Winter holidays in Italy. What to do in winter in Italy Beach holidays in Italy in winter

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 idea due to the lack of sufficient material resources. However, you can spend some wonderful days in Venice in winter, even if your wallet is not very tight. However, you need to be prepared for the fact that winter Venice still loses some of its charm. Winter It's certainly not that cold here - the air temperature in January usually fluctuates between one degree below zero and six degrees above zero - but a boat ride on a gondola can easily make your teeth tap-dance. In addition, some hotels close for the winter. But those hotels that continue to operate during 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 familiar with Turin agree that the city is best visited in the summer. In principle, the same can be said about any city in Italy, although Italian cities in winter it's amazing how good they are! And speaking directly about Turin, this city is known as the Italian capital of winter entertainment. It is not for nothing that in 2006 it was held in Turin Winter Olympics. In the vicinity of Turin you can go skiing (resorts Breuil-Cervinia, Bardonecchia, Sauze d'Oulse, Sestriere), and, in the end, just walk along the mountain trails 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 - just after the Cairo Museum.

Winter Milan

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Italy in winter is just as beautiful to travel as at other times of the year. You will be pleased with the reduction in prices for tickets and accommodation, the absence of crowds of tourists, etc. In winter, you will find ski and thermal resorts, peak theater season and the atmosphere of a Christmas miracle.

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

Thermal springs

Sightseeing trips around Italy can be combined with health courses at thermal resorts. All resorts are located 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. 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. It's about both about health improvement and cosmetic procedures.

Terme of Bormio

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

1. The complex includes springs discovered by the ancient Romans. Baths were also equipped at the same time. There is a swimming pool and several baths for various procedures: washing, saunas, mud baths. The age of the complex creates a number of inconveniences. Compared to the new buildings, it looks slightly 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 a wide range of treatments. Vacationers really appreciate the 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 won’t be bored.

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Baths on the island of Ischia

At fairs you can buy gifts and souvenirs from craftsmen from different regions of Italy. You can enjoy a variety of local specialties 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 their socks. Christmas, New Year and Epiphany are considered public holidays in Italy. During the winter holidays from December 24 to January 6, prices rise significantly due to the increase in tourist influx. During this period, most tourist sites are closed to the public.

Carnivals Although the holiday has religious roots, Italians celebrate it with particular pomp. In every city where a carnival procession takes place, you can try the signature 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 Carnival. The largest carnival celebrations last several weeks. The peak of celebrations often falls on the last weekend before Carnival. Famous all over the world - . A celebration of art, tradition and bright colors. Traditional masks, gondolas and masquerade costumes turn the holiday into an unforgettable spectacle!

The Viareggio Carnival (carnevale di Viareggio) in (Toscana) has been celebrated for 140 years and is distinguished by a string of festive floats 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 or Tricarico, the Carnevale di Mamoiada in Sardegna or the Pugliese Carnevale in 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 2 months. During the winter sales period you can buy demi-season coats, jackets, down jackets, scarves and hats. Don't ignore leather products - all kinds of shoes, bags, belts, gloves and wallets. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to buy a fur coat at a good discount.

They sell items from both global brands and analogues made in Italian factories. In any case, you will be pleased with the quality of your purchase.

Weather

Italy stretches from north to south for 1,170 kilometers, has different topography 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 it is +13+16C during the day, +4+5C at night. In the central regions +5+13С. In the north during the day +4+5, at night up to -5C. It rains in the south and center, the north is covered with snow. In the southern regions, the harvest is ending and the last fruits are ripening.

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

The warmest cities are (Palermo) and Naples, here during the day up to +14C, at night up 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 snow, and in the south there are continuous rains. In the capital of Italy during the day it reaches +13C, at night it is still 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.

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How to dress

If your goal is not to sweat or freeze, then dress simply for the weather. Depending on what area of ​​the country you are in, what month it is and what you are going to do - skiing, running through museums or walking along the evening streets. Everything is clear here.

But if you want to look like a true Italian, you will have to follow the rules. Ladies from high society wear fur. Women of advanced age wear long fur coats, young girls wear short jackets. Sheepskin coats are also held in high esteem. In addition, fur is welcome in the finishing of shoes and accessories.

Shoes are always comfortable, rarely heels. Italian women love suede and ankle boots, and young girls love sports-style shoes. Usually the shoes are black or brown.

If you are lost in choosing the color of your clothes, give preference to black. But try not to look boring. Dilute a black outfit with an accessory of a different color. And yet, tourists are distinguished from Italians by wearing a backpack. Unless we're talking about a camera case. Even if you plan to spend the entire 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 ideal and comfortable. And choose clothes that fit.

