italy travel facts

25 fun facts about Italy you didn't know

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updated 13.12.2023

There are plenty of fun facts about Italy. It's one of Europe's most visited countries. The history's long. The culture's rich. And the food's delectable. But what do you actually know? Here are our interesting facts about Italy. Time to test your knowledge.

Fun facts about Italy and history

• 1. Italy is one of Western Europe's youngest countries

2. Rome is over 2,000 years old

3. the country was under a dictatorship for 20 years.

• 4. Italy's last king ruled for just 36 days
• 5. Italy's flag is green, white and red

Interesting facts about Italy and culture

6. tourists throw €1,000,000 into the trevi fountain each year.

• 7. 13 of Shakespeare's 38 plays are set in Italy

8. Pinocchio was first published in an Italian newspaper

9. italy has more world heritage sites than any other country, 10. the sistine chapel welcomes over 20,000 visitors every day, fun facts about italy and geography, 11. italy is home to europe’s only three active volcanoes.

• 12. The Vatican City is the world's smallest country

13. Italy is the fifth most visited country in the world

14. italy has over 1500 lakes.

• 15. Italy's highest mountain is Mont Blanc

Interesting facts about Italy on the science front

16. italy has the oldest population in europe.

• 17. Santorio Santorio designed the world's first thermometer

18. Batteries were invented in Italy

19. christopher columbus was italian, 20. the first ever bank started in italy, 21. italians invented eyeglasses, fun facts about italy and eating, 20. pizza was invented in naples, 21. italians ate pasta as far back as 4bc, 22. fourteen billion espressos are consumed in italy each year.

• 23. Italy is the world's largest wine producer
• 24. It's bad luck to place bread upside down on the table

25. Italians eat salad for dessert

The information in this article is taken from The Rough Guide to Italy — your essential guide to visiting Italy . Not only did you vote this one of the most beautiful countries in the world, but a trio of Italian cities — Florence, Rome and Venice — featured in our survey of the most beautiful cities in the world .

Tailor-made travel itineraries for Italy, created by local experts

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Enchanting Italian Lakes

Experience the picturesque lakes of Northern Italy, including Lake Garda, Como, Lugano and Maggiore; explore the charming Borromean Islands – former favourites of Ernest Hemingway – and stroll the romantic streets of Verona and Milan. All of this, and much more, with this self-drive trip!

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From Venice to Florence: A Grand Tour of Northern Italy

From the atmospheric canals of Venice and the picturesque coastline of Cinque Terre, to the trendy designer boutiques of Milan and the Renaissance-infused streets of Florence, Northern Italy has plenty to offer. Experience it all with this comprehensive trip.

1. Italy is one of Western Europe's youngest countries

Italy has one of Europe's longest histories, yet it's only been a country since 1861. In Roman times Italy was a single entity. It then divided into a collection of sovereign states and remained that way until 1861.

This long history of individuality is why the country today has such a wide range of cultural variations.

Statue of Victor Emmanuel II at Piazza Venezia in Rome © reuerendo/Shutterstock

Rome was founded in 753 BC and the Roman Empire was born in 27 BC. The Empire ruled Europe and parts of North Africa right up until 395 AD. After the fall of the Empire, Italy divided into separate states until 1861. Italy's national day is called Festa della Repubblica and it's celebrated each year on 2 June.

Planning a break in the Eternal City? Discover the best area to stay in Rome .

Benito Mussolini established a dictatorship in Italy in 1925 and ruled the country until 1945.

Known as Il Duce at the height of his powers, Mussolini wasn't always a fascist. In fact he began his political life as a radical socialist, and served as Italian PM until 1922.

During WWII, he aligned Italy with Germany and, in 1945, was executed by partisan troops.

1930s Italian stamp depicting dictators Hitler and Mussolini © Mark Yuill/Shutterstock

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4. Italy's last king ruled for just 36 days

Italy was a dictatorship until 1945, although it also had a royal family until 1946.

After WWII the country voted to become a republic and King Umberto II only ruled from 9 May to 12 June 1946.

He ended his days exiled in Portugal. In a nod to his unusually short reign, he's known in Italy as, "the May King".

Fun facts about Italy? King Umberto II reigned for just 36 days © unknown author/public domain/wikimedia commons

5. Italy's flag is green, white and red

Italy's flag represents hope, faith and charity. Green is hope, white denotes faith and red is the colour of charity. Inspired by the French flag, it's often called Il Tricolore.

Tricolore Day in Italy is 7 January. And it's celebrated on Reggio Emilia , at the very spot where the flag was first adopted in 1797.

The Rough Guides to Italy and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

The Italian flag depicts hope, faith and charity © DELBO ANDREA/Shutterstock

Toss a coin into the Trevi and you'll return to Rome. That's the legend.

Tourists toss around €3,000 a day into the fountain. This amounts to roughly €1,000,000 every year, which is all donated to charity.

While visiting the Trevi is one of the best things to do in Rome , if you want to break the tourist mould, take an underground tour of Trevi for a different perspective. You could also discover the best places to get off the tourist trail in Rome .

The moneymaking Trevi fountain in Rome © Taras Vyshnya/Shutterstock

7. 13 of Shakespeare's 38 plays are set in Italy

Romeo and Juliet is set in Verona and you can even visit "Juliet's balcony" in the city.

Julius Caesar takes place in Rome. Both Othello and The Merchant of Venice are set in Venice . And Much Ado About Nothing is based in Messina .

Although Shakespeare is surprisingly accurate about Italy, there's no proof he ever visited the country. Don't be like the Bard and miss out — read our guide to where to stay in Venice .

Verona at sunset © Rudy Balasko/Shutterstock

Carlo Collodi wrote the legendary story Pinocchio in 1880. It was originally serialised in the children's newspaper, Gioniale per i Bambini .

Traditional wooden Pinocchio toy souvenir © luckyraccoon/Shutterstock

Italy has 55 world heritage sites , more than anywhere else on earth. They cover the entire country, and range from Mount Etna to the Colosseum.

Want to visit Italy's World Heritage sites, but prefer to leave planning and booking to experts? Have a look at some sample itineraries. Both Complete Italy or Italy Itineraries offer inspiration. All Tailor Made Trips can be modified together with your local expert, then booked for a stress-free holiday.

View of Trulli houses in Alberobello © Svitlana Belinska/Shutterstock

Michelangelo completed the Sistine ceiling in 1512 and today the Sistine Chapel is one of the world's most visited monuments.

It's also the official residence of the pope, as well as the site of the Papal Conclave: the process for selecting new popes.

Skip the Vatican queues. Book a Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel tour.

Last Judgment fresco in Sistine Chapel, Vatican City © byggarn.se/Shutterstock

There's a reason Italy gets a few mentions in our round-up of the world's top 20 volcanoes .

Mount Etna on Sicily last erupted in 2021, its 50th recorded eruption. However, plumes of steam regularly flow out of the volcano and are best seen from Catania . Despite its liveliness, you can also trek to Etna's summit.

Mount Stromboli is another active Italian volcano. It's on a small island near Sicily. If you plan to visit, check current activity and go with experienced guides.

Vesuvius in Naples has been dormant since 1944. But a visit to nearby Pompeii lets you see the effects of its devastating 76AD eruption. 

Planning to visit this vibrant southern city? Discover unusual things to do in Naples . When in the area, book a small group tour of Pompeii with archaeologists.

Interesting facts about Italy? Mt Vesuvius is one of three live Italian volcanoes © Enki Photo/Shutterstock

12. The Vatican City is the world's smallest country

The Vatican City in Rome covers just 1000 acres. In 1929 it became a sovereign nation and the Pope is officially its head of state.

The Vatican's economy is mainly fuelled by donations. It's only an 1/8 of the size of Central Park, yet packed with monuments. This is where you'll see St Peter's Basilica and it's also home to the Sistine Chapel.

Piazza San Pietro in the Vatican City © Banauke/Shutterstock

Almost 65 million people visit Italy each year. Given that most head to Rome, Florence and Pisa , it's still possible to find uncrowded places. Try Castelmezzano in Basilicata or head to Camogli in Liguria .

Though growing in popularity, Puglia is another stunning, less crowded option, and it also happens to be one of our best places to visit with kids and features in our round-up of the best beach holidays in Italy .

Duomo Santa Maria Del Fiore in Florence © Songquan Deng/Shutterstock

Italy is covered in lakes and not just icons like Lake Garda or Lake Como . There are several lesser known beauties too . And you'll find lakes to hike round, lakes for boat trips and quite a few that are wild swimming legends.

If you're in Milan , take a tour of Lake Como and Bellagio for the day. Water-lovers will also want to discover the best beaches in Italy .

Read more about this beautiful city in our guide to where to stay in Milan .

Varenna old town on the shores of Lake Como © Boris Stroujko/Shutterstock

15. Italy's highest mountain is Mont Blanc

Italy shares Mont Blanc with France, although it's called Monte Bianco in Italian. It rises 4,808 metres above sea level and is Italy's highest peak as well as the highest mountain in the Alps.

Into adventures? Read up on sports and outdoor activities in Italy . You could also test your head for heights and book a Mont Blanc and Courmayeur day tour.

Italy shares Mont Blanc, or Monte Bianco, with France © Berit Kessler/Shutterstock

The average age in Italy is 45.7 years, giving it Europe's oldest population. In world terms only Japan's population is older. And estimates suggest the average age in Italy will be 54 years by 2050.

In fact, Sardinia is one of the world's five Blue Zones: places where residents live the longest. The main reasons given for Italy's aging population are low birth rate and extraordinary longevity, which might be attributed to the local diet - discover where to eat out in Sardinia .

Older man gazes across evening sea in Messina, Sicily © Marco Crupi/Shutterstock

17. Santorio Santorio designed the world's first thermometer

Italian Santorio Santorio invented the thermometer in 1612. It was the first instrument to show an exact temperature against a scale.

Galileo had previously worked on a thermoscope. But his invention only showed changes in temperature and didn't measure the degrees of change.

The first batteries were invented in Italy in 1800 by Alessandro Volta - the man after whom 'volts' are named.

Columbus might have sailed under the Spanish flag, but he was actually Italian, and born in Genoa in 1451.

Genoa is Europe's largest medieval town. Find out more on full day tour of Genoa and Portofino with local guides.

Fun facts about Italy? Christopher Columbus was born in Genoa © Everett Collection/Shutterstock

The Bank of San Giorgia was another Italian world first, it opened in Genoa in 1149.

Italians also invented corrective eyeglasses. They were first made in the 13th century, and used mainly by monks. Previously Ancient Romans had used magnifying glasses, but medieval Italian eyeglasses were the first to be worn.

Leaning tower reflecting in sunglasses, Pisa © Alliance Images/Shutterstock

Pizza gets a mention as early as 10AD. But modern pizza was born in the 1700s and it originated in Naples .

When in Naples, why not learn how to create authentic pizza at a pizza-making workshop ? That said, Rome isn't short of great options, either. Discover where to eat the best pizza in Rome .

Neapolitan pizza – where the dish was invented © Shutterstock

Pasta dates back to 4BC in Italy. And pre-Roman wall paintings even depict what's thought to be early pasta-making equipment.

But Italy's not all about pizza and pasta — find out more about eating and drinking in Italy .

Over 20,000 Italians work as baristas and the country's average household coffee consumption is 37 kg a year.

You can drink espresso any time in Italy. But it's an unspoken rule that you don't order Cappuccino after 11am.

Espresso machine © Firma V/Shutterstock

23. Italy is the world's largest wine producer

Italy produces about 54,800 hectolitres of wine a year compared to 49,000 hectolitres produced by France. Italy's also the world's largest wine exporter with most exports going to Germany, US and the UK.

Visit Tuscany and take a tour of Chianti vineyards with local experts, and discover 15 unforgettable things to do in Tuscany .

Langhe vineyards in Piedmont © Giorgio1978/Shutterstock

24. It's bad luck to place bread upside down on the table

Italians think it's bad luck to place bread upside down on the table. Historian's suggest this ancient superstition arose because bread given to town executioners in the Middle Ages was always placed upside down.

In Italy salad is always eaten after the main course as the fibre supposedly aids digestion. However, it's not a dessert. Italian meals have another two courses. So after salad, you can still look forward to fruit, and then dessert.

Ready to travel to Italy ? Find out when to go and where to go in Italy , and discover the best things to do in Italy . For further inspiration, see our Italy travel guides , or contact our local travel agents in Italy .

Looking for practical guidance? Read up on getting there , getting around , and where to stay in Italy . And don't forget to buy travel insurance before you go.

We may earn commission when you click on links in this article, but this does not influence our editorial standards - we only recommend services that we genuinely believe will enhance your travel experiences.

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Travel advice for Italy

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Italy

• Eating and drinking in Italy
• How to get to Italy
• Getting around Italy: Transportation Tips
• Shopping tips for Italy
• Sports and Outdoor activities in Italy
• Travel Tips Italy for planning and on the go
• Best time to visit Italy
• How to spend 7 days In Italy - 8 unique itineraries
• The Best 10-Day Italy Travel Itinerary
• How To Spend 14 Days In Italy - 5 Unique Itineraries
• How to get from Rome to Florence

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Italy Fun Facts: 126 Unique Things You Didn’t Know About Italy

From designer police uniforms to 350 types of pasta, ancient landmarks to bizarre traditions, here are 126 fun facts about Italy that you didn’t know.

Italy is a fascinating country that has had a great influence not only on European but on world culture. Italian food and Italian fashion are known and loved all over the globe. But there’s more to Italy than paintings by da Vinci, delicious pizza, and Gucci bags. I have collected over 100 interesting Italy facts that will surprise you but also help you understand this beautiful country a little bit better. Cominciamo! (Let’s get started!)

Planning a trip to Italy? Don’t miss my Italy travel tips that will save you time, money and disappointment.

The Country

Where is Italy located, how many people live there, what is its capital – all of this and other facts about the country of Italy in this section.

• Italy is shaped like a high boot. If you open the map of the world and zoom in onto Europe, you will see a boot-shaped country protruding into the Mediterranean Sea – that’s Italy. It is a coincidence then that Italian shoes are some of the best in the world? There is even a saying, ‘ Long-legged Italia, kicked poor Sicily, right into the middle of the Mediterranean Sea.’
• As Italy is a peninsula largely located in the Mediterranean Sea, it has over 7,600 kilometers of coastline with some amazing beaches.
• The population of Italy is a little over 60 million people. That makes Italy the world’s 23rd country by population . After Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, Italy is the fourth most populated country in Europe. 
• The Italian island of Sardinia is one of five regions in the world to be called a Blue Zone. A Blue Zone is where a higher than usual number of people live much longer than average. The other ‘Blue Zones‘ include Okinawa (Japan); Nicoya (Costa Rica); Icaria (Greece); and among the Seventh-day Adventists in Loma Linda, California,
• Rome, the capital of Italy, is one of the oldest cities of the world – it was founded in 753 BCE.
• The name ‘Italy’ (‘Italia’) most likely means ‘calf land’. Originally it was spelled ‘Vitalia’, originating from the Latin ‘vitulus’, meaning ‘a one-year-old calf’. 
• With around 60 million tourists a year. Italy is the world’s fifth most visited country.
• The smallest country in the world is inside Italy, namely, Rome. Vatican City has an area of 44 hectares and a population of about 825.
• The Vatican is not the only small country within Italy: there is also San Marino. It is located in the mountains in the northern part of Italy, and has an area of 61 square kilometers (23.5 sq. miles). 
• The Italian flag is green, white, and red, symbolizing hope, faith, and charity.  
• Italy is predominantly Christian, with around 90% of the population Roman Catholics.
• Italy’s population is one of the oldest in the world: almost 20% of Italians are older than 65. 
• Before it adopted the Euro, Italy’s currency was the Lira.
• The Italian economy is the eighth largest in the world. 
• The head of the Italian government is the Prime Minister. There is also a President, but he is largely a ceremonial figure. As of March 2021, the current President of Italy is S ergio Mattarella and the Prime Minister is Mario Draghi.
• Italy is divided into 20 regions. Five of them are autonomous regions (*) that have more power and independence. The names of the regions include: Abruzzo, Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, Emilia-Romagna , Friuli-Venezia Giulia *, Latium (Lazio) , Liguria, Lombardia, Marche, Molise, Piemonte, Puglia (Apulia) , Sardegna (Sardinia), Sicilia (Sicily), Toscana (Tuscany), Trentino-Alto Adige (Trentino-South Tyrol) *, Umbria , Valle d’Aosta (Aosta Valley)*, and Veneto .
• The Italian national anthem is called Il Canto degli Italiani (Meaning: The Song of Italians) and was written and composed in 1847, but it wasn’t until December 2017 that it was officially recognised as Italy’s national anthem! 

History of Italy

Italy has a long eventful history, full of events that influenced not only Europe but the whole world. What are some historical Italy facts? Read on to find out.

• In antiquity, Italy was the homeland of Romans and the heart of the Roman Empire, which, at its peak, occupied about 5,000,000 square kilometers – 1% of all the land on the planet.
• The Roman Empire was founded in 27 BCE and disappeared in 476 CE. 
• A large part of Italy used to be Ancient Greece. For instance, the city of Syracuse in Sicily was once the largest city of Ancient Greece, and pockets of Greek culture still remain in Sicily.
• First societies emerged in Italy around 1200 BCE. However, present-day Italy only became a sovereign state and was unifed on March 17, 1861.
• For twenty years, from 1925 to 1945, Italy was under the dictatorship of Benito Mussolini.
• The first bank in the world started in Italy in 1149. The fir st real bank was created during the Middle Ages in Italy thanks to the fast expansion of the Maritime Republics. One of these was Genoa, where the Banco San Giorgio in Genoa was founded in 1149. The concept of a bank became so successful that it generated huge fortunes. In areas such as Florence, Pisa and Venice, the families of bankers became extremely rich and powerful. Their businesses reached as far as England, France and Spain, and they began lending money to the European sovereigns. Often the sovereigns offered feuds, baronage and other aristocratic titles instead of paying back the money they borrowed. This is how a member of the Medic i family could be elected Pope and Lorenzo the Magnificent obtained the government of Florence.
• Italy is one of the six countries that founded the European Union. The other five founding countries are Belgium, France , Germany , Luxembourg and the Netherlands .
• Italy was a kingdom until 1946.
• The last king of Italy w as Umberto II. He ruled for just 34 days, from 9 May 1946 to 12 June 1946, when Italy became a republic. 
• The ancient city of Pompeii was destroyed by the volcano Vesuvius in 79 CE.
• Since the end of World War ll, Italy has seen 60 governments come and go. 
• Italy has hosted the Olympic games three times in 1956, 1960, and 2006.

Italian Culture  

Italian culture can well be called one of the most influential cultures on the planet. It has given the world some of the greatest artists, sculptures, and architects, and has to a great degree shaped western culture. Here some fun facts of Italy and its influential culture.

