Capital: Rome
Currency: Euro
Time: UTC+02:00
Italy - your holiday from the Alps to the Adriatic
Everyone has their own Italy: some are ready to wander the streets of Rome for hours, some are ready to discover small Italian towns, where, it seems, there is their own special passage of time, others would never exchange the sunny beaches of the Adriatic, and still others come to country for its world-famous cuisine. There are also skiers who are attracted by the Alpine slopes, shopping lovers, fans of Italian thermal baths and eco-recreation on the lakes... Italy is stronger than any magnet: you should come here at least once, and this country will forever remain in your heart.
Kitchen
The cuisine of Italy differs markedly in different regions: while in the north of the country they traditionally use a lot of meat, milk and butter, in the south you can more often find dishes with fish and seafood. Vegetable soups, as well as soups with pasta, fish or beans, are equally popular in both places. And, of course, everywhere you can try different types of pizza, pasta and risotto.
A holiday with children in Italy cannot be imagined without delicious ice cream: fortunately, there are gelaterias in every town. It is also worth tasting the Italian cookies and tiramisu dessert. Evening meals in Italian establishments are usually accompanied by wine; it is customary to drink cappuccino for breakfast, and espresso during the day.
Currency
Euro. You should not take dollars on a trip to Italy - you can exchange them for euros only with a large commission. Most localities have ATMs, but paying with cards is not always possible - many small shops or pizzerias only accept cash. By the way, in most restaurants and cafes the service charge is usually included in the bill, so additional tips are not required. For safety reasons, do not carry large sums of money with you, especially in large cities. Banks in Italy are open from 8.30 to 13.30 and from 15.00 to 16.00.
Transport
Rail and bus networks cover the entire country. Traveling around Italy by train is especially convenient: you can buy tickets in advance on the official Trenitalia website, where there are offers for families and discounts for those traveling in a group. For domestic air travel, you can use inexpensive flights from low-cost airlines - Ryanair and Dolomiti Air.
Large cities in Italy have buses, trams, and in some places a metro. Public transport usually operates from 5.30 to 00.00. The fare ranges from 1.1 euros to 1.7 euros; you can buy tickets from the driver or at ATAF kiosks. As for a taxi, the fare is 1-2 euros per km, it is better to call a car by phone.
Climate
Italy has a subtropical Mediterranean climate. The coast has a dry, hot summer, which de facto begins in May and ends in September. When going on vacation to Italy, keep in mind that the temperature range depends on the region: the further north, the cooler. If on the Ligurian, Adriatic coast and in Calabria the temperature is usually 27-29°C in summer, then on the Naples Riviera, Sardinia and Sicily in the summer months it is usually above 30-33°C. The sea off the coast of Italy already warms up to 22-23°C in May-June, and at the height of summer the water temperature reaches 25-26°C.
What is the weather like in Italy in winter? In most of the country, it stays at above-zero levels around +5+15°C, although sometimes there are cold snaps, and then in the photo of Italy you can see Venice covered with snow. At the ski resorts in the Dolomites, Dolomiti di Brenta, Livigno and Val d'Aosta, daytime temperatures in winter are -1-7°C.
Resorts
The largest ski region in the country is the Dolomites. It unites 12 resorts with a total length of slopes of 1200 km, and it is possible to purchase one ski pass for the entire ski area. Dolomiti di Brenta is the second largest winter resort in Italy, where the ski pass is valid in 8 ski areas of the Trentino region. At the same time, both in the Dolomites and in the Dolomiti di Brenta there are also more inexpensive ski passes for individual resorts on sale. Each region has trails for beginners, fan parks and conditions for night skiing.
Among the most respectable resorts, of course, is Val d’Aosta, from where you can also go down to neighboring France and Switzerland. Well, a holiday in the Trento region will appeal to those who would like to combine skiing with sightseeing trips.
Beaches and swimming season
For traveling with children to Italy, resorts such as Rimini, Lido di Jesolo and the entire Venetian Riviera, Sicily and especially Calabria are suitable. The respectable public often chooses the Tuscan Riviera and Sardinia. Both will enjoy Riccione and Milano Marittima, and young people will feel comfortable in San Remo and in the central district of Rimini Marina Centro.
In Italy there are both paid beaches with all amenities (renting a sun lounger and umbrella - 10 -15 euros), and free ones, where you can sunbathe on towels. In Rimini and Lido di Jesolo, most beaches are looked after by a hotel or other structure. These beaches are paid and fully equipped with everything you need - from umbrellas and sun loungers to playgrounds. Lying on a towel on them is prohibited. In hotels in Rimini and the surrounding area, in most hotels you can pay extra for meals and, as a bonus, get the right to free use of beach equipment.
