Learn about Italy
Everything you need to understand Italy, Italian people, the culture and history of the country, as well as the best places to visit.
Why there's nothing unlucky about Friday the 13th in Italy
Unlucky for some, but not for Italians. Here's why this ominous date isn't a cause for concern here in Italy – but Friday the 17th is.
Feast of St Martin: How Italy celebrates November 11th with chestnuts and new wine
Wednesday is the 'Festa di San Martino' (St Martin’s Day), the patron saint of wine growers best celebrated by pouring one out and snacking on roasted chestnuts.
Why November 4th is a holiday in Italy – even though you don't get a day off
November 4th is the Italian national holiday you've probably never heard of before: National Unity Day.
Why Italy’s All Saints and All Souls days have nothing to do with Halloween
Spooky traditions haven’t really caught on in Italy where strong Catholic beliefs mean the country has its own way of honoring the dead, says Silvia Marchetti.
7 spooky Italian films to watch over Halloween
With Halloween just around the corner, you might be in the mood for a spooky film. Here are our suggestions for Italian horror flicks to watch this time of year.
How common is smoking in Italy really?
The haze over Italy’s restaurant terraces, beach clubs and bus stops might make it feel like smoking is still very popular, but is it really? And what are the statistics compared to other countries?
Why the great autumn wardrobe switch is serious business in Italy
Some of Italy’s foreign residents may still be wearing t-shirts, but Italians are preparing for the most stressful style-related event of the year: the summer-to-autumn wardrobe switch. Silvia Marchetti explains what it’s all about.
The vocabulary you need when applying for an Italian residency permit
If you've had your visa approved and you've newly arrived in Italy, you'll need to apply for your residence permit. If you’re still learning Italian, here are some terms you might want to know.
La Bella Vita: Junk food in Italy and October's event line-up
From discovering the most talked-about cultural events of the month to understanding how Italy's strong food culture is slowly changing, you'll find everything you need to eat, talk, drink and live like an Italian in our weekly newsletter La Bella Vita.
Six very Italian junk foods that you have to try
Despite its fiercely-defended reputation as the home of real food, Italy's dirty little secret is that its population often indulges in junk - and has created some uniquely Italian offerings.
La Bella Vita: Autumn food fairs and learning Italian for free
From filling your stomach and autumn calendar with local food festivals to learning Italian without a costly tuition fee, you'll find everything you need to eat, talk, drink and live like an Italian in our weekly newsletter La Bella Vita.
La Bella Vita: Art shows not to miss, and when (and how) to learn Italian
From getting language advice from experts and foreign residents alike to decoding why your Italian utility bill is out of control, you'll find everything you need to eat, talk, drink and live like an Italian in our weekly newsletter La Bella Vita.
Buying a property in Italy: The extra costs you need to know about
The purchase price is just the beginning: here's what to budget for in taxes, fees, commissions and other costs.
'Very underfunded, very strict': What readers think of Italy's schools
International families may find Italian schools are very different to those back home - but are they better or worse? The Local asked readers to share their own experiences with schools in Italy.
La Bella Vita: How much Italian you really need and this month's best events in Italy
From being ready for this month’s biggest events to knowing how much Italian language skill is enough for everyday life in Italy, you'll find everything you need to eat, talk, drink and live like an Italian in our weekly newsletter La Bella Vita.
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.
Violence against women in Italy: Where to find help
As Italy continues to grapple with stubbornly high levels of violence against women, here’s a guide to the help that's available for anyone affected.
The new (and old) rules for riding an electric scooter in Italy
Italy has introduced new requirements for electric scooter riders in recent months, and there are a few older rules riders need to follow. We cover what you need to know.
A quick guide to getting a Schengen visa for Italy and the EU
Depending on which non-EU country you're from, you may need a Schengen visa to visit Italy as a tourist. Here's what to know about the application process, fees and more.
Seven things to know before moving to Italy's Puglia region
The sunny southern Italian region of Puglia has become a hot travel destination, but what is it like as a place to live? The Local Italy's editor Clare Speak, who has been a resident since 2019, has the lowdown on what to consider before moving there.
The seven signs that August has arrived in Italy
The summer holidays are important everywhere, but Italy takes the traditional shutdown particularly seriously.
La Bella Vita: Safety in Italy's cities and taking selfies in the mountains
From avoiding being part of the 'Instagram selfie' mass tourism problem in the mountains to understanding the reality about street crime in Italy, you'll find everything you need to eat, talk, drink and live like an Italian in our weekly newsletter La Bella Vita.
La Bella Vita: Italian saints' days and Pride parades
From debunking social media myths about Italy to sharing local public holidays and how to spend them, you'll find everything you need to eat, talk, drink and live like an Italian in our weekly newsletter La Bella Vita.