Italy

Eco-friendly travel guide to Italy advises how to be a responsible tourist. Learn how to travel in a sustainable way and how to respect the local people and culture. Make your trip green by supporting locally owned hotels, organic restaurants and other businesses. Read more on how to protect the environment by making conscientious choices and how to travel green in Italy, Europe.

The Sassi cave houses of Matera are among the first human settlements in Italy dating back to the Paleolithic

Air quality: 3 / 5

Bus connections: 3 / 5

Train connections: 3 / 5

Hitchhiking: 3.5/ 5

National parks: 4/ 5

Outdoor activities:4/ 5

Locals' English level: 3 / 5

Safety: 4/ 5

Accommodation: US$200 - $600

Budget per day: US$100 - $400

Responsible Travel

Italy is a country located in Southern Europe; it is a country closer to Greece. It is famous for a lot of things, and has a rich history. Italy is renowned for its divine food, fashion, culture, beautiful coasts, lakes, and mountains. The country is believed to carry a lot of history. The country also has a vast population; it has about sixty million people. It ranks on number 23 in the list of countries by population. Responsible Travelling is very important. It helps you not to harm the environment, and it guides you to keep the environment safe. Responsible traveling helps you know more about the country. The eco-friendly traveling guide helps tourists to be responsible travelers. It teaches people to respect other people's Culture. There are a lot of ways to promote responsible traveling. Those ways are:

Do Your research about the place: Doing research is very important so that you know what to expect when you get there. It is important to know about things like the public transport system, eco friendly accommodation options, ways to move around the country that will not have a negative impact on the environment. All of this information is provided in the article and it will help you in becoming a responsible and eco friendly tourist.

Eco friendly accommodation: Using eco-friendly hotels is part of responsible traveling. They help you promote sustainable traveling and they also help you save a lot of money compared to luxury hotels. In those eco-green hotels, they usually use solar geysers for hot water; they use wind turbines for electricity. They have recycling programs and composting programs. They install energy-effective lights, non-toxic cleaning products, and they also use reusable products. They try to buy fresh and organic produce and provide meals to the guests that are made in a sustainable manner. This not an exhaustive list. A lot of hotels are doing many things in order to reduce their carbon footprint and be more environmentally conscious.

Say no to plastic: One of the most effective ways of responsible travelling is not using any plastic bags. Plastic bags take more than 500 years to biodegrade and that should give you an idea of how harmful they are for the environment. Always carry a reusable bag when you are travelling so you can use it for groceries, shopping etc.

Choosing the right transport method: A major part of your travel experience includes discovering every nook and cranny of the city. While you will have transport options like private cars and taxis at your disposal you need to know that not only do they contribute to more congestion and traffic pollution but also emit harmful gases into the environment. So, choose options like walking, cycling, electronic and public transportation in general.

Trying local food: A huge part of the local culture is the traditional food that is offered at the local traditional restaurants and by street food vendors. Instead of just sticking to international fast food franchises that contribute to so much waste being produced in the world, you should try the local options. Not only will it help the local economy but also will directly help the families whose sole source of earning are these small food businesses.

Shop local: In order to support local craftsmen and artisans always shop local. During your trip to the city, you will come across small shops and food stalls in almost every lane of the city. If you want to have an unforgettable experience in the city, then buy goods and handicrafts from these shops. This will not only help you to save a lot of money but you will be supporting a lot of local people who are dependent on their small businesses to earn a livelihood.

Air Quality and Pollution

The average level of air pollution in Italy was 61 US AQI which placed it in the “Moderate “class and ranked it in position 59 out of a total of 98 countries. The concentration of the pollutant PM2.5 was 17.09 µg/m³ in 2019 and 14.95 µg/m³ the year earlier. This “Moderate” classification follows the figures suggested by the World Health Organisation (WHO). After a phase of rapid industrial growth, Italy took a long time before it began to come to terms with the effects caused by such a surge in industrial activity. Air pollution, however, remains a problem especially in the north where a lot of heavy industries are situated. During the 1990s Italy held the tenth position as the country which produced the most carbon dioxide (CO2). Heavy traffic and congestion in the large metropolitan areas continue to be a main source of pollution even though smog levels have fallen since the 70s and 80s. Two of the larger northern cities such as Milan and Turin have some of the worst air pollution in all of Europe and in December 2017 introduced traffic restrictions in order to try to improve the quality of the air. As early as 2011, officials realised that pollution, in general, was reaching critical levels and that the problem needed addressing. In 2018 air quality levels were reaching a “red” alert status. It is the sharp rise in the concentrations of the microscopic particulate matter PM2.5 which is most troublesome as it causes most breathing and heart problems and is attributed with over 9 per cent of deaths of Italians over the age of 30 years.

