guardian italy travel

Italy holidays

A gentler side of the Dolomites: a summer break in Italy’s Adamello-Brenta natural park

Upstaging Umbria: rugged and seductive Le Marche

Notes on chocolate Notes on chocolate: Baci, sweet as a kiss in Parma

10 of the best European activity breaks with a spirit of adventure

A street food tour of Genoa

Relaxed old-school glamour: springtime in Cefalù, Sicily

Right to Rome: why spring is the best time to visit the Italian capital

Rome isn’t all ruins – check out its breathtaking contemporary art and design, too

Rail journey of the month Rail route of the month: a dramatic ‘back door’ into Switzerland through the Italian Alps

From Arctic art to the Disgusting Food Museum: Europe’s top 10 culture destinations for 2024

From skiing to spas: 10 of the best Alpine activity holidays

‘So good I went five times’: travel writers’ favourite discoveries of 2023

Sicily, where billionaires get back to basics – by booking an entire city.

Amazing Adriatic: the top five places to visit

How I stuck my oar in – and saw a Venice I’ve never seen before

Postcard from Bordighera: autumn sun on Italy’s Ligurian coast

A last blast of summer sun: seaside holidays in France, Spain, Italy and Croatia

A different italy: hiking emilia-romagna’s ducati trail, at every turn etna loomed, smoke hovering above the crater: a family rail adventure from the uk to sicily, i walked 1,000 miles alone through europe – and learned that fear is the price of freedom.

• Europe holidays
• France holidays
• Croatia holidays
• Family holidays
• Walking holidays

What you need to know about traveling to Italy right now

Aug 23, 2021 • 6 min read

Tourists return to the Teatro Antico in Taormina, Sicily as Italy relaxes border and domestic restrictions © Fabrizio Villa/Getty Images

Italy has gradually relaxed border controls and most restrictions as travelers return to one of the world's most popular destinations. And while there are plenty of new attractions to enjoy, from newly-opened secret tunnels in the Colosseum to recent discoveries in Pompeii , it isn't business as usual. Italy is still in a state of emergency and some pandemic-related restrictions apply, including the requirement of a green pass to enter indoor venues and large events.

With the ongoing threat of the Delta variant, travelers are warned that increased measures could be enforced with little notice. If you're planning a trip to Italy this year, here's what you can expect.

Can I travel to Italy from the EU?

Italy has adopted the EU digital COVID certificate which facilitates the return of free movement across the bloc. It's a digital or paper certificate that indicates the holder meets the conditions for travel: is fully vaccinated (the last dose administered at least 14 days before departure), or has recovered from COVID-19, or holds a negative COVID-19 result from a PCR or antigen test taken within 48 hours of travel.

Read more: Planning your perfect trip to Italy's Amalfi Coast

You will need to present this cert to enter Italy, regardless of where you are traveling from in the EU. That's because Italy does not classify risk areas in accordance with the EU's recommendations and currently no country is classified as low risk. So even if you are coming from an EU country that is classified green (low risk) in the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control’s traffic light system, you are still required to present a digital COVID cert to travel to Italy.

Can I travel to Italy from a non-EU country?

Italy applies border restrictions on travelers depending on the COVID situation in the country they are departing from. Most countries are on the C and D list and quarantine restrictions apply to all of them except for the US, Canada, Japan and Israel . People arriving from those countries are permitted to skip quarantine provided they present proof of vaccination, proof of recovery from COVID-19, or a negative result from a test taken no more than 72 hours before traveling to Italy, using official vaccination or medical documents issued in either of those countries.

Those arriving from the UK will have to undergo a five-day quarantine upon arrival with mandatory testing until at least August 30.

Entry restrictions for individual countries can be found here .

What vaccines does Italy accept?

Italy requires that travelers are fully vaccinated with both doses of an EMA-approved vaccine: Pfizer, Moderna, or AstraZeneca; or with the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Do children need to be vaccinated to enter Italy?

Children under six-years-old are exempt from all vaccine, testing or quarantine requirements in Italy. However, children between the age of six and 18 are required to present a negative COVID-19 test result before arrival.

What else is required?

All arrivals are required to fill in a passenger locator form before arrival, regardless of their COVID status or point of departure.

