By 500 BC, a number of peoples of different ethnicity and origin shared Italy. Small Greek colonies dotted the southern coast and the island of Sicily. Gauls, ancestors of today's modern French, roamed the mountainous north. While the Etruscans, a group originally hailing from somewhere in western Turkey, settled in central Italy, establishing a number of city-states, including what is now modern-day Bologna. Little is known about the Etruscans except that they thrived for a time, creating a civilization that would pass down a fondness for bold architecture (stone arches, paved streets, aqueducts, sewers) to its successor, Rome.

According to legend, Rome was founded on April 21, 753 BC by Romulus and Remus, twin brothers who claimed to be sons of the war god Mars and to have been raised as infants by a she-wolf. Romulus saw himself as a descendant of the defeated army of Troy, and wanted Rome to inherit the mantle of that ancient city, if not surpass it. When Remus laughed at the notion, Romulus killed his brother and declared himself the first king of Rome.

Rome went through seven kings until 509 BC when the last king was overthrown and the Roman Republic was formed. Rome then came to be ruled by two elected officials (known as consuls), a Senate made up of wealthy aristocrats (known as patricians), and a lower assembly that represented the common people (plebeians) and had limited power. This format of government worked well at first, but as Rome expanded beyond a mere city-state to take over territory not just in Italy, but overseas as well, the system of government came under severe strain.

By the First Century BC, Rome was in crisis. Spartacus, a slave, led the common people in a revolt against the rule of the aristocratic patricians. Rome was able to put down the rebellion, but at great cost, as the Republic dissolved into a series of military dictatorships that ended with the assassination of Julius Caesar.

In 29 BC, after a long power struggle, Julius Caesar's nephew, Octavius, seized power and declared himself Emperor Augustus. The Roman Empire was born. For the next two hundred years, Rome thrived, ruling over a vast territory stretching from Britain and the Atlantic coast of Europe in the north and west to North Africa and the Middle East in the south and east.

This Pax Romana, a time of peace, ended in 180 AD with the death of Marcus Aurelius. A combination of economic problems, barbarian invasions, domestic instability, and territorial rebellions, combined with a lack of strong leadership, resulted in the slow and gradual decline of Rome. In 380 AD, after three hundred years of persecution, Christianity became the one and only official religion. By the end of the Fourth Century AD, the Roman Empire split into two. The East, based out of the newly-built capital of Constantinople, in what is now Turkey, thrived, eventually becoming the long-lasting Byzantine Empire. Rome, capital of the West, continued to decline.

In 410 AD, Rome itself was sacked by barbarian hordes. The Eastern Empire invaded but failed to restore order and had to withdraw. The Roman Empire in the West completely collapsed by the end of the 5th AD century. For the next thousand years, Italy once again became apatchwork of city-states, with Rome, home to the Catholic Church, being the most powerful. This long period of quiet stagnation was known as the Dark Ages.

Prosperity did not return to Italy again until the 14th Century, when city-states such as Florence, Milan, Pisa, Genoa, and Venice became centers of trade. The influx of wealth and increased trade contact with foreign lands, transformed Italy into Europe's premier center of culture. Funded by wealthy patrons, figures such as Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Dante, Machiavelli, and Galileo, among others, revolutionized the fields of art, literature, politics, and science. Italian explorers, such as Marco Polo and Christopher Columbus, introduced Italy and Europe to the rest of the world.

Italy remained a center of power until the 16th century, when trade routes shifted away from the Mediterranean and the Protestant Reformation resulted in the Catholic Church, which was based in Rome, losing influence over much of Northern Europe. Weakened, the various Italian city-states became vulnerable to conquest by Spain, France, and Austria. Italy remained a patchwork of principalities controlled through proxy by various European powers until the 19th century, when the French leader Napoleon supported the unification of Italy as a way of creating a buffer state against his many enemies. With the backing of France, Italian nationalist Giuseppe Garibaldi led a popular movement that took over much of Italy in 1861 and would be ending in 1870 with the fall of Rome and complete unification of the country.

