An Overview of Italy
My view of Italy
I’ve been to Italy a total of three times, in 2009, 2011 and 2014. I hope to write to you about some little experiences I had there, and about its little towns and villages, and to give you some advice on what to see, where and what to eat. But, for this first Hub I decided to give you an overview of Italy:
You fall in love with it. Day by day you learn to love it a little bit more.
The first time you see it you like the landscapes, the buildings and how the Italian language sounds. You feel it is a good place to spend the holidays... but, as time goes by, you find yourself completely in love with it.
Italians are nice, typical, and they know how to welcome people to their country. And when you are that welcomed, you start to feel that you belong, and that’s a great feeling. As time goes by you wish you could stay forever. That’s one of the many “magics” of Italy and the Italians.
Driving
If you come from Portugal or France, you should have no problems driving there, because you will already be used to that kind of driving. But they may be a little aggressive. But avoid Naples area, NEVER DRIVE IN NAPLES AREA – That’s the only area I had problems—THERE ARE NO RULES IN NAPLES, seriously. Besides Naples they are pretty much average.
Food
It’s great! A bit expensive for me (I’m Portuguese). If you come from Spain you will also find it expensive. It's cheaper than in France or the UK (I'm only comparing to countries I visited recently). An average meal, in a restaurant or "trattoria" will be 12 to 15 euros per person. They have great wine, but I guess anyone knows that, great espresso, and the best ice scream shops in the world, but don't buy ice cream in places that don't have the words "gelato artigianale" on the door (“gelato artigianale” means it’s hand made ice cream – sometimes you can see them making it).
Cleaning, care and general cost
Cleaning and Care
Italy is, normally, clean. They have a great pride in their heritage, so they try to keep it with a good presentation.
General cost
If you buy things in a supermarket, they are quite affordable. I already told that restaurants are a bit expensive. But there are a lot of other affordable ways to eat, like hot-dog kiosks, traditional food counters, and the normal fast food. Gas (gasoline) this summer was extremely expensive. It was more expensive than in France. It was 1,8 euros per litre (probably the same price as the UK).
Attractiveness and Interest
It’s absolutely wonderful. The most beautiful country I've seen. When driving or walking you can expect to be pleasantly surprised by what you find. And after a while you find yourself having higher standards to what you consider beautiful. No matter where you go, you will always find something interesting.
And that’s all for now. I hope to write a lot more about Italy (and other countries) in future Hubs. And I sure hope you enjoyed reading this one.
Would you like to visit Italy?
Just a little video we took on a Medieval Festival by night
Comments
Hi Sara, we are still here and will definitely go to Sintra. The landscape in the north was beyond our expectation.
- AUTHOR
Thank you! I'll try to post some more in the future, Joel, thanks. Aesta, I am portuguese, this is a very beautiful country. I love Alentejo area, it's one of the most typical (although you find a lot of typical places anywhere outside the big cities). In Alentejo people have a very typical accent. Another very typical place is the North, I love the North. Great landscape and the nicest people. Around Lisbon you also have great places like Sintra. A little furthest you find Mafra and also Óbidos. I hope you'll return ;)
I love Italy as well and has visited so many times but I am in Portugal now and I find it cleaner. I am actually enjoying it. This is my second time but the first time was only in Lisbon and Fatima and out. This time, we had been here half a month driving in the Alentejo. We did this in Sicily last year and enjoyed it. Even drove in Naples. That was where we picked up our car from Istanbul. Great first hub. Keep posting.
Show us more! I love first hand travel aritcles. I don't get a lot of opportunity to travel outside US and experiences such as yours provide "the next best thing". I will come along with you on your next trip...(at least in spirit. Great job!
I hope I could visit that country. Good pictures.
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Those "mountain" photos are from the north, the lakes area. It's a really great area. Very beautiful. Its tourists are mainly Germans and Austrians. I hope to write a Hub with more details on it, and other areas of Italy.
When one thinks of Italy one thinks of archaeological monuments, but it appears that there are areas of superb natural beauty as well. I hope to get there some day. Great hub!
I have been several times to Italy. I love the food!
Thanks fr the great photos in your hub.
- AUTHOR
I went by car to Italy (I live in Portugal)... I prefer the car. If we have the time for it, and I had, we see so much more. I've only travelled by plane twice. Once for Germany (and it was a business trip, in Lufthansa) and another to UK (I used easy jet)
which airplane did you travel? I need to know which airline is the cheapest
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