A complete Travel Guide for Italy (Travel Trends of 2020)

Italy is without any doubt Europe's most astonishing and enticing country. It never fails to charm tourists, no matter when they visit Italy. From its irresistible cuisine to its beautiful history and architecture, Italy leaves a remarkable impression on its visitors. Italy receives millions of tourists each year and the number is only increasing with time. Tuscany vineyards, ancient Rome streets, Venice’s romantic canals, and Florence’s history is what makes Italy so irresistible.

No visitor has ever left Italy feeling underwhelmed, you will not just be able to see the beauty of it but also do activities that will leave you with a lifetime of experience. Instead, Italy can overwhelm you with its unlimited opportunities. If you are visiting Italy for the first time, you must be wondering where can you go? What can you see? Where should you stay? Today, we will be sharing with you everything you need to know in order to make the most out of your first trip to Italy!

1. Places To Visit In Italy

Italy has an abundance of places to visit and be mesmerized by. First and foremost, you have to visit Venice, a city that is entirely man-made raised from the sea, with absolutely no means of support insight. Especially if you are a romantic at heart, Venice will blow you away with its ambiance and beauty. You will feel you are in a fantasy world, and it will be unlike anything you have ever experienced before. You can visit the beautiful churches and museums, filled with beautiful art. Whereas at night, you will see another form at night, with its vibrant lightings and its quiet canals that echo of music across the water. Indulge in the nightlife of Venice and you will have an unforgettable experience.

Secondly, Florence should also be on your go-to place list. It is the home of the Renaissance and basically, the birthplace of this modern world. If you are a Renaissance art lover, or an art lover in general, you have to visit Florence. You should take time out to visit the  Church of Santa Maria Novella, a Thirteenth-century Dominican church which is famous for I with Masaccio's 3-D painting. Moreover, Florence’s art goes beyond just statues and painting, you will also enjoy its exquisite taste in food, street markets, and fashion. Let’s not forget the world’s best gelato stands in Florence, that will make you want to have it more than just once or twice!

Last but not least, you have to visit Rome. It is the representation of Western civilization, with mesmerizing ancient sights and the vibrant life of modern-day. History lovers will fall in love with Rome, as you will find marble ruins of ancient times, historical Christian churches, the tangled streets of the medieval world and almost three million people. You will have the opportunity to learn so much about eternity just by touring Rome’s Vatican Museums.

There are so many more best vacation spots in Italy to visit, such as in Siena, Milan, Naples, Tuscany, Sicily, and many others. But we will, you should take your time to see Italy and not rush through it all, hence why we listed Venice, Florence, and Rome as a must-see place during your first visit to Italy!

2. Best Accommodation In Italy

When you are in Venice, Florence and Rome, you will find more than one place you can stay in. However, how do you know which would be the most suitable, and how safe is the place you are staying at? Which is why we will share some best accommodation places so that you can further research on them if you do make your mind to stay there.

When you are in Venice,  Dimora Il Veliero Romantico hotel is one of the best places you can stay at. Their rooms are in the historical center of Venice and are all equipped with private bathrooms either inside or outside of them. It also has a heating system during the winter season and lots of shopping options nearby, You can also opt to stay at the Generator hotel, as it one definitely the perfect place to accommodate yourself in if you are wanting to have a beautiful view of Venice right from your room. It is located right off the main island but does not worry, as the main island is simply minutes away.

In Florence, you can stay at hostel Gallo d'Oro or Florence plus hostel if you are looking for something affordable. Also, you will have the chance to mingle and perhaps bond with other tourists. If you are looking to stay at an apartment, then Florence Fortezza Rooftop is the perfect place with a beautiful view, Moreover, the apartment is spacious and has furniture that blends in well with the ambiance of Florence.

In Rome, you have so many choices as to where you can stay. If you are someone who looks forward to nightlife then the yellow hostel in Rome is the perfect place for you to stay in. You can further enjoy live band music every night while having a glass of beer or cocktail! If you are a female and traveling alone, and prefer to stay at an all-female hostel, then Hostel is the best place for you. Its located on the first floor of a residential nineteenth-century building. It is surrounded by a number of restaurants and is just a five-minute wall from the Termini station.

Related: 10 beautiful Italian beaches to inspire your travel

Try to stay at accommodation that is nearby lakes, mountains and in villas or farmhouses to make the most out of your stay in Italy!

3. How To Travel In Italy

There are a number of options as to how you can get around in Italy. From domestic budget air flights, trains, ferries , and buses, are the best to travel within cities and main towns. If you want a once in a lifetime of experience, rent a car! Italian roads are beautiful for traveling, but remember to have a map or off the data GPS so that you do not get lost. Moreover, there is a hitchhiking culture in Italy, so you can try that but it is best if you are traveling with someone when you hitchhike as it will be safer that way!

Related: Things to know before visiting Italy

4.  Safety Guide For Tourists

In Italy, pick-pocketing and scams are more common than you think. This will be one danger that you will face especially in high traffic areas such as Circus Maximus in Rome or the Colosseum. If someone is trying to sell you something affordable at a good price, they are more than likely to get you to pay for their gas which can be a couple of hundred euros. Similarly, if a young kid approaches you, always be on the alert as a friend of theirs might be reaching for your wallet by distracting you with a conversation.

Read More: How to stay safe when you're visiting Italy?

Always remember to trust your gut instinct. If a cab driver seems shady, stop the taxi immediately and get out. Likewise, if your accommodation looks more seedier than you thought, get out of there at once. You have each and every right to remove yourself from a shady situation. Also, keep copies of your identification and keep your loved ones updated as to where you are. The most important thing is to purchase good travel insurance as you will be protected against any illness, theft, injury or cancellations. Italy is sure fun but always take care of yourself.

5. Best Seaside Resorts in Italy

Italy is not just ever famous for its history and ancient time art, but for its seaside resorts as well. Punta Prosciutto in Puglia has some of the best beaches. With its pristine sandy strands, Puglia is famous for its delicious Primitivo wine. It is also one of the best family resorts in Italy, as families from Taranto, Bari, and Lecce come done for the day and tan at the beach while kids play with the sand. Portofino has some beautiful seaside resorts/hotels such as the Belmond Hotel Splendido. It is one of the most famous hotels in the region. It oozes of the old-world glamour. Set on the terrace of a famous restaurant that has view o the idyllic cove and a beachside medieval abbey as its backdrop, is the San Fruttuoso resort, located in Liguria. It does not just have an astonishing view but the beach itself is beautiful to lay back and relax in. You can get there through the town’s ferry or trek across the known Portofino promontory.

Also read: top 7 holiday destinations in Italy

Not forgetting that Sicily has one of the most beautiful seaside resorts, San Vito lo Capo is one resort that ought to be experienced. This resort is undoubtedly a summer magnet for couples and families. There are tons of sun lounges displayed on the beach which are always occupied, so remember to book yours down beforehand if possible. One interesting fact is that Arab influence has left their mark on Sicily’s local cuisines, so you will enjoy food with a mixture of both sides' ingredients! These are not the only seaside resorts, but just some of them. If you have the chance to visit Tuscany, do head down to either Monte Argentario resort or the Viareggio resorts, you will not be disappointed!

We hope this provided some insightful information for your first trip to Italy!