Italy Through the Eyes of a Visitor
Level: A2
Arrival and First Impressions
Italy is a country in southern Europe shaped like a long boot. It sits beside the Mediterranean Sea, surrounded by blue water and sunny sky. From the first moment many visitors arrive, whether by plane, train, or car, they notice something that feels special: the streets, buildings, and colours are old and beautiful, and there is a feeling of history everywhere.
Italy is one of the most visited countries in the world. In 2023, more than 134 million tourists came to Italy, a record number. Most visitors come to see cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice, but many people also explore small villages, beaches, and mountain towns.
Traveling Around Italy
One of the easiest and most exciting ways to discover Italy is by train. Trains connect big cities and small towns. When you ride a train in Italy, you see green fields, vineyards, old stone houses, and the sea from the window.
Many tourists also take small buses, walk through old streets, or ride bicycles in towns. Walking inside historic towns gives you a chance to see daily life, children playing, people talking in cafés, and markets full of food and colour.
Historic Cities and Landmarks
Italy has more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other country in the world. These are places that are very important for history and culture, like ruins, old buildings, art, and beautiful landscapes.
In Rome, you can see the ancient Colosseum, a giant stadium where people watched games and shows nearly 2,000 years ago. Other places like the Trevi Fountain are famous around the world. Every day, many visitors throw coins into the fountain and make a wish that they will return to Italy one day.
Florence was the birthplace of the Renaissance, a period when art, science, and ideas changed Europe forever. Beautiful old buildings, paintings, and statues from that time still stand there today.
And in Venice, the city is built on water with canals instead of roads. Boats and small bridges connect the city, and this gives Venice a very different and magical feeling.
Food and Everyday Surprises
Italian food is one of the favourite parts of visiting the country. Every region has its own special dishes. In Naples you can taste original pizza, which was created there hundreds of years ago.
In markets you see colourful tomatoes, fresh basil, olives, and cheeses. Italians also make a lot of wine, Italy is the largest wine producer in the world, producing millions of litres every year.
People often sit outside at cafés to drink coffee, especially espresso. In Italy, coffee isn’t just a drink, it’s part of everyday life, enjoyed slowly while you watch people walk by.
Small Towns and Quiet Places
Italy’s big cities are spectacular, but small towns are often even more peaceful and friendly. Between big cities you find quiet places like Civita di Bagnoregio, an ancient village built on hills and full of history.
Other regions like the Italian Riviera have sunny beaches, colourful buildings, and beautiful views of the sea.
Many visitors also like exploring Umbria, a region called Italy’s green heart for its hills, old churches, and quiet life away from crowds.
Living with Tourists: New Rules and Respect
Because so many people come to Italy, some cities have started creating rules to protect residents and help visitors enjoy the experience. In places like Venice, there are limits on how many large tour groups can come each day.
In small towns like Portofino, visitors must follow local rules, for example, no walking barefoot in the main street during busy summer months. These rules help keep the towns clean and respectful for everyone.
This shows that traveling is not only about seeing beautiful places but also about respecting the people who live there.
Italian Culture You Notice First
When you visit Italy, some things might surprise you:
- People use many hand gestures when they speak, it’s part of communication.
- Italians are usually friendly and talkative, especially in cafés and markets.
- Visitors often find that English is spoken more in tourist areas, but in smaller towns people may speak little English, so locals appreciate when visitors try to speak even simple Italian.
- The water in Italy is very clean and safe, in many places, you can drink from street fountains.
These small moments make travel unique and personal.
Definitions
Visitor – a person who travels to a place for fun or holiday.
Landmark – a famous place that many people know.
Region – a part of a country with its own features.
Culture – the way people live, talk, and celebrate.
Crowds – large groups of people together.
🗣️ Seven Conversation Starters
Which Italian city would you like to visit first, Rome, Venice, or Florence? Why?
What food would you want to try in Italy, pizza, pasta, or something else?
How do you think small towns in Italy are different from big cities?
Would you rather explore ancient ruins or sit in a café watching people?
Why do you think Italians enjoy coffee culture so much?
Have you ever travelled to a country where people speak a different language? How did you communicate?
What rules should tourists follow when they visit another country?
