Italy Guide

Know Before You Go...®

Italy, located in Southern Europe, is a country known for its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and delicious cuisine. With a population of over 60 million people, it is home to bustling cities such as Rome, Milan, and Venice, as well as charming towns and villages. From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the stunning Amalfi Coast, Italy offers a diverse range of landscapes to explore. The country also boasts a vibrant culture, with art, fashion, and music playing significant roles in daily life. Whether you are interested in history, food, or simply soaking up the Mediterranean sun, Italy has something for everyone to enjoy.

Why Italy?

  • Italy is home to the largest number of UNESCO World Heritage sites in the world.
  • The country has over 3,000 museums and galleries, making it a haven for art lovers.
  • Pizza was invented in Naples, Italy in the 16th century.
  • The Trevi Fountain in Rome collects an estimated €3,000 worth of coins every day, which is donated to charity.
  • Italy is home to the world's smallest country, Vatican City, which is located within the city of Rome.

History

Italy is a country steeped in rich history, culture, and tradition. Its origins can be traced back to the ancient Roman civilization, which flourished from 753 BC to 476 AD. The Roman Empire was a powerful force in the Mediterranean region, and its influence can still be seen in modern-day Italy.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, Italy experienced a period of turmoil and invasions from various barbarian tribes, including the Goths, Vandals, and Lombards. However, in the 11th century, the Italian city-states began to emerge as powerful centers of trade and commerce. These city-states, such as Venice, Florence, and Genoa, became important hubs for the exchange of goods, ideas, and culture.

During the Renaissance period in the 14th century, Italy experienced a rebirth of art, literature, and science. Renowned artists and thinkers such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Galileo emerged during this time, making significant contributions to the world of art and science.

In the 19th century, Italy went through a period of political unification, known as the Risorgimento. This movement aimed to unite the various Italian states and establish a unified, independent nation. In 1861, the Kingdom of Italy was officially established, with Rome as its capital.

However, Italy’s history in the 20th century was marked by political and social upheaval. The country was divided between supporters of the monarchy and those in favor of a republic. In the midst of this political turmoil, Benito Mussolini rose to power in 1922 and established a fascist dictatorship. Under Mussolini’s rule, Italy aligned itself with Nazi Germany during World War II.

After the war, Italy underwent a period of reconstruction and economic growth, known as the “Italian Economic Miracle.” This period saw a significant increase in industrialization and urbanization, as well as the rise of consumer culture. In the 1960s and 1970s, Italy experienced a cultural revolution, with the emergence of new artistic and literary movements.

Today, Italy remains a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful landscapes, delicious cuisine, and historical landmarks. The country is also a major economic power and a member of the European Union.

Italy’s history is a complex and fascinating one, shaped by its ancient roots, medieval city-states, Renaissance period, and modern-day developments. Despite its tumultuous past, Italy continues to thrive as a nation with a rich cultural heritage and a prominent place on the world stage.

Transportation on Italy

Getting to Italy and getting around. Our transportation tips will help make your trip smoother. More good sand advice.

Entry Documents

  • Valid Passport: Ensure it’s valid for at least 3 months beyond departure.
  • Visa: Check Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for visa requirements based on nationality.
  • Proof of Accommodation: Have confirmation of hotel or lodging.
  • Proof of Funds: Be ready to show you can cover your stay (bank statements or sponsorship letter).
  • Return Ticket: Show onward travel plans.
  • Travel Insurance: Recommended for health coverage.
  • Arrival Form: Complete if required.
  • COVID-19 Documents: Check latest travel advisories and COVID-19 requirements from reliable sources.

Departure Tax

No specific departure tax in Europe for American citizens; European countries typically include departure taxes in airline ticket prices, applying to all passengers, to fund airport services. Best to check with airline or airport website for any updates.