• Many consider Italy the art capital of the world and it is believed that Italy has more masterpieces per square meter than any other place in the world. Italian museums and galleries are amazing and are a must-visit if you travel to Italy. 
• Europe’s oldest university is in Italy. The University of Bologna was founded in 1088 and still remains among the world’s best universities.
• Italian cities have historically been self-sufficient and undefended. As a result, the culture, language and traditions differ greatly from one region/city to the next.
• The story of Pinocchio was written by the Italian author Carlo Collodi and was first published in a newspaper in 1881. The Adventures of Pinocchio is children’s novel that recounts the mischievous adventures of an animated marionette named Pinocchio and his father, a poor woodcarver named Geppetto.
• People visiting the Sistine Chapel occasionally suffer from the so-called ‘Sistine Chapel syndrome’: they throw back their heads to look at the amazing frescos by Michelangelo on the ceiling, which, if you stand like that for too long, can lead to fainting.
• Some of the world’s well-known artists are from Italy: Rafael, Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Donatello, Caravaggio, Titian, Botticelli, and Bellini. 
• Italy is famous not only for its artists but for its explorers as well, including Christopher Columbus, Amerigo Vespucci, and Marco Polo.     Between 1492 and 1502, Christopher Columbus led four trips across the Atlantic Ocean with the aim of finding a direct water route west from Europe to Asia. Instead, he discovered the Americas.  Vespucci was the first person to recognize North and South America as distinct continents that were previously unknown to Europeans, Asians and Africans. Vespucci discovered present-day Rio de Janeiro and Rio de la Plata. Believing he had discovered a new continent, he called South America the New World. In 1507, America was named after him.   Marco Polo was a Venetian merchant who is famous for travelling to Central Asia and China, including the silk road with his father in 1271. When Polo returned from his adventures, he recounted his tales which helped introduce Europeans to Asia, and contributed to demystifying the largely unknown continent. In this influential book called The Travels of Marco Polo, Polo describes the geography of Asia, the customs of its people, and highlights China’s creativity in the use of coal, money, and compasses to improve future exploration.
• Italy is also a source of great film stars, such as Monica Bellucci ( Malèna, The Passion of the Christ ), Robert Benigni (Life is beautiful), Isabella Rossellini (Blue Velvet), and Sophia Loren (Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow; Marriage Italian Style). Fall in love with Italy with my guide to Romantic Italian films.
• Football (or soccer), is extremely popular in Italy, with many local clubs and millions of passionate fans.
• Ballet originated in Italy in the 15th century and was introduced to France by Catherine de Medici.
• ‘Ars longa, vita brevis’ is a common saying in Italy that means ‘art is long, life is short’. This expression highlights the long-lasting impact of art over the brevity of life.
• Italy is home to 3,847 museums , galleries or collections, 240 archaeological areas or parks and 501 monuments or monumental compounds.

Italian Traditions

Italian people value their roots and observe many traditions. Take a look at this section to find out what some fun Italian traditions and customs are. 

• After dinner, many Italians fare una passeggiata – take a stroll after their evening meal. You often do this as a way to help with digestion but is often a social activity and a time to catch up with friends and neighbours, to go out and be seen.
• Italy is one of the most superstitious countries in the world. There are lots of everyday superstitions that many Italians believe. For instance, it’s customary to place a loaf of bread face up not to offend Jesus; it’s back luck to celebrate your birthday before the actual date; when raising a toast, you should tap the bottom of the glass on a table to bench; and it’s bad luck to raise a toast with water or when drinking from a plastic cup. There are also many local and regional superstitions. For example, in Naples an amulet of a red chili pepper, known as a cornicello (Italian for ‘little horn’ or ‘hornlet’) is said to bring luck and p rotect the bearer against the evil eye. What makes a cornicello so special is that you can’t buy it for yourself, it must be gifted to you. Another common Italian superstition is that if you accidentally spill salt or oil on the table, this could lead to finance ruin. This idea stems from ancient times when both oil and salt were expensive commodities. In fact, Roman soldiers were paid in salt, which is how we get the word ‘salary (Italian: sale ). To undo any potential harm caused from spilling these precious ingredients, you must quickly pick up the salt grains and throw them behind your shoulders three times with the left hand. Why three? This is the number of the Trinity and the left hand is associated with sinister things so in this case, evil wards off other evil. When the grains of salt land on the floor, a passerby will pick-up the bad luck instead. If you spill oil, then a single pinch of sprinkled salt will do the trick.
• The family (and the mother in particular) is the centre of Italian society, with young people often living at home well into their 30s.
• Italians are known for having large families, however, at the same time, Italy is known for having the lowest birthrate in Europe. 
• The biggest holiday of the year in Italy is Christmas, with the Christmas season starting as early as December 8th and lasting until January 6th. 
• Cats are loved and protected in Italy. Rome alone is home to about 300,000 cats. A person convicted of killing a cat, owned or stray, can face a €10,000 fine and up to 3 years in prison. There are roughly 300,000 feral cats in Rome. In fact, the Rome city council protects them due to their ancient bond with the city, citing that they are part of the city’s ‘bio-heritage.’ A sanctuary of 250 cats was established at Largo di Torre Argentina, where Julius Caesar was assassinated by Brutus. 
• Number 13 is actually considered very lucky in Italy, while number 17 is unlucky, and many tall buildings don’t have a 17th floor. 
• Eating or drinking on church steps or in the church courtyard is prohibited.
• Respecting elders is essential for Italian culture. It is customary to stand up when an elderly person enters the room.
• First impressions are important in Italy, so make sure to be polite.
• Before dinner, Italians will go out for an aperitivo . The Italian aperitivo is similar in concept to ‘Happy Hour’ but drinks aren’t discounted but food is included. Originating in Milan, in Northern Italy, Italians will head to a cocktail or wine bar with friends and catch up with a relaxing post-work drink and some light snacks. Common beverages are wine, Aperol Spritz or Campari Spritz. Since most Italian eat lunch around 1pm or 2pm, and dinner around 9pm, having an aperitivo is a great way to tie them over until dinner time.
• Many Italians celebrate their name day. This Roman Catholic tradition is when, on a certain day of the year, a person celebrates their given name and can be just as important as celebrating their birthday since they were named after a saint. When someone celebrates their name day, you wish them Buon onomastico! (Happy name day!). Since my name is Michele, my name day is September 29th. If you’re named after a saint, you can check your name day here.

A cornicello is a traditional Neapolitan good luck charm

The Italian Language aka la bella lingua

The Italian language is a ‘distant relative’ of English and is often considered one of the easiest languages for English-speakers to learn . Want to know more about Italian? Read on!

• Italian is the official language of Italy , San Marino , Switzerland and Vatican City . It’s also the official language of some parts of Croatia and Slovenia .
• As of 2020, there are 67 million people in Europe who speak Italian as their first language. A further 13.4 million people speak Italian as a second language. Italian is also spoken by large expatriate communities in the Americas and Australia. Fun fact: My dad immigrated to Australia back in 1950s, which makes me a heritage Italian language learner.
• Apart from Italian, 12 minority languages are recognized in Italy, including Albanian, Catalan , French , German , Greek , Slovene, and Sardinian.
• Located in the Dolomite Mountains in Northern Italy in the provinces of South Tyrol, Trentino, and Belluno, is the Ladin people who speak Ladin – a Romance language that shares similarities to Swiss Romansh and Friulian.
• The Italian language is a Romance language with its roots in Vulgar Latin. It is closely related to French and Spanish, with around 80% lexical similarities. These languages are not mutually intelligible, but if you already know one of them, you can learn the others quite easily.
• Of all the Romance languages, Italian is the closest to Latin. 
• Italian is the language of music. Allegro, adagio, piano, forte – all these are Italian words. Music notation as it is used today was created by an Italian named Guido d’Arezzo.
• There are only 21 letters in the Italian alphabet. Letters J, K, W, X, and Y aren’t used in Italian.
• Italian has a formal and informal way to say ‘you’. Unlike in English, our version of being formal and informal is the difference between not swearing or just using more sophisticated words. In Italian (and many other languages) there are two different ways to say ‘you’. The formal way and the informal way. You use the informal pronoun tu ( too) (you) when speaking with good friends, young people, children, and your family members. Basically, anyone you know well. However, when speaking to a person you don’t know well such as a superior, shopkeeper, waiter, teacher, professor, or someone of important social standing such as a doctor, or police officer, then you should address him or her formally — that is, with Lei (lay) (you).

• Dante Alighieri is considered the ‘Father of the Italian language’ as he and his works contributed a lot to standardizing Italian.
• Italians speak with their hands and gestures nearly as much as they do with words, and some people find it nearly impossible to express themselves without gestures.
• Many believe Italian to be one of the most beautiful languages in the world. Why? Dr Patti Adank of the University College London says that Italian is attractive to the ear because of its so-called ‘melody’. Italian consists of a large number of words that end in vowels, and a few words with consecutive consonants in a row, this creates an open sound that makes it perfect for singing. In fact, the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V allegedly said, ‘ I speak Spanish to God, Italian to women, French to men and German to my horse.’

• The word quarantine dates back to the days of the Bubonic Plague in Venice where this word originates . ‘Quaranta’ means ‘forty’ in Italian. Ships entering Venice were forced to anchor offshore for a full 40 days to prevent the spread of the disease.
• Italian has a lot of food-related expressions. A common proverb is A tavola non si invecchia mai , meaning ‘one doesn’t grow old at the dinner table’ therefore you should take your time and enjoy the moment. There are also plenty of Italian food-related insults natives will often use, including Sei come il prezzemolo! (You’re like parsley), in other words, ‘you turn up everywhere’ and Non fare il salame! (Don’t act like salami!) or ‘Don’t be an idiot!
• The term ‘milestone’ comes from the ancient Romans. After the Imperial Forum in Rome was built, the Romans placed a stone there and then they placed additional markers on the roads leading out of Rome. Each of these markers was placed at a distance of 1,000 paces. Since a pace was approximately 5 ft, 1,000 paces was approximately 5,000 ft in modern measurements. Since the unit of length was 1,000 paces, the Romans called the distance a ‘mila’, the Latin word for ‘thousand’. We’ve taken this measurement in English as ‘mile’ and that’s why a modern mile comes from the Latin word for ‘thousand’ but it actually represents a measurement of slightly more than 5,000 ft in modern measurements. Each of these markers was called a ‘milliarium’ and this word comes into English as ‘milestone’. So, as you travelled in and out of Rome, you passed a’ milestone’ every 1,000 paces. This was a mark indicating how far you had come or how far you had left to go, and it’s in this sense that we’ve inherited the term ‘milestone’, to refer to a level of achievement or accomplishment.
• Italian words have a grammatical gender which means that they can be either feminine or masculine. It’s important to note that you shouldn’t confuse these grammatical terms with the biological terms ‘male’ and female’. After all, a pizza is not technically a girl, even though it has a feminine grammatical gender, and risotto isn’t a boy even though it is masculine, grammatically speaking. Sound strange? The English language used to have grammatical gender too. You can still see remnants of grammatical gender in words like blonde and blond .
• Vatican City has ATM’s in Latin. Yes, The Vatican is the only country in the world to have ATM’s that speak Latin to you as you withdraw money. Latin is the official language of the Vatican which is why you can choose this language option. Rumor has it, that the former Pope Benedict XVI, made his transactions in Latin.

Landmarks in Italy

Italy is a country of both natural and architectural beauty. In this section, we have collected a few fun facts about some of the Italian landmarks. 

• Rome, the capital of Italy, is home to hundreds of fountains. There are 50 fountains in the city that can be considered large, including the oldest and most famous Trevi fountain . There are also multiple smaller fountains with the exact number impossible to count. 
• The Trevi Fountain , (Fontana di Trevi in Italian) is Italy’s largest and most famous Baroque fountain, standing 85 feet high and 65 feet across. The fountain is located at the junction of three roads ( tre vie ) which marks the terminal point of the ‘modern’ Acqua Vergine aqueduct, the revived Aqua Virgo, one of the aqueducts that supplied water to ancient Rome. In 19 BC, supposedly with the help of a virgin, Roman technicians located a source of pure water some 13 km (8.1 mi) from the city. (This scene is presented on the present fountain’s façade.) However, the eventual indirect route of the aqueduct made its length some 22 km (14 mi). This Aqua Virgo led the water into the Baths of Agrippa. It served Rome for more than 400 years.
• Tourists throw almost €3,000 into the Trevi fountain every day, which adds up to about €1,000,000 a year! Legend has it that tossing a coin into the fountain means that you will no doubt return to Rome, and it seems like a lot of people want to return.
• Italy has the most UNESCO World Heritage sites – 55, as of 2019. There is only one country in the world that can boast the same number – China.
• The lagoon city of Venice doesn’t have any cars (except for the area around the train station). Located in Northern Italy, Venice is built on 120 islands and its canals are its streets. Since there are no cars (or roads), the only way to get around is by water transportation. 
• Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance.
• The Colosseum in Rome is one of the most recognized Italian landmarks. This huge arena could sit over 50,000 spectators.
• One of the most spectacular buildings in Italy is the Milan cathedral, which took almost six hundred years to complete. It is called Duomo di Milano in Italian and is one of the largest church buildings in the world.
• The biggest and probably the most famous cathedral in the world is St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. There are 284 columns flanking the cathedral square, and the dome alone is 42 meters high.
• St. Peter’s Basilica isn’t a cathedral—or the official seat of the Pope. For all its importance, St. Peter’s Basilica isn’t the official seat of the Pope. Nor is it first in rank among Rome’s basilicas. Both of those accolades go, instead, to San Giovanni in Laterano (St. John Lateran), the mother church of the Roman Catholic church. But because of the size of St. Peter’s, and its location next to the residence of the Pope, most of the Church’s most crucial ceremonies are held here instead.
• The Colosseum in Rome is the largest amphitheatre (meaning ‘theatre in the round’) in the world! Measuring 189 m long, 156 m wide and 50 m high, this ancient sporting arena is also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre because it was built during the Flavian dynasty. It got the name Colosseum because of a statue that was located alongside the amphitheatre called ‘the colossus of Nero’. Unknown to many visitors is that Nero’s hidden palace Domus Aurea is located opposite the Colosseum.
• The name of the famous leaning tower in the city of Pisa comes from a Greek word meaning ‘marshy land’. The tower is leaning because its shallow and heavy foundation was not a good match for the soft soil. The tower, in fact, still continues to lean because of this however it has since been stabilized so it’s unlikely to fall in the foreseeable future. 

Natural wonders in Italy

Italy is a relatively small country (a little over 300 000 square kilometers) but it is large enough to be home to some amazing natural wonders. 

• Italy has more volcanoes than any other country in Europe. It lies on a fault line, which causes volcanoes to form. Many of Italy’s Italian volcanoes are still active, including the famous M ount Vesuvius ( the only active volcano on mainland Italy ), Mount Etna (located in Sicily) and Mount Stromboli (located on the Stromboli island in the Tyrrhenian Sea) which has been in almost continuous eruption for the past 2,000–5,000 years. Volcanoes are beneficial in that they provide fertile soil for crops. 
• About 80% of the Italian landscape is made up of hills and mountains, which is another consequence of the country being located on a fault line. It is one of the things that gives the country its particular charm, and it has inspired many works of art. 
• Italy is separated from the other countries by the Alps. This mountain range is located in the north of Italy and runs along the full length of the border. 
• The highest mountain in Europe is located in the Alps on the French-Italian border. Called Mont Blanc in French and Monte Bianco in Italian , its highest peak is (15,771 feet [4,807 metres]).
• There are over 1,500 lakes in Italy, which is quite a lot for a relatively small country. Some are surrounded by mountains, others by sandy beaches, big and small – you can spend your whole vacation enjoying Italian lakes.
• The two main mountain ranges in Italy are the Alps (which run across the top of Northern Italy) and the Apennines which run vertically down the centre of Italy. 
• Italy has two big islands, Sicily and Sardinia, as well as lots of smaller ones – over four hundred. It is estimated that 1 in every 10 Italian lives on an Island. 
• There is a sea cave called Grotta Azzurra on the island of Capri. ‘Azzurra’ means ‘blue’ in Italian. Due to the unusual refraction of sunlight, the water in this cave appears incredibly blue. You can visit it by taking a boat ride but be careful not to bang your head on the very low entrance to the cave.
• Earthquakes are frequent in Italy with the last major earthquake, measuring 6.2 ± 0.016 on the moment magnitude scale. It hit Central Italy on 24 August 2016 where 299 people died. 
• Italy is surrounded by four seas: the Adriatic Sea, Tyrrhenian Sea, Ionian Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea, and borders four countries: France, Switzerland, Austria , and Slovenia all in the north.

Italian Food and Cuisine  

Practically the whole world eats pizza and pasta . But how well do you really know Italian cuisine? Let’s find out!

• Italy introduced many popular foods to Europe. This includes not only the obvious pizza and pasta but also such things as coffee and ice-cream (gelato): these foods didn’t originate in Italy but have been popularized by them. 
• The first McDonalds opened in Rome in 1986 and caused protests. Italians are very proud of their cultural heritage and their cuisine in particular, and it is no surprise that they opposed this fast-food chain.
• Pasta used to be a sweet dish. Pasta was first brought to Italy in the 13th century. At that time, it was served with honey and sugar – and eaten with your fingers!
• There are approximately 350 different kinds of pasta. In Italy, names may vary according to the region or area.
• There is a free wine fountain in Caldari di Ortona in Italy. It flows 24/7 with a locally grown red wine.
• Italians drink around 14 billion espressos a year – which is quite impressive for only 60 million people. An average household in Italy goes through 37 kilograms of coffee per year.
• On average, Italians consume 25 kilograms of pasta per year. 
• One of the things Italy is famous for is its cheeses: there are over 2,500 traditional cheeses in the country including Gorgonzola, Pecorino Toscano, Taleggio, Fontina d’Aosta, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Mozzarella di Bufala, Provolone, Mascarpone and Ricotta.
• Italy is the world’s largest wine producer and exporter.
• Tiramisú is not just a name of a popular Italian dessert, it is a whole phrase calling on you to pick up the dessert and eat it: ‘tiramisu’ can be translated into English as ‘pick me up’. In turn, the desserts high energy content and caffeine will ‘pick you up’ 
• Pizza was invented in Naples. As the story goes, on June 11, 1889 the now world-famous original Margherita pizza was created by the Neapolitan pizzamaker Raffaele Esposito in honour of the Queen consort of Italy, Margherita of Savoy. Raffaele created the  Pizza Margherita, to represent the national colours of Italy as on the Flag of Italy. Basil (green), mozzarella (white) and tomatoes (red).
• The concept of take-out food dates back to ancient Rome. 
• Italians eat a lot of bread – about half a pound a day.
• The famous Venetian dish, Bacalà alla Vicentina, was inspired after an Italian sea captain was shipwrecked in Lofoten, Norway. Norway exports 40 million kilos of dried codfish each year, most of which are sent to Italy. It all started with Pietro Querini, an Italian sea captain from Venice who in 1432 was shipwrecked in Røst, a small island in the Lofoten archipelago. While recuperating on the island, Querini discovered codfish which he called ‘ stocfisi ’ ( Tørrfisk in Norwegian ), which dominated the local economy and was air- and wind-dried until it became ‘as hard as wood’. When Querini left for Venice four months later, he took 60 sticks of air-dried cod with him. The Venetians were not particularly impressed, though: there was plenty of local lagoon fish to eat and leathery Norwegian cod didn’t have quite the same appeal. When Querini eventually returned to Venice, he took 60 sticks of air-dried cod with him and wrote a report of his travels. Querini is famed for having popularised Stockfish, particularly codfish, in the Veneto region where it is prepared as Bacalà alla Vicentina.

Italian Fashion

Names like Gucci, Versace, Prada, and Dolce & Gabbana are known all over the world, even to people who have nothing to do with fashion. Here are a few facts about Italian fashion and Italian fashion brands. 

