With its rich history, romantic vistas, majestic architecture, and magnificent food & wine, Italy offers a passionate and authentic experience you will seldom find elsewhere.
Every nook and cranny contains a fascinating piece of history. As soon as you step on Italian soil, you will notice its ancient history and culture. Historic Italian cities such as Rome will show you gigantic traces of a mighty ancient empire, the Papal kingdom, and Renaissance noble families. In contrast, smaller municipals like Florence will guide you through the Italian Middle Ages.
Sadly for the past two years, people have been unable to experience the beauty Italy offers.
Italy was among the first countries to close its bars and ristorantes, its museums and art galleries, and the first to impose strict lockdown restrictions. Fortunately, now that the dreaded virus is in remission worldwide, people are beginning to feel more confident about travelling abroad, and countries that had to close their borders are opening up to welcome them.
Tourists are once more returning to Italy, but while it is now safe to travel, there are still restrictions that all tourists should be aware of before departing.
WHAT ARE THE CORONAVIRUS RESTRICTIONS NOW?
Being one of the first countries to be ravaged by the coronavirus, Italy has consistently enforced strict restrictions to prevent the spread of the virus.
This included the mandatory use of masks indoors and the introduction of a Super Green Pass, which was required to access facilities and services across Italy. However, in recent days, the Italian government have announced its intention to ease its Green Pass rules on entering public places from next month, with all Covid restrictions set to be scrapped on the 1st of May.
The end of Italy's Covid pass system, one of the strictest in Europe, is excellent news for tourists, who had faced a confusing array of restrictions. The decision follows an easing of border restrictions on the 1st of March when Italy began to accept proof of vaccination or recovery in place of proof of vaccination from UK arrivals.
Here is everything you need to know about travel to Italy:
Do I need to be vaccinated to visit Italy?
Travellers no longer need to have received a vaccine. They can now enter Italy with a Covid test or proof of recent infection.
Do I need a booster dose to enter Italy?
Yes, if you want to use proof of vaccination to enter the country, you will need to get the booster shot after 270 days have passed since your second dose.
Can I use proof of recent infection to enter Italy?
Yes, although you must have obtained the positive Covid test result in the past 180 days.
Do I need to do a test before travelling to Italy?
Only if you are unvaccinated and have no proof of recent infection, tests must be either PCR (72 hours) or antigen (48 hours).
What is the Green Pass and Super Green Pass, and do I need one?
The Green Pass is Italy's domestic Covid pass for entering public places. It requires you to provide proof of either a recent Covid test, proof of recent infection in the past 180 days or proof of full vaccination.
A Green Pass is currently mandatory for access to all public transport, shops, hotels, offices, museums and exhibitions. From the 1st of April, this will be scrapped, and discos will be able to operate at total capacity.
The Super Green Pass is much more strict as it removes the option of using proof of a recent negative Covid test.
The Super Green Pass is mandatory to enter indoor bars and restaurants. But from the 1st of April, the government will ease these rules for tourists, who will be able to use a Green Pass instead. From the 1st of May, you will no longer need a pass.
Are face masks mandatory in Italy?
Italy currently has some of Europe's strictest face mask rules. On flights to Italy, passengers must wear an FFP2 rated face mask. These medical-grade masks are also mandatory on all public transport. This requirement will be scrapped from the 1st of May, and masks will become optional.
Do I need to fill out any forms to travel to Italy?
You need to fill out a passenger locator form to enter Italy, which you can do here.
Do I need to test to return to the UK?
The UK dropped all of its remaining Covid-19 travel restrictions on the 18th of March.
THE BIG QUESTION; SHOULD YOU VISIT ITALY?
Absolutely, yes! Italy has much to offer from its cosmopolitan cities, ancient ruins, grand museums, soaring mountains, sandy beaches, and beautiful natural scenery. But Italy is a big country, with much to see and do, where exactly should you go?
When thinking of Italian destinations you would most like to visit, Rome, Venice, Milan, or Florence are probably among the first places to your mind. And while these are undoubtedly beautiful places to visit, and you are guaranteed to have a marvellous experience, there is much more to Italy than these popular resorts. Why not try something a little off the beaten track? Why not try Capri?
Capri
Trace a line west of the Sorrento peninsula and discover Capri. This island has long attracted the rich and famous to its glorious shores. And behind these material trappings lies an undeniably picturesque backdrop – craggy cliffs, turquoise waters, and pastel-hued houses covered in bougainvillaea. It said that Capri is a place to see and be seen – and we could not agree more!
THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN CAPRI.
Take a rowboat tour around the Blue Grotto.
Let's start with Capri's most famous sight, the Blue Grotto. Renowned for its crystal-clear aquamarine waters and sapphire colour, it's a place that everyone visiting Capri has to see.
The cave gets its distinctive bright blue colour thanks to a large hole in the rock beneath the water surface and a quirk of science which means the red light entering the hole gets filtered out. The result is beautiful!
Boat tours depart from Capri's port, Marina Grande, before continuing past Tiberius' Leap along the island's southern shore to the famous Faraglioni rock formations around Punta Carena with its picturesque lighthouse. Finally, the boat will stop in front of the Blue Grotto.
Those wishing to visit the sea cave can climb aboard small wooden rowboats to explore the serene waters. Lie back, relax, and enjoy the magical Blue Grotto.
Climb Monte Solaro.
If you are looking for the very best views in Carpi, you will need to go to the island's highest point, Monte Solaro.