Do I need a green pass in Italy?

Yes, if you want to enjoy most of Italy's cultural attractions, you'll need a green pass. The pass proves that the holder has been vaccinated, has recovered from COVID-19 or has recently tested negative for the virus. People need to present it to enter indoor spaces such as museums, football stadiums, gyms, theme parks, spas, swimming pools and theaters. It's also required to sit indoors at bars and restaurants; and from September 1, it will be required to board public transport in Italy.

Anyone traveling from another EU country, can present their EU digital COVID cert wherever the green pass is required. People traveling from a Schengen Zone country can present their official health documents too.

The Italian government confirmed that it will accept official COVID documents that were issued in Canada, the US, the UK, Japan and Israel from tourists too in place of a green pass. This was later extended to cover all official vaccination certificates that are compliant with Italian or EU guidelines. In order for it to be accepted in lieu of the green pass, the certificate must be in Italian, English, Spanish or French and contain the following information: type of vaccine (Pfizer, Moderna, J&J or AstraZeneca), date of doses and lot number, as well as the person's name and the name of the medical authority issuing the certificate.However, despite the guidelines, some tourists have reported difficulty with having their certificates accepted at venues.

If you're not vaccinated, you'll need to be tested via a PCR or antigen test within the previous 48 hours.

Read more: Italy has expanded the use of it 'green pass' - here's what travelers need to know

Can I get tested in Italy?

Many countries, including the US, require passengers to present a negative COVID-19 test result before boarding their flight home from an international trip. Fortunately, tests are widely available across Italy in pharmacies, labs and testing centers. Antigen tests cost approximately €20, while PCR tests are generally around €65.

The Red Cross has pop-up testing sites in train stations across Italy , including Roma Termini, Milano Centrale, Venice Santa Lucia and Florence Santa Maria Novella for antigen tests. On-site testing is available at Italy's major airports too, and most offer both antigen and PCR tests but check the website of the airport you are traveling through in advance for details.

Read more: Italy visa requirements

What's open in Italy?

Italy is home to many of the world's greatest works of art, architecture and gastronomy, and has more Unesco World Heritage cultural sites than any other country. Among its popular attractions are Pompeii , where visitors can walk in the footsteps of ancient Romans, and Ravenna , home to glittering Byzantine treasures. The gondolas of Venice take in the famous Rialto Bridge , while Rome is home to St Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums and the Colosseum, as well as the iconic Trevi Fountain.

Thankfully, you can experience these sites with relative ease as all Italian regions are now classified as "white zones". Italy classifies its regions into colored areas based on the epidemiological risk; different restrictions apply, depending on the color. White zones are very low-risk zones. Most restrictions have been lifted but social distancing guidelines remain in place in public areas, as do mask requirements in crowded outdoor places, on public transport and in indoor public spaces.

Indoor dining has returned to Italy's restaurants, cafes, bars, ice-cream parlours and pastry shops. Some capacity limits apply but the general rule is no more than six people per table. Anyone who wishes to eat inside will need to show proof of vaccination, recovery from COVID-19 or a recent negative test. Hotels, spas and swimming pools are open, as well as beaches but visitors must keep at least one meter apart when setting up towels, deck chairs or umbrellas.

Museums and cultural attractions are open for walk-ins with capacity limits Monday to Friday and for those with pre-booked tickets on weekends. Cinemas, theaters and concert halls are generally open at 50% capacity. Again, remember to bring your vaccination card if you're planning to visit any museum or cultural attraction in Italy.

For a full breakdown of restrictions per region, see here .

This article was first published on May 5 and updated on August 23, 2021.

You might also like:

Eat Italy: learn about Italian food culture with Lonely Planet's new book 12 essential places to visit in Italy The 10 best beaches in Italy

This article was first published May 2020 and updated August 2021

Explore related stories

May 16, 2022 • 4 min read

The policy changes on May 16, but there are still many countries who require passengers to keep masks on during flights.

