17 Things That Will Surprise First Time Visitors To Italy

1. The ‘caffè normale’ is actually espresso

Visiting Italy offers up a delightful twist when you order a ‘caffè normale.’ What you’ll get is a steaming shot of espresso, the heart and soul of Italian coffee culture. It’s more than just a morning wake-up. Every sip is a crash course in local tradition, savored at any hour. Italians love their espresso quick, strong, and bracing!

2. Most restaurants close for afternoon siesta

When you’re exploring Italy, keep in mind that many local restaurants take a break in the afternoon. This midday siesta is a traditional resting time, and it’s when places often close their doors, usually from around noon or 1 PM until about 3 PM or even later. If you’re getting hungry around these hours, plan ahead and maybe pack a snack!

3. There are beaches with pink sand

Italy will surprise you with its unique shores, especially the pink sand beaches that sparkle under the sun. These rare pink beaches are like nature’s own artwork, created from coral, shells, and limestone worn down over centuries. Pack your sunglasses and a good book, because lounging on Italy’s pink sands is a serene way to spend your day.

4. Many shops are closed on Sundays

When you’re exploring Italy, it’s handy to know that Sunday is a day of rest for many shop owners. So, if you were planning to shop on a Sunday, you might want to rethink your schedule. Most local businesses and some bigger stores will likely be closed, taking time off to unwind and be with family. It’s a part of the relaxed Italian lifestyle.

5. Free water from ancient fountains

As you roam the streets of Rome, you’ll discover the city’s charming nasoni. These public fountains offer cool, drinkable water from the Roman aqueducts. They are not only a piece of history but a handy spot for a quick sip. With thousands dotted around the city, you’ll never be far from a refreshing drink!

6. Wine is often cheaper than water

When you’re dining out in Italy, ordering a glass of wine can be lighter on your wallet compared to a bottle of water. This peculiar fact is true in many restaurants and cafes across the country. Wine holds a special place in Italian culture, flowing just as freely as water in some areas. It’s common for local wine to be more affordable than the bottled water available.

7. There are hidden cities underground

You’ll find more than just beautiful scenery on the surface. Beneath your feet lies a whole new world of underground cities! Imagine walking through the same spaces that ancient people did, right under modern streets and buildings. Places like Naples and Rome have layers of history, where you can discover hidden passageways, ancient houses, and even buried churches.

8. Truffle hunting is a popular activity

When you visit Italy, stepping out into the lush countryside for a truffle-hunting adventure will delight your senses. These prized fungi grow beneath the soil, usually around oak trees, and searching for them is like a natural treasure hunt.

In Tuscany, travelers like you team up with expert guides and their trained dogs, who sniff out the truffles with incredible precision. You’ll wander through beautiful scenery and learn all about truffles, from how they’re found to their role in Italian cuisine.

9. Late-night dinners are common

In Italy, dining under the stars isn’t just for special occasions; it’s everyday life. Your evening meal might start around 8:30 or 9:00 p.m., a tradition that might be a shift from your usual routine. The streets come alive with the sound of clinking glasses and laughter as locals savor their meals with no rush to leave.

10. Vatican City is its own country

A stop at Vatican City will unveil a surprising fact: it’s not just a city, it’s an entire country! Encircled by Rome, Vatican City holds the honorable title as the smallest independent state in the world. But don’t let its size fool you; this tiny nation packs a spiritual punch as the epicenter of the Roman Catholic Church.

11. Italians only eat salad after the main course

When dining in Italy, you might notice something different about when the salad arrives at your table. It’s not a starter as many people are used to. In Italy, the salad comes after the main course, often as a refreshing way to end the meal. It’s a simple mix, usually just crisp greens with a light dressing. This tradition complements the main dish, cleansing your palate and aiding digestion.

12. Public restrooms often charge a fee

When exploring Italy, you might find yourself needing to use the bathroom while out and about. It’s handy to know that many public restrooms in Italy charge a small fee for access. This might be a bit of a surprise, but the fees help keep these facilities clean and maintained. You’re likely to pay anywhere from €0.50 to €1.00, which is a straightforward way to ensure that when nature calls, you’re met with a clean and tidy spot.

13. Gelato and ice cream are different

As you wander the cobbled streets of Italy, you’ll notice gelato shops at every corner. But don’t mistake this for the ice cream you’re used to back home. Gelato is crafted with less cream, giving it a silkier texture and more vivid flavors.

It’s churned slowly, incorporating minimal air, making it denser than American ice cream. And while ice cream is served quite cold, gelato comes to you slightly warmer, ensuring every spoonful is rich and creamy.

14. Bread is not served with butter

In Italy, when you sit down at a table and see freshly baked bread, you might expect to spread some creamy butter on it. However, in Italian dining culture, bread complements the meal rather than acts as a starter with butter. You’ll enjoy it as the perfect partner to the main dishes, sopping up sauces and balancing out flavors.

15. Trackable art-ridden streets

Exploring Italy reveals a surprise at every corner, especially when you wander through the art-laden streets. Italian cities are known for their living galleries, where the artwork is not just confined to the insides of museums but can be found all around you as you walk. It’s like an open-air museum where the admission ticket is simply your curiosity.

16. It’s taboo to ask for cheese on seafood

You might be surprised to learn that sprinkling cheese on seafood dishes is a big no-no. Italian cuisine celebrates the delicate flavors of the ocean, and adding cheese is seen as a move that could overpower these subtle tastes. It’s a tradition that speaks volumes about the local food culture, one that cherishes the natural essence of its ingredients.

17. Locals grow olives on terraces

Italy’s hillsides are a sight to behold, especially with their ancient terraced groves where locals cultivate olives. When you visit, you might see folks carefully tending to these trees, continuing a tradition that’s been alive for centuries.