• Italian fashion is concerned much more about elegance than comfort. 
• Italians often choose to have fewer high-quality, well-made clothes rather than having lots of cheap ones.
• Dolce & Gabbana is a popular Italian brand, but they opened their first store in Japan, in 1989.
• Each region in Italy has its own unique traditional costume. However, similar to many other countries, these costumes are only worn during special festivals and celebrations.
• Rome and Milan are often listed among the world’s top fashion capitals. 
• Italy ranks as one of the top countries in terms of leather crafts and production. Many Italian regions have a long-standing tradition of leather treatment, and the quality of Italian leather is truly superior.
• In Italy, there are two main police forces. The regular state police, the Polizia, and the Carabinieri. During the 1980s, Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani designed the new more modern uniforms.

More surprising Italy facts you probably didn’t know

There are many more fun facts about Italy out there, and not all of them fit easily into a category – but they are still worth learning, and we have gathered some of them in this final section. 

• The Italian polizia (police) drive Lamborghinis. There are only a few police Lamborghinis in the whole country, but where else on Earth would you find one if not in Italy? 
• The first-ever pair of eyeglasses were made in Italy in the late 13th century.
• Alessandro Volta is the Italian scientist who created the first battery in 1800. The unit of power, the volt, is named after him.
• Galileo Galilei (1564-1642) invented the thermoscope, an instrument that indicated temperature differences, which led to the invention of the thermometer by Santorio Santorio (1561-1636) – a Venetian scientist. 
• The jacuzzi was invented by Italian engineer Candido Jacuzzi, who created the original portable, in-home Jacuzzi Whirlpool Bath.
• Da Vinci invented many things which we still use today, including the Barreled cannon (the automatic weapon), helical aerial screw (the helicopter), the anemometer (to measure wind speed and direction), the revolving bridge, a winged flying machine (the airplane), diving equipment, self-propelled cart (the car) and the parachute.
• The Mafia still exists in Italy and is estimated to make up 7% of the country’s entire GDP.
• It is against the law to die in the town of Falciano del Massico located 30 miles from Naples. The town’s cemetery is full and they passed this law to try and control death. There is a bronze statue of Jesus Christ submerged in the Mediterranean Sea near the coast of San Fruttuoso.
• Poveglia Island in Italy is believed to be haunted – to such an extent, in fact, that access by the public is banned.
• Around 500,000 exorcisms are performed in Italy each year.
• La Festa della Repubblica is the Italian National Day and Republic Day, which is celebrated on 2 June each year, with the main celebration taking place in Rome. On 2 and 3 June 1946, an institutional referendum was held where Italians voted for their preferred form of state – monarchy or republic. The referendum was announced at the end of World War II, a few years after the fall of the Fascist regime in Italy.

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80 Facts about Italy (Travelers and Expats) Food, Culture, Visas, Politics, Photos…

Have Italy on the brain? In this huge guide, you’ll learn 80 facts about Italy, including travel, food, expat, culture, national symbols, politics and more. Plus lots of photos and videos.

80 Facts about Italy

In this huge guide, you’ll learn what to expect on your trip (or move) to Italy? Have a question? Ask it in the comments below. I’ll do my best to answer every one. Did I miss something? Please add it in the comments!

Let’s get started!

Basic Facts About Italy

1. what is italy’s official name.

Officially, Italy is known as the Italian Republic . In Italian, it is Repubblica Italiana .

2. What is Italy’s population?

According to the latest figures from the United Nations, the current population of Italy is 59,242,024 .

3. Where is Italy located?

Italy is located within the central part of southern Europe. The country is a peninsula – one of the largest peninsulas in the world .

To the south, Italy touches the Mediterranean Sea, and it is bordered on the east by the Adriatic Sea and the Ionian Sea. Its western shores lie on the Ligurian Sea and the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Map of Italy

4. What time is it in Italy?

Italy is in the Central European timezone (GMT+1) .

The country is one hour ahead of London time and in the same time zone as France and Spain .

5. When does the sun set in Italy?

Because of it’s distance from the equator, this varies during the year.

• During the winter months, the sun sets in Italy at around five or six in the evening.
• Over the summer months, the sun sets there at around nine in the evening.

6. What are citizens of Italy known as?

In English, the citizens of Italy are known as Italians.

In Italian, they are called italiani .

Interestingly, many citizens of Italy have a strong link to their family and to their family’s land, and they may identify themselves first by the region in which they were born.

Here’s what residents of each city call themselves:

• Florence:  fiorentino
• Genoa : genovese
• Milan : milanese
• Naples : napoletano
• Palermo : palermitano
• Pisa : pisano
• Rome : romano
• Venice : veneziano

7. What is the capital of Italy?

The capital city of Italy is Rome , known in Italian as Roma.

8. What is life expectancy in Italy?

The average life expectancy in Italy is 82.8 years old.

• Italian males can expect to live 80.5 years
• Italian females have a life expectancy of 84.9 years.

These figures make Italy the country with the eighth highest life expectancy in the world.

9. What religions are in Italy?

Roughly 80% of Italians profess to be Christian , and one-third of these are practicing Catholics.

The remaining 20 percent of the population is a mixture of Muslim, agnostic, and atheist.

10. Common misspellings of Italy

You’ll laugh, but some of the most common misspellings of Italy in English are litghly and itirly.

Some people also mistakenly spell it as Italian or Etaly.

Facts About Italy Travel

11. how’s the weather in italy.

The weather in Italy can vary depending on whether you are in the northern, central, or southern part of the country.

• Northern Italy: In the north, temperatures (in Fahrenheit) average in the 40s and 50s in the winter and spring, while they are in the 50s and 60s in the central part of the country. In the summer and fall, temperatures in the north are in the 60s to 80s, and those in the central region are in the 70s and 80s.
• Southern Italy: In the southernmost part of Italy, temperatures in the summer average in the 80s, and the fall and winter months are generally in the 60s to lower 70s.

12. What is the best time to visit Italy?

This depends on what you’re hoping to get out of your trip.

Summer is the most popular time to visit Italy. The weather can be very hot, particularly in Sicily, and museums and other attractions are very crowded.

The fall and spring seasons tend to be more affordable, and the weather is pleasant enough for plenty of outdoor activities and sightseeing.

While the winter weather may be too cold for some travelers, you might consider focusing on southern Italy for warmer weather.

13. What is Italy’s currency?

As a member of the European Union, Italy uses the euro (€) as its currency.

14. Do I need a power adapter when I visit Italy?

If you are not using European devices, you will need a power adapter in Italy. Something like this one .

Typically, all you will need for most devices, including computers and cell phones, is an adapter plug. This plug enables you to connect your devices to the wall outlets in Italy.

If you are using devices that run on a different voltage than the one in Italy (such as American hair dryers or curling irons), then you will need both an adapter plug and a voltage converter .

If you do not have a voltage converter and try to use an American hair dryer in Italy, you may short circuit the electrical system .

15. What plugs are used in Italy?

Italy uses plugs that are used throughout the rest of the European Union. These plugs have two round pins .

If you have devices from France, Spain, or another European country, these devices will be able to be plugged directly into Italian electrical outlets with no problems.

16. What are Italy’s international airports?

Italy has numerous international airports . These include two in Rome, and there are also two international airports in Milan.

The major cities of Catania, Florence, Genoa, Parma, Palermo, Naples, Turin, Venice, Verona, Pisa, Bologna, Perugia, and Trieste all have international airports.

17. What languages are spoken in Italy?

The official language spoken in Italy is Italian . The country also has a large population of Catalan speakers.

More than 30 different regional languages and dialects are spoken throughout the country. These include Sardinian (primarily spoken on the Italian island of Sardinia), Tabarchino, and Sassarese.

18. How many tourists visit Italy every year?

More than 420 million tourists visited Italy in 2017, the most recent year for which figures are available. Approximately 14 percent of these tourists were from Germany.

American, French, and British tourists accounted for an estimated three percent each. The most popular tourist destination in 2017 was the city of Rome.

19. What are Italy’s most popular landmarks?

The most popular Italian landmark for tourists is the Colosseum in Rome.

Other beloved attractions include Pompeii, the canals in Venice, the Trevi Fountain, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Lake Como, and the Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence.

Tourists flock to the Amalfi Coast, and Vatican City is a particularly treasured pilgrimage site for Catholics. St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice and the Roman Forum in Rome are both inspiring attractions, too.

20. Is Italy a safe place to visit?

Italy is currently ranked as the 34th safest country out of 162 countries studied in recent safety research. It is a safe country for female travelers, and violent crime is extremely low.

The most common safety risk when traveling to Italy is pick-pocketing , and visitors should take care to guard their passports, wallets, and phones carefully. Like other European countries, civilians in Italy are not allowed to own or use guns.

21. What are Italy’s 10 best beaches?

In the 2018 Travelers’ Choice Awards from TripAdvisor, the top 10 highest-rated Italian beaches were:

• Spiaggia dei Conigli (Lampedusa, Sicily)
• Tropea Beach (Tropea)
• La Pelosa Beach (Stintino)
• Cala Goloritze (Baunei)
• Porto Giunco (Villasimius)
• Bay of Silence (Sestri Levante)
• Cala Mariolu (Baunei)
• Spiaggia di Cala Rossa, Isola di Favignana (Aegadian Islands, Sicily)
• Spiaggia di Maria Pia (Alghero)
• Marina Piccola (Capri)

22. What are the most famous events in Italy?

Italy has a number of major festivals throughout the year that visitors can enjoy.

In the winter or early spring, one of the most well-known festivals is Carnevale (Carnival, a celebration similar to Mardi Gras). Celebrated in many towns throughout Italy, the most famous Carnevale festival is in Venice.

In the summer months, visitors may wish to see the Festa della Madonna Bruna , held on July 2nd in the city of Matera. The festival includes a procession through the city and concludes with fireworks. Another beloved festival is La Quintana , a medieval jousting festival held on the first Sunday of August in the town of Ascoli Piceno.

Visitors to the small Sicilian town of Caltagirone should check out the Infiorita Festival that takes place during the last two weeks of May. During the festival, 142 ceramic steps in the town center are covered with floral arrangements. On July 24th and 25th, the stairs are beautifully lit with candle displays in honor of St. James, the town’s patron saint.

Geography Now! Italy Video

Geography of Italy

23. how large is italy.

By land mass , Italy ranks as the 72nd largest country in the world , and nearly 40 percent of the country is comprised of mountainous terrain.

In total, the area of the country is 116,350 square miles (301,340 square kilometers). It is about the size of New Mexico.

24. What World Heritage Sites are in Italy?

In 2017, Italy had 54 UNESCO World Heritage Sites .

49 of these were cultural landmarks, and the remainder were natural sites.

Examples of some of the Italian World Heritage sites include the city of Verona, the Amalfi Coast, Mount Etna (a volcano), the late Baroque towns of the Val di Noto, and the historic city centers of the towns of Florence, Naples, Venice, Siena, Rome, and Pienza.

25. What is Italy’s largest city?

According to the population, the largest city in Italy is Rome . It has a population of nearly 2.4 million people.

26. What are Italy’s major cities?

Major cities in Italy are Rome, Milan, Naples, Turin, Palermo, and Genoa.

Other large cities include Florence, Catania, Bari, and Bologna.

27. How many provinces in Italy?

Italy has 20 regions . These are divided into 110 provinces and 8,101 comuni (municipalities).

28. What is the highest elevation in Italy?

The highest elevation in Italy is at 4,808 meters and is located on Mont Blanc (Bianco), known in English as White Mountain. This mountain is part of the Graian Alps region.

29. Does Italy have a lot of mountains?

Yes, nearly 40 percent of Italy is mountainous.

Some of the most famous mountains in the country include Bianco (Mont Blanc), Monte Cervino (Matterhorn), Breithorn, Gran Paradiso, and Mont Dolent.

30. How many islands in Italy?

The total number of Italian islands is over 450 .

Of these, an estimated 350 are sea islands, 13 of which are archipelagos.

100 of Italy’s islands are classified as lagoon or lake islands, and the nation also has a handful of river islands, including the Isola Tiberina in the Tiber River in Rome.

31. What are the top 10 famous places in Italy?

10 of the most iconic places to visit in Italy include several in Rome. These include:

• Colosseum (Rome)
• Trevi Fountain (Rome)
• Roman Forum (Rome)
• Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano) is famous as the second-largest Catholic cathedral in the world.
• Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence
• Mount Etna volcano in Sicily
• Rialto Bridge in Venice also attract attracts visitors
• Cathedral of Monreale, near Palermo, Sicily, is another iconic spot for tourists
• Leaning Tower of Pisa: no trip to Italy would be complete without a visit to the famous leaning tower of Pisa.
• Ponte Vecchio in Florence. Spanning the Arno River, it is the oldest bridge in the city and dates from 1345.

32. How many national parks in Italy?

Italy has a total of 24 national parks that cover an area of more than 5,843 square miles. The parks are managed by the Ministry of the Environment and account for 5% of the total land mass of Italy.

The list below provides a sample of some of the nation’s most iconic national parks.

• Gran Paradiso National Park (established 1922, Italy’s oldest national park)
• Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga
• Cilento, Vallo di Diano, and Alburni
• Alta Murgia
• Isola di Pantelleria
• Dolomiti Bellunesi
• Cinque Terre

Politics of Italy

33. what type of government does italy have.

The government of Italy is a parliamentary republic form of government, and it has executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

In June 1946, Italy abolished its monarchy, and the country became a democratic republic with its own constitution.

Currently, the leader of the Italian government is President Sergio Mattarella ; he took up that position in 2015.

34. How stable is the current government?

While government stability has declined in Italy over the past three decades, the current government is considered to be quite stable .

35. How many national political parties are in Italy?

In the 2018 general election in Italy, there were 11 major national parties .

These included the Democratic Party, the Five-Star Movement, League, Forza Italia, More Europe, Brothers of Italy, Free and Equal, Together, Power to the People, Popular Civic List, and CasaPound Italy.

Business in Italy

36. what is italy’s largest export.

In 2017, the most recent year for which figures are available, Italy’s largest export was machinery , including computers. This accounted for 19.7% of the country’s total exports.

37. What are Italy’s major exports?

Apart from machinery and computers, Italy’s other major exports include vehicles, electronics, pharmaceuticals, plastics, iron, steel, mineral fuels (including oil), and furniture (including bedding and lighting).

Italy is also a major exporter of non-knitted, non-crocheted clothing.

38. What is the minimum wage in Italy?

In Italy, there is no national minimum wage .

Instead, some economic sectors set minimum wages through unions. The majority of unions have set the minimum wage at approximately seven euros per hour .

39. Who are Italy’s major trading partners?

Germany, China, and France are the countries from which Italy imports the largest amount of goods (approximately 33 percent of all imports).

In terms of exports, Italy exports the majority of its goods to Germany, France, and the United States.

Food in Italy

40. what food is most popular in italy.

One of the most well-known Italy facts is that Italians make exquisite food.

Pizza, spaghetti, lasagna, and gelato are all iconic, beloved dishes up and down the country. To drink, Italians love coffee and wine.

41. What kind of food is traditional in Italy?

Traditional Italian food includes lots of pasta, bread, tomato sauce, and cheese.

Simple pasta dishes such as spaghetti with meatballs or other toppings, pasta with cheese and fresh black pepper, lasagnas with various fillings, pizzas, and hot or cold sandwiches known as paninis are all traditional.

For dessert, tiramisu and gelato are all considered classic dishes from the country.

In the southern part of the country and on the islands of Sicily and Sardinia, traditional cuisine uses a lot of fish and seafood.

42. What can you eat and drink in Italy?

You can eat and drink just about anything in Italy.

While the country loves its traditional favorites, a variety of ethnic cuisine is also served there. For example, you can find restaurants that serve American, Spanish, and Japanese food.

43. What is Italy’s national dish?

One of the lesser-known facts about Italy is that its national dish is actually a sauce . Known as Ragu alla Bolognese (or just Bolognese), it is a tomato sauce with beef meatballs.

44. What is a typical dinner in Italy?

In Italy, lunch is the biggest meal of the day.

Dinner (supper) tends to be lighter. Traditionally, it usually consists of pasta, pizza, or bread and might include some seafood or salad. Today, Italians enjoy trying ethnic cuisine for dinner, so they may eat couscous or even sushi for dinner.

45. What is the most popular drink in Italy?

Both wine and coffee are extremely popular in Italy, so much so that it’s hard to say which is more popular.

Italians love having strong espresso and other coffee throughout the day, even in the evenings, and they often have wine with lunch and dinner.

46. What do the locals eat for breakfast?

Breakfast in Italy is the lightest meal of the day , and it’s normally very simple. For example, it might include toast with jam, some yogurt, or possibly just some fruit.

47. What is the main dish in Italy?

Pizza and pasta are the main dishes in Italy, and they are available in many variations depending on the location you’re in.

In the southern part of Italy, pasta and pizza are normally served with seafood toppings, and in the northern and central parts of the country, heavier cream sauces and beef or chicken are more likely to be used. Olive oil features in most of the main dishes served in the country.

48. What food and drink is Italy famous for?

Italy is famous for its pasta, pizza, coffee, wine, and desserts.

Italians usually group pasta according to length (short or long) and whether they are plain or stuffed. Most pasta are made from white flour, but pasta made from whole wheat and beans are becoming more popular. Some types of pasta are called different names in different regions of the country.

Spaghetti, linguine, vermicelli, and penne are a few of the major pasta types. Pizza in Italy is classified as either a Neapolitan type or a Roman type. The Neapolitan type has a thicker crust, while the Roman type has a thinner crust. Additional distinctions are made between so-called red pizzas (those that have tomato sauce, cheese, and other toppings) and white pizzas (focaccia bread with toppings but without tomato sauce). Some of the most famous coffee drinks in Italy are cappuccino and espresso, and wines include both red and white varieties.

Famous desserts include gelato, tiramisu, and panettone, a sweet Milanese bread served at Christmas.

49. What fruit is Italy famous for?

Lots of citrus fruits grow in Italy, particularly in its Southern areas and in Sicily.

The country has many groves of various citrus fruits, including several different types of oranges, lemons, and limes that are used to make limoncello and other liquors and syrups.

One of the most famous Italian fruits is cedro, known in English as citron . This fruit is sweeter than a normal lemon, and Italians use it on top of bruschetta or in salads.

50. What can you not eat in Italy?

You can find most foods in Italy. However, the country does not typically use ice for drinks, so you may want to bring an ice cube tray from home to make ice during your stay. In smaller towns, it can be difficult to find vegan food options , so those following special diets may need to do some research in advance of their trip.

51. Can I drink the water in Italy?

Yes, the tap water in Italy is completely safe to drink. However, some people who have underlying health conditions or take medication may find that drinking tap water in a foreign country causes stomach upset. If this occurs, bottled water is readily available in stores.

Italy is known for using donkey’s to perform rescues along their rocky cliffs. Learn more about them and their miniature friends .

Language in Italy

52. what are the official languages in italy.

The official language of Italy is Italian. Some sources list Catalan as an additional official language.

If you are heading to Italy on a trip, an Italian phrasebook is a great idea. If you are planning on moving to Italy, you will probably want even more. We’ve had great success with the Pimsleurs Language program.

53. What language are road signs in Italy?

Most road signs in Italy are in Italian only.

However, in some areas, bilingual signs are used. For example, German is included on road signs in South Tyrol (an area where German is widely spoken), and French is included on signs in the Aosta Valley region (an area where French is widely spoken).

On the island of Sardinia, signs are posted in both Italian and Sardinian, the local dialect.