May 10, 2022 • 4 min read

May 4, 2022 • 3 min read

Apr 29, 2022 • 2 min read

Apr 22, 2022 • 3 min read

Mar 31, 2022 • 9 min read

Feb 24, 2022 • 2 min read

Feb 18, 2022 • 3 min read

Feb 3, 2022 • 3 min read

Jan 18, 2022 • 7 min read

Italy imposes ‘green pass’ restrictions on unvaccinated people

Government seeks to drive up vaccination rate amid resurgence in coronavirus infections

• Coronavirus – latest updates
• See all our coronavirus coverage
• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share via Email

The Italian prime minister, Mario Draghi, has urged all Italians to get Covid-19 jabs after his government approved restrictions on unvaccinated citizens as it scrambles to contain a resurgence of infections.

Draghi told a press conference on Thursday that the country needed to act quickly to avoid the kind of infection levels that are being seen in the UK and elsewhere in Europe , as well as to protect the economy.

From 6 August, entry to stadiums, museums, theatres, cinemas, exhibition centres, swimming pools and gyms will only be allowed upon presentation of a “green pass”.

The pass, which is an extension of the EU’s digital Covid certificate, will also be required in order to be served indoors at restaurants.

Nightclubs will remain closed, while a proposal to make the pass obligatory for travelling within the country by train, plane or long-distance bus is expected to be re-evaluated in September.

Draghi said Italy’s economy had been improving alongside an accelerated vaccine programme that has led to a significant fall in the number of Covid-related deaths and hospitalisations since the country started easing lockdown restrictions in late April.

“But the Delta variant is threatening. It spreads much more quickly than other variants,” he said. “I invite all Italians to get vaccinated and to do so straight away. Without vaccinations, we’d have to close everything again.”

The pass will be available to those who have had at least one vaccine dose. The pass will also be available to anyone who presents proof of a negative test taken within 48 hours before accessing any of the activities under restriction, and to those who have recently recovered from Covid-19.

On Thursday, Italy registered 5,057 new coronavirus infections, mostly caused by the Delta variant, compared with 4,259 the day before. There were 15 more Covid-related deaths, bringing the total to 127,920 – the highest death toll in Europe after the UK.

Celebrations after Italy’s victory in the Euro 2020 football championship are believed to have contributed to the recent surge in infections, particularly in Rome, where cases have increased fivefold since 11 July.

As of Thursday, 52.83% of the population have been fully vaccinated. However, bookings for jabs in recent weeks have slowed, due either to young people delaying their vaccine until after the summer holidays or to those who have decided against vaccination.

Italy has a small but vociferous anti-vaccination movement, which has held several protests in recent months against the green pass initiative.

There has been opposition to the scheme from far-right parties. Giorgia Meloni, who leads the opposition Brothers of Italy, said on Thursday that it would “kill the tourism season”.

Matteo Salvini, the leader of the Lega, a far-right party and key partner in Draghi’s administration, said earlier this week that a green pass is “fine for stadiums, but not for eating a pizza”.

The government is also expected to reintroduce the tiered, colour-coded system of restrictions for Italy’s 20 regions, although decisions will be based on the number of people in hospital or intensive care with Covid-19 per region rather than upon the number of infections.

Italy’s state of emergency, which gives greater powers to central government – for example, to impose a lockdown – has been extended until the end of the year.

{{topLeft}}

{{bottomLeft}}

{{topRight}}

{{bottomRight}}

{{heading}}

• Coronavirus
• Share on LinkedIn
• Share on WhatsApp
• Share on Messenger

{{#isVideo}} {{/isVideo}}{{#isGallery}} {{/isGallery}}{{#isAudio}} {{/isAudio}} {{#isComment}} {{/isComment}} {{headline}}

• {{ title }}
• Sign in / Register

Switch edition

• {{ displayName }}

The home of inspiring holidays

Open up a world of unique experiences on your next holiday. See a new side to some of the world’s most beautiful destinations and discover the culture, history and people that make them so captivating.

Explore our stunning city breaks, relaxing family holidays, intimate small group adventures, inspiring cruises - and travel packages for the independently minded. We only work with the highest quality tour operators - to ensure that every moment of your holiday is second to none.

what's booking

Adventure holidays

River cruise holidays

UK cottage breaks

UK holidays

Uk holidays.

Wimbledon Tennis Break - Three days (including coach transfers)

Wimbledon Tennis & London Break - Two Days (make your own way)

Wimbledon tennis & london break - three days (make your own way).

