Discover Why Italy is
Your Perfect Destination

Italy uses the Euro, which was introduced in 2002 and is shared by most countries within the Eurozone. Credit cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, although smaller towns, markets and family-run trattorias may still prefer cash.

Italian is the official language of Italy and one of the Romance languages derived from Latin. While many people working in tourism speak English, regional dialects remain an important part of local identity and culture across the country.

Italy operates on Central European Time (CET), which is one hour ahead of GMT. During the summer months the country observes daylight saving time, moving to Central European Summer Time (CEST), making long evenings perfect for outdoor dining and sightseeing.

Italy has a population of around 59 million people and is one of the most culturally diverse countries in Europe. Much of the population lives in historic cities and towns that have evolved over centuries while still preserving strong regional traditions.

Spring and autumn are often considered the best times to visit Italy, with warm temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer is ideal for coastal destinations such as the Amalfi Coast, Sicily and Sardinia, while spring and early autumn are perfect for exploring cities, countryside and vineyards.

Italy shares borders with France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia, giving it strong cultural connections across Europe. Within Italy itself are two independent microstates: San Marino, one of the world’s oldest republics, and Vatican City, the smallest sovereign state and the centre of the Catholic Church.