Italy Travel Guide 2026: Get the Essential Local Tips That Guidebooks Leave Out

Important! Travel insurance for Italy is mandatory for certain nationalities.

Written by Shelley Castlemilk
Date : 06/15/2026

Why visit Italy and how to plan your trip

Stretching over 1,200 km from the Alps to the deep south, Italy's 20 regions (only unified in 1861) remain fiercely proud of their local traditions. Thanks to its global cultural footprint, arriving in the Bel Paese always feels strangely familiar. Whether you are drawn by world-renowned gastronomy, ancient heritage, or diverse landscapes, Italy never disappoints.

However, planning a trip here can easily feel overwhelming. To make it simple, this guide balances iconic bucket-list spots with hidden gems, packed with practical tips on train travel and budgeting.

To ensure your journey is as dolce and seamless as possible, we have also included exclusive insights from Francesca, our historian hiker, and Giovanni, our fashionista foodie. Enjoy the ride!

On the agenda

• 🏛️ Best destinations in Italy
• 🎨 Tailored trip ideas
• 🗺️ Itinerary planning: golden rules
• 🗝️ Local experiences
• 🌤️ Seasonal weather
• 🚂 Transportation guide
• 💰 Travel expenses and budget tips
• ⚠️ Safety and faux pas
• 🛂 Entry requirements
• 🛡️ AXA protection
• ❓ FAQ

Top things to see in Italy: from iconic landmarks to hidden gems

While impossible to name all the incredible things you should see, taste and smell in Italy, here are a few of the classic and some more confidential spots to visit.

The 8 absolute must-see destinations in Italy

If you want to experience the postcard-perfect side of the country, make sure these world-famous locations are on your bucket list:

1. Rome: explore the roots of Western civilization through ancient wonders like the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Pantheon, and the iconic Trevi Fountain.
2. Vatican City: marvel at the spiritual and artistic heart of the Catholic world, from St. Peter's Basilica to Michelangelo's frescoes in the Sistine Chapel.
3. Venice: discover the romantic charm of the floating city by visiting the Doge's Palace, Piazza San Marco, and the historic opera house, La Fenice.
4. Florence: walk through the cradle of the Renaissance and admire world-class masterpieces at the Uffizi Gallery or catch the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo.
5. Milan: visit Italy's fashion and design capital, home to the jaw-dropping Gothic architecture of the Duomo.
6. Naples and the Bay: use this vibrant city as your gateway to the frozen-in-time ruins of Pompeii, the dramatic Mount Vesuvius, and the glamorous island of Capri.
7. The Leaning Tower of Pisa: take a detour to Tuscany to see this architectural accident turned world-famous landmark.
8. Mount Etna (Sicily): stand in awe before one of Europe's tallest and most active volcanoes, dominating the Sicilian landscape.

🔑 Giovanni's insider tip: "Ever since it featured in the hit show The White Lotus (season 2), the stunning Sicilian clifftop town of Taormina has seen a massive boom in tourism. While its Greek theatre and coastal views are incredible, the screen-induced crowds can be overwhelming.
To enjoy its chic atmosphere without the peak-season rush, plan your visit for late spring or early autumn."

What are the best hidden gems in Italy? Top spots to avoid the crowds

If you want to bypass the mass tourism and experience the country like a local, clear some space on your itinerary for these four incredible regions:

• The Marche (Central Italy) features the historic town of Urbino, Rossini's birthplace (Pesaro), beautiful creeks like Scalaccia, and Autumn and Chestnut (castagnata) festivals in Smerillo.
• Emilia-Romagna (North-Central): home to Europe's oldest university in Bologna, Modena's balsamic vinegar, medieval fortresses like Castello di Gropparello, and the endless beaches of the Riviera Romagnola in Rimini.
  Fair warning: with its 200 beach resorts, you might bump into a tourist or two!
• Piedmont (North-West): for its food and vineyards. Head to Alba where you will taste home-made grissini and Barolo, known as the wine of kings and the King of wines.
• Apulia (The Southern Heel): a beautifully preserved region offering a slower pace of life among ancient olive groves, quiet coastlines, and the famous trulli houses of Alberobello.

