Italy Travel Information 2026: Transport, Costs, Seasons, and Regions to Stay
- Thor
- Jan 11
- 5 min read
This Italy travel information page is written for travelers who want practical planning details. Italy is a large, diverse destination where travel time and season have a bigger impact than many first-time visitors expect. Planning is simplest when you pick one main base (for example, Rome, Florence, Milan, Venice, Naples, or Sicily) and add short, logical side trips rather than trying to cover the whole country in one itinerary.
Last updated: January 2026
Italy travel information for travelers: Quick overview and key details
Quick overview
Best time to visit: April to June and September to October for balanced weather and manageable crowd levels. July and August for beach-focused trips, but expect heat and higher prices.
Typical stay length: 5 to 10 days for a first trip.
Daily budget (excluding flights): Budget 85 to 160 EUR, mid-range 170 to 290 EUR, comfort 310+ EUR.
Main gateways: Rome Fiumicino (FCO) and Milan Malpensa (MXP) are the most common long-haul entry points. Venice (VCE), Naples (NAP), and other airports are useful for region-first itineraries.
Best regions to base yourself: Rome and Lazio, Florence and Tuscany, Venice and Veneto, Milan and Northern Lakes, Naples and Campania, Sicily.
Key facts
Country: Italy
Local currency: Euro (EUR)
Language: Italian (English is widely used in visitor settings, especially in major cities)
Time zone: CET (summer: CEST)
Emergency number: 112 (Single European Emergency Number)
Police: 113
Fire brigade: 115
Medical emergency: 118
Tap water: Generally safe to drink (quality can vary by building and plumbing)
Power sockets: Type C, F, and L, 230V
Transport
Getting to Italy
Italy has multiple international gateways, and the best airport depends on your region-first plan.
For general destination planning and travel basics, start here: Italia.it (Official Tourism Website)
Trains and long-distance travel
High-speed rail is one of the most efficient ways to move between major Italian cities. For timetables, tickets, and disruption updates, use official rail sources.
National rail operator: Trenitalia
Private high-speed operator: Italo
Local transport in cities
Large cities use a mix of metro, trams, and buses. For predictable planning, confirm local tickets and strike notices close to travel dates and prioritise early starts on day trips.
Driving and road trips
Driving works best for rural regions and smaller towns, but city centres often have restricted traffic zones (ZTL). If you plan to rent a car, check ZTL rules and parking logistics before booking accommodation.
Costs and money
Italy ranges from mid-cost to high-cost depending on season and location. Your biggest cost swings are usually accommodation, high-demand attractions, and long-distance transport booked late.
Card payments are widely accepted in cities and tourist zones, but it can still be useful to carry a small amount of cash for smaller purchases.
Indicative examples in euros, to make budgeting easier:
Coffee: often about 1.50 to 4 EUR (varies by standing vs seated service and location).
Budget restaurant meal: often about 12 to 25 EUR.
Mid-range dinner: often about 25 to 65 EUR per person, depending on venue.
Beer in a bar: often about 5 to 10 EUR.
Hotel room: often about 110 to 260 EUR per night in major cities, with higher prices in peak periods and weekends.
Seasons and planning
Spring
Spring is one of the strongest all-round seasons for cities, countryside, and active travel. Shoulder weeks can offer better value with fewer crowds.
Summer
Summer is best for beaches and island trips, but many areas see higher heat, higher prices, and heavier crowding. In large cities, plan outdoor time early and protect your schedule with indoor options during the hottest hours.
Autumn
Autumn is often excellent for city breaks, food travel, and mixed itineraries. Weather becomes more changeable later in the season.
Winter
Winter suits city-first itineraries and museum-heavy plans, while coastal and rural areas can feel quieter with shorter daylight.
Regions to stay
Rome and Lazio
Best for first-time visitors who want classic landmarks, day-trip options, and the widest range of transport connections.
Special places to visit:
Vatican City
Hidden gems:
Appian Way and the catacomb zone
Quartiere Coppedè (small architectural pocket in Rome)
Florence and Tuscany
Best for art-focused travel, hill towns, and a slower itinerary built around short day trips.
Special places to visit:
Florence historic centre
Val d’Orcia landscapes
Hidden gems:
Lucca as a calmer base for day trips
Fiesole for viewpoints above Florence
Venice and Veneto
Best for lagoon-focused travel and short extensions to nearby cities.
Special places to visit:
Venice historic core
Verona as a short rail add-on
Hidden gems:
Padua for a quieter city stop
Chioggia for a calmer lagoon-town feel
Milan and Northern Lakes
Best for transport efficiency, shopping and design culture, and combining city time with lake logistics in season.
Special places to visit:
Milan city base plus day trips
Lake Como lakefront towns
Hidden gems:
Bergamo Upper Town as a day trip
Pavia as an easy rail day trip
Naples and Campania
Best for a base that combines city energy with coastal day trips and island options.
Special places to visit:
Amalfi Coast road logistics and viewpoints
Capri as a seasonal day trip
Hidden gems:
Procida for a quieter island feel
Bacoli and the Phlegraean Fields coastline
Sicily
Best for a distinct region-first trip with strong food culture and diverse landscapes.
Special places to visit:
Taormina as a short base element
Hidden gems:
Ortigia (Siracusa) for a compact old-town base
Noto for a Baroque old-town stop
Visa and entry
Italy applies Schengen short-stay rules, and whether you need a visa depends on your nationality and residence status. For official guidance, use the Italian government visa portal: Visto per l’Italia (MAECI)
To check how the 90 days in any 180-day period rule applies to your plan, use the EU short-stay calculator.
If you are planning travel in late 2026 or beyond, also read: ETIAS Europe travel authorisation update
FAQ
Is Italy expensive?
Italy ranges from mid-cost to high-cost depending on the city or region, season, and accommodation choice. Your budget changes most with hotel pricing, how often you dine out, and how much long-distance travel you add.
How many days do you need in Italy?
For a first trip, 5 to 10 days is a practical range. Shorter trips work best when you pick one main base and keep day trips close.
Do you need cash in Italy?
Card payments are common, but it can still be useful to carry a small amount of cash for small purchases.
What are the key emergency numbers in Italy?
For emergencies, call 112. Italy also uses 113 (police), 115 (fire), and 118 (medical emergency) depending on region and service routing.
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