Getting a chance to visit Italia is an opportunity one must never miss, as the culture, architecture, food and entertainment is like no other region on earth. The beauty of the tallest mountains is equal to that of the lush sandy beaches or rocky, cave covered coastlines, and this can make planning a short stay almost impossible.
There are thousands of tourist hotspots to visit across the country, but the true Italy hides beneath these stereotypical ideas. Luckily, I am going to share all of the tips and tricks you will need to experience Italian life as a local, enabling you to truly utilise every minute of your vacation.
If you want to find out more, then read on for some of the best recommendations that you can make the most of today to plan the trip of the lifetime!
Food, Glorious Food
Food is potentially the most important feature of an average day in Italia. Breakfast isn’t such a popular meal, with a simple croissant (cornetto) and an espresso to kick start the day. However, when lunch time finally rolls around the story changes: a first and second plate are commonplace, with pasta of course being an obvious staple.
A snack of aperitivo, usually campari or wine partnered with a few nibbles will wet your palate and help you to develop a greater hunger for the dinner that lies ahead. Mediterranean food features a wealth of vegetables, meat, legumes and grains, making it one of the healthiest diets across the globe.
An average dinner will consist of all of these food groups, and it’s one of the biggest social events of the day. When you arrive in Italia you’re almost guaranteed to be greeted with hundreds of food spots to try, but the best way to experience true authentic cuisine is to take the back streets to search for a family run trattoria.
Seeing The Sights
There are plenty of sights to visit in any town or city that you visit, whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of Napoli or roaming around Venezia. If you’ve found an early flight and need to drop your bags off somewhere safe before you begin your adventures, a simple search online such as Florence luggage storage will provide you with a secure local spot.
The sights you see should depend on your personal preferences, as there really is an Italia for every kind of individual. Grand ruins litter the country, with art galleries, museums, churches and cathedrals around every corner. At the same time, popular nightclubs and bars hide amongst the traditional architecture, along with high fashion stores and the best designer outlets available. The more research you do, the more inspiring ideas you will be able to uncover!
Experiencing the real Italia has never been so simple when you are able to make the most of the recommendations detailed above. Tantalise your tastebuds by sampling some of the delicious food on offer, and explore the hidden gems away from the tourist hot spots to see the authentic Mediterranean way of life.
Lucy Bertoldi says
Italia my Love and mother country!! My roots are Venetian- I adore everything about this country and yes Food is the center of it all- Loved this post so much!! xx