Belfast & the Titanic Experience

Edinburgh Christmas Markets

Belfast & the titanic experience - 5 days.

Self-guided

Keswick: Lake District centre based walking

Keswick is a bustling market town established in 1276 located in the north of the English Lake District and dubbed the...

Highlights of the Great Glen Way

Experience the highlights of the Scottish Highlands as you follow the Great Glen Way from Fort Augustus to Inverness....

Flight free

Highlights of the Cornish Coast

Experience three of Cornwall’s most charming seaside resorts on this relaxing holiday by train. Your first stop is the...

escorted tours

Dubrovnik, Montenegro & the Dalmatian Coast

from £1,155

Medieval buildings, romantic squares, pretty canals, world-class art; Bruges is a lavish feast for the eyes. This being...

Paris was, is and always will be, something rather special. So if you have an anniversary to celebrate, a family get...

Spirit of Krakow

Rivalling Prague’s beauty, the home of Copernicus and Pope Jean-Paul II, 6,000 historic buildings, one of Europe’s finest...

Andre Rieu New Year's Concert in Amsterdam

Classic Sicily, Etna & Taormina

Small group adventures.

Small group

Georgia: Land of Myths and Mountains

from £1,780

Georgia’s beauty is legendary and takes many forms. From the cobbled streets and hidden squares of old Tbilisi to the...

Save £100pp

Mt Toubkal Long Weekend

Mount Toubkal, known locally as Jebel Toubkal, stands 13,671ft (4,167m) above sea level and commands superb panoramic...

Marrakech & the Sahara

from £1,049

Experience the grandeur of the Sahara as we journey from Marrakech across the High Atlas Mountains to the palm groves of...

Walking in North Cyprus

from £1,249

North Cyprus: Unknown to many, yet decorated with countless historic treasures. This walking adventure uncovers a land...

Sierra de Aitana Trek

from £1,449

Although close to the Costa Blanca, the dramatic massif of Sierra de Aitana has remained a secret from all but a few...

Walking the Picos de Europa

from £1,495

The Picos de Europa, the third-highest mountain range in Spain, is a region of dramatic limestone peaks and lush valleys....

Walking the Island of Madeira

from £1,499

Discover the wild and varied scenery of Madeira, from gentle strolls along flower-lined levadas (centuries-old waterways)...

Highlights of Morocco

from £1,545

Experience the very best of Morocco, from mazey medinas and lively souks to the broad-shouldered Atlas Mountains and...

Walking in Northern Albania - Into the Accursed Mountains

Extending across vistas liberally scattered with deep river valleys, alpine lakes and national parks, the towering...

river cruise holidays

Amsterdam, Kinderdijk and the Dutch Bulbfields River Cruise - MS Emily Brontë

from £1,149

The Danube's Imperial Cities and Yuletide Markets River Cruise - MS William Wordsworth

from £1,199

Enjoy a guided tour of the fascinating Hungarian capital Budapest, imperial city of two halves straddling the mighty...

Danube Christmas Markets

from £1,384

The Danube's Imperial Cities and Yuletide Markets River Cruise - MS Thomas Hardy

Solo travel

Amsterdam, Kinderdijk and the Dutch Bulbfields River Cruise for solo travellers - MS Geoffrey Chaucer

from £1,549

Experience historic maritime cities, where innovation meets the traditions of the past, plus the authenticity of iconic...

Rhine Christmas Markets

from £1,578

Douro, Porto and Salamanca River Cruise - MS Douro Elegance

from £1,599

One of Europe’s best kept secrets in one of its most undiscovered corners, explore the sleepy villages and medieval towns...

Rhine and Moselle River Cruise - MS Emily Brontë

from £1,614

Explore the historic cities of the mighty Rhine and the quintessential half-timbered wine villages of the serene Moselle,...

Burgundy, the River Rhône and Provence River Cruise - MS Lord Byron

from £1,699

Last Minute Holiday Deals

If you are looking for a holiday last minute, then we've got you covered. We offer affordable last minute holidays from  cruise deals , to cottages , rail journeys , Eurostar breaks  and more.