Souvenirs and shopping
Holidays in Italy also mean shopping! There are shopping centers and fashion stores in all major cities, but if you are looking for exclusive luxury items, it is better to go to Milan and Rome. Shops are open from 8.00-9.00 to 19.00-19.30, almost everything is closed on Sundays. Outlets that sell items at discounts throughout the year help you save money - for example, Castel Romano near Rome, The Mall in Florence and Dmagazine in Milan. Sale seasons last from early January to late February and from July to mid-August. At the end of summer, the country goes on vacation, so it’s better not to plan shopping for the last two weeks of August.
The choice of Italian delicacies depends on the region, but everywhere you can buy cheeses, local wine, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. A 14.5% tax refund is possible. To do this, the purchase amount must be at least 155 euros, and the store must have the right to prepare documents for Tax Free.
Tourist tax
Resorts of Italy:
Adriatic Riviera
The Adriatic Riviera stretches in a picturesque strip from the famous Ravenna to the enchanting Pesaro. Tourists are attracted by luxurious sandy beaches (spacious and gently sloping, with a calm entrance to the sea), a varied selection of hotels, a democratic atmosphere, and an abundance of entertainment.
Ischia
The entire island is divided into six small areas - Ischia Porto, Casamicciola, Lacco Ameno, Forio, Barano, Serrara Fontana. There are about 300 springs on the island and about 300 hotels have thermal pools. The temperature in the pools is maintained within the range of +28-32°C (summer) and +32-36°C (winter).
Calabria
The poet Gabriele d'Annunzio called the coast of Calabria “the most beautiful kilometers of Europe.” Blooming vineyards, rocky mountains buried in greenery, soft azure sea, beaches with golden sand. All this is Calabria - alluring, enchanting, bewitching...
Liguria
It’s impossible not to fall in love with beautiful Liguria. The most picturesque nature (majestic mountains immersed in emerald greenery, exotic flower beds, azure sea), cities with ancient history, exquisite cuisine and nightlife with a huge selection of entertainment.
Neapolitan Riviera
Smooth pebble beaches, over which ancient love songs never cease, volcanic rocks with the elusive aroma of orange groves, majestic Vesuvius and the vast blue sea merging on the horizon with the endless sky - this is the Neapolitan Riviera, a priceless pearl of the Mediterranean.
Coast of Cilento
Cilento is a picturesque area of the Tyrrhenian coast, stretching for more than 100 kilometers. A little-explored corner by tourists that will delight connoisseurs of unusual places. There are sandy beaches with Blue Flags, magnificent nature, rich history and the atmosphere of real southern Italy.
Riviera di Ulisse
Enchanted by the beautiful Circe and the beauty of the marvelous shore, Odysseus stayed here for a whole year. Admiring the picturesque expanses of the Riviera di Ulisse, inhaling the amazingly healing air, you involuntarily dream of staying for a long time, so that, like the famous wanderer, gain strength and wisdom from the ancient shrines on the shore of the gentle warm sea.
Sicily
Sicily is famous for its excellent beaches, which are presented here in various varieties: sandy, sand-pebble, volcanic. It is also distinguished by good hotel service, many club hotels located along the entire coast of this blessed island and, of course, a rich excursion program, which Sicily is not inferior to mainland Italy.
Alta Valtellina
Alta Valtellina is part of the Valtellina ski region in Lombardy. Alta Valtellina includes several resorts: Bormio, Livigno, Valdidentro, Santa Caterina and the Stelvio glacier. All these are the most famous places for ski holidays in Italy. All centers are equipped with the latest lifts, and the slopes have an excellent level of coverage. In total, Alta Valtellina has 108 slopes, equipped with more than 30 lifts.
Valle d'Aosta
Aosta is called the little Alpine Rome. This town has a surprisingly rich history, as evidenced by medieval triumphal gates, churches and numerous feudal castles. Tourists are also attracted here by the Fiera di Sant'Orso fair, which has been held on the streets of the city at the end of January for more than a thousand years.
Val Gardena
Val Gardena is a delightful mix of Italian and Austrian cultures, with numerous historical monuments and cute Alpine villages. The picturesque Val Gardena, a valley in the heart of the Dolomites, united three ancient towns into the largest Italian resort: Ortisei, Santa Cristina and Selva Gardena.
Val di Fiemme
An economical and popular resort in Italy, Val Di Fiemme is located in the Trentino region, in the foothills of the Dolomites. Here you can have a great rest, have fun and, of course, have fun riding on the gentle alpine slopes. The resort is ideal for those who are just starting to get acquainted with the world of skiing, as well as for those who want to gain experience and improve their knowledge.
Dolomiti Ski Rama
Skirama is the second largest ski area in the Italian Alps. Its combined ski pass Superskirama Dolomiti is valid at eight ski resorts in the Trentino region: Andalo - Fai della Paganella, Madonna di Campiglio, Marilleva - Folgarida, Monte Bondone, Passo Tonale - Ponte di Legno, Peio, Pinzolo, Folgaria – Lavarone.
