1.) You may get lost!
And no, getting lost in Italy (especially when you’re driving through treacherous mountain tops like Cinque Terre) is not always as fun as you’d think! Even if you fancy the idea of getting lost in Italy, it's always worth downloading an offline map on your smartphone (or use the Google Maps offline feature). It’ll save you lots of time when trying to navigate the twisty turny streets of Venice, Firenze, and pretty much any Tuscan village you visit.
2.) Italy is more than just the mainland
There’s so much to explore within ‘the boot’ that is Italy (this is what Italy looked like to me as a child and it’s kinda stuck now), but don’t forget about the many small (and big) islands of Italy that you can discover too! Head to Sicily, Sardinia, Elba, and Levanzo to name a few of the many Mediterranean islands waiting to be discovered.
3.) Gelato is too delicious to miss!
The ice-cream in Italy is the best in the world! (Bold claim but true!) I’ve yet to find a place (or country) that makes it better. There is gelato available on most streets, and this relatively cheap and a delicious treat will perk you up after a hearty lunch!
4.) Dinner is never rushed
In Italy, even more so in the south, dinner is never rushed – it’s a relaxed affair to enjoy with family and friends. Fall into the culture and enjoy quality time with family & friends, accompanied by delicious cuisine.
5.) Card payments are applicable
Card payments are accepted almost everywhere. Just keep some coins and small bills incase something small catches your eye! – some stores have minimum spending.
6.) Italy’s got some impressive beaches!
There’s more to Italy than the cityscapes of Florence, Milan, and Venice! Don’t forget to check out at least one of the thousands of beautiful beaches that line its coastline. Head to places like Terracina for some impressive white sand beaches.
7.) Trains are great and efficient!
If you want to travel between cities, try taking the train! Italy has an impressive high speed railway between the likes of Rome, Florence, and Venice (to mention a few).
8.) The north and south are very different
The north and south of Italy are almost like different countries! The north is an ‘industrialized’, continental European region, whilst the south has a much more laid-back Mediterranean feel – both are great in their own unique ways!
9.) There are volcanoes in Italy
Yup, there are some pretty epic (and still active) volcanoes in Italy to explore. You can even hike to the top of them, just like Mt. Etna in Sicily!
10.) Pompeii
Speaking of volcanoes – do you know about Pompeii? The ruined city which was destroyed by a volcanic eruption many years ago? You can visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site and discover one of the most famous Volcanic eruptions in history (after the Iceland ash-cloud of 2010 of course).
11.) Learn some basic Italian
No one expects you to be fluent when visiting Italy – though it is a major plus if you are! Remember a few sayings and phrases that’ll help you get by. A few words in the mother tongue is bound to put a smile on any face!
12.) Cover up in religious sites
Many sites ask ladies to cover their shoulders and legs when entering some of the churches. Take this into account when visiting religious sites, especially in the Vatican (technically, not Italy, I know, but still…)
13.) Truffle Hunt
Truffles are big business in Italy, they are prized ingredients in many Italian dishes and often found in certain areas of the country. If you’re heading out truffle hunting (learn more on truffle hunting here), make sure to get it straight to the market, they can fetch thousands of pounds (price is size-dependent, of course).
14.) Summer and winter can be quite extreme here
Summer in Italy can be very hot with bracingly cold winters, – especially in the north. Seems obvious, but there is quite an extreme in Italian temperatures (unlike places like the UK) depending on the date you plan to visit, so it’s worth arriving adequately prepared.
15.) Tuscany is the best place for steak
Grab yourself a MASSIVE Steak Florentine in Tuscany and enjoy one of the best steaks in the whole world. It will set you back a little more than an average meal though it’s so worth it. The sizes are quite ginormous so I’d suggest you share one… unless you’ve got an appetite of a lion.
16.) You can ski in Italy
Not many people realise you can ski in Italy as it tends to be more synonymous with glorious long summer days. If you love a little swish down the slopes, then take a look at the stunning runs on the Italian Alps. You’ll find some great resorts here that’ll rival even some of the world renowned ones in Switzerland and France.
17.) Cappuccino is for breakfast
Traditionally a breakfast coffee, Cappuccino is usually drank in the mornings in Italy. If you can’t go without your usual cappuccino in the evening, then try a latte instead (Hot milk, instead of frothed milk like a Cappuccino).
18.) There are countries inside Italy!
Yup, there are actual countries inside Italy itself. The Vatican is its very own country and so is San Marino. Both impressive and both well worth a visit.
19.) Lots of Bubble No champagne!
Sparkling wine is very popular and a delicious evening treat for us all… right (it can’t be just me)?!? Don’t forget to try some local Prosecco and delve into a world of bubbles and glee!
20. Fare la scarpetta is essential!
No pasta-based meal is complete without the act of fare la scarpetta – meaning, you use your bread to mop up all the leftover sauce on your dinner plate. It’s almost a dinner ritual in Italy and something of a tradition in many Italian families. This is why bread is usually left on tables in restaurants too. (Put that butter down! )
21. Bread
..and not just in the widening-hips department. Restaurants will typically place bread on your table without informing you that there is a charge until you look at your bill after your meal, so be aware that you might be charged a small fee (always ask if you’re not sure and don’t want the extra cost).
22. Italian road trips are fun
Italy has a reputation for having some pretty ‘enthusiastic’ drivers and roads but don’t let that put you off. If you can drive, you should definitely rent a car and discover some of the many hidden gems of Italy. Especially if you’re based in a large city like Pisa or Florence as the Tuscan countryside is as exciting to explore as its major cities!
Comments