Wildlife in Italy

54. what animals live in italy.

Italy has nearly 5,000 species that are native to the country.

Some of the interesting mammals in the area include the Italian wolf, the Mediterranean monk seal, the Alpine marmot, the Corsican hare, and the Sardinian long-eared bat. The European owl moth is only found in the southern part of the country.

Unique amphibians and reptiles in the nation include the Italian newt and the Italian frog, the brook chub, the Sicilian wall lizard, the Aeolian wall lizard, and the Sicilian green toad.

55. What dangerous animals are in Italy?

Italy has a number of venomous snakes . These include the asp viper and the horned viper.

More of a pest than a danger, the country is also home to processional caterpillars. These caterpillars travel in long lines and only move in groups. They tend to make nests in fir trees.

56. Are there any deadly spiders in Italy?

Yes, both brown recluse and black widow spiders live in Italy, and their bites can cause severe pain. If left untreated, a bite from one of these spiders may be fatal.

The country also has tarantulas and a spider known as the violin spider, both of which are venomous and should be avoided.

Plant Life in Italy

57. what is italy national flower.

One of the most fun facts about Italy that surprises tourists is that there are several national flowers for this country.

Officially, the white lily is the nation’s national flower. However, the traditional and symbolic flower of the country is the white rose . In addition to the white lily, the white poppy also serves as a symbolic religious flower in Italy.

Yet, Italians themselves consider the violet to be the most popular flower symbol in the nation.

58. What types of vegetation are common in Italy?

Italy has three different vegetation zones.

• In the highest zone, mostly around the Alps, commonly seen vegetation includes trees such as the cypress, cherry laurel, evergreen cork oak, and European olive. Shrubs and flowers such as rhododendron, primrose, dwarf juniper, and green alder are also typically seen.
• In the southern portions of the country near the Mediterranean Sea, the holm oak and Aleppo pine trees are plentiful. Olive trees are common, and there are also large quantities of feather grass and white asphodel in the meadows of Calabria.
• In Sicily, papyrus grows as a freshwater plant.

59. What crops are grown in Italy?

In addition to citrus fruits, crops such as potatoes, sugar beets, corn, rice, and wheat are grown in Italy.

National Symbols of Italy

60. what is the symbol of italy.

The national symbol of Italy is the stella d’Italia (star of Italy) .

This symbol dates from ancient times. Today, most Italians associate it with “towered Italy,” an ancient allegorical representation of the country.

61. What is the national tree of Italy?

One of the lesser-known Italy facts is that the country has two national trees .

Both the olive tree and the oak tree are considered to be Italy’s national trees.

62. What is Italy’s national bird?

The national bird of Italy is the Italian sparrow .

63. What is Italy’s national animal?

Many Italians consider the wolf to be the country’s national animal.

Wolves are the most prevalent wild animals in the country. Legend has it that Romulus and Remus, twin brothers credited with the founding of Rome, were both raised by a female wolf who protected them from other animals.

64. What is Italy’s national sport?

Football (known as soccer in the United States) is considered to be Italy’s national sport .

Culture in Italy

65. what are some of the different cultures in italy.

Italy is a multicultural country with diverse customs.

The primary language is Italian, and French, German, and local dialects are also spoken.

Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion and 20 percent of the country is either Muslim, agnostic, or atheist.

Pasta, pizza, olive oil, and seafood are some of the most well-loved foods in the nation.

Italians tend to be very fashionable, and traditional dress is generally worn only for special ceremonies. Traditional dresses tend to be very brightly colored with lots of red and green.

66. What is the population of Italy?

The current population of Italy is just over 59 million.

67. Is Italy’s population increasing or decreasing?

The population of Italy has been decreasing over the last few years.

Between 2017 and 2018, the population decreased at a rate of -0.12 percent. Between December 2018 and February 2019, the population decreased at a rate of -0.13 percent.

68. How many immigrants live in Italy?

Approximately five million legal immigrants currently live in Italy.

69. Where do the immigrants in Italy come from?

The majority (23 percent) of immigrants to Italy are from Romania. Immigrants from Albania, Morocco, China, and Ukraine also make up a large percentage of Italy’s immigrant population.

Italy Immigration and Expat Facts

70. what is the best place to live in italy.

Expats moving to Italy typically need a place that is affordable and that has good English-speaking or international schools. They also need a location that has a high-level of easily-accessible healthcare and resources for families.

With that in mind, the areas listed below are popular choices for many foreigners.

71. What are the requirements to live in Italy? How can I immigrate to Italy?

Americans and non-EU citizens can stay in Italy for 90 days on a tourist visa. To live in Italy longer than that, an individual will normally need to have a job offer in Italy or be a student at an Italian university, a retiree, or a foreigner transferring his or her job to Italy as part of an inter-company transfer.

To immigrate to Italy, you must apply for a visa in advance of your arrival. You can apply at your nearest Italian consulate, and the consulate can provide full details of possible immigration routes that may be available to you.

72. How do you become a citizen of Italy? Is it hard to become a citizen of Italy?

The process of gaining Italian citizenship is long and hard. To become a citizen of Italy, a United States citizen must live in Italy for a minimum of 10 years , and the length of time is similar for nationals of other non-European Union countries.

Beyond that, the path to citizenship can be very complex, and it is best to get personalized advice about your individual immigration situation. Italy allows dual-citizenship with the United States and many other countries.

73. Is it easy to get permanent residency in Italy?

No, it is not easy to get permanent residency in Italy, but the process of doing so is worth it.

Citizens of the European Union must live in Italy continuously for five years before they are eligible to apply for permanent residency in Italy. The time period varies for citizens of non-European Union countries, and it is sometimes longer than five years.

74. How long can I live in Italy?

How long an individual can live in Italy depends on his or nationality and which visa he or she holds.

Generally, citizens of the European Union can live in Italy more easily than non-European Union citizens. One of the most common visas issued by the Italian government is the long-stay visa . This visa is good for 91 to 365 days and is issued for study, work, or permanent residency.

To determine more about how long you can stay in Italy, check your visa status or ask your Italian consulate.

75. How long can I stay in Italy without a visa?

People who travel to Italy for the purpose of tourism will be issued a visa on arrival at the port of entry. For Americans, Canadians, Australians, and others from non-European Union countries, a 90-day stay is the maximum permitted under this visa.

For any other type of visa, including a study or work visa, applications must be made in advance of travel; these visas are not issued at ports of entry.

76. How can I work in Italy?

To work in Italy as a non-citizen, you will need a work permit. To obtain this permit, you must be sponsored by an Italian employer, and they must file all of the necessary papers on your behalf.

Certain jobs are also subject to a quota system that limits the numbers of permits that will be issued for these jobs each year. University professorships and some types of performing arts jobs are exempt from the quota system.

77. What percentage of Italy are immigrants?

Currently, an estimated 8.3 percent of Italy’s total population is comprised of immigrants.

78. How many expats are in Italy?

Today, there are approximately five million expats living legally in Italy.

Holidays in Italy

Understanding the details of these customs will make it easier to plan your trip.

79. What are some popular Italian Christmas traditions?

Italians celebrate Christmas for 12 days. The celebrations start on Christmas Eve (December 24th) and end on Epiphany (January 6th). A fish supper is normally eaten on Christmas Eve, and Babbo Natale (the Italian version of Santa Claus) makes the rounds on this night.

The presepe , an ornate nativity scene, is typically the central focus of most Italian Christmas decorations, and nearly every town has its own presepe display. Traditionally, bonfires are held in town squares throughout the country on Christmas Eve. On Christmas Day, the main meal is meat-based.

80. What are some of Italy’s Easter traditions?

Easter ( Pasqua in Italian) celebrations typically begin during Holy Week, the week before Easter Sunday, and they include large, solemn religious processions. These are held in major cities and small towns across the nation, and the Pope leads a special procession at the Colosseum in Rome.

In the city of Florence, Easter Day is celebrated with a tradition known as the explosion of the cart ( Scoppio del carro ). Just before the Easter Sunday mass, a decorated cart filled with fireworks is taken to the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore by two white oxen. After mass, the priest throws a dove-shaped rocket into the cart, igniting a beautiful fireworks display. This is then followed with a parade by performers dressed in medieval costumes.

Have a fact about Italy to share? Join me in the comments!

Hi, I'm Bryan Haines . And I'm a co-founder of Storyteller.Travel . I'm a traveler and photographer.

I also blog about photography on Storyteller Tech .

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80 Fun, Fascinating, and Interesting Facts About Italy

Looking for the best facts about Italy? Well, look no further, because I’ve put together the ultimate list of fun Italy facts that’ll truly blow your mind!  

For a country that dates back as far as Italy does, it’s no wonder there’s so many weird, wonderful and wanderlust-inducing facts to learn about it. 

It’s jam-packed with thousands of years of history, is home to some of the world’s most famous sights, is the birthplace of many of our favourite foods and sees millions of tourists visit year round for city, seaside and snowfield getaways. 

Italy has it all and more, and these 80 facts about Italy will show you exactly why. 

Now, as the Italians say – Andiamo ! 

Fun Facts About Italy

“Move to Italy. I mean it: they know about living in debt; they don’t care. I stayed out there for five months while I was making a film called ‘Order Of Death,’ and they’ve really got it sussed. Nice cars. Sharp suits. Great food. Stroll into work at 10. Lunch from 12 till three. Leave work at five. That’s living!” – John Lydon, The Sex Pistols.

1) Italy is identifiable on a world map thanks to its distinctive “boot” shape. The island of Sicily looks like a ball the boot is kicking. Italians are fanatics for soccer, so it only makes sense.  

2) Sport is big business in Italy, with football (soccer) being the most popular. The Italian soccer team is one of the world’s best. Italians also excel in Formula 1 and cycling. 

3) Italy is comparable in size to its European neighbours – The Netherlands and Belgium – combined, the UK or for Americans, the state of Arizona. 

4)  The lowest temperature ever recorded in Italy was in 2013. The temperature dropped to -49.6C at mountainous Busa Fradusta Nord in the far north of the country. The highest temperature ever recorded in Italy was in Sicily. The mercury hit 48.5C in 1999.  

5)  Residents of Milan make the most of all Italians, earning an average wage of €36,252 annually. Rome is a close second, clocking in at just over €30,252.

6)  The first shopping mall ever built was constructed in Rome in 110 AD! 

7)  The myth of the “vomitorium” has its roots in Ancient Rome. Many believe that well-to-do Romans vomited in public between meals to make space for more food. The jury is still out on whether these puke parties really happened… 

8)  British literary legend William Shakespeare wrote prolifically about Italy, but it’s commonly believed he never even visited the country! Some of his greatest masterpieces are based in Italy. Romeo and Juliet is set in Verona and The Merchant of Venice takes place in – you guessed it – Venice. Then there’s Julius Caesar , The Taming of the Shrew , Antony and Cleopatra … the list goes on. 

9)  Italians love rubbing a statue for superstitious reasons. In Florence, visitors rub the nose of the boar “Il Porcellino” at the Straw Market in order to return to the city or put a coin in his mouth for good luck. In Verona, tourists rub the statue of Juliet Capulet’s right breast for good luck. In Turin, students rub the little finger of Christopher Columbus’s statue to pass exams. In Pisa, visitors rub the lizard sculpture at the Cathedral for good luck. You get the picture.  

10) In Italy, the number 13 is actually considered good luck. It’s the number 17 that Italians consider bad luck. 

Interesting Facts about Italy

“You may have the universe if I may have Italy.” – Giuseppe Verdi

11) Europe has three active volcanoes, and they are all in Italy! They are Etna, Stromboli and Vesuvius – the latter notorious for burying the city of Pompeii during its 79 AD eruption. But it is actually Mount Etna, on the island of Sicily, that is the most active volcano in Italy. 

12) Italy shares its borders with six countries – France, Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia, San Marino and of course, Vatican City, which lies within Rome. 

13)  Some of the most famous natural and manmade landmarks in the world are located in Italy. These include The Colosseum, The Trevi Fountain, The Vatican, The Spanish Steps (all in Rome), The Leaning Tower of Pisa, The Duomo in Florence, the ruins of Pompeii and the Venice canals. 

14)  Italy has two small countries within it! These are Vatican City in Rome, the headquarters of the Catholic Church, and San Marino in Northern Italy. 

15)  Italy’s population is mostly Christian, with the majority of these identifying as Roman Catholic. 

16)  The coastline is Italy is renowned for its beauty, and stretches almost 8000km. Beautiful locations include the Italian Riviera and the Amalfi Coast, including breathtaking coastal towns Sorrento and Positano. 

17)  Italy also has many stunning islands to explore and is a summer hotspot for visitors from across the globe. Island highlights include Capri, Sardinia, and Elba, which all boast turquoise waters, sprawling beaches, hot summers and a fantastic mix of historical and modern attractions. 

18)  You can see Galileo’s middle finger in Italy – true story! It’s on display at the Museo Galileo in Florence. 

19)  The Trevi Fountain in Rome sees tourists tossing coins every day into the fountain for good luck. The fountains earnings? An annual turnover of 1.4 million Euros, which is collected and split between various causes, including homeless shelters. 

20)  The Italian Mafia’s earnings make up 7% of the countries GDP. 

Italy Facts for Kids

“Un bimbo che non gioca, felicita ne ha poca”. -Italian proverb. (Translation: A child that doesn’t play, has little happiness.)

21)  The currency of Italy is the Euro. It discarded its traditional Lira for the widely used EU currency in 2001. 

22)  Italy has the most number of earthquakes of any country in Europe. 

23)  The wolf is the national animal of Italy. 

24)  The population of Italy is 62 million (as of 2019.) 

25)  The capital city of Italy is Rome. 

26)  The Italian flag is three stripes in red, white and green. These colours symbolise charity, faith and hope (respectively). 

27)  The Italian language is most similar to French, followed by Spanish. While the English language has 26 letters, traditional Italian only has 21. 

28)  Italy cares for cats. They have a “no kill” law, designed to protect homeless and stray cats. Cats are free to roam wherever they find themselves, including around major landmarks like the Colosseum in Rome and all across Venice. There’s also many cat shelters designed to care for those that need it. The most respected Roman shelter is the Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary, which is ironically on the exact site where Julius Caesar died. 

29)  The oldest university in the world is in Italy. The University of Bologna opened in 1088 and still operates today. Italy loves to set records, so it’s no surprise that The University of Rome is actually Europe’s biggest – with 150,000 students!

30)  Italy has more official UNESCO heritage sites than any other country on Earth. There’s currently 53 in Italy alone. 

Food Facts About Italy

“Everything you see, I owe to spaghetti.” – Sophia Loren  

31)  You may be shocked to learn that as much as they love it, Italians didn’t invent pasta! Arab merchants actually brought it to Italy in the 13th century, and it was originally cooked with honey and sugar. Now, there’s over 600 different pasta shapes in existence. 

32)  Pizza was invented in Naples in the 19th century. Raffaele Esposito created the “Pizza Margherita”, which represented the Italian flag colours through its cheese, basil and tomato base. 

33)  Historians believe the early concept of “fast food” started in Ancient Rome. Street vendors sold food everywhere at all hours, and most people of the time ate out instead of at home. 

34)  Gelato is an Italian treasure, and gelateria’s can be found on almost every street corner in most Italian cities. The art of gelato-making takes many years to master, and has been considered a highly skilled trade across Italy for generations. There’s even a university in Italy that trains budding gelato masters! 

35)  Cheese is central to most major Italian dishes, including pizza and pasta, and the country has invented some fantastic cheeses. These include mozzarella, pecorino, Gorgonzola, ricotta, bocconcini and Parmesan. 

36)  There’s a FREE 24 hour operating wine fountain in the wine region of Abruzzo. It’s the creation of a local winery. To Abruzzo!!!

37) The average Italian consumes more than 50 pounds of pasta each year. Most Italians eat pasta at least once a day. 

38) Italy, much like many European countries – especially those in the Mediterranean – treat lunch as their main meal of the day. They take a long lunch and often spend it with their families. 

39) Italian coffee is respected as some of the best in the world, but the addition of milk to most roasts is something only the rest of us do. Italians only drink milky coffees in the morning, with most sticking to black coffee or espresso the rest of the time. 

40) National “Eat Italian Food Day” is every February 13. Mark that one in your calendar. 

Fascinating Facts About Rome

“I found Rome a city of bricks and left it a city of marble.” – Augustus, Roman Emperor 

41)  The nickname for Rome is “The Eternal City”.

42)  Rome was founded in 753 BC by brothers Romulus and Remus. While the beginnings of Rome are still mostly a myth, many landmarks of Rome pay homage to its supposed start through art.

43)  The population of Rome is 2.9 million as of 2019, the largest city population in Italy. 

44)  Rome is home to 280 fountains and 900 churches. 

45)  The toga is often associated with Ancient Rome, but few know it was actually a symbol of status. Only free men who were Roman citizens were entitled to wear the toga, but today…college students all over the world do. 

46)  The life expectancy of those in Ancient Rome was anywhere from 20-30 years. Luckily, times have changed. The average Italian lives until 82 on average. 

47)  The city-state of Vatican City, within Rome, has a permanent population of between 800-1000 residents – the Pope being one of them. This makes it the smallest independent state in the world by population, and its area only covers around 0.17 square miles. 

48)  Rome is a relatively safe city, with offences such as pickpocketing making up the bulk of reported crime. Many pickpockets and thieves operate around popular tourist attractions and landmarks, so be aware of your surroundings at all times. 

49)  The Bocca Della Verità (“Mouth of Truth”) marble sculpture was made famous in the Audrey Hepburn film Roman Holiday, and today many tourists visit to try their luck at inserting their hand into the lion’s mouth, just like Audrey did. Superstition says that he bites off the hand of liars. It’s a fun tradition and centrally located near The Roman Forum. 

50)  Rome has a museum dedicated completely to pasta. I want to go to there. 

Italy Facts About Art & Culture 

“The Creator made Italy by designs from Michelangelo.” – Mark Twain

51)  Italy is famed for its fashion, with many Italian brands now household names. These include Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, Armani, Gucci and Valentino.

52)  Italian artists throughout history are some of the most well known across the globe. Some renowned Italian artists are Leonardo Da Vinci, Michaelangelo, Raphael, Donatello (hello Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 90’s flashbacks) and Botticelli. 

53)  Some of the most famous pieces of art in the world were created by Italian artists and remain in Italy for visitors to enjoy today. The ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in The Vatican is Michaelangelo’s masterpiece, as is the Statue of David, which is on display in the city of Florence. Perhaps the most famous Italian artwork is the Mona Lisa by Leonardo Da Vinci, but that’s on display in The Louvre in Paris. Da Vinci’s Last Supper is also historically important, and on display in Milan. 

54)  Great art in Italy has been the subject of many attempted burglaries or acts of vandalism. In 1981, a Hungarian-Australian vandalised Michaelangelo’s iconic sculpture, Pietà, in Vatican City. Laszlo Toth used a hammer to remove the arm, nose and eyelid of the statue of Mary and Jesus in front of stunned onlookers. Despite this, he only spent two years in a psychiatrist facility in Italy before being deported to Australia. 

55)  While all Italian cities have been the foundation of great art and fashion, Milan has a firm reputation as the cultural epicentre of all things creative. Milan Fashion Week is one of the world’s biggest fashion festivals, and the city was where many of the greats honed their craft. 

56)  Many stars of both classic and modern cinema hail from Italy. Some names you might recognise? Sophia Loren, Isabella Rossellini, Roberto Benigni and Monica Bellucci, for starters.

