Travel Italy with Mel
Our Italian Insider’s Top Destinations!

Travel Italy with Mel

Meet Melissa Romano (known to us as Mel because she now resides in Sydney, Australia… and we love to shorten things). Melissa was born in Italy and lived the first few decades of her life there. She regularly travels back to her homeland and we are lucky to have her in the TravelPay Marketing team as our go-to guide for anyone travelling to Italy.

She has a passion for travel and is a total foodie. Mel will be sharing her insider tips on travelling to Italy with a series of blogs on our site.

So make sure you check back for more and discover Italy through the eyes of a local.

Italy is the new HOT destination for Aussies

Recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows a significant surge in Aussies visiting Italy, reporting a five-fold increase year-on-year between April 2022 and April 2023.

Italy has re-emerged as a captivating destination for Australian’s seeking to explore the rich tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty that this Mediterranean gem has to offer.

There is no wonder your instagram feed is filled with your friends, family and influencers flocking to Italy to get a taste of this stunning country!

In this blog article, you will explore Italy with Mel and get some insider tips and secret locations you won’t want to miss on your future Italian travel.

Mel’s Top 7 Italian Destinations

If you are ready to take the leap and fly to one of the most gorgeous countries then you will need some direction which is why I have written my top 6 Italian destinations below. It was nearly impossible to pick six but I think I have chosen locations that represent Italy in all its Summer beauty (June to August).

Imagine stunning water views, delectable dishes and exciting adventures

I may sound biased but Italy ticks every box of the perfect holiday destination. A rich tapestry of culture, tick! Beautiful white sandy beaches, tick! Delicious authentic food, tick! Historic landmarks and monuments, tick! And warm and welcoming people, tick! This Mediterranean gem has a lot to offer.

1. Rome: The Eternal City

During the Italian summer, Rome empties making it the ideal time to wander through the alleys of this ancient city and admire rising monuments, splendid fountains, and ancient paintings at every corner.

When in Rome, step back in time as you visit the Colosseum, a symbol of ancient Rome’s grandeur, admire Michelangelo’s masterpiece on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel (in Vatican City) and marvel at the architectural wonder of the Pantheon, renowned for its remarkable dome. There’s such rich history and culture on display in Rome, so please take your time and absorb it all while you’re there.

We all know that gelato is mouthwatering all over Italy, but if you are in Rome during the Italian summer, the real pearl is grattachecca, a refreshing drink with ice and aromas typical of the Eternal City, you can find it in any pop-up kiosk in the city centre.

Besides dessert, Rome also has a variety of restaurants serving delectable traditional dishes. Here are some of my favourite dishes you need to try when in Rome:

Carbonara pasta
Cacio e Pepe and Gricia pasta
Giudia artichokes (Roman style)
Porchetta (whole pork)

2. Venice: The City of Canals

This city is known as the jewel of Italy, with its maze of canals and perfectly preserved frescoes sticking out of every ceiling. Sailing from one island to another via steamboat and navigating the canals with a gondola are once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Have you ever seen a centuries-old theatre turned into a supermarket? Go shopping at Teatro Italia. A really cool find that mixes century-old architecture and modern retail.

Satisfy your appetite with typical Venetian dishes:

Baccala (fish cooked in milk and turned into a mousse) known as the “diamond tip” of Venetian aperitifs
Risi e Bisi (rice with peas) the mainstay of Venetian gastronomy
Venetian veal liver cooked with butter and onion (one of the main ingredients of Venetian cuisine).

3. Positano: The Postcard City

The most well-known village on the Amalfi Coast is Positano, which is known for its brightly coloured homes and structures that tumble down to the water’s edge. You will realise why people refer to it as the Postcard City as soon as you lay eyes on it!

While in Positano, embark on a breathtaking stroll along the Sentiero degli Dei or Path of the Gods. This coastal trail offers stunning views of the Amalfi Coast, with its dramatic cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and picturesque villages. As you hike along the path, you will feel like you are walking through a paradise.

Besides Positano’s picturesque cliffs, charming streets, and colourful homes, it is also famous for its lemons. This citrus fruit is a valuable product of the Amalfi Coast, and it is used in everything from refreshing drinks to delicious dishes.

If you are visiting Positano, be sure to stop at one of the many pop-up kiosks for a lemon granita, gelato, or cocktail. And do not miss out on the classic Positano dish of lemon spaghetti. This simple but tasty dish is made with fresh lemons, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. It is the yummiest way to savour the taste of the Amalfi Coast.

4. Naples: The motherland of Pizza

‘O sole mio..’ If you recognise this song, then you know I’m talking about Naples, the motherland of pizza. In Naples, it’s forbidden to say ‘see you downtown’, since it could take hours to find each other again, why? This old town stretches for 1700 hectares and is the largest in Europe.

Among the hidden Neapolitan treasures, we find the Chapel of Sansevero which houses one of the most mysterious operas in the world ‘The Veiled Christ’ by Giuseppe Martino (the veil is a result of a process of marbling) and the oldest opera theatre in Europe ‘Real Teatro di San Carlo’. These treasures are a must-see for anyone wanting to discover Italy’s rich history.