Dolomiti Di Brenta
The Dolomiti di Brenta is a mountain range located west of the Bolzano-Trento motorway. Skiers are offered 370 km of slopes of varying difficulty levels - from “extra black” to easy “blue”, which are serviced by more than a hundred lifts.
Dolomites
The most popular ski resort in Italy, the Dolomites, is located in the northeast of the country. This is a beautiful mountain range that is very diverse in its landscape: there are picturesque valleys, snowy peaks, rocky cliffs and, of course, a sea of opportunities for active pastime on the alpine slopes.
Kronplatz
Consisting of many charming mountain towns, the Italian resort of Kronplatz is one of the most popular ski areas in the Dolomites. Here tourists can enjoy excellent sports recreation and a large selection of après ski entertainment.
Piedmont
Due to the fact that Piedmont was part of France in the 18th century, the French flavor is still preserved here. Piedmont is an amazing region: in such a small region there are 56 parks and reserves, 3/4 of the territory is occupied by mountains, it is here that one of the most beautiful Italian Lakes Maggiore is located, and all this is complemented by ancient castles, monasteries and churches. By the way, it was on the shores of Lake Maggiore, inspired by the stunning Piedmontese landscapes, that he wrote Ernest Hemingway "A Farewell to Arms"
Apulia
We are pleased to bring to your attention a new product of the season - that still unexplored part of Italy that makes up its “heel” on the map. When most of us think of Italy, we first of all think of Rome, Venice and Florence - the most famous cities in Italy. Many people don’t even think about the fact that in the south of Italy, especially in Puglia, there are thousands of wonders and beauties.
Verona
Verona is known thanks to Shakespeare's immortal tragedy "Romeo and Juliet", the scene of which he chose the streets, squares and houses of this city, creating Verona the glory of the most romantic city. Lovers come here to visit "Juliet's House", which, according to legend, belonged to the Capulet family.
It is advisable to spend as much time as possible on a trip to a country where every corner breathes history and is associated with aspirated names. Whatever the purpose of your trip to Italy, the beauty of centuries-old architecture and nature fascinates you at every turn. How to choose where to go to Italy for the first time?
The Italian “boot” occupies the Iberian Peninsula in the center of the Mediterranean Sea and, according to natural and climatic features, is divided into three regions: northern, central and southern.
The best museums in the capital:
- Villa Farnesina with paintings by Raphael and other Renaissance artists and a 16th-century atmosphere.
- Private Gallery of Doria Pamphili (XV century) with a priceless collection of more than 500 works of art. Among them are paintings by Titian, Caravaggio, Raphael, Velazquez, and Tintoretto.
- The Borghese Gallery presents masterpieces of sculpture and painting by masters from different countries and eras, including famous Italians: Raphael, Caravaggio, Lotto, Canova.
- The Capitoline Museum is located in one of the three palaces built according to Michelangelo's designs. Many ancient statues are familiar from photographs in textbooks and books: “Disco thrower”, “Capitolian Wolf feeding Romulus and Remus”, “Boy pulling out a splinter”, as are the busts of Roman rulers in the Gallery of Emperors. The art gallery contains works by Rubens, Titian, Velazquez, and Caravaggio.
- The National Museum occupies several buildings in the center of Rome; it houses artifacts, ancient sculptures, and collections of ancient jewelry and coins.
It is important to know: a ticket to the museum is valid for 3 days, but this time is not enough to see all the exhibits.
Vatican
A state with sovereign territory in the center of Rome, where the seat of the Roman Catholic Church is located.
- The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is a symbol of the city, the red dome of which is visible from any point. White, green and pink marble was used to decorate the façade;
- the Gothic Church of Santa Croce, striking in its external splendor and interior. Many great Florentines are buried here, including Michelangelo, Dante, Machiavelli;
- Ponte Vecchio, the oldest and most unusual bridge in the city: on both sides of the bridge there are houses with jewelry stores and souvenir shops.
- The Uffizi Gallery, which is called the “museum of excellence,” is one of the oldest and most visited museums in Europe, where masterpieces of sculptures, paintings, drawings, tapestries, many of which are several hundred years old, are collected. The most famous exhibits: “Spring”, “Birth of Venus”, “Madonna and Child and Angel” by Botticelli; “Adoration of the Magi”, “Annunciation” by Leonardo da Vinci; "Flora", "Venus of Urbino" by Titian; "Madonna d'Ognisanti" by Giotto. In the gallery you can see paintings by Aivazovsky, Kustodiev, Kiprensky.
- The Museum of Treasures of the Basilica of Santa Croce is located next to the Church of the Holy Cross itself and houses numerous sculptures and paintings by famous Italian masters, including Donatello and Canova.
