With this Italy travel guide, I try to gather in one place the main information you need to travel more and better.
It aims to prepare you to arrive at this new destination, knowing everything you need to have a smooth, safe trip and avoid the vast majority of problems that every traveler faces.
With this information, you will be able to make the best decisions, transforming your view as if you were a local.
Here you will find the main places to visit, how much they cost, a great way to save money, recommendations on places to stay, restaurants, transportation tips and safety advice.
Even with different ways of traveling, from backpacking, or family vacations, cruises, two-week vacations, trips around the world.
Here you will find everything you need to travel more, better, for longer and cheaper.
If you can’t find any information, don’t hesitate to contact me and I will be happy to answer.
About Italy
Where is it?
Italy is a country located in southern Europe, shaped like a boot projecting into the sea, bathed to the south by the Mediterranean Sea, to the west by the Tyrrhenian Sea and to the east by the Adriatic Sea.
In the mountainous north, the Alps spread throughout the region with many glacial lakes and where it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia has the highest mountains in Europe.
From the western end of the Alps, the Apennine Mountains extend south across the entire peninsula.
The main regions are:
Northwest Region
The northwest region of Italy is made up of most of the country’s richest states. They are: Valle d’Aosta, Piedmont, Liguria and Lombardy (Milan)
Northeast Region.
The northeast region stands out in terms of art, culture and economy. The following states are part of this region: Trentino-Alto Adige, Friuli-Venezia-Giulia, Veneto (Venice) and Emilia-Romagna (Bologna).
Central Region
Central Italy is made up of Tuscany, Marche, Umbria and Lazio (Rome and the Vatican).
These are very well-known states that attract thousands of tourists every year.
In Tuscany we have the cities of Florence, Pisa and Siena, in Lazio we have Rome and the Vatican, which are visited by millions of tourists every year.
Insular Region.
The islands of Sicily, capital Palermo, and Sardinia, capital Calari are the main island destinations.
Climate
As a country in the Northern Hemisphere, the seasons are opposite to those in Brazil, and are also more intense and well-regulated.
The southern region is the hottest and the northern region is the coldest.
Winter – Months: December, January and February.
Winter is very harsh, especially in the North, since in addition to the cold, it is also a mountainous region.
Temperatures range from 2°C to -14°C (depending on the region). Some attractions are closed, but the northern region is full of ski resorts and several other winter options.
During this time of year, the days are much shorter, nights can last up to 17 hours, and it often rains.
If winter is your favorite season, cities like Turin, Bologna and Milan are good destinations.
Spring – Months: March, April and May.
Spring is when things start to get warmer, when the sun comes out, with pleasant temperatures of 10°C to 28°C, streets full of flowers and long days, allowing you to enjoy the city a lot.
We can say that it is an ideal season to visit, as it is not too hot and not too cold either.
Summer – months: June, July and August.
In summer, temperatures can easily reach 35°C and in some years over 40°C.
Because it is a very hot season with long, sunny days and the peak of tourism, the main cities are crowded, especially with European tourists.
This means more expensive prices and overcrowding.
Autumn – months: September, October and November.
I really like traveling in autumn because, like spring, it is a period of transition, but
The coldest temperature comes from the coldest, 8°C to 20°C, which makes the days more pleasant.
In September you will find the same situation as in the summer, but with far fewer people and lower costs.
It is only at the beginning of November that temperatures really start to drop and the weather becomes rainier.
Money
The official currency is the Euro (EUR; symbol €), which has notes of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5, with the most common being 100 and below.
The coins are €2, €1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cent.
Credit card.
Basically all cards are accepted and the most widely accepted are MasterCard, American Express, Cirrus, Maestro and Visa.
It is important to know that some establishments charge a fee if you pay by credit card, but most do not charge.
ATMs.
These ATMs are available throughout Italy, but the further south you go the less they are available.
Many places in the south only accept cash.
Although Italy is very safe, it is always a good idea to be careful when withdrawing money, especially in the most touristic places such as Rome, Venice and Milan.
Value restrictions.
In Italy there are no value restrictions, however, amounts above EU $10,000.00 must be declared upon entering the country.
Currency exchange.
It is recommended that you take money in Euros, as you will not lose it when exchanging.
Other currencies can be exchanged at banks, airports, train stations and in the main hotels, etc.
It is always important to get the best rates with the lowest or no exchange costs and also think about security when exchanging.