57)  Some Italian films have bridged the cultural gap and become hits in Hollywood. Probably the most famous Italian language film is Life is Beautiful from 1998. The film scooped the Academy Awards, with director and star Roberto Benigni causing a stir with his chair-leaping theatrics when accepting his Best Actor Oscar. 

58)  Approximately 80% of the world’s recognised pieces of great art are held in Italy. All the more reason to visit! 

59)  Leather production is another craft Italy is world famous for. Italian leather is considered superior to other countries, due to the traditional processes it goes through that have been used for centuries. You can experience the process of leather making in Italy for yourself, with many tanneries running workshops or demonstrations. Florence is a city that prides itself on its leather and you can pick up a genuine leather bag or jacket at a bargain at many of its markets. 

60)  If you’re an art connoisseur, there’s many major museums in Italy that will thrill you. The Uffizi Gallery and Galleria dell’Accademia in Florence, Vatican Museums in Vatican City, The Borghese Gallery & Museum  in Rome and the Museo Egizio in Turin should all be on your list!

Historical Facts About Italy 

“You should see the Colosseum Spaniard. Fifty-thousand Romans… watching every movement of your sword… willing you to make that killer blow. The silence before you strike and the noise afterwards. It rises. It rises up… like a storm. As if you were the thunder god himself.” – Proximo, Gladiator 

61)  The Roman Empire, one of the greatest in all of history, ended in 395 AD after a reign of around 500 years. At its height, the vastness of the Roman Empire spanned 4.4 million km (estimate), and ruled over 57 million people.  

62) Gladiators regularly fought for their lives for the entertainment of Roman leaders. These battles happened across much of the Roman Empire, but many associate Rome’s Colosseum with the most highly regarded events of the time. 

63) While Italy is now a democratic republic, it’s long history has meant it’s seen its fair share of governments. Some names you may recognise include tragic figure Julius Caesar, terrifying dictators Nero and Caligula and self-appointed Emperor, Frenchman Napoleon Bonaparte. 

64) Roman leader and recognisable name even today, Julius Caesar, contributed to the rise of the Roman Empire. But it’s his love triangle between Egyptian Queen Cleopatra – with whom he had one child – and Roman General Mark Antony, that is one for the history books. Caesar was assassinated by several Roman Senators who plotted to overthrow the dictator. 

65) The Emperor Caligula is one of the most feared and insane figures from history – and for good reason. At the height of his power, he murdered or exiled almost all of his family, tortured prisoners and appointed his horse a Senator. It should come as no surprise that he was assassinated at age 29. 

66)  Italy only became one nation as recent as 1861. Before that, after the fall of the Roman Empire, it was a series of kingdoms and independent states.  

67)  The Colosseum was the largest amphitheatre ever built for the time, and seated 50,000 spectators. Its opening in 80 AD was marked by 100 days of games, which included gladiator battles and wild animal fights. For over 400 years, the Colosseum was the centre of entertainment in Rome, before falling into neglect and disrepair. Now it still stands in the heart of Rome as an iconic world landmark and a heavily-trafficked tourist destination. 

68)  The historical eruption of Mount Vesuvius and the subsequent destruction and burial of the ancient city of Pompeii is a famous historical story. But while it was buried under metres of ash and pumice in 79 AD, it wasn’t until 1748 that it was rediscovered. The volcanic debris had preserved much of the town and 2600 of its residents bodies, leaving it frozen in time. Now over 2 million annual visitors make their way to the excavated UNESCO listed city to see the incredible relics for themselves. 

69)  During the First World War (1914-1918), Italy fought on the side of the Triple Entente/Allies (Britain, France and Russia), choosing not to support its ally Germany. However the Second World War (1939-1945), Italy was lead by fascist dictator Benito Mussolini and was part of the “Axis” which included Germany and Japan. 

70)  Benito Mussolini was the Italian Prime Minister From 1922 until 1943. He was executed alongside his mistress and other ministers and officials by partisans in the final days of WW2 in 1945. Their bodies were displayed in Milan for people to hurl stones and spit at. 

Facts About Venice 

“Venice is like eating an entire box of chocolate liqueurs in one go.” – Truman Capote

71)  Venice is a city in the north of Italy that is characterised by a series of 100 small islands surrounded by canals and lagoons. It is on the Adriatic Sea. 

72)  Venice was originally built on its maze of canals and lagoons to protect it from foreign armies. 

73)  Venice has had many nicknames given to it over the years. Just a few include “City of Bridges”, “Queen of the Adriatic”, “The Floating City” and even simply, “City of Water”. 

74)  From around 600 AD to 1797, Venice was its own country, and named The Republic of Venice. When Napoleon became Emperor, this independence came to an end. 

75)  The actual permanent population of Venice is relatively small compared to other Italian cities, with around 60,000 residents. This was once a much larger figure, but with the influx of tourists, the costs to maintain a Venetian home, regular flooding and sinking and overall prices, it is expected that Venice will one at exist only as a tourist attraction and not as a place to live. 

76)  Gondolas are a recognisable part of life in Venice, and there are over 350 in Venice ferrying tourists around in traditional style.

77)  One of the narrowest streets in the world can be found in Venice. It measures just 53cm wide!

78)  Venice’s bridges are also famous, and there are almost 500 across the city. Venice’s bridges to add to your bucket list include the Rialto Bridge and the Bridge of Sighs. 

79)  Venice is slowly sinking, and experts estimate at a rate of 1-2 mm a year. 

80)  Every February, Venice comes alive for “Carnevale”, a fortnight-long celebration where people across the city wear ornate, colourful Venetian masks. This is a centuries old tradition, and draws approximately 3 million tourists to Venice’s shores. 

What are some of your favorite Facts About Italy?

I could literally write thousands more fun Italy facts and figures, but I wanted to keep it under 100! If you think I need to add any specific fact, stat, or figure, please do let me know! Italy is one of my favorite countries in the world (and I even used to live there! 

Planning a trip to Italy or Europe?

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Must-know travel tips for first-timers in Italy

Nov 7, 2016 • 6 min read

Everyone knows Italy – Rome ’s iconic ruins, Tuscany ’s vine-clad hills, Venice ’s romantic waterways. These have all been on traveller's radars for centuries. Add fabulous food and breath-taking scenery, and you have all the ingredients for an unforgettable visit.

But beyond the headline sights, what’s a trip to Italy really like? What’s the best way of getting around? What’s the local etiquette? What should I wear? Here are some practical tips to help you on your way and ensure that your first time in Italy is a truly magical experience.

Eating like an Italian

Whether you’re tucking into hearty farmhouse fare in a Tuscan agriturismo  or a wood-fired pizza in a Naples pizzeria , dining out is one of Italy’s great joys.

And there’s no shortage of eateries, with everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to neighbourhood trattorias, wine bars, cafes and pizzerias. Italians generally eat late, so if you want to fit in, stop for lunch at around 1.30pm and dinner at 8.30 to 9pm – the further south you go, the later they eat.

A full Italian meal consists of an antipasto, a primo (usually pasta or risotto), secondo (main course, typically fish or meat), contorno (side dish), and dolce (dessert). You’re not expected to eat all that, so feel free to mix ‘n’ match when ordering. And when you’ve finished, ask for the bill – it won’t be delivered automatically.

If you like this, try this: Piedmont's top dishes and where to try them

Some other pointers: eat spaghetti with a fork, not a spoon. Never eat bread with pasta, though it’s okay to wipe up any leftover sauce with it. Drink wine with pasta and beer with pizzas. It’s fine to eat pizza with your hands.

Bread and tipping

Italians are not big tippers. Service is generally added to restaurant bills, but if it’s not, a euro or two is fine in trattorias and pizzerias, up to 10% in smart restaurants. Also, expect to pay for pane e coperto (a bread and cover charge) – this is standard and is added even if you don’t ask for or eat the bread.

Tipping in bars isn’t necessary but many people leave small change when ordering a coffee.

If you like this, try this: Italy's coolest city: why Naples is the place to be right now

Italy's coffee etiquette

Stopping at a cafe for a quick coffee is one of the great rituals of Italian life. To do it like a local, first pay at the cash register, then, armed with your receipt, give the barista your order. When it arrives, drink standing at the bar – sitting at a table is fine but takes longer and costs more.

The classic Italian caffè is an espresso – though, the term espresso is hardly ever used in Italy. Cappuccinos are popular for breakfast and are often paired with a fresh cornetto (an Italian croissant). They are never drunk later than mid-morning.

When eating in restaurants, un caffè after dessert is okay, but not with your main meal please.

Italy's museums (and how to skip the line)

Italy’s historic cities are littered with awe-inspiring art and famous buildings, and often sightseeing is just a case of walking the streets. But for top sights like the Colosseum and Vatican Museums in Rome or Florence ’s Galleria degli Uffizi and Gallerie dell’Accademia , entrance queues are the norm.

There are no fool-proof ways of skipping the line – even with a ticket there are still security checks. But you’ll cut waiting time by booking tickets online. Alternatively, try to arrive first thing in the morning or late afternoon when the queues have died down. In the case of the Vatican Museums, Tuesdays and Thursdays are the quietest days.

Museum opening times vary, but many are closed on Mondays. Also, state museums are free on the first Sunday of each month between October and March.

How to dress the part

Appearances matter in fashion-conscious Italy. That said, you’ll have to dress comfortably for sightseeing because you’ll be walking a lot. Practical shoes are a must as cobblestoned streets play havoc with heels and ankles. For the evening, smart casual is the way to go.

At big religious sites, dress codes are strictly enforced. If you want to get into St Peter’s Basilica or St Marks in Venice, play it safe and cover your knees and shoulders.

Cash or card?

While credit cards are widely accepted in most instances,  Italy hasn’t entirely gone plastic . You can’t always rely on cards in museum ticket offices, smaller trattorias (which are often the best ones!), shops and pizzerias.

ATMs (known in Italian as bancomat ) are everywhere and most will accept cards tied to the Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus and Maestro systems.

If you like this, try this:  Spending diary: what I spent on a four-day trip to Rome

Shopping like a pro in Italy

Traditionally, Italian shops have an afternoon break, typically closing between 1pm and 3.30pm. They’ll then re-open until around 8pm. However, this is changing and in big cities, many shops now stay open throughout the day. Some even open on Sunday mornings.

You’ll find the usual cast of chain stores and designer boutiques in Italy, but more interesting are its many small-label fashion boutiques and artisanal craft shops. A good case in point is Giulio Giannini e Figlio in Florence, where they’ve been making marbled paper since the 19th century.

To stock up on picnic provisions, or just to enjoy some local colour, markets such as Campo de’ Fiori in Rome or Venice’s Mercato di Rialto are an entertaining alternative to supermarkets. Similarly, historic delis like La Baita in Bologna and Milan’s Peck are full of tantalising gourmet goodies.

To drive or not to drive?

It’s pointless hiring a car for city travel – traffic is hellish and ZTLs (limited traffic zones) are in force – but if you want to head into the countryside, it’s worth considering.

Italians tend to drive aggressively but once you’ve got used to the tailgaters and tooting, driving here is not as nerve-wracking as it’s often made out to be. Italy's roads are fine and outside the main urban centres, the scenery is often spectacular.

Often harder than driving is parking. Street parking is denoted by white (free) or blue lines. The latter require a ticket from a coin-operated meter or tabaccaio .

Navigating Italy's public transport

Most Italian cities can be explored on foot, but you’ll inevitably need to use Italy's public transport at some point. Tickets, bought from a tabaccaio  (tobacconist's shop) or street kiosk and validated once on board, are generally valid for a set time period. In Rome, for example, a single €1.50 ticket is valid for 100 minutes. During that time you can use as many trams and buses as you like and take one metro journey.

If you’re staying in a city for a number of days, a travel pass will probably save you money. In Venice, a single journey on a vaporetto (water bus) costs an eye-watering €7.50, but various passes are available, starting at €20 for 24 hours.

Brush up on your italiano, mi amore

You’ll have no trouble getting by with English, but a few Italian words and expressions will help you on your way. This is particularly true in restaurants where menus don’t always have translations and some places rely on waiters to explain things.

Some essential phrases:

- Hello Ciao

- Goodbye Arrivederci

- Please Per favore

- Thank you Grazie

- Do you speak English? Parla inglese?

- I’d like to reserve a table for two at eight o’clock Vorrei prenotare un tavolo per due per le otto.

This article was first published November 2016, last updated August 2019.

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Italy Travel Guide

Your ultimate italy travel guide, with tips, ideas on things to do, and best things to see in italy. great for first-time and returning travelers..

Located in southern Europe, Italy is a Mediterranean country bordered by three seas (Adriatic, Tyrrhenian, and Ionian).

Known as the birthplace of Western culture, Italy is a stunning country affectionately referred to as the  Bel Paese (the beautiful country) .

A country full of history and beauty, it is a must-see for travelers.

From Unesco World Heritage Sites like the ruined city of Pompeii to coastal beauties like the Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre, Italy is a great place for those who want to experience something different.

Add in great Italian cuisine and it makes a perfect vacation.

Get inspired to visit Italy and plan your dream trip with our Italy travel guide .

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Table of Contents

Fast Facts About Italy

• Currency:  The official currency is the euro and 1 euro is equal to 1.12 USD.
• Power:  Power voltage is 220V at 50 Hz.
• Entry:  To enter, you will need a U.S. passport valid for at least 6 months after your departure date.
• Getting Around : The best way to get around is by public transport or renting a car but beware, Italians are hairy drivers!
• Sales tax:  The value-added rate (VAT) rate is 20%. 
• Best Sim Cards:  TIM, Vodafone, WindTre, and Iliad are the main mobile providers. A prepaid SIM card can be purchased through any of them.
• The Capital City of Italy is Rome  – See the  Best Things to do in Rome

Things to See and Do in Italy

• Off the Beaten Path  – step outside of Rome and explore the many villages that surround Italy’s capital.
• Hike Mount Etna:  Take your adventure to a new level by climbing Italy’s highest Volcano.
• Learn How to Make Traditional Balsamic Vinegar   – sold for up to $100 US for 100 ml, learn all about the ins and outs of making this delicious Italian vinegar.
• Meet David on a Walking Tour of Florence  – get introduced to the beauty of Florence and be catapulted to the front of the line to see the famous statue of Michelangelo’s David
• Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa  – Pisa may be crowded with tourists, but this is one sight you do not want to miss.
• Explore Romagna  – not only is Romagna home to Pavarotti, Enzo Ferrari, Ferrucio Lamborghini but it is also the gastronomical capital of the country.
• Explore the Vatican Museums : When in Rome you can’t miss Vatican City and these museums. Even if you are not a history buff you will be blown away by the beauty of this part of Rome.
• Explore the Italian Riviera : From hiking the famous Cinque Terre trail to relaxing on Sestri Levante beach, this is what Italian luxury is like. A visit to the Italian riviera is a perfect way to spend a week in Italy.

Italy Travel Guides

• Best Things to do in Rome
• Best things to do in Venice
• Best Things to do in Florence
• The Best Things to do in Amalfi Coast
• 15 Reasons to visit Emilia Romagna
• Best Things to do in Bologna

Accommodation

Budget: You can find a number of budget hotels in Italy for around 30-40 euros per night. Enjoy free Wi-Fi and breakfast, private rooms, and great city locations. 

Mid Range: For mid-range hotels, expect to pay between 50-80 euros per night. Enjoy private air-conditioned rooms, indoor and outdoor pools, a hotel restaurant and bar, and free Wi-Fi.

High End: Upscale hotels will range from 150-1,220 euros per night.

Take in the best with top-of-the-line hospitality, elegant rooms and suites, spa services, indoor and outdoor pools, multiple fine dining restaurants, fitness centers with personal trainers, private balconies, and more.

If you intend to visit Italy for food you won’t be disappointed.

Italian cuisine is famous for pasta, tomatoes, cheese, fish, and meat.

While many might think that spaghetti and meatballs are the traditional dish of Italy, this is not true, and in fact, is rarely eaten in Italy (except for tourist places).

The national dish is Ragu alla Bolognese Sauce (meat-based sauce served in tortellini, gnocchi, or tagliatelle pasta). Other favorites include pizza, lasagna, and bottarga (cured fish roe).

There are a number of restaurants where you can try authentic Italian cuisine, as well as cafes.

Try a cappuccino for about 1.34 euros (but remember, if you want to follow tradition, it is custom not to drink one after 10 or 11 AM).

In total, expect to pay about 10-20 euros per meal for most restaurants, or 50 euros per meal for three-course restaurants.

The Best Ways To Get Around Italy

Getting to Italy: The Leonardo de Vinci-Fiumicino Airport is one of the busiest airports to fly into and is 20 miles from the city center.

The Malpensa International Airport is great when going to Milan and is a 20-40 minute train ride to the city of Milan.

Transportation: Trains are a fast way to get around. You can find trains both for regional trips as well as between cities. High-velocity trains are a speedy and fairly inexpensive way to travel throughout Italy.

Go from Rome to Florence in 2 hours, for example, and pay just 25 euros.

Buses : Italy has a number of buses for shorter trips, as well as metro services in larger cities like Rome and Milan. Tickets start at 1-2 euros.

Make sure to purchase your tickets before boarding or you can get a fine up to 100 euros.

Taxis:   Taxis are an alternative way to get around. You can hail one down or call for a taxi, though note that if you call, the meter starts running once you call.

A typical price for a taxi is about 15 euros, depending on the distance .

Car Rental :   To rent a car, you must be at least 21 years old and have a U.S. license as well as an International Driver’s License. It is advised that you know the rules of the road before driving in Italy.

Prices start at around 55 euros per day. But you can find great deals for car rentals too so look around.

When to go to Italy

The best time to visit Italy is from April to June and September to October.

July and August are usually quite crowded, and hotel rates are at their peak, whereas spring and early autumn have lower prices and the temperatures are neither too hold or too cold for outdoor and sightseeing activities.

If you are spending most of your time in the north then I would definitley say the best time to visit would be during the fall and winter. You have fewer crowds but great mountain activities like skiing.

Where to Stay in Italy

Hotel Italia: A traveler favorite, stay at this great hotel in Rome. Just 9 minutes from multiple airports and minutes away from numerous attractions (including the famous Trevi Fountain), this is the place to stay.

Acca Palace : Stay at this four-star modern hotel in Milan. Sleep in private suites with a balcony and a minibar and enjoy amenities like room service, dry cleaning and laundry services, the hotel’s restaurant and bar, free high-speed Wi-Fi, and transportation to the airport.

San Gallo Palace—Florence: Just 30 minutes from the Florence airport and minutes from attractions like the Florence Cathedral and the Uffizi Gallery, this hotel puts you in the heart of everything.

Italy Accommodation Guides

• Where to Stay in Rome
• Where to Stay in Venice
• Where to Stay in Florence
• A Luxury Tuscan village
• 15 Best Italian Coastal Villages

What to Pack for Italy

Similar to many European countries, the climate of Italy is highly diverse depending on where you plan on traveling.

If you are spending your time on the Amalfi coast you will be packing differently than if you are up in the Italian Dolomites.

Considerable differences in temperatures between the north and south are more prominent during the winter months.

Winters are cold and damp in the north and milder in the South.

However, most of Italy has hot dry summers with July being the hottest month of the year.