- The Museum of San Marco is interesting because it is located in an active Dominican monastery. The greatest value is the frescoes of Blessed Fra Angelico, a monk who lived and worked in this monastery, whom the artists consider their heavenly patron.
- Exhibits of the Bargello Museum include Renaissance sculptures (works by Michelangelo, Donatello), items made of porcelain, gold, Venetian glass, and ivory.
- In the Opera del Duomo Cathedral Museum you can trace the history of the construction of the temple: sketches, drawings, models, documents. The works of the greatest masters are presented here.
This is interesting: the pearl of the museum is Michelangelo’s unfinished composition “Pieta with Nicodemus”, which he created for his tombstone.
- Palazzo Pitti is a palace that served as the residence of the Medici family, the Dukes of Lorraine, and the royal family. Nowadays, there are galleries here - modern art, costume, museums - carriages, porcelain, silver.
- The Museum of Venice of the 18th century is located in the majestic Ca’ Rezzonico palace and displays the beautiful interiors of numerous halls: tapestries, frescoes, paintings, statues, furniture, lamps;
- The Peggy Guggenheim Museum is located in the beautiful Palais Leonie Vernier. Its exhibits include sculptural and painting works by Picasso, Kandinsky, Modigliani, Caro and other authors, ethnic sculptures;
- The Doge's Palace served as the residence of the rulers of the Venetian Republic. Today there is a museum here, and visitors can explore its halls, stairs, see one of the largest paintings on the planet - “Paradise” by Tintoretto, see “The Triumph of Venice” by Veronese on the ceiling;
This is interesting: in one of the halls, between the portraits of the doges, there is a black scroll, informing that this is the seat of the ruler who was executed for treason.
- The island of Murano is the birthplace of Venetian glass, which is also called Murano glass after the name of the island. The magnificent 17th-century palace houses the Venetian Glass Museum with unique, fragile exhibits.
- The island of Burano is distinguished by brightly colored houses, famous for the Church of San Marino and its Leaning Tower of Pisa - a 52-meter leaning bell tower. For a long time, the products of local craftswomen - weightless lace, created not with bobbins, but with a needle and thread without a fabric base - were very highly valued. And today people come to the island to buy products made from them. You can see magnificent products at the Venetian Lace Museum.
Festivals, carnivals, marathons:
- The Venice Carnival begins 2 weeks before the onset of Lent and includes a cheerful procession in carnival costumes and masks, performances by street performers, balls and other entertainment;
- The unusual marathon “Su e zo per i ponti” takes place at the end of March - beginning of April. Its essence is to run the fastest up and down the bridges;
- The Venice Film Festival is the oldest film festival in the world, taking place in August-September, the main prize of which is the Golden Lion statuette, which is considered a prestigious award and recognition.
Milan
A city of architectural and pictorial masterpieces, a city of music, where great musicians drew inspiration, one of the capitals of world fashion - all this is intertwined in.
The main attractions that you must see:
- The white marble Milan Cathedral is a symbol of the city and the most grandiose temple on the planet, created in the Gothic style with many spiers, as if lifting the cathedral from the ground. The main 106-meter spire is crowned with a 4-meter statue of the Madonna, made of gilded bronze. The interior decoration of the cathedral is strikingly beautiful: 15th-century stained glass windows on the windows, openwork patterns of wooden choirs, a huge sundial, a 5-meter bronze candelabra. The main shrine of the temple is one of the nails with which Christ was crucified.
This is interesting: in Milan, since the 18th century, there has been a decree according to which it is forbidden to build buildings higher than the spire of the cathedral with a statue of the patroness of the city.
- The Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie of the Dominican monastery is famous for its refectory, on the wall of which there is a fresco “The Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci (the size of the painting is 8.8 x 4.6 meters).
This is interesting: the artist used an unusual technique of painting - not on wet plaster, but on a dry wall, previously coated with resin, plaster and mastic.
- La Scala Theater is the center and standard of opera in the world, for which Rossini, Donizetti, and Verdi created. In its hall with excellent acoustics the beautiful voices of Maria Kalas, Mario Del Monaco, Tamara Sinyavskaya sounded.
Note: the opera season in the theater lasts from early December to June, autumn is the time for symphonic music.
The best museums in Milan:
- The Museum of Leonardo da Vinci, a great Italian who was ahead of his time, houses paintings, sculptures, scientific treatises, drawings, models made according to his drawings.
- Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace) - today, in the former residence of many crowned persons, there are several museums: the Museum of the Milan Cathedral (on display - a model of the temple, drawings, drawings, sculptures, paintings), the Court Church with an amazing bell tower (hanging sarcophagus, fresco "Crucifixion" ), Museum of Modern Art, exhibition halls.