In terms of security and ease, these are:
- Airports
- Banks
- Exchange bureaus
- Hotels
- General stores.
The best conversion rates are:
- General stores
- Hotels
- Exchange bureaus
- Airport.
The best and safest rates are at the exchange bureaus in the city.
Generally, when you arrive at the airport, it is best to only exchange what is necessary to cover your initial expenses.
A little history
Italy’s history is rich and complex, full of empires, invasions, renaissances and unifications. From Antiquity to the present day, the Italian territory has been the scene of great transformations that shaped not only the country, but also Western civilization.
1. Antiquity and the Roman Empire
Before the rise of Rome, the Italian peninsula was inhabited by diverse peoples, such as the Etruscans, Greeks and Latins. In the 8th century BC, Rome was founded and, after a monarchical period, became a republic (509 BC). During the following centuries, Rome conquered vast territories and became the largest empire in Antiquity.
The Roman Empire reached its peak in the 2nd century AD, under the command of Emperor Trajan. However, internal crises, barbarian invasions and internal divisions led to the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 AD, marking the beginning of the Middle Ages.
2. The Middle Ages and the Fragmented States
With the collapse of Rome, the peninsula fragmented into Germanic kingdoms, such as the Ostrogothic Kingdom, and later came under the control of the Byzantine Empire and the Lombards. In the 8th century, the Franks, led by Charlemagne, conquered part of Italy and established ties with the Papacy, giving rise to the Papal States.
During the Middle Ages, city-states such as Venice, Genoa, Florence and Milan prospered, becoming commercial and cultural centers. These cities played a crucial role in the transition to the Renaissance.
3. The Renaissance and the Cultural Apogee
Between the 14th and 16th centuries, Italy was the birthplace of the Renaissance, a cultural and intellectual movement that revolutionized European art, science and thought. Great names such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Machiavelli emerged during this period, transforming Italy into a center of innovation.
Despite its cultural richness, Italy remained politically divided, and was the target of foreign invasions, such as the campaigns of Charles VIII of France and the wars between Spain and France for control of the peninsula.
4. Foreign Domination and the Path to Unification
During the 16th to 18th centuries, much of Italy was under foreign control, mainly by Spain and, later, by Austria. In the 19th century, nationalist sentiment grew, leading to the struggle for Italian unification.
Leaders such as Giuseppe Mazzini, Giuseppe Garibaldi and the statesman Count of Cavour were instrumental in this process. In 1861, the Kingdom of Italy was proclaimed under the leadership of King Victor Emmanuel II. Unification was only completed in 1870, with the incorporation of Rome, which became the country’s capital.
5. The Contemporary Period: Wars, Fascism and Reconstruction
In the 20th century, Italy participated in the First World War on the side of the Triple Entente, expanding its territories. However, the economic and social crises of the post-war period favored the rise of fascism.
Benito Mussolini came to power in 1922, establishing a dictatorial regime aligned with Nazi Germany. Italy’s participation in the Second World War resulted in great destruction. In 1943, Mussolini was deposed and, in 1946, the monarchy was abolished, giving way to the Italian Republic.
In the following years, Italy experienced remarkable economic growth and became one of the leading economies in Europe. The country was one of the founding members of the European Union and played a crucial role in international cooperation.
6. Today’s Italy
Today, Italy is a democratic and industrialized country, famous for its culture, art, gastronomy and history. Despite political and economic challenges, it remains one of the most influential and visited destinations in the world, maintaining its heritage as the cradle of Western civilization.
Culture
Spoken language
Italian is the official language, but there are many dialects and the elderly speak little of the official Italian.
In the most visited places it is easy to find people speaking English, but in other regions it can be a little more difficult.
I have traveled in Italy from north to south and had little difficulty.
Religion.
Italy is 87% Roman Catholic and 4% are other Christians, 3% Muslim and 6% of other religions.
The capital of the Christian world is in Rome, which is the Vatican.
Gastronomy.
Italian cuisine is one of the best known in the world, although you only have to go to Italy to understand the fullness of what this means.
Each region has its own variations that make up the Italian table.
In the north, due to French and Austrian influences, the dishes are rich in meat, cream and butter, while further south, the cuisine is lighter, centered on ingredients such as olive oil, tomatoes and fish.
The secret lies in local production, with ingredients chosen with attention to their unique ripeness, texture and flavor.
- Gnocchi alla Romana: Known in English as Roman gnocchi, these dumplings are made from a rich semolina dough.
