieties). A liter bottle of mineral water will cost 1-1.5 euros, a bottle of Peroni beer - 2-2.5 euros, a small pizza - 2-5 euros, a portion of pasta - 4-9 euros. However, in provincial restaurants and small city cafes (trattorie), prices are always somewhat lower, but so is the level of service. It should be borne in mind that almost all establishments in large cities consider themselves apologists for “author cuisine,” so the price of even a seemingly simple pizza or pasta here can reach up to 20 euros.

Despite the widespread use of complex prices that include payment for all services, in case of good service it is customary to tip 10-15% of the order amount or simply round the amount up (the latter is common in bars and small street cafes). When serving at the counter, tips are not accepted, and in general this method of dining is noticeably cheaper, since when seated at a table an additional “restaurant fee” is automatically charged, which in the case of a small order can easily double or even triple its cost. Taxi drivers are not required to tip, but doormen and porters are required to leave 1-2 euros.

When paying for any goods or services, the law for a long time obligated the buyer to require a tax receipt (ricevuta fiscale), without which the client had no right to leave the establishment. This rule was recently repealed, and now the buyer does not face a fine if the seller does not give him a receipt. But it’s better to still demand it, at least in order to check whether there is any deception in the seller’s actions. However, the staff will most often prepare all the documents themselves without additional requirements, since fiscal reporting in the country is quite strict.

The non-cash system of payments for goods and services is widespread - in any store the buyer will definitely be asked how he will pay. You should definitely find out the terms of payment - for some products and goods it is more profitable to pay with a credit card (less taxes), but in some cases it is easier to pay in cash.

The variation in prices for goods is very noticeable even within the same shopping area. You can get an idea of ​​the average price by going to a large supermarket, but in general it is recommended to go to several stores of the same type in order to be able to choose the appropriate option based on price - there are practically no problems with the assortment here, unless we are talking about some exclusive products. A system of seasonal discounts is widespread, especially in winter and spring - during the Christmas holidays, Easter and the eves of various local holidays, general sales are held, during which the cost of many goods from old collections is reduced by 30-40%. Discounts on sporting goods and equipment usually occur at the end of the season. There is also a whole network of stock stores where goods from last year's collections are sold at greatly reduced prices.

It is not customary to bargain in stores, although it is quite possible in markets, and in this way you can reduce the price of street sellers by 2-3 times.

When buying shoes, you should keep in mind that the Italian size designation system does not coincide with the European and Russian ones. As a rough guide, you can be 1 size larger - Russian 37 corresponds to Italian 38. Clothing sizes, on the contrary, are 6 units smaller than ours: 38 Italian corresponds to 44 Russian.

Serious fines are imposed on people who buy counterfeit goods, so you should always be careful about the authenticity of the items you buy, especially if they come with well-known brand labels. Since May 2005, for the purchase of counterfeit wallets, sunglasses, watches, belts, etc., you can be subject to criminal prosecution, which for a foreigner usually ends with a fine of up to 10 thousand euros! The only salvation in this case can be a cash receipt from the store where the item was purchased - the punishment will fall on the heads of the merchants, not the tourists. Therefore, it is not recommended to buy anything from dubious establishments or on street stalls.

Certain difficulties also arise for people importing such goods into the country, even if these are personal items in one copy. However, the most interesting thing is that in shopping arcades, usually concentrated near all popular attractions, there is no decrease in the share of Chinese or Albanian counterfeits.

Laws

It is illegal to be on municipal beaches from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. in Italy. The beaches are patrolled by the police, and violators are fined - about 150 €.

Send your friends a ray of light from sunny Italy :)

Do you want to be smarter than most tourists in Italy 🙂? See and learn more than others? Get more impressions and immerse yourself in Italian life as much as possible? Don’t step on other people’s mistakes - just read this article, which will help you plan and spend your vacation in Italy more interesting and brighter.

Here are the 10 most common mistakes tourists make in Italy:

1. They try to see everything at once

To paraphrase the author of Breakfast at Tiffany's, writer Truman Capote, who spoke so figuratively about Venice, Italy is a box of chocolates. But if you try to eat them in one sitting, you may experience indigestion, and the exquisite taste of chocolate will seem overly cloying and gross.

It is clear that a tourist’s time is very limited. In 10-14 days of vacation, I want to see all the “magnificent four” Italian cities - Florence, Venice, Milan, and along the way also drop into Verona, Genoa, etc. It’s tempting to see everything at once (we repent, we ourselves are guilty of this). As they say, “galloping across Europe.”

