The Local

A visit to the lido reminded The Local Italy's editor Clare Speak why Italian beach days are anything but relaxing - and of why growing numbers of Italians are heading elsewhere in the Mediterranean instead. ...

Italian towns and cities could start imposing new restrictions on Airbnbs and other tourist rentals following a key ruling from Italy's Supreme Court on Tuesday. ...

How can you celebrate Thanksgiving in Italy this year, and what do you need to know about sending Christmas presents from Italy to the US? Find out in our latest Americans in Italy newsletter. ...

From Rome to Milan and beyond, many American and Italian restaurants whip up Thanksgiving meals to celebrate the holiday of gratitude. ...

There have been several fatal incidents on the slopes of Mont Blanc during the summer of 2024 - a sign that the dangers facing the hundreds of mountaineers who attempt to climb the peak each year are increasing as the climate crisis worsens. ...

Although the risk for the general population in the EU and EEA is currently considered low, the European Union health agency urged its member states to get ready for more cases of a deadly strain of mpox. ...

The romantic Cinque Terre footpath reopened this weekend, first for locals and then visitors — but only with a paid reservation. ...

A recent analysis found that fares for flights between European countries have decreased on average this summer - but mysteriously, Italy is bucking the trend. ...

As the most popular tourist destination in Italy, Veneto has a lot to offer. But there's a lot more to this region than just Venice, Verona, and Lake Garda. ...

Often overlooked in favour of Rome, Lazio is home to many wonders which should not be missed. ...

Dating app Tinder has vowed to tell EU users why they are being charged different fees for the same service, after Brussels opened a probe into its pricing system. ...

We asked The Local’s readers in Italy whether they’ve tried making themselves more Italian to fit in, what they’ve done and why they did it. ...

After suffering multiple delays, the European Entry/Exit System – the new EU border system due to become operational in autumn 2024 – is causing headaches for airlines. ...

How can you create an authentic Thanksgiving dier in Italy, plus where in the country are one-euro homes still being sold? Find out in our latest Americans in Italy newsletter. ...

City versus countryside, north versus south, coastal versus inland - in country as diverse as Italy, how do you choose the right area for you? The Local's readers share their advice. ...

A British mum said booking a Ryanair flight from Manchester to Pisa for herself and her two children was better value than a day out in the UK. ...

Pope Francis celebrates a mass on Christmas eve on December 24, 2018 at St Peter's basilica in the Vatican. Photo: Tiziana Fabi/AFP. Pope Francis on Monday assailed the "insatiable greed" of today's c...

Nearly 23 percent of Italy's population is over 65. Photo: Olivier Morin/AFP Italy's population is older than ever after another drop in the number of babies bo here last year. Some 464,000 babies were bo in Italy in 2017, according to the latest figures from national statistics bureau Istat. That was 9,000 below the 2016 total, which was already 12,000 fewer than the year before that. The trend stretches back further: over the past ten years, births have fallen by 100,000. The declining birthrate, combined with longer life expectancy, has left Italy with a significantly older population. By the start of of 2018, for the first time ever the mean age of Italy's residents was o...

Venice's tourist hotspots have been accused of ripping off visitors. Photo: Miguel Medina/AFP An expensive lunch in the heart of Venice ended up costing the restaurant dearer than the guests: the eatery that charged four tourists €1,100 for their meal has been fined more than €10,000. The incident, which made headlines across Italy and abroad, eaed the Osteria da Luca a visit from police, health officers and building inspectors, as well as an investigation by the Guardia di Finanza, Italy’s financial crime police. The inspections have resulted in fines totalling round €14,000 so far, according to Il Gazzettino. Authorities found a number of structural and food safety irregulariti...

Italy gets top scores for heritage, but loses marks for its economy and liveability. Photo: Alberto Pizzoli/AFPIf you want good job prospects, affordable living and political stability, you're better off in China than Italy, according to a new global survey. The 2018 Best Countries report places Italy 22nd out of 80 countries for quality of life – behind Canada, the Nordic countries, the UK, the US and China, among others. Overall Italy places 15th on the list, which is based on global perceptions. More than 21,000 people worldwide scored countries on factors including liveability, global influence, culture and economic appeal. While Italy got top marks for cultural influence, heritage and a...