The allure of living La Dolce Vita often draws many people to Italy. However, the reality of mass tourism can shatter this dream, making certain parts of Italy overwhelming and far from idyllic. Fortunately, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the sweet life in Italy by living like a local.
While Italy may be a large country, tourists often flock to a handful of cities, such as Rome, Venice, and Florence, leaving many hidden gems to explore. In this article, we’ll share several tips on how to avoid the crowds and experience the true essence of Italy, allowing you to live La Dolce Vita as you’ve always imagined.
See it from the sea
Italy boasts a vast coastline that’s among its best features. While its beauty from land is undeniable, viewing the country from the sea reveals a whole other perspective. By renting a boat from a yacht charter company like 12knots.com, you can truly escape the crowds and experience Italy from the viewpoint of a fisherman.
Sleeping on a boat in the heart of the Mediterranean is an experience not to be missed, especially when tourist crowds are at their peak. Beyond the tranquility of the open waters, this option allows you to access places the typical tourist cannot reach, including hidden coves and secluded beaches that can only be accessed by boat.
Stay in a village
In Italy, it’s possible to feel a world away from the tourist hotspots despite being just a short train ride away. This means there are countless small villages where you can stay and experience life as a local, all while being within easy reach of cultural sites and beaches.
To truly blend in with the locals, it’s important to immerse yourself in the community. Head to the same coffee shop in the morning and dine at the same trattoria for dinner. This will help you feel like a part of the neighborhood and avoid the tourist traps that many visitors fall into. By embracing the local culture, you’ll be treated like family rather than just another tourist passing through.
One of the greatest joys of visiting Italy is simply sitting in a piazza and observing daily life. This experience is hard to come by in the larger cities or near the popular tourist attractions.
Book all museum tickets in advance
This simply helps you skip the lines. If visiting Italy during the summer, you can escape the mid-day heat by entering a lovely gallery, air-conditioning included.
Wake Up Early
Because Italians love to stay up late, mornings are less crowded, even in central places, such as the Fontana di Trevi in Rome. One way to beat the crowds is to have an alarm set as early as possible. Waking up at 6 a.m. for example during the summer will ensure a lovely morning walk, with photographs of your favorite monuments.
Try to visit during the off-season
While visiting Italy in the off-season may not involve lounging on the beach, it still offers the chance to explore the country’s countless museums and historic sites while savoring the delicious food Italy is known for. By visiting during the quieter times, you can enjoy a more personal and relaxed experience while avoiding the crowds that flood the country in peak season.
When the tourists are scarce, you’ll notice a significant difference in how you’re treated. In addition, prices are typically lower, and lines are nonexistent. From the stunning architecture to the delicious cuisine, there’s no shortage of things to see and experience during the quieter months, making it an ideal time to visit Italy.