But in a series of endless moves, will you remember the cities themselves? You will feel their atmosphere and the relaxed lifestyle that Italy is famous for? And do you have time to see not only the popular attractions, but also secret locations, restaurants and streets where the locals themselves like to visit?

Life hack from WowItaly: relax like the Italians. This means that once you are in Italy, enjoy every moment of your vacation. With such a truly “Italian” approach, endless travel, train stations, trains and changing hotels are simply incompatible. It’s better to choose one direction and focus on it (for example, a trip to Rome goes well with and).

No need to worry that you won't see much. Travel is not an exam or a race for a larger number of attractions and selfies against their background than their neighbors. A Italy is not a country for which once is enough. You can and should come here on vacation all your life and still find something new and unexplored.

2. They don’t try local cuisine and specialties.

American and Asian fast food has extended its tentacles to Italy, but it has never fully taken root, like a weed on land that is constantly being weeded. Italians are too faithful to traditions: proper cuisine is only Italian(and there is nothing tastier than dishes prepared like this!), although such a concept did not even exist until recently.

Long centuries of political fragmentation have left their mark on. Different regions of Italy have their own recipes and the most commonly used ingredients. A common dish that is loved throughout the Apennine Peninsula is, of course, pasta, but the “signature” recipes for its preparation, for example, in Rome and Venice, are completely different.

What does this mean for a tourist? When you find yourself in one or another Italian region, it doesn’t matter whether it’s in Liguria or Liguria, try the local cuisine. Preferably in accordance with the season, and not in tourist places, but in trattorias, where the locals themselves like to eat. This is a guarantee of proper preparation, the use of fresh ingredients and, of course, a more complete immersion in Italian life, which is impossible to imagine without delicious and plentiful food.

Catch this life hack from WowItaly: Long pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine) should be eaten with a fork, not a spoon. It is not forbidden to collect the sauce remaining on the plate with bread, but it is better not to do this in serious restaurants (and in a small family trattoria you will only be applauded).

Sophia Loren

3. They don’t follow a “sacred” schedule.

This mistake is also related to food, which really gets a lot of attention in Italy. Italians follow a “sacred” meal schedule rooted in tradition. Try to eat at the same time as they do. You will find a clear and convenient logic in this and will be able to combine meals with sightseeing.

"Sacred" schedule:

• breakfast (colazione) – from 7.00 to 11.00
• lunch (pranzo) – from 12.30 to 14.00 (in the north), from 13.30 to 14.30 (in the south)
• aperitif (aperitivo) – from 18.00 to 20.00
• dinner (cena) – from 20.00 to 22.00.

The order of the dishes is: antipasti (appetizers), first course (usually pasta or soup), second course (meat or fish with a side dish or salad), dolce (sweets) and. Don't be afraid that you won't be able to eat as much food. For breakfast, Italians usually limit themselves to coffee and sweet pastries (no porridge or omelettes), and for lunch they eat only pasta or can eat one whole pizza. The largest meal of the day is dinner.

Many non-tourist dine-in restaurants do not open until 7:30 p.m. If you are really hungry, we recommend passing the time and replenishing your strength, stopping at one of the bars for an aperitif, which includes, in addition to low-strength alcohol, light snacks (this could be olives, mini-bruschetta, chips, nuts, grissini breadsticks, etc.).

4. They don’t drink “proper” coffee.

Forget the bad habits instilled by Starbucks and Chocolate. In the homeland of espresso, you need to drink espresso– in the morning and after lunch and dinner (Italians believe that this concentrated energy in micro-cups helps digestion). Espresso means coffee (in Italian it sounds like “un cafE”), that is, there is no need to specifically say “espresso”. They usually order something sweet with coffee.– cornetto (similar to a croissant, with or without filling).

Coffee drinks using milk (cappuccino, latte and other varieties) are not forbidden to drink in the morning for breakfast. After 12.00 cappuccino is already a crime. It is believed that milk in its composition interferes with the absorption of food, which begins to ferment in the stomach.

And forget about coffee in to-go cups. Italians don't drink on the go (maybe only northerners do), preferring to stop at their favorite bar on the way to work and have a few words with neighbors and friends. Please be aware that some establishments may charge an additional fee if you sit at a table instead of standing at the bar.

Want to see Italians in everyday life? Come to the bar - the center of social life: in the mornings it’s conversations before work over a cup of coffee with neighbors and friends, and in the evenings it’s time for an aperitif and discussion of the latest news.

