1.Climate
Italian climate is ideal for holidays as winters are mild and summers are hot and sunny. The best time for holidays in Italy is from April to June or September to October. This is due to the fact that temperatures are then easier to bear for tourists not used to heat waves and the prices are lower as there are not as many tourist as during the holiday season.
2. Money
Italian money used to be lir. However, a few years ago Euro was introduced and today it is Italian currency.
3. Communication
The cheapest and most popular means of transport is train. Italy has a very well-developed railway network therefore traveling by train is comfortable and fast. Buses are also very popular and inexpensive, however it is rather slow means of communication. Most Italians travel by car therefore there is heavy traffic in cities. They have many motorways however, the roads in the cities are often in a poor condition therefore driving can become troublesome.
4.Opening times
Most shops and offices are open from Monday to Saturday from 8.00 a.m. -1.00 p.m. and 4.00 p.m. -800 p.m. There is a time for lunch break and siesta between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. On Sundays only restaurants and pubs are open.
5. Holidays
Local public holidays are very common in Italy. As every city, town or village has its own patron saint, they have their own holidays on different dates. During these festivities the relics of the patrons are carried in processions which are conducted in the street.
6.Sport
Italians are very interested in sports. Among most popular sports there are football or car rallies. Italians try to stay healthy and keep fit, therefore they attend many sports centers or sport clubs where they can practice variety of sports, including swimming, aerobics or workout in the gym.
