Is it worth going to Italy in winter? Italy in winter. Best Romantic Trip

“Winter Italy” - this phrase may seem strange to some, because we usually imagine Italy as an exceptionally sunny and warm country. Not many make a trip to Italy in the winter, and having taken it, they are pleasantly surprised! After all, it is in winter in Italy that the time comes for carnivals, Christmas markets and much more. And when, if not in winter, you can ride on the snowy hills in the Dolomites? In addition, traveling in winter, you can save a lot of money, because in winter prices drop significantly. We have prepared a list of the best things to do in Italy during the winter season.

1. Climb the mountains

Winter Italy is an ideal place for skiing and snowboarding in the Dolomites. No matter if you are a beginner or a professional, in Italy you will find ski resorts for every taste! Needless to say, the nature of northern Italy with its snow-capped mountains, snow-white snowdrifts, dense forests and the cleanest air is ideal for relaxing in the winter?

Where to go: Cortina d'Ampezzo. Madonna di Campiglio. Sestriere. Courmayeur.

2. Spend more time in museums

Italy is home to the most visited museums in the world, and it's no secret that huge queues at the entrance during the summer season are a common thing. In winter, the opposite is true - you can avoid both long lines and crowds in the halls. Nothing will stop you from enjoying art.

3. Visit theaters and opera

What could be better during the New Year holidays than visiting an Italian opera? After a summer break, the Italian autumn-winter opera season is in full swing! Masterpieces of classical music, the best artists, amazing scenery and luxurious interiors of Italian theaters create an atmosphere of celebration and magic.

4. Wine tastings and cooking classes

The autumn harvest of grapes is harvested, and the cellars of famous winemakers are full of young wine. If you appreciate Italian wines, then winter is the best time taste the result of the autumn harvest. Until spring, winemakers will be free from work and will be able to devote a lot of time to their visitors.
And what could be more pleasant than cooking classes in a warm, bright kitchen when snow is falling outside the window? If you want to surprise your family with your culinary skills and learn the secrets Italian dishes from top chefs, then cooking classes are the perfect thing to do during a winter trip to Italy!

5. Don't miss the winter sales

They begin in early January and last until the end of February in almost all of Italy. If you love bargain hunting, brand savvy and just love shopping and discounts, then winter sales are one of the most rewarding things to do in Italy during the winter.

Where to go: Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga, Via Manzoni (Milan); Via Condotti, Via Borgogna, Piazza di Spagna (Rome), Via Tornabuoni, Via della Vigna Nuova, Via del Parione (Florence); neighborhood from Piazza San Marco to Ponte dell'Accademia (Venice).

6. Stay in great hotels and villas for a low price

If in summer good hotels, villas and even apartments fly apart in a matter of days, then in winter the opposite is true - you don’t need to rush and watch at the monitor to book the hotel of your dreams, risking spending all your vacation savings to the penny. Winter housing prices in Italy are much lower than summer ones, the same applies to the demand for housing. Therefore, winter is the perfect time for a vacation in a cozy villa or a beautiful hotel, without stress and serious expenses.

7. Christmas Markets and Venice Carnival

And finally, we come to the most colorful and magical events that winter Italy is famous for - Christmas markets and the Venice Carnival.
Christmas markets are a truly winter and cozy event, a must for anyone who loves winter holidays. Lines of cozy shops with outlandish handicrafts, regional delicacies, Christmas decorations and rare decorations, a decorated Christmas tree, a Christmas nativity scene, music, festivities, all this is a Christmas market that preserves a genuine atmosphere of magic.

Dates: late November - early January

The Venice Carnival is the most colorful and amazing event of winter, dating back to the eleventh century. Every year, thousands of tourists and locals participate in a costumed celebration that precedes Lent. One of the main events of the carnival is the competition for the best mask!

Dates: annually in February, the exact date depends on the church calendar.
Dates for 2017: February 11 - 28.

Italy is just as wonderful to travel in winter as it is at other times of the year. You will be pleased with the reduction in prices for tickets and accommodation, the lack of crowds of tourists and. In winter, ski and thermal resorts, the peak of the theater season and the atmosphere of the Christmas miracle are at your service.

There are a lot of options for relaxing in Italy in winter - thermal springs, skiing or celebrating the Christmas holidays and the New Year in Rome, but first things first.

thermal springs

Sightseeing trips around Italy can be combined with wellness courses at thermal resorts. All resorts are close to tourist routes. There are about 400 thermal springs throughout the country. People come here to be treated for diseases of the musculoskeletal system, gynecological problems, skin diseases and other ailments. The resorts provide the opportunity to relax and improve your health in thermal spas and thermal baths. The cost and duration of treatment depends on the goal you are pursuing. We are talking about both health and beauty treatments.