- The La Scala Theater Museum carefully preserves everything related to the theater: performances, composers, singers; its collection includes the most valuable musical instruments (among them a crystal flute), paintings with portraits of composers and images of the theater, porcelain figurines of heroes of the Comedy Dell'Arte , theatrical costumes.
- The Gallery of Modern Art contains more than 2,500 paintings and sculptures, including works by Renoir, Modigliani, Matisse, Picasso, Monet, Gauguin, and Cézanne.
- The Sforza Castle houses several museums: musical instruments, ancient Egyptian, prehistoric. Here you can see ancient tapestries and Michelangelo’s unfinished sculpture “Pieta Rondanini”.
Religious sites
Beach holiday
Holidays in Italy are a constant learning of new things; it is worth looking at the chosen city, its buildings, bridges, streets, squares from a different angle or from the other side. It is impossible to embrace all the beauty of Italy, to know all its secrets. But you can fall under the power of her magic from the first minute of your stay on her land.
What attracted me to this hotel were the excellent reviews on all booking sites without exception, the fresh modern design, the location near the beach and the thermal baths of Grado (yes, there are thermal springs in the city!). You can stay in one or two bedroom apartments; in any case, they will be equipped with everything necessary for a long stay, including a washing machine.
2. Moneglia, Liguria
Photo from here
Moneglia, whose beach also has a blue flag for its cleanliness, is located between Genoa and the Cinque Terre and can be a convenient point for exploring the area. In one direction - luxurious Portofino, a little further - controversial Genoa, in the other - the absolute Italian must see Cinve Terre, five towns clinging to the rocks. The coast here is rocky and is said to be excellent for diving.
I would go to Moneglia just for this hotel! Judge for yourself: a former monastery built in the 15th century, antique furniture, the opportunity to use the swimming pool and restaurant of a nearby hotel, tasting local products and wine. I really love places where the owners try to somehow distinguish themselves from their neighbors and put soul into the establishment, and not just put beds and TVs in the rooms.
3. Monopoli, Apulia
I almost went on vacation to Monopoli, a small town located between Bari and Lecce, two years ago. Just imagine: an absolutely white city with only yellow bell towers visible here and there, a sandy beach, which is a two-minute walk away, a clear sea. Nearby are kilometers of deserted coastline with bays that can be reached by car, an hour's drive away - Bari with the relics of St. Nicholas and Lecce, Florence of the south. My friend, the same one, vacationed in this region a couple of years ago and was completely delighted! You can trust her - in Italy, in my opinion, she was everywhere.
Everything in this hotel is done the way I like it! Design in light colors, sea views, many cozy corners where you can relax in the fresh air, a swimming pool to swim in the morning, fresh and high-quality renovation. You can rent a room, or you can rent a suite with a balcony overhanging the sea. In any case, you will see few people because the hotel is small. Romantic, right?
4. Alba Adriatica, Abruzzo
There are not many resorts in Italy with long sandy beaches and gentle entry into the water. One of them is Rimini, but you yourself know everything about it. Another one is Alba Adriatica, in Abruzzo. I came across this resort when I was looking for a place to relax with my dad: walking distance to the beach, comfortable access to the water, convenient transport accessibility from the airport (in this case, Rome), no hills to climb, a variety of restaurants and shops. If you are looking for a holiday with children, Alba Adriatica may be perfect for you.
The hotel is located a 5-minute walk from the beach, occupies a separate building. Inside there is a very fresh renovation, apartments with 1 and 2 bedrooms (the second is very rare!), the price of which includes umbrellas and sun loungers on the city sandy beach. Each apartment has a fully equipped kitchen for those who like to cook on vacation, wireless Internet access, air conditioning in every room, new plumbing, and TVs.
5. Marotta di Fano, Marche
Marotta di Fano is a town on the Adriatic coast of Italy, located between Rimini and Ancona. It is easy to get here through Bologna airport (where tickets, by the way, are always cheaper than to Rome and Milan). The beach here is sandy, with convenient access to the water. If you go to these parts, I beg you, don’t miss the magnificent medieval and green hills of the Marche region!
From the hotel it is just a few steps to the beach. The hotel itself has a lot of light and air, a swimming pool, very modern interior and furnishings, and a good restaurant, judging by the reviews. On booking sites, the hotel's customers highly praise the staff, the cleanliness and furnishings of the rooms and the excellent value for money.
6. Elba Island, Tuscany
Yes, yes, this is the same island where Napoleon Bonaparte spent his days! Elba is located between Italy and French Corsica and is part of a national park. This means that the climate here is mild, the landscapes are varied, the beaches are comfortable, and the water is clean. Among the vacationers are mainly Swiss and German tourists of advanced age, which means there are a lot of routes for hiking and trekking, peace and quiet.