Plagued by internal political divisions and with an economy devastated by war, the new Kingdom of Italy was no Roman Empire. In 1919, frustrated that Italy had received few gains despite having been a victor in the First World War, a politician named Benito Mussolini launched a movement that called for the restoration of Italy as a great power. In 1922, impatient with electoral politics, Mussolini led his supporters, known as Fascists, on a march on Rome to seize power directly through a coup. Spooked, the Italian king did not put up a fight and allowed Mussolini to become supreme ruler of Italy.

Mussolini spent the next twenty years consolidating power and building up the Italian economy, but he never gave up on the idea of restoring Italy as a great power. Calling himself "Il Duce" (meaning Leader), Mussolini dreamed of leading a new Roman Empire. In the 1930s, he indulged his dreams of conquest, by invading Ethiopia and Albania. When the Second World War broke out, Italy remained neutral at first. However, once it appeared through the Fall of France that Germany would win, Mussolini eagerly joined Hitler, a fellow Fascist and longtime ally, in the war effort and rushed to invade Greece, the Balkans, and North Africa. Overextended and unprepared for such a large-scale effort, Italy quickly found that it could not maintain its military position and had to ask Germany for help. Before long, Mussolini saw himself losing control of North Africa, the Mediterranean, and eventually his very own country to the Allies. Fleeing Rome, Mussolini tried to set up a puppet state in Northern Italy but failed. Abandoned by a disgusted Hitler, Il Duce and his mistress were captured and executed by Italian partisans.

In the 1930s Italy suffered from the worldwide depression. The Fascists responded by increasing public spending. New public buildings were erected. Roads and other public works were created. Nevertheless southern Italy remained very poor. Crime also remained rife although the south's problems were covered up by the Fascist regime. From 1925 Mussolini also campaigned to make Italy self sufficient in grain. The so-called battle of the grain did succeed in increasing grain production. However much Italian land was not well suited to growing wheat. It was better suited to growing other crops such as olives or grapes. Nevertheless some of it was used to grow wheat, which made no economic sense.

When the Second World War began in 1939 Italy stayed neutral. However in 1940 Germany overran Norway, Holland and Belgium and invaded France. Like a vulture Mussolini declared war on Britain and France on 10 June 1940, hoping to gain overseas territory from them. However when Italian forces attacked France the French army easily held them at bay.

However in May 1941 the British liberated Ethiopia from the Italians. Meanwhile in November 1940 the British utterly defeated the Italian navy at Taranto. Italy had proven to be a broken reed. The ordinary Italian soldiers were not interested in Mussolini's foolish dream of a 'new Roman Empire'. Worse from 1940 Italy suffered air raids. By 1943 60% of Italy's industrial production was destroyed by bombing.

Italy surrendered on 8 September 1943. On 9 September the allies landed at Salerno. The Germans then poured troops into Italy. On 11 September they captured Rome. They also kidnapped Mussolini and made him puppet ruler of northern and central Italy, which they called the Salo Republic.

The allies were in control of southern Italy but they advanced slowly. They captured the monastery of Monte Cassino in May 1944 and they entered Rome on 4 June 1944. Meanwhile the Germans retreated to the north. As well as the allied army the Germans were faced with a force of Italian partisans acting behind their lines. In 1945 the partisans liberated Milan, Turin and Genoa. They also captured Mussolini and shot him on 28 April 1945. The German army in north Italy surrendered on 2 May 1945.

The task of reconstruction then began. In May 1946 the king of Italy, Victor Emmanuel, abdicated in favor of his son. However on 2 June 1946 a referendum was held and the majority of Italians voted for a republic. On the same day elections were held for a constituent assembly to draw up a new constitution. It came into effect on 1 January 1948. The first president of Italy was Luigi Einaudi.