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

Green Global Travel

World's largest independently owned Ecotourism / Green Travel / Sustainable Travel / Animal & Wildlife Conservation site. We share transformative Responsible Travel, Sustainable Living & Going Green Tips that make a positive impact.

Le Marche, Italy: A Local’s 7 Favorite Places to Visit

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. All hosted affiliate links follow our editorial policies .

In a world plagued by the rise of mass tourism , finding off-the-beaten-track gems is increasingly hard. Which is precisely what makes the region of Le Marche, Italy one of my favorite places to visit as an Italian citizen.

Most international visitors to Italy tend to stick to the usual Venice/Florence/Rome circuit, where in summer tourists outnumber locals 10 to 1.

As a result, some cities have had to take action to prevent the detrimental effects of overtourism. Florence banned picnics from church steps, and Venice is currently considering the introduction of a visitor caps .

But my native country has so much more to offer visitors besides these immensely popular hotspots. The Le Marche region is located in the center of the country, between the Apennines and the Adriatic Sea. It’s been called “ the next Tuscany ,” but still sees relatively few non-Italian tourists.

Le Marche does get busy in summer. But if you visit in the low season (October or May), you’ll have pretty villages, stunning beaches, and wonderful nature all for yourself. There are no tacky pavement cafes and few souvenir shops in Le Marche. Instead, you’ll be able to stay at farmhouses, eat at family-run restaurants with handwritten menus, and enjoy warm Italian hospitality at all times.

My 7 favorite places to visit in Le Marche, Italy, offer a range of activities that represent the best of what the region has to offer… with next to no tourists in sight!

READ MORE: The Importance of Community Based Tourism in Responsible Travel

If you’re planning to visit Le Marche, you’ll likely start in Ancona . This is the regional capital and an important transport hub for those traveling between Italy, Greece and Croatia .

For decades, Ancona was considered a gritty harbor town, good for nothing more than a quick overnight stay between ferries.

But in recent years it has transformed into a delightful place for a stroll between historic palazzos and narrow cobblestone streets.

When lunchtime comes, stop at a local trattoria and order a plate of baccalà all’anconetana . This local delicacy is made with salted cod, potatoes, and tomatoes in olive oil.

If you’re after an unusual Ancona activity, you can opt for the Omero Tactile Museum.  It was originally conceived for visually-impaired people, but it’s open to everyone, and all exhibits can be touched.

READ MORE: Ecotourism in Northern Italy: The Top 5 Attractions

MOUNT CONERO

If you only have time to see one sight in Le Marche, make sure it’s Mount Conero . This coastal mountain rises apparently out of nowhere from the low-lying sandy beaches of the Adriatic coast.

Conero is a great destination for sun-seekers and nature lovers alike. The beaches of Sirolo and Numana are famous for their clear waters, while the mountain offers excellent opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking.

One particularly special experience on Mount Conero is the Due Sorelle/Passo del Lupo trail. This 5-hour hike includes a wonderful viewpoint over the “two sisters”– twin rocks emerging from the sea opposite a secluded beach that can only be reached by boat.

If I could rent a house in Le Marche , this would be the perfect area in which to do so. 

READ MORE: 10 Best Mountains in the World (World Travel Bucket List)

If you’re after a pure sun ‘n’ fun vacation, Senigallia is your best bet in Le Marche.

This coastal town is famous for its soft “velvet beach.” It’s also known for the Rotonda (pictured above), a round-shaped pavilion built over the water in the 1930s.

But there are many more things to do in Senigallia than meets the eye.

The city’s historic center has archaeological sites and Renaissance palazzos to explore, such as the intricate stucco ceilings of the recently restored Palazzetto Baviera.

If you need a quick sweet fix after touring Senigallia, make your way to Gelateria Brunelli. Its chocolate ice cream has recently been declared the best in Italy!

READ MORE: 10 Ancient Archaeological Sites (World Travel Bucket List)

The Le Marche region is full of those quintessentially Italian villages that visitors love, with medieval walls, cobblestone hills, and sprawling views over the surrounding hills.

Drive inland from Senigallia and you’ll end up in Corinaldo, a tiny walled village with bougainvillea cascading from ancient walls and sunflower fields carpeting the hillsides.