Respect the Culture

Italy has a very rich and vibrant culture. Italian culture revolves around a lot of things like art, music, food and theatre. Italians are very proud of their identity, their culture, their roots and their heritage. When you visit Italy, it is important not only to learn about the local culture, their norms and values but also to respect it. Keep in mind that their lifestyle and beliefs might be completely different from yours or they might just be the same. Whatever the case it is important to understand these differences, respect these differences and more importantly celebrate them. Italians really value their family and ancestors so make sure that you say nothing disrespectful about those two. Do not be overcritical, nosy or rude about any thing. They are very social and lively so if someone comes up to you and strikes a conversation, do not be taken aback.

Top 10 Places to Visit

Italy is known for a lot of things. It is a place where every tourist would like to go. Italy has a lot of history that anyone would want to visit. It's exciting, and there are more than 100 places to visit. A Lot of history also happened in Italy, and some of that history is still taught in schools and museums. Italy carries history and a lot of exciting things you should know. Italy is also known for its food. People actually travel to Italy to learn the language of food and to also learn how to cook. Italy has arts, and the language talked there also attracts people to that country. The places to visit are:

Rome: It is not only the capital of Italy but one of its most famous tourist cities as well. With excellent food, historical sites and various museums, this city is a must visit on your trip to Italy. The picturesque streets, idyllic cafes and the art everywhere around the city transports you into a magical world. Some of the places worth visiting when in Rome include the Circus Maximus, Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican City, Spanish steps etc. You will find Rome to be one of the most interesting cities in Europe. The archeological sites and the museums offer so much to tourists. The food is delicious and worth every cent so a win win.

Florence: Florence, capital of Italy’s Tuscany region, is home to many masterpieces of Renaissance art and architecture.The city was home to Leonardo da Vinci, Donatello Michelangelo, Dante Alighieri, Galileo Galilei, Niccolo Machiavelli, Giovanni Boccaccio, Amerigo Vespucci, and more artists. You can spend your time marvelling up the architecture, visiting museums, trying authentic Italian cuisine etc. The bell tower, dome, Bapistry, Uffizi Gallery, Basilica di San Lorenzo, Da Vinci Museum, Boboli Gardens are some of the places worth visiting when you are in Florence.

Venice: The Venetian life resides within the city's hundreds of canals and diverse architecture. Rising from the waters of Vencie lagoon is a place like no other. Venice was once a great port and a city known for its incredible wealth. It is one of the most breathtaking cities in the world. The central district of Saint Marco is home to one of the world's greatest squares, St Marks. The Pizza is a sight to behold. Known as the floating city, taking a tour in a Gondola is a must. The mix of architectural styles in Venice works. It’s different from what you would see in other cities since most visitors would arrive by boat, the sides of buildings facing the canals were given the special features while other sides would be more modest. Venice is the type of place that almost doesn’t look real when you walk around and when you take in a view of the city it looks like a painting.

Verona: Every Romeo and Juliet reader knows about this city. The city is known because the setting of Romeo and Juliet was in Verona. Verona is so richly endowed with picturesque streets and squares, art and architecture, it is hardly possible to imagine a city that has a more appealing character. It is, quite rightly, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Verona: Built between the bend of the Adige River in Northern Italy, this place is a cultural haven. With countless museums (the norm for Italy), a rich history, a Roman amphitheater, and of course with it being the home of Romeo and Juliet, no wonder why many are drawn to Verona. Verona is just right – large enough to have plenty to do and see but small enough that it’s not overwhelming. With a population of roughly 250,000 people, Verona is a charmingly compact and highly walkable medium-sized Italian city. Its size makes Verona so pedestrian friendly that most locals walk or bike to get around. First-time visitors often appreciate a small-group Verona city tour to familiarize themselves with all there is on offer. Verona is also a modern city with a vibrant arts and restaurant scene. For thousands of years Verona has been a hub of trade and it is still an important business district nationally and in Europe.

