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When Is The Best Season To Visit Italy

When is the best season to be in Italy?

 That’s the question that everyone asks me when we first consult. Italy is one of those destinations that is worth visiting all year round. 

Let’s try to break it down as every traveler has different dates available and certainly different interests.

Late Spring or Early Summer

My personal favourite, when I travel with my family, is late spring or early summer – particularly the month of June.

School is almost out. Kids are not missing much school and the weather is perfect. 

The not-so-hot weather allows for comfortable hiking, biking and sightseeing. Attractions are not as busy. We are even able to enjoy the beaches, the water and the sun.

Lake Orta and San Giulio in the Province of Novara in Piemonte

Prices tend to be reasonable. Hotels and agriturismi have more vacancies and are more willing to modify dates, if needed, since the high season hasn’t arrived yet. 

L’ Autostrada (freeway), although always busy, is not overcrowded with tourists. Most Italians are still working at this time of the year. All the attractions, museums, castles and parks are open.

Visit my blog on 3 Thing to Know About driving in Italy to better understand the Autostrada

Early Autunno…Fall

That said, if I were to travel just with my wife or with an other couple I would opt for a late October, or early to mid November.  This particular time offers warm days for leisure and cool mornings for great walks, hikes and mountainous excursions.

You can also wander through the streets of sun-kissed towns without sweating and melting away. Touristy towns are less visited. Hotels and accommodations are not so difficult to find and, in case you want to add an extra night, hotels can easily accommodate you.

The changes in the season brings beautiful colours to the countryside. Fall is ideal for visiting markets and autumn sagre. The food, well the food is probably the best during this season. Local ingredients and specialties are highlighted in the fall food fairs. Naturally, there are plenty of regional wines to go with all of those fall hearty dishes.

It’s the perfect season to be in Italy and exploring its culinary specialties. Early morning walks through vineyards or chestnut-treed hilltops help melt away the extra calories consumed the night before.

Christmas Season

If you choose to go in December then your choices are endless. The south still has a warm, fall-like weather but the northern regions can offer more options between low-altitude, cooler temperatures and possibly even skiing opportunities further up the mountains and in the Alps.

Usually the good snow doesn’t come until late December or well into January, but if you are willing to climb enough you can come across ski resorts that are fully functional. 

Christmas markets or Mercatini di Natale adorn many mountain towns but major towns and cities do also a fantastic job in dressing their centri with lights and Christmas decorations.

Natale Italia Bound, When is the best season to visit Italy
Christmas Market in the Trentino Region

The warmth of the Christmas Season is visible throughout the country. There is nothing more cozy than to sit and people watch while sipping on a hot, thick cioccolata calda at a outdoor caffè.

Inverno…Winter

As in most of the Western world, days are shorter in the winter therefore you do have a limited daylight hours for sightseeing. Start earlier in the morning. If you are driving you may want to finish your journey while it’s still light. That way you can get a bearing on your destination and surroundings more easily.

Italy in February? Be prepared for Carnevale – especially if you are planning to visit Venice. Book well in advance – even one year prior. Expect to pay top Euros for those rooms in Venice or Viareggio.

Check out my blog on What You need to Know Before Booking Accomodations in Italy, to help you sleep better .

Plan well in advance. Be prepared for snow as well in hilltop towns and mountain terrains. Don’t be surprised if some cities in Northern and Central Italy get the white stuff. In some cases, quite heavily.

Usually snow doesn’t last long, but can interfere with your plans. If you are looking for a milder, possibly snow-free holiday during those months, then head south to Sicily, Sardegna, the Amalfi Coast, Puglia or even Rome. 

Primavera…Spring

Spring in Italy brings the awakening of the country. It’s like opening all of your windows in the morning and taking in a deep breath of fresh air. Italy is one beautiful garden and no other season seems to bring that out like spring.

Il Bel Paese is rich in spring fairs, festivals and folklore events. All of Italy’s gardens are in full bloom. One of these is the Flower Show in Perugia inside the Giardini del Frontone, or if you are in Sicily, you can not miss the Tradizionale Infiorata di Noto. But those are just two of the many.

Because of the warmer temperatures biking, hiking are perfect activities if the sun is shining. Remember to bring along an umbrella because although the climate is milder it still rains at times.

In The Heat of Estate…Summer

That brings us to summer, mainly July, August and September. Summer in Italy is a frenzy of tourists from all over Europe and the rest of the world.

Add to the international mix, over 22 million Italians. Yes! One third of all Italians holiday in the summer in Italy so everything is more expensive and, naturally, busier.