🔑 Francesca's historical highlight: "When exploring the borders of Emilia-Romagna and the Marche, detour to Forte di San Leo. Perched on a cliff, this former prison once held the notorious alchemist and magician, the Count of Cagliostro."

👉 Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out the Official Italian Tourism Board website.

Where to go in Italy based on your travel style?

Italy offers vastly different experiences depending on your interests. Whether you are craving nature, world-class art, authentic food, or family fun, here is your tailored roadmap.

Where to go in Italy for nature lovers and outdoor fun?

From jagged alpine peaks to sunny Mediterranean coastlines, Italy's diverse landscapes are a dream playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are the best spots to immerse yourself in the wild:

• Cinque Terre (Liguria): the colorful coastal area features dramatic cliffside trails overlooking the sea, perfect for hikers who love combining trekking with picturesque fishing villages.
• Val d'Orcia (Tuscany): famous for its rolling golden hills and cypress-lined roads, this iconic Italian countryside is best explored on two wheels for a scenic cycling holiday.
• Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise National Park (Central Italy): along with the Po Delta wetlands, this area is a paradise for kayaking, sailing, and spotting rare wildlife.
• The Italian Lakes (Northern Italy): at the foot of the Alps, majestic lakes like Como, Garda, and Maggiore offer calm waters perfect for swimming, windsurfing, and sailing.
• The Amalfi Coast (Campania) and Sardinian Beaches: these spectacular southern shorelines combine rugged cliffs, hidden sea caves, and crystal-clear waters that are paradise for snorkeling.

💡 Did you know? The spectacular Dolomites in the north are a protected UNESCO World Heritage site, celebrated globally for having some of the most beautiful mountain landscapes and unique limestone crags on the planet.

Where to go in Italy for more cultural experiences?

While Italy's iconic ancient ruins and Renaissance museums are absolute must-sees, the country's cultural scene offers so much more. From classical opera to cutting-edge contemporary art, here is how to experience its multi-layered history:

• Rome: tick the Colosseum off your list, then dive into modern creativity at the industrial-style MAXXI Museum or explore the vibrant street art district of Ostiense.
• Florence: combine iconic Renaissance art at the Uffizi Gallery with the immersive fashion world of the Gucci Garden. Then, head up to Piazzale Michelangelo at sunset for the most panoramic view over the city's terracotta rooftops.
• Venice: beyond the St. Mark's Basilica, discover modern masterpieces at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection or explore the poignant heritage and quiet streets of the historic Venetian Ghetto.
• Milan: dive into the legendary fashion scene of the Quadrilatero della Moda, catch an opera at La Scala, or admire masterpieces at the Pinacoteca di Brera art gallery and explore futuristic architecture at the Fondazione Prada.

🔑 Francesca's insider tip: "The Santa Maria Novella Officina in Florence has been creating perfumes since 1221. There, you can still smell (and buy!) the Acqua della Regina, originally formulated for Catherine de' Medici's royal wedding in 1533."

Where to go in Italy for food: 10 top culinary spots

1. Emilia-Romagna: famous for authentic Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, and traditional lasagna.
2. Lombardy: home to comforting northern staples like creamy risotto alla milanese, osso buco, and Gorgonzola cheese.
3. Piedmont: renowned for prized white truffles, decadent hazelnuts, and prestigious Barolo wines.
4. Liguria: the coastal home of aromatic Pesto alla Genovese, freshly baked focaccia, and premium olive oils.
5. Veneto: the birthplace of chic Cicchetti (Venetian tapas) and the world-famous, sparkling Prosecco.
6. Tuscany: celebrated for its robust, world-class extra virgin olive oils and prestigious Chianti vineyards.
7. Lazio: the birthplace of legendary, creamy pasta dishes like Carbonara and Cacio e Pepe.
8. Campania: the true home of Neapolitan pizza, creamy Mozzarella di Bufala, and zesty Limoncello.
9. Apulia (Puglia): world-known for rich, buttery Burrata cheese and ear-shaped Orecchiette pasta.
10. Sicily: the sunny island is also known for vibrant street food and sweet, ricotta-filled Cannoli.