Milan: Milan is The is the capital city in Lombardy. The city is the second largest city in Italy after Rome. This city has the largest churches in the world. It is also known as the Fashion capital of the world but Milan has so much to offer than just good fashion and shopping experiences. The Duomo Di Cathedral, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, La Scala De Milan, Sforza Cathedral, Parco Sempione, Santa Maria Church are some of the places worth visiting in Milan.

Riomaggiore: Riomaggiore is the most southern village of the Cinque Terre, situated just a few minutes by train from La Spezia. It is quite sure that the origins of Riomaggiore date back to the 8th Century, when the inhabitants of the Vara valley, searching a milder climate to raise grapevines and olive-trees without the fear of pirate raids, moved towards the coast. The town climbs up along the ridges overlooking the sea and it is characterized from the typical stone houses with coloured façades and slate-roofs. In Riomaggiore starts the Via dell’Amore, Lover’s Lane, a wonderful path known for the romantic atmosphere and amazing landscapes. It leads to Manarola and it takes twenty minutes walking. The Cinque Terre villages are linked by a network of paths offering the best opportunity to truly enjoy the unique landscape. All five villages are well connected by rail, regular local trains from Genoa and La Spezia run with high frequency.

Catania: Catania is Sicily’s second-largest city, with a population of around 300,000. It lies on the Ionian Sea, under the shadow of Mount Etna, or A Muntagna as the locals refer to it. Mount Etna is ever-present and has to a large extent shaped both the history and the actual existence of Catania.On several occasions, volcanic eruptions destroyed the city, the most devastating of which happened in the 17th century. In 1669 Catania was covered in lava and then, just 24 years later in 1693 an earthquake shook the town down to its foundation. Visiting Catania is quite easy, as the old town centre is relatively small. An ideal starting point would be the main square, Piazza Duomo. This delightful square and all its surrounding buildings was designed by one man, Giovanni Battista Vaccarini from Palermo (don’t mention this to Catanians, however, as their rivalry with Sicily’s capital is intense!). The Cathedral, dedicated to St. Agata, the city’s patron saint, stands on the site of an 11th Century church that was almost entirely destroyed in the 1693 eruption. Its replacement is a very impressive, imposing Baroque structure that incorporates some Roman columns taken from the amphitheatre. These are not the only Roman elements, however, as underneath are some Roman baths. Inside, the Baroque theme continues with several ornate chapels and a fresco recording the 1693 earthquake. Bellini, Catania’s most famous son, is buried here, as are (in ash form) three Aragonese kings: Frederick II, Louis and Frederick III.

Naples: Naples is a city of contrasts—chaotic and beautiful with layers of ancient history and art and an undercurrent of creativity that pulses through her streets. Her energy is contagious. From royal palaces to both contemporary and ancient world-class art museums to galleries' innovative art installations in the city's metro stations, Naples oozes character. Easily blending the layers of new and old, Naples is a captivating destination for history enthusiasts, art lovers, and gourmands.

Genoa: Genoa is Italy's biggest port and Europe's biggest medieval town. Its old city is a maze of alleyways and important palazzos built in the 16th and 17th centuries by the wealthy mercantile families of the city. Genoa used to be one of the most important maritime powers and it is today a lively port which was Europe's European Capital of culture in 2004. Renowned for its amazing collections of artwork and as home to the Renaissance chapel of St John the Baptist, Genoa is also home to the nearby region of the Italian Riviera, famous as a holiday town and seaside resort playground for film stars, jetsetters and the wealthy.

