Woman and man standing in front of ocean

We’re so excited to return to Italy in 2022 on our Heart of Italy food tour. As the 5th most visited country in the world, it’s hard to resist its stunning Mediterranean coastline, imposing mountain ranges, Roman artifacts, rich history, and world-renowned art, fashion, and cuisine.

But it’s been a while since we’ve traveled and we figure you might be in the same boat. That’s why we consulted Bethany, our Operations Coodinator and fellow American who has been living in Italy for the past 7 years. She shared the 5 things you need to know to stay safe AND not stick out like an American tourist sore thumb while traveling to Italy in 2022.

1. How to order coffee like a local Italian. Don’t order a cappuccino after noon. Most Italians view the cappuccino (a milky, creamy coffee) as a breakfast drink and do not agree with having it in the heat of the summer in the afternoon or with/after savory meals.

A cappuccino should only be consumed in the morning with a croissant or cornetto for breakfast. If you want a coffee after your meal, do as the Italians do and order an espresso or a macchiato (this is acceptable as it is only a little bit of milk.)

2. What are the mask policies in Italy? Currently, masks are required inside establishments such as shops, supermarkets, bars, and restaurants (as you pass through until you sit at your table). On public transportation like high-speed trains, N95 masks are required.

These mask mandates may change for the summer months, but just in case be prepared and pack N95s!

3. What seafood to order in Italy? As Italian summers are synonymous with swimming in the gorgeous Mediterranean, you need to try seafood pasta (spaghetti ai frutti di mare), fried seafood like calamari, shrimp, and more (frittura mista), and/or fresh fish. Be aware that regardless of ordering a seafood pasta or a stand-alone plate of fresh fish, all seafood is served whole and you need to clean (descale) the fish or shrimp before enjoying the great flavor of your meal. If you order a “catch of the day” fish, you can ask the restaurant staff to clean it for you before you eat.

Also, don’t ask to top your seafood pasta with grated cheese. That’s a definite no in Italy.

4. Do they serve water with your meal in Italy? Interestingly enough, ice water and having your water refilled during a meal is an American norm that is not common outside of the United States. In Italy, water is not provided with meals. If you’d like water, you’ll need to order bottles of cold, still water (aqua naturale) or sparkling water (aqua frizzante).

This also means iced coffees in most regions are not common as well. You can try to order a caffe con ghiaccio (coffee with ice) but be prepared that they may not be able to serve it with ice but give you cold coffee in some other fashion like a cold, shaken coffee (also known as a shakerato). These will be espresso-sized.

5. What to wear to the beach in Italy? Italians love spending the day at the beach and then meandering to a beachside bar or out to dinner without going back home to change. If you want to join in and get that fresh Aperol spritz sooner rather than later, bring a second bathing suit to change into and top with a flowy summer dress or linen shorts/pants and a shirt/tank top for a quick change. It’s nice to have this option in case you aren’t fully dry or can’t return to the hotel.

For shoes, Italians usually only wear flip-flops at the beach and not around city centers or other places. For those locations, it’s best to wear more comfortable sandals or sneakers.

If you’re looking for an effortless and unforgettable trip to Italy where you don’t have to plan a thing, join our Heart of Italy Trip and eat your way around the country with us.

If you’re traveling to Italy on your own and don’t know where to start or want to tap into our travel expertise to make the most of your trip, check out our customized travel coaching and optional booking service.

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No matter where you travel, we always recommend purchasing travel protection to safeguard against sudden changes or cancellations. If you don’t already have a preferred vendor, you can check out ours - Travel Insured - who offers a “Cancel for Any Reason” policy.

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