Hello, travel Family! I know the situation is complicated but remember that we are in this together! It’s probably the best time to get inspired for your next travels. Today we are talking about Italy, and especially the best travel tips for Italy and the best places to visit!
If you are thinking about visiting Italy this summer, and you’re looking for tips and tricks about this destination, you are in the right place! We both have Italian origins and we are going to Italy really often. We have visited the beautiful Tuscany, Florence, Siena and Saturnia. But also the Cinque Terre, Rome, the Amalfi Coast and Positano. And we have been to Venice and the Dolomites lately. If you are dreaming to see these places, you will find everything you need in this post and then, you’ll be able to organize your trip! 😉
Best time to visit Italy
The best time to visit Italy is during summer for Europe. It is between June and September. But you need to know that the pic is in July and August and most of the places in Italy will be really crowded. If you can, try to visit Italy in June or in September.
South Europe has a temperate climate. This means that even in summer, it will never be too hot. The temperature will be around 25 – 30°C.
The best travel tips for Italy we can give you are to go there in June before the crowd arrives. And also to book at least 3 months in advance to find the best deals. This is for us the best time to explore this beautiful country.
How to pack for Italy?
If you are visiting Italy in the summer, you should first bring classic summer clothes. This should also include a hat, sunnies, and protection for your skin.
But also, don’t forget to take a gym outfit because you will probably need them to hike. Indeed, there are beautiful hikes to do in Tuscany, Cinque Terre, and the Dolomites for example.
Also, take your driving licence, in case you want to rent a car.
How to get around in Italy?
Plane
The first option is to visit Italy by plane. Or at least to start your trip to Italy by plane. If you are planning to visit only one city in Italy, this may be the best option.
However, if you are planning to visit several cities, you can take a flight to Florence or Rome and then, pursue your trip by car or by train. This will be less expensive.
Rent a car
Once you have arrived in Italy, you can rent a car at the airport, or in the city. To find the best deals, you can book online a few days before. Most of the time, prices are really higher when you book at the shop.
Certains places in Italy require a car because there is no common transportation. It is the case if you want to explore the Tuscany countryside of the Dolomites. However, if you want to visit Cinque Terre, Florence, Rome or Venice, you don’t really need a car. You need to know that parking is expensive there and these areas are well deserved by trains and buses. Parkings are 25€ per night in Venice and Florence for example.
Trains
One of the best ways to explore Italy is to take the local train. Most of the cities are well deserved. You can easily visit Florence, Rome, Naples, Pompéi, or Venice by train. Also, if you book in advance, it is not so expensive. You can read our post about our trip with Interrail in Italy and we loved our experience.
Travel tips for Italy: the best places to visit
The Tuscany countryside
Where to stay in the Tuscany countryside?
If you’re planning to visit the Tuscany countryside, like Saturnia or Siena, you should consider staying in local farm called “agriturismo”. This is a great way to learn about the local culture and connect with Italian people. But also visit the vineyards and do wine testing. You can find them easily online.
How to get around in the Tuscany countryside?
You will absolutely need a car to visit the Tuscany countryside, especially if you want to visit several places. Unfortunately, there is no common transportation. The great side is that parking will be free because you will park in the Agriturismo you’re staying at.
If you want more info about the Tuscany countryside, read our complete Tuscany itinerary!
The Dolomites
If you love mountains, lakes and hikes, you should probably go to the Dolomites ! You will see the wonderful Sorapis lake and the Braies lake.
You can read our complete travel guide to the Dolomites.
Cinque Terre
Where to stay in Cinque Terre?
First of all, you need to know that in Cinque Terre most of the accommodations are owned by local families. This means that prices are quite equal in the Cinque Terre. We payed around 150€ per night to stay in Riomaggiore. The price-quality ratio is not so good, but
Where are the best restaurants?
We highly recommend you to have dinner at Nessun Dorma in Manarola. You will have dinner with a beautiful view of Manarola, you can see it on the photo on the right!
What to do in the Cinque Terre?
The best activity to do in the Cinque Terre is to visit the different villages: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Vernazza, Corniglia and Monterosso al Mare.
How to get around in the Cinque Terre?
You can visit these villages by the local train or hike from a village to another. The local train is coming from La Spezia and is going trough every villages. It is only 2€ per person.
If you need more information, read our complete travel guide about the Cinque Terre!
Positano Amalfi coast
Where to stay in Positano?
You need to know that accomodation in Positano are really expensive. If you want to stay in Positano, book months in advance. Or you can also stay near in Positano, in Piano di Sorrento, Amalfi or Fuordo di Furore.
Where are the best restaurants?
We absolutely loved “La Bucca di Baccio” and “Chez Black” on the main beach of Positano, la Spiaggia Grande. Also, we loved having such at “Poseidon” on the heights of the city.
What to do in Positano?
The best things to do in Positano are exploring the city and the lovely streets, trying Italian dishes, or going to the beach. But also do a boat tour for the sunset and visiting Capri!
How to get around?
The best ways to get around on the Amalfi coast or either to rent a car or take the local SITA bus. If you rent a car, you need to know that parking is very expensive in Positano. If you take the local SITA bus, you have to know that it is really cheap but it only goes from Sorrento to Amalfi. So, to go from the airport or the train station, you will have to take a taxi or take the local subway.
If you need more information about the Amalfi coast, read our ultimate travel guide to Positano!
Are you ready to explore Italy?
We hope this post about the best travel tips to visit Italy will help you to organize your dream trip there! Let us know in the comments! Also, feel free to ask us if you need more information.
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