8 Signs That You’re Visiting Italy The Wrong Way
Tags: Traveling, Travel, Travel Tips, Travel Writing, Italy

Italy is one of the most popular destinations when it comes to travel. Rome, Venice, Milan and Florence are overrun by tourists all year long. But still, only a fraction of these travelers get to know the real Italy.

Here is a list of eight reasons why you’re self-sabotaging your visit to Italy.

1-You are only visiting big cities

Of course, Venice, Milan and Rome are amazing and there must be a reason why everybody goes there, right? Sure, but these are among the most industrialized cities in the country, with a high percentage of their population coming from abroad.

Nothing wrong with that of course, but if you want a truly Italian experience, then you should visit one of its many smaller cities. Here you will be able to see how the majority of Italians spend their daily lives without being constantly surrounded by tourists.

Some amazing cities worth visiting include: Matera, Tropea and Siena.

2-You are only eating in pizzerie

Pizza is not the only amazing food that Italy can offer. Type the word ‘osteria’ or ‘trattoria’ on Google Maps and choose among the many options that will pop up. Osterie and trattorie are restaurants where you can find delicious traditional food for a cheap price. The portions are normally big and the atmosphere is exquisitely informal, reminding Italians of what they love most, grandma’s kitchen.

You should also try the local street-food that can be found in the many cafés and bakeries. For instance, you cannot miss the Neapolitan sfogliatella, the Genovese focaccia and the Sicilian arancini! It’s also a great way to save money. With a few euros, you can normally walk home with a full belly.

3-You’re not talking with the locals

If you’re spending your holidays only hanging out with a group of foreigner friends you found in your hostel, let me tell you you’re making a great mistake. Even though only a few Italians, especially in small cities, master the English language, you won’t get a truly Italian experience if you don’t socialize with them.

Despite their poor English skills, Italians will always do their best to help you find your hostel, give you suggestions on where and what to eat, or show you the best tourist attractions their city has to offer.

Italians are warm and welcoming people, overcome your shyness and try your best to socialise with them!

4-The sea is the only natural attraction you are interested in

I got it, that’s what Italy is most famous for, but there’s so much more to see. Italy has the highest mountain chain in Europe, the Alps. In the summer, it’s the perfect location where to get a break from the many tourists overrunning the beaches and to escape from the unbearable sun.

If mountains are not for you, you can spend a few days on the amazing hills of the Monferrato or the Langhe in the North. If you are looking for something more extreme, you can also book an excursion on one of the many Italian active volcanoes, such as Mount Etna, the Vesuvio or the Stromboli.

5-You’re not cooking your own food

You may think that Italian food is so good that there is no point in cooking your own usual stuff here, but that’s a mistake. The reason why Italian food is so delicious is because of the ingredients. Make sure to visit a local market and buy a huge quantity of veggies and fruits. Try to cook one of your usual meals to see the difference or simply eat some freshly-picked fruit. You will be amazed!

6-You’re not drinking coffee properly

Rule number one of every trip to Italy: if you ask for a coffee, you will get an espresso. If you ask for an espresso, everyone will think you’re mad.

I realized this when, after years abroad, I got home in Italy and asked for an espresso. Everyone looked at me as if I was crazy. Coffee IS espresso and the americano is not an option. You can get one, but nobody will defend you from the many judgemental looks.

Once you are in Italy, just join the local culture and give up your lovely americano for a quick shot of coffee. It takes a second to drink an espresso, most of the time you don’t even have to sit, but you can just drink it from the counter. You can get an espresso for breakfast, next to a croissant, after lunch or at any time you feel like taking a break. Between working tasks, during a driving break or just because you feel like it.

Never forget the rule of the three ‘Cs’: coffee must be enjoyed Caldo, Comodo and in Compagnia (warm, comfortable and in company)

If you miss the habit of slowly sipping from your smoking coffee just get a cappuccino, but never after 18.00.

7-You spend your evenings indoors.

Even though in many other European countries people spend the nights in pubs and clubs, a typical Italian Saturday night is spent strolling through the city centre. This is where most of the people meet up and decide what to do for the night. You may end up going to a club or pub anyway but no need to rush. Italy’s frequently warm and there is no need to take refuge in a pub during the evening. So make sure to enjoy the night atmosphere in the Italian streets.

8-You are not having aperitivo

What’s aperitivo? The best food invention ever! Too early for dinner, too late for a snack, aperitivo happens between 18.00 to 20.00, sometimes 21.00. This is the moment when Italians finish their working shift and relax with friends. You can get a glass of wine, a beer or a cocktail at a café and you will get a lot of food next to it.

Recently, aperitivi can also be accompanied by a buffet, even though this option tends to cost more, from 6.00 to 8.00 euros per drink. However, you will end up full and you won’t have to pay for an extra dinner.

Even though in the north of Italy aperitivi are now a must, in the south they are still rare, so make sure you are in the north before ordering one.