21 saving tips for a cheap holiday in Italy

Fancy a holiday in Italy, but you're afraid it will be too expensive is becoming? That is convenient. Below we have summarized the 21 best tips for you to save on your Italy holiday. Trying them all can save you a lot of money on your upcoming vacation. And chances are, more tips will be added over time. A cheap holiday to Italy starts at This is Italy!

Do you have any more tips for cheap travel? Let us know and we can supplement this list with more useful saving tips.

Are you ready? Great, here they come.

1. Prepare well at home

A cheap holiday in Italy starts at home with packing. Try to put as little as possible in that suitcase: the lighter the suitcase, the more mobile you are. So think carefully about what you really need when traveling.

If you are planning to go camping, it is advisable to bring a cooking set. At your destination, you can buy some plastic plates and cutlery at an Italian supermarket for little money. Moreover, you can buy the most delicious Italian ingredients for next to nothing with which you can whip up a dream meal in no time.

2. Travel in the low season

Going on holiday to Italy in the off-season has so many advantages, you'll wonder why you ever traveled to the boot-shaped country in the middle of summer at all. A cheap holiday in Italy actually starts with traveling in the early or late season. Just take a look:

1. Firstly, there are fewer tourists and that saves a lot of annoyance and waiting times for tourist attractions.
2. Secondly, it can get very hot in the summer months, so you really only want to float on an air mattress in the pool. So go on vacation september, oktober, March, April, May of June, so that you are provided with pleasant temperatures.
3. Thirdly, the prices are much lower in the above months. A win-win-win situation!

Tip: if you do go to Italy in the summer months, keep in mind that in the period around the Assumption of Mary (15 August) everything is extinct and closed. During the day Ferragosto, as the Italians call it, people in Italy often spend their holidays in their own country. It's busy on the coast, but you can fire a cannon in the cities.

3. Score cheap airline tickets

An affordable holiday in Italy also starts with saving on your transport costs. If you go by plane, you have two options to get the cheapest possible plane ticket:

1. Book months in advance and find tickets with the lowest prices.
2. Go for a last minute deal.

The latter option is not without risks. It could be that the plane is full and you are left with a lot of fun (no vacation to Italy at all instead of a cheap vacation to Italy!).

Tip: in any case, it is advisable to fly on a weekday, since the prices of flights to Italy are much lower than during the weekend.

Compare

Use comparison websites such as Skyscanner and Cheaptickets to compare the prices of different airlines. Sometimes two one-way flights are cheaper than a return ticket, for example, or there is an alternative route with a possible transfer that saves you money. There are more (and cheaper) roads that lead to Rome!

Clear cookies (or use an incognito browser)

Have you ever found a cheap flight to Italy? Then take a look at the website of the relevant airline, where the tickets are sometimes offered even cheaper.

Before you book your flight ticket, clear the cookies in your browser (or open the page in an incognito window): often ticket prices are increased while you are searching. Try now to travel to Italy with only hand luggage and you have the deal of your life!

4. Travel through cheaper airports

Schiphol or Zaventem are rarely the cheapest options if you want to save costs on your flight. Check if you can depart from another airport, especially if you live near the border. Departing from Weeze Airport or Düsseldorf Airport is often much cheaper.

5. Travel cheaply within Italy by public transport

Italy has an effective and extensive public transport network, which you can use for little money. In major cities such as Rome, Milan and Naples there are fast metros that allow you to move around easily. In smaller towns, the bus is often the most convenient mode of transport.

Tickets

You can score a ticket in advance at a counter or kiosk for a few euros. This ticket is then stamped in the relevant means of transport. Are you staying in a big city for several days? Then choose a day or multi-day ticket that you can use on the bus, tram and metro. You often also get a discount on museums and you receive other nice extras.

Are you planning on hopping from city to city? Then choose the train as a means of transport. Good to know: on the high-speed trains you have to reserve a seat in advance at the ticket office. Intercity and Eurostar Italia trains only stop in the larger cities.

6. Cheap car rental in Italy

Not in the mood for public transport? Then you can save a lot by comparing rental cars for your destination prior to your holiday in Italy. You can find cheap car hire for Italy through 'rental brokers' such as Sunny Cars or CarDelMar.

These themselves buy rental cars in bulk from the well-known car rental companies and pass on the discount they stipulate to you. You will find useful tips for a cheap rental car on this page: Car hire Italy.