🍽️ Turin & The Slow Food Movement
The capital of Piedmont may be famous for its fast cars and FIAT heritage, but it is also the proud birthplace of the global Slow Food movement. Founded in the 1980s as a protest against fast food, this philosophy champions local biodiversity, traditional cooking, and a mindful pace of dining. Today, the city hosts Terra Madre Salone del Gusto, the world's leading event dedicated to sustainable food.

Family trip: Best things to do in Italy with kids

Beaches, pizza, and pasta! Kids are famously easy to please in Italy, but the country also offers incredible cultural adventures. Here are the best kid-approved spots:

• Rome - The Museo Leonardo Da Vinci Experience: where kids can operate over 50 interactive, full-scale machines — like catapults and flying devices — built straight from the genius's secret sketches.
• Verona — Write to Shakespeare's Juliet: Visit the legendary Romeo and Juliet balcony, where kids can leave letters about love or friendship for "Juliet's secretaries" — who actually reply to children worldwide!
• Tuscany — Meet the real Pinocchio: Head to the Parco di Pinocchio in Collodi. This vintage, open-air cultural park brings the original Italian fairy tale to life with storytelling sculptures and a giant dogfish to climb into.
• Milan — The Museum of Science and Technology is a massive playground featuring real steam trains, an entire space pavilion, and an authentic submarine to explore.
• Venice — Ride the waterways: turn public transport into an adventure by exploring the iconic canals aboard a buzzing vaporetto (water bus) or a traditional gondola.
• Lake Garda — Gardaland: ride the rollercoasters at Italy's top amusement park, perfectly set on the lake's shores for a quick family swim after the thrills.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Parents' Insider Tip: visiting iconic sites like Pompeii or the Colosseum is incredibly educational, but the heat and some intense sights (like Pompeii's plaster casts) can easily overwhelm younger travelers.
👉 Our advice: Skip the standard audio guides. Instead, book a family-specific interactive tour where guides use storytelling, games, and 3D reconstructions to keep the history fun, alive, and age-appropriate.

Mastering your Italy itinerary: Golden rules by trip length

Planning a route through Italy can be a puzzle. To help you structure your journey, here are our pro tips based on your length of stay:

⏱️ The 3-Day Break: The "Focus" Rule

Perfect for a quick European stopover. The ultimate advice here is to focus strictly on one major city. Skip long, exhausting museum lines and spend your time on outdoor monuments, neighborhood sightseeing, and enjoying local gastronomy and gelati.

⏱️ The 5-Day Getaway: The "Deep Dive" Rule

Ideal for a first-time visit. This allows for a more in-depth exploration of a single cultural hub (including major museum visits), while leaving room for one day trip to an interesting nearby location, like a countryside village or ancient ruins.

⏱️ The One-Week Itinerary: The "Fast Train" Rule

The sweet spot for most travellers. You can easily link two or three iconic cities using Italy's high-speed rail network. This duration lets you balance deep city discoveries with outdoor activities (like cycling or hiking) and fun local craft workshops, like pasta making.

⏱️ The 10 to 15-Day Grand Tour: The "Slow & Fast" Rule

The ultimate choice for an extensive, multi-region trip. We recommend focusing on a maximum of three main cities, combined with a three-day escape to a more remote coastal or rural location to slow down, try workshops focused on local traditions, and just enjoy the surroundings.

