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Italy

When people think of Italy, they picture Rome and Venice — but our family experience has been very different. We’ve spent our time in southern Italy, in Calabria, where life moves slower and the coast is never far away.

This part of Italy is all about small towns, sunny piazzas, and long beach days. It’s the kind of place where kids are welcomed everywhere, gelato stops are part of the routine, and days revolve around the sea.

From historic villages to relaxed coastal adventures, Calabria shows a quieter, more local side of Italy — and it’s a great place to experience as a family.

the abandoned ghost town of pentedatillo in italy. houses and buildings sit empty on the hillside and the setting sun gives a warm orange glow to the historic town.
Pentedattilo
the sanctuary of santa maria dell'isola sits high on a rocky outcrop off the coast of tropea. the white church is surrounded by green trees and a walkway leads from the shore up to the church.
Tropea

Language

The official language of Italy is Italian, but English is commonly spoken in tourist areas, especially in larger cities. In smaller towns and rural areas, knowing a few basic Italian phrases can be helpful.
Common Phrases
Hello – Ciao (CHOW)
Thank you – Grazie (GRAH-tsyeh)
Please – Per favore (pehr fah-VOH-reh)
Do you speak English? – Parla inglese? (PAR-lah een-GLAY-zeh)

currency

The currency used throughout Italy is the euro (€).

Best Time to Visit

Summer is perfect for enjoying Italy’s beaches and coastal towns, while winter is ideal for skiing in the Italian Alps or exploring cities without the crowds. Spring and fall bring mild weather and fewer tourists, making it a great time to visit historic towns and countryside villages.

the sanctuary of santa maria dell'isola sits high on a rocky outcrop off the coast of tropea. the white church is surrounded by green trees and a walkway leads from the shore up to the church.
At a glance

Our experience in Italy

Italy was our first international trip as a family, and it’s the trip that made us realize we wanted to keep exploring new places. We headed to southern Italy, specifically Calabria, a stunning region often overlooked by tourists. With its gorgeous coastline, crystal-clear beaches, and beautiful hilltop towns, Calabria feels like a hidden gem.

We spent our days exploring Tropea, discovering small seaside villages like Pizzo, relaxing on beautiful beaches, and trying delicious local cuisine. Exploring Calabria’s rich history, wandering through old towns, and soaking in the slower pace made it a perfect spot for a laid-back family trip.

While there’s so much more of Italy we’d love to see, Calabria showed us a quieter, more authentic side of the country—one we can’t wait to return to.

  • Transportation Tip -The best way to explore Calabria is by car. Public transportation is limited and having a rental car gives you the freedom to visit small villages and the coast at your own pace. We recommend booking through Discover Cars, which compares prices from multiple providers to help you find the best deal.
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Italy