Siena: It is Italy's loveliest medieval city, and a trip worth making even if you are in Tuscany for just a few days. Siena's heart is its central piazza known as Il Campo, known worldwide for the famous Palio run here, a horse race run around the piazza two times every summer. Movie audiences worldwide can see Siena and the Palio in the James Bond movie, Quantum of Solace. Siena is said to have been founded by Senius, son of Remus, one of the two legendary founders of Rome thus Siena's emblem is the she-wolf who suckled Remus and Romulus - you'll find many statues throughout the city. The city sits over three hills with its heart the huge piazza del Campo, where the Roman forum used to be. Rebuilt during the rule of the Council of Nine, a quasi-democratic group from 1287 to 1355, the nine sections of the fan-like brick pavement of the piazza represent the council and symbolizes the Madonna's cloak which shelters Siena.

The harbor of Naples and Vesuvius at dawn

Explore

There is so much to explore in Italy. The historic streets, museums, theatres, art galleries, little nooks and crannies will all capture your attention. You will be awestruck. Italy is definitely one of the most interesting countries in Europe with a very rich history.

City Parks

Villa Borghese: Established in 1888, the Villa Borghese is a huge city park in the centre of Rome. It covers an area of 80 hectares and is situated to the north of the centro storico, close to Rome's most famous sights. One of the most popular areas of the park is the Pincio Promenade which overlooks Piazza del Popolo. It's also home to the Borghese Gallery and Museum as well as Rome's own Globe Theatre.

Parco Sempione: Covering 39 hectares, Parco Sempione is one of the largest public spaces in the city of Milan and also contains some of the city's most famous landmarks such as Sforza Castle and the Arco della Pace. The vast swathes of parkland, trees and manicured lawns make it one of the most popular places in the city for walkers and joggers, especially so at the weekends or on warm summer's evenings.

The Real Bosco di Capodimonte: It is one of the most beautiful parkland areas in Naples. It's located around two kilometres north of the city centre and its southern section is dominated by the vast Royal Palace of Capodimonte which is now a fabulous museum. Reaching the park via public transport requires a combination of bus and Metro but the effort is worthwhile.

The Giardino Ibleo: It is a beautiful city park at the foot of the city of Ragusa in Sicily. Established in 1858, it takes the second part of its name from the area of the city known as Ibla. During the hot summers, this is one of the best places in which to take some respite from the hot sun with its rows of palm trees creating plenty of shade besides ornaments such as fountains.

The beautiful Villa Borghese in Rome

National Parks

National parks in Italy are the best, and they are also ranked the best in Italy. Italy has a lot of national parks, and those parks cannot be all seen in a week. Italy is the best for tourism, and it is a good place for tourism. National parks are mostly places that are visited by families to spend time. Tourist also visits national parks, and people who hike are also interested in national parks. The national parks in Italy usually get full, and they are considered the best places to visit in order to meet new people. The best National parks are:

Vesuvius National Park: Mount Vesuvius is one of the most remarkable national parks in Italy. This place is considered a must see site in Italy because of its wondrous sites. It is very popular amongst hikers and even if you are a newbie, you will not find it too hard to hike here. You can also stop by the park if you are traveling to Naples and Amalfi Coast. This place is the best, and it is a must see place.

La Maddalena Archipelago National Park: This place is considered one of the best Geo marine parks in Italy. This park is located on the coast of Sardinia. You might need to rent a boat to explore this beautiful national park. The boats may be expensive for someone who is on a tight budget, but not all of them will fill a hole in your pocket. Well, the prices also depend on the distance and route that you want to take. This place is the best for those who would like to enjoy their times on a boat.

Aspromonte National Park: Since Italy is labeled the boot country, then I would say that this park is located on the tip of that boot. The reason why it is called a boot is that when you look at it from the map, the shape looks like a boot. This place has beautiful, glorious mountains and rocky glass lands. The park is a very nice place for people looking to go around the city and hike. The place is very beautiful and also visited by a lot of people. The park is perfect if you are going alongside the historical side of Italy.

Vesuvius National Park

Beaches

Scala Dei Turchi Sicily: The beach is the base of Scala Dei Turchi. This is a beach that has a rocky cliff coast near Realmonte. It also has very beautiful sand. The sand color is Bronze.

