Italy stretches from the Alps to the Mediterranean, so the best airport depends entirely on your itinerary.

• For central Italy trips—like Rome, Florence, or Tuscany—Rome Fiumicino (FCO) is the main international hub and the best starting point. Florence (FLR) and Pisa (PSA) also work well for exploring the Tuscan countryside or Cinque Terre.
• If you’re traveling to northern Italy, Milan Malpensa (MXP) is ideal for visiting Milan, Lake Como, or the Italian Alps. Venice (VCE) is another great option if you’re focusing on the Veneto region or the Dolomites.
• For southern Italy, including the Amalfi Coast, Naples (NAP) is your gateway to Positano, Capri, and Sorrento.
• If you’re heading to Puglia, Bari (BRI) and Brindisi (BDS) are the most convenient regional airports.

If you’re planning a longer itinerary, consider flying into one city and out of another to save time and avoid backtracking.

Spring (April–mid-June) and fall (September–October) are my favorite times to visit Italy (and Europe in general) in my opinion. The weather is warm but not scorching, the crowds are not as crazy as midsummer, and everything—from the countryside to the coast—feels golden. Purely magical. July and August bring peak heat and crowds, especially in southern regions like Puglia and the Amalfi Coast, while winter (November–March) is better for colder, cozier city stays and far fewer crowds.

It depends on where you’re visiting from. If you’re coming from Europe or the UK, you can probably get away with a much shorter trip, but from the U.S., you’re going to want to stay longer to offset the travel time. For a first trip, aim for 12-16 days to experience two or three regions without rushing. Italy looks small on the map, but distances add up quickly! If you’re focusing on one (or even two) region(s)—like Puglia or Tuscany—7-10 days is perfect. I always recommend 3-4 nights in each destination so you don’t have to pack up every other day!

It depends on where you’re going. Italy’s trains are fantastic for major cities like Rome, Florence, Milan, and Venice. But if your trip includes smaller towns or countryside regions—like Puglia, Tuscany, or Umbria—a rental car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. If you’re trying to decide on what’s best for you, or just want some tips, check out my guides:

• A Guide to Train Travel in Italy
• Renting a Car & Driving in Italy: What to Know Before You Hit the Road

Italy can be as affordable or as luxurious as you make it. Big cities and coastal hotspots (like the Amalfi Coast, Capri, and Portofino) tend to be pricier, but smaller regions like Puglia, Umbria, and parts of Sicily often offer better value for food, accommodations, and activities. Shoulder season travel (spring and fall) is also a great way to stretch your budget while still enjoying beautiful weather!

Not in the American sense. Restaurants usually include a small coperto (cover charge), so tipping is optional. If you had great service, rounding up the bill or leaving €5–€10 is appreciated but not expected.

Yes! Tap water is safe across most of Italy, and you’ll find public fountains (fontanelle) in nearly every city. Bring a reusable bottle—you’ll save money!

Yes, cards are widely accepted in cities and larger towns. It’s actually illegal as of 2022 for Italian businesses to reject card payments (unless for some unforseen circumstance like a POS system being down, etc.). But it’s always recommended to keep some euros on hand for taxis, a quick espresso, and smaller local shops—especially in southern Italy. Oh, and to use public restrooms!

In tourist areas and major cities, yes—most people speak at least some English. In smaller villages, it’s more limited, but a few Italian basics (ciao, grazie, per favore) go a long way. Italians truly appreciate the effort!