Italy in winter: how to see the country in the most atmospheric season
Italy in winter is a special time when the country slows down, but does not freeze. Tourist flows are falling, prices are falling, and locals are becoming more open. Many people mistakenly believe that winter is not the season for travel. In fact, this is the best time for those who seek authenticity rather than noise.
Why choose Italy in winter
– There are almost no queues in museums and galleries, you can stay at the painting for a long time.
– It’s easy to find an empty table in cafes and trattorias and talk to the barista.
– Villa and apartment rental prices are 30-50% lower compared to summer.
– The weather in the south allows you to walk during the day without exhaustion, even in December and January.
Winter is suitable not only for shopping and Christmas, but also for cultural routes.
For example, in Umbria and Tuscany, ancient religious festivals are held at this time, which are closed to mass tourism.
The best destinations to visit Italy in winter
– Trento and Bolzano — Alpine-style Christmas markets with wooden houses and mulled wine.
– Florence — fog over the Arno, illuminated facades and comfort in small galleries.
– Rome — empty streets after Christmas, comfortable temperatures and the opportunity to walk through the Vatican without booking.
– Calabria and Sicily — +14°C during the day, empty beaches and the opportunity to take a boat ride in December.
– Perugia and Orvieto are ancient cities with almost no tourists and a lively atmosphere.
Please note: in January and February, some museums may be closed on Mondays.
We recommend that you specify the schedule in advance or entrust the planning to Italiatut specialists.
What can you do in Italy in winter, besides shopping and museums
1. Visit sagre — local festivals of one dish, for example, truffle or olive.
2. Take wine routes in Piedmont or Tuscany with a tasting of the new harvest.
3. Go skiing in the Dolomites, but choose not resorts, but family areas like Val di Fiemme.
4. Visit the private nativity scenes (presepi) in Campania and Basilicata, where scenes from the life of Jesus are reconstructed.
Many farms are opening tasting rooms at this time, especially in Emilia-Romagna. There you can try balsamico tradizionale vinegar, aged for 12-25 years.
How to prepare for a trip to Italy in winter
1. Check the weather in the selected region: frosts are possible in the north, rains in the south.
2. Take comfortable shoes: the paving stones are slippery after rain or frost.
3. Book your accommodation in advance: in December and for the New Year, demand is growing by 35%.
4. Pay attention to the opening hours of museums: many are closed on public holidays.
If you are planning to rent a car, please specify whether winter tires are included in the package.
In mountainous regions, its presence is mandatory by law.
How to avoid the most common mistakes in winter
– Do not rely on public transport in small towns — it may be limited.
– Do not ignore table reservations: even in small trattorias, reservations are made in a day.
– Don’t skimp on health insurance: the risk of colds and injuries is higher in winter.
– Do not leave the purchase of gifts on the last day — the best souvenirs are sorted in advance.
For those who want not just to see, but to experience Italy in winter, the GIDtut team offers guided tours.
If you still have any questions or don’t know where to start, write to us on Telegram.
Our experts will help you choose a route, accommodation and prepare you for a stress-free trip.
