Visiting Italy is an opportunity to relax on the coast, enjoy a glass of local wine and embrace the holiday lifestyle.
These nine tips help those traveling in Europe to embrace the zest and passion of the Italian culture and make the most of Italy’s dining and travel experiences.
Nine tips for visiting Italy
1. Try unique accommodation in Italy’s south
Sustainable tourism means supporting local businesses and connecting with local history and communities. In the region of Puglia in Southern Italy, visitors can experience traditional accommodation by staying in heritage-listed ‘trullo’, a conical-shaped house, built in a style unique to the region.
These homes are built from limestone, without using mortar, employing a dry-stone construction technique that dates to prehistoric times. This is a unique opportunity to experience what it’s like to live inside these UNESCO Heritage-listed homes.
Another once-in-a-lifetime experience can be found at Matera’s Sassi cave residences. Located at the heart of an ancient cave town dating back to the 1500s, rooms are connected by multiple flights of stairs and uneven cobblestone paths. No two rooms are the same, with quirky layouts that may be dimly lit. Bring a camera to capture this magical experience.
Trullo, Italy by Priscilla Aster
2. Bologna is a must-see for food and history
Known as the gastronomic capital of Italy, Bologna is worth a visit for lovers of food (and let’s be honest, that is just about everyone!). From vibrant markets to architecture and even the world’s oldest university, the University of Bologna, sate an appetite from sightseeing with decadent dinner dishes, including lasagne bolognese, tortellini in brodo or tagliatelle al ragu.
Known as the gastronomic capital of Italy, Bologna is worth a visit for lovers of food (and let’s be honest, that is just about everyone!). From vibrant markets to architecture and even the world’s oldest university, the University of Bologna, sate an appetite from sightseeing with decadent dinner dishes, including lasagne bolognese, tortellini in brodo or tagliatelle al ragu.
Bologna, Italy by Unsplash
3. Breakfast is not the most important meal
A typical Italian breakfast is light and sugary, consisting of a sweet pastry like a cornetto and an espresso or cappuccino.
For those who need a more substantial or low GI breakfast, be prepared with snacks such as oats, almonds or other convenient options. The local markets are a great source of nutritious fruit and other food to stock up on.
4. Cured meats, cheese and gelato make excellent snacks
Floence, Italy by Dennis Bunnik
For days on the go or just to vary mealtime routines, learning some Italian phrases makes it easy to purchase cured meats and cheeses (pair with fresh bread for a tasty lunch!).
“Cento grammi” is Italian for one hundred grams, most butchers or cheesemongers have displays labelling the produce available. Be adventurous and try mortadella, salame, ‘nduja, speck, coppa, guanciale or more familiar prosciutto or pancetta.
While gelato isn’t backpack-friendly, stores can be found all over Italy. Healthier and more flavourful than ice cream, many gelato varieties are dairy-free too, the perfect refreshment after a summer’s day of sightseeing!
5. Enjoy an apertivo before dinner
‘Apertivo’ is the Italian custom to enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail and small snacks to tantalise the appetite. Between six and seven or nine in the evening, bars will serve complimentary snacks to accompany your aperitif (cocktail). Why not try an aperol spritz while enjoying the atmosphere?
6. Adjust to the local mealtimes
Restaurants in Italy often have specific opening times and are closed outside of these hours, so it pays to be organised. Lunch is typically from 12-3 pm and dinner from 7.30 pm to 12 am, with kitchens generally closing around 10 pm.
Dining is a ritual, so be prepared to take time to savour the experience. Long, relaxed meals are the Italian way, and once finished there’s generally no rush to leave — diners may need to prompt staff for the bill when leaving.
7. Go beyond pizza and pasta
Sicily, Italy by Priscilla Aster
Each area of Italy has delicacies and meals unique to the region. Learn how to make (or even hunt!) food in the traditional ways and truly appreciate the craft behind Italy’s gastronomical landscape.
The Langhe region is famous for truffles (as well as wine and cheese). Truffle hunters (known as ‘trifulau’) train their dogs and will share their expertise with curious visitors. Learn the skill of truffle hunting and then head outdoors to find your own delicious truffles — connecting with local communities in this way is the essence of the Italian experience.
Why not visit a local restaurant and see how Nonna skilfully crafts traditional orecchiette (traditional pasta made in the Apulia region of Italy)?
8. Try different varieties of cheese
Sicily, Italy by Priscilla Aster
Italy has over 2,500 varieties of cheese, five hundred of these are commercially recognised and 52 are protected. Be sure to try different cheeses during your visit to Italy, including well-known varieties like Parmigiano Reggiano, gorgonzola, mozzarella and ricotta.
An excellent place to do this is the Langhe Region, which has over 100 types of cheese as well as truffles and wine.
9. Choose local wine
Just like Italian food, each region has unique wines developed in tandem with the foods over time. The most authentic Italian dining experience will combine local wines with local food — ask the restaurant staff for guidance to make a selection pairing food and wine.
Italian wine enhances the food. Reds like Barolo, Chianti, Dolcetto, Montepulciano or Brunello accompany meats, cheeses and hearty tomato-based pasta. White wines like Pinot Grigio, Vermentino and Trebbiano complement seafood served in coastal towns like Cinque Terre’s five villages.
Langhe Region, Italy by Cate Kelly
Explore the palate of Italy and create enchanting memories with a small group tour
Why wait? Italy beckons! With unique experiences that connect visitors with local communities, culture and cuisine, a small group tour of Italy is a seamless way to see this wondrous country.
With transport pre-arranged and flights included, the only decision left is how to spend the free time along the journey.
Frequently asked questions
What is the pizza rule in Italy?
Pizza is sold on the street by weight, in rectangular or square slices to eat on the go using your hands. In restaurants, pizza is always round and served on a plate. Diners slice the pizza and enjoy it using a knife and fork, or fold each slice to eat by hand.
What are the four food rules in Italy?
Italians live to eat, so following etiquette will win friends quickly. Here are four things to know:
- Reserve a table for lunch or dinner, and arrive within 20 minutes of your booking
- Try the local dishes and regional specialities, not just foods you are familiar with
- Don’t order a cappuccino with a meal, this is a breakfast drink only acceptable before 11 am or at least not with lunch or dinner.
- “Fare la scarpetta”, or using bread to mop up the sauce remaining at the end of a meal, shows your appreciation for the food, especially in traditional trattorias and osterias.
Can I drink tap water in Italy?
Tap water is typically safe to drink in Italy, but don’t order it at a restaurant (the waiter will explain that it will compromise the flavours of your meal!). When out and about, fill reusable water bottles at the old-style fountains scattered throughout major cities and towns.