7. Choose carpooling

Another ideal way to get around Italy is by carpooling. On online platforms such as Carpool World and BlaBlaCar you choose a start and end point and the number of kilometers that you may want to deviate from these places.

What are the advantages? You share the gas costs and with a bit of luck you also meet a local who can give you his or her best tips on saving on your holiday in Italy. Moreover, carpooling is a social activity with which you can fine-tune your Italian. So ideal!

8. The advantage of a Citypass in large cities

Despite all the crowds and high prices, many tourist attractions are worth a visit. In large cities, a city or city pass is therefore offered. This allows you to admire tourist attractions for less money and you can escape long queues. Below are two examples.

Milan City Pass

You can get a MilanoCard for only €11. With this pass you have 24 hours access to 500 tourist must-sees, including twenty top museums and restaurants. At some attractions you can enter completely free of charge, at others you will receive a hefty discount. In addition, children up to the age of 10 can go everywhere for free!

City pass Rome

In Rome you can score an Omnia Card for € 113. That doesn't sound cheap at first, but it is when you hear what you can do with it.

With the Omnia Vatican & Rome Card you get free access to places like The Vatican, the Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum, a three-day ticket for the hop-on-hop-off bus, unlimited access to public transport, a detailed travel guide and additional discounts at other tourist attractions. So if you're staying in the Eternal City for a few days, you'll have that Omnia Card out quickly.

9. Go camping cheaply

with hundreds campsites in Italy the country is a mecca for camping enthusiasts. Moreover, it is also cheap, if you compare it with a hotel or other accommodation. However, don't expect French rates. In Italy you have a nice camping spot that is big enough for a spacious tent and your car for about € 35 per night.

Food at the campsite

In addition, you can score a delicious Italian breakfast at many campsites for little money: for a few euros you can enjoy a good cappuccino in the morning accompanied by a fresh cornetto, better known to us as a croissant.

With a bit of luck you will also find a camping shop on the camping site or there is a small supermarket nearby. Buy the freshest mozzarella, Parma ham, olive oil, bread and wine here, and you can enjoy a tasty dinner at the tent for little money.

Reservation

Keep in mind that the campsites are fully booked quickly during the high season. It is therefore useful not to go in high season (see point 2) or to reserve a spot in advance via websites where you can book your cheap Italy holiday, such as Eurocampings, the ANWB or Campings Italia.

10. Avoid downtown restaurants

Whether it's Dam Square in Amsterdam or St Mark's Square in Venice, it's the same thing in every city: eating and drinking in the center isn't cheap. Moreover, you want to avoid those typical tourist restaurants. see you somewhere tourist menu to stand? Then you know enough. As a tourist you should not eat there. The nicest cafes and restaurants where you can eat and drink for a fair price can usually be found in the surrounding alleys and neighborhoods.

How exactly do you find those cheaper places? Leave the center and look for places where many Italians are. If the majority of the guests are locals, you can be sure of a nice meal. Of course, you can always ask a local retailer about his or her favorite place to eat. Don't you speak Italian? No worries: with hand gestures you get too far.

Tip: it is not so common in Italy to give a big tip in the hospitality industry. Usually the service costs are included. There is also sometimes an amount on the count for pane and coperto. For the well-known breadsticks, bread and 'setting the table'. If you are very satisfied with the service, you can give a tip, which the Italians prefer to see in cash.

11. Sleeping Out

Not a fan of camping? No problem! There are more than enough other types of accommodation that are slightly more luxurious than sleeping in a tent, but do not cost you your head.

Agriturismo's

First, there are the well-known agriturismos (or actually farmhouse restaurants In italian). These are often former farms that have been transformed into tourist accommodations. It is the ideal way to get acquainted with the local rural life and enjoy the most delicious products that come fresh from the land.

You can already stay in an agriturismo from around € 25 per night. Of course there are also luxury agriturismos that will cost you almost as much (or more) as a hotel.

Couchsurfing

Secondly, you can spend the night at locals' homes by means of couchsurfing. The word says it all: if there is no extra bed, you stay on the couch at people's homes. This way of staying overnight is therefore only recommended if you are traveling alone or as a couple.

Unique to couchsurfing is the social aspect: you get to know the Italian way of life. In Italy you can couchsurf in six cities: Bologna, Florence, Milan, Naples, Rome and Turin. And best of all? It's completely free!