👉 Looking for day-by-day routes? Explore our detailed Italy Itineraries based on your length of stay

Unique things to do in Italy: Experience the country like a local

To truly experience the Italian Boot, you need to step off the beaten track and embrace the local rhythm. From traditional food to ancestral craftsmanship, here is how to dive deeper into the authentic Italian lifestyle.

What to eat in Italy: traditional dishes beyond pizza and pasta

We all know the classics, but the peninsula's regional cuisine holds some incredible, lesser-known specialities. To eat like a local, look out for these regional favourites on the menu:

• Savoured specialities and seafood: you should try olive all'ascolana (crispy, deep-fried olives stuffed with spiced meat from the Marche region), risotto al nero di seppia (a Venetian rice dish cooked with cuttlefish ink), or brodetto (a comforting Adriatic fish soup slow-cooked with tomatoes).
• Breads, dips and sweets: look out for Cagliari bread (or Pane Carasau, a paper-thin, crispy flatbread from Sardinia), bagna cauda (a warm Piedmontese dipping sauce made from garlic and anchovies), and cavallucci (chewy Tuscan biscuits packed with candied fruits and aniseed).
• Unique regional shapes of pasta: move past standard spaghetti and try troccoli (a thick egg pasta from Puglia), pansotti or ravieu (Ligurian stuffed pockets similar to ravioli), or zembi (traditional fish-stuffed pasta).

💡 Did you know? The official recipe for authentic Tagliatelle is so sacred that its exact, mandatory width — precisely 7mm when cooked — is legally registered at Bologna's Chamber of Commerce!

Where to find the best pizza in Italy: the ultimate slice debate!

Forget tourist traps with generic menus! Finding the best pizza in Italy is all about understanding regional pride. The ultimate battle lines are drawn between two iconic styles:

• Naples for the soft and chewy style: as the birthplace of pizza, Naples is famous for its Pizza Napoletana, which features a soft, tender base and a thick, charred crust called cornicione. To ensure you are eating an authentic recipe, look for the official Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN) sign on the restaurant wall.
• Rome for the thin and crispy style: if you prefer a lighter, ultra-crispy base, the Pizza Romana is your best option. For a quick lunch like a local, head to a traditional bakery (forno) and order pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice), which is cut with scissors and sold by weight.

Events in Italy: from grand festivals to local sagre

The Italian calendar is packed with major iconic events, including the colourful masks of the Venice Carnival (Jan/Feb), Milan's Design Week (end of April) and Fashion Week (Spring/Autumn), and the prestigious Venice Biennale art exhibition, held every two years.

👉 To experience authentic local life, look out for a sagra, a village festival celebrating a seasonal ingredient or patron saint.
You can find these regional events on directories like Sagre nei Borghi.

💡 Local Tip! Giovanni recommends: "Head to the Fiera Nazionale del Tartufo Bianco (White truffle fair) in Acqualagna. The selling price of these little gems can reach 5 figures! Also in Cupramontana is held the oldest Sagra dell'Uva (wine festival) in Italy."

Souvenirs from Italy: best local crafts and artisan experiences

• Arts & Crafts: watch glass-making in Murano, lace-making in Burano, or explore the historic and majestic marble industry inside the Carrara quarries.
• Culinary Workshops: join a pasta-making workshop with local sfogline (traditional pasta-rolling masters) in Emilia-Romagna, or learn how to roll authentic grissini at Panetteria Fratelli Cravero in Barolo.
• Fashion & Leather: design your own Italian bag during a leather masterclass at Florence's Scuola del Cuoio, or buy custom handcrafted sandals in Capri.

❤️ Giovanni's Favorite: "Don't leave without a pair of Furlane (or Friulane). These timeless, colorful velvet slippers were originally crafted for Venetian gondoliers. Their rubber soles — initially made from recycled bicycle tires — were designed to prevent slipping without damaging the boat's wood. Today, they are the ultimate chic, unisex souvenir."

Outdoor activities in Italy: Sports and traditional games

Beyond skiing in the Alps, hiking the Apennines, or swimming in the Mediterranean, Adriatic, Ionian, and Tyrrhenian seas, Italy offers unique historic games to discover. Give it a try!

