Italy is just as beautiful for traveling in winter as it is at other times of the year. You will appreciate the lower prices for tickets and accommodation, the lack of crowds of tourists and the sales season. In winter, ski and thermal resorts, the peak of the theater season and the atmosphere of a Christmas miracle are at your service.
Where better to go
There are a lot of options for relaxing in Italy in the winter - thermal springs, go skiing or celebrate the Christmas holidays and New Year in Rome, but first things first.
Thermal springs
Sightseeing trips in Italy can be combined with wellness courses at the thermal spas. All resorts are close to hiking trails. About 400 thermal springs are located throughout the country. People come here to be treated for diseases of the musculoskeletal system, gynecological problems, skin diseases and other ailments. Resorts provide the opportunity to relax and improve health in the thermal spas and baths. The cost and duration of treatment depends on the goal you are pursuing. It is a question of both healing and cosmetic procedures.
Terme Bormio
The resort is located in the north of the country in the Lombardy region (Lombardia) on the border with Switzerland, in the city of Bormio (Bormio). There are three SPA complexes on the territory:
- QC Terme Hotel Bagni Vecchi includes springs discovered by the ancient Romans. Then the baths were equipped. There is a swimming pool and several baths for different procedures: washing, taking saunas, mud baths. The age of the complex creates a number of inconveniences. Compared to new buildings, it looks a bit shabby, the transition between the remote parts of the baths runs through the open air.
- QC Terme Grand Hotel Bagni Nuovi is a new complex with a wide range of procedures. Tourists really appreciate the spa treatments in this part of Bormio.
- Palace Hotel Wellness & Beauty is located in the city. Something between the first two options. A variety of procedures, a large indoor pool, hot tubs, you will not be bored.
- We also recommend reading about: baths in sirmione
Baths on Ischia
Ischia Island is 40 km from Napoli. Temperatures in winter here can range from +5 to +12 degrees. Usually people go to the island to improve their health and relax in one of the 6 thermal parks. But for winter holidays there is a nuance. Almost all of them are closed for the winter. But there are many hotels on the island, inside which there are health centers and spas with the possibility of thermal treatment.
- Read the article: hotels near Ischia thermal springs
Lake Como
Lake Como (Lago di Como) is located in the Alpine Mountains (Alpi), 40 km north of Milan (Milano), the Lombardy region. This is one of the deepest lakes in Europe.. Around the lake are fabulous mountain landscapes. There are small resort towns and villages along the shores. However, this place was chosen by European aristocrats, and next to modest rural views it is fashionable to observe the luxurious villas of the nobility.
From historical places in the city of Como, you can see the Duomo Cathedral (Duomo di Como) of the 9th century, a masterpiece of the Renaissance with Gothic elements. The medieval Castle of Baradello (Castel Baradello) rises on a hill at 400 meters. From the top of the castle there is a wonderful view of the lake and mountains.
Palaces, cathedrals and villas, which are numerous in the area of the lake, amaze with their architectural diversity and decoration. For those who want to plunge into the atmosphere of luxury - hotels located in old villas. For example, in the city of Bellagio, guests will find the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, as well as the most beautiful Christmas tree decorations in the world.
The mountains
Mountains and ski resorts are one of the main winter activities in Italy. The resort of Valle d'Aosta at the foot of the Alps is very popular. It combines 25 large and small ski resorts. Valle D'Aosta is located at the intersection of Italy, Switzerland (Svizzera) and France (Francia). You can ride from the mountains in any direction. The main thing is not to forget your Schengen visa. If you accidentally cross the border without a visa, you risk being deported. By the way Valle D'Aosta is the highest point in northwestern Italy. Here are the mountains of Mont Blanc (Monte Bianco) and Monte Rosa (Monte Rosa). Valle D'Aosta combines the world-famous resorts of Cervinia, Courmayeur, La Thuile, Pilu and Monte Rosa.
Other popular resorts, for example, in Trentino Alto Adige (Trentino Alto Adige), "Dolomiti Superski", Val di Fassa, Val di Fiemme (Val di Fiemme).
On the border with Switzerland at the foot of the Alpine mountains are the resorts of Lombardia (Lombardia): Valtellina (Valtellina), Livigno (Livigno), Bormio (Bormio) and others.
The number and variety of ski resorts in Italy is amazing. Here everyone can find the best place to relax. Developed infrastructure and incredible landscapes are another plus in favor of such a holiday.
