A series of stone archways with rustic wooden doors in a traditional Mediterranean architectural style.

Orange beach loungers line the shore beneath colorful houses stacked on cliffs in Positano, Amalfi Coast, Italy.

Italy travel guide

A private page curated for you by Alessandra Jennifer Photography & Filmmaker

I’M OBSESSED WITH… ITALY

If you follow me on social media, you already know two things about me. I’m obsessed with Italy and I’m obsessed with cats. Both true. Both very on brand.

My love story with Italy started when I was a kid. I spent a month there visiting my family and something just clicked. The food, the language, the people, the energy… it felt like home. I remember speaking Italian with my cousins, running around the village, eating everything in sight. Pure magic.

Fast forward to now and guess what. My husband fell in love with Italy just as hard as I did. Since our first trip together, it became our mission to go back every single year if we can. We’re total foodies and beach lovers, so Italy is literally the perfect mix for us. Incredible food, stunning beaches, unbelievable landscapes and a lifestyle that forces you to slow down and enjoy. Heaven.

At the end of this blog, I added some small “tips and tricks” to help you travel Italy like a local. Trust me, it makes all the difference.

I haven’t seen every corner of Italy yet, but I’ve visited some jaw dropping places. So here is my personal, unfiltered guide to some of my favorite spots.

Let’s jump in.

ROME

Rome is one of those places you can visit ten times and still want to go back. It has everything. The architecture, the history, the pasta, the wine. Every street feels like a movie scene.

What to do in Rome

Eat in Trastevere. Best food in the city, no debate.
Classic Roman dishes you must try… Carbonara, Amatriciana, Alla Gricia and Cacio e Pepe.
Pizza from Seu Pizza Illuminati. It’s insane.
Gigi Restaurant offers an insane view !
The carbonara at Negresco Pizza e Cucina was unreal.
Avoid restaurants right next to main attractions.
UNA Hotels has a great rooftop bar.
Yes, visit the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Vatican and all the classics. Once in your life at least.
Explore on foot or grab a Lime scooter if you want to move faster.
Book your tours early in the morning.
Best months to visit Rome… September and October.

Historic Piazza del Campo in Siena, Italy with the iconic Torre del Mangia bell tower rising above medieval buildings.

Shadows cast by wine glasses and bottles create an artistic pattern on a light-colored tablecloth in natural sunlight.

Rustic bakery display with wicker baskets filled with fresh bread and pastries alongside pink flowers in a stone building.

TUSCANY

If you love food and wine, Tuscany is your place. Think vineyards, rolling hills, sunsets, hearty dishes and some of the best views in Italy.

What to do in Tuscany

Florence is a must. Just remember, Tuscan food is heavier than the south, so on super hot days you might want something lighter.
Watch the sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo.
Go see Michelangelo’s David at Galleria dell’Accademia.
Restaurants we loved in Florence: Angel Rooftop Bar, Osteria Pastella, Osteria Vecchio Vicolo, Trattoria Zaza, Trattoria Dall’Oste, Osteria Cinghiale Bianco.
My personal favorite… Paoli 1827.
Mercato Centrale is perfect if you want good food without overspending.
We did a wine and food tasting at Verrazzano Castello in Greve in Chianti. 10 out of 10. The owner’s cat greeted us so obviously it was perfection.
Florence is walkable but the bus system is easy too.
Visit Siena, San Gimignano and the smaller villages if you have time.
Best months for Tuscany… September and October.

PUGLIA

If you want the beach life, crystal water and a slower pace, the Puglia region is perfection. It’s becoming more popular but still feels authentic.

What to do in Puglia

Explore Ostuni, Locorotondo, Polignano a Mare, Monopoli and Alberobello.
You can easily visit two villages in one day.
Beaches are unreal. Turquoise water and warm during July, August and early September.
Many beaches have beach clubs so you can rent chairs and umbrellas.
Torre Sant’Andrea is beautiful but rocky. Bring water shoes.
Aperitivo at Borgo Antico Bistrot in Ostuni.
Olive oil tastings everywhere… do it.
Food tasting at Masseria Moroseta. Beautiful venue for a wedding.
Eat orecchiette made by the nonnas in Bari.
Swim at the Polignano beach, then eat at Mint Cucina Fresca.
Burrata, stracciatella and mozzarella. All day. Every day.
Oh, and taralli.
Our favorite B&B: Si Fa Trullo. The owners are angels.