From 1949 to 1953 Italy was helped by Marshall Aid from the USA. Furthermore in the 1950s and early 1960s Italy experienced an 'economic miracle'. Italian industry boomed and living standards rose sharply. However there was still acute poverty in the south of Italy and many southern Italians migrated to the north in search of jobs. During the rest of the 1960s living standards continued to rise. Nevertheless at the end of the decade unrest began in Italy. In 1967-68 there were demonstrations and sit-ins in Italian universities. Then in 1968-69 labor unrest began in the north and there were many strikes.

However labor unrest in Italy declined in the early 1970s as wages grew rapidly and the government introduced some reforms. (In 1965 less than 50% of households had a TV. By 1975 the figure was 92%). Furthermore some reforms were introduced in Italy. In 1970 a new law allowed divorce. (The measure was approved by a referendum in 1974).

Unfortunately in the 1970s Italy suffered from terrorism both right and left wing. In 1978 left wing terrorists kidnapped and murdered the leader of the Christian Democrats, Aldo Moro. In 1980 a bomb planted by fascists killed 84 people in Bologna railway station. Fortunately in the early 1980s terrorism declined. In the early 1980s Italy, like the rest of the world, suffered a recession. However by 1983 it was over and the decade was one of prosperity for most (not all) Italians. Poverty persisted in the south.

Today the north of Italy is highly industrialized but the south is still relatively poor. Italy also has an important fishing industry. Wine is also an important export. However in recent years service industries such as tourism, education and finance have become the most important ones in Italy. Today the population of Italy is 61 million.

Given its long boot-like shape and varied geography, the weather in Italy varies considerably from north to south. In the alpine north of the country, cold, harsh winters with heavy snowfall are typical between December and March, while summers are sunny and fresh. Around the northern Italian lakes, however, a mild microclimate prevails, benefitting the olive groves and tropical gardens that surround the lake, most of which come into spectacular bloom between April and June.

In central Italy, beyond the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, the climate is milder and wetter with a less pronounced difference between summer and winter temperatures. Summer lingers longer and city centres, such as Florence, Siena and Rome can experience stifling humidity especially during July and August.

In the south, summers are far hotter and drier and temperatures more akin to those in North Africa prevail, often reaching above 30°C. Snow is rare and winter is especially mild, making the southern tip of the peninsula and the islands of Sicily and Sardinia ideal late season destinations..

Northern Italy is generally colder and wetter than the areas further south and visitors should always pack and plan accordingly.

THE ALPS

The southern part of the Alps forms the major portion of Northern Italy. This is also the region where Italy borders with countries like Switzerland, France, Slovenia, and Austria. Though the northern parts of Italy experience cooler weather compared to their central and southern counterparts, Summer months generally tend to be warm and enjoyable. The sirocco wind that blows through these parts is instrumental in bringing humidity and warmth to the usually icy climes of the Italian Alps. If you are travelling to the North and looking for a swim in the sea, temperatures tend to be quite warm starting from the middle of May until October. Before mid-May, days may be warm and sunny, but waters have not heated up yet, meaning quite frigid temperatures and very uncomfortable swimming conditions.

HIGH MOUNTAINS

The Italian Alps rise to more than 3,000 meters or 10,000 feet above sea level. The climate in this area is reminiscent of the Alpine regions in Austria and Switzerland, however, the amount of rain, snow and other forms of precipitation is much greater in the Italian Alps compared to other Alpine areas. The valleys and the lower slopes of the Alps tend to have warmer temperatures both in Winter and Summer months.

Summer months in the northern parts of Italy tend to be the rainiest in the country. Visitors are also likely to see thunderstorms during Spring, Summer and Autumn. The sunniest Summers and mildest Winters are usually found around the lakes, such as Garda, Comoand Maggiore. In the Summer, there is an average of nine hour of sunshine per day. If you are lucky, you will find a föhn wind running through the region during your visit. This type of wind, found in mountain ranges, reduces humidity and increases temperatures on the whole.