• Toiletries –  beauty items and toiletries can be expensive in Italy if you want to save some money than pack some extra in your bag.
• Blend in  – Italians love to dress up, so why not pack some basic classic items that you can mix and match throughout your trip. Try to avoid baseball caps and white sneakers.
• Wedges  – Italy is known for its cobblestone streets. If you want to pack a fancy pair of heels for a classy night out on the town than stick with wedges over stilettos. Wedges allow you to walk smoothly over the cobblestone.
• Layers  – this is especially important for those traveling throughout Italy during the winter months. The general rule of thumb is to pack at least four layers: a base layer,  long sleeve shirts, a fleece (mid-layer) and a top layer such as a windbreaker. Don’t forget a warm pair of gloves, a thick scarf, and a hat!

Italy Travel Guide: Best Booking Resources

Whenever we travel to Europe we make sure to start with these companies.

We have tried a lot of different ones over the years and all of these have consistently proven to be the best when it comes to offering great prices as well as great customer service. 

We have used every one of these personally and continue to do so.

Booking.com : This is our go-to site when comparing prices for accommodation. It is usually and has the cheapest prices, especially in Europe and we love their interface. Not to mention you get free cancellation and you are guaranteed the best price.

Trip Advisor : What we like about Trip Advisor is that we can look at all the reviews and then book our accommodation. TripAdvisor is where we go when we want to compare prices with multiple accommodation providers.

Air BnB: Airbnb is the main search engine we use when we are looking for a home or apartment rental. It can sometimes be cheaper than hotels and it is the best way to stay in areas that offer a more local feel.

Hostelworld: With one of the largest databases of hostels in the world, Hostelworld is the go-to site when you are looking for budget accommodation.

Skyscanner: This is the first place we check for flights. It consistently comes back with the cheapest and best options. It allows us to compare a lot of airlines to get the best price.

Rome 2 Rio: If you want to see how to get somewhere by plane, train, bus, ferry, or car Rome2Rio lays it all out for you as well as related costs. I love how they show it all to you on a Google Map and it works offline.

Get Your Guide: For all your day trip and city guide needs, we use Get Your Guide. It has the world’s largest collection of things to do with more than 30,000 activities in 7500 destinations.

World Nomads Insurance: When traveling to Italy you should always have travel insurance. We have found the best bang for your buck is by far World Nomads.

Italy Travel Guide: Related Articles

Where to Stay in Venice, Italy in 2024: 5 Best Areas for First-Time Visitors

23 Best Things to Do In Sicily, Italy in 2024

Best Florence In One Day Itinerary for 2024: How To See the Most In 24 Hours

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Italia. Open to meraviglia.

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Aosta Valley

The Aosta Valley is a paradise for visitors seeking outdoor experiences in nature while exploring history and traditions The smallest region in Italy, dotted with the highest peaks in the Alps, it is the ideal destination for anyone who enjoys winter sports and high-altitude walks. Its green valleys and fairy-tale castles make the Aosta Valley an enchanting place to experience all year round.

Piedmont is sure to enchant you with its mountains, hills, typical flavours and uniquely elegant cities An extraordinary heritage of art and history, culture and nature, characterises Piedmont, a region with a thousand faces, one more interesting than the other: cities of rare elegance, mountains that lend themselves to splendid skiing or walking, fascinating villages, hills that are among the best known in the world for their extraordinary wine production.

Lombardy: a dynamic land immersed in the present and reaching toward the future, but with an extraordinary heritage of art and nature Lombardy is a region in the north of Italy known for its industry and finance, of course, but also for its art and extraordinary landscapes, starting with the picturesque lakes and its mountains, Valcamonica and Valtellina in primis. Capital and symbolic city, Milan represents the industrious heart that goes hand in hand with other cities with a vibrant spirit.

Trentino is sure to amaze you with its immense natural heritage, the spectacular splendour of the Dolomites and fascinating sites steeped in history Discover Trentino’s culture of slow travel, taking the time to savour every corner among nature and cultural trails and educational farms. You will find hundreds of hotels offering wellness centres for truly relaxing holidays for the whole family in some of Italy's most beautiful villages, set in unique landscapes.

South Tyrol

Alto Adige is a dream place to discover all year round amidst green valleys and snow-capped peaks Combine the relaxation of spa treatments with the pleasure of fun in the snow for a real wellness boost amidst Alpine lakes, beautiful villages and state-of-the-art ski facilities suitable for all ages. All this and more in the majestic scenery of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Alto Adige.

Veneto, a region of wonder, with cities of art of undisputed beauty, as well as the most pristine nature The beauty of Lake Garda, the charm of the Dolomites, the sea of Jesolo, the hills covered with vineyards and the relaxing thermal baths, on top of an immense artistic and historical heritage, elegant cities such as Venice and Verona, quaint villages and breathtaking landscapes. Veneto is all this and much more.

Friuli-Venezia Giulia

Friuli-Venezia Giulia Friuli Venezia Giulia: a treasure chest nestled between sea and mountains A border region sandwiched between the Friulian Dolomites and the Upper Adriatic, blessed with an immense cultural heritage resulting from the influence of different cultures and peoples, cosmopolitan and modern, Friuli Venezia Giulia will also seduce you with its temptations of relaxation, sport and fun.

Tucked-away villages, secret little beaches and superb nature: how enchanting Liguria is! Liguria is a wonderful strip of land enclosed between the sea and the mountains, with pastel-coloured houses and breathtaking views. With lush unspoilt nature, many small towns to discover and an incomparable culinary tradition, it enraptures the eye and the heart.

Emilia Romagna, a region of unrivalled charm, with immense artistic beauty and unparalleled hospitality Emilia Romagna with its Riviera Romagnola offers beach tourism that attracts families and young people to its shores every summer. Rich in sites of historical and cultural interest, this region boasts a world-renowned wine and food tradition. Skilful hospitality does the rest, making Emilia Romagna an ideal holiday destination in every season. Video credits: Oliver Astrologo

Tuscany will win you over with its unique landscapes, cities of art, thousand-year-old history and fantastic food Tuscany’s magical atmosphere evolves day by day as you stroll around the cities of art, cycle in the parks, enjoy the sea or savour its typical products, in a region with a one-of-a-kind natural, cultural and historical heritage that has fascinated visitors for centuries.

From Assisi to Perugia, via Gubbio, Lake Trasimeno and Marmore Falls: Umbria is a truly enchanting tourist destination Peaks covered in lush forests and large valleys outlined by rivers, lakes and waterfalls; sorrounded by villages and castles, crossed by paths steeped in history, art and culture, in a natural environment that helps to restore the body and soul: Umbria, the Green Heart of Italy, is all this and much more.

Le Marche, a plunge into the history, art and architecture of a region with the scent of the sea and redolent of traditions and hospitality A great variety of landscapes and an infinite range of colours that make the area's natural beauty incomparable, plus an artistic heritage that fears no comparison: this is how the Marches, with an area of no more than 10,000 square kilometres, will captivate you forever.

Sardinia: a journey to the island of the emerald sea, nuraghi, unspoilt nature and millenary traditions Crystal-clear waters, beaches of soft, white sand, granite rocks framed by wild, fragrant Mediterranean scrub: welcome to Sardinia, an island of a thousand contrasts that will also seduce you with its unique archaeological heritage and its people's innate sense of hospitality.

Lazio is not only Rome: landscapes and monuments of Lazio Rome, the capital of Italy and a unique open-air museum in the world, is enough to make Lazio one of the most beautiful and interesting regions. Even in terms of landscape, it boasts an area of great impact and remarkable variety, with its long coastline, beautiful hills and Apennine mountains. A destination to fall in love with.

Abruzzo, a journey through history between sea, mountains, flavours and unspoilt nature in parks and protected areas A region in central Italy, Abruzzo has two souls and one heart. Predominantly mountainous and hilly, it overlooks a beautiful stretch of the Adriatic Sea. Here, you will find the highest peaks of the Apennines, such as the Gran Sasso and the Majella massif, as well as the only Apennine glacier, but also some of the most popular beaches.

Campania offers landscapes, history, culture and a gastronomic tradition that the whole world envies A consistently mild climate, lush nature framing breathtaking landscapes, unspoilt villages and fairy-tale coastlines: this is Campania, a region that sums up centuries of cultures, between West and East, in a single Mediterranean jewel known for its unparalleled hospitality. A destination for the soul, the eyes and the palate.

Molise, a tiny region with grandiose landscapes: come and discover its history and culinary tradition Molise is a region steeped in history, characterised by numerous tasty food and wine delicacies, but also by rich nature reserves and villages that seem crystallised in history. A destination yet to be discovered, amid marvellous seashores and breathtaking high cliffs

Apulia: the sunny region between two seas and warm hospitality in places rich in history Located in the heart of the Mediterranean, it is a magical combination of artefacts, history, art and unspoilt nature, amidst beautiful coastlines and picture-postcard landscapes. This is Puglia, a region of golden beaches and crystal-clear waters, intense flavours and fascinating destinations: Castel del Monte, the trulli, the islands passing through towns kissed by a unique and unforgettable light.

Basilicata, a region of ancient origins, suspended between two seas and with mountains of great beauty Basilicata is a region where the passage of man has left its mark since prehistoric times. With the ancient name of “Lucania”, it is enriched by an incredible artistic heritage. Not to mention its never-boring panorama, which ranges from the Lucanian Dolomites to the Pollino Park, passing through two seas.

Calabria is the region of crystal-clear sea, the Riace Bronzes, Reggio Calabria and Capo Vaticano, a captivating mix of history and beauty Calabria, also known as the tip of the Italian boot, is a region in Southern Italy characterised by the incredible diversity of its landscapes, with the proximity of mountains to a splendid sea that attracts tourists from all over the world.

A dive into Sicily, where a sea of art, culture and nature will seduce you and become eternal love A predominantly hilly and mountainous area, but one that wins the hearts of tourists from all over the world with its wonderful sea and rich cities with a charm all their own. Sicily is a picture-postcard island characterised by the indelible marks of the people who have lived there and made it unique, amidst artistic and cultural testimonies of enormous value.

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Region of Italy

Ultimate Travel Guide

Italy is an iconic and highly sought-after vacation destination. It initially draws visitors in with its promise of a rich cultural heritage, a decadent and flavorful cuisine, outstanding landscape views, and countless awe-inspiring monuments and museums. Though what keeps people coming back year after year are the immeasurable and indescribable facets of Italian culture, such as local traditions, lively festivals, and the warm nature and vivacity of the Italian people. This makes a trip to Italy the quinessential vacation spot in all of Europe.

Covering only 100,000 square miles, Italy is home to more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other country in the world. This achievement is reflective of the sheer volume of world history that Italy houses. Within Italy’s famous boot-shaped borders are 20 regions, which are home to the country’s 60 million inhabitants, as well as two states – The Republic of San Marino and Vatican City. The Italian population is vastly spread out, with Rome and Milan being the only two cities in the country with more than 1 million residents. Nearly 50 million tourists visit Italy annually, thanks to the country’s many amazing attractions, which include more than 90,000 historic churches, 40,000 ancient castles, and over 3,000 historic gardens.

Flying over all of Italy is the green, white, and red flag, which stands as a symbol of pride and passion for the history and culture of Italia .  The current flag was adopted in 1948, when Italy adopted its present republican form of government and  though many theories have surfaced over the years as to why these colors were chosen to represent Italy.  Many Italians believe that the tricolore , or three-colored flag, represents hope (green), faith (white), and love (red)- apt words to describe such a bel paese , “beautiful country.”

GEOGRAPHY & CLIMATE

In its simplest terms, Italy’s geography is defined first by hills, then by mountains, and lastly by plains. Often called the stivale , or boot, Italy shares its borders with four European countries – France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia. The other three sides of the country are bordered by the sapphire waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Its varied geography and identity as a peninsula allows for a wide array of activities and landscape views to be had throughout the country. From snowcapped mountains, to soft, sandy beaches, to rolling countryside, Italy offers a little bit of everything.

Coastal locales are a big draw for many in Italy. Two major islands off the coast – Sicily and Sardinia – belong to Italy, as well as more than 15 archipelagos all throughout the Mediterranean, most notably the Aeolian Islands, the Tuscan Archipelago, and the Archipelago Campano. The coasts of Italy are washed by the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Ionian Sea, and the Adriatic Sea, making it a fantastic destination for sea lovers and those wanting a stunning coastal experience.

For those who are interested in mountainous views and those seeking a wonderful place for Italy ski trips , the Italian Alps are unparalleled. Located along Italy’s Northern borders, this section of the Alps offers fantastic views, quaint ski resorts, and the tallest mountain in all of Europe, Mont Blanc located in Aosta Valley . In addition, Italy is home to the Apennine Mountains. These are the “spine” of Italy, as they run along the length of the country’s peninsula.

With abundant mountains come many valleys and rivers that run through them. In Italy, there are three main rivers, including the Arno, the Tiber, and the Po – the longest river in Italy. In addition to rivers, Italy has three main lakes that are popular attractions. They are Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake, Lake Como , the deepest lake in the country, and Lake Maggiore , which is home to the famous Borromee Islands.

The climate in Italy is typical of the Mediterranean – temperate, with little humidity, and a generally warm temperature except for hot summers. Throughout winter, temperatures in the Northern part of the country (closer to the Alps) can be cold, however the sea that surrounds Italy generally helps keep the temperatures mild to moderate. The country is also home to two micro climates – glacial in the very highly elevated areas in the Northern Alps, and subtropical in the South around areas such as Sardinia , Sicily, and Calabria , where the country’s borders are closer to Africa.

WHEN IN ITALY

Italy is a country that is best experienced on the streets. Walking and strolling the cities is not only a cultural norm for locals, it is the best way to truly be immersed in the area and to enjoy the sites. In some of Italy’s greatest cities, such as Rome and Florence , walking is the best way to connect with locals, find unique activities, and experience unexpected portions of the cities that are not typically considered.

Another ideal way to enjoy Italy is by eating and drinking the local creations. Drinking wine is, of course, a daily pleasure in the Italian culture. As one of the world’s premiere wine producing areas, every glass of  vino  served in Italy is a representation of the art of traditional winemaking. Gelato is another food that Italians are masters of. Crafting the perfect gelato is considered an art, and locals enjoy it not just for dessert, but also for any time of day. Other must-try foods include panini , an Italian sandwich, pizza, and of course, pasta. Enjoy an aperitivo , an Italian happy hour of sorts, where locals gather at bars or taverns to share a cocktail and finger foods, such as crostini, meats, and cheeses. A visit to one of Italy’s charming bistros, wonderful restaurants, or quick food carts to enjoy any of the quintessentially Italian foods that make the cuisine so delightful is the best way to taste Italy. Food is the language of love in Italia . Each meal in Italy is a way for people to connect with one another and enjoy the company of close friends and family.

Whether having an aperitivo , walking around the cobblestone streets, talking with locals, or enjoying a glass of wine with dinner at a local café, the spirit and passion of Italy is palpable, thanks to the vibrant people, long history, and rich culture that makes Italy one of the best countries in the world.

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Sicily Erice Cassata Typical Dessert Food

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Italy Facts

Interesting facts for kids.

Here are some interesting Italy Facts which were chosen and researched by kids especially for kids.

• Population : About 59 million people live in Italy (2024)
• Capital : Roma (Rome) with 4.3 million inhabitants
• Name : Repubblica Italiana (Italian Republic) or simply: Italia , Nickname: ' Bel Paese ' which means beautiful country
• Government : Democracy, Republic
• Language : Italian. Official minority languages are German, French and Ladin in some regions in Northern Italy
• Literacy : More than 98% can read and write
• Religion : mainly Christians (80%, of theses most are Roman Catholics)
• Currency : 1 euro = 100 cents, before 2001: Italian lira

• History : Rome was founded in 753 BC by the twins Romulus and Remus. The Roman Empire was founded in 27 BC and Augustus Caesar proclaimed himself emperor of Rome in 31 BC. After the Roman Empire broke down in 395 AD, there were many separate kingdoms and city states. Italy became one nation only in 1861. Since then the country also includes the islands of Sicily and Sardegna. The 'Kingdom of Italy' lasted from 1861 until 1946. During the Second World War, Italy's Prime Minister Benito Mussolini sided with the German Nazi regime. The Italian Republic was formed in 1946.

• Prime Minister : Giorgia Meloni (since 2022)
• National Day : 2 June ( Festa della Repubblica )
• National Symbols : Italian grey wolf (national animal), red rose or white lily (national flowers) and the white five-pointed star with a thin red border line

• Flag : 'Tricolore' with green, white and red coloured vertical bands. The flag colours are said to represent these virtues: hope (green), faith (white), and charity (red)

Italy Facts Where is Italy?

Italy is a country in Southern Europe. The country is located on a peninsula in the Mediterranean Sea.

The Adriatic Sea borders the eastern side of the peninsula while the Ligurian Sea and the Thyrrenian Sea border the western coastline of Italy. The Ionian Sea is to the south of the peninsula.

Italy  borders six countries: France , Austria , Switzerland , Slovenia, Vatican City and San Marino. Both, Vatican City and San Marino, are enclaves within Italy as you can see on the map.

The country is eas y to recognize on any world map, as the country is shaped like a high-heeled boot, as yo u can see on the map above. The island of Sicily could be imagined as a ball, so that it looks like the boot is kicking a ball, don’t you think?

Italy is slightly larger in size than the three countries of the UK, the Netherlands and Belgium combined or about as big as the state of Arizona/ USA.

A flight to Italy's capital city Rome takes roughly 2.5 hours from London/ UK and about 8 hours from New York/ USA.

Italy Facts | Italy Geography

Italy has more than 7,600 km/ 4,722 miles of coastline as the peninsula is located for a large part in the Mediterranean sea.

Italy is popular for its many picturesque ports, scenic lakes and sandy beaches. 

Italy has two bigger islands, Sicily to the south and Sardegna to the west.

Two islands of Italy, Lampedusa and Lampione, are located far to the south and are closer to Africa than to Italy. Both islands are on the African continental shelf.

There are many smaller islands such as Capri, Ischia and Elba which are all to the west of mainland Italy.

The main cities in Italy are Roma/Rome, Milano/Milan, Firenze/Florence and Napoli/Naples.

The Alps and the Apennines are the two main mountain ranges in Italy. About 40% of the country is covered by hills and mountains.

In the North, the mountain range of the Alps separates Italy from the other European countries France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia.

The highest mountains of Italy can be found in the Alps. The Dolomites are a part of the Alps mountain range in Italy's north and many of the peaks are above 3,000 m/ 9,843 ft high!

There are many lakes in northern Italy, in the centre of the country, the landscape flattens, this flat area is called the Po Valley. 

The Apennines mountain range run all the way down the boot and separates the eastern and the western regions of Italy.

And did you know that in Italy, there are still active volcanos?

In the South of Italy you will f ind Italy’s three active volcanoes: Vesuvius near Naples, Etna on Sicily and Stromboli off the Coast of Italy.

Italy Facts | Italy Geography Superlatives

Here are some fascinating Italy facts that are always good to know:

• Italy's largest island  is Sicily. This island is also the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea.
• The biggest city of the country is Rome  with 4.2 million people.
• The highest mountain peak in Italy is Monte Bianco , better known as Mont Blanc, which is 4,807 m or 15,776 ft. high.
• The longest river in Italy is the Po River in Northern Italy with a length of 652 km/ 405 miles.
• Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy. It is located in northern Italy and famous for the winds that attract many surfers to its shores.
• The longest border to any neighbouring country is shared with Switzerland. This border is 698 km/ 434 miles long.
• The Etna is the most active volcano in Europe . It is located on the island of Sicily.