5. They only walk on beaten paths and see only “popular” tourist spots.

A tourist's time on a trip is extremely limited, and for obvious reasons, he wants to see only the best. Italy is full of “protocol” attractions, such as and. But you will not recognize the true spirit of the country if you limit yourself to only them.

Do you want your trip to be like in a 3D cinema? as voluminous and multidimensional in terms of impressions? Then it must be balanced.

Dedicate part of the day to a mandatory cultural program. And in the remaining time, you can simply wander the streets (and stumble upon some unexpected attraction that you have never even heard of, a cozy cafe or a delicious gelateria). Ask your hotel manager (most likely he speaks English, and some even speak Russian!), what place he would recommend, off the beaten path, where the locals like to dine or relax.

Lifehack from WowItaly: You can get acquainted with secret sights, unusual cafes and the most picturesque streets in a fun and enjoyable way on a quest. Memorize information better than any excursion and explore the Eternal City like a true traveler!

6. They take a taxi or abuse public transport when they only need to walk a couple of kilometers.

How, you haven't downloaded the app yet Maps.me ? Be sure to correct this omission. The application is absolutely free and will save you a lot of money, since you will be able to navigate in any unfamiliar city without inconvenient paper maps and the use of expensive roaming for data transfer (the application allows you to download the map in advance and use it offline). The maps show not only attractions, but also such important places for every tourist as shops, toilets, ATMs, bus stops, etc.

Walking around, especially in the central historical part of the city, you will see much more. In addition, walking is very beneficial and will burn extra calories after a hearty Italian meal. And if you really want to ride on authentic Italian transport, we recommend installing the application, where, similar to BlaBlaCar, you can ride a scooter like a real Italian.

7. They don’t follow the dress code.

Italy is, of course, not a Muslim country, where compliance with the dress code, especially for women, is of great importance. And yet, many tourists in Italy forget about the simple rules of visiting places of worship.

Many temples have a information signs that clearly illustrate how it is unacceptable to enter the church: Knees and shoulders should be covered, no revealing clothing, no tiny shorts or T-shirts. If you are dressed inappropriately, you will either not be allowed inside at all, or will be asked to leave the church (and then, as they say, you have yourself to blame). Following the dress code is a sign of respect for the sacred place you are visiting, for yourself and the people around you.

During the hot season, ladies dressed in T-shirts or sundresses can take a scarf with them and throw it over their shoulders when visiting church. Another controversial element of a tourist’s summer wardrobe is flip-flops. Italians usually only wear these on the beach, but in the city they look completely out of place. If you want to wear more revealing shoes, consider sandals or ballet flats, as long as the shoes don't slap your heel.

8. They visit only large cities, ignoring lesser-known, but more cozy and picturesque towns

This common mistake correlates with: when you visit several large and famous Italian cities at once, there is neither time nor energy left to see little pearls scattered all over the map of Italy. Pearls mean small towns - authentic, cozy, picturesque, with their own flavor and history. The true spirit of Italy, rural and patriarchal, can be felt in such towns.

You can safely focus on I Borghi Piú Belli d'Italia (official website ). This is a prestigious list of the 100 most beautiful medieval towns in Italy.

Another “quality mark” for small towns in Italy (with a population of up to 15,000 people) is the “orange flag”. This bonus , awarded by the Italian Tourist Club based on a set of criteria, such as factors of tourist attractiveness, living conditions for tourists, development of public transport, etc.

Italy is not a third world country and is generally quite safe. Still, it doesn’t hurt to keep your ears to the ground, because in Italy, unfortunately, pickpocketing is quite common, especially in cities with a large tourist flow.

Here are simple precautions that will help you avoid becoming a victim of pickpockets and have a calm, incident-free Italian holiday:

• Keep money, documents, phone and credit cards in different places/pockets. Leave your documents in the hotel safe, and keep only a small amount in your wallet for quick spending.
• Carry a bag like postmen, i.e. over the shoulder diagonally. The bag should always be in front of your eyes; in a crowd it is better to keep your hands on the bag. This will allow you to avoid such unpleasant cases when a person passing by on a motorcycle quickly rips your purse off your shoulder.
• If you walk with a backpack, then try to hide valuables in the very depths of it (not in the side pockets!), and put, for example, a jacket on top. In dense crowds, keep your backpack in front of you.
• Leave your fancy open handbags at home. On vacation, take only those that have internal pockets in the middle.
• Be careful in crowded places - at train stations, near attractions, during performances by street performers who gather a crowd around them. Another point of attraction for pickpockets is fashion boutiques of large brands, where the vigilance of tourists is sharply reduced.
• Appearances are deceiving. In Italy, there are simply real magicians of pocket and bag cases, many of them look like decently dressed people, often the thieves turn out to be children or women in expensive clothes.

