Italy is now the UK's fastest-growing holiday destination. Budget airlines have made Rome cheaper than Malaga (Ryanair from £25 one-way), the food is infinitely better than the Costas, the culture goes back 2,800 years instead of 28, and the weather is identical. This guide is written specifically for British travellers — GHIC/EHIC coverage, driving-on-the-right tips, school holiday timing, what to pack for an Italian summer that's hotter than you think, and why the Italy holiday you're planning is about to ruin Spain for you permanently.
Plan my Italy holiday →Budget airlines: Ryanair and EasyJet fly to 15+ Italian airports from 20+ UK airports. London to Rome: from £25. Manchester to Milan: from £30. Bristol to Naples: from £35. Edinburgh to Pisa: from £30. Book 2-3 months ahead for best prices. Avoid school half-terms.
Full-service: BA and ITA Airways from Heathrow/Gatwick. More legroom, included baggage, from £80 one-way. Worth it for comfort on the 2.5h flight.
Which airport? Full airports guide →. Short version: Rome FCO (main), Rome CIA (Ryanair), Milan MXP (main), Milan BGY (Ryanair — actually in Bergamo, 50km from Milan), Venice VCE, Naples NAP, Pisa PSA (gateway to Florence).
GHIC/EHIC: Your Global Health Insurance Card covers emergency medical treatment in Italy at the same cost as Italian residents (often free). But: it doesn't cover repatriation, dental, or pre-existing conditions. Get travel insurance too (£15-30/trip).
Driving: UK licence valid in Italy. You drive on the RIGHT. Roundabouts go ANTI-CLOCKWISE. The adjustment takes about 30 minutes and 2 near-death experiences. Driving guide →. Automatic cars cost 30-50% more to rent than manual.
Plugs: Italy uses Type C/L (round two-pin). Bring a travel adapter (£5 from Boots/WHSmith). Your phone charger is fine (100-240V).
School holidays: Summer half-term (late May) = excellent timing (warm, not yet peak). Summer holidays (late July-August) = hot + expensive + crowded. October half-term = perfect (autumn colours, truffle season, lower prices). February half-term = ski season in the Dolomites.
Beach holiday: Sardinia (rivals the Caribbean, seriously), Puglia (Adriatic coast, cheaper), Sicily (volcanic beaches + ancient ruins). Beaches guide →
City break: Rome (3 days minimum), Florence (2 days), Venice (2 days), Naples (2 days + Pompeii).
Self-catering villa: Tuscany and Umbria villas with pool from £100/night (sleeps 4-6). Accommodation guide →
All-inclusive alternative: Italy doesn't do all-inclusive like Turkey/Spain. Instead: agriturismo (farm stay with half-board — dinner + breakfast + wine from €50/person/night). Better food, better value, better experience than any all-inclusive.