- Bagna cauda: A warm sauce from the Piedmont region made with anchovies, garlic, olive oil, butter and occasionally cream.
- Pesto: A classic Italian sauce that combines basil, pine nuts and pecorino cheese.
- Parmigiano-reggiano: Also known as Parmesan cheese, this hard cow’s milk cheese is often shaved over dishes.
- Ossobuco: A Milanese dish made with veal shanks cooked in a rich tomato and wine broth.
- Ragu: A thick, slow-cooked meat sauce from Bologna served in lasagna, with tagliatelle or other pasta.
- Porchetta: A succulent roast of pork infused with herbs, garlic and fennel and wrapped in a crackling skin.
- Panettone: An Italian Christmas cake with sultanas and candied fruit.
- Limoncello: A lemon-flavored liqueur from southern Italy, drunk cold as a digestif.
- Wines: Famous Roman wines include frascati, pinot bianco and pinot grigio (whites); barolo, valpolicella, cabernet and pinot nero (reds).
Notable wine regions include Chianti, Montepulciano and Brunello.
Tip:
Service charges and state taxes are included in all restaurant bills. It is customary to tip up to 10% if the service is particularly good.
What to Do
Italy is a country where there is a lot to do. Here I will make a brief list of the main attractions, but you can find much more information in the Italian city guides.
Experience the history of civilization in Rome.
Main attractions:
Vatican City
Vatican City is an independent state and is located within Rome.
It is considered one of the religious centers of the world and is where the Pope lives and is home to monuments such as Piazza San Pietro and St. Peter’s Basilica.
You can also enjoy the Vatican Palace, where the famous Sistine Chapel is located, and its monumental paintings.
Colosseum and Roman Forum
The Roman Forum is located between the Capitoline and Palatine hills in Rome.
This would have been the center of the powerful Roman Empire.
Where you can admire a beautiful complex of ancient buildings such as the Temple of Saturn, the Arch of Septimius Severus, the Via Sacra, Antoninus and Faustina, among others.
Another grandiose cylindrical monument that you cannot miss is the important Colosseum of Rome or Flavian Amphitheatre.
Built in ancient times, the Colosseum of Rome is currently one of the most visited tourist attractions in the city.
It is also one of the greatest examples of Roman architecture.
No trip to Rome is complete without throwing a coin into the Trevi Fountain.
Local legend has it that whoever throws a coin into the fountain will have good luck, meaning that one day they will return to this great city.
The fountain is carved in the Baroque style and is made of shiny marble and is illuminated at night for a spectacular effect.
Visit the ruins of Pompeii.
Pompeii was destroyed by Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The eruption was so violent that it “froze” the city and people, capturing Roman life at the time.
Visiting Pompeii is like being in an open-air museum, where you will find preserved houses, baths and ancient Roman forums, all filled with relics of the people who lived in the city when the eruption occurred.
And while you are in the region, it is worth climbing Mount Vesuvius.
See my visit to the Pompei Ruins and Capri island here.
Take a boat tour along the Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is one of the most beautiful places in Italy and has some famous cities such as Pompeii, Naples and the Island of Capri, etc.
Get lost in the alleys and canals of Venice.
The Grand Canal of Venice is one of the most famous waterways in the world.
Getting lost in the canals and streets is an adventure, where you can see houses and churches that are 300 years old or more.
I recommend a stroll along the Grand Canal at night, where you will see an almost magical Venice.
Of course, you can’t miss the ride along the inner canals in the famous gondola, even if you’re not with your partner, it’s worth seeing the city from this unique perspective.
Venture along mountain trails such as the Dolomites, Piedmont, Valle DA Costa.
From the Alps to the Apennines, along glaciers, volcanoes or vertiginous stretches over the sea, walking along ancient historical routes, surrounded by mountains, forests, high-altitude fields and large cliffs, the mountains of Italy are a perfect destination for hiking lovers.
I was very surprised by the infrastructure that is available, making access and walking much easier.
See here the hike along the Alta via 1 in the Dolomites.
Find more information in the Italian city guides.
Where to stay
Let’s look at the main types of accommodation and in the city guides I will provide some tips for each city.
In Europe, the tourist infrastructure is very diverse and there are options for all tastes and budgets.
Hotel.
Hotel rates vary according to class, season, services available and location.
Service charges are included in the rates. VAT is charged at all hotels at 10% (22% in luxury hotels) only on room rates.
In very touristy cities, such as Venice and Verona, a tourist tax of €3 per person, per day is also charged.