On the whole, the weather in the northern part of Italy compared to the areas further south is cooler with intermittent rain showers in the Spring and Summer months. During the Winter you'll snow, rain and even hailstorms. Summers are much warmer, but nowhere as hot as southern places like Sicily. For those looking for snow and wonderful skiing, the Winter climate of Northern Italy is absolutely perfect and not to be missed.

SARDINIA

Sardinia boasts a beautifully warm Mediterranean climate with long, hot summers and coastal temperatures averaging 28.5 degrees (83F) in July and August. A vacation in Sardinia is worthwhile at any time of the year. Its island climate is influenced by the western Mediterranean, creating hot, dry summers and short, mild winters. The first warm rays of sun announce spring in Sardinia already in March. An early summer begins in May with the arrival of the swimming season. From June through September, it is a summer paradise in Sardinia. The golden autumn begins in October with late summer warmth and the remaining warm water swims. In November winter slowly begins to appear in Sardinia, but only for a brief and mild Mediterranean season.

Inland, throughout the peninsula, the weather is often colder and wetter with frequent snow on the mountains during the winter. In the extreme north, the climate can drop to belowfreezing in the winter and rise to 30° in the summer. This is a similar climate to that of Alpine Switzerland and Austria, although the Italian side tends to experience more precipitation and also slightly warmer weather in both summer and winter. In this area, summer tends to be the rainiest season and thunderstorms are frequent in spring, summer, and autumn. Lower down, the lake area in Lombardy tends to experience the mildest winter weather and the warmest, sunniest summers.

The area of the Po valley and the Padan Plain has its own distinctive climate and can experience rain at any time through the year. Although the winter months can be surprisingly cold, and can experience fog, frost and snow, the summer months can be almost as hot and sunny as southern Italy. Thunderstorms are frequent in the summer and autumn but the rain falls infrequently.

Rome enjoys one of the most optimal number of hours of daylight in Europe. Days in winter are not as short as in the northern part of the continent, the average hours of daylight in December, January and February is 10 hours. In Sardinia and Sicily, there is an average of 4 hours of sunshine a day during the winter and 9 hours a day in the summer.

Flowing from the Alboran Channel in the Mediterranean and funnelled through the Strait of Gibraltar, warm, east-northeast wind is usually gentle and damp. It often brings clouds and rain. It can occur at any time of the year but is most frequent from July to October and in March.

Italian culture is steeped in the arts, family, architecture, music and food. Home of the Roman Empire and a major center of the Renaissance, culture on the Italian peninsula has flourished for centuries. Here is a brief overview of Italian customs and traditions.

Population of Italy

About 96 percent of the population of Italy is Italian, though there are many other ethnicities that live in this country. North African Arab, Italo-Albanian, Albanian, German, Austrian and some other European groups fill out the remainder of the population. Bordering countries of France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia to the north have influenced Italian culture, as have the Mediterranean islands of Sardinia and Sicily and Sardinia.

Languages of Italy

The official language of the country is Italian. About 93 percent of the Italian population speaks Italian as native language, according to the BBC. There are a number of dialects of the language spoken in the country, including Sardinian, Friulian, Neapolitan, Sicilian, Ligurian, Piedmontese, Venetian and Calabrian. Milanese is also spoken in Milan. Other languages spoken by native Italians include Albanian, Bavarian, Catalan, Cimbrian, Corsican, Croatian, French, German, Greek, Slovenian and Walser.

Family life in Italy

"Family is an extremely important value within the Italian culture," Talia Wagner, a Los Angeles based marriage and family therapist, told Live Science. Their family solidarity is focused on extended family rather than the west's idea of "the nuclear family" of just a mom, dad and kids, Wagner explained.

Italians have frequent family gatherings and enjoy spending time with those in their family. "Children are reared to remain close to the family upon adulthood and incorporate their future family into the larger network," said Wagner.

