How To Vacation Like An Italian

With 48.6 million visitors a year, Italy is no stranger to tourism. Thanks to its spectacular, diverse landscape and wealth of culture, cuisine, history and art, the bel paese is the fifth most visited country in the world. But it’s not just overseas visitors who vacation here – the Italians do too. So what exactly do the locals get up to when holidaying at home? (Hint: they don’t visit the Colosseum).

Mare o montagna?

As summer rolls around, Italians generally look for respite from the heat in one of two places – il mare (the sea) or le montagne (the mountains). August in particular is when locals decamp en masse and head out of town, often to the same spot every year.

Famously a boot-shaped peninsula, Italy boasts countless beaches perfect for a few weeks of rest and relaxation under the sun’s rays. The fishing village of Portofino in the north of Italy has a reputation as a VIP hotspot while Rimini, on the Adriatic coast, offers 15 kilometres of (mostly) unpretentious stabilimenti, or private beach clubs. The island of Sardinia is world-famous for its white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters and attracts visitors from across Italy. Farther south, the picturesque seaside towns of San Felice Circeo, Terracina and Santa Severa punctuate the coast of Lazio before giving way to the dreamlike Amalfi Coast in the Campania region. Italians wishing to staycation in the south are well catered for by the mix of rocky and sandy shores in Puglia – the heel of Italy’s boot.

Portofino is one of Italy’s most exclusive spots for a beach holiday

Settimana Bianca

A settimana bianca, or white week, is the term given to the annual trip many Italians make to the mountains during winter, usually between January and March. Winter sports, such as skiing, snowboarding and sledding, are on the itinerary with the emphasis falling on fun rather than sporting prowess. As with summer holidays, Italians most often choose a destination no more than a few hours’ travel from home and many return to the same spot year after year. Probably the most famous place for a settimana bianca is Cortina d’Ampezzo in the Dolomites in Veneto, northern Italy. A chic resort famous for its jet-set reputation, Cortina’s slopes aren’t for beginners but the ancient town does offer a host of elegant boutiques and sleek cocktail bars for those who prefer a more leisurely break.

Agriturismo

Staying in an independently owned, working farm known as an agriturismo is becoming ever more popular among Italians and savvy overseas visitors with an eye for authentic travel. Unlike countryside B&Bs or rural holiday homes, guests are usually invited to discover country living with a hands-on approach – think cooking classes, olive harvesting or winemaking rather than toiling away in the fields. As well as providing the opportunity to spend a few days off-grid, agriturismi are some of the best places to sample top-notch regional produce. Dinners are often communal and prepared with local meats, cheeses, fruits and vegetables – sometimes grown or produced on the very same farm. Agriturismi are found throughout Italy and generally offer great value for money. Accommodation can vary greatly from rustic but cosy rooms with a shared bathroom to luxury, purpose-built apartments so it pays to do some homework first.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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