Corinaldo is locally known as il paese dei matti (the village of crazy people) due to its bizarre legends and traditions.

One example is the summertime Polenta Festival : It commemorates the tale of a farmer who fell into a well with a sack of maize flour, which turned into polenta when it touched the water.

In any case, Corinaldo makes for a wonderful escape from the bustle of Italy’s coast. Especially in summertime, when it’s dead quiet and your only companions will be cats wandering the streets!

READ MORE: 20 Best Festivals in the World (World Travel Bucket List)

THE FRASASSI CAVES 

The Frasassi Caves are perhaps Le Marche’s most popular natural attraction . This beautiful karst cave complex was first discovered by chance back in 1971.

The most famous chambers in the Frasassi Caves include the Great Cave of the Wind, which offers 13 kilometers of connected passageways to explore.

There’s also the Cave of the Bats (which is inhabited by a large colony) and the Room of the Candles (taking its name from the stalagmite formations therein).

Other sights worth seeing include the White Room (which has bright white calcite formations) and the Room of Infinity. Its irregular, vaguely round shape tricked the first Frasassi Caves visitors, making them believe they were wandering around a never-ending room.

Near the caves there are also two small sanctuaries, the Neoclassical Tempietto Valadier and the tiny Sanctuary of Santa Maria infra Saxa, which was built in the 11 th century.

READ MORE: 10 Amazing Caves For Your World Travel Bucket List

If visiting the Frasassi Caves makes you want to explore below ground even further, head to Osimo for a truly unique underground tour.

At first glance, Osimo looks like many other hilltop towns in Le Marche. There’s a quaint historic center, views over the hills, and locals enjoying aperitivo at rooftop bars.

Head to the town tourist office and follow their directions to a staircase. It descends into the bowels of the sandstone hill atop which Osimo stands, into a sacred and mysterious world. The town sits on top of over 9 kilometers of tunnels, which have been excavated since pre-Roman times.

The tunnels of Osimo had a variety of uses, from secret hideouts and wine cellars to a location used for Freemason initiation rites and secluded chapels for medieval monks.

Several sections of these tunnels can be explored via guided tours led by the Osimo tourist office. We recommend the Grotte di Palazzo Campana, with mysterious carvings that include Celtic, Templar, and Rosicrucian symbols.

READ MORE: Rio Secreto, the Yucatan Peninsula’s Amazing Underground River

This town is most famous for being the location of the Basilica della Santa Casa, one of Italy’s most important pilgrimage sites.

The sanctuary is believed to be built around the actual home where the Virgin Mary lived in Nazareth before giving birth to Jesus. It was eventually carried away by angels during the time of Turkish dominion in Palestine.

A visit to “ the holy house of Loreto ” is an absolute must for religious visitors, and even for non-believers traveling to Le Marche, Italy. The atmosphere of sacredness within is captivating.

The town of Loreto itself is also a delight, with its airy piazzas and panoramic views stretching all the way to the coast and the surrounding hills. –by Margherita Ragg; all photos by Nick Burns unless otherwise noted

About the Author

Margherita Ragg is a freelance writer and English teacher from Milan, Italy. She is passionate about wildlife, ecotourism and outdoor activities, and runs nature and adventure travel blog The Crowded Planet with her husband Nick Burns, an Australian travel and wildlife photographer.Margherita has an MA in Travel and Nature Writing from Bath Spa University, and was runner-up to the 2012 Guardian Travel Writer of the Year competition. Her other passions (in no particular order) are rock climbing, skiing, homebrewing and her cat Tappo. Follow Margherita on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

As Seen On…

Join the 300,000+ people who follow Green Global Travel’s Blog and Social Media

The Guardian

View prices for your travel dates

• Excellent 834
• Very Good 308
• All languages ( 1,225 )
• English ( 692 )
• Italian ( 160 )
• Spanish ( 114 )

" Book excursions before going to Rome as there are lots of people that will try and overcharge you whilst there. "

" solid 4/5, good stay. "

" Lovely vegan croissants! "

" If you are going to the Vatican. Might be worth paying for a taxi there and get the train back. It’s a long day walking. "

" Public transport very close to hotel if you didn’t want to walk everywhere "

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

THE GUARDIAN - Updated 2024