Orange beach chairs line the sandy shore of Positano, Italy with its iconic cliffside buildings cascading down the mountainside.

AMALFI COAST

Yes, the Amalfi Coast is one of the more expensive regions, but it’s one of those places you need to experience at least once. The views, the food, the cliffside towns… it really is as beautiful as everyone says.

What to do on the Amalfi Coast

Visit Positano, Amalfi, Atrani, Maiori, Minori and Ravello.
If you want something more affordable and more local, try staying in Maiori or Minori. The hotels and restaurants are usually cheaper than Positano, and the vibe feels calmer and more authentic.
Best time to visit is late August and early September.
July and August are busy, packed with tourists and boats arriving every day.
Eat all the seafood. The freshness is unreal.
Go to Da Ferdinando by the water and get pasta with seafood.
Da Vincenzo in Positano is amazing. Make a reservation.
Rent a boat or book a small excursion to see the coastline from the water.
If you’re driving into the coast, check your license plate rules and keep your hotel reservation ready in case police ask for proof.
Honestly, avoid driving once you’re there. Consider a scooter, Vespa or ferries instead.

Historic Mediterranean church with palm trees and stone architecture illuminated by warm sunset light.

Historic baroque cathedral dome and ornate statues silhouetted against golden sunset light in Rome, Italy.

SICILY

Food, beaches, culture and a whole different Italian vibe. Sicily is wild and warm and so full of flavor.

What to do in Sicily

I haven’t seen everything, but Palermo, Cefalù, Taormina and San Vito Lo Capo were all stunning.
Palermo is lively with amazing pizza and bars everywhere.
Many monuments in Palermo are UNESCO heritage sites.
Cefalù has a beautiful boardwalk and the best fried calamari.
San Vito Lo Capo is perfect when it gets too hot.
Taormina is the city from The White Lotus. Gorgeous but pricier.
Visit Isola Bella.
Sicily is famous for pistachio pastries. Sadly I can’t try them because I’m allergic, but everyone says they’re life changing.

Yellow and striped beach umbrellas line a rocky Mediterranean coastline with blue waters in the background.

Red and white striped awnings hang from balconies on an old Italian apartment building facade in warm sunlight.

A panoramic sequence of beach scenes with colorful tents and rock formations at Morro Rock Beach in California.

Coffee

A coffee at the bar (al banco) should cost around 1 to 1.50 euros. Sitting at a table usually costs more.

Gelato

Choose gelato shops with stainless steel covered bins. That’s where the good stuff is.

Restaurants

Google Maps reviews are usually reliable. Avoid restaurants with big English photos outside.

Shops often close between 1 and 4 pm for “siesta”.

Tipping & Coperto

Tipping is not mandatory, but it’s appreciated.

“Coperto” is a service charge of about 2 to 4 euros per person.

Speaking Italian

Even basic Italian helps. DuoLingo or translation apps make the experience smoother.

SIM & E-SIM Cards

Get a TIM or Vodafone SIM or E-SIM. Avoid buying at the airport (more expensive).

Breakfast

Italian breakfast is simple. A pastry and a coffee. Hotels will offer American breakfast if you want more.

Buses & Trains

Italy’s regional trains and buses are easy and affordable. Always validate your ticket before boarding.

Cars

Watch for ZTL zones in cities. These are restricted traffic areas. Ask your hotel if they can register your plate.

International Driving Permit

You need one to rent a car in Italy. Get it at CAA travels.

Avoid Driving in Big Cities.

Traffic is chaotic. Vespas appear out of nowhere. Stick to walking or public transport.

Traveling in July and August

It’s extremely hot, especially inland. Book places with a pool or beach access.

Pronunciation

Bruschetta = BRU-SKET-TA

Prosciutto = PRO-SHU-TO

White traditional trulli houses with conical roofs line a narrow street in Alberobello, Italy during golden hour.

A long gravel path lined with tall cypress trees and manicured bushes leads through a scenic garden setting.

If you love Italy even half as much as I do and you’re thinking of getting married there, please message me. Photographing destination weddings in Italy is one of my favorite things in life and I’d love to be part of your day.

Let’s Talk About Your Italian Wedding