Tourism
Latest news and information on tourism, tourist sites, and visitor numbers in Italy.
Rome Colosseum to remain closed on Friday after worker's death
Rome's Colosseum was to remain closed for a third day, following the death of a 22-year-old killed while working inside the ancient amphitheatre overnight on Tuesday.
European cities to get more power to clamp down on tourist rentals
Cities across Europe will gain more leeway to curb short-term rentals such as Airbnb under plans to bring down housing costs in tourism hotspots that the European Union is to unveil Wednesday.
What you need to know about Italy's free museum Sundays
Want to see the Colosseum or Michelangelo’s David for free? You can on one date every month.
What you need to know about taking a taxi in Rome
Taking a taxi in Rome can be stressful, from finding an available car to getting slapped with an unexpected surcharge. But once you know the rules, it's easy (and much simpler than using public transport).
What to do if your airline loses your luggage on a trip to Italy
If your checked bag is delayed or lost when flying to or from Italy, you'll want to follow these steps to get your belongings back and request compensation.
YOUR TIPS: Where are Italy's best lesser-known summer spots?
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 fellow readers.
UPDATED: The rules tourists in Italy need to know this summer
From 'decorum' rules on clothing and behaviour to increased entry fees, these are the new and expanded tourism restrictions you need to know if you're planning to visit Italy in summer 2026.
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.
What to expect if you’re visiting Italy’s South Tyrol Dolomites
From language tips to getting around, here’s what to know if you’re planning a trip to this multi-faceted, multi-cultural part of Italy.
Shells, smoking and sex: The rules you have to follow on Italian beaches
There are quite a few rules regulating how you can enjoy the sand and surf at Italian beaches, in addition to important rights that beachgoers should know about.
Ferragosto: What's open and what's closed in Italy on August 15th
As Saturday is Italy’s Ferragosto public holiday, how will it affect transportation, supermarkets, shops and museums?
Rome's Colosseum extends opening hours amid summer heatwaves
The Colosseum has extended opening hours at night this summer to allow more visitors to see the famous Roman amphitheatre in cooler temperatures after sunset.
Safety warnings as tourists rush to Italy's erupting Mount Etna
Spectacular images of lava flowing down the slopes of an erupting Mount Etna have drawn flocks of sometimes ill-equipped tourists to the Italian volcano – drawing concern from local guides.
‘Shot itself in the foot’: How Italy’s citizenship crackdown stranded its diaspora
Before Italy tightened its citizenship rules, applicants were booking flights and signing leases on the strength of a government campaign urging them to connect with their roots.
Will heatwaves push European holidaymakers to 'coolcations'?
European holidaymakers worn down by recurrent heatwaves are currently snubbing Mediterranean destinations for northern climes in hopes of cooler temperatures, but it remains to be seen whether it is just a fad or a durable shift in the tourism market.
Why Italy's 'top-ranked' beaches are among the most restricted
Sardinia's beaches regularly appear in viral 'must-visit' rankings. But with heavy tourist pressure driving councils to bring in restrictions, not everyone can experience these spots.
How common is street theft in Italy's tourist hotspots?
After a spate of headlines about thieves snatching luxury watches and jewellery from tourists on the streets of Italy's cities, is this type of 'snatch and grab' crime something travellers should be concerned about?
Italy's Dolomites deploy police and rangers to curb tourist crowds
Authorities are sending police and rangers to patrol tourist hotspots across the Dolomites from July amid a surge in the number of visitors - and complaints about their behaviour.
'Go somewhere else’: The Italian hotspots tiring of badly-behaved tourists
A growing number of towns across Italy are taking aim at unruly tourists, with more local authorities than ever imposing rules on attire and behaviour this summer.
Anger as sunbathing tourists delay Dolomites mountain rescue
The Veneto Alpine Rescue service has issued an appeal for holidaymakers to keep clear of helipads after a recent rescue mission was delayed by sunbathing hikers.
'Worse than India': Tourists soldier on in Rome despite heatwave
Foreign tourists visiting Italy's capital during an unexpected heatwave have been caught off guard by the extreme temperatures.
Are scams really a big problem in Italy?
Viral social media posts about scams in Italy's tourist hotspots regularly cause alarm. But how does reality in Italy compare to what you see online?
Sardinian beach brings in umbrella ban and €10 fee to limit crowds
A beach in south-east Sardinia this week banned most visitors from putting up a sun umbrella or tent, in the most striking example yet of a growing system of paid and rule-heavy access across the island.