The routes of the resorts are designed for any level of training. Many types of winter activities are offered: downhill skiing, sledding, snowboarding, freestyle skiing, ski mountaineering, ice skating, heli-skiing (downhill on pristine mountains, away from the tracks with a climb to the beginning of the descent by helicopter) and even ski schools for different ages. In almost all resorts, you can purchase a single subscription, giving access to all the routes of the area. There is one minus - in the winter, at the height of the ski season, you can forget about discounts and low prices.
Bari
The port city of Bari is the capital of the Puglia region. The agricultural sector, trade and tourism flourishes in this region. Tourists are attracted to the city by the relics of St. Nicholas in the Basilica of St. Nicholas (Basilica di San Nicola). The relics are stored in a column. It is believed that if you touch it, you can be healed of diseases.
In the same city is the Patriarchal Compound of St. Nicholas (La Chiesa Russa di Bari). Funds for the construction were collected by Russian churches, Emperor Nicholas II (Imperatore Nicola II) himself donated funds for this.
Noteworthy is the Teatro Petruzzelli Theater. Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Luciano Pavarotti and other world stars entered this beautiful light two-story building.
In winter, the temperature in Bari is never less than + 5C. Lying on the beach and swimming in the sea will not work, but to see all the local attractions without the tourist bustle is quite.
We travel with children
Whatever part of Italy you go to in the winter with a child, you will not lose. In the ski resorts it is not too cold, your kid will be taught to ski and if necessary provide all the equipment. At each resort there are entertainment centers where the child will have something to do.
You can safely go to explore Italian sights in the tourist cities - Rome, Florence, Naples. The child will not tire of the scorching sun and will not freeze.
New Year and Christmas will especially please the little tourist. At this time of the year, the country turns into a fairy tale. It is very beautiful and fun here.
Christmas Holidays
The most important winter holiday in Italy is Christmas (Il Natale). It is celebrated on December 24, 25 and 26. The largest festivities take place in Rome (Roma) and the Vatican (Vaticano). The Italians are very fond of the Christmas and New Year holidays and have been preparing for them to prepare from the beginning of December. All streets and streets are decorated with festive lighting and Christmas trees. Christmas nativity scenes are being built in houses, streets and squares - scenes of the birth of Jesus Christ (Gesù Cristo).
Santa Claus
In different cities, people themselves depict historical characters. Gifts are usually put under the tree to open the 25th. Special attention should be paid to the Italian Santa Claus - Babbo Natale. His figurines are sold in all gift shops. They are hung from a window or balcony. It is considered. That Babbo Natale climbs the window stairs and brings gifts and happiness in the new year.
Trade fairs
In the pre-Christmas period, trade comes to life - everyone is stocked up with souvenirs and gifts. A special festive atmosphere reigns at numerous Christmas markets. The most famous of them is the fair in Bolzano (Mercatino di Natale Bolzano), takes place on Piazza Walther Square from the end of November to December 23. Other famous fairs can be found in Merano, Bressanone, Brunico, Vipiteno, Livigno, and also in Turin, Milan, Milano, Rome, Napoli, Florence ( Firenze), Venice (Venezia).
At fairs you can buy gifts and souvenirs from craftsmen from different regions of Italy. Enjoy a variety of local specialties and traditional dishes. New Year (Capodanno) and Epiphany (L'Epifania) are no less loved by Italians. Baptism is celebrated on January 6th. On this day, Befana, an Italian mythological character, brings gifts to good children. Naughty kids get coals in a sock. Christmas, New Year and Baptism in Italy are considered public holidays. During the winter holidays from December 24 to January 6, prices rise sharply due to the increase in tourist influx. During this period, most tourist sites are closed to the public.
Carnivals
In February, a series of Carnevals swept through all over Italy. Although the holiday has religious roots, Italians celebrate it with special pomp. In each city where the carnival procession takes place, you can try the crown dish of the carnival.
Carnivals begin 40 days before Easter (La Pasqua). Since Easter always has a different date, it is necessary to clarify the date of the Carnival. The largest carnival celebrations last several weeks. The peak of celebrations often falls on the last weekend before the Carnival. Famous for the whole world - Carnival in Venice. Celebration of art, traditions and bright colors. Traditional masks, gondolas and masquerade costumes turn the holiday into an unforgettable sight!
The Carnevale di Viareggio in Tuscany has been celebrated for 140 years and is distinguished by a string of holiday carts that carry huge dolls - cartoons of various celebrities of the present and past. This Carnival is considered the second largest in the country.
You can also visit the Cento or Tricarico Carnival, the Carnevale di Mamoiada Carnival in Sardinia or the Pugliese Carnevale Carnival in Putignano Putignano. Each of them is magnificent, has its own traditions and historical features.