10. They are in too much of a hurry and don’t enjoy the moment.

Italy doesn't run like clockwork (unless that's the case, of course), so don't expect all the vacation days you've carefully planned to go exactly as planned. Man believes, but God disposes: everything can upset plans - from ordinary rain to strikes of transport workers, which happen quite often in Italy.

Dolce vita ("the sweet life") and bel far niente ("the joy of doing nothing")- both of these concepts were invented by Italians. If you find yourself in this country, then without immersing yourself in its somewhat relaxed atmosphere, your trip will not be complete. Are you constantly in a hurry to get somewhere in your metropolis? Try to slow down and enjoy the moment without thinking about what happened or what awaits you.

If you eat, do it half as slow as usual, trying to taste every bite (don't take this recommendation for gelato 🙂). If you are on an observation deck with a magnificent panoramic view, then look with all your eyes without being distracted by your smartphone and selfies (this can be done at the beginning, and then just enjoy the views). Let go of your thoughts, while leaving all worries and stress outside of your vacation. Stay alone with beautiful Italy, which gives every traveler not only impressions and positive emotions, but also healing - it returns the taste for the simple pleasures and joys of life. And this, you see, is priceless.

If it so happens that your trip to Moscow is strictly planned by the hour, and there is not much time for a leisurely exploration of the surrounding area, we can advise what is worth seeing (or doing) first in several of the most iconic cities in the country . So:

Be sure to visit the famous Uffizi Gallery - the paintings of Sandro Botticelli alone are worth it, not to mention other famous Italians! It is better to book tickets here in advance (for example, at the official website galleries so as not to waste precious time in queues).

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If you want to see the city in full view, we advise you to climb the dome of the famous Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (from above there are amazing views of Florence!), and then visit the museum at the cathedral, where you will be shown masterpieces of art from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.

At the San Lorenzo market, you can not only buy the freshest products and observe the life of the Italian market first-hand, but also, going up to the second floor, see with your own eyes how Italian culinary maestros conjure up the creation of their masterpieces - be it baking, pasta or ice cream.

Arriving in, instead of pretentious gondolas, buy a ticket for a water bus (here they are called “vaporetto”) - an excellent and fairly inexpensive way to see the ancient beauty from the water. And then take a walk in the Cannareggio quarter (stop “Ca D’Oro”) - a very atmospheric place where you can feel the city as it really is.

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Be sure to walk across the oldest bridge in the city - Rialto, and stand in delight in the middle of St. Mark's Square among the stream of people and flocks of pigeons. And then head to the Music Museum at the Church of San Maurizio. Here you will be told about how different instruments have changed over the centuries (entrance to the museum is free).

But you can take a break and gain strength before new tourist “exploits” in the Giardino Pаpadopoli park - it is small, but very green and beautiful.

Rome

In the Eternal City, stroll along Via dei Fori Imperiali to experience the grandeur of antiquity. Don’t be lazy to wake up early and go to the Trevi Fountain before it is occupied by tourists, as ubiquitous as Italian pigeons.

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Look into all the temples that you meet along the way of your tourist routes to feel the amazing atmosphere of the Renaissance masterpieces. And also - go shopping on Via dei Gambero - even if it is not “super fashion style”, like in the famous Gucci or Prada, but it is much more pleasant and very stylish in its own way! And be sure to visit neighborhoods like Monti, Transtevere or Testaccio - bohemian, tasty and all very, very Roman.

2. When and where to go?

Italy is good because it (forgive our tautology) is good at any time of the year. Autumn, winter, spring or summer - there will be something to do here, believe me!

For example, in the spring it is worth paying attention to Tuscany, where a number of exciting events take place at this time.

In the province of Lucca, for example, in the town of Cappanori, on March 5-6, 12-13 and 19-20, you will find a colorful flower show - the Camellia Festival Antiche Camelie della Lucchesia. You will have the opportunity to visit the holy of holies - the gardens of local villas, where the best examples of these amazing flowers are collected. You will also be introduced to the secrets of floral design, invited to art and photo exhibitions, and you will attend a tea tasting and a celebration of Japanese culture (a tribute to the exotic origin of the “heroes of the occasion”).

