Backpacking in ItalyWhatever your priorities, backpacking in Italy will have it covered. Aside from being the birthplace of much of modern civilisation and with enough significant historic sites to keep you going for a year, it is also an incredibly lively country which – especially in the trendy northern cities – has a deserved reputation as the style capital of Europe. A popular stop when backpacking in Italy. Italy has plenty going on, and a great scene for meeting like minded people. Away from the cities, and the further south you head, Italy becomes ever more rustic and the weather increasingly warm and dependable. The regions in the south of the country have very long hot summers and some stunning Mediterranean beaches, hence the fact that most of the country seems to decamp there for the summer! Where is it and what’s there?It may be a cliché, but Italy really is the bit that looks like a ‘boot’! It protrudes from mainland Europe into the Mediterranean, with the Mediterranean Sea to the west and the Adriatic Sea to the east. The north of the country shares border with (from east to west) Slovenia, Austria, Switzerland and France.The northern extremities of Italy are dominated by various Alpine ranges, the highest of which being Mont Blanc (which it shares with France). This region is famous for both its skiing and for its stunning mountain lakes. The Apennine Mountains run through the country at varying heights, and are testament to the county’s volcanic origins. The ClimateBy European standards Italy, running north to south, is a long country. Consequently (and also due to the elevated northern regions) it does have something of a split climate. The north is highly seasonal and sees extensive snowfall in the mountains over the winter (November – February), while the south has a classic Mediterranean climate – with summer averages of around 25° and pleasantly mild winters.Spring or autumn are maybe the best times to visit the cities, or head south for the summer if you want to get to the beach (although bear in mind that much of the rest of Italy - and of Europe – has the same idea so it is busier, and more expensive). Getting thereDue to the fact that Italy’s a prosperous European country, and is also centrally placed in southern Europe, it has more than its fair share of international airports – the primary ones being Rome, Milan and Pisa. All of these have international credentials if you’re starting your travel backpacking in Italy.The country is also very well served by the numerous budget airlines that link European cities, so flying is always worth considering — even if you’re already in Trenitalia, Italy's primary rail company, has routes into the country from other European countries, the fastest being from France. If you’re on an InterRail pass then that will serve you well both getting into and backpacking in Italy. There are also effective road links into the country, and you can catch a bus from many other European cities. Getting aroundItaly has one of Europe’s best transport systems. Train routes are reasonably priced and a great way to get between cities, or to travel longer distances. The country also has an excellent road system which makes travelling by bus an efficient way of travelling in areas that the rail routes don’t extend to. Hiring a car is also worth considering if you’re spending a week or two and there are a few of you backpacking in Italy.Rome and Milan both have underground services, and all of the major cities have effective bus and/or tram services. In all of the cities, you must buy tickets before you travel and stamp them yourself in a ticket machine before you start your journey, otherwise you can expect an on the spot fine. Things to do while backpacking in ItalyIt is fair to say that Italy has more than its fair share of top European sights – which is great, but does make it easy to overstretch yourself. Many things are definitely worth seeing, and you can cram a lot into a week or two backpacking in Italy. Aside from the historical and scenic highlights, however, do try to find a bit of time to kick back and enjoy the Italian culture and lifestyle, which is a highlight in itself.• Pompeii – This famous Roman town lay buried for 1600 years following a volcanic eruption in 79AD. Its excavation provided a unique insight into the Roman Empire and it is now a World Heritage Site and well worth a visit. • Verona – Perhaps most famous as the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, the city plays on its romantic perception and is a beautiful and relaxing place to stop and chill out for a couple of days between more manic stops on your itinerary. • Beaches – If you head south in the summer then you’ll find some incredibly lively summer resorts, with all night agendas through the hotter months. With so many miles of coastline though, you can normally find yourself a quieter slice of rural life if that’s your thing. • Football – The passionate Italian disposition can be seen throughout the society, and football is no exception. With a reputation for skill and finesse, the Spanish league is home to some of Europe’s finest teams, and there is intense rivalry between all teams in the top league: Serie A. Whether football’s your thing or not, going to an Italian match is sport at its most gladiatorial! • Venice – The famous ‘reclaimed’ city is stretched over 117 small islands and is navigable by an extensive network of canals. A truly unique place and understandably one of Italy’s biggest draws. Take a Gondola through the city, put your feet up, and watch the world go by: where else can you do that?! • Head to a spa – Italy has been renowned for its thermal spas since Roman times and, if your skin needs some TLC after all that sun and beach time, a rejuvenating spa may be just what you need. Treat yourself. • Trastevere – Rome’s ‘bohemian’ district has plenty to offer backpackers. There are numerous hostels, bars and restaurants and a 24 hour social life – just the thing after all that culture and history! Italy is the historic capital of Europe – you really can see where it all began. There are literally hundreds of ‘must see’ sites, so you’ll need to pick the ones that truly interest you and not take too much on. The country is well equipped for backpackers, but is an easy place to spend money if you’re travelling to a lot of cities and seeing all the sites. As with other backpacking regions though, it is worth trying to see as much as you can and getting your history and culture fix while you can. Return from Backpacking in Italy to Backpacking Europe Return from Backpacking in Italy to the Home Page
|