This hotel is for situations when you want to lie down, do nothing and not go anywhere. Everything is nearby here - a swimming pool with a sun terrace, a sandy beach with sun loungers and umbrellas, a restaurant, a spa center, the center of Portoferraio, the main city of the island. Those who are too lazy to go even for dinner can take half board at the hotel and spend their holiday in a horizontal position, although I would still ride around the Elbe Mountains.
7. Palinuro, Campania
You will drive here for a long time and along winding roads, but you will come to ringing silence, the sea and beaches awarded the blue flag, small bays and stunning sunsets and sunrises. Those who are not too lazy can make Palinuro the final point of a journey along the Campania coast, which must begin in, continue in, make a detour in and ultimately end in this inaccessible branch of paradise.
What I liked most about this hotel was the terrace of the deluxe room, which you see in the photo. Behind the sliding doors is a hot tub, and beyond is a well-furnished room with all modern amenities. However, all rooms have terraces or balconies and most of them look directly at the sea. The beach is very close, but for the lazy and those who like to swim from side to side there is a pool with sea water. The hotel also features a small spa.
8. Santa Maria del Focallo, Sicily
I am absolutely convinced that you will not understand why Italy is like this. Sicily is a completely separate Italy, Italy in the absolute, an island literally stuffed with incredible landscapes, archaeological and historical values, an island where the most delicious food in Italy, the most delicious chocolate, the most delicious ice cream, the most tart wine and the most delicious seafood! Santa Maria del Focallo is a place on the southern coast of Sicily, close to Ragusa, Noto and Modica, the must-see places on the island. The beach has a blue flag and the winds are quite strong, making Santa Maria del Focallo one of the best places in Italy for kitesurfing.
I warn you right away: to relax here you definitely need a car, because... The hotel is located not on the beach, but in the depths of the island. However, without a car, as my personal experience has shown, in Sicily it is generally very difficult. The hotel is located in a UNESCO protected area, occupies an ancient but beautifully restored building, surrounded by greenery. The rooms are larger in size, you can drink wine on your own terraces, or relax by the pool with or without a book. The hotel will be happy to provide umbrellas and sun loungers on the beach in Pozzallo.
9. Ischia Island, Campania
Ischia, of course, can hardly be called a little-known resort, but the mild climate, the proximity of Naples and Capri, which I am in love with, as well as the presence of thermal parks, made me include it on this list. I seriously considered Ischia as an option for a holiday in early May with my parents, but then I realized that I would probably go there in September alone with my husband. Here you can do everything that people usually do at a resort: wear white trousers, go on a yacht, ride a convertible, drink wine. Ischia, in a word, is a holiday with a dolce vita taste, forgive me for this hackneyed expression.
I’m even a little sorry to share this place, it’s so beautiful! The small hotel, entirely nautical in style, is a 10-minute walk from the center of Ischia Porto, the island's liveliest town, and the port itself, from where you can sail to Naples, Capri or Procida. The hotel has its own small beach. The rooms are furnished with love and great taste, and the owners, who even speak Russian, are ready to help their guests in every possible way in organizing their vacation.
10. La Maddalena, Sardinia
The small island of La Maddalena is located 10 minutes by boat from the northeast coast of Sardinia. The most convenient way to get here is to fly to Olbia airport. La Maddalena, like the whole of Sardinia as a whole, is a place intended largely for a luxurious and secluded holiday.
This hotel is another contender for my September vacation with my husband. This is a five-star resort with a spa, several restaurants and its own yachts. Those interested will be able to scuba dive or snorkel, sail a yacht along the coast, explore the island itself and the island of Sardinia. I would divide a two-week vacation in Sardinia into 2 parts: one spent in this hotel, the second in Sardinia itself, in the depths of the island.
A few resources to help you choose a location and hotel for your Italian summer holiday:
This marvelous “Italian boot” on the world map haunts travelers of all ages and incomes. After all, a trip to Italy is an endless series of impressions and new knowledge. And even modest students can afford to visit this country. And even a sophisticated tourist can receive first-class service. So, where to go in Italy?
Classic Italy - for the first acquaintance
Don't overload yourself with impressions! Don't try to embrace the immensity! You can come to Italy again and again and not see everything that you once learned about in history lessons, read in books or heard from friends. Start your acquaintance with TRIO: Venice, Florence and Rome. It is best to take a sightseeing tour from a tour operator. Then your problems of flight, accommodation, food and excursion program will be solved.
Rome - the capital of an ancient empire
Inexpensive tours to Italy include accommodation on the Adriatic in the town Rimini, and all excursions take place radially from this city. One day is allocated for each city. This, of course, is not enough. So, those who wish can repeat the trip on the Eurostar train or in. For such independent tourists, there is a special tourist bus in Rome.
On BUS Toyristic you can travel to all significant objects. For convenience, travelers are given headphones, there is an audio guide in 8-10 languages, including Russian, and everyone is given a city map with a route. You can get off the bus, take a closer look at the tourist site and get back on the bus. Very convenient for a more detailed exploration of the city and attractions.