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Easter is another reason to have a good rest. On Easter weekend, some Tuscan cities organize antiques markets. The market in Lucca is especially worth visiting. These days, the city walls are replete with hundreds of stalls, where every lover of antiquity will find something to their liking. Antique markets can also be visited in the cities of Vinci and Greve in Chianti..

You can please your gastronomic tastes on April 24-26 in the town of Castiglioncello, where the Castiglioncello Foodies Festival , dedicated to street food. Tastings, chef shows and a huge selection of delicious homemade beer of all varieties await you.

If you happen to be in the town of Terriciola, in the province of Pisa, from May 9-10 and 16-17, be sure to visit strawberry festival . During the holiday, the historical center of the city will be filled with stalls selling strawberries and all sorts of goodies that can be made from them: pies, jam, juices and ice cream - the list is endless! And to distract guests from eating delicious berries, there will be performances, street entertainment and an antiques market.

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Ville aperte project . Thisa unique opportunity to see the ancient palazzos and villas of Brianzi, because the project involves 140 architectural monuments of Como, Lecco, Monzi and. Royal palaces, churches, exquisite manors, private parks and monasteries open their doors to all visitors. The project will last until October 20.

Note to tourists

Rest is relaxation, but don’t forget about more “earthly” things. For any trip, you need to carefully prepare in advance to eliminate any incidents and unforeseen situations that could ruin your trip.

In, for example, there are a number of rules, knowledge of which will save you not only nerves, but also (in some cases) money.

• So, you may be charged a significant fine (around €150) if you find yourself on the municipal beach between 1 am and 5 am. The beaches are patrolled by the police, so the chance of avoiding “catch” is slim.
• In Rome, if you are caught drinking, eating or (heaven forbid!) sleeping near historical monuments, expect a fine of €50. By the way, shouting near the capital's ancient monuments is also prohibited.
• If you decide to take a swim in the city fountain, prepare your money right away - the fine can reach €500.
• Note to smokers: in Italy they are very strict with the ban on “smoking hobby”. For smoking in any public place, be it a bar, cafe, cinema, etc., a fine of €250 is imposed. The ban does not apply to electronic cigarettes.

Emotional, temperamental Italy enjoys unabating popularity among tourists. Here you'll find world-favorite Italian cuisine, beautiful beaches and countless attractions and activities.

Italy occupies the territory of the famous “boot” - the Apennine Peninsula. It includes the large islands of Sicily and Sardinia, as well as several small islands. The Ligurian coast is rocky, so there are few tourists here. But the water is much cleaner. The Adriatic Sea is the most popular among beachgoers; it is home to the resorts of Rimini, Lido di Jesolo and Riccin. The beaches here are sandy, the entrance to the water is very smooth, so the coast is very popular among families who come on vacation with children. The Ionian coast is famous for its cleanest beaches - almost all of them are awarded the Blue Flag. Holidays here are surprisingly inexpensive, there are few people on the beaches, and you can swim from May until almost November.

Visa

To visit this country, as well as to visit almost all countries within the EU, you need a Schengen visa.

Round-trip flights to Italy

Prices for tickets per person departing from Berlin are shown.

Weather

In Italy, above-zero temperatures persist all year round throughout almost the entire country. In the south, even in winter, the average is about +7°C at night and +13°C during the day. The only exceptions are the high alpine regions, where the thermometer in the winter months can sometimes drop to -20°C. However, even there, low humidity significantly softens the feeling of cold. It rains mainly in late autumn and early winter, and you can swim on the southern coasts from April to November.

In the Alps and Apennines, winter is cold, temperatures reach −15 °C. There is snow in the mountains for about six months, and on many peaks - constantly. Skiing begins in mid-December and ends in early April.

The swimming season in Italy starts at the end of May - beginning of June and lasts until the beginning of October. The water warms up to +23-26 °C. However, the best time for a beach holiday in Italy is considered to be September - the velvet season. Sicily is much warmer than mainland Italy. The hottest months are summer, the air temperature reaches +40°C.

Resorts

Any city in Italy can be called a resort and you can find several reasons to visit it. Despite its modest size, this country is so rich in attractions and so generously endowed with nature that even the most eventful trip only fuels hunger: you want to come back here again and again. Lovers of ancient history usually linger for a long time in Rome or in the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, destroyed by the eruption of Vesuvius almost 2,000 years ago.

Those who prefer the Middle Ages go to Milan and Florence. Romantics adore Venice with its canals and bridges. Beach holidays are especially good on the islands of Ischia and Procida, Sicily and Sardinia. If you're tired of the sea, you can sunbathe and swim in the Lake District in the north of the country. The snowy slopes of Italy are most picturesque in the Dolomites.