What to eat in Naples? Is this even a question…PIZZA! You cannot miss having pizza in Naples, and you must try it in every variation: wood fire, fried and folded (calzone).

If you are looking for delicious desserts in Naples, try the typical baba soaked in rum or limoncello, or a sfogliatella, a flaky pastry filled with ricotta cheese and candied fruit. Both of these desserts go well with a strong espresso. If want something a little lighter, a zeppole is the way to go. It is a sweet fried dough pastry usually filled with ricotta cheese and topped with powdered sugar.

5. Florence: The City of Art

Immerse yourself in the artistry of the Italian Renaissance at the Uffizi Gallery, where masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, and Michelangelo grace the walls. Shop for clothing and other items made of exquisite leather in Florence’s central market, which is known for its quality leather goods.

If you visit Florence during the ‘San Giovanni Battista’ celebrations in June, you can discover Florentine soccer, which has been played in the streets since medieval times. Aussie’s love a good steak and Florence is the perfect place in Italy where you can have a Fiorentina cut of young steer or heifer, one of the most famous dishes of Tuscan cuisine. Since Tuscany is famous for its wines, why not pair a nice Montepulciano or a Brunello with the steak?

6. Apulia: Alberobello and Gallipoli

Mainly known for the beautiful sea that bathes the coasts, this region alternates pristine beaches of white sand with valleys full of olive trees.

While in Apulia, you must visit the World Heritage Site Alberobello. Here you can see the Trulli, a typical dry-stone Apulian cottage with a conical roof. Sleeping in one of these unique, peculiar conical homes is among the coolest things to do in Italy.

When visiting Apulia, be sure to add Gallipoli to your itinerary. This coastal town is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Italy, often referred to as the “Salento Maldives”. With its crystal-clear waters, white sand beaches, and stunning limestone cliffs, Gallipoli is a great place to enjoy the sun and sand. The best time to visit Gallipoli is in June or September when the weather is warm and sunny, but the crowds are smaller than in July and August.

Two of the most popular Apulian dishes are orecchiette and focaccia barese. Orecchiette, which means “little ears” in Italian, is a type of pasta made with durum wheat semolina and water. The pasta is shaped into small cups, which are perfect for catching all the delicious sauce. Orecchiette is typically served with a variety of sauces, such as tomato sauce, meat sauce, or vegetable sauce. Focaccia barese is a type of flatbread made with durum wheat semolina, water, yeast, and olive oil. The dough is stretched into a thin sheet and then topped with ingredients like tomatoes, olives, onions, and cheese. Focaccia barese is typically baked in a wood-fired oven and served warm.

Sicily: Siracuse and Agrigento

If you are in Italy, you must stop in Sicily. You can enjoy this island all year round due to its temperate weather. I recommend renting a car and circumnavigating the island. Two niche places that are absolute gems in Sicily are Syracuse and Agrigento.

Syracuse is renowned for both its unique centre on Ortigia Island and its historical legacy. Explore this tiny island on foot to find the Aretusa fountain (located on Ortigia’s western coast), which is famous for its legendary origins and view of the sunset.

In Agrigento, stroll through the historical landmark of the Valley of Temples, an archaeological site with well-preserved monuments built between 510BC and 430BC. In addition to this incredible archaeological walk, Agrigento hides one of the most sought-after destinations by Italians: Scala dei Turchi. Known for its beauty shaped by wind and waves over a million years, this sweet spot has been the set of many famous films with its white marble walls.

Sicily is the mother of Arancini and Cannoli, so delight yourself with these mouthwatering delights. Another typical snack to have in Sicily is granita, this frozen Sicilian dessert resembles a sorbet but has a granulated texture. It is the perfect dessert for a hot Italian Summer.

What to Budget:

Flights:

Flights from Australia to Italy can range from AUD 3,000, depending on your departure city and the time of booking.

Accommodation:

Mid-range hotels or Airbnb apartments may cost approximately AUD 200 to AUD 300 per night in most Italian cities. However, prices can vary significantly depending on the city and location.

Transportation:

Use public transportation within cities, which is generally affordable, with daily passes costing around AUD 10 to AUD 20.
Budget for train or bus tickets between cities, which can vary depending on the distance.

Sightseeing and Activities:

Entrance fees to popular attractions can range from AUD 10 to AUD 30 per person in each city.
Consider purchasing city passes or tourist cards, if available, to save on entrance fees.

Travel Insurance:

Budget around AUD 100 to AUD 300 for travel insurance, depending on the length of your trip and coverage.

Miscellaneous:

Allocate some funds for unexpected expenses, souvenirs, and other incidentals. Budget AUD 20 to AUD 50 per day for this purpose.

Currency Conversion Fees and ATM Withdrawals:

Be mindful of currency conversion fees and ATM withdrawal fees, which can add to your expenses.

Tipping:

While tipping is not mandatory in Italy, rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip for exceptional service is appreciated.

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Check out our Agents page to find a travel agent offering TravelPay Later, so you can start preparing for your next big trip today!

Travel Italy with Mel
Our Italian Insider’s Top Destinations!