Cinque Terre Italian Beach
Cinque Terre

The good thing is that most Italians and many foreigners hit the beaches, therefore many areas with cultural interests are somewhat less busy. It’s also quit humid and hot so early morning excursions are the best. A late, late dinner is ideal.

Best places to visit in the summer are the beaches and those are all over the coast, but the lakes and mountains are ideal as the temperatures tend to be more favourable.

Cities such as Rome and Florence are hot and muggy, as I said, and there is nothing less appealing then slowly climbing the 330 stairs from the terrace to the Cupola of St. Peter Basilica while following fifty other sweating tourists.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s a must if you are visiting the Vatican. The Cupola is a masterpiece by Bernini and Michelangelo. (Both artists poured their efforts into its creation, but Fontana had to finish it as Michelangelo was already dead by then.)

It’s just that it would be more appreciated during a cooler month or, at the very least, very early on a hot summer day.

Anytime

Any time you have the opportunity to find yourself in Italy is a good time to discover this phenomenal country.  Regardless if you have one weekend or one month, Italy is a must. Each corner of the country will amaze you.

So pick your dates, book the flight, and go! You will not regret it and best of all, visiting Italy once will make you want to go back over and over again. 

‘Til then… Buon Viaggio. 

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art and culture, Piemonte, Italia Bound
Art and Culture

3 Unique  Experiences of  Art and Culture in Italy

If you are in Italy and you are looking for unique art and culture, it would be impossible to miss it. Italy is a open air museum and everywhere you go the ghosts of the past are all around you enhancing your experience. One not to miss.

Lets start:

1) Architecture. Art and Culture

The essence of art and culture. It’s everywhere, but sometimes overlooked or taken for granted, even the one dating back from before Christ.

From Roman ruins to Longobards Castles to Etruschian catacombs. The visual experience is endless when you travel throughout Italy, from one part of the country to another, based on who was the ruler or the invader at that time.

Italy architecture constantly changed with unique and refreshing art and culture.

Trieste, for instance, a city reminiscing of Vienna since it was under Austrian-Hungarian control until almost the end of the  18th century, contrasts from Torino with its French influence.

Torino Mole italiabound.com
La Mole Antonelliana di Torino

Torino was seized by Napoleon until its fall, or Napoli, which was contested between  the French and Spaniards dynasties basically up until the Risorgimento or unification of Italy in 1861.

What is amazing about Italy is the uniqueness of its architecture. It is worthwhile to pay close attention to all of its beauty as you travel across the landscapes.

To me a must see is the Reggia of Caserta. Royal Palace from the 18th century and now a UNESCO Heritage Site. Once the home of  Carlo III, Duke of Bourbons and King of the Kingdom of Naples. It’s the largest Royal residence in the world. Need I say more? A must see. reggiadicaserta.beniculturali.it

2) Museums, Art Show and Galleries.

It is well obvious that Italy itself is an open air museum yet you will find something under a museum roof that will excite and inspire you to search for more unique beauties in this amazing country. Italians thirst for art and culture allows for hundreds and hundreds of museums, art galleries and theatres to instil knowledge and entertainment. The museum choices are endless, whether it’s affreschi, paintings, sculptures, modern or antique furniture, or… Yes! Even racing cars. 

Museums are everywhere. And you need not be in a big center to take in any of that.

Uffizi Florence italiabound.com
Uffizi Museums in Florence

A must is the Uffizi in Florence   . And one of my favourites, ( although it has nothing to do with Italy) is the Museo Egizio di Torino. It’s the largest Egyptian museum outside Egypt. I need to go back there again. I just love it.

3) Archeological sites

In a Country rich of past civilizations it isn’t hard to find archeological sites to explore. Naturally the ones that come to mind are Pompei,  pompei.it , Ercolano ercolano.beniculturali.it and of course Rome itself.

colosseo roma italia bound
Il Colosseo in Rome

In Tuscany or Umbria there are many  archeological sites of the mysterious Etruscan civilization. Particular the Necropolis of Cerveteri and Tarquinia  not to be mistaken for the Necropoli della Banditaccia also near Cerveteri. If you  have the time, you should see both.

Sicily, and  Calabria on the other hand are home of many Greek ruins such as  in the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, where The Temple of Concordia reigns over the Sicilian island. A must see.

Aquileia, founded in 181 BC, in Friuli is rich in Roman ruins, ancient crypts and most recently a newly found Roman port buried under thousand years of dirt grasses and trees. Further north, but by only 40km,  is Cividale, founded in. 53 BC by Julius Cesar.