Atrani, Campania: Atrani won’t be the first place which comes to mind when you think of Italian beach resorts. But it is the place you should visit if you want to find out what Italy is truly all about. Even though Atrani is just a short drive away from Amalfi, the famous and bustling holiday spot, it remains unspoiled by mass tourism and is one of Italy’s best-kept secrets.

Baia Delle Zagare, Puglia: The Baia delle Zagare (Zagare bay) has been awarded 3 Sails (a prize given to the most beautiful beaches) of Legambiente (Italian environment protection association) and it takes the name from the scented orange blossoms. It is also called Mergoli bay since there is a quite large community of blackbirds (called “merli” in Italian) and sparrows.

Scala Dei Turchi Sicily

Landmarks

Italy is known for its famous landmarks. They are recognised around the world and visited by millions of tourists every year. The beauty and the sheer grandeur of these landmarks will blow your mind and you will be left in awe.

Milan Cathedral: The Milan Cathedral is also known as Duomo di Milano stands as the second largest cathedral in the world. It is a building that is usually visited by thousands of people. This building surprisingly took five centuries to be complete.

Cathedral of Monreale: This place is also beautiful, and it is known for having bible events. The place is also known for the touch of gold it has. It is very beautiful! Christians may have fun visiting the place because they always host bible functions.

Mount Etna: This is a place that is mostly visited by tourists because of the volcano. The volcanos still erupted in 2015. The volcano still erupts, but it's not worse. The tourists still visit the place when they should be scared of the volcano.

Trevi Fountain: The trevi fountain is the most known place also. The place is known for people throwing coins into the fountain. That fountain is popularly known as Fontana di Trevi. This fountain's beauty is truly a work of art and is the largest Baroque fountain in Rome.

Rialto Bridge: Rialto Bridge is considered to be one of the best tourist attractions in Italy. The place is great for people who are traveling to go shopping. Some models go there to do photoshoots. The place has strings of shops and malls.

The majestic Milan Cathedral

Museums

Italy is one of the most historical countries in Europe and everywhere you go, you are bound to come across a number of historical places including museums. There are plenty of great museums that offer you an insight into the rich past of Italy. Some of the ones that you should visit include:

Galleria Delgi Uffizi, Florence: This gallery is one of the oldest museums in the world. This place has a collection of renowned masterpieces. The Uffizi Gallery is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Florence and Tuscany and welcomes over a million visitors each year. The Uffizi, together with the Vatican Museums in Rome, are the top two most visited museums in Italy by visitors from all across the world and the long lines at the museum’s entrance are almost as famous as its masterpieces!

Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli, Naples: Its creation is closely tied to the figure of Charles III of the Bourbon dynasty who ascended to the throne of Naples in 1734. He promoted on the one hand the excavations of the Roman towns buried by the eruption of 79 AD and on the other the project of setting up a Museo Farnesiano, moving to Naples part of the rich collection he had inherited through his mother Elisabeth Farnese. It was his son Ferdinand IV who chose the current building to house both the Farnese collection and the relics from the Vesuvian towns, which are still today the Museum’s core collections.

Museo Ferrari, Maranello: The place is loved by people who are into cars. It is centrally located in the village. The museum has been around for a few years, and the exhibition has been expanded on several occasions. Most recently, the museum was expanded with a whole department dealing with F1 and racing. It is impressive. Many of the most important cars built, both racing and street cars, are exhibited in the same place.

Musei Vaticani, Rome: The museum complex is one of the oldest and most visited in the world. The museums are actually part of the Vatican City but, in practice, they can be considered part of the city of Rome.

The building complex includes galleries, gardens, chapels and decorated spaces, such as the Sistine Chapel and the Raphael Rooms. The origins of the Vatican Museums date back to the 16th century, when Pope Julius II (born Giuliano della Rovere) established a State Collection of classical sculpture, at the time housed in the Octagonal Courtyard. The first actual museum, intended as a structured exhibition of artworks open to the public, was promoted by Pope Clement XIV and Pope Pius VI, in the second half of the 18th century, that’s why this gallery is now known as Pius-Clementine Museum.

Museo Egizio, Turin: The origins of the museum trace back to 1630, when Charles Emmanuel I, Duke of Savoy, assembled a small collection of Egyptian antiquities; the collection was thereafter expanded during the 18th century through archaeological expeditions and acquisitions, and publicly displayed since 1824 into the new Museum of Egyptian Antiquities in Turin.

