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ITALIA MIA, ITALY AND ITALIAN CULTURE
Italy’s Ghost Towns: 10 Abandoned Villages with Extraordinary Stories
Beyond Italy’s celebrated cities lies another country of empty homes, ruined churches and villages frozen in time. These ten extraordinary ghost towns reveal stories of disaster, migration, survival and unexpected rebirth.
Italian Greetings and Etiquette: How to Say Hello and Goodbye in Italy
Italians have a greeting for almost every situation. Discover when to say buongiorno, buonasera, ciao, salve and arrivederci, along with the unwritten rules of handshakes, cheek kisses, introductions and everyday Italian etiquette.
Venini Murano Glass: History and 10 Iconic Designs to Buy
Founded in Murano in 1921, Venini transformed traditional Venetian glassmaking through color, experimentation and collaborations with influential designers. Discover its remarkable history and ten iconic Venini creations worth knowing and collecting.
Expedia Italy: How to Find and Book the Best Hotels in Italy
Planning a trip to Italy? Discover how to use Expedia to compare hotels, locations and accommodation options in Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan, Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast and other top Italian destinations.
The Italian Renaissance: Artists, Ideas, Cities and Masterpieces That Changed the World
Discover how the Italian Renaissance transformed art, architecture, literature and intellectual life—and where its greatest masterpieces can still be seen across Italy.
Best Places to Visit in Puglia: 20 Towns, Beaches & Hidden Gems
From the trulli of Alberobello and Baroque streets of Lecce to Polignano a Mare, Ostuni and the turquoise beaches of Salento, discover 20 of the best places to visit in Puglia and how to plan an unforgettable journey through the heel of Italy.
Italian Work-Life Balance: Myth, Reality and Regional Differences
Italy values family, food and leisure, but working life is more complex than the stereotype suggests. Discover how careers, commutes, salaries and work-life balance differ across the country.
Winter Sports in Italy: Best Destinations for Skiing, Snowboarding and Ice Skating
Explore Italy’s leading winter-sports destinations, including the Dolomites, Cervinia, Livigno, Bormio, Madonna di Campiglio and Roccaraso, with practical advice for skiing, snowboarding and ice skating.
Taxes in Italy for Expats and Foreign Residents
A practical guide to Italian taxes for expats and foreign residents, covering tax residence, worldwide income, IRPEF, overseas assets, pensions, property and available incentives.
Milan Fashion Week: History, Designers, Shows & Complete Guide
Discover Milan Fashion Week, its history, famous Italian designers, major shows, dates, venues, street style, shopping and everything visitors should know.
How to Travel by Train in Italy: The Complete Trenitalia and Italo Guide
Traveling by train is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to explore Italy. This complete guide explains Trenitalia, Italo, high-speed and regional trains, ticket validation, luggage, rail passes, stations, strikes and the mistakes travelers should avoid.
Italian Daily Life: 15 Everyday Habits That Surprise Visitors
What is everyday life in Italy really like? Explore 15 Italian habits that reveal the country’s approach to coffee, food, family, style, community and the pleasure of slowing down.
Top 10 Hotels in Naples, Italy: Where to Stay
Compare ten of the best hotels in Naples, including luxury waterfront properties, historic boutique hotels and centrally located accommodations bookable through Trip.com.
10 Best Hotels in Genoa: Where to Stay for Every Budget
My guide to the best hotels in Genoa includes luxury landmarks, boutique suites, waterfront properties and practical accommodations for every budget.
A Fistful of Dollars: Sergio Leone’s Revolutionary Spaghetti Western
Sergio Leone’s A Fistful of Dollars transformed the traditional Western, introduced Clint Eastwood’s legendary Man with No Name, and began one of the most influential trilogies in movie history.
Best Beaches in Abruzzo: 15 Beautiful Seaside Destinations
Explore 15 of the best beaches in Abruzzo, including wild nature reserves, sandy family resorts, hidden coves and the unforgettable Costa dei Trabocchi.
The Best Italian Towns Within 90 Minutes of Rome, Florence or Milan
Escape Italy’s biggest cities for a day. This practical guide compares 15 rewarding towns near Rome, Florence and Milan, including approximate travel times, essential sights and booking resources.
The Italian Passeggiata: The Art of the Evening Stroll
La passeggiata is one of Italy's most charming everyday traditions—a leisurely evening stroll through streets, piazzas and promenades where people socialize, relax, observe and enjoy the simple pleasure of being together.
De’Longhi: Italian Innovation and the 10 Best Products to Buy
From espresso machines and air fryers to portable air conditioners, discover De’Longhi’s Italian heritage and ten of the brand’s most useful and innovative products.
Giuseppe Zanotti Shoes: History, Iconic Designs and 10 Styles to Shop
From crystal-covered stilettos and sculptural sandals to statement sneakers, discover Giuseppe Zanotti’s story, signature style and ten of the Italian designer’s most recognizable shoes.
Bialetti: Italian Coffee History and 10 Best Products to Buy
From the unmistakable Moka Express to contemporary induction coffee makers, discover the history of Bialetti and ten products that embody Italy’s enduring passion for coffee, design and daily ritual.
10 Best Hotels in Sardinia: Luxury Resorts, Beach Escapes and Boutique Stays
My selection of ten outstanding Sardinian hotels includes glamorous Costa Smeralda resorts, beachfront escapes, historic villas and an unforgettable cultural retreat in the island’s mountainous interior.