Sales
Many tourists are worried about when the sales season begins in Italy. Usually Winter discounts in Italian stores start on the first Saturday of January and last 2 months. In the winter period of sales, you can buy demi-season coats, jackets, down jackets, scarves and hats. Do not disregard leather products - all kinds of shoes, bags, belts, gloves and wallets. Alas, buying a fur coat with a good discount will not work.
They sell things both of world brands and analogues made in Italian factories. In any case, the quality of the purchase will please you.
We recommend reading:
- Review of Castel Romano Outlet in Rome
- The Mall Outlet in Florence
- Sales in Italy - shopaholic's guide
The first week of sales is not the best time. Too many people gather. In a hurry, it will be difficult to qualitatively try on and evaluate one or another thing. Stores divide the product into parts and try to update the range every week. Therefore, it is better to wait out the peak. And by the end of the sales season, discounts can reach 70-80%. Minimum discounts are provided by shops along popular tourist routes.
For branded things, it is better to go to Rome (Roma). Go to Rimini for shoes and bags. People come here for suits, evening and business dresses and clothes for a custom figure. But in Milan (Milano) has it all! For people who can not imagine their life without fashion - Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. For larger brands, check out Corso Vittorio Emanuele and Corso Buenos Aires.
Tours
Tour operators offer winter tours to Italy in any direction. For two adults, from 7 to 10 nights, the price starts from 30 000 p. During the Christmas holidays, the cost of tours increases by 2-3 times. But excluding holidays, flying to Italy is more profitable in winter than in season. And if you choose the direction of ski resorts, you can also forget about cheap tours.
You can compare prices from tour operators and choose the best tour to Italy using the onlinetours.ru service
Weather
Italy stretches from north to south for 1,170 kilometers, has a different relief in the regions, so the climate changes from temperate continental in the north to Mediterranean in the center and in the south. Most precipitation falls in November-December. Although snow and rain are not uncommon in other winter months, there are many clear days.
In December, in the south during the day + 13 + 16С, at night + 4 + 5С. In the central regions + 5 + 13C. In the north during the day + 4 + 5, at night up to -5С. In the south and in the center of the rains, the north is snowed. In the southern regions, the harvest ends, the last fruits ripen.
January is the coldest month. In Rome, the thermometer column holds + 10-12С during the day, at night it drops to + 4С. In Milan and Verona (Verona) during the day, on average + 4C, at night -2C.
The warmest cities are Palermo and Naples, here during the day to + 14C, at night to + 11C. But in Naples, sometimes it rains a lot. The sea is cold, only + 12C, and the winds are very cool.
In February, the north is covered with snowand in the south it rains for a long time. In the capital of Italy during the day to + 13C, at night they are still the same + 4C. Verona and Milan warm up during the day to +7, and cool at night to 0C. The warmest in Palermo: during the day +15, at night +11.
- I advise you to read about the weather in Rome.
How to dress
If your goal is not to sweat and not freeze, then dress simply according to the weather. Depending on what area of the country you are in, what months and what you are going to do, go skiing, go to museums or take a walk along the evening streets. Everything is clear here.
But if you want to look like a true Italian, you have to adhere to the rules. High society ladies wear furs. Women of respectable age - long fur coats, young girls short jackets. She is also held in high esteem. In addition, the fur is welcomed in the decoration of shoes and accessories.
Shoes are always comfortable, rarely in high heels. Italians love suede, ankle boots, and young girls like sports-style shoes. Usually shoes are black or brown.
If you are lost in the choice of color of clothes, give preference to black. But try not to look bored. Dilute the black outfit with an accessory of a different color.And yet, tourists are distinguished from the Italians by carrying a backpack. Unless it's a case with a camera. Even if you plan to go to museums all day, don’t dress too casually. Skirts, trousers that do not constrain movement, a blouse or shirt, comfortable shoes, a coat and a scarf will be perfect and comfortable. And pick clothes according to size.
You can show your respect for the Italian style with a hat and glasses.
Men prefer beige color, checkered pattern, scarves and sun glasses. Fashionistas also wear deep velveteen pants, but not black. In the Italian wardrobe there is no black at all. Almost all Italians wear shirts, always and everywhere. Wear a down jacket in winter. Again beige. If it will be dark - then wear it wide open. Still in high esteem are layering and headgear in the form of caps and hats.
Difference in time
The time difference between Italy and Moscow is 2 hours. Time is only transferred in October — an hour ago, and in March — an hour ahead. So, in winter Italy is as beautiful and multifaceted as in summer.
Landscapes that are breathtaking, the lack of many tourists, pleasant discounts on clothes and a mild climate - all this makes winter Italy a great place for a winter holiday.