The museum is housed in the Palazzo dell’Accademia delle Scienze, an imposing Baroque-style building, designed in 1679 by architect Guarino Guarini, located in the heart of the capital of the Piedmont region.

National Archaeological Museum in Naples, Italy.

Eat

The variety of Italian cuisine is truly limitless. It is impossible, even for a local, to say which is the best Italian food.

This huge choice of dishes is due both to the great difference between the traditional cuisines of the different regions and to the seasonal specialties.

In this vast universe of wonderful gastronomic specialties, a traveler who loves good food and who wants to visit Italy finds it really difficult to choose which dishes to taste. Some of the staple dishes of Italian cuisine are:

Pizza
Baked lasagna
Spaghetti carbonara
Pesto
The Focaccia
Risotto

Traditional pizza Margherita served in a restaurant in Naples. Pizza is one of the world's most popular foods and a common fast food item

Drink

Ristretto served in a glass

Some of the most popular drinks of Italy are:

Limoncello: Known for its vibrant yellow colour, this liquor is made of lemon zest, sugar, water and a natural spirit.
Bellini: A traditional Italian cocktail made of Prosecco and white peach nectar or white peach purée.
Campari: This vibrant red, dry Italian liqueur is produced with a neutral alcohol base that is infused with an extract of various bitters and aromatics such as pomegranate, ginseng, orange peel, the bark of cascarilla trees, and citrus oil.
Ristretto: Which means restricted in Italian, is half of a single shot of espresso. It differs from a standard espresso not only in the amount of water used for its preparation, but also in flavor, which is less bitter than regular espresso.

Tap-water

Tap water in the major cities and towns around Italy is safe for consumption, and there are thousands of old-style water fountains dotted around cities, like Rome, where you can fill up water bottles. Some very rural areas in Italy may have water that is not safe to drink. If there is a sign reading acqua non potabile, this means that the water is not safe to be ingested.

If you wish to drink purified water, bottled water is abundantly available in stores, especially in tourist areas. However, be aware of your environmental impact when purchasing water in plastic bottles, and consider filling a reusable bottle or canteen with water from your hotel for your day of sightseeing instead.

Activities

There is so much to do in Italy that your trip will end but you will not run out of activities. Hiking, gliding, camping, sunbathing, snorkelling, swimming are just some of those activities. You can spend time walking around the streets of this historical country, renting a bicycle or a boat and just marvelling at the beauty of the place.

Accommodation

Finding accommodation is one of the most important things to consider when you are about to travel. Italy has a lot of places that you can stay in. There are cheap and expensive places you can visit in Italy. There are a lot of fancy hotels and bed and breakfast establishments. When traveling for the first thing you should consider it is the accommodation then your budget. The budget is the most important thing so that you know what kind of a place to book.

Green Hotels

Some of the green hotels in Italy that use sustainable measures to run their business include:

Ville sull'Arno, Florence
Lefay Resort, Lake Garda
NH Collection Venezia Palazzo Barocci, Venice
Hotel Milano Scala, Milan
Alpenpalace, South Tyrol

Hostels and Guest Houses

Guesthouses are considered a way to save money because they are much cheaper. With guest houses in Italy, you pay a certain amount per night or per day. A guest house is sometimes not for someone planning to visit for a long period of time. Hostels are the cheapest because anyone can afford to stay for a long period of time. In some hostels, you don't get food which means you should buy kitchen appliances although some hostels come with kitchen appliances. You can book for both guest houses and hostels online.

Apartments

Apartments are also a great way to save money when you are traveling for a long time. It is also a more eco friendly accommodation method as opposed to staying in hotels. The rent may vary from place to place. It will be better to book in advance so you will not face the issue of booking on high prices last minute.

Couchsurfing

Couch surfing is something that is normally done, and it is practiced in most countries. Sleeping on a couch may be the most uncomfortable thing to do when you are traveling the world. Couch surfing has sites where you can hook up with people who can help you to get to know more about that place. Couch surfing is also considered a not so safe thing to do, especially for people who are females. Well, meeting strangers can be a nice thing, but it also has its own disadvantages. This idea is good for someone who is even traveling alone.