Driving

  • Drive on the right-hand side of the road in Italy.
  • Non-EU/EEA tourists may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
  • Ensure all occupants, including passengers in the back seat, wear seat belts.
  • Children under 12 or less than 150 cm in height must use an appropriate child safety seat.
  • Adhere to speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on open roads, 110 km/h on expressways, and 130 km/h on motorways (some sections may have lower limits).
  • Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited unless you have a hands-free system.
  • In some cases, vehicles coming from the right have priority unless road signs indicate otherwise. Always be cautious at intersections.
  • Many highways have tolls; pay attention to toll booths and consider electronic toll devices available with some rental cars.
  • In case of an emergency, call 112 and familiarize yourself with emergency service numbers.

Local Transportation

Local transportation in Italy is a well-developed and efficient system that allows travelers to easily navigate through the country. The most common forms of transportation include trains, buses, and metro systems. Trains are considered the most popular and reliable mode of transportation, with a comprehensive network that connects major cities and smaller towns. Buses are also widely used, particularly for shorter distances and to access more remote areas. Many cities in Italy also have a metro system, which provides easy and quick access to various parts of the city. Other options for local transportation include taxis, rental cars, and bicycles.

Know Before You Go...® - Italy Travel Tips

Before making their way to Italy , vacationers like to know a little bit of helpful information to make them feel more at home during their stay. Take a look at our travel tips to make your time in villas in Italy even more relaxing.

Capital: Rome
Population: 60 million
Size: 301,338 square miles
Electric Current: 220/240
Time: Timezone: CET, 2024-12-21 17:37:02
(GMT Offset: 1 hours, DST: No)
Official Language: English is widely spoken, but knowing a few basic Italian phrases can be helpful, especially in rural areas.
Currency:
  • Italy's official currency is the euro (€), which is used throughout the country for all purchases and transactions. Cash is widely accepted and can be withdrawn from ATMs, which are widely available in cities and towns.
  • Credit and debit cards, particularly Visa and Mastercard, are also widely accepted in most establishments.
  • While most businesses accept credit and debit cards, it is always wise to carry some cash as some smaller establishments may only accept cash payments. It is also important to inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with using your cards abroad.
  • In addition to cash and cards, mobile payment options such as Apple Pay and Google Pay are gaining popularity in Italy, particularly in larger cities.
Tipping and Taxes:
  • Tipping in Italy is not a common practice and is not expected in most establishments. However, it is becoming more common in tourist areas and upscale restaurants.
  • If you do choose to tip, it is generally done by rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount (5-10% of the total bill) in coins on the table. In some cases, a service charge may already be included in the bill, so it is important to check before leaving an additional tip.
  • Italy has a value-added tax (VAT) called "IVA" that is included in the prices of most goods and services. The standard rate is 22%, but there is a reduced rate of 10% for certain items such as food, books, and public transportation.
  • Non-EU residents can often get a refund of the VAT on purchases made in Italy, but there are certain conditions and procedures that must be followed.
Dress Code: The dress code in Italy is typically formal and stylish, with an emphasis on well-tailored and sophisticated attire.
Topography: Italy's topography is characterized by a diverse landscape, with mountains dominating the north and central regions, a narrow coastal plain along the Mediterranean Sea, and islands scattered throughout the surrounding seas.
Telephone: Italy's telephone country code is +39 and the area code for the entire country is 00.

Italy Weddings and Honeymoons

In Italy, the process of getting married requires a few essential documents and steps. Couples must apply for a marriage license at the local town hall (Comune) in the area where one of the parties resides. Required documents include:

Valid passports or national ID cards for both parties.

  • Birth certificates for both parties, with an official translation into Italian if not in the language.
  • Proof of marital status: If divorced, the final divorce decree; if widowed, the death certificate of the spouse.
  • Proof of residence: One of the parties must have been residing in Italy for at least 2-3 days before applying.
  • Certificate of no impediment (Certificato di capacita matrimoniale), obtained from your home country, confirming that you are legally able to marry.

The marriage license typically costs around €30 to €50, though the fee can vary depending on the region. For weddings conducted outside the town hall (e.g., at a venue or other location), officiant fees can range from €200 to €500. It is advisable to apply for the marriage license at least 2-3 weeks before the wedding date to allow time for processing.

See our favorite Italy villas for weddings.