Attractions

Italy is the cradle of a great civilization, the birthplace of the most famous artists, architects and musicians of all times, just mention the names of Raphael and Michelangelo, Caravaggio and Titian, Puccini and Verdi. The main symbols of this country are familiar to everyone from childhood: the Colosseum, the leaning Tower of Pisa, the Venetian Grand Canal and St. Mark's Square. Even when you see all this live for the first time, you always recognize it as something familiar.

The magic of Italy is such that fiction becomes reality here: thus, the story of Romeo and Juliet invented by Shakespeare has become an integral part of the tourist life of Verona, where the author decided to set the action of his tragedy. Even the most base things undergo magical transformations, and the sewer hatch of the ancient Roman Great Sewer becomes the Mouth of Truth. To find out whether you are lying or telling the truth, you need to put your hand in the mouth of the deity depicted on the hatch. Until now, people believe that it will bite it off you if you lied! They believe that by throwing a couple of coins into the Trevi Fountain in Rome, you can find true love.

Kitchen

The cuisine here varies greatly from region to region and even from city to city, and sometimes even a tiny village can boast of its own recipes, which are a special source of pride for its residents, who carefully preserve traditions.

In the north, in the mountainous regions, the basis of the meal is goat and deer meat combined with honey and wild berries. In the Veneto region in the northeast, polenta (a porridge made from corn flour), rice and baccalao are preferred, and truffle dishes appear in season. In Abruzzo, right in the middle of the Italian "boot", lamb with saffron and rosemary and saffron is excellent, and in Basilicata, in the far south, no dish is complete without red pepper. Along the coasts, fish and seafood are held in special esteem: pasta with cuttlefish ink, mussels, shells, octopus, sea urchin caviar and, of course, fish soups, for which Sicily is especially famous.

Map

It’s easy to remember what the cutting of an Italian “boot” looks like. Above, on the “turns,” are the southern slopes of the Alps. The Apennine Mountains run like “lightning” across the entire boot. At the heel is Apulia, at the toe is Calabria, the main agricultural regions of the country. Further, the toe rests on Sicily, and above it, like a skillfully lifted soccer ball, Sardinia froze in the Tyrrhenian Sea. In total, the “boot” is surrounded by five seas. Therefore, no other European country can boast as many beaches as Italy.

Currency

The currency in Italy is the euro. It is better to exchange rubles for euros for a trip at home, because there, on the spot, it will be extremely difficult to find ruble exchangers.

It is most convenient to use cards, both for non-cash payments and for withdrawing cash from ATMs.

Coronavirus in Italy

Of all European countries, Italy has the most cases of coronavirus. From March 10 to April 3, 2020, a national quarantine was introduced in the country. Classes at schools and universities were cancelled, cafes and restaurants were closed. There is not a single tourist near the famous Trevi Fountain in Rome, just like near the Vatican. Local residents can leave home only for urgent reasons: to work, to buy groceries and to help others.

Tourists are prohibited from entering the country through airports in the regions of Alessandria, Asti, Modena, Lombardy, Novara, Padua, Parma, Pesaro, Urbino, Piacenzo, Reggio Emilia, Rimini, Treviso - Venice, Vercelli, Verbano-Cusio-Ossola. An exception will be made only for those who come for business, health or emergency reasons.

Most carriers have canceled flights to Italy. Aeroflot is the only Russian airline that still has flights. All planes arrive at Sheremetyevo Airport, where passengers undergo medical screening upon arrival. Due to the coronavirus epidemic, travelers who have been in Italy in the last 14 days are barred from entering most countries in the world. Russians returning from vacation in Italy are required to observe a 14-day home quarantine, as are their loved ones living with them.

If your flight to Europe is cancelled, read

Italy is considered a warm and hospitable country that carefully preserves cultural monuments and its history. Each of its cities is beautiful in its own way, and therefore worthy of the attention of tourists. Tourism in Italy is very popular today. Just so you know, the country is the fourth largest in the world in terms of income generated by tourism, and in the list of visitors it is in fifth place.

Italian tourism includes such popular types as business, health, beach, and cultural. Lovers of active recreation also come here to get a lot of impressions from skiing and conquering mountain peaks. So, let's begin to get to know one of the amazing corners of Europe more closely.

Amalfi Coast of Italy

Around the Amalfi Coast (located in the southern part of the Sorrento Peninsula), every tourist can admire the steep mountain cliffs. The coast is washed by the Tyrrhenian and Mediterranean seas. The height of the cliffs reaches approximately seven hundred meters. Whatever point you look at, there will still be excellent views that you just want to enjoy without taking your eyes off.