Camping

Camping is for very adventurous people. You can book a camping place on sites. When you book, a place is better than going to a place and just settling there. Booking has an advantage in that you get a place with securities. When you go out for camping, it is considered a way to save tons and tons of money. Camping is also something that is very complicated, and you can't just wake up and decide you want to camp. You must have previous experience so that you are very comfortable.

Lake Garda – where stunning scenery meets top-class camping
Tuscany – The home of fine art culture and cuisine
Adriatic Coast - Make holiday memories on this majestic coast

Regions

Regions of Italy

Northwest Italy (Piedmont, Liguria, Lombardy and Aosta Valley)
Home of the Italian Riviera, including Portofino and the Cinque Terre. The Alps, world class cities like the industrial capital of Italy (Turin), its largest port (Genoa), the main business hub of the country (Milan), share the region's visitors with beautiful landscapes like the Lake Como and Lake Maggiore area, and little known Renaissance treasures like Mantova.

Northeast Italy (Emilia-Romagna, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Trentino-Alto Adige and Veneto)
From the canals of Venice to the gastronomic capital Bologna, from impressive mountains such as the Dolomites and first-class ski resorts like Cortina d'Ampezzo to the delightful roofscapes of Parma and Verona these regions offer much to see and do. South Tyrol and the cosmopolitan city of Trieste offer a uniquely Central European flair.

Central Italy (Lazio, Abruzzo, Marche, Tuscany and Umbria)
Breathes history and art. Rome boasts the remaining wonders of the Roman Empire and some of the world's best known landmarks, combined with a vibrant, big-city feel. Florence, cradle of the Renaissance, is Tuscany's top attraction, whereas the magnificent countryside and nearby cities like Siena, Pisa and Lucca have much to offer to those looking for the country's rich history and heritage. Umbria is dotted with many picturesque cities such as Perugia, Orvieto, Gubbio and Assisi

Southern Italy (Apulia, Basilicata, Calabria, Campania and Molise)
Bustling Naples, the dramatic ruins of Pompeii, the romantic Amalfi Coast and Capri, laidback Apulia and stunning unspoilt beaches of Calabria, as well as up-and-coming agritourism help making Italy's less visited region a great place to explore.

Sicily
The beautiful island famous for archaeology, seascape and some of the best cuisine the Italian kitchen has to offer.

Sardinia
Large island some 250 km west of the Italian coastline. Beautiful scenery, lovely seas and beaches: a major holiday destination for mainland Italians including ex-Prime Minister Berlusconi, who has a large villa there. Main city Cagliari.

Cities

Rome (Roma) — the capital, both of Italy and, in the past, of the Roman Empire until 285 AD.

Rome is the capital of Italy

Bologna — one of the world's great university cities that is filled with history, culture, technology and food.
Cagliari — the Capital of Sardinia.
Florence (Firenze) — the Renaissance city known for its architecture and art that had a major impact throughout the world.
Genoa (Genova) — an important medieval maritime republic; its port brings in tourism and trade, along with art and architecture.
Milan (Milano) — one of the main fashion cities of the world, but also Italy's most important centre of trade and business.
Naples (Napoli) — one of the oldest cities of the Western world, with a historic city centre that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Palermo — an important city in Italy; know for its beach, cuisine and architecture.
Pisa — one the medieval maritime republics, it is home to the unmistakable image of the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Turin (Torino) — a well-known industrial city, home of FIAT, other automobiles and the aerospace industry.
Udine — located in north-eastern Italy Friuli - Venezia Giulia region of a city.
Venice (Venezia) — one of the most beautiful cities in Italy, known for its history, art, and of course its world famous canals.

Getting There and Moving Around

The country of Italy has an excellent transportation system, more about which is given in the sections below:

Air

Since there are a lot of people traveling in and out of Italy, air transport is used a lot. Air transport mode is very expensive and comfortable. Air transport is not really used much, but there are also a lot of people who still prefer using the air mode of transportation. Italy is a huge place with a lot of different cities and provinces, so there are also a lot of airports in Italy. These are the airports used in Italy.