• Bocce Volo: a dynamic Northern variant of traditional bowls/petanque played with metal balls.
• Pallapugno: an ancient, fast-paced team sport where players hit a rubber ball with their fists.
• Ruzzola: a traditional street game where players launch a heavy wooden disc using a leather strap.
• Tarantella: a high-energy, traditional folk dance famous for its fast, upbeat tempo.

🔑 Francesca's local tip: "If sports sound like too much work, try our favorite national discipline: the passeggiata! This ritual evening stroll after dinner is strictly designed to help us digest, sleep, and catch up on the local gossip."

Best time to visit Italy: Weather by season

With its predominantly Mediterranean climate, Italy is pleasant to visit all year round. However, depending on the seasons, you might have access to different activities (and types of food!). Here is what to expect across the country:

• Spring (March to May) — 10°C to 24°C: expect a vibrant mix of sunshine and occasional showers.
  This is one of the most beautiful periods to explore, as the landscapes are lush and the temperatures are ideal for walking.
• Summer (June to August) — up to 35°C+: days are long, sunny, and dry, with only the occasional afternoon thunderstorm.
  It is the peak season for beaches, though temperatures can skyrocket in inland cities.
• Autumn (September to November) — 20°C to 28°C (dropping progressively): Autumn remains wonderfully mild and pleasant. It is harvest season (vendemmia), making it a magical time for food lovers to enjoy wine and truffle festivals in perfect weather.
• Winter (December to February) — 0°C (North) to 16°C (South): Winters are generally cold and foggy in the northern plains, with heavy snow expected in the Alps and Dolomites (perfect for skiing). The south, however, remains much milder.

How to get around in Italy: Public transport vs. Driving

Whether you should use public transport or rent a car depends entirely on your itinerary.

Train, Metro & Vespa: The best options for cities

• High-speed trains (Frecciarossa/Italo) connect major cities in record time, while regional networks handle smaller towns.
• In cities: Use the metro (Rome, Milan, Naples), buses, or local bike-sharing apps like Dott or Lime.
• The Vespa option: Perfect for zipping through traffic or coastal roads.
  ⚠️ Note: Wearing a helmet is strictly mandatory by law for both drivers and passengers.

💡 Did you know? You can take a direct train to Sicily from major cities like Rome or Naples! To cross the Strait of Messina, the entire train is loaded onto a massive ferry boat. It's one of the world's last rail-marine journeys, and you can book your tickets directly on the official Trenitalia website.

Do you need to rent a car in Italy?

Only rent a car to explore rural areas like Tuscany, Sicily, or the Amalfi Coast.

• Pros: Total freedom to reach remote villages and easily transport luggage.
• Cons: Parking is rare and expensive, historic city centers have strict traffic zones (ZTL), and navigating the dynamic local driving style can feel a bit stressful for newcomers.
• Requirements: You need an EU/international license, a credit card, and to be over 21 (surcharge applies under 25: ≈35€).

💡 Local Tip: Pick up your rental car outside city centers to save money and avoid urban traffic.

Travel budget: how much does a trip to Italy cost?

Depending on the season, your location, and your travel style, expenses can vary greatly. However, a mid-range traveler should expect to spend an average of €200 per day, broken down into these main categories:

• Accommodation: €86 / night (per person)
• Meals: €40 / day (per person)
• Activities and Sightseeing: from €27 / day (per person)
• Local Transport: €27 / day (per person)

10 insider money-saving tips to travel Italy on a budget

You don't have to break the bank to enjoy the Dolce Vita. Here is how to easily optimize your expenses:

