Italy is a diverse European country with a long Mediterranean coastline. From the jaw-dropping mountains in the Dolomites to the turquoise blue waters on the Amalfi Coast, this country is perfect for adventure lovers. On top of that, it is full of compelling history, fantastic food, and world class wine.
Italy is famous for its most popular tourist destinations like Venice, Rome and Milan. While these places are incredible to visit, this wonderful country has so much more to offer! From the charming mountain towns in the Alps to the fishing villages of Cinque Terre, there is truly something for everyone in Italy.
Keep reading for everything you need to know about planning a trip to Italy!
Interactive Map of Italy
Italy Blog Posts
How to Get There
Italy is located in central Europe bordering France, Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia and the Mediterranean Sea. If you are arriving internationally, you will most likely fly in and out of Rome, Venice or Milan. Many people also drive across the borders from neighbouring countries.
Best Time to Travel
Italy is an excellent travel destination year-round. Each season has advantages and disadvantages, as outlined below.
Spring (April -June): The flowers are blooming and it is a good time to visit as far as weather and crowds go. It is not ideal for hiking in the Dolomites because the alpine snow won’t be melted and some of the mountain huts and gondolas may be closed.
Summer (July-August): The peak summer months in Italy, this is the warmest but busiest time to visit. If you can avoid travelling during these months, we would recommend it due to the high volume of visitors.
Autumn (September-October): This is our recommended time to visit. September is usually quite warm and there are far fewer tourists. Although it can be cooler in October and the possibility of snow in the Alps is higher, the fall colours are stunning.
Winter(November-March): Winter is a popular season in Northern Italy for alpine activities like skiing and ice climbing. The rest of the country is far less busy, but the weather can be somewhat unpredictable.
Average Daily Budget
Our average daily budget in Italy was €118 EUR ($128 USD) per person per day. We spent a lot of time in Airbnbs and cooked at least 1 meal per day. If you are staying in a nice hotel and eating out for every meal, you can expect to spend 200 Euros or more per person per day.
Daily Budget Breakdown:
- Transportation: €20 EUR ($ 22 USD) per person per day
- Food & Drinks: €38 EUR ($41 USD) per person per day
- Accommodation: €45 EUR ($ 49 USD) per person per day
- Tours & Activities: €15 EUR ($ 16 USD) per person per day
Accommodation
From luxury hotels to Airbnbs, finding a place to stay in this country is relatively easy. However, finding accommodation that won’t break the bank can be a bit more challenging.
In terms of hotels and Airbnbs, the earlier you book, the better! We stayed at hotels in the Dolomites, Venice and Rome, then switched to Aibnbs for the Amalfi Coast, Capri, Tuscany, and Cinque Terre.
HERE ARE SOME BASIC PRICES SO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU’RE GETTING INTO:
- A single bed in a hostel: €35 EUR ($38 USD)
- A 2-3 star hotel: €125-250 EUR ($136-$272 USD) per night
- A 4-5 star hotel: €300-1,000+ EUR ($326-$1088 USD) per night
Here are a few hotels and Airbnb’s we loved:
Hotel Col Alto: Elegant Luxury in the Heart of the Dolomites!
Naturhotel Leitlhof: Luxurious Green Hotel in The Dolomites!
Incredible Airbnb in Ravello (Amalfi Coast)
Small Room with Great Balcony View in Florence
Wonderful Apartment in Corniglia (Cinque Terre)
Transportation
Public transportation throughout Italy is absolutely fantastic! You can take high-speed trains and buses quickly and effectively to most places in the country. The only place that we rented a vehicle was in the Dolomites. In that case, we rented a car from Venice Airport and drove 2.5 hours north to the Alps.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
14 Epic Things to do in the Dolomites This Summer!
8 Hikes in The Dolomites That Are Guaranteed to Blow Your Mind!
Cinque Terre Itinerary: 3 Days in The Most Charming Place in Italy!
Venice in a Day: The Perfect Itinerary to Avoid the Crowds & Make the Most of Your Time!
Tuscany Travel Guide: 10 Epic Stops for Adventure Lovers!
