Your guide for how to explore Italy like a local.
One of the unique things about traveling in Italy is the opportunity to experience everyday life, what everyone refers to as “la dolce vita“.
Finding the true Italian way of life happens when you slow down long enough to be mindful & present with the moment.
Because it’s the people, places, and things around you at any given moment that makes each experience unique.
So, if exploring Italy like a local is your idea of an idyllic trip, these travel tips are just for you.
Traveling Italy
There are countless ways to approach traveling Italy.
Maybe you envision an ambitious multi-city itinerary to see the iconic sites. Perhaps you’re all in for a hiking adventure across the Dolomites. Or maybe a slow travel trip meandering the Tuscan countryside?
Which by the way, are all blissful ideas in any book!
The thing is, no matter where you go or what kind of trip you’ve planned there are always ways to incorporate activities that are in tune with local life.
Whether you want to dive into eating authentic food, visit an off the beaten path mountain hamlet, or take in the coffee culture.
My Local Story
I’ve been living in Italy since 2001 and traveling it for even longer. So over time, I’ve definitely learned a thing or two about how Italians go about daily life and how to connect with and experience Italian culture.
Many of my ideas about exploring Italy come from my daily experiences living in Friuli.
Where sharing simple everyday pleasures with family and friends brings me great joy. And weekends are often full of wandering without an agenda, simple being present in the moments.
Over the years these experiences have definitely shifted my travel approach, both here and abroad.
These days travel is less about the bucket list and more about thoughtful, authentic, and mindful experiences. It’s more about planning wellness travel and seeking out experiences that enrich the mind & body.
After all, travel is a great way to well-being and Italy certainly has lots to offer in that department.
No matter where you go in Italy, immersing in local life is a great way to travel. You will make new friends, find unexpected surprises and experience traditions first hand.
Today I am sharing some of the things I frequently do in Italy, to experience the local side of life.
These 8 ideas will help you explore Italy like a local, so you can better connect with others and make the most of your travel adventures.
Get Lost
Go on, get lost and have a few unexpected adventures! Yep, it’s that simple.
If you are visiting high tourist areas, head away from the crowds.
Get in the car and stop in that charming village that wasn’t on the itinerary. See what surprises await when you explore areas where locals live and work.
Or put the map away and see what you stumble upon. It might just be your best memory yet!
Stay Local
One good way to meet Italians is by choosing accommodation that allows for easier access to locals.
Book a family-owned hotel and interact with a typical Italian family. Consider an agriturismo (a working farm) to see how a family works and lives off of the land.
Or try an Albergo Diffuso, which is a hotel that’s spread out across various historic buildings in a small community. These are run directly by the owners and allow you to really immerse in the local scene.
Dive Into The Food Scene
Perhaps there is no better way to experience Italian life, than through food!
While there are many reasons to love Italy, food experiences are definitely at the top of the list.
So plan a few food adventures!
Book a food tour, dive into the local wine varieties or try foods that are connected with holiday celebrations. And keep your eyes peeled for an agriturismo or osteria, both of which will serve local and seasonal dishes. Foods like Cicchetti in Venice, Canizei in Cortina or Orecchiette in Puglia.
Your taste buds will thank you!
Search For Local Events
A country like Italy has no shortage of cultural events.
Whether it’s exhibitions, musical concerts, soccer games, or festivals, there will be something unique to every area.
Look for placards, posters hung on walls or leaflets in cafes & public spaces. Dont’ forget that tourist offices can also be a great resource for local events.
Try Local Recreation
Why not seek out local recreational activities as a way to connect with other Italians?
With an abundance of nature-based opportunities in Italy, there are recreational activities everywhere you go.
Whether it’s a community bocce ball court, a mountain trail hike or hilltop walk with a view, inevitably you’ll meet other Italians. And probably some Europeans too.
There’s also the added bonus that these types of activities are a great way to experience wellness travel while also connecting with others. You never know what new activity you just might bring home & add to your self-care routine!
In addition, nature-based activities great for a digital detox. They’re great to include when you want to plan a nearly tech-free vacation.
Stop & Talk To People
It really doesn’t matter when or where, but step outside of your comfort zone and strike up a conversation.
Ask locals about the things that matter to them: family, food, wine, businesses or hobbies.
And don’t worry if you don’t speak much Italian. More and more, you can find Italians who speak English. Or you can use a translator and even your hands! You’ll fit right in, I promise.
Ask Locals For Recommendations
While you’re chatting with your new-found friends (the barista, shop keeper and random person on the street), ask them where they eat, their favorite pastimes and what they do for fun.
The best way to live like locals is to know what they get up to, so just ask!
After all, Italians are friendly, promise!
Be Flexible With Your Itinerary
Flexibility is a cornerstone of any good travel itinerary as it allows you to be open to experiencing those unexpected travel moments.
You know, the ones that stay with you long after you’re gone…
With a tightly packed schedule, you may miss out on the unique opportunities that are right in front of you.
Instead, give yourself some time and space to relax and go with the flow.
Make your Italian adventures your own by being open to whatever comes your way!
Tell me, which one of these ideas sounds good to you?
Any way around, be sure to soak up every minute of your Italian travels, local or otherwise. They may just be some of the best travel moments of your life!
until the next time…
…live well – travel well – be well
More Italy…