Religion in Italy

The major religion in Italy is Roman Catholicism. This is not surprising, as Vatican City, located in the heart of Rome, is the hub of Roman Catholicism and where the Pope resides. Roman Catholics make up 90 percent of the population, though only one-third of those are practicing Catholics, while the other 10 percent is composed of Protestant, Jewish and a growing Muslim immigrant community, according to the University of Michigan.

Catholicism

- The primary religion in Italy is Roman Catholic.

- There are more Catholic churches per capita in Italy than in any other country.

- Although church attendance is relatively low, the influence of the church is still high.

- Many office buildings will have a cross or a religious statue in the lobby.

- Each day of the year has at least one patron saint associated with it.

- Children are named for a particular saint and celebrate their saint's day as if it were their own birthday.

- Each trade and profession has a patron saint.

- The church promulgates hierarchy, which can be seen in all Italian relationships.

- They respect and defer to those who are older, those who have achieved a level of business success, and those who come from well-connected families.

Art and architecture in Italy

Italy has given rise to a number of architectural styles, including classical Roman, Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical. Italy is home to some of the most famous structures in the world, including Colosseum and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The concept of a basilica — which was originally used to describe an open public court building and evolved to mean a Catholic pilgrimage site — was born in Italy. The word, according to the Oxford Dictionary, is derived from Latin and meant "royal palace." The word is also from the Greek basilikē, which is the feminine of basilikos which means "royal" or basileus, which means "king."

Florence, Venice and Rome are home to many museums, but art can be viewed in churches and public buildings. Most notable is the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel of the Vatican, painted by Michelangelo sometime between 1508 and 1512.

Opera has its roots in Italy and many famous operas — including "Aida" and "La Traviata," both by Giuseppe Verdi, and "Pagliacci" by Ruggero Leoncavallo — were written in Italian and are still performed in the native language. More recently, Italian tenor Luciano Pavarotti made opera more accessible to the masses as part of the Three Tenors.

Italy is home to a number of world-renowned fashion houses, including Armani, Gucci, Benetton, Versace and Prada.

Literature

Italian literature rose to prominence with Dante Alighieri's masterpiece, the Divine Comedy. Literary Petrarch created the sonnet, and among the most famous philosophers in the world were Italian - Niccolo Machiavelli and Giambattista Vico. The most celebrated children's book in all of Italy is The Adventures of Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi in 1883, and stands as one of the most famous and beloved children's stories in the world.

Holidays

Italy’s state holidays include New Years Day, Easter Monday, Labour Day (May 1) and Christmas Day and a list of others.

- Epiphany—January 6

- Liberation Day—April 25

- Anniversary of the Founding of the Republic—June 2

- Feast of the Assumption or Ferragosto—August 15

- All Saints—November 1

- Feast of the Immaculate Conception—December 8

- St. Stephens Day—December 26

It is also important to note that all towns, cities and villages in Italy celebrate the day of their patron saint. These dates vary from location to location. For example, Rome celebrates the Feast of St. Paul and St. Peter on June 29

Festivals

With celebrations that adhere to national and religious events, Italy is a country full of celebrations. Here are some of its popular festivals:

The Venice Film Festival The oldest international film festival in the world, it is held in Libo Island in Venice and contested by the most prestigious filmmakers in the world.

Italy's Carnevale A pre-Lenten carnival found in many places of the country, the most famous one is found in Venice, with parades of people in elaborate costumes and masked balls are visited by tens of thousands of people each year.

Battle of the Oranges Every 3rd week of February in the northern city of Ivrea, willing participants are grouped into 9 teams that hurl oranges at each other. A fun and humorous tradition that's based on 2 historical events, it's the perfect example of Italians halting time to enjoy life.

Food festivals:

- Amatrice in Rieti celebrate Amatriciana. The full name is "Sagra degli spaghetti all'Amatriciana". The 30th and 31st August. They celebrate their Amatriciana pasta - fried bacon and tomato sauce.