Malpensa airport
Leonardo da Vinci international Airpot
Milan Linate Airport
Naples international

The check-in area at Milan Malpensa Airport in the morning

Bus

Italy does not have a national bus network so there are independent operators who are providing bus services. The main buses in Italy are in Bologna, Florence, Naples, Milan, Padua, Torina, and Venice. Those are only the main places in Italy that have buses. Catching a bus in Italy is also not that expensive. Just like any busy place, you need to have a bus ticket. People do prefer trains over buses in Italy.

A sight seeing bus in Rome

Train

This mode of transport is commonly used in Italy. A lot of people in Italy actually prefer using Trains. A train is believed to be very safe and comfortable to go around with. The place has a lot of train stations since a train is used more in Italy. The train stations are the busiest in Italy. And they also have the advantage of meeting more people and getting comfortable when you one your way around. The train stations are:

Roma Termini
Milano Centrale
Torina Porta Nuova
Firenze Santa Maria Novella train station

An ETR 500 Frecciarossa high-speed train waits at a platform in Milano Centrale station.

Hitchhiking

From a hitchhiking perspective, Italy might be the worst country in Europe. Plenty of reasons for that like the trend has not caught up in the country yet, the roads are tight and Italians generally are reluctant to pick up strangers. It is also illegal to hitchhike on highways so be mindful of that as well.

Others

There are also different types of transport that can be used to travel like boats because some cities in Italy have a lot of water in between. Cities like Venice are half-submerged into water. The main mode of transportation in this area involves boats and motorboats. Other modes of transport in Italy are trolley buses, electric vehicles, trams, etc

Boats and bicycles are probably the only feasible way of travelling around Venice

Sustainable Shopping

Sustainable shopping is the need of the hour. The amount of pollution and waste that the fast fashion industry produces amounts to 2.1 billion tonnes CO2eq. There needs to be significant shift towards buying sustainable products that last longer and are made of ethically sourced material. There is a great market in Norway for sustainable fashion. Many brands have adopted this philosophy and are becoming more eco friendly. Some of the sustainable shopping brands to look out for in Italy are:

Artknit Studios
Fili Pari
ACBC

Recycling

Recycling is the process of converting waste into reusable materials. Recycling is good for the environment because it promotes a clean environment. Recycling is also used a lot in Italy because of the number of centers it has. The centers are:

Recycling Pfu S.R.L
Ceccato Recycling Srl
Remida ii centro di riciclaggio

Waste

Waste management differs from place to place in Italy. In some areas there is a proper system intact and people are engaged in the process. They know where the waste is going and they are very educated about the recycling process. In other areas you will find, waste piled in the bins, no one being responsible for it. The system can definitely use some improvement.

Work and Study Abroad

Students can only work part time in Italy as per the Italian Law. However, you can not start your own business. If you want to do that then you will have to change the status of your visa. It is important to learn about the different rules and regulations before planning your move to Italy.

Exchange Student

Plenty of exchange student opportunities are present in Italy. The educational and cultural enrichment offered by an Italian student exchange experience is second to none. The hundreds of young people who take part in an Italian student exchange program each year say they have the time of their lives. They see the world from a new perspective, gain understanding of Italian culture, and their host family becomes their ‘second family’ as lifelong friendships and bonds are formed.

Au Pair

Where you end up working as an au pair within Italy depends largely on the type of Italian lifestyle you want to experience and cost of living. For example, cost of living in Milan and Venice is quite high, whereas less iconic cities like Capri, Rimini, and Taormina are much more affordable. Generally, expect cold weather and a high value on business and efficiency in the north, but a warmer, slower pace of life in the South. The center of Italy is a nice equilibrium of the two.

You can apply to be an au pair at any time of the year. However, if you are also planning on studying during your time as an au pair, you should take this into consideration when deciding when to start your search.

Volunteering

There are plenty of volunteering opportunities that you can be a part of on your trip to Italy. Especially after the coronavirus pandemic and how badly Italy was affected by it, people are more in need of help. Be it the health sector, teaching, soup kitchens etc there are so many ways through which you can help and give back to the society.