Now that Italy is reopening to leisure travelers, let’s see what you need to know to plan your holidays
Italy is reopening its borders to international travelers and is eager to welcome back tourists! The health emergency isn’t over yet, and there are some rules to observe, but the situation is definitely getting better. If you are planning your holidays in Italy, please keep in mind that you need to provide evidence of being fully vaccinated with an EU-approved Covid-19 vaccine, having recovered from the virus, or tested negative 48 hours prior to traveling. Another essential thing to check off your list is; Don’t forget face masks! Although the obligation to wear them outdoors might be lifted in summer, they will still be mandatory in indoor public spaces, cabs, and public transport. You may also need a watch: a curfew is currently in place from midnight to 5 a.m. in most regions, but it should be removed on June 21.
So, what can a tourist do in Italy now? Everything, but in a “new” and less crowded way. Last year’s restrictions (face masks, one-meter distance, hand sanitizer) are still valid, but no exciting place is off-limits anymore.
Restaurants, Cafés & Co.
Restaurants are finally now open also for indoor dining.
After long months of food delivery and takeaway, it is finally possible to drink a coffee at the counter. Bars, restaurants, and similar venues are open and ready to welcome guests both out and indoors. Even the traditional aperitivo is back. However, you will be offered a pre-made plate to accompany your drink instead of the usual buffet. Nightclubs are open as well, provided that they work as bars or restaurants to respect social distancing. It is still prohibited to dance, but, hopefully, this may change soon. Note that no more than 6 non-cohabiting people can sit together indoors, while there is no limit for outdoor tables.
Entertainment and Cultural Institutions
In Milan, you can visit the Castello Sforzesco.
You can visit museums and cultural sites respecting the same rules as last year (for detailed information on this topic, read our article Welcome back to Italian museums!). Audio guides aren’t available yet, but many cultural sites have dedicated apps offering the same experience on your phone. Remember to check the website of the cultural institution of your choice to book your tickets. And… enjoy your trip with neither crowds nor long queues under the Italian sun!
We’re glad to announce that cinemas and theatres have reopened their doors – even at 50% capacity. Luca will only be available online, but there will be special preview screenings in Liguria to raise funds for cinematherapy projects in Genoa and surrounding areas. Moreover, concerts with a live audience are resuming, and venues such as the “Arturo Toscanini” RAI Auditorium in Turin reopened in May.
If Italian fashion is your passion, you’ll be happy to hear that you can go still go shopping! Please, pay attention to the number of customers allowed inside, usually written on doors or shop windows.
Sports Facilities and Sporting Events
An old photo of Rome’s Stadio Olimpico, which is hosting four Euro 2020 matches
Gyms and outdoor swimming pools are open everywhere. Well, indoor pools, spas, and wellness facilities are scheduled to reopen on July 1, similar to cultural, recreational, and social centers. Those of you who watched the Giro d’Italia must have noticed the presence of fans supporting the riders. And the good news is that the audience is allowed to attend other competitions, too. For example, the Stadio Olimpico in Rome welcomes soccer fans for Euro 2020 at 25% capacity, in line with current safety measures.
All Regions Are Reopening Their Borders to Tourists
A view of Mount Etna, in Sicily
Italian regions and Trentino Alto-Adige’s autonomous provinces are classified into four colour categories according to their risk level – white (very low), yellow (low), orange (high), and red (very high) – with different safety measures applying to each colour. Today (June 11), seven regions are classified as white, while all the others are yellow areas. Actually, there are grounds for cautious optimism, and all the country may “turn to white” by the end of June. Movement between white and yellow regions is allowed, and high-speed “Covid-free” trains connect Rome to Milan. All you have to do now is choose your destination…
For official information about the Covid-19 situation in Italy, visit the website of the Italian Ministry of Health.