Italy holidays

Foodies: Italy’s world-renowned reputation as a culinary hotspot is evident whether you visit its finest restaurants or  rustic trattorias. Once you try some fresh, authentic pasta you’ll be rushing back for seconds. And each region has its own specialities from Rigatoni Carbonara in Rome to stockfish in Venice. But no meal is complete without a glass of local wine!

Couples: Holidays to Italy are some of the most romantic in the world. Here, Shakespeare was inspired to write Romeo and Juliet. And we can certainly see why with relaxing sailboat rides over to the island of Capri, candlelit dinners in Sorrento and luxurious stays in Sardinia’s luxurious Porto Cervo.

Nature lovers: Hiking boots at the ready! From the supersize Lake Como to the frosty Alps and towering Mount Etna, there’s no shortage of natural wonders. And don’t forget to swim the bay of Val di Sogno or take a cable car up Mount Baldo. 

Language: The language spoken in Italy is Italian. While most of the staff in hotels, bars and restaurants speak some English, a casual ‘per favore’ and ‘grazie’ can go a long way.

Currency: You’ll need to change your pounds and pence for Euros before taking your holidays to Italy.

Local time: Italy is 1 hour ahead of GMT/UK time.

Fly to: Naples International Airport for Sant'Agnello (transfer 1 hour) and Amalfi, Sorrento and Ischia Porto, around 1.5 hours away. Verona Villafranca Airport for Lake Garda, around 1.5 hours away. Venice Marco Polo Airport serves Venice, Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport serves Sardinia and Comiso Airport serves Sicily. 

Flight time from UK: The flight time to Italy is 2.5 hours. 

Tourist information: Further Italy tourist information can be found at the official website for tourism in Italy.

Local tax: In most areas of Italy you’ll be charged a local tourist tax and will need to pay approximately 1.5 - 4 euros per person, per night, to the hotel. Children under 18 don’t pay the tax. Charges can be higher if you’re staying in one of the major Italian cities.

Visa / health: Before you travel, check the latest advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

Holiday destinations related to Italy:

• Amalfi
• Ischia Porto
• Sant Agnello
• Sorrento
• Lake Garda
• Limone
• Malcesine
• Venetian Riviera 
• Sardinia 
• Sicily

By bike: Italy’s smaller towns such as Cassone offer excellent sightseeing opportunities from the saddle of a bicycle. You’re not limited to where you can explore either, whether you bring your own set of wheels or rent one when you arrive. The trains and ferries will transport your bike free of charge.

By train: For longer journeys, there’s no beating the incredible views that roll past your window from the country’s speedy and affordable train network.

By taxi: If you’re in a rush, a taxi is one of the fastest ways to get around. Authorised cabs are white with fitted metres and you can hire one from a yellow taxi rank.

Madonna Del Rimedio: September sees carnival fever erupt across the country. If you really want to immerse yourself in the experience, head to Sardinia’s festival of the Madonna Del Rimedio, over in the town of Orosei. Lasting up to 18 days, expect stalls stuffed with traditional foods and street processions.

Vinitaly: Each area of Italy has its own wine speciality, from the crisp and refreshing white Lacrime di Cristo found in the Sorrento area, to the rich red Nero D’Avola, which is widely enjoyed in Sicily. But when you simply can’t choose, Vinitaly is a must-visit festival housing 3,000 wines in Verona every April. 

Lights, camera, action: The legendary Venice International Film Festival occurs between August and September. Unlike many other film festivals, screenings are open to the public, but you’ll need a ticket to attend. So  put on your best  outfit and do some serious celebrity-spotting by the red carpet. The Summer Film Festival in Taormina, and its many exclusive premieres, takes place in an open-air amphitheatre every year in June.

For up-to-date advice on travelling to Italy, please visit the FCDO website.