You can show your respect for Italian style with a hat and glasses.

Men prefer beige, checkered patterns, scarves and sunglasses. Fashionistas also wear corduroy trousers in deep shades, but not black. There is no black in the Italian wardrobe at all. Almost all Italians wear shirts, always and everywhere. In winter, wear a down jacket. Beige again. 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. The time is set only in October - an hour ago, and in March - an hour forward. So, Italy is just as beautiful and diverse in winter as in summer.

Landscapes that take your breath away, the absence of many tourists, pleasant discounts on clothing and a mild climate - all this makes winter Italy great place for winter holidays.

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In winter, you will certainly plunge into the amazing atmosphere of waiting for a Christmas miracle: from the first days of December, Italian cities and towns are lit up with New Year's lights, in all stores - from small shops to supermarkets there is a sense of revival, and the residents of the Apennines themselves are happy to stock up on gifts for their family and friends .

Christmas, fairs and nativity scenes

The Christmas and New Year holidays for Italians last from December 24 to January 6; several religious and secular holidays fall during this period, which are reflected in the family traditions of the inhabitants of the Apennines. This is the night before Christmas on December 24, Christmas itself on December 25, when traditionally the whole family gathers at the dinner table, the feast of St. Stephen on December 26, New Year on December 31 - January 1, the feast of Epiphany () on January 6.

In Italy there is a long and very interesting tradition creation - sculptural compositions representing the scene of the birth of Jesus Christ. Starting from December 8, when Catholics celebrate the day of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary, New Year trees are decorated everywhere and nativity scenes are set up - they, like decorated Christmas trees, can be seen everywhere - both in the central city square and in the home of every Italian family.

Nativity scene in St. Peter's Square in . Photo flickr.com

Residents of some towns personally portray all the characters and, to the best of their ability and ability, recreate the environment 2000 years ago, thus creating “living nativity scenes”, which also deserve the attention of tourists vacationing in Italy on New Year’s Eve.

In Italy, it is customary to give gifts on, or rather, to place them under the Christmas tree, so that on December 25 the whole family can unwrap them and wish each other a Merry Christmas. The most exciting thing is to buy gifts, the very visit of which turns into a real holiday. Therefore, if you find yourself in Italy these days, be sure to try to visit one of them or even several.

Christmas market in Bolzano. Photo: milanoweekend.it

At each of the Christmas fairs and bazaars you can stock up on souvenirs and gifts presented here in a wide variety, or simply admire the products of local craftsmen, try local delicacies from confectioners and others traditional dishes, purchase local delicacies for your New Year's table and, of course, will be charged with a festive mood.

A stall with souvenirs and Christmas tree decorations at a Christmas market. Photo nanopress.it

Ski resorts

Many outdoor enthusiasts specifically plan their holidays in Italy during the winter months, knowing about the magnificent beauty of this country. Some ski resorts open as early as mid-November, most begin their work in early - mid-December and end in late March - early April.

Ski holidays in Italy are excellent slopes designed for tourists of any level of training - from beginners to professionals, these are the most different types holidays in the snow: downhill skiing and long-distance running, sledding and snowshoeing, snowboarding and ski mountaineering, freestyle and heli-skiing, ice climbing and skating, ski schools for adults and children, convenient ski lifts different types, and in addition, excellent infrastructure, comfortable hotels and hospitable local cafes and restaurants and, of course, magnificent scenery of snow-capped mountains and forests.

One of the hotels in the Dolomites. Photo: cozzio.it

The most popular ski resorts are located in the Italian Alps, in the regions. The most famous of them are (), Sestriere, Peio, Rifugio Bella Vista, spa centers in Andalo and Ortisei, thermal baths in and in the Val di Sole valley.

Winter thermal holiday in the resort of Bormio. Photo flickr.com

Hot thermal springs that come from deep underground and have complex chemical composition, have a beneficial effect on health. A special pleasure is to enjoy relaxing health treatments in water with a temperature of 36-40° in the open air, while admiring the snow-covered mountain slopes.