Visitors are required by law to obtain an official receipt when staying in hotels.
The classification follows the international one on a scale of 1 to 5 stars.
(B&B) Bed and Breakfast
These are accommodations where space is usually shared with other travelers and are characterized by being much cheaper and allowing greater interaction between travelers.
Camping is very popular in Italy, but there are regulations and the local tourist office in the nearest town will provide information and details of the most suitable sites.
There are over 1,700 official campsites and full details of the sites can be found in the publication Campeggi in Italia, published by the Touring Club Italiano (TCI).
Holiday villages in Italy consist of bungalows and apartments, usually built in or near popular resorts.
See the Villa I stayed in in Rome.
When to Go
When is the best time to visit?
Italy has a climate that allows you to visit at any time of the year.
What will define it is your traveler style (link to the traveler type document) and what you want to do. But I will give you a general overview.
For lovers of warm weather and beaches, spring, summer and autumn are the best times to visit Italy.
Just to point out that the end of spring and summer is the peak of European vacations.
Prices are exorbitant, and it is very difficult to find a place in the sun.
But if that is still your preference, the best thing to do is to book as soon as possible and have a lot of patience.
Another option is to get away from the main attractions and go to more distant and less famous places.
If your dream is the mountains, you have to synchronize your style whether it is winter or summer.
Because there are winter sports and spring and summer hikes enjoying the mountain view.
Like any destination, everything can change depending on the season.
The peak tourist seasons are the summer months from May to September
When prices are the highest, everywhere is crowded.
The other times are cheaper and there are fewer tourists.
See the article on … how to save money on your trip…
If you want to avoid high prices and crowds, don’t go to Venice during Carnival
Tuscany is also in the summer and autumn. This means that places like Florence, Siena and Venice are crowded
Check the dates of the main holidays and local festivals, such as Christmas, New Year
Above all, check the opening hours, as many attractions have different opening hours on these dates.
How to get there
How to get there.
From Brazil, the best and cheapest way to get to Italy is by plane.
There are many options from various cities in Brazil to major Italian cities.
There are dozens of daily flight options and several airlines. Check out the options on Skyscanner.
Once you arrive in the city of your choice.
The best way is by public transport, which is only not very good in the south and/or in small towns.
The rail and bus services are good and efficient. Regular ferries serve the islands and local buses connect the more remote areas.
Depending on the distance, internal flights may even be cheaper than the train or bus.
Costs
For us Brazilians, the costs of countries in Europe are quite expensive, and Italy is one of the countries that is in the middle of the price range, that is, it is neither more expensive nor cheaper.
Based on my experience and that of several other traveling friends, I will give you an average daily cost for 3 levels of traveler, not counting the airfare, because it depends on where you are leaving from.
Super budget traveler: US$80.00 per day.
This is the traveler who stays in hostels sharing a room, cooks his/her own food, uses public transportation, does not drink alcohol and can enjoy free tours, such as walking tours, beaches, city walks and free events.
Average traveler: US$160.00 per day.
This is the traveler who can stay in a private room, eat a few meals in popular restaurants, take the occasional taxi and go on some paid tourist tours.
Demanding traveler: US$260.00 per day.
Staying in budget hotels, eating at restaurants, drinking alcohol, renting a car and going on paid tours.
And depending on the type of hotel, tour and restaurant, this amount can increase a lot.
Remember that this is an average amount, where you will spend more on one day and less on the next.
Here are 5 tips on how to save money on your trip.
It is very easy to go broke and spend more than you intended in Italy, especially with the amount of attractions, expensive accommodations and delicious food.
Italy is not a cheap place to visit, but there are many ways to save money.
Here are some more tips to avoid breaking the bank.
Skip the bread – Many restaurants offer bread when you sit down – but they don’t mention that it is not free. If you are on a budget, refuse the bread.
Take-out food – Go to the store or supermarket and pick up food and take it to eat somewhere else. It is cheaper than eating out and you can relax in one of the many parks to watch the day go by.
Drink tap water – When you’re at a restaurant, ask for tap water or you’ll automatically get an expensive bottle of water included with your bill.
Bring a water bottle – Since tap water is safe to drink, bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use.
If you’re worried, you can buy these bottles that have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe. Here are some links.
Buy alcohol at the supermarket
You can buy a great bottle of wine for 3-6 euros. It’s much cheaper than drinking at the bar.
