Winter Italy. Where to go in Italy in January? Where to relax? Saint Epiphany's Day
This country is beautiful and charming at any time of the year, and there are many advantages to visiting Italy in winter. Winter here is much milder than in Russia. There are few places where the thermometer can drop below zero, and the most significant precipitation will be only rain and fog. A variety of people will be interested in visiting winter Italy. Shopping lovers will be incredibly happy about the sales. Fans of winter sports will appreciate the ski resorts. Romantic people will enjoy leisurely contemplation of masterpieces of painting and architecture. Every traveler can easily find something to do in Italy in winter.
Best Romantic Trip
The bulk of tourists tend to visit Italy in the summer, so at the height of the season there is nowhere to fall: at every monument, on the beach, in cafes and taverns, there is an influx of visitors everywhere. What about in winter? In winter, Italy becomes the ideal destination for a romantic getaway. The two of you can leisurely stroll along the deserted beaches of Cinque Terre or Sorrento, enjoying the picturesque views of the sea, rocks and the company of your loved one. It gets dark quite early in winter, and cozy streets illuminated with New Year's garlands will become the best backdrop for secluded romantic walks. Many cafes operating during the tourist season will be closed, and this will only benefit you. After all, in winter, those establishments are open where the Italians themselves go, which means that this is where the best cuisine and the most delicious wine are, capable of satisfying the discerning taste of the local population. Moreover, you can easily go into a restaurant and take any table, because there will be few visitors. There will be no strangers in the frame in your photos, since now the best observation decks and city attractions are uncrowded and completely at your disposal. You can arrange a real photo session for yourself against the backdrop of winter Italy - these shots will help preserve the memories of the most romantic trip for many years.
Italian cultural heritage
Art lovers will absolutely love visiting Italy in winter. At this time of year, the theater season is in full swing. We recommend that you visit the La Scala opera house in Milan, La Fenice in Venice, and the Argentina Theater in Rome, which is located right on Torre Argentina Square.
A pleasant bonus is the fact that in winter there are no long queues and many museums offer discounts on entrance tickets. The exhibition halls will not be crowded, and you will be able to enjoy the contemplation of paintings and sculptures without having to push through the crowd. You will be able to appreciate every brush stroke of the great masters by getting as close as possible. You will feel a special atmosphere and receive a charge of creative energy and peace.
Christmas traditions in Italy
As for all of Catholic Europe, the main winter holiday for Italy is Christmas, preparations for which begin here long before the holiday itself.
The symbols of this holiday in Italy are considered to be an elegant spruce, a red poinsettia flower, which is also called the Christmas star, and the main symbol - Preserio or Manger. This is a composition that consists of figures depicting the biblical scene of the birth of Christ. Many Italians buy figurines for their Christmas composition in the store, but some make them themselves with the whole family. Christmas is a family holiday for Catholics, so only the closest and dearest people are invited to Christmas dinner.
New Year in Italy is a more secular holiday; it is often celebrated in restaurants with large groups of friends. Many Italians take to the streets this night to walk noisily and joyfully until the morning.
Ski resorts in Italy
In winter in Italy, you can not only relax your soul, indulging in the contemplation of beautiful nature, architecture and works of art, but also spend time with health benefits by going in for skiing. Picturesque nature, fresh air, well-equipped slopes will make your holiday at the ski resorts of Italy unforgettable.
One of the most popular skiing destinations is the Dolomites. Here you will be breathtaking not only from the high-speed descent, but also from the incredible beauty of the landscapes around. So that you can fully enjoy the beauty of these mountains, four viewing platforms have been built here: Seceda, Sass Pordoi, Punta Rocca and Lagazuoi. All sites are equipped with funiculars, and each has cafes and restaurants, and at the second station when ascending to Punta Roca there is also a museum and a souvenir shop. The top of Lagatzoi has historical significance - it was the site of fierce battles during the First World War, in addition, you could see her in the film “Cliffhanger” with Sylvester Stallone in the title role. Each observation deck is interesting and unique, but they have one thing in common: a magnificent panorama of snow-capped mountains may be your most vivid impression of visiting the Dolomites!