- Ariccia in Castelli Romani (just outside Rome) celebrate "Sagra della Porchetta" in the 1st week of September. There is a youth festival with music and good food (good prices).

- Montefiascone (Viterbo) has a BIG and widely praised wine festival, dedicated to a white wine called "Est, Est, Est!"

- A Cardinal named Johannes de Fuch was sent by King Henry V to mark the best cellars with the words "Est" - "IT IS!". Apparently the cardinal was so impressed with the wines from Montefiascone he marked "Est, Est, Est" on the taverns, what's more, after having done the wines thorough justice he was later buried in the graveyard of San Flaviano Montefiascone.

Sport

As with many European countries, football (soccer) is the most popular sport in Italy. Other sports such as rugby and volleyball are also enjoyed. In areas of Italy, where the Americans stayed during the Second World War, there is a strong, although small, following of the sport of baseball.

Music and Dance

In Italy, traditional music differs from region to region and is heavily influenced by its historical past. In the northern region of Italy, for example, music has strong Celtic influences, while the southern half of the country has hints of Greek and Arabic influences. Most traditional music is rich in religious meaning.

Sardinia is known for its distinctive polyphonic style of chanting. Similarly, the Sardinian ‘launeddas’ or triple pipe, a triple clarinet like woodwind instrument dating at least as far back as the 8th century, has a polyphonic sound and is played using circular breathing.

Sicily has a variety of associated styles of music with strong Christian influences. Traditionally, the music of Sicily is recognized for its devotional choir songs. The traditional instrument of Sicily is the flute.

Opera is a well-known form of music to come out of Italy beginning as early as the 16th century in Venice.

arantella dance is commonly practiced in most parts of Italy with regional differences. Tarantella is the name given to a group of folk dances characterized by quick music and movements. The dance is believed to have origins as a cure for spider venom. Tarantella can also be a courtship dance and it is considered unlucky to dance tarantella alone.

Meeting Etiquette

- Greetings are enthusiastic yet rather formal./p>

- The usual handshake with direct eye contact and a smile suffices between strangers.

- Once a relationship develops, air-kissing on both cheeks, starting with the left is often added as well as a pat on the back between men.

- Wait until invited to move to a first name basis.

- Italians are guided by first impressions, so it is important that you demonstrate propriety and respect when greeting people, especially when meeting them for the first time.

- Many Italians use calling cards in social situations. These are slightly larger than traditional business cards and include the person's name, address, title or academic honours, and their telephone number.

If you are staying in Italy for an extended period of time, it is a good idea to have calling cards made. Never give your business card in lieu of a calling card in a social situation.

Italian Style

- Appearances matter in Italy.

- The way you dress can indicate your social status, your family's background, and your education level.

- First impressions are lasting impressions in Italy.

- The concept of 'bella figura' or good image is important to Italians.

- They unconsciously assess another person's age and social standing in the first few seconds of meeting them, often before any words are exchanged.

- Clothes are important to Italians.

- They are extremely fashion conscious and judge people on their appearance.

- You will be judged on your clothes, shoes, accessories and the way you carry yourself.

- Bella figura is more than dressing well. It extends to the aura your project too - i.e. confidence, style, demeanour, etc.

Italy is the 3rd-largest national economy in the Euro Zone, the 8th-largest by nominal GDP in the world, and the 12th-largest by GDP (PPP). The country is a founding member of the European Union, the Eurozone, the OECD, the G7 and the G8. Italy is the eighth largest exporter in the world with $514 billion exported in 2015. Its closest trade ties are with the other countries of the European Union, with whom it conducts about 59% of its total trade. The largest trading partners, in order of market share, are Germany (12.6%), France (11.1%), United States (6.8%), Switzerland (5.7%), United Kingdom (4.7%), and Spain (4.4%).