1. Order your coffee al banco: drink your espresso standing at the bar like locals do. Sitting at a table (al tavolo) in a touristy piazza can triple the price.
2. Embrace the Aperitivo: between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM, buy a drink (€8–€12) and get free access to a buffet of pizza, pasta, and snacks. It's generous enough to count as dinner!
3. Grab street food: Skip sit-down tourist traps. Head to local bakeries or supermarkets for fresh paninis and pizza al taglio (pizza slices).
4. Hunt for Osterie and Trattorie: avoid places with touts outside or menus translated into five languages. Look for hidden, family-run spots with short, handwritten Italian menus.
5. Plan a Domenica al Museo: on the first Sunday of every month, all state-owned museums and ruins (like the Colosseum or Pompeii) are 100% free. Arrive very early to beat the massive lines!
6. Book trains weeks ahead: don't buy high-speed train tickets (Italo or Trenitalia) at the station on travel day. Booking 3 to 4 weeks early saves up to 60%.
7. Pack a reusable water bottle: Italy has thousands of public fountains — called Nasoni in Rome — dispensing free, ice-cold safe drinking water. Use apps like Acquea or Fontanelle to easily locate them.
8. Buy transit tickets at Tabacchi: Never buy bus or tram tickets from the driver. Buy them beforehand at shops marked with a big "T" sign to get the standard local rate.
9. Swap the gondola for a Traghetto: Want the Venice rowing experience for a fraction of the price? Cross the Grand Canal on a Traghetto (large commuter gondolas) for just €2.
10. Francesca's Secret Rome Rooftop: Skip expensive hotel bars! Use the public entrance on Via di Villa Caffarelli to access Terrazza Caffarelli on Capitoline Hill. You don't need a museum ticket to enjoy this spectacular panoramic view entirely for free.

💡 Good to know about the Trevi Fountain: Since February 2026, stepping into the lower basin costs €2 (free before 9:00 AM and after 10:00 PM). Viewing the fountain from the upper piazza remains entirely free at any time.

Safety and Etiquette in Italy: Risks and Faux Pas to Avoid

While Italy is an incredibly welcoming country, enjoying your trip to the fullest means keeping your belongings secure and respecting local customs. Here is everything you need to know to stay safe and blend in like a local.

Safety, Health and Risks: What to watch out for in Italy

• Petty crime and Scams: Pickpocketing, bag snatching, and ticket scams are common in crowded areas (like Rome's Termini station or around the Colosseum). Keep your essentials secure.
• Theft from cars: never leave valuables in parked rental cars, as break-ins are frequent, especially near beaches or isolated tourist spots.
• Safe tap water: public fountains and tap water are perfectly safe to drink from unless you see an "Acqua non potabile" (non-potable water) sign.
• Natural hazards: Be aware that Italy is one of Europe's most seismically active countries, prone to earthquakes, summer wildfires, and active volcanoes.

💡 More practical tips:
1. Read our comprehensive guide: Is Italy safe for tourists? Current risks and essential safety advice
2. Scammers love to target holidaymakers. Don't fall into their traps and check out our expert review on The most common tourist scams and traps in Europe.
3. For real-time environmental and safety recommendations, visit the Italian Civil Protection Department website.

Cultural Etiquette in Italy: Do's & Don'ts

• Don't forget to validate transport tickets: Buying a ticket isn't enough. You must stamp it in the machines before boarding trains or buses, or face a heavy, non-negotiable fine on the spot.
• Don't disrespect the pasta: Never put ketchup on your pasta, and never cut it with a knife. Wrap it around your fork or use your teeth.
• Do dress properly for churches: Always cover your shoulders and knees before entering religious monuments, or you will be turned away at the door.
• Do use basic vocabulary: Politeness goes a long way. Always use your Grazie (thank you), Per favore (please), Mi scusi (excuse me), and Buongiorno/Ciao.

🔑 Giovanni's Espresso Insider Tip: "Don't order a cappuccino after 11:00 AM! This is actually linked to our cultural obsession with digestion — specifically of hot milk — and has nothing to do with coffee intake. Nonetheless, expect worried looks from the barista if you do order one in the afternoon!"