Thanks to the mild climate and developed infrastructure, the Dolomites can be called an ideal place for a family holiday with children. There are significant discounts for children in hotels and on the slopes, up to 50% for children 8-12 years old during the winter school holidays. Absolutely every resort in the Dolomites has professional instructors who will instantly “put” your children on skis or snowboards, as well as entire ski schools. If your children get bored with skiing and snowboarding, there are skating rinks and toboggan runs equipped with equipment rental facilities. Indoor swimming pools and water parks are also available for you and your children all year round.
Thermal medicine in Italy
Since ancient times, mineral waters and medicinal fango mud have been valued for their unique properties, and now thermal medicine is recognized in Italy at the state level. At the resorts of Abano, Montegrotto and Battaglia you can appreciate the therapeutic effects of fango mud on the body. Procedures using these medicinal drugs have a relaxing, detoxifying and anti-inflammatory effect.
In addition to mud, thermal algae and special speleo caves are used here. Come and appreciate for yourself the magical effect of the healing gifts of nature in Italy.
Winter sales
Sales begin on the first Saturday of January in Italy. Milan is becoming a real paradise for fashionistas. You will be able to please yourself with world-famous brands, and significant discounts will not allow you to go broke. At the end of the sales season, which is approximately the twentieth of February, they will amount to as much as 70%, however, but the assortment by this time is no longer as rich as in January. Therefore, we advise you to visit stores in the middle of the discount season, when the choice of goods is still quite large and the discounts are already high. Undoubtedly, a magnificent bag made of genuine leather and at a significant discount will become the best souvenir from a trip to Italy. No trip is complete without transport. Trains and planes, buses and sea transport are all an integral part of travel. To visit the best corners of sunny Italy, to get better acquainted with the culture of the country, it is worth not only planning a route, but also becoming familiar with all the intricacies of local public transport and road traffic.
What to bring from Italy
When we hear “shopping in Italy,” we most often think of fashion boutiques, then we think of olive oil, pasta, cheese; some may have associations with Venetian glass or carnival masks. So what is next? Next, we bring to your attention a list of popular, original and simply interesting souvenirs and other goods that may interest you, and some will even turn out to be very useful.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 relaxing in Italy in winter - thermal springs, skiing or celebrating 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. We are talking about both 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 increased tourist influx. During this period, most tourist sites are closed to the public.
Carnivals
In February, a series of Carnivals (carnevale) noisily sweeps across Italy. 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.
Breathtaking landscapes, the absence of many tourists, pleasant discounts on clothing and a mild climate - all this makes winter Italy an excellent place for a winter holiday.
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Italy is an amazing country that combines all possible pleasures - the sea, mountains, historical sights, divine national cuisine and numerous wineries known throughout the world. Therefore, you don’t even have to ask the question of when is the best time to go to Italy - this trip will be relevant at any time of the year, but the location depends on your preferences.
Italy in winter: where to go
The weather in Italy in winter is warm and mild compared to our climate. Average temperatures and precipitation vary by region. Snow falls most often only in mountainous regions, while in coastal areas the temperature remains above zero. But it’s still worth saying that the low season in Italy falls mainly in the winter months. The weather in Italy in December is quite warm throughout almost the entire country (+5–15°C), but at ski resorts it can drop to -5°C.
The weather in Italy in January is quite damp and uncomfortable, so we do not recommend choosing this month for excursion trips to Italy. But at the same time, during this post-holiday period, prices for housing and flights decrease, and therefore if you are not afraid of bad weather (temperature in excursion cities is +5–10 ° C, often rain and wind), then feel free to hit the road. In mountainous regions, the weather is just ideal (-3–5°C) for skiing and snowboarding.
The high season in Italy begins in May. Of course, it doesn’t change from year to year, but usually the weather in Italy in May is already stable and sunny, at the end of the month you can safely go to beach resorts like or
“Winter Italy” - this phrase may seem strange to some, because we usually imagine Italy as an exclusively sunny and warm country. Not many people take a trip to Italy in winter, but once they do, they are pleasantly surprised! After all, winter in Italy is the time for carnivals, Christmas markets and much more. And when, if not in winter, can you ride along the snow-covered hills in the Dolomites? In addition, when traveling in winter, you can save a lot, because in winter prices drop significantly. We have prepared a list of the best things to do in Italy during the winter season.