Ponte del Diavolo in Cividale del Friuli.

You can discover the history of the Longobardi. It’s path through different civilizations. Amongst many things you must visit the 3rd Century Celtic burial crept –Ipogeo Celtico- www.cividale.com deep in the undergrounds of the town. ( get the key from the restaurant next door or at the travel information center ).

What’s is amazing is that all are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

These among many others, are museum, cities and sites that I personally visited and enjoyed, but thousand more are there waiting  to be discovered by you. That is Why You Should  Go to Italy… It’s An Experience Not Just a Holiday.  And if you decide to head over to this wonderful country, I can help.

“Til then…Buon viaggio.

Are  you travelling to Italy and are interested in my assistance, or would like to comment on my post?  Just drop a line below or contact me privately at info@italiabound.com.

 

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rice fields Italy Novara, Vercelli, Pavia, Italiabound.com
Adventure

Not Just Grapes and Olives…Rice, Too.

You’ve seen thousands of photos of Italy and its rolling hills covered in rows of vines and narrow roads serpentining through vineyards. You’ve marvelled at hilltop medieval towns overlooking olive trees and you have definitely tasted both olive oil and wine. Although you may even have had the chance to enjoy a plate of risotto, you’ve probably never really wondered where the rice came from.

Rice… the Underminded Cereal

Italy not only produces rice for its traditional dishes, but is the number one producer and exporter in Europe. Ironically, they even export it to…China.  The majority of the rice production in Italy is divided amongst three provinces in the north. Vercelli, Pavia and Novara.

Italian Carnaroli Rice
Italian Carnaroli Rice

Rice grows in flat areas, therefore over the years these provinces have seen an increase of interest by tourists to visit and explore these plains. Easy walking and cycling tours have dramatically increased, and honestly there is nothing more relaxing and educational than to do just that. Many of these 16th, 17th and 18th century majestic farms, or cascine as they are known, are to this day still functioning. Visitors can enjoy hours exploring the history and relax in the fresh air.

Restored Farms Brought Back to Life

In recent years, many more cascine have been restored to bring out their natural beauty. Up until the middle of the last century, hundreds of people would work in one of these cascine. They were located far from the towns (at least in those days it seemed far) and  needed to be self-sufficient. This meant having their own bakeries, butchers, blacksmiths, tailors and of course churches. Although these cascine were essentially working villages, art and creativity and decor weren’t overlooked while building them. They were also fortress-like and during the night time its gates would be closed to keep any undesirables out.

Affreschi, Tapestries, and Sculptures

A Cascina amongst rice
A Cascina amongst rice

Some of the most beautiful architecture can be found on these farms. Nowadays, walking or cycling along these roads and paths of the rice paddies gives you a great opportunity to view how things were three or four hundred years ago. Working in these fields was exceptionally hard work that both men and women shared equally. Women, aside from doing the traditional jobs of maintaining the household, were also very active as mondine, planting the rice and harvesting it. Now these risaie, (rice paddies) still exist, but there is only a dozen or so people needed to continue producing rice. Modernization in the sixties and later slowly eliminated the thousands of jobs that this industry employed. Nowadays, production has increased, but manpower has dwindled.

Sanctuaries Among the Rice Fields

These fields have also become sanctuaries for birds, pheasants, wild rabbits and other small animals. Many farms have donated land to wildlife sanctuaries and these co-exist with the farmers that still cultivate rice.

wild bird sanctuary in Italy rice fields
Photographs by Francesca Cesa Bianchi

  • Nowadays with the use of cars these risaie are not as so far away from bigger centres or towns. Reaching them is hardly a trek. Bike and hike trails are mostly paved, making a self-guided tour a pleasant addition to any trip to Italy.

 

5 Things You Probably Never Knew About Rice in Italy
  • The provinces of Novara and Vercelli are in the Piemonte region and the province of Pavia is in Lombardia. All are easily accessible by train and/or car. Milano Malpensa Airport is less than 90 kilometres from any of these three provinces.
  • The very famous types of rice grown in these areas are Arborio and Carnaroli. These kinds are ideal for the traditional dishes such as risotto or paniscia.
  • In the town of Casalbeltrame in the province of Novara,  there is a superb museum. L’ Civel, http://www.casalbeltrameonline.it/  recreates the old traditional ways these risaie worked. You can walk through the guided tour (in English) and listen to the songs the mondine  would be singing while harvesting in the paddies. You can see the equipment and tools that were used, and re-live their methods of harvesting the rice from over 120 years ago. For this small town of less than a thousand habitants, this museum is truly a hidden gem. And since touring brings an appetite, I would recommend stopping at the trattoria which has the same name and enjoying a wonderful plate of paniscia.

