Italian pharmacists are essentially first-line doctors. Before going to a hospital, go to a farmacia. They can diagnose, recommend medication, check blood pressure, and sell things that require prescriptions in other countries.
Plan your trip →Diagnose and recommend: describe your symptoms and they’ll suggest medication. Stomach problems, headaches, allergies, minor infections, skin issues, insect bites — they handle it all. Medications available without prescription: many antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and treatments that require prescriptions in the US/UK are OTC in Italy. Ask the pharmacist. Other services: blood pressure checks (free), blood glucose tests (€3–5), rapid COVID/flu tests (€8–15), ear piercing (yes, at pharmacies).
Standard: 8:30am–1pm, 3:30–7:30pm Mon–Fri. Saturday 8:30am–1pm. Farmacia di turno (night/weekend duty): one pharmacy per area stays open 24/7 on a rotation. The schedule is posted on EVERY pharmacy door, in local newspapers, and searchable on Google Maps ("farmacia di turno" + city). Ring the bell at night — they serve through a window.
Paracetamol/Tachipirina €3–5. Ibuprofen €3–6. Sunscreen €8–15. Antihistamine €5–8. Insect repellent €6–9. Baby formula/diapers: full range. High-end skincare (Avene, La Roche-Posay, Bioderma): 20–40% cheaper than department stores. The green cross sign (flashing) means it’s a pharmacy. They’re everywhere — roughly one per 3,000 people.
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