What should you see in Rome?
- Via Veneto - the main street of Rome
- Pantheon - the soul of the city Temple of all gods
- The Vatican and St. Peter's Basilica on its territory
- Coliseum
- Plaza de España
- Capitoline Hill from Piazza di Compidoglio
- Fountain di Trevi
An abundance of fountains, churches and bell towers, a marble medieval slab “Mouth of Truth”. It is impossible not to visit the ruins of ancient baths, the Roman Forum, and the catacombs.
Watch the TOP best resorts in Italy in this video:
Florence - the capital of Tuscany
Not on the sea coast, but in the very heart of Italy, Florence rises with its bizarre domes and spiers - ancient and eternally attractive, “blooming” in Italian. This city can be called the cultural capital of Italy, because it was Florence that gave the world Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, the great astronomers and navigators, and became the cradle of the Renaissance.
For inquisitive travelers, it is interesting to know that there is a “Russian trace” in Florence. Dostoevsky and Tchaikovsky worked here, as evidenced by memorial plaques on the houses. There is even a square named after the Russian philanthropist Demidov. Florentines honor history.
Must-visit in Florence:
- Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiori with Giotto's bell tower
- Uffizi Gallery
- The famous Ponte Vechiu bridge
- Republic Square
Florence literally breathes history. Numerous basilicas, cathedrals, piazzas and pontes evoke admiration and awe. It is impossible to be in Italy and not visit Florence. Without it, your voyage will be dull and incomplete.
Venice – a fairy tale on the water
They say that it will soon go under water. Hurry to visit this unique city on the water, take a gondola ride along the canal streets, and visit the most significant sites of the city. St. Mark's Cathedral, Cathedral Bell Tower, Doge's Palace and Clock Tower, Rialto Bridge and Bridge of Sighs, Gesuati Church. There are always a lot of pigeons in the square in front of St. Mark's Cathedral. Bring some bread crumbs or seeds to take great photos as a souvenir in the exciting surroundings of fluttering birds.
Holidays on the Adriatic in Rimini
If architectural creations and historical monuments do not bother you, and your only concern is where to go on vacation in Italy, we can say that the choice is great. After all, Italy is washed by seas on all sides, stretches from north to south, is located in the subtropics and is famous for its huge number of sunny days. In principle, you can relax there from early spring to late autumn.
The eastern part of the Apennine Peninsula is washed by the Adriatic Sea, so there is an opportunity in Italy to relax on the Adriatic Sea. Fly to Rimini. This is the most famous city on the coast. A chain of hotels stretches along the sea; on the other side of the hotels there is a highway along which you can get to anywhere in Italy. If you didn’t take a sightseeing tour, it doesn’t matter. You can easily get to Venice, Florence and even Rome on your own from Rimini.
And if you just want to relax, swim in the sea, lie on the beach, the Emilia Romagna region will welcome you like family. Very close to Rimini is the “dwarf” state of San Marino. A must visit. And on the road to San Mariino there are many outlets where you can shop at low prices. Many people use a trip to Rimini for shopping. By the way, prices for such tours can be very attractive even in the “high” season.
The Sicilian mafia is not a hindrance to rest
Where is the best place to go in Italy? The answer is not clear. For example, not the cheapest, but very tempting holiday on the island of Sicily. You can simply relax on the seashore, enjoying the beauty of numerous bays, tasting the freshest ripe Mediterranean fruits. Or you can make pleasant, tireless trips around such a famous island.
What can you see in Sicily?
- First of all, Mount Etna
- Visit the capital of the “mafia” - the city of Corleone
- Get to Palermo and see the Massimo Opera House
- Archaeological excavations in Syracuse
- Taormina – an amazing medieval city
- Montreal with its Cathedral
While holidaying in Sicily, you can visit numerous small islands that surround the main island like a necklace. The beauty and uniqueness of their nature fascinates, leaves the most positive impressions and makes your vacation full of emotions and positivity.
It is worth paying attention to Sicilian cuisine. The dishes that are traditional for Sicily are a kind of multinational mix of culinary delights from the Greeks, Romans, and Arabs. We can definitely say that all the dishes that you will be able to taste in Sicily will suit your taste. Pasta, seafood, meat dishes, delicious sweets and desserts and delicious ice cream! You have to try everything!
Interestingly, from the island of Sicily you can take an excursion to the island of Malta, covered in legends and the history of the mysterious Order of the Knights of Malta!