1. Climb the mountains
Winter Italy is the ideal place for skiing and snowboarding in the Dolomites. It doesn’t matter whether you are a beginner or a professional – in Italy you will find ski resorts for every taste! Needless to say, the nature of northern Italy with strings of snow-capped mountains, snow-white snowdrifts, dense forests and clean air is ideal for a winter holiday?
Where to go: Cortina d'Ampezzo. Madonna di Campiglio. Sestriere. Courmayeur.
2. Spend more time in museums
Italy is home to the most visited museums in the world, and it’s no secret that it’s common to see huge queues at the entrance during the summer season. In winter, the opposite is true - you can avoid both long queues and crowds in the halls. Nothing will stop you from enjoying art.
3. Visit theaters and opera
What could be better during the New Year holidays than visiting the Italian opera? After the summer break, the Italian autumn-winter opera season is in full swing! Masterpieces of classical music, the best artists, amazing scenery and luxurious interiors of Italian theaters create an atmosphere of celebration and magic.
4. Wine tastings and cooking courses
The autumn grape harvest has been harvested, and the cellars of famous winemakers are full of young wine. If you appreciate Italian wines, then winter is the best time to taste the results of the autumn harvest. Until spring, winemakers will be free from work and will be able to devote a lot of time to their visitors.
And what could be more pleasant than cooking classes in a warm, bright kitchen when snow is falling outside the window? If you want to surprise your family with your culinary skills and learn the secrets of Italian dishes from the best chefs, then cooking classes are a great activity during a winter trip to Italy!
5. Don't miss winter sales
They begin in early January and last until the end of February throughout almost all of Italy. If you're a bargain hunter, brand savvy, and just love shopping and discounts, then winter sales are one of the best things to do in Italy during the winter.
Where to go: Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga, Via Manzoni (Milan); Via Condotti, Via Borgogna, Piazza di Spagna (Rome), Via Tornabuoni, Via della Vigna Nuova, Via del Parione (Florence); area from Piazza San Marco to Ponte dell’Accademia (Venice).
6. Stay in great hotels and villas for a low price
If in the summer good hotels, villas and even apartments sell out in a matter of days, then in the winter the opposite is true - you don’t need to rush and keep watch in front of the monitor to book the hotel of your dreams, risking spending every penny of your vacation savings. Winter housing prices in Italy are significantly lower than summer prices, and the same applies to the demand for housing. Therefore, winter is the ideal time for a vacation in a cozy villa or a beautiful hotel, without stress and serious expenses.
7. Christmas markets and Venice Carnival
And finally, we come to the most colorful and magical events for which winter Italy is famous - Christmas markets and the Venice Carnival.
Christmas markets are a truly wintry and cozy event, a must for anyone who loves the winter holidays. Rows of cozy shops with outlandish crafts, regional delicacies, Christmas tree decorations and rare decorations, a decorated tree, a Christmas nativity scene, music, folk festivities, all this is a Christmas market that preserves a genuine atmosphere of magic.
Dates: end of November – beginning of January
The Venice Carnival is the most colorful and amazing winter event, dating back to the eleventh century. Every year, thousands of tourists and locals take part in the costume party that precedes Lent. One of the main events of the carnival is the competition for the best mask!
Dates: annually in February, the exact date depends on the church calendar.
Dates for 2017: February 11 – 28.
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 of creating 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 other 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 a variety of types of recreation on the snow: downhill 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 of various types, and in addition, excellent infrastructure, comfortable hotels and hospitable local cafes and restaurants and, of course, magnificent landscapes 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, coming out deep from the ground and having a complex chemical composition, have a beneficial effect on health. A special pleasure is to enjoy relaxing wellness treatments in water with a temperature of 36-40° in the open air, while admiring the snow-covered mountain slopes.