Italy

Located in southern Europe, Italy is one of the most popular destinations for tourists around the world thanks to its world famous food and incredible heritage.

I’ve been fortunate to visit the country various times with our family campervan when I was younger and thereafter. I also spent a school year in Rome between 2007 and 2008 thanks to the Erasmus exchange program.

WELCOME TO Italy!

Basic facts

Population: 58 million
Currency: euro (EUR). Check the current exchange rate here.
Language: Italian is the official language in the country, although you will also find dialects in some regions such as Sicilian, Sardinian or Neapolitan.
Territories: there are 20 regions in Italy.
Main cities: Rome (capital), Milan, Naples, Turin, Palermo.
Fun fact: the University of Bologna, founded in 1088, is Europe‘s oldest University.

Things to do

Eat pasta and gelato (ice cream) on repeat!

Step back in time when exploring Rome

Discover the Mediterranean heritage in the island of Sicily

Browse the following Italian regions on my blog

A bird flying over Chiesa della Trinità dei Monti in Piazza di Spagna

Lazio

Sicily

FOOD IN ITALY

Types of restaurants: there are a diverse range of restaurants in Italy. While a ristorante is typically the most formal and expensive restaurant, a trattoria is a familiar and moderately priced place. An osteria is between a simple trattoria and a bar, serving a few varied dishes as well as wine.
Parts of the Italian menu: starters (antipasti), first dish (primo; usually a soup, pasta or rice), second dish (secondo; meat or fish) and desserts (dolci).
Italian coffee (caffè): Italians like to have an espresso or cappuccino for breakfast. After lunch and dinner, espresso is king.
Tip: most restaurants charge for the bread and the cover (pane e coperto). If the menu says ‘servizio incluso‘, then it is already included. You may want to round it up when paying the bill. Otherwise, you can tip 10%.

More about Italy…

Get inspired by my trips around the country and read my travel-related blog posts! You can also listen to my Italian Spotify playlist to feel like you’re already there. 🙂