And again, remember, Italy surrounds two of the world’s smallest countries!  These are San Marino in Northern Italy, which is also the oldest republic in the world, and Vatican City in Rome, the smallest country in the world. 

Read about the most famous landmarks in Italy on our separate page here.

Italy Facts  Italy Attractions for Kids

• Rome : Italy's capital city is a wonderful place to learn about the Romans and ancient history. There are so many historic sites in the city that is nicknamed 'Eternal City' and you must visit historic monuments as as the Foro Romano  (Forum Romanum) with its ancient Roman ruins or the Colosseo.

• Venice : This Northern Italian city is often referred to as 'Lagoon City' or 'The City of Masks'. The Italian name of the city is Venezia. Venice is famous for its canals, bridges and gondolas. The city is built on 120 islands and is known for its colourful carnival. 

• Pisa : The city on the river Arno is famous for its duomo and the leaning tower. One just must experience the Leaning Tower of Pisa which dates back to the 12th century. The bell tower of the main cathedral of the city is as fascinating as the colourful decorated churches. 

• Ravenna : The city is famous for the ancient colourful mosaics that decorate the city's churches. The extensive mosaic decorations date back to the 5th century and are fascinating artworks to explore. The city was once on of the main centres of Roman Christian art.

• Tuscany : The Tuscany is a popular tourist region with scenic countryside in central Italy. The rolling hills invite for hiking trips and there are lovely medieval towns such as San Gimignano, Lucca or Montepulciano. The capital of the Tuscany region is Florence.

• Florence : This city in Tuscany called Firenze in Italian is known for its arts museums and historic churches, Renaissance art and architecture. Many of the great Italian artists such as Michelangelo or Leonardo da Vinci once lived in this city.

• Dolomites/Dolomiti and Italian Alps : The provinces in Northern Italy are renowned for fabulous skiing, hiking and mountainside holidays. You should also to visit South Tyrol's capital Bolzano. In the city’s Natural History Museum you can marvel at Oetzi, a mummy from the Ice-age.

• Alberobello : This small town is located in Apulia ( Puglia in Italian). This town in southern Italy is known for its historic stone huts with cone hat-roofs. These unique houses are called  trulli.

Read here about the most famous Italian landmarks and attractions here.

Italy Facts | Italian People

Italy is quite densely populated, with most people living in the country's northern regions. The Po Valley, also referred to as Padan Plain, is an area with many industrial centres. Almost half of Italy's population live in the Po Valley. The Po Valley's biggest cities include Milan (Milano), Modena, Turin (Torino) and Verona.

Milan is the main industrial centre of Italy and also known to be one of the world's fashion capitals.

Italians lead a modern lifestyle especially in the urban centres but they also celebrate century-old cultural traditions. Famous festivals that are celebrated annually are the carnival celebrations before Lent. In Venice, these are said to originate in the 12th century.

The Palio in Siena is dating back to 1644 when the first horse race in the city's main square was held.

And of course, Italians love soccer! The admittedly quite brutal  Calcio  storico  match is still played and celebrated in Florence once a year. C alcio  means soccer in Italian.

The Italian soccer league is followed by many Italians abroad too: Inter Milan, Lazio Roma and Juventus Turin are just some of the Italian soccer teams which are favoured by Italians.

Soccer, skiing, cycling, surfing or motor racing are just some of the sports Italians have very strong interest in.

The family is very important for Italians, where there are still many big families including grandparents, parents and children in the household.

Italians love their food, which is usually prepared freshly by ' la mama ', the mother, or the nonna , the grandmother. 

In the afternoon or evening it is common to meet up with family and friends on the piazza. The piazza is the main square of the village or town. 

Italy Facts | Famous Italians

Italians are famous for their inventions and discoveries. The Italian explorers Christopher Columbus and Amerigo Ves pucci explored many places in the Americas while Marco Polo travelled extensively in Asia.

Leonardo da Vinci was a scientist and artist who was the first to prove the world is round and not flat.

Alessandro Volta, was the prioneer who did studies in electricity, hence the name 'Volt' describing a unit of electricity.

Did you know that Italians also invented the piano and the thermometer?

More Italy Facts about Famous Italians for Kids: Explorers, Inventors and more

Italy Facts | Italian Language

Italian is a Romance language and the language roots are in the Latin language. Italian is very close to French, as 89% of the vocabulary are shared, and 82% is shared with the Spanish vocabulary.

Italian is an official language not only in Italy but also in Switzerland, San Marino and Vatican City.

The Italian alphabet consists of 21 letters only. The letters j, k, w, x and y do not exist, except for lean words, that means words that originate in another language. 

Italy Facts: 10 useful Italian words and terms

• ciao -  hello
• grazie - thank you
• prego - please, you are welcome
• bene - good
• come stai ? - how are you? (informal, with family and friends)
• sì  - yes
• scusami - excuse me
• ho fame - I am hungry
• ho sete - I am thirsty

The pronunciation is soft and very melodic and so the language is used in opera and also popular by young pop music artists. 

Most young people in Italy learn to speak English, French or German in school.

In remote rural villages in Italy's northern regions, some of the older people, however, do only speak a little Italian and still mainly use a regional language such as German in the Alto Adige or French in the Valle d’Aosta or the unique Ladino  (Ladin) language in the Trentino.

Italy Facts | Italy Economy

Italy is one of the original six founding countries of the European Union  with Germany, France, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Read more about the European Union here.

Italy's extreme northern regions and most parts in Southern Italy are used for agriculture. In the North the main produce are dairy products and grains, while in the south mainly fruits and olives are harvested.

Italy also has a lot of industry especial in the country's north around Milan. Among the famous Italian brands are: Ferrari, Lamborghini, Fiat (car manufacturers), Gucci, Prada (fashion) and Ferrero (food - Nutella) or Barilla (food - spaghetti and pasta).

The main trading partners of Italy are Germany, France, the USA and China.

Italy Facts | Italian Food

The Italian main dishes often contain pork and beef, seafood as well as potatoes, rice and pasta (wheat and egg noodles) products and of course, tomatoes.

Pizza is surely one of the most famous exports and in Italy pizza is usually baked in a wood-fired oven. Italian pizza is very thin, but loaded with fresh vegetables or thinly sliced ham, salami, artichokes or olives.

The Italian pasta (variety of noodles) is renowned worldwide and there are more than 200 different shapes.

Italians love their food and many dishes are based on fresh vegetables and seafood too. There are delicious sweet cakes in Italy, such as p anettone (a yeast cake with raisins),  p anforte (a hard and flat fruit cake) and almond cookies such as  amaretti .

Here is some typical Italian food:

• Pizza : probably the most famous Italian dish, pizza was is said to have been invented in Napoli (Naples in English) around the year 1860
• Spaghetti : long thin pasta/noodles served with a large variety of topping or sauce
• Calzone : this folded-up pizza bread is filled with tomatoes, ham, cheese and all kinds of other filling
• Pesto : a thick green sauce made with olives, basil or other herbs and olive oil, pine kernels and parmiggiano, which is an  Italian  hard cheese
• Gelato : ice-cream is another famous Italian invention
• Lasagna : this layered pasta dish is made with layers of pasta sheets, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese and mince meat
• Mozzarella : Italian soft cheese balls, that originally were made mainly from buffalo milk, but today mozzarella is often made with cow's milk

Did you know that Italians eat spaghetti only with a fork and don't use a spoon?

Read more about Italian Food here.

Italy Facts | Animals in Italy

One third of all European animal species can be found in Italy. The country also houses half of all plant species that grow in Europe.

There are over 4,770 endemic species in Italy. Endemic means that these animal species are native and only exist in Italy. There are about 100 mammal species and over 500 bird species. Among the species that you might encounter are the unique Sardinian deer and the Corsican hare.

There are 20 national parks in Italy and 16 Marine Reserves to ensure the protection of threatened species such as the Italian shark or the Italian wolf, the national animal.

Italy Facts for Kids : Sheep are held mainly in Southern Italy and donkeys still help farmers in remote villages as they are trained to carry heavy loads over steep terrain.

Brown bears are protected in Italy. There are only few bears left in the wild now.

In the Alps you will very likely see marmots, a ground squirrel species, which call each other with very high pitched calling sounds. And if you are very lucky you might even spot a lynx, a wild cat with little hair tuffs on the ears!

Read the fascinating essay about wildlife, and especially about white lions, by Lorenzo Pelagatti, student from Italy, here.

Resources for Italy Facts

• Central Intelligence Agency. "Italy." WorldFactBook . Last updated 22 March 2023. Last accessed 29 March 2023
• Città di Venezia. " C arnevale di Venezia." Venezia . Last accessed 29 March 2023
• Italia Agenzia Nazionale Turismo "Italia."  Italia.it . Last accessed 29 March 2023

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Travel and tourism in Italy - statistics & facts

What are the leading inbound travel markets in italy, what are italians’ preferred travel destinations, key insights.

Detailed statistics

Travel and tourism's total contribution to GDP in Italy 2019-2022

Distribution of travel and tourism expenditure in Italy 2019-2022, by type

Travel and tourism's total contribution to employment in Italy 2019-2022

Editor’s Picks Current statistics on this topic

Current statistics on this topic.

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

International tourist arrivals in Italy 2019-2022, by country

Monthly number of international tourist arrivals in Italy 2018-2024

Related topics

Tourism in italy.

• Tourism in Italian cities
• Museums in Italy
• Arts and cultural industry in Italy
• Travel and tourism in Europe
• Travel and tourism in Greece
• Travel and tourism in France
• Travel and tourism in Spain

Recommended statistics

• Basic Statistic Travel and tourism's total contribution to GDP in Italy 2019-2022
• Basic Statistic GDP share generated by travel and tourism in Italy 2019-2022
• Premium Statistic Monthly tourism balance in Italy 2019-2024
• Basic Statistic Distribution of travel and tourism expenditure in Italy 2019-2022, by type
• Basic Statistic Distribution of travel and tourism spending in Italy 2019-2022, by tourist type
• Basic Statistic Travel and tourism's total contribution to employment in Italy 2019-2022

Travel and tourism's total contribution to GDP in Italy 2019-2022

Total contribution of travel and tourism to GDP in Italy in 2019 and 2022 (in billion euros)

GDP share generated by travel and tourism in Italy 2019-2022

Share of travel and tourism's total contribution to GDP in Italy in 2019 and 2022

Monthly tourism balance in Italy 2019-2024

Monthly tourism balance in Italy from January 2019 to January 2024 (in million euros)

Distribution of travel and tourism spending in Italy in 2019 and 2022, by type

Distribution of travel and tourism spending in Italy 2019-2022, by tourist type

Distribution of travel and tourism spending in Italy in 2019 and 2022, by type of tourist

Travel and tourism's total contribution to employment in Italy 2019-2022

Total contribution of travel and tourism to employment in Italy in 2019 and 2022 (in million jobs)

Inbound tourism

• Premium Statistic Total number of international tourist arrivals in Italy 2015-2022
• Premium Statistic International tourist arrivals in Italy 2006-2022
• Premium Statistic International tourist arrivals in Italy 2019-2022, by country
• Premium Statistic Inbound business travelers in Italy 2015-2022
• Premium Statistic Number of inbound tourist overnight stays in Italy 2014-2022, by travel reason
• Premium Statistic Average length of stay of international tourists in Italy 2009-2022
• Premium Statistic Inbound tourist expenditure in Italy 2007-2022
• Premium Statistic Inbound tourist expenditure in Italy 2019-2022, by country

Total number of international tourist arrivals in Italy 2015-2022

Total number of international tourist arrivals in Italy from 2015 to 2022 (in million travelers)

International tourist arrivals in Italy 2006-2022

Number of international tourist arrivals in Italy from 2006 to 2022 (in millions)

Number of international tourist arrivals in Italy from 2019 to 2022, by country of origin (in millions)

Inbound business travelers in Italy 2015-2022

Number of international business tourists in Italy from 2015 to 2022 (in millions)

Number of inbound tourist overnight stays in Italy 2014-2022, by travel reason

Number of international tourist overnight stays in Italy from 2014 to 2022, by travel reason (in millions)

Average length of stay of international tourists in Italy 2009-2022

Average length of stay of international tourists in travel accommodation establishments in Italy from 2009 to 2022 (in number of nights)

Inbound tourist expenditure in Italy 2007-2022

Total international tourist expenditure in Italy from 2007 to 2022 (in billion euros)

Inbound tourist expenditure in Italy 2019-2022, by country

International tourist expenditure in Italy from 2019 to 2022, by country of origin (in million euros)

Outbound tourism

• Premium Statistic Number of outbound tourists from Italy 2015-2022, by type
• Premium Statistic Number of outbound trips from Italy 2019-2022, by destination
• Premium Statistic Number of outbound tourist overnight stays from Italy 2015-2022
• Premium Statistic Overnight stays for outbound trips from Italy 2019-2022, by destination
• Premium Statistic Expenditure of Italian outbound tourists 2007-2022
• Premium Statistic Expenditure of Italian outbound tourists 2019-2022, by destination
• Premium Statistic Share of outbound holiday trips taken by Italians 2023, by purpose
• Premium Statistic Share of outbound holiday trips taken by Italians 2022, by destination type
• Premium Statistic Travel intentions of Italians in the next six months 2023, by destination
• Premium Statistic Italian travelers' preferred European countries for trips in the next six months 2023

Number of outbound tourists from Italy 2015-2022, by type

Number of outbound tourists from Italy from 2015 to 2022, by type (in millions)

Number of outbound trips from Italy 2019-2022, by destination

Number of outbound trips from Italy from 2019 to 2022, by country of destination (in 1,000s)

Number of outbound tourist overnight stays from Italy 2015-2022

Number of outbound tourist overnight stays from Italy from 2015 to 2022 (in millions)

Overnight stays for outbound trips from Italy 2019-2022, by destination

Number of overnight stays for outbound trips from Italy from 2019 to 2022, by country of destination (in 1,000s)

Expenditure of Italian outbound tourists 2007-2022

Total expenditure of Italian tourists abroad from 2007 to 2022 (in billion euros)

Expenditure of Italian outbound tourists 2019-2022, by destination

Expenditure of Italian outbound tourists from 2019 to 2022, by country of destination (in million euros)

Share of outbound holiday trips taken by Italians 2023, by purpose

Distribution of holiday trips abroad taken by Italian residents in 2023, by purpose of trip

Share of outbound holiday trips taken by Italians 2022, by destination type

Share of holiday trips abroad taken by Italian residents in 2022, by type of destination

Travel intentions of Italians in the next six months 2023, by destination

Share of individuals intending to travel in the next six months in Italy as of September 2023, by destination

Italian travelers' preferred European countries for trips in the next six months 2023

Preferred European countries for a trip in the next six months among travelers in Italy as of September 2023

Domestic tourism

• Premium Statistic Number of domestic trips in Italy 2014-2022
• Premium Statistic Domestic trips in Italy 2019-2022, by accommodation type
• Premium Statistic Overnight stays for domestic trips in Italy 2019-2022, by region of destination
• Premium Statistic Domestic business trips in Italy 2015-2022
• Premium Statistic Overnight stays during domestic business trips in Italy 2022, by destination
• Premium Statistic Number of same-day domestic trips in Italy 2019-2022, by purpose
• Basic Statistic Domestic tourism spending in Italy 2019-2022

Number of domestic trips in Italy 2014-2022

Number of domestic trips in Italy from 2014 to 2022 (in 1,000s)

Domestic trips in Italy 2019-2022, by accommodation type

Number of domestic trips in Italy from 2019 to 2022, by type of accommodation (in 1,000s)

Overnight stays for domestic trips in Italy 2019-2022, by region of destination

Number of overnight stays for domestic trips in Italy from 2019 to 2022, by region of destination (in 1,000s)

Domestic business trips in Italy 2015-2022

Number of trips by domestic business tourists in Italy from 2015 to 2022 (in 1,000s)

Overnight stays during domestic business trips in Italy 2022, by destination

Number of nights spent by domestic business tourists in Italy in 2022, by region of destination (in 1,000s)

Number of same-day domestic trips in Italy 2019-2022, by purpose

Number of same-day domestic trips in Italy from 2019 to 2022, by purpose (in 1,000s)

Domestic tourism spending in Italy 2019-2022

Domestic tourism expenditure in Italy in 2019 and 2022 (in billion euros)

Accommodation

• Premium Statistic Number of hotel and non-hotel accommodation in Italy 2019-2022
• Premium Statistic Number of hotels in Italy 2012-2022, by rating
• Premium Statistic Number of hotels in Italy 2022, by region
• Premium Statistic Revenue of the hotels industry in Italy 2019-2028
• Premium Statistic Leading international hotel chain brands in Italy 2022, by number of hotels
• Premium Statistic Leading domestic hotel chain brands in Italy 2022, by number of hotels
• Premium Statistic Number of bed and breakfasts in Italy 2010-2022
• Premium Statistic Number of agritourism establishments in Italy 2012-2022
• Premium Statistic Distribution of trips made by Italians 2023, by accommodation

Number of hotel and non-hotel accommodation in Italy 2019-2022

Number of hotel and non-hotel accommodation establishments in Italy from 2019 to 2022

Number of hotels in Italy 2012-2022, by rating

Number of hotel establishments in Italy from 2012 to 2022, by rating

Number of hotels in Italy 2022, by region

Number of hotel establishments in Italy in 2022, by region

Revenue of the hotels industry in Italy 2019-2028

Revenue of the hotels market in Italy from 2019 to 2028 (in billion U.S. dollars)

Leading international hotel chain brands in Italy 2022, by number of hotels

Leading international hotel chain brands in Italy in 2022, by number of hotels

Leading domestic hotel chain brands in Italy 2022, by number of hotels

Leading domestic hotel chain brands in Italy in 2022, by number of hotels

Number of bed and breakfasts in Italy 2010-2022

Number of bed and breakfasts in Italy from 2010 to 2022

Number of agritourism establishments in Italy 2012-2022

Number of agritourism establishments in Italy from 2012 to 2022

Distribution of trips made by Italians 2023, by accommodation

Distribution of trips taken by Italians in 2023, by type of accommodation

Further reports Get the best reports to understand your industry

Get the best reports to understand your industry.

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Update April 12, 2024

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Before You Go

Learn About Your Destination

While Abroad

Emergencies

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Travel Advisory July 26, 2023

Italy - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution due to terrorism .

Country Summary: Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Italy. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.

Read the  country information page for additional information on travel to Italy.

If you decide to travel to Italy:

• Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Italy.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist.

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Six months validity recommended, at least 3 months validity beyond your planned date of departure from the Schengen area .

Two pages required for entry stamp.

Not required for stays under 90 days.

10,000 Euros or equivalent.

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy Rome

Via Vittorio Veneto, 121 00187 Rome, Italy Telephone:  +(39) 06-4674-1 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +(39) 06-4674-1 Fax:  +(39) 06-4674-2244 Email:   [email protected] The Rome consular district includes the regions of Lazio, Marche, Umbria, Abruzzo, and Sardinia.

U.S. Mission to the UN Agencies in Rome Via Boncompagni, 2 Telephone:  (+39) 06-4674-1 Emergency after-hours telephone:  (+39) 06-4674-1 Fax:  (+39) 06 4674-3535 Email:   [email protected]

U.S. Embassy to the Holy See Via Sallustiana, 49 00162 Rome, Italy Telephone:  +(39) 06-4674-3428 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +(39) 06-4674-1 Fax:  +(39) 06-575-8346

U.S. Consulate General Florence Lungarno Amerigo Vespucci, 38 50123 Florence, Italy Telephone:  +(39) 055-266-951 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +(39) 055-266-951 Fax:  +(39) 055-215-550 Email:   [email protected] The Florence consular district includes the regions of Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna (all except the Provinces of Piacenza and Parma), as well as the Republic of San Marino.