If you look at the villas, shops, churches, and other buildings located in this corner of Italy, it seems that they seem to rise up from the sea's edge. Narrow streets made of pebbles, numerous steps, as well as magnificent gardens and terraces are located around each building. It is best to come on holiday during the months of May, June, September and October, since during other periods there is a high level of humidity.

Agree, you need to choose the best time to spend an unforgettable vacation. Here, vacationers are intoxicated by the aromas of lemons, grapes, and olives growing on this coast of Italy.
Artists love to spend their time on the Amalfi Coast. They are attracted by picturesqueness and tranquility, beautiful nature, and a pleasant mild climate.

How to get there?

If you get there from the port of Amalfi, there are 2 ferries heading towards the island of Capri. One of them is slow (about 1 hour 10 minutes) and costs 17 euros. The second one moves faster and costs two euros more (19 euros). The duration of the trip is 50 minutes. Tourists can also rent a boat and reach their desired destination on their own. To get to Amalfi from Ravello, you can use the bus. It takes about 30 minutes to get to Salerno from Naples by train.

From Amalfi, vacationers can drive in 60-90 minutes to Ravello, Naples, and Pompeii. Taking a yacht, the time to reach such points as the island of Capri, the resort of Positano will be approximately 30 minutes. From Amalfi you can reach Minori in just 5 minutes. If you come to Salerno and want to visit Minori, Paestum, Pompeii, Maiori, you will be taken there by bus.

Resort towns

Tourism in Italy is thriving and gaining momentum every year. Therefore, we will continue to get acquainted with beautiful Italy and talk about the features that tourism includes in this corner of Europe. The resort towns of the Amalfi Coast of Italy are:

• Sorrento, Minori;
• Positano, Salerno;
• Ravello, Praiano;
• Amalfi, Cetara.

The main pearl of the coast is Positano, which is called a fishing village. Not far from it is Monte Veit (the highest mountain on the peninsula). Its height is 1131 meters.

What do you absolutely need to do?

1. Arrive on August 15th in Positano. On this day, a big holiday is celebrated, which is dedicated to the icon “Black Madonna”. She is considered the patroness of the city of Positano.
   Visit the monastery of Saints Curico and Judith, which has a dilapidated appearance, located in the town of Atrani.
2. Tourism in Italy involves visiting the Path of the Gods. Every tourist should walk along this ancient road on their own. The Path of the Gods connects villages located on the coast. To get there, you need to take a bus that goes to Agerola. He will take you to the beginning of the path. Mostly the walk takes about 2 hours.
3. Arriving on vacation in Amalfi (Italian province of Salerno), you need to take a ride on a high-speed ferry. The cost of the trip is 7 euros. Try different types of pizza at the pizzeria. The most popular, recommended for tourists, are pizza “Marinara” and pizza “Margherita”. Tourism would be wrong if you don’t enjoy at least one piece of this delicious Italian dish.
4. Buy extraordinary handmade musical instruments as souvenirs in the town of Praiano. Here tourists also have the opportunity to visit the stalactite caves of Grotta di Suppraiano.
5. Visit the province of Salerno called Caonca dei Marini. There, vacationers can admire the “Emerald Grotto.”
6. Visit the carnival, which is held before the great holiday - Easter in February or March. To do this, you should come to Maiori and go outside. The torchlight procession, seen by tourists, will leave no one without impressions and an ocean of positive emotions.
7. Visit the exciting “Historical Regatta”. The event is held once every 4 years. Its participants are rowers representing various maritime republics of Italy.

Beaches of Italy

Tourism in Italy - there are many beaches where tourists love to bask in the clear sun. In addition, the beaches offer a range of other services that help you relax. Let's take a closer look at the famous beaches of Italy.

Poseidon Gardens

You can often hear that this park is included in the list of wonders of the world. It is located in Chitara Bay. Its area is, just imagine, as much as 60,000 square meters. km. There are more than 20 swimming pools in the park that have thermal springs. Each vacationer can choose a pool depending on the temperature of the water in it. Temperatures range from 18-40 degrees. All pools have their own ancient Greek mythological name. The name of the pool corresponds to the nickname of the sculptor. If vacationers are tired of spending time in the sun, they can hide under palm umbrellas.

