La Bella Vita: New autumn flights and taking up a hobby in Italy

From discovering how to start a hobby and meet new people to brushing up on what's new for Italian kids and parents this school year, you'll find everything you need to eat, talk, drink and live like an Italian in our weekly newsletter La Bella Vita.

It's officially il rientro (literally 'the return') season in Italy – a bittersweet transition that's central to the Italian calendar, and often becomes key to foreign residents' lives as well.

'Rientro' is the term widely used for the return to real life after summer vacations come to an end. The end-of-summer transition in Italy has all the best parts of the New Year – a fresh start and reinvigorated energy – without the post-holiday hangover or dreary January weather. 

As you return from the sea refreshed and ready to recommit to old routines, it's also a prime time to try out new ones, like learning photography or picking up tennis.

This time of year you'll often find discounted 'rientro' rates for memberships to sports clubs and the like, and extra generous free trials to see if you like your new activity – plus you'll be in good company with many other newcomers.

If you've been thinking about joining a club or starting a new hobby, use this season as your excuse to get started.

How to start a new hobby in Italy this September

The countdown to the new school year is on in Italy. The unluckiest kids in some of Italy's northern regions start in less than two weeks, though most schools will be in session from the third week of September.

Every school year brings new guidelines and evolved learning material, and this year is no exception.

Perhaps most important for parents to know about are stricter new rules around students' behaviour that make it easier to fail the year based on conduct alone.

There are also significant changes to the national curriculum this year affecting all levels, with updates as varied as AI and digital literacy to sex ed. 

And considering that Italian middle and high school students' textbooks on average cost more than €1,800 – more than I ever paid at university, in America at that – parents may want to read up on the new state subsidies available to help offset school supply costs.  

What parents should know about the return to school in Italy

Peak travel season may be winding down, but travellers in Italy will have fresh destination options in the coming months as more than a dozen new direct flights are introduced.

Several airlines have added direct flights between eight Italian cities and destinations in the Caribbean, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Europe starting this autumn and early winter.

This season will see the first direct Ita Airways flight to the Caribbean, and new and returning seasonal routes to beach destinations like Mauritius, the Maldives and Egypt's Red Sea coast. 

Plus, a new Spanish budget airline is connecting Milan and Venice to Galicia, while Catania is getting several new direct flights to the Iberian Peninsula through Wizz Air.

These are in addition to the many summer seasonal routes that continue through September and October. 

LISTED: New direct flights to and from Italy in autumn 2026

On that note, we're still looking for your opinions on this summer's best hidden gems in Italy. 

Did you find a new favourite place to visit in Italy this summer? Or do you have a tried-and-true summer spot you've been returning to year after year? Share your experience with your fellow readers. 

YOUR TIPS: Where are Italy's best lesser-known summer spots?

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Is there an aspect of the Italian way of life you’d like to read more about? Please email us at news@thelocal.it.