Take the bus – Budget bus companies like Flixbus can take you all over the country for cheap. It’s not glamorous, but with tickets starting from 6 euros you can’t complain!
Take free walking tours – Most cities in Italy offer free walking tours that cover all the main highlights. It’s the best budget-friendly way to explore. Just make sure to tip your guide at the end!
Stay with a local – If you’re looking to save a lot on accommodation, use Couchsurfing to stay with locals who have extra beds or couches for free.
This is the best way to save money and meet people.
Just make sure to submit your requests in advance (especially in the summer).
Get a city tourist card – Many tourist offices offer tourist cards that offer free or discounted entry to major attractions.
Some even include discounts on restaurants and free transportation.
If you plan on seeing a lot, these cards can drastically reduce your costs.
Check with the local tourist board in each city for information when you arrive.
Rideshare – If you’re flexible with your schedule, use a ridesharing service like BlaBlaCar to catch rides with locals between cities. I used this service and not only saved money, but I also met interesting people and learned more about life in Italy.
How to get around
Italy is a country with a very good and efficient transport infrastructure.
Traveling by Train in Italy.
Traveling by train in Italy is a great option. The Italian railway system is very efficient and one of the cheapest in Europe.
Trenitalia operates a large network throughout the country, including routes to other cities in neighboring countries such as Paris, Vienna, Hamburg and Barcelona.
See my trip from Bologna to Vienna.
Validating your ticket.
For the millions who do not have a specific reservation, it is necessary to validate your ticket before starting the journey.
To do this, the stations have validation machines where passengers must stamp their ticket.
Failure to validate your ticket may result in a fine and claiming that you did not know does not exempt the tourist from a fine.
Types of train.
Regional trains.
Regional trains are the most economical, but they are slow. Reservations are not required and they must be purchased in advance.
Le Frecce
Le Frecce is a series of modern, comfortable high-speed trains that connect major cities such as Rome, Milan, Verona, Venice and Naples.
There are 3 types of Le Frecce train, called Frecciarossa (FR), Frecciargento (FA) and Frecciabianco (FB).
Reservations are required for all of these services.
Intercity and Eurocity trains
Intercity and Eurocity trains are fast and comfortable, connecting major cities. Several Eurocity trains cross the border to connect with European cities.
Italo trains
Privately run high-speed Italo trains connect a number of destinations in Italy, from Bolzano in Alto Adige to Salerno in Campania. There are also several smaller private lines, using separate stations but charging similar fares to FS trains.
Timetables and fares
Timetables and route information are posted at train stations. Check the Trenitalia website for the latest timetables.
Fares
Return tickets
Return tickets are valid within two months of the outward journey, but as two one-way tickets cost the same, it’s not worth worrying about. Children aged 4 to 12 qualify for a fifty percent discount on all journeys. Children under four travel for free.
Book in advance
You can save a lot by booking in advance online, especially for Le Frecce.
Rail passes
There are many pass options and it’s important to check whether or not it’s worth it.
A rail pass is unlikely to be worth it for a trip just to Italy.
Interrail and Eurail passes
Europe-wide InterRail or Eurail passes are accepted on the Trenitalia network. You’ll still have to book some trains and pay a supplement to travel on Freccia trains. Tickets are available for children, youth and groups.
Bus travel in Italy.
If you are travelling around Italy by train, it is more than likely that you will need to use a bus at some point. Almost everywhere is connected by some form of bus service, but in remote towns and villages the timetables can be incomplete and reduced, or even non-existent, on weekends.
Bus terminals (autostazione) are usually conveniently located close to the train station. In smaller towns and villages, most buses stop in the central square.
Travel tickets
Buy tickets before you travel at the ticket office at the bus station or on the bus itself. For longer journeys, you can try buying them in advance online, directly from the bus company.
I have taken a few trips with FlixBus.
Costs
City buses are always cheap, usually costing around €1.20.
Tickets are usually available at newsagents and tobacconists.
Once on board, you must validate your ticket at the machine at the front or back of the bus.
The whole system is based on trust, although in most cities there are regular checks for fare evasion.
Heavy fines are applied to offenders.
Renting a car in Italy.
Renting a car in Italy can be expensive, especially during peak season.
You also need to take into account the heavy traffic, and many historic cities have very narrow streets.
We can’t forget about the ZTL, which stands for ‘Zona a Traffico Limitato’, where non-locals are not allowed to drive.
The fine is between US$80.00 and US$300.00, depending on the city, time of day, etc.
