Italy is set to remain the number-one most lusted-after destination for 2024 but Jeeeeeeeesus, a Europe trip can be on the pricey side – and that’s even before we think about the Cossie Livs. So we spoke to Emanuele Attansio, Country Manager for the Italian National Tourist Board Australia and New Zealand, about how to do Italy a little cheaper than the usual – check out his four biggest tips below!
TIP 1: Get off the beaten path
In Italy, travelling to lesser-known places doesn’t mean you’ll have a lesser quality experience in the country. For example, a visit to Bologna in the Emilia-Romagna region is a culturally enriching experience, a city filled with architectural wonders and authentic culinary offerings – it’s known across the world for it’s foodie scene!
Bologna
And if you want to experience a destination that has all the charm of the likes of Amalfi and Capri, the amazing island of Procida offers the same characteristic jaw-dropping natural landscapes. Procida was designated the Italian Capital of Culture in 2022 and the island’s villages, abbeys, and palaces are all waiting to be discovered. Must-sees include Marina della Corricella, the island’s oldest fishing village, or the Palazzo d’Avalos, an imposing 16th-century structure dominating the village of Terra Murata.
Procida
Obviously Italy’s history and culture are always a core part of any trip but experiences like agritourism, snow sports in winter, and exploring more of Italy’s islands are all becoming increasingly popular. It’s no longer about hitting Rome, Florence and Venice and saying that you’ve ‘done’ Italy.
TIP 2: Go for an afternoon aperitivo
Italians are known for aperitivo, which refers to the ritual of enjoying a late afternoon drink such as a glass of wine or a spritz cocktail alongside some delicious canapes. Upholding the cultural tradition, most bars in Italy offer aperitivo where the food served will be included in the price of your drink. Aperitivo hour will not only make you feel more immersed in the culture, but it might even keep your appetite at bay and lower your evening meal costs – win!
TIP 3: Eat like a local
Speaking of dining like the locals do, street food is everywhere in Italy offering a cheap, quick, and convenient way to try some of the country’s tastiest dishes while on the go. Alternatively, visit some of the many delis and bakeries for baked goods or fresh produce like olives, prosciutto, or cheeses – ideal for a lunchtime or evening picnic in the park. For a more hearty and authentic meal, dining at a local trattoria could be the way to go. Trattorias are informal, local canteen-style venues that serve up a variety of reasonably priced home-cooked dishes.
TIP 4: Make use of Italy’s extensive rail network
Exploring Italy by train really does give you an opportunity to relax, unwind and enjoy the journey itself, not just the destination. You can easily overload your itinerary with so many amazing experiences in Italy – train travel forces you to slow down and take a break on your travels. The train journey itself becomes an integral part of the adventure.
Italy’s well-developed rail network makes it possible to reach even the most remote locations while you relax and enjoy the scenery along the way. There are train services linking almost every town and city across the country, and the point-to-point connectivity, comfort, cost, and ease of rail travel means that travelling by train in Italy nearly always makes more sense than flying or driving.
The point-to-point journey of rail travel is often shorter than flying and you save time, and avoid the hassle of airport security and check-in. What’s more, when you arrive at a train station in Italy you are usually not far from the city centre. Train tickets can also be affordable, especially if you book in advance or use rail passes or travel on regional trains.