Tourism in Italy, specifically in the Poseidon Gardens, invites tourists to try out various types of spa treatments. Procedures using special oils, seaweed, and hot stones are also popular. Masters of their craft work here. Another advantage of the resort is its delightful sandy beach. Its length is about 500 m. Swimming on this beach means relaxing and receiving only positive emotions. There is also a 1st class restaurant with excellent cuisine. In addition, there is a wine grotto. But vacationers are advised to remember that they came to the park for the purpose of recovery.

Majori

This beach can be called the most democratic resort of all located on the Amalfi Coast. Prices here are affordable, both in hotels and in restaurants, compared to Ravello, Amalfi, and other expensive resorts. I would like to note that the beaches on Maiori are much better. Therefore, for those who do not have too much money and want to have a great vacation, this corner of Italy will be just right!

This beach is the longest and widest on the coast. Majori is covered with volcanic sand and pebbles. In 1956, the beach was struck by disaster, or rather by flood. But despite this fact, ancient churches dating back to the 10th and 11th centuries, excellent mansions of the last century, and observation towers built in the Middle Ages have survived to this day. This does not prevent the resort from constantly developing tourism and attracting more and more people.

Attractions

Italy in miniature

Tourists can see all the famous Italian and European attractions in a special park called “Italy in Miniature”. Here, about 270 architectural monuments are presented to the attention of vacationers, which have long become famous and have whitewashed the status of masterpieces known throughout the world. For example, the Venetian Doge's Palace, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Colosseum, mountains, various fountains, temples, squares.

Copies of the buildings are made on a scale of 1:25, 1:50. In order to personally enjoy all the beauty of the buildings, you need to spend a day, or even several days. The total area of ​​this mini-Italy is 85 square meters. km. "Venice in Miniature" is part of the "Italy in Miniature" park. All one hundred and nineteen palaces located here are only 5 times smaller than the original buildings. By the way, in the park you can even take a boat and ride along the Grand Canal.

Vesuvius

Tourism in Italy gives all vacationers the opportunity to see the famous and dangerous natural attraction - the Vesuvius volcano. The volcano is located in mainland Europe. The distance from seaside Naples is about 15 km. Vesuvius is of interest to both geologists and tourists who want to reach its crater on foot. The slopes of this Italian landmark are filled with a huge number of gardens.

Gardens, thanks to volcanic fertilizers, bring a good, rich harvest. The territory of the volcano is a protected area, which was founded in 1995. Unfortunately, you can only climb on foot, since neither the ski lift nor the funicular have currently been restored after earthquakes and eruptions.

Uffizi Gallery

Among the many favorite places of people who decide to explore the beauty of Italy, the Uffizi Gallery, located in Florence, is highlighted. You can always notice huge queues near its entrance. This is not surprising, because everyone wants to take a first-hand look at such an unsurpassed masterpiece of architecture, as well as at the paintings of famous world artists located in the gallery.

Only in this museum is it possible to see the works of Raphael and get acquainted with such Botticelli masterpieces as “Spring” and “The Birth of Venus”. In addition, the museum contains a tondo by Michelangelo Buonarroti, on which you can see the Holy Family and many other excellent works by other masters. The Gallery contains only the best works of geniuses who worked during the Renaissance. Whatever one may say, tourism in Italy is impressive, inspires people, and everyone can choose the types of tourism to suit their taste and color.

Ski tourism

Everyone who prefers to spend time positively and actively flocks to ski resorts. Although such an Italian vacation is not a cheap pleasure, those who are willing to leave a lot of money here will be able to fully enjoy their vacation. In addition to the fact that ski resorts provide vacationers with various types of slopes of any complexity, there are:

• open thermal springs where spa treatments are performed;
• dog sledding trips.

Also, tourism in such resorts involves visiting beautiful carnivals.
If you want to visit the most famous resort, filled with many lovers of this type of recreation, then you should go to the ski region called the Dolomites. There are any trails here: from “blue” (for a quiet walk in the mountains) to “black” (very difficult trails that are suitable for experienced professionals in this sport).

Many “red slopes” are concentrated in the western part of the ski region of Italy – Val di Susa. Although, in addition to the red ones, there are various types of trails that will appeal to every tourist. Very few skiers in Trento resort. Here tourism is more focused on the excursion program, since in this area there are many alpine lakes, castles, and fortresses of the Middle Ages.

This holiday is more suitable for people who want to touch the history of Italy, spend time quietly, and occasionally ride along steep mountain slopes to get positive emotions.

Remember, tourism is a great way to spend your time! We wish you to see many sights in your lifetime (not only in Italy, but throughout the world), and visit the most unusual corners of our planet.