Information on renting a car in Italy
You need to be over 21 and have a credit card with a good limit.
A Brazilian driver’s license is valid in Italy, but it’s best to get an IDP (international driving permit). I got mine and drove more than 2,000 km in Italy without any problems.
It’s also important to keep an eye on the type of fuel, as many gas stations are self-service and if you put the wrong one in, you’ll have big problems.
I always take out full insurance, as it is very unpleasant if something happens.
Nowadays, I no longer use GPS, as I always have my local SIM card and use mobile phone apps.
Van rental
Camper vans or mobile homes in Italy are growing in popularity. They are convenient, the facilities at campsites are generally reliable and more and more resorts have set up free parking areas for caravans (sosta camper). Blurent, Comocaravan and Magicamper are among the companies offering reasonably new vehicles for hire. Prices are usually around €900 for a four-berth vehicle for a week in high season, with unlimited mileage.
Driving rules in Italy
The rules are the same as in our country.
You must drive on the right. Speed limits are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 110 km/h on dual carriageways and 130 km/h on motorways.
For vans and larger cars, these limits are 50 km/h, 80 km/h and 100 km/h respectively. Drivers must have their low beam headlights on at all times when using any road outside of a built-up area.
Drinking and driving is illegal, and you can get arrested, so don’t risk it.
You must have your vehicle registration, passport and PID (International Driving Permit).
Motorways.
Motorways (autostrade) are toll roads where you get a ticket when you enter and pay on the way out.
Paying in cash is the easiest option. The booths that accept cash are marked “cash/contanti” and are white.
The yellow ones are automatic and require a TAG and/or linked bank account.
Parking
Parking is expensive and can cost more than €20 per day in large cities.
Finding a parking space can be an option, but you have to be aware of the local rules, as the fine can be quite hefty. I basically parked on the street and only used parking lots in the city centers, as finding one on the street is almost impossible.
Cycling in Italy.
Cycling is a very popular sport and means of transport in much of Italy.
Many hotels and hostels will store your bike overnight for safety. On the islands, in the mountains, around the Italian lakes, in the main resorts and larger cities, it is usually possible to rent a bike.
Respect for cyclists on the roads is very good, in the larger cities it is less so.
Many public transport systems, such as buses, metros and trains, have parking spaces for bikes.
Security
Italy is considered a very safe country, violent crime is very rare.
Scams and pickpocketing are most common in areas with high tourist traffic, such as the Colosseum, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, etc.
Always keep your belongings safe and out of sight on public transport and when out and about.
Be wary of people selling discounted tickets on the street. Chances are they are either fake or do not have the perks they claim to have.
Taxi drivers are also a concern, make sure the driver uses the meter and if possible has an app that shows the way, such as Google Maps, etc.
You can read about other common travel scams to avoid here.
Solo women travelers should generally feel safe in Italy, however, standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone drunk, etc.)
In case of emergency, dial 113 for assistance.
The best tip is to always be aware of things and not get distracted by looking at your cell phone, the monuments, etc.
Always be suspicious. If you think something is not right, leave the situation.
If your hotel is more run-down than you thought, leave it.
Make copies of your personal documents, especially your passport.
Beforehand, only carry one document and leave your passport in a safe, preferably.
Leave your itinerary with someone in your family so they know where you are.
Always have good travel insurance that covers the full costs of illness, theft and cancellation of tickets, lost luggage, etc.
I never travel without it, even if I haven’t used it yet, I’ve seen people go through a lot of hardship after accidents and/or illnesses.
Documents and Vaccination
Below are the documents required for Brazilians to enter Italy.
A visa is not required to enter the Schengen Area (*)
- Passport valid for more than 06 (six) months upon entry into the Schengen Area (*);
- Return air ticket to Brazil or departure from the Schengen Area.
- Hotel reservation where you will be staying or a Letter of Invitation signed by an Italian citizen or resident.
- Financial resources that can guarantee your livelihood during your stay (approximately 60 euros per day).
- ETIAS digital visa – will be mandatory from anytime in 2025 (check here on the official website).
- International Medical Insurance;
As a member of the Schengen Area, Italy requires travel insurance for Brazilian tourists.
The insurance must offer a minimum coverage of 30 thousand euros, or equivalent in another currency, for medical and hospital expenses (DMH acronym).
Vaccination.
There are no vaccination requirements to enter Italy.
I always recommend having an international yellow fever vaccination card.