Documents, Visa and Insurance: What do you need for Italy?

As a member of the Schengen Area, Italy applies the same entry conditions as other European member states for short stays of up to 90 days.

• EU/Schengen citizens: only require a valid ID card or passport.
• Visa-required travellers: if your country doesn't have a visa-waiver agreement, you must apply for a Schengen visa.

✨ Need help? Check AXA's comprehensive guide on how to get a Schengen visa for Italy.

• Visa-free nationals: Need a valid passport and, starting late 2026, a mandatory ETIAS travel authorisation.
• Mandatory Travel Insurance: to be granted a Schengen visa, valid medical insurance is required by the EU authorities.
  It is also highly recommended for all other visitors to cover unexpected medical expenses and repatriation.

👉 For official and detailed guidelines, you can also consult the official Italian government website.

What travel insurance do you need for Italy?

While exploring Italy is pure magic, sudden medical emergencies or lost luggage can quickly derail your budget. Furthermore, travel insurance is legally mandatory if you need a Schengen visa to enter the country.
Securing the right policy ensures you are fully protected against high out-of-pocket medical costs and repatriation expenses, giving you total peace of mind.

Why Choose AXA Schengen?

With over 65 years of expertise, AXA offers the peace of mind you need for your Italian getaway:

• ✔️ 100% Visa Compliant: Instant digital certificates accepted for all Schengen visas (fully refundable if your visa is refused).
• ✔️ Comprehensive Coverage: Medical and repatriation expenses covered from €30,000 up to €2 million.
• ✔️ Eurotrip Ready: Complete protection across Italy, all Schengen countries, the EU, and the UK.
• ✔️ 24/7 Assistance: Multilingual expert support and free remote medical consultations.
• ✔️ AXA also offers a variety of plans tailored to your specific budget and needs.
  You can easily compare our coverage and benefits to find the perfect match for your trip.

👉 Ready to secure your trip?
Find the perfect coverage for your European adventure with our Italy Schengen Travel Insurance and get your free online quote NOW!

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Essential Italy travel FAQ

How are we expected to tip in Italy?

Tipping is not mandatory in Italy. You will often see a coperto (cover charge) on your bill, which is a standard fee of €1 to €3 per person for bread and table setup — not a tip for the staff.
While not expected, leaving €1 to €2 per person (or rounding up the bill) in cash is a great way to thank your waiter for exceptional service.

Where are the most beautiful beaches in Italy?

Italy boasts some of Europe's finest coastlines, but the absolute best beaches are found in Sardinia (especially the crystal-clear waters of Spiaggia La Pelosa and Costa Smeralda) and Apulia (known as the "Maldives of Salento").
For dramatic scenery, the rocky cliffs of the Amalfi Coast in Campania and the volcanic, wild shores of Sicily (like San Vito Lo Capo) are also unmissable.

What is the worst month to visit Italy?

While there is no truly bad time to explore the country, July and August can be the most challenging months. During mid-summer, major cultural hotspots become heavily overcrowded, and temperatures regularly skyrocket above 35°C, making city sightseeing exhausting.
If you prefer milder weather and fewer crowds, spring and autumn are the absolute best times to plan your trip.

Do I have to pay to enter Venice if I stay overnight?

No, you do not. The Venice access fee (Contributo di Accesso) only applies to day-trippers entering the historic city between 8:30 AM and 4:00 PM on specific peak days.
If you have booked an overnight stay (hotel, Airbnb, etc.) within the Venice municipality, you are completely exempt from this tax. However, you still need to register ahead of your trip to generate a free QR code proving your exemption.

How does AXA travel insurance protect you if you get sick in Italy?

Contact our AXA call centre at the number featured on your insurance policy. A team of experts available 24/7 will assist you and help you find the nearest medical facility.
Don't forget to keep all invoices related to medical expenses for your records.

Good to know! AXA also provides online medical assistance and free remote medical consultations via the app Doctor Please!