Airbnb

You have probably heard of Airbnb. People rent out a room or their entire house via this platform. There is also a lot to offer in Italy. At a fraction of the cost of a hotel you can stay in the best spots in the center or on the coast! In fully furnished accommodations. If you're lucky, you'll also talk to nice, social people. We have already booked a cheap holiday in Italy through Airbnb several times.

Hostels

And fourthly, you can of course opt for hostels. For a few tens a night you can easily stay in a dorm. Don't feel like lying awake because of the coughing of others? Throw in another tenner and you have a private room. In hostels you also have the opportunity to make a lot of social contacts, with whom you can exchange tips while enjoying a Birra Moretti.

12. Drink tap water

Okay, the tap water in Italy is not as tasty as in our own little country, but you can drink it without any problems (although Italians often say that you shouldn't). The tap water may have a chlorine taste, but this is not harmful to your health. Moreover, by consuming tap water you kill two birds with one stone: you not only save money, but also a lot of lugging with bottles of Spa!

13. Opt for an extensive lunch

They have never heard of two brown sandwiches with cheese and a glass of semi-skimmed milk for lunch in Italy. In fact, locals would probably think we were crazy if they knew how the average Dutch person eats lunch.

Italians often eat an extensive lunch in the afternoon, better known as the lunch. This is a fixed menu that is usually very affordable. Much cheaper than dinner. Are you still a little hungry in the evening? Then share another pizza and mixed salad with the two of you, which you score for a few euros. Simple, cheap and also delicious!

14. Visit tourist-restricted areas

Rome, Venice and Florence are without a doubt worth a visit, but don't forget that Italy has so much more to offer than just these metropolises. During your holiday, try to alternate a city trip with a stay in a less touristy area. There is a good chance that this is also a lot cheaper at the same time.

Umbria

This is how you look in the rustic Umbria, located in the heart of Italy, your eyes out. With vast fields of flowers in the spring, remains of the ancient rich Etruscan population in the beautiful city of Orvieto and the azure blue Trasimenomer, there is a lot of beauty to admire.

Calabria

Another recommendation is Calabria, a region found in the toe of the boot. This is one of the most unspoilt places in Italy. You will spot miles of olive groves and jasmine fields in this dry, rugged region. Furthermore, Calabria is characterized by quiet sandy beaches on the Tyrrhenian coast and you will find Greek remains in Locri Epizefiri.

15. Discover the Italian beaches

Italy is surrounded by sea almost on all sides and that means that there is a lots of beautiful beaches to be discovered. What can you do? Take nice beach walks during sunset, relax with a good book in the sun and explore the ocean with a snorkel. All enjoyable activities to do on your holiday, which will not cost you a cent!

16. Haggling!

You have to have some guts for it, but it's worth a try: dare to negotiate prices. From haggling on the cost of die farmhouse to the aubergines on the market: in principle you can bargain with everything and everyone. And certainly with those street vendors waving umbrellas and sunglasses in the tourist areas.

How do you handle it? Don't be too aggressive and don't come up with ridiculous proposals. Ask the seller for the price first and then bid half as a counter offer. You'll probably end up with a price somewhere in the middle. In many places in Italy, haggling is a daily occurrence, so there's no need to feel uncomfortable!

17. Telephone charges in Italy

'Turn off data roaming' was the advice for years when you traveled abroad. But as of June 15, 2017, we no longer have to provide this advice. A cheap holiday in Italy comes a lot closer, if you want to stay in touch with the rest of the world. In the 28 countries of the EU, the same rate applies for calls, messages and mobile internet as in the country where you took out your subscription.

The rate has fallen to € 2,50 per GB in recent years. So you can still save by purchasing a holiday bundle from your own provider. Or, if you plan to use a lot of data, order a mifi in advance. With such a device you connect your smartphone or tablet or laptop to the WiFi signal of a small box that itself works on 4G.

By using the free wifi of restaurants, hotels, hostels and campsites you can further save on data costs in Italy.

18. Cheap holiday on Lake Garda

A holiday on Lake Garda can turn out to be more expensive than planned. This has to do with the tourism that lives around Lake Garda. Especially the south side of the Lake Garda is very crowded.

The olive groves and citrus trees give you the optimal holiday feeling, but this comes at a higher price. A cheap holiday in Italy on Lake Garda is certainly possible, but you have to know what to look out for.