You will see Monte Solaro as soon as you arrive on the island - it's the mountain that towers over Marina Grande. You won't need to bring rope and hiking gear to climb the mountain; it's a leisurely stroll to the summit. A hiking path starts in Anacapri, and from there, it's an easy hike up the mountain. As you climb, you will be able to enjoy the local flora for Monte Solaro is famous for its proliferation of plant life.
Once you're at the top of Monte Solaro, you will be able to enjoy the island's best views. The vistas stretch across the Bay of Naples, treating you to a fantastic sight of the Faraglioni and Sorrento on the mainland.
* If you want to make life even easier for yourself, you can use a chairlift to ascend and descend the mountain.
A stunning view from the top of Monte Solaro in Capri.
Stroll through the streets of Capri town.
As beautiful as the sights are around the island of Capri, there is another reason people visit the island - the designer shopping on Via Camerelle.
These tranquil streets of Capri probably have the highest concentration of luxury fashion shops anywhere in Italy. Ranging from Louis Vuitton, Bulgari, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Valentino, and many more, shoppers with requisite cash can spoil themselves with designer clothes and accessories.
If these fashionable boutiques are a little out of your range, why not walk to Piazza Umberto I. Grab a chair in one of the outdoor cafes in the piazza and watch as people come and go; you may even catch a glimpse of a famous actor or celebrity who come onto the island from their yachts to enjoy an evening on Capri.
Whether you want a morning espresso or an aperitivo cocktail in the evening, a visit to the Piazzetta is essential.
The town centre of Capri.
THINGS TO EAT IN CAPRI.
RAVIOLI CAPRESI
The most famous dish on Capri is ravioli capresi, made with a simple pasta dough using equal parts flour and water, creating an exceptionally light pasta. The filling is made with parmigiano and aged caciotta cheese, and marjoram. The cooked ravioli are tossed with a fresh tomato and basil sauce.
SCIALATIELLI
Another traditional course on Capri is Scialatielli, a fresh ribbon pasta made from dough of flavour, water, parmigiano, chopped fresh basil, and salt. The dish is often served alongside seafood or sautéed vegetables and spaghetti alla Nerano, tossed with zucchini and cheese.
PEZZOGNA
You should consider ordering pezzogna (red sea bream), a type of fish very often caught along the shores of Capri and often served in a sauce made of cherry tomatoes, parsley, garlic, and extra virgin oil. Other fish commonly served on Capri are saraghi (banded seabream), dentici (dentex), octopus, and totani (a type of calamari).
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN CAPRI.
LUXURY VILLA EXCELSIOR PARCO.
Two thousand years ago, this hotel was an Ancient Roman residence, as testified by the column towering over the entrance to the hotel. At the start of the 20th century, it became a Liberty style villa, the chosen refuge of artists, intellectuals, philosophers, and those looking for a private hideaway. In 2006 a complete restoration and renovation transformed the building into a boutique hotel where its residents could experience the traditional hospitality of Capri's most elegant villas.
Located in the heart of Capri, with Marina Grande a 9-minute walk away and over 30 restaurants within walking distance, everything you may need and want is on the doorstep. With free high-speed internet, snorkelling facilities, free taxi services, and a roof terrace giving you stunning views of the island, Luxury Villa Excelsior Parco is one of the most luxurious resorts.
VILLA BRUNELLA
On the most beautiful residential street - Via Tragara - which runs along the Faraglioni, you will find the Hotel Villa Brunella and its restaurant, Terrazza Brunella, providing you with an unbeatable combination of elegant decor, polished service, and the warm welcome that only a family-owned hotel can provide.
Hotel Villa Brunella is a 4-star boutique hotel hidden in one of the most attractive corners of Capri: a series of terraces that seem to tumble down the hillside from Via Tragara to the bougainvillaea- and hibiscus-filled gardens below.
Wake up and go to bed with some of the best views that Capri has to offer by staying at Hotel Villa Brunella.
GRAND HOTEL QUISISANA
This luxurious 5-story resort hotel is situated on a large property in the centre of Capri. Surrounded by private gardens with open sea views, Hotel Quisisana provides a personalised travel experience that is rarely found nowadays.
The hotel has a beautiful lobby, a breakfast room that serves an amazing Italian breakfast buffet, a spa and gym, tennis courts and a pool that brings together travellers from all over the world.
BEST BARS & RESTAURANTS IN CAPRI.
Where should you eat on the Island of Capri, Italy? There are plenty of places available. Here are some of the best restaurants and bars:
REACH ITALY BY PRIVATE JET FLIGHTS
The luxury private and business air charter company, Astute Aviation, specialises in luxury private and business air charter travel from Manchester and Liverpool to Italy.
At Astute Aviation, we provide our private jet customers access to a unique variety of aircraft available for charter at reasonable prices.
Our fleet provides a variety of amenities, technology, and passenger seating choices. Whether you are looking for a small or big group, we can assist you in making the appropriate selection when selecting an aircraft at competitive prices with no hidden extras.
AIRPORTS IN ITALY.
There are plenty of airports to choose from, with nine major international airports and 77 across the country.
If travelling to Capri, we suggest you land at Naples Capodichino Airport. From there, it takes 15 minutes to get from the airport to the Molo Beverello port to catch a ferry that will get you to Capri in about an hour.
GET A QUICK ITALY AIR CHARTER QUOTE.
Astute Aviation is committed to providing you with the best air charter alternatives available, as well as an amazing, individualised customer care experience. Get a fast quote from Astute Aviation to charter a private jet to Italy and experience the Bel Paese for yourself.
Call us for more information on our jet charter flights from Manchester or Liverpool to Italy.