Holidays in Sardinia
Sardinia is not as popular among tourists as Italy itself or Sicily. But as a luxury holiday option, this island is worth considering. If you want to visit a paradise island, then you don’t have to go to distant lands - there is a wonderful island in the Mediterranean Sea, and this is Sardinia. The azure sea and golden beaches are simply a paradise for vacationers, especially divers. The rich underwater world and exceptional clarity of the waters will allow you to enjoy the beauty of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Vacationers will be able to engage in any type of water sport: sailing, scuba diving, flying over the sea with a parachute, or water skiing. The level of service in local hotels is consistently high and meets the requirements of sophisticated Europeans.
A national reserve with pink flamingos and black cormorants, nuragic structures, the Archaeological Museum and the Cathedral of St. Mary, the ancient Roman amphitheater of the 20th century serves the performing arts (and today you can watch a performance on its stage) - this is just a small part of the excursion program that can be carried out while staying on the island of Sardinia.
Thermal springs of Ischia
The mild Mediterranean climate and thermal springs that bubble up directly from the ground have made the Italian island of Ischia a wonderful holiday destination back in ancient times. The Greeks mastered the healing properties of thermal waters and successfully healed wounds received in numerous battles and campaigns. Even Giuseppe Garibaldi, the famous commander, received treatment with waters and healing mud in Ischia.
The island of Ischia is a thermal resort created by nature itself. Combined with modern methods of healing, it is the best hospital in the world based on natural mineral and mud springs.
The resort welcomes tourists all year round. Thanks to the unique climate, even in winter the sea water off the coast of the island remains warm. Along with treatment, you can enjoy magnificent nature, a variety of landscapes and high service from numerous hotels, sanatoriums and private inns.
Liguria and Tuscany, Calabria and Emilia Romagna are Italian regions that attract with their warm sea, beautiful bays and well-groomed beaches, giving peace and comfort. The choice is yours as to where it is better to go in Italy.
Dear Vita, I suggest choosing Venice for your base stop in Italy. Three years ago, we were advised to stay there in an inexpensive hostel near the railway station and take advantage of the opportunity to take a tour with a Russian-speaking guide around this unforgettable city. It was also convenient to travel around the nearby cities of Padva and Treviso. We returned for an evening rest and overnight stay at the "Giovannina" hostel. Very convenient and inexpensive:)
First things first.
You need to arrive in Venice at the Venice Mestre train station (there are two train stations in this city). From the central exit, turn right, walk about 50 meters and turn left into Via Dante. Walk to house No. 113. This is the hostel "Giovannina".
The prices here are very affordable:
4-bed room - 10 euros per person;
3-seater - 12 euros per person;
Double room (there are options with one bed and two) - 13 euros per person;
Single room - 21 euros.
The price includes towels, luggage storage, coffee in the morning, Wi-Fi.
By email, before arriving in Venice, we agreed with a Russian-speaking guide on a walking tour of the city, during which we planned to choose one-day tours for the subsequent days of our stay in Italy. At first they wanted to spend the night in the cities they planned to visit. But it turned out that it was cheaper and easier to settle in one place and travel “one day with a return” :)
If you decide to use the tips and services of Russian-speaking guides in Venice, here are the contacts to those who helped us and the colleagues recommended by them:
1. Alena Doroshchuk: [email protected], tel. +393492302664;
2. Monica Gambarotto: [email protected], tel. +393356776933;
3. Veronica Kareva: [email protected], tel. +393408725305;
4. Gennady Lobas: [email protected], tel. +393454274886;
5. Natalia Smirnova: [email protected], tel. +393383802901.
There are many developed excursion options, but they will also help you choose exactly the route that will be most interesting. On the first day we walked around Venice, swam on local water buses, and visited several museums.
If you plan to travel by water buses throughout the day, it is worth purchasing a ticket for all “numbers” of this type of transport :) Its price depends on the period for which the ticket was issued:
18 euros - 12 hours;
20 euros - 24 hours;
25 euros - 36 hours.
We refused to travel by gondola because of the high prices: 1 hour of riding - 100-150 euros - the cost depends on the course of travel :)
On the first day we visited all the main monuments of Venice, starting from St. Mark's Square (SanMarco) to the Rialto Bridge, the Doge's Palace, the library, the Bell Tower, the Clock Tower... We stopped near the famous Bridge of Sighs, looked at the Castello and Cannaregio quarters with the Piazza Santa Maria Formosa, St. John and Paul, the Colleoni monument, the Arch of Paradise, the house of the Bragadins (Casanova visited this house), the Rialto Bridge. A visit to churches and museums in Venice costs 2.5-3.5 euros.
We spent the next two days on excursions from Padvo and Treviso.
If you buy tours from the listed licensed guides, their cost ranges from 180 euros for a 4-hour tour of Venice to 350 euros for 7 hours of guide care with a trip to Padva and 450 euros for a trip to Treviso. Visiting museums with a guided tour cost 3 euros per person in Treviso and 2.5 in Padva.
Well, in each of the Italian cities you can not only please the eyes, but also the stomach:) Pizza and coffee are the most delicious here!