Baths of Bormio

The resort is located in the north of the country in the region of Lombardy (Lombardia) on the border with Switzerland, in the city of Bormio (Bormio). There are three SPA complexes on the territory:

1. The complex includes springs discovered by the ancient Romans. At the same time, baths were equipped. There is a swimming pool and several baths for various procedures: washing, taking saunas, mud baths. The age of the complex creates a number of inconveniences. Compared to new buildings, it looks a little shabby, the transition between the remote parts of the baths runs through the open air.
2. QC Terme Grand Hotel Bagni Nuovi is a new complex with the widest range of treatments. Vacationers really appreciate spa treatments in this part of Bormio.
3. Palace Hotel Wellness & Beauty is located in the city. Something in between the first two options. A variety of treatments, a large indoor pool, hot tubs, you will not be bored.

• We also recommend reading about: and .

Baths on the island of Ischia

At the fairs you can buy gifts and souvenirs from craftsmen from different parts of Italy. Enjoy a variety of local delicacies and traditional dishes. New Year (Capodanno) and Epiphany (L'Epifania) are no less loved by Italians. Epiphany 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 Epiphany in Italy are considered public holidays. During the winter holidays from December 24 to January 6, prices rise sharply, due to the growth of the tourist influx. During this period, most tourist sites are closed to the public.

Carnivals

In February, a series of Carnivals (carnevale) rolls with noise throughout Italy. Although the holiday has religious roots, Italians celebrate it with particular pomp. In every city where the carnival procession takes place, you can try the signature dish of the carnival.

Carnivals start 40 days before Easter (La Pasqua). Since Easter always has a different date, it is necessary to specify 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 all over the world -. A celebration of art, traditions and bright colors. Traditional masks, gondolas and masquerade costumes turn the holiday into an unforgettable sight!

Carnival of Viareggio (carnevale di Viareggio) in (Toscana) has been celebrated for 140 years and is distinguished by a string of festive carts that carry huge dolls - caricatures of various celebrities of the present and past. This Carnival is considered the second largest in the country.

You can also visit the carnival in Cento (Cento) or Tricarico (Tricarico), Carnival Mamoyada (Carnevale di Mamoiada) on (Sardegna) or the Apulian Carnival (pugliese Carnevale) in Putignano (Putignano). Each of them is magnificent, has its own traditions and historical features.

Sales

Many tourists are concerned about the question of when it starts in Italy. Usually winter discounts in Italian stores start on the first Saturday of January and last for 2 months. During the winter sales period, you can buy demi-season coats, jackets, down jackets, scarves and hats. Don't ignore leather goods - all kinds of shoes, bags, belts, gloves and wallets. Alas, buying a fur coat with a good discount will not work.

They sell things of both world brands and analogues made in Italian factories. In any case, the quality of the purchase will please you.

Weather

Italy stretches from north to south for 1170 kilometers, has a different relief in the regions, so the climate varies from temperate continental in the north to Mediterranean in the center and south. Most of the precipitation falls in November-December. And although snow and rain are not uncommon in other winter months, there are many clear days.

In December in the south + 13 + 16C during the day, + 4 + 5C at night. In the central regions + 5 + 13C. In the north +4+5 during the day, down to -5C at night. It rains in the south and in the center, the north is covered with snow. In the southern regions, the harvest is coming to an end, the last fruits are ripening.

January is the coldest month. In Rome, the thermometer during the day keeps + 10-12C, at night it drops to + 4C. In Milan and (Verona) during the day on average + 4C, at night -2C.

The warmest cities are (Palermo) and Naples, here in the daytime up to + 14C, at night up to + 11C. But in Naples, it sometimes rains a lot. The sea is cold, only +12C, and the winds are very cool.

In February, the north fills up with snow and heavy rainfall in the south. In the capital of Italy during the day up to + 13C, at night all the same + 4C. Verona and Milan warm up to +7 during the day, and cool down to 0C at night. It is warmest in Palermo: +15 during the day, +11 at night.

• I advise you to read about.

How to dress

If your goal is not to sweat or get cold, then just dress for the weather. Depending on which region of the country you are in, what months and what you are going to do - go skiing, run through museums or walk along the evening streets. Everything is clear here.

But if you want to look like a true Italian, you have to follow the rules. High society ladies wear furs. Women of respectable age - long fur coats, young girls short jackets. In high esteem and sheepskin coats. In addition, fur is welcomed in the decoration of shoes and accessories.

Shoes are always comfortable, rarely high heels. Italians love suede, ankle boots, and young girls love sports shoes. Usually the shoes are black or brown.

If you are at a loss in choosing the color of clothing, give preference to black. But try not to look boring. Dilute the black outfit with an accessory of a different color. And yet, tourists are distinguished from Italians by wearing a backpack. Unless it's a camera case. Even if you plan to spend the day visiting museums, don't dress too casually. Skirts, trousers that do not restrict movement, a blouse or shirt, comfortable shoes, a coat and a scarf - this will be perfect and comfortable. And choose the right size.

Your respect Italian style you can show with a hat and glasses.

