Book cheap flights to Italy

In August, many of the stores and family-run hotels and B&B’s are closed as Italian families tend to take vacation during this time. It is also excessively hot and overcrowded. The best time to visit Italy is between April and early June, and then again between September and October. During this time the weather is pleasant, and though there are always tourists around the cities, it is less crowded than in the peak summer season of mid-June to August. You can expect a few rainy days between October and November. In general, the north of the country (Milan, Venice) have a colder winter, and if you’re keen on swimming in the spring/autumn seasons, make sure to head to the south (Naples, Sorrento etc.). For cheap flights to Italy, consider visiting between November and February. It may be a little chilly, but you’re guaranteed to miss the crowds and enjoy an authentic Italian experience.

South Africans who wish to visit Italy need to apply for a Schengen visa. You will need to make your applications at the Italian Embassy.

You will need two photographs, proof of accommodation in your cities of choice, flight tickets, bank statements and various other documents to complete your application. Passports may not be older than 10 years, must have 2 blank pages and be valid for at least 3 months beyond your date of departure from Italy.

See this guide on how to apply for your Schengen visa.

For more information, contact:

Italian Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa:

796 George Avenue

Arcadia

Pretoria

South Africa

Tel: ( 27) 12 423 000

Fax: ( 27) 12 430 5547

Most city centres and main attractions are safe. There is a visible police presence around, especially around the top tourist attractions in Rome, Milan and Venice. There are, of course, some homeless people that will ask for money or someone that might attempt to pickpocket your belongings if they are on display. In general, cities in the south of the country have a slightly higher crime rate than those in the north. Just be aware of your surroundings and you will have a great time in Italy.

Before your trip to Italy, make sure that all your routine vaccines are up to date. You will not need any additional vaccines for your trip there, but it is recommended to get shots for hepatitis A, hepatitis B and rabies.

Accommodation in Italy is as varied and characterful as the country itself — from budget-friendly hostels and family-run pensioni to grand five-star palazzo hotels, agriturismo farmhouses tucked into Tuscan hillsides and cliffside boutique hotels on the Amalfi Coast. Italy rewards every type of traveller and every budget.

In Rome, the most atmospheric neighbourhoods to base yourself are the historic centre (around the Pantheon, Piazza Navona and the Trevi Fountain), Trastevere — a charming, cobblestoned neighbourhood of ochre-washed buildings and lively trattorias — and Prati, just across the Tiber from the Vatican, which offers excellent mid-range options and easy access to the major sights. Luxury travellers are spoilt for choice with iconic properties including the Hotel de Russie, the Hassler Roma at the top of the Spanish Steps and the St. Regis Rome.

In Florence, staying within or just outside the historic centre puts you within walking distance of the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo and the Ponte Vecchio. The Oltrarno neighbourhood on the south bank of the Arno is a favourite among repeat visitors for its authentic, neighbourhood feel and excellent independent restaurants. A wide range of boutique hotels, converted Renaissance palaces and luxury properties line the city’s elegant streets — well-regarded options include the Portrait Firenze and the Four Seasons Hotel Firenze, set within a 15th-century convent and private garden.

In Venice, accommodation comes at a premium given the island city’s unique logistical constraints — but waking up to the sound of gondolas and church bells is an experience unlike any other. The San Marco and Dorsoduro sestieri (districts) are the most popular bases. For a more local experience at a lower price point, the Cannaregio and Castello neighbourhoods offer good value and a glimpse of everyday Venetian life away from the tourist crowds. The legendary Cipriani and Gritti Palace represent the pinnacle of Venetian luxury.

Beyond the major cities, Italy’s regions offer some of the most memorable accommodation experiences in Europe. Stay in a masseria (fortified farmhouse) in Puglia, a cliffside boutique hotel in Positano on the Amalfi Coast, a vineyard agriturismo in the Chianti hills of Tuscany, or a converted trullo (conical limestone dwelling) in the Valle d’Itria — each offering a deeply immersive taste of regional Italian life.

In Milan, the Brera and Navigli districts are the most characterful bases, while the area around Piazza della Repubblica and Corso Buenos Aires offers solid mid-range options with easy Metro access to the city’s top sights. Milan’s luxury hotel scene is world-class, anchored by properties including the Mandarin Oriental Milano and the Bulgari Hotel.

Ready to book? Search and book accommodation in Italy at Travelstart and find the best deals across all budgets.

Italy has one of Europe’s most comprehensive and enjoyable transport networks — whether you’re gliding between cities on a high-speed train, navigating Rome’s ancient streets on foot or winding along the Amalfi Coast by local bus with the Mediterranean shimmering below.

Trains are by far the best and most enjoyable way to travel between Italy’s major cities. Trenitalia and Italo operate high-speed Frecciarossa and Italo trains connecting Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan, Naples and Bologna at speeds of up to 300km/h — the journey from Rome to Florence takes just 1 hour 30 minutes, and Rome to Milan approximately 3 hours. Book tickets in advance online for the best fares, as last-minute high-speed tickets can be expensive. Regional trains connect smaller towns and villages affordably, though journey times are longer.

Within Rome, the Metro (Lines A and B) is efficient for reaching major sights quickly, while walking remains the best way to explore the historic centre — most of the key attractions are within comfortable walking distance of each other. Taxis are metered and readily available; ride-hailing apps including FREE NOW and Uber (limited in some cities) also operate in major Italian cities. Venice is entirely car-free — water taxis (motoscafi), the public vaporetto water bus and, of course, gondolas are the only ways to navigate the city. The vaporetto is the most affordable and practical option for getting between the main islands and districts.

For exploring Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, the Puglia heel, the Dolomites, the lakes district of northern Italy or the rolling countryside of Umbria and Le Marche, a hire car is absolutely the best option — and one of the great driving experiences in the world. The Via Aurelia coastal road, the Chianti wine route between Florence and Siena, the Amalfi Drive (SS163) and the dramatic Great Dolomites Road are among the most scenic drives in Europe. Note that most Italian city centres operate ZTL zones (Limited Traffic Zones) where access is restricted for non-residents — always check ZTL boundaries before driving into a historic city centre to avoid fines.

Between the Italian mainland and the major islands, ferries connect the ports of Civitavecchia (Rome), Naples and Genoa with Sicily, Sardinia and the smaller islands. Domestic flights operated by ITA Airways and several low-cost carriers also connect the mainland with Sicily (Palermo and Catania) and Sardinia (Cagliari, Olbia and Alghero) quickly and affordably.

Planning to explore Italy’s breathtaking countryside and coastlines at your own pace? Search, compare and book a car hire in Italy at Travelstart and find the best rate for your Italian adventure.