 

Rice fields in Northern italy

  • Rice seeds are planted in the spring and harvested in September or October. During the spring and summer, the paddies are full of water and the rice “plant” grows up to one and half metres or five feet tall. Once harvested, it is brought in to dry and aged. Aging increases the starch in the rice and makes for better cooking.
  • Italians and Italian dishes never use rice as a side dish. It is always served as a primo piatto (first course), such as risotto, which is usually reserved for starchy dishes. My personal favourites are Risotto allo Champagne or Risotto con Porcini (mushrooms).

Since these beautiful farms are  more easily accessible if have a car, I recommend you to read my post 3 Things to Know About Driving in Italy, to have a better understaning on what drives Italians…

“Til then…Buon viaggio.

Are  you travelling to Italy and are interested in my assistance, or would like to comment on my post?  Just drop a line below or contact me privately at info@italiabound.com.

 

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Hotel Borromeo Stresa, Piemonte, Italia Bound
Accommodations

What You Need to Know Before Booking Your Accommodations in Italy

A Home Away From Home

Whether I travel with my family, a group or alone, farmhouses –agriturismo- are my favourite types of  accommodations in Italy.

An Agriturismo as well as a Relais  such as the one below,  set the mood for any vacation. Imagine waking up in a century old villa, or spending some time visiting and even helping out on a working farm. Perhaps indulging in a spa in a XVI century castle.

No better accommodations than Relais Canalicchio
Relais Canalicchio. Beautifull relaxing stay in a very suggestive setting. A must when in Umbria

Beautifully attended rooms with all the amenities yet surrounded by farms, rolling vineyards or century old woods. Often prices are less than hotels and because you are in the outskirts of town you will feel more relaxed, alive and immerse. You’ll feel at home.

 

acommodations at Hotel Danielli in Venice
Majestic welcome at Hotel Danielli in Venice

Choose you accommodations wisely

Often you will need a car if you plan to stay in these places. If the plan was to only see Italy by train you’ll need to rethink your trip or your accommodations.

If you have no alternative but to use the public transportation, hotels in the cities are easier for your travels.

Some agriturismi may be able to shuttle you to town or lend you bicycles, but it makes it somewhat more expensive to only rely on shuttles and taxis to get to and from. Everything is possible but often it’ll come with a price.

Book Hotels in the City Only as a Must

If you have a car on the other hand, I would discourage anyone from staying in hotels in the cities. Parking is at a premium. Most cities have ZTL (zones where traffic is limited) if not restricted all together.

limited transit city sign
limited transit city sign

The traffic itself is heavy even if you may know where you are going. Some hotels are in such old buildings that don’t even offer parking at all.  In most cases you book hotel through booking sites,  you find a great deal on the room but the parking costs are not mentioned. And, if they do offer parking, sometimes you may have to walk a few blocks to an authorized parkade. Street parking is impossible at best and you’ll likely get a ticket.

Florence for instance is €68 for a parking infraction. I once helped a client who at all costs wanted to stay in downtown Florence. I found the hotel for the price he wanted but the parking was extra- 35€ per night extra, at that time. The problem was also that the garage was quite far and the concierge had to book a pick up time at least two hours before my client needed the car. Hardly convenient, but like most centri storici (an old part of town) the buildings were built way before cars were invented.

Ponte del Diavolo in Cividale del Friuli.
Ponte del Diavolo in Cividale del Friuli. Narrow streets in medieval town

Other options of course are AirBnB and VRBO but even then if they are in the city core, parking may come at a premium. Plus, you have to pay in advance and often have no cancellation refund policies. Still, it’s a good alternative for some.

Things to Know Before Booking in an Agriturismo or Farmhouse

When planning your trip, check out the locations and areas you want to visit, and then find an agriturismo that is central, yet has all the amenities that you need.

great accommodations in San Gimignano in Tuscany.
San Gimignano. Consider your interests when planning your stay

You would want to change accommodations as less often as possible on your holiday, so a well located place makes all the difference. Also, some places may require a minimum night’s stay. So, the more nights you stay, sometimes the lower the nightly rate.

Ask Questions

It’s also a good idea to check what’s included in the daily rate. At some places, the meals are included, and in others just the breakfast. Some are rooms only, others may offer full kitchens. If they offer meals, they may ask you in advance what your meal preferences are.