Venice Film Festival: Winners, Films, Stars and Highlights
Woman Unknown won the Golden Lion at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, while Mathilde Arcel, John Malkovich, Lee Chang-dong and Ilya Khrzhanovsky received major awards.
25 Best Places to Visit in Tuscany, Italy
Explore the best places to visit in Tuscany, including celebrated cities, medieval hill towns, wine destinations, coastal escapes and lesser-known villages. This guide highlights 25 unforgettable places and offers practical advice for planning your Tuscan journey.
For a Few Dollars More: Sergio Leone’s Classic Spaghetti Western
Sergio Leone’s For a Few Dollars More united Clint Eastwood and Lee Van Cleef in an inventive tale of bounty hunters, revenge and uneasy partnership. Here is why the second chapter of the Dollars Trilogy remains one of the greatest Westerns ever made.
Buying a €1 House in Italy: The Truth About Costs, Rules and Hidden Risks
Italy’s €1 houses are real, but the symbolic price is only the beginning. This guide explains renovation obligations, taxes, professional fees, residency myths, resale risks and the questions every buyer should ask.
10 Best Hotels in Bologna on Trip.com: Where to Stay
Compare 10 of the best hotels in Bologna for luxury, historic character, railway convenience, business travel and value, with direct Trip.com booking links.
10 Best Hotels in Sicily: Luxury Resorts, Historic Palaces and Island Retreats
My selection of ten outstanding Sicily hotels on Trip.com includes historic palaces, beachfront resorts, Mount Etna retreats and unforgettable properties in Taormina, Palermo, Syracuse and the Aeolian Islands.
Tuscany Without a Car: Where to Stay and How to Travel by Train and Bus
Tuscany is easier to explore without a rental car than many visitors realize. Learn where to stay and how to reach Florence, Siena, Lucca, Pisa, Arezzo and the Tuscan countryside by train, bus or organized tour.
Top 10 Hotels in Florence, Italy: Luxury, Boutique and Historic Stays
Explore ten outstanding Florence hotels for luxury, romance, historic character, rooftop views and convenient sightseeing, with options in the city center and surrounding hills.
Finding a Job in Italy: In-Demand Jobs and Expat Guide
Looking for work in Italy? This comprehensive guide explains the most in-demand professions, best cities, employment websites, language expectations, work permits, contracts and job-search strategies for foreigners.
What to Buy in an Italian Supermarket: 15 Food Finds
Some of Italy’s most enjoyable food discoveries happen in an ordinary supermarket. Explore 15 foods worth adding to your basket, learn how to recognize regional specialties, navigate the deli counter and choose practical edible souvenirs.
Italian Superstitions Explained: Luck, the Evil Eye and Strange Traditions
Why do Italians fear Friday the 17th, touch iron for protection and avoid placing bread upside down? Explore the meanings and origins of Italy’s most enduring superstitions, lucky symbols and regional traditions.
10 Best Hotels in Milan: Luxury, Boutique and Central Stays
Explore ten outstanding Milan hotels for luxury, design, sightseeing, shopping and convenient train travel, with direct Trip.com booking links.
Best Places to Visit in Abruzzo: 20 Towns, Mountains and Hidden Gems
Discover 20 unforgettable places in Abruzzo, including historic cities, stone villages, dramatic castles, national parks, mountain plateaus and beautiful stretches of Adriatic coastline.
Flos Lighting: History, Iconic Lamps and 10 Designs to Buy
From the revolutionary Arco floor lamp to contemporary designs such as Bellhop and IC Lights, discover the history of Flos and ten of the Italian company’s most celebrated lighting creations.
Tuscany Road Trip: Perfect 7-Day and 10-Day Itineraries
Explore Tuscany by car with carefully planned 7-day and 10-day itineraries. Follow scenic routes through Renaissance cities, medieval hill towns, vineyards, the Val d’Orcia and the Tuscan countryside, with practical advice about driving, parking and choosing where to stay.
Best Coastal Cities and Towns in Italy: From Liguria to the Adriatic
Travel around Italy’s extraordinary coastline, from the colorful villages of Liguria and the Amalfi Coast to Calabria, Puglia and the Adriatic, with dedicated sections covering Sicily and Sardinia.
Italian Aperitivo: Drinks, Food, Etiquette & City Guide
Italian aperitivo is much more than happy hour. This complete guide explains when Italians go, what they drink and eat, how aperitivo changes from Turin to Venice, Milan, Florence, Rome and Naples, and the etiquette every visitor should know.
Venice’s 10 Best Hotels: Luxury Palaces, Canal Views and Romantic Stays
Compare ten outstanding Venice hotels, including historic palaces, romantic canal-side properties, boutique retreats and luxury resorts listed on Trip.com.
At Italia Mia, our mission is to celebrate and share the beauty, traditions, and flavors of Italy with the world. We aim to provide a comprehensive resource for those who seek to explore Italy’s diverse regions, savor its delicious cuisine, and immerse themselves in its vibrant cultural heritage. Italia Mia is more than just a website; it’s a celebration of Italy’s essence. Our team is comprised of passionate individuals who have lived, traveled, and experienced Italy firsthand. We are dedicated to providing authentic, high-quality content that reflects our love for this incredible country. Whether you’re planning your next Italian adventure, looking to recreate an Italian meal, or simply want to learn more about Italy’s rich heritage, Italia Mia is your go-to resource. Join us in celebrating the beauty, flavors, and traditions of Italy. Benvenuti a Italia Mia – Welcome to Italia Mia, where every visit feels like a journey to Italy!