Many of us, planning a winter vacation, turn our attention to distant islands and countries of the southern hemisphere, where summer is in full swing and you can bask on the golden sand, plunging into real heat. It is possible and even necessary to understand the craving for the sun in winter, but in the meantime, Europe takes a back seat in the winter months, with the possible exception of ski resorts. At the same time, a trip to non-skiing Europe, especially the Mediterranean, in winter has a number of significant advantages, which we invite you to get acquainted with.
For example, let's take Italy - the country of the sun, burning beauties, pasta, Sicilian oranges and Renaissance masterpieces. But what to do there in winter, when the sea is cold, souvenir shops are closed, and the bodies of handsome people are wrapped in multi-meter scarves? Many people think so, and that is why I recommend that you do not do like everyone else! Come get acquainted with the great culture and country of cypress trees, even if you deprive yourself of the warm sea. After all, the sea is inside, and the author of the film of the same name, Alejandro Amenabar, like any Mediterranean, can be trusted in matters of the sea!
Indeed, you can leave your swimsuit at home, but you can’t take the sea away from Italy, and the sun shines here all year round. Therefore, when you find yourself on the picturesque coast of Cinque Terre (Eastern Liguria, in the north-west of the country, a UNESCO heritage center since 1997) or in Sorrento, which rises near Naples, you will see what you see in the best guidebooks and almost never real life, namely, empty beaches! Picturesque rocks, greenery, architecture of fishing towns, clean and deserted beach! In a word - the scenery for an ideal romantic trip. Yes, half of the restaurants on the shore will be closed, but the part that Italians themselves visit will remain, namely those where the cuisine is better and the wine tastes better. Italian food culture is a way of life, and rest assured that the taverns and trattorias that open in winter are the best, because they work “for their own people” and do not just appease crowds of undiscriminating tourists.
City squares, old fortress walls, observation decks- where in the summer you need to stand in line to take a photo against the background of the desired view without strangers in the frame - is now completely at your disposal. Walk around, choose panoramas, arrange photo sessions against the backdrop of medieval fortresses for hours at a time - you will be practically alone. And the sea will be nearby, it will have the same color and smell as in the summer, only now you will be able to conduct your dialogue with it without intermediaries, feel it without haste, enjoy it completely, and believe me, after such emotions you will not have the feeling that you didn’t bathe in it, even if that’s actually the case.
For those who associate Italy primarily with the heritage of the Roman Empire or the Renaissance, traveling to Michelangelo's homeland in winter also has a number of advantages. Since it is low season, some museums offer discounts on entrance tickets. There are no queues as long as in summer, and in order to get a good look at the original statue of David in the Academy Museum, you don’t have to look over the heads of other tourists. In addition, in winter the theater season in Italy is in full swing and you can even get to the famous Milan Opera - La Scala, as well as the Venetian La Fenice or the Roman Teatro Argentina.
Very often, when you are abroad in the summer, walking along the famous tourist trails, you do not manage to hear the local speech, only a continuous fusion of English, German and Russian. In winter, there is no influx of tourists, real Italians walk the streets, they are usually talkative and easy to make contact, so, having met or accidentally chatted with one of them on the street, you certainly will not return home with the thought that you did not recognize the real Italy .
Returning to the benefits of a trip in winter, it should be noted that in cool weather your many hours of exploration of Roman culture are easier to bear than in thirty-degree heat, you don’t have to carry a bottle of water everywhere, and from the famous Italian ice cream, which is sold in “Gelateria” right by the fountain Trevi, you won’t freeze even in winter.
Another significant advantage of going to Italy in winter is the winter sales. Milan is a recognized fashion capital, with boutiques of the world's most famous brands located here, but shopping is another, no less interesting topic, which needs to be discussed separately. Article provided by dsbw.ru
Text: Maria Leyva
Photos for the text: Karen Goncharov - CEO tour operator DSBW

In different parts of Italy? Why should you consider public holidays when planning your trip? What do you need to know about how museums operate in winter? Why do many hotels offer discounts? The article answers these and many other questions.

For people who don't mind the cold, winter can be a great time to plan your trip to Italy. Winter in Italy is a classic “off-season”, which means not only a pleasant drop in housing and transport prices, but also much fewer visitors to museums and historical sites. The Italian winter is also a period when the theater and opera seasons are at their zenith. And if you are also a skier, then the Italian mountains will offer a lot of opportunities for organizing a complete winter holiday.

The Italian mountains are famous for their snow-covered slopes and excellent sports infrastructure, attracting many skiers and snowboarders. Additionally, many mountain resort towns in Italy are also famous for their hot springs and spas, making for a truly unforgettable experience amid the surrounding snowy winter.

IN major cities Many museums and tourist sites in Italy close much earlier in winter than in summer. Outside cities, operating hours change even more dramatically: attractions may only be open on weekends, or even close completely during the low season. Many hotels and restaurants in popular summer destinations may also be closed. On the other hand, those hotels that continue to accept guests often offer significant discounts, trying to attract rare tourists (with the exception of ski resorts).