Once, I stayed in a farmhouse that included a full meal plan (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), and because we were sightseeing during the day they prepared beautiful lunches to take in beautiful picnic baskets. However, that’s not always the case. Always just ask first. And if you are planning to be away lots, maybe a half meal plan  or no plan at all is better for you.

Many places offer a lot more than a place to sleep. Research the agriturismo and see what else they offer. You might modify your stay because of the extra curricular activities that they offer. You’ll never know what they have in store for you. Cooking classes, horseback riding or even… picking olives.

Agriturismi are in the countryside and far enough from the centers that a car is necessary. If you don’t have one, make sure that they have a shuttle or some kind arrangement with a transport company. Tour guides will pick you up as well and I’ve arranged for bikes or mopeds to be delivered by rental companies in advance for customers to use.

Ask More Questions…

In many places, English is spoken very well. So although you can book online, I would recommend calling them personally and asking all the questions before booking. Because often, they are family owned and not franchises, the individual on the other line is always very helpful, as negative ratings don’t help their business. So, get acquainted with them. Sometimes prices are better when you call as opposed to simply booking online.

Your Holiday. Make it the Best Ever

Accommodations are a big part of your experience as well as a good chunk of your budget therefore spend the right enough time and money so that  your holiday is not ruined by it. The more you research the region and the type of accommodation the easier it is in the long run to enjoy a truly amazing adventure.

‘Till then… Buon Viaggio

Don’t forget to read other favorite posts from Italiaboud.com.

Are  you travelling to Italy and are interested in my assistance, or would like to comment on my post?  Just drop a line below or contact me privately at info@italiabound.com.

 

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Adventure

Why You Should Go to Italy… It’s An Experience Not Just a Holiday

 “We are going to be in Rome, on the Amalfi Coast, in Tuscany, and near Siena. What other interesting places are there to see?”  This is one of the most asked question to me by friends or clients travelling to Italy.

That question carries a lot of weight. Italy is not a place that has a hundred  interesting things to see nor a thousand. Italy may have its name to claim monuments, but the reality is that on your way from one monument to the next there may be 600 more interesting places and towns to see, and often more beautiful or interesting than what you were on your way to see originally.

Duomo in Milan, Italy
Milan’s Duomo

You could be in a small town station waiting for a train to Rome, for instance, and just by looking around you notice unique architectural delights.

Italy’s Cultural Pride

Italy and Italians over the century had and still do have lots of pride in their everyday work. The buildings were never built with only practicality in mind. They were built to reflect the culture, the people, therefore the times. Nothing says more about an architect, than the style of building that he or she builds. Fountains were designed with grandeur ideas and looks in mind. The “big square box” North American style buildings are never considered even in today’s Italy. Fortunately, laws are in place to prevent that. Milano Centrale, as an example, was finished in 1931 by Mussolini. Its grandeur reflects his ego yet creates pride amongst Milanesi, even if most of them never were or no longer are fascists. It’s a mixture of Art Nouveau, Art Deco and fascism. Oh yes! and trains are supposed to stop there as well.

 

Architecture wonder in Cuneo, Italy
The marble floors and ticket wicket in Cuneo

Small Places as Interesting as…

Cuneo train station, to remain on the rail stations theme, is a beautiful architectural wonder that mesmerizes the average train user. It looks more like a museum. The restoration is meant to recreate what the original designers envisioned.

Details in train station in Cuneo, Italy
interesting details of the brass stairs handle by marble stairs

Cuneo is a town of just around 56,000 people nestled in the southwester area of Piemonte and hardly has the volume of tourists that Milan has. Nonetheless, when you come upon this town and its train station, you will be impressed.

To this day, Italians are leaders as they pour their pride in fashion, automotive, furniture design, and culinary delights, and that’s only the tip of the iceberg. This pride and artistic creativity is represented in everyday living. It makes for a more inspiring environment, therefore everyone benefits from. The way they dress, what they eat, how they socialize and how they live represent centuries of rich traditions, history and pride.

When asked “what else is there to see?”, the only answer that I can give is this: Keep your eyes, mind and senses always open and everywhere you go will never cease to amaze you. Italy is to tourists what a candy store is to a child.

And if you enjoy food see my post 5 things to Know About Dining in Italy because how and when to eat is as much as an art as the food itself.

“Till then…Buon viaggio

Are  you travelling to Italy and are interested in my assistance, or would like to comment on my post?  Just drop a line below or contact me privately at info@italiabound.com.

 

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