Men prefer beige color, check pattern, scarves and sunglasses. Also, fashionistas wear corduroy trousers in deep shades, but not black. There is no black at all in the Italian wardrobe. Almost all Italians wear shirts, always and everywhere. In winter, wear a down jacket. Again beige. If it is dark, then wear it wide open. Layering and headwear in the form of caps and hats are also held in high esteem.

Difference in time

in Italy with Moscow is 2 hours. They only change the time in October - an hour ago, and in March - an hour ahead. So, in winter, Italy is as beautiful and multifaceted as in summer.

Breathtaking landscapes, the absence of many tourists, pleasant discounts on clothing and a mild climate - all this makes winter Italy a great place for winter holidays.

↘️🇮🇹 USEFUL ARTICLES AND SITES 🇮🇹↙️ SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS

Italy - amazing country, which combines all possible pleasures - the sea, mountains, historical sights, divine national cuisine and numerous wineries known throughout the world. Therefore, the question of when it is better to go to Italy can not even be asked - this trip will be relevant at any time of the year, but the place depends on your preferences.

Italy in winter: where to go

The weather in Italy in winter is warm and mild compared to our climate. Average temperatures and rainfall vary by region. Snow falls most often only in mountainous regions, while in coastal areas, the temperature remains above zero. But still it is worth saying that the low season in Italy falls mainly on the winter months. The weather in Italy in December is quite warm (+5–15°С) almost throughout the country, but at ski resorts it can drop to -5°С.

The weather in Italy in January is rather damp and uncomfortable, so we do not recommend choosing this month for sightseeing trips to Italy. But at the same time, in this post-holiday period, housing and flight prices are decreasing, and therefore if you are not afraid of bad weather (the temperature in excursion cities is + 5-10 ° С, often rain and wind), then feel free to hit the road. In the mountainous regions, the weather is just perfect (-3–5°С) for skiing and snowboarding.

The high season in Italy begins in May. Of course, it doesn’t happen year after year, but usually the weather in Italy in May is already stable and sunny, at the end of the month you can safely go to beach resorts like or

Venice is one of the most expensive tourist cities in Europe, so many travelers, despite the presence of a great desire to visit the famous city on the water, have to abandon such an undertaking due to the lack of sufficient material resources. However, it is possible to spend some wonderful days in Venice in winter, even if the wallet is not very tight. However, one must be prepared for the fact that winter Venice, nevertheless, loses some of its charm. Winter it's not so cold here, of course - the air temperature in January usually fluctuates between one degree of frost and six degrees of heat - but a gondola ride can easily make your teeth tap-dance. In addition, some hotels close for the winter. But those hotels that continue to work in the off-season please with unusually low prices. In any case, it is better to go to Venice in winter than not go never - and after a walk along the foggy Venetian embankments, warm up with a glass of grappa.

Turin in winter

Most travelers who are intimately familiar with Turin agree that this city is best visited in the summer. In principle, the same can be said about any city in Italy, although Italian cities in winter wonder how good! And speaking directly about Turin, this city is known as the Italian capital of winter entertainment. No wonder Turin hosted the Winter Olympics in 2006. In the vicinity of Turin, you can also go skiing (the resorts of Breuil-Cervinia, Bardonecchia, Sauze d'Ouls, Sestriere), and simply, in the end, take a walk along the mountain paths of the Alps. Winter in Turin is conducive to visiting museums, of which there are about four dozen. The Egyptian Museum in Turin, for example, is the second most important Egyptian museum in the world, right after the Cairo Museum.

Winter Milan

The use of materials from the site is permitted provided that there is a link (for online publications - an active hyperlink) to

Venice is one of the most expensive tourist cities in Europe, so many travelers, despite the presence of a great desire to visit the famous city on the water, have to abandon such an undertaking due to the lack of sufficient material resources. However, it is possible to spend some wonderful days in Venice in winter, even if the wallet is not very tight. However, one must be prepared for the fact that winter Venice, nevertheless, loses some of its charm. Winter it's not so cold here, of course - the air temperature in January usually fluctuates between one degree of frost and six degrees of heat - but a gondola ride can easily make your teeth tap-dance. In addition, some hotels close for the winter. But those hotels that continue to work in the off-season please with unusually low prices. In any case, it is better to go to Venice in winter than not go never - and after a walk along the foggy Venetian embankments, warm up with a glass of grappa.

Turin in winter

Most travelers who are intimately familiar with Turin agree that this city is best visited in the summer. In principle, the same can be said about any city in Italy, although Italian cities in winter wonder how good! And speaking directly about Turin, this city is known as the Italian capital of winter entertainment. No wonder Turin hosted the Winter Olympics in 2006. In the vicinity of Turin, you can also go skiing (the resorts of Breuil-Cervinia, Bardonecchia, Sauze d'Ouls, Sestriere), and simply, in the end, take a walk along the mountain paths of the Alps. Winter in Turin is conducive to visiting museums, of which there are about four dozen. The Egyptian Museum in Turin, for example, is the second most important Egyptian museum in the world, right after the Cairo Museum.

Winter Milan

The use of materials from the site is permitted provided that there is a link (for online publications - an active hyperlink) to