In the post-war period, Italy was transformed from an agricultural based economy which had been severely affected by the consequences of the World Wars, into one of the world's most industrialized nations, and a leading country in world trade and exports. According to the Human Development Index, the country enjoys a very high standard of living, and has the world's 8th highest quality of life according to The Economist. Italy owns the world's third-largest gold reserve, and is the third net contributor to the budget of the European Union. The country is also well known for its influential and innovative business economic sector, an industrious (Italy is the second largest manufacturer in Europe behindGermany) and competitive agricultural sector (Italy is the world's largest wine producer), and for its creative and high-quality automobile, naval, industrial, appliance and fashion design. Italy is the largest market for luxury goods in Europe (third in the world).

Italy has a diversified industrial economy, which is divided into a developed industrial north, dominated by private companies, and a less-developed, welfare-dependent, agricultural south, with high unemployment. The Italian economy is driven in large part by the manufacture of high-quality consumer goods produced by small and medium-sized enterprises, many of them family owned.

Italy also has a sizable underground economy, which by some estimates accounts for as much as 15% of GDP. These activities are most common within the agriculture, construction, and service sectors. Italy has moved slowly on implementing needed structural reforms, such as reducing graft, overhauling costly entitlement programs, and increasing employment opportunities for young workers, particularly women.

Italy GDP

The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Italy was worth 1814.76 billion US dollars in 2015. The GDP value of Italy represents 2.93 percent of the world economy. GDP in Italy averaged 909.75 USD Billion from 1960 until 2015, reaching an all time high of 2390.73 USD Billion in 2008 and a record low of 40.39 USD Billion in 1960. GDP in Italy is reported by the World Bank Group.

Economic sectors

According to the last national agricultural census, there were 1.6 million farms in 2010 (-32.4% since 2000) covering 12.7 million hectares (63% of which are located in Southern Italy). The vast majority (99%) are family-operated and small, averaging only 8 hectares in size. Of the total surface area in agricultural use (forestry excluded), grain fields take up 31%, olive tree orchards 8.2%, vineyards 5.4%, citrus orchards 3.8%, sugar beets 1.7%, and horticulture 2.4%. The remainder is primarily dedicated to pastures (25.9%) and feed grains (11.6%).The northern part of Italy produces primarily maize corn, rice, sugar beets, soybeans, meat, fruits and dairy products, while the South specializes in wheat andcitrus fruits. Livestock includes 6 million head of cattle, 8.6 million head of swine, 6.8 million head of sheep, and 0.9 million head of goats. The total annual production of the fishing industry in Italy from capture and aquaculture, includingcrustaceans and molluscs, stood at 480 tons.

Italy is the first largest producer of wine in the world, and one of the leading in olive oil, fruits (apples, olives, grapes, oranges, lemons, pears, apricots, hazelnuts, peaches,cherries, plums, strawberries and kiwifruits), and vegetables (especially artichokes and tomatoes). The most famous Italian wines are probably the Tuscan Chianti and thePiedmontese Barolo. Other famous wines are Barbaresco, Barbera d'Asti, Brunello di Montalcino, Frascati, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, Morellino di Scansano, and the sparkling wines Franciacorta and Prosecco. Quality goods in which Italy specialises, particularly the already mentioned wines and regional cheeses, are often protected under the quality assurance labels DOC/DOP. This geographical indication certificate, which is attributed by the European Union, is considered important in order to avoid confusion with low-quality mass-produced ersatz products.

