Lifestyle in Italy

Italy is a country where every village and town has its own unmistakable story. Sometimes this is reflected in its traditions or monuments; in other cases, the uniqueness begins with the very layout of the town itself.

This UNESCO World Heritage town is famous for its iconic trulli, delicious cuisine and warm southern charm. But what exactly should you see and do in Alberobello?

In Maranello, red isn’t just the colour of the legendary Ferrari — it’s also the shade of casa.it, the property portal for buying and renting homes owned by idealista. And who better to prove it than one of Ferrari’s brightest stars?

Italy is famously referred to as “Il Bel Paese”, which translates to “The Beautiful Country” in English. This poetic nickname has deep cultural roots and continues to shape the way Italy is perceived around the world.

Situated among the rolling hills of Tuscany, Siena sizes up as a fantastic spot for anyone after a slower pace but without skimping on culture or daily buzz.

Italy’s not exactly shy when it comes to UNESCO World Heritage sites – there are 60 of them dotted from top to toe.

Italy currently boasts an incredible 60 UNESCO World Heritage sites, which is more than any other country on the planet. They aren't all ancient ruins, either. The sites fall into a few categories. Most are 'cultural' sites, which makes sense for Italy, given its incredible history.

Italy isn’t just renowned for its exceptional food and great fashion sense—it's also a living museum, home to more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other country on the planet.

Italy is flying high in 2025 with an impressive 487 Blue Flag beaches—more than almost anywhere else in the world. With such a vast and varied coastline (and a few sparkling lakes thrown in), you’re truly spoilt for choice when it comes to Italy's many blue flag beaches.

The Blue Flag, or Bandiera Blu as you’ll hear locals call it, is a pretty big deal along the Italian coast. It’s an international stamp of approval for beaches with spotless water, solid lifeguard cover, top-notch facilities, and a real commitment to taking care of the environment.

There’s something a bit magic about swapping Rome’s cobbled chaos for the salty air of a proper Italian seaside town. The best part? You don’t need to trek far – Lazio’s coast is full of lively beach towns, golden sands, seafood that actually tastes like the sea.

Imagine swapping your usual four walls for a whitewashed roundhouse with a quirky pointy hat, right in the heel of Italy’s boot.

When you picture your golden years, does an image of sipping espresso in a historic Italian piazza come to mind? Many retirees dream of living out their later years in luxury, and Italy offers some of the best retirement opportunities in the world.

Italy and pasta go hand in hand—it's not a cliché, it's just the simple truth.

Pasta dishes in Southern Italy are all about sun-soaked ingredients, sharp flavours and the kind of recipes that have been handed down in local dialects for generations.

Central Italy is where rustic countryside flavours collide with city flair, and the region’s pasta dishes are all about bold simplicity and proudly local ingredients.

Northern Italy’s pasta scene is all about comfort, richness and an eye for proper detail. The region’s love affair with creamy sauces, eggy fresh pastas, and plenty of cheese shines through in each dish, with local ingredients giving classics their unmistakable northern twist.

Among the many historic buildings and magnificent residences in Vatican City, not everyone knows exactly where Pope Leo XIV resides. The home of the Pope in Rome is the place the Holy Father chose upon his election on 8th May 2025.

Planning a beach holiday in Italy with your dog? You're in luck – Italy is increasingly dog-friendly, with many of its beautiful beaches welcoming four-legged visitors.

Tucked away in the rolling hills of northern Tuscany, Barga is one of those small Italian towns that quietly wins you over.

Palermo is one of those places that refuses to be pinned down. With a population circling 650,000, Sicily’s capital is all about contrasts.

The Palio di Siena, also known as the Palio di Provenzano, returns on 2 July 2025 in Piazza del Campo. This iconic bareback horse race attracts thousands of spectators. Discover which districts are competing and how you can watch or take part in the event.

If you’re anywhere near northern Italy in late June, you’ll notice a certain buzz in the air – it’s all down to the Festa de San Giovanni, or St John's Night.Torch-lit boat parades, live music under the stars, and laughter echoing across lakeside villages—San Giovanni is one of those genuine Italian

Southern Italy doesn’t make a big fuss—food’s woven into the day almost without thinking.