If you drive a little further to the west bank, you will notice that it is still pleasantly busy here, but a little less oppressive. This also applies to the eastern shore, located in the Veneto region. The hilly area with the vineyards invites people looking for peace and quiet.

Campsites and hotels in this area are not only quieter, the overnight price is also slightly lower here. On the north side of Lake Garda, the environment and the weather may be a bit rougher, but the price for overnight stays is milder. Then choose one of the smaller hotels or campsites.

A good alternative is to stay overnight near Lake Garda. You will find more peace and space here and pay a lower price. Depending on the chosen location, you can be enjoying the sun on Lake Garda within a few minutes to a maximum of half an hour.

Also take a look at Airbnb, a marketplace for private accommodations. Here you will find mobile homes, chalets, private rooms and holiday homes throughout Italy. It is even possible to rent an entire private home, where you can experience what it is like to live in Italy.

Curious about the most beautiful campsites on Lake Garda? Check it out our list of the 15 most beautiful campsites on Lake Garda!

19. Cheap holiday in a mobile home

A holiday in Italy does not have to be expensive. Luxury, tranquility and low prices can be perfectly combined. Forget the expensive hotels and feel free to leave your tent or caravan at home: a mobile home offers the best solution. You will find luxury mobile homes in beautiful locations in Italy, both around Lake Garda to the extreme south. Mobile homes are fully furnished and equipped with a kitchen, one or more bedrooms and a private shower and toilet.

You can use all the facilities that the holiday park has to offer, such as the swimming pool, sports facilities or the camping shop. Mobile homes are equipped with heating or stove as standard. This makes it possible to enjoy all the beauty that Italy has to offer, even in the low season. Moreover, you also save costs, because the high season is known for the higher rental prices.

Would you also like to enjoy a cheap holiday in Italy? The mobile home is suitable for 2 to 8 people, depending on the offer. It is often not possible to place an additional tent, so pay close attention to the maximum number of people. Pets are allowed in some mobile homes, so you can bring your dog with you on holiday.

20. Cheap Holiday Italy All Inclusive

What could be better than a fully catered holiday? All-inclusive is optimal enjoyment of overnight stays, food and drinks. This is all included in the price, you know in advance where you stand. In and around touristy places, food and drink can be shockingly expensive.

Fortunately, you will not be bothered by this thanks to your all-inclusive holiday. Nevertheless, it is advisable to check exactly what you pay with these types of holidays. Rest assured that everything is included in the price, with no hidden costs.

Our tip: Compare an all-inclusive holiday in Italy – always with other providers. Different websites charge different prices for exactly the same hotel. Use a comparison site that shows as many websites as possible.

Also take a look at the early bird discount or last minute discount: these discounts can quickly add up to more than 20 percent.

21. Cheap camping holiday

One of the cheapest ways to spend your holiday is to book a campsite. Bringing your own tent, caravan or motorhome or renting a mobile home: you have complete freedom. The advantage of a campsite is availability: you can often find a spot shortly in advance.

If you really want certainty, book at least two months before your planned holiday. The cheaper campsites fill up quickly, especially when they also have good reviews. It is not always easy to find a nice and cheap campsite. By booking extra early you sometimes get an early booking discount.

Do you not have young children or are you not tied to the high season? Then opt for a holiday in the low season. The best time to travel to Italy is from May to October, while the high season is in July and August. From the month of May you can enjoy a mild climate thanks to the mountains without being bothered by busy tourism.

More tips for a cheap Italy holiday

Are you looking for more tips for a cheap holiday in Italy? A campsite in Italy is assessed on the presence of sanitary facilities and the size of the pitch. It doesn't say much about the quality of this. The ANWB and the ACSI assess foreign campsites: for the Dutch this offers a higher reliability.

Select campsites based on the number of stars and take a good look at the facilities available and, if necessary, the experiences of other campers. The smaller campsites are often cheaper than the large and touristic campsites, but sometimes have fewer facilities. That's a choice you make.

Also take a look glamping. These are campsites where you can camp in luxury and style. These campsites are often in a beautiful location and offer everything you expect from a luxury camping holiday, including various facilities. You can sometimes book a glamping at surprisingly low prices, especially when you arrive just outside the high season.

Your saving tips are welcome!

They were. 20 tips for an unforgettable and cheap holiday in Italy. We hope you benefit a lot from it.

Are you going to Italy for the first time this year? Then you should also read this article.

Please also pass on your personal tips and let others benefit from your golden saving tips!