Italy has a smaller number of global multinational corporations than other economies of comparable size, but there is a large number of small and medium-sized enterprises, many of them grouped in clusters, which are the backbone of the Italian industry. This has produced a manufacturing sector often focused on the export of niche market and luxury products, that on one side is less capable of competing on quantity, but on the other side is more capable of facing the competition from emerging economies based on lower labor costs, with higher quality products. The industrial districtsare regionalized: in the Northwest there is a large modern group of industries, as in the so-called "Industrial Triangle" (Milan-Turin-Genoa), where there is an area of intense machinery, automotive, aerospace and naval production; in the Northeast and the Center, previously rural areas that experienced social and economic development around family-based firms, there are small enterprises of low technology but high craftsmanship, specialized in clothing, leather products,footwear, furniture, textiles, machine tools, spare parts, appliances, and jewellery; finally, in the less-developed South, the two forms exist side by side.

Energy and natural resources

In the early 1970s Italy was a major producer of pyrites (from the Tuscan Maremma), asbestos (from the Balangero mines), fluorite (found in Sicily), and salt. At the same time, it was in aluminum (from Gargano), sulfur (from Sicily), lead, and zinc (from Sardinia). By the beginning of the 1990s, however, it had lost all its world-ranking positions and was no longer self-sufficient in those resources. There are no substantial deposits of iron, coal, or oil. Moderate natural gas reserves, mainly in the Po Valley and offshore Adriatic Sea, have been discovered in recent years and constitute the country's most important mineral resource. Italy is one of the world's leading producers of pumice, pozzolana, and feldspar. Another mineral resource for which Italy is well-known is marble, especially the world-famous white Carrara marble from the Massa and Carrara quarries in Tuscany. Most raw materials needed for manufacturing and more than 80% of the country's energy sources are imported (99.7% of the solid fuels demand, 92.5% of oil, 91.2% of natural gas and 13% of electricity). Due to its reliance on imports, Italians pay approximately 45% more than the EU average for electricity.

Italy has managed four nuclear reactors until the 1980s, but in 1987, after the Chernobyl disaster, a large majority of Italians passed areferendum opting for phasing out nuclear power in Italy. The government responded by closing existing nuclear power plants and stopping work on projects underway, continuing to work to the nuclear energy program abroad. The national power company Eneloperates seven nuclear reactors in Spain (through Endesa) and four in Slovakia (through Slovenské elektrárne), and in 2005 made an agreement with Électricité de France for a nuclear reactor in France. With these agreements, Italy has managed to access nuclear power and direct involvement in design, construction, and operation of the plants without placing reactors on Italian territory.

In the last decade, Italy has become one of the world's largest producers of renewable energy, ranking as the third largest producer in the European Union after Germany andSweden. The country is also the world's second largest producer of energy from solar power. Renewable sources account for the 27.5% of all electricity produced in Italy, with hydro alone reaching 12.6%, followed by solar at 5.7%, wind at 4.1%, bioenergy at 3.5%, and geothermal at 1.6%. The rest of the national demand is covered by fossil fuels (38.2% natural gas, 13% coal, 8.4% oil) and by imports.

Companies

The country's major companies by sector are: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, CNH Industrial, Ducati, Piaggio (motor vehicles);Pirelli (tyre manufacturing); Enel, Edison, A2A, Terna (energy); Eni (petrochemicals); Candy, Indesit, De'Longhi (home appliances); Leonardo-Finmeccanica that has absorbed its subsidiary companies Alenia Aermacchi, AgustaWestland and Oto Melara (defence); Avio, Telespazio (space); Beretta, Benelli (firearms); Armani, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci,Benetton, Diesel, Prada, Luxottica, YOOX (fashion); Ferrero, Barilla, Autogrill, Perfetti Van Melle, Campari, Parmalat(food&beverages); Techint, Lucchini, Gruppo Riva, Danieli (steel); Prysmian, Salini Impregilo, Italcementi, Buzzi Unicem,Astaldi (construction); STMicroelectronics (electronics); Telecom Italia, Mediaset (communications); Assicurazioni Generali,Unipol (insurance); UniCredit, Intesa Sanpaolo (banking); Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini (luxury vehicles); Fincantieri,Ferretti, Azimut (shipbuilding).

Of the world's 500 largest stock-market-listed companies measured by revenