079-italy

Italy

Travel Guide

Un Paese di Cuore - A Country of the Heart

What’s not to love about Italy? A destination rich in history, culture, culinary delights and landscapes that call for adventure. And there’s a wealth of experiences beyond the typical tourist spots. Explore the stunning island of Elba, known for its beautiful beaches and hiking trails. In Tuscany, discover charming hilltop towns like San Gimignano and Pienza, where local cuisine and wine await. Trentino boasts breathtaking mountain scenery and outdoor activities, perfect for nature lovers. Sardinia offers a unique mix of stunning coastlines and rich cultural traditions.

Editor's Pick

Adventure on Elba

Exploring secret hideaways

marco bio

Marco Barneveld

|Global Editor-in-Chief

Featured STORIES

Hiking, biking and Kayaking in Elba, the Tuscan Archipelago

Adventure on Elba

Exploring secret hideaways

According to legends and myths, the Tuscan Archipelago came into existence thanks to the clumsiness of the goddess of beauty and love. On Elba, beauty has lingered for a long..

All Italy Stories

Florence, Lavignini rooftop bar.

Hanging with the locals in Florence

Florence from the inside out

Hiking, biking and Kayaking in Elba, the Tuscan Archipelago

Adventure on Elba

Exploring secret hideaways

RUB9200107-0564b-lores

Livigno

Pearl of the Italian Alps

Italy, Toscane, Fattoria La Vialla

Fattoria La Vialla

Culinary happiness in Tuscany

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Orgosolo, Sardinia

Pretty as a picture

Hiking the Garda Trek over the crown of Lago di Garda, Trentino, Italy

Garda Trentino

Between heaven and earth

Italy Facts

Destination Flag

262-italy

Timezone

GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET) | GMT+2 (Daylight Saving Time)

Capital

Rome

Languages

Italian

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Country Code

+39

Voltage

230V

Italy Info

Did you know?
  • Italy has sixty UNESCO World Heritage sites (2024), of which 54 cultural and six natural, which makes it the country with the highest number of heritage sites worldwide. China comes in second, with 59. 
  • The latest addition to the list of World Heritage sites in Italy is the Via Appia Regina Viarum. The approximately 650-kilometre long Via Appia runs through central and southern Italy. It was the first of the great roads of Rome, built using innovative techniques.
  • Italy has eight active* volcanoes, of which the most famous are Etna, Stromboli, and Vesuvius (dormant since 1944).

* According to the Smithsonian Institution’s Global Volcanism Program, a volcano is considered ‘active’ if it has erupted within the last 10,000 years.

  • ‘Cheers!’ is ‘saluti!’
  • Tipping is not expected, but certainly appreciated. Leave a small amount when you are satisfied with the service.
  • Campari, made from the infusion of herbs and fruit in alcohol and water,  is Italy’s most popular and national drink. 
  • Shops and services are closed during lunch hours (approximately 1pm to 4pm), especially in smaller towns and rural areas.
  • Restaurants close at 3pm after lunch and open for dinner at 7-7.30pm. During these hours it is possible to have small dishes in a bar or a snack on the street, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find a place for a two- or three-course meal, unless you eat in a very touristy place in a big city centre.
  • Ordering a cappuccino any other time than morning is frowned upon. Cappuccino is a morning drink for Italians, but you can drink espresso all day long. Ordering a latte in Italy and you’ll get milk, the correct word is ‘caffellatte’.
  • Be aware that a recently passed law in Rome bans sitting on the historic Spanish Steps, which were built in the eighteenth century and recently restored at a cost of more than 1,5 million euros.

Plan Your Trip

Outdoor action in the Tuscan Archipelago

Besides seakayaking, there are thousands of other activities to be done on Elba. You can go e-mountain-biking, hiking, sailing, and surfing. Something for everyone. WideOyster got help from Active Travel Tuscany. A nice organization that seamlessly connected all the activities and stays.

More info

WideOyster Journeys

We know where to go. We know the best places to stay. And we know the local partners who turn a trip into something unforgettable. That’s why when we design your journey, it isn’t just a holiday. It’s a story you’ll carry for life.

Our mission is simple: to inspire you to explore the world with curiosity, optimism, enthusiasm, and respect. To connect with cultures, to marvel at breathtaking landscapes, and to embrace the beauty of untamed nature.

So, tell us — what once-in-a-lifetime adventure may we design for you?

Back

Plan Your Trip

Outdoor action in the Tuscan Archipelago

Besides seakayaking, there are thousands of other activities to be done on Elba. You can go e-mountain-biking, hiking, sailing, and surfing. Something for everyone. WideOyster got help from Active Travel Tuscany. A nice organization that seamlessly connected all the activities and stays.

More info

WideOyster Journeys

We know where to go. We know the best places to stay. And we know the local partners who turn a trip into something unforgettable. That’s why when we design your journey, it isn’t just a holiday. It’s a story you’ll carry for life.

Our mission is simple: to inspire you to explore the world with curiosity, optimism, enthusiasm, and respect. To connect with cultures, to marvel at breathtaking landscapes, and to embrace the beauty of untamed nature.

So, tell us — what once-in-a-lifetime adventure may we design for you?

Back
Wideoyster-wit

©WideOyster, 2026. Every journey we share is protected by copyright. Please explore and enjoy, but remember: all rights reserved.

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