U.S. Consulate General Milan Via Principe Amedeo 2/10 20121 Milano, Italy Telephone:  +(39) 02-290-351 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +(39) 02-290-351 Fax:  +(39) 081-583-8275 Email:   [email protected] The Milan consular district includes the regions of Valle D'Aosta, Piemonte, Lombardia, Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Liguria, and Emilia-Romagna (Provinces of Piacenza and Parma only).

U.S. Consulate General Naples Piazza della Repubblica 80122 Naples, Italy Telephone:  +(39) 081-583-8111 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +(39) 081-583-8111 Fax:  +(39) 081-583-8275 Email:  [email protected] The Naples consular district includes the regions of Campania, Molise, Basilicata, Puglia, Calabria, and Sicilia.

U.S. Consular Agent - Genoa Via Dante 2 16121 Genoa, Italy Telephone:  +(39) 010-584-492 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  Please contact the U.S. Consulate General in Milan. Fax:  +(39) 010-553-3033 Email:  [email protected] Hours: Monday through Thursday 11:00 AM-3:00 PM, by appointment only.

U.S. Consular Agent - Palermo Via G.B. Vaccarini 1 90143 Palermo, Italy Telephone:  +(39) 091-305-857 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  Please contact the U.S. Consulate General in Naples Fax:  +(39) 091-625-6026 Email:   [email protected] Hours: Monday through Friday 9:00 AM-12:30 PM by appointment only.

U.S. Consular Agent - Venice Viale Galileo Galilei 30 30173 Tessera, Italy Telephone:  +(39) 041-541-5944 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  Please contact the U.S. Consulate General in Milan. Fax:  +(39) 041-541-6654 Email:  [email protected] Hours: Monday through Thursday, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM, by appointment only.

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

There are no COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens.  

Traveling Through Europe:  If you are planning to visit or travel through European countries, you should be familiar with the requirements of the Schengen Agreement. 

• Your passport must be valid for  at least three months beyond the period of stay. Review our  U.S. Travelers in Europe page .
• You will need  proof of  s ufficient funds  and a  return plane ticket .
• For additional information about visas for the Schengen area, see the  Schengen Visa page.
• U.S. citizens who arrive at an Italian Port of Entry without a valid travel document – including passports that have been previously reported lost or stolen – will be denied admittance into Italy and returned to their point of origin. This regulation is strictly enforced in Italy.
• U.S. citizens may enter Italy for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. All non-residents are required to complete a declaration of presence (dichiarazione di presenza). Prospective residents or anyone intending to stay in Italy for longer than 90 days must obtain a  permit of stay  (permesso di soggiorno). Additional information may be obtained from the  Ministry of Foreign Affairs  and the  Polizia di Stato .
• Non-EU visitors must obtain a stamp in their passport upon initial entry into a Schengen country. Many borders are unstaffed, so you may need to request a stamp at an official point of entry. Travelers arriving from another Schengen country must request the declaration of presence form from a local police office (commissariato di zona), police headquarters (questura), or their place of stay (e.g., hotel, hostel, campgrounds), and submit the form, along with a copy of your passport, to the police or to their place of stay within eight calendar days of arrival. Failure to complete a declaration of presence is punishable by expulsion from Italy.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Italy.

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction , and  customs regulations  on our websites. For general information about Italian customs regulations, please read our  Customs Information page and our  Italian Customs  website.

Safety and Security

Terrorism:  Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
• Places of worship
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and commercial flights)

For more information, see our  Terrorism  page.

Politically motivated violence in Italy is most often connected to Italian internal developments or social issues. Italian authorities and foreign diplomatic facilities have found bombs outside public buildings, have received bomb threats, and have been targets of letter bombs, firebombs and Molotov cocktails in the past several years. These attacks generally occur at night, and although they have not targeted or injured U.S. citizens, you should remain aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activity to local authorities.

Crime:  Italy has a moderate rate of crime, especially for theft and economic crimes; violent crimes are rare. U.S. citizens should be aware of the following local circumstances:

• Tourists can be fined or detained for buying counterfeit goods (usually fashion accessories).
• Travelers must purchase train, bus, or metro tickets and validate them by punching them in validating machines prior to boarding (usually near the entrance of the train or metro or on the bus). Tickets may be purchased at tobacco stores or kiosks or, in some cities, via Apps or SMS. Failure to follow this procedure may result in an on-the-spot fine by an inspector on the train, bus, or metro. If the violator does not pay the fine on the spot, it will automatically double and be forwarded to the violator’s home address.
• Be alert that many municipalities of cities in Italy have issued local restrictions banning certain activities in fountains or on monuments, such as eating, drinking, sitting, or bathing, as well as regarding the consumption of alcohol both indoors and outdoors after certain hours of the night.
• Violating these regulations can result in fines. Tourists are advised to check the official website of each city they plan to visit to learn the details.
• Thieves sometimes impersonate police officers. If you are stopped by a plainclothes policeman, ask for a uniformed officer or insist on seeing an officer's identification card (documento). Do not hand over your wallet and immediately report the incident to the actual police at a police station or by dialing 112 from a local phone.
• Do not leave bags unattended. Most reported thefts occur at crowded tourist sites, at airports, car rental agencies, on public buses, metros and trains, and at the major railway stations. Never leave baggage alone in a car, including in a closed trunk. For more information on trains and security, please see the  Italian railway police’s advice for travelers .
• Be alert to criminal schemes. Organized groups of thieves and pickpockets operate at major tourist destinations, in train stations, bars, and cafes. Some travelers have reported incidents in which criminals used drugs to assault or rob them. Thieves on motor scooters regularly snatch purses or bags off pedestrians. Resisting these thieves can be dangerous.
• Keep your car doors locked and windows rolled up at all times to avoid car-jackings and thefts while you are waiting in traffic.

The U.S. Secret Service in Rome is assisting Italian law enforcement authorities in investigating an increase in the appearance of ATM skimming devices. Here are some helpful hints to protect against and identify skimming devices:

• Use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or secured inside a bank/business.
• Cover the keypad with one hand as you enter your PIN.
• Look for gaps, tampered appearance, or other irregularities between the metal faceplate of the ATM and the card reader.
• Avoid card readers that are not flush with the face of the ATM.
• Closely monitor your account statements for unauthorized transactions.

Potential for Natural Disasters: Several major earthquake fault lines cross Italy, and earthquakes are frequent. High tides in Venice, flooding, and avalanches in mountainous areas may occasionally occur. The Italian Civil Protection agency has a robust capability to assist Italians and foreigners in the area of a natural disaster. Information about crisis preparedness and on-going crises affecting parts of Italy can be found on the Civil Protection web site at:  Civil Protection Italy . General information about disaster preparedness is also available online from the  U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency  (FEMA). Detailed information on Italy's fault lines is available from the  U.S. Geological Survey  (USGS).

Italy also has several active volcanoes, including Mt. Etna in eastern Sicily. Travelers to Sicily should be aware of the possibility for travel disruptions, including airport closures, in the event of volcanic activity, and are advised to check the website of the  Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia  for detailed information and daily updates. Italy has many other areas of potential volcanic activity especially in the vicinity of Naples. Any visit to an active volcano or volcanic field bears a certain amount of risk. Eruptions can occur with little to no warning. Travelers should exercise caution, follow posted instructions, stay on authorized trails, and use reputable tour operators.

Demonstrations  occur frequently and can be anti-American in nature, especially in areas hosting U.S. military bases. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. 

• Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly become violent. 
• Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. 
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.
• Security Messages for U.S. citizens pertaining to  demonstrations  can be found on the Embassy’s website.

International Financial Scams:  See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information.

Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Italy. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help. Common scams include:

• Romance/Online dating
• Money transfers
• Lucrative sales
• Contracts with promises of large commissions
• Grandparent/Relative targeting
• Free Trip/Luggage
• Inheritance notices
• Work permits/job offers

Victims of Crime:  U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault should seek medical attention at the nearest public hospital as soon as possible. U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are also encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance at +(39) 06-4674-1. Report crimes to the local police by dialing 112. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• Help you find appropriate medical care
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• Provide a list of local English-speaking attorneys
• Provide information on  victim’s compensation programs in the United States
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport

Victim Compensation in Italy :

• Italy has a program which provides financial compensation for victims of terrorism, organized crime, hit and run drivers and violent intentional crimes.
• If you are a  victim of terrorism or organized crime  in Italy, you are entitled to economic (special compensation and a life income) and non-economic benefits (special access to certain state jobs).
• In case of death, victims will include family members. You must file the application with the local Prefect’s office (Prefettura - the local representative for the Ministry of Interior) where the crime occurred, providing the date, location, injuries, and losses resulting from the crime.
• If you are a  victim of a hit and run driver,  you can apply for compensation of damages to the Fondo Di Garanzia per le Vittime della Strada but only if: (i) the responsible vehicle cannot be identified, is not covered by car insurance, or it circulated against the owner’s will; (ii) if the car insurance company went bankrupt; or (iii) if the accident was caused by a foreign vehicle with a license number that does not match or does not match anymore that same vehicle. U.S. citizens should consult an attorney licensed to practice in Italy to clarify time limits for a specific legal action.

Victims of hit and run drivers and their families may seek assistance by reaching out to an Italian non-governmental organization (NGO) called Associazione Italiana Familiari e Vittime della Strada (AIFVS), “Association of Italian Family Members and Victims of Hit and Run Drivers”. AIFVS provides legal and psychological assistance through a network of professionals associated with the NGO. Please visit  AIFVS  for more details.

If you are a  victim of a violent intentional crime,  you are entitled to compensation from the Italian government to cover the medical and welfare expenses you incurred, except for sexual assaults and murders cases where the compensation is due even if no medical and welfare expense was sustained. To be eligible for the compensation, your annual income must be within a certain limit. In addition, you must prove that you have already unsuccessfully tried to enforce the decision ordering compensation for damages. We recommend you contact an attorney licensed to practice in Italy for more information.

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy or nearest Consulate for assistance.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules with regard to best practices and safety inspections are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Your U.S. passport will not prevent you from being detained, arrested, or prosecuted. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

Furthermore, some crimes are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy or nearest Consulate immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods:  Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States. See the  U.S. Department of Justice website  for more information.

Faith-Based Travelers:  See our following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
• Human Rights Report  – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTQI+ RIGHTS:  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTQI+ events in Italy. Same sex civil unions are legally recognized in Italy. See our  LGBTQI+ Travel Information  page and section 6 of the  Department of State's Human Rights report  for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance .  The law in Italy prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual or mental disabilities, and the law is enforced. Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is as prevalent as in the United States. The most common types of accessibility may include accessible facilities, information, and communication/access to services/ease of movement or access. Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication/information, and general infrastructure, and common in lodging and general infrastructure. There is a significant difference between the main cities and the small towns.

• Rental, repair, replacement parts for aids/equipment/devices, or service providers, such as sign language interpreters or personal assistants, are generally available. Contact the US Embassy in Italy to receive a list of providers.
• Hand-controlled rental cars are available in Italy from major car rental companies. Contact the car rental company well in advance of your trip in order to reserve the vehicle.
• Italy functions on 220-volt current. To recharge a power wheelchair, you may need a transformer to convert 220 to 110 volts and a plug adapter to fit Italian electrical sockets.
• Guide dog owners must present  the documentation required by European Union Member States in order to enter Italy with a dog .

Students:  Students are often targeted by criminals as targets of theft or sexual assault. See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:  Strikes and other work stoppages  frequently occur in the transportation sector (national airlines, airports, trains, and bus lines); reconfirm any domestic and/or international flight reservations if you are traveling during one of these events.

Women Travelers:  If you are a woman traveling abroad, please review our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

For emergency services in Italy, dial 112 .

Ambulance services are widely available, but training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards.

Medical facilities are available but may be limited outside urban areas. Public hospitals may not maintain the same standards as hospitals in the United States. It is not possible to obtain an itemized hospital bill from public hospitals, as required by many U.S. insurance companies, because the Italian National Health Service charges one inclusive rate for care services and room and board. Private hospitals require you to pay for all services up front and get reimbursed later from your insurance company.

We do not pay medical bills . Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our  webpage  for more information on insurance coverage overseas. Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

In Italy, end-of-life directives are not legal. Tourists should know that by law, hospitals will continue with lifesaving procedures indefinitely regardless of a person’ preferences stated in a will or advanced directive.

Pharmaceuticals:  The Italian Ministry of Health sets rules defining who and how prescriptions and medications can be imported into Italy. However, the Ministry of Health website does not have information in English. According to the Ministry of Health, foreigners entering Italy are allowed to bring personal medications for a period of 30 days, but it is recommended that travelers also bring a copy of their prescription with them. Travelers should not bring excess supplies of prescription drugs into the country and cannot bring prescription drugs for other people.

The import of medications into Italy by courier services or by mail is strictly regulated by Italian Customs laws. Italian customs clears all incoming shipments of medications, even small amounts for personal use. Delays in the release of medications by Italian Customs received by mail or by courier services are common. The receiving party must be able to provide a statement signed by a physician licensed in Italy, certifying:

The medication is essential for the patient, that he/she would be put in a life-threatening situation without it.

There is no substitute or equivalent medication available on the Italian market.

Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas. Pharmaceuticals, both over the counter and requiring prescription in the United States, are often readily available for purchase with minimal controls. Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States. Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States. Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States. Please visit the  U.S. Customs and Border Protection  and the  Food and Drug Administration  websites for more information.

Vaccinations : Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

For further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Air Quality:  Visit  AirNow Department of State  for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates. Many cities in Italy have air pollution levels similar to those in major U.S. cities. 

In parts of Italy, the lack of adequate trash disposal and incineration sites has led to periodic accumulations of garbage. In some cases, residents have burned garbage, resulting in toxic emissions that can aggravate respiratory problems. 

Visit the  European Environment Agency’s website  for information on air quality in Italy.

Health Facilities:

The U.S. Embassy maintains a  list of doctors and hospitals . We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

• Adequate health facilities are available throughout Italy, but health services may be below U.S. standards.
• Private hospitals usually require advance payment or proof of adequate insurance before admitting a patient.
• Travelers should make efforts to obtain complete information on billing, pricing, and proposed medical procedures before agreeing to any medical care.
• Medical staff may speak little or no English.
• Generally, in public hospitals only minimal staff is available overnight in non-emergency wards.
• In most cases, patients bear costs for transfer to or between hospitals.

Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery

• Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry. People seeking health care overseas should understand that medical systems operate differently from those in the United States and are not subject to the same rules and regulations. Anyone interested in traveling for medical purposes should consult with their local physician before traveling and visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  website for more information on Medical Tourism.
• We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.

Adventure Travel: Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about  Adventure Travel .

Travel and Transportation

ROAD CONDITIONS AND SAFETY:  While in Italy, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States such as:

• Traffic lights are limited and often disobeyed.
• Motor scooters are very popular, and their riders may behave unexpectedly.
• Drivers frequently pass on superhighways (autostrada) at very high speeds.
• Rural roads are generally narrow, often have no guardrails, and inconsistent speed limits.
• Be careful when crossing streets even when using a marked crosswalk with a green walk (avanti) light illuminated.

Traffic Laws:

• Seat belt use is compulsory.
• You must use headlights year-round and at all times outside of urban areas.
• During the autumn/winter months, it is compulsory to have either winter tires or carry snow chains if driving outside urban areas.
• If you are stopped, under certain conditions you are expected to pay the police officer issuing the ticket immediately. Be prepared to pay in cash in local currency. Local police can confiscate your car if you cannot pay the fine.
• Fines are imposed if driving without the proper permits in historic downtown areas of cities and towns throughout Italy. Cameras photograph the license plates of cars illegally driving in parts of the city that require a permit. The fines imposed for these violations are forwarded to the driver’s home in the United States to request payment. For definitive legal guidance or to contest a fine, you should consult a lawyer licensed to practice in Italy.  See the U.S. Embassy of Rome’s transportation page for more information .
• Public Transportation: Pickpocketing is frequent on all public transportation, especially at train stations and major tourist sites.

See our  Road Safety  page for more information. Also, we suggest that you visit the website of the  Automobile Club d’Italia  (A.C.I.). For information on obtaining international drivers licenses, contact the  American Automobile Association  (AAA) via telephone at (407) 444-7000 or fax (407) 444-7380.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT:  The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Italy’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Italy’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel:  Mariners planning travel to Italy should also check for  U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the  NGA broadcast warnings .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Italy . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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Venice Residents Protest Entry Fee For Tourists Amid Concerns City Will Turn Into A ‘Theme Park’

T he city of Venice, one of Italy’s most popular tourist spots, on Thursday became the first city in the world to impose an entry fee for visitors as it attempts to clamp down on overcrowding from holidaymakers—but the new rule has prompted protests from residents who say they don’t want the historic city to be seen as a “theme park.”

Starting Thursday, visitors entering Venice will have to pay 5 euros per day if their visit falls on any of the 29 select dates and times during the city’s peak tourism season—though there are numerous exceptions .

Visitors can pay the fee online and will be given a QR code that they can present at the city’s entrance points in order to gain access to the city—attempting to enter the city without a code, entering on a date other than the date specified in the code or lying to obtain an exemption can result in a fine ranging from 50 to 300 euros.

City officials describe the initiative as an “experiment” necessary to protect Venice, which Mayor Luigi Brugnaro described as “fragile” and “ancient”—city officials claim the fee program won’t raise money for the municipality when balanced out against the costs of launching it, and that it’s only purpose is to help better regulate the city’s tourism.

But a few hundred residents reportedly took to the streets Thursday to protest the fee, arguing that the measure will do nothing to curb the flow of overtourism and ignores the core problems that tourism creates for residents—like a housing shortage caused by a high number of homes converted into short-term rentals.

Others felt that the fee would create a sense that Venice was like a theme park—some carried signs that read “No to ticket for Vene-Land,” according to Reuters.

Crucial Quote

“All they’re doing is transforming it into a theme park,” said resident Matteo Secchi, according to the Guardian. “This is a bad image for Venice.”

Key Background

Venice has long grappled with overtourism concerns, pausing only briefly during the pandemic but since ramping up again. A 2020 study by the Department of Economics at the Ca’Foscari University of Venice found that the city had 30 million visitors each year—with more than 20 million believed to be spending no more than a day in the city. The high tourism creates unique challenges for residents, who are reportedly seeing longtime stores and basic amenities replaced with tourist stops such as souvenir shops and restaurants,while the explosion of Airbnbs and other short-term rentals have created a housing shortage. Last year, the number of beds available to tourists reportedly surpassed the number of beds available for full-time residents. The tourism raises concerns among officials about Venice’s integrity, given its ancient history and architecture. Last year, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization warned in a report that Venice could be considered an endangered cultural site, citing tourism as one of the reasons, though it ultimately backed off from formally adding the city to its endangered list.

Less than 50,000. That’s how many residents now live in Venice—a number that’s been in steady decline from at least 175,000 in the 1950s, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Venice is experimenting with artificial intelligence to inform visitors of the change. The city launched a series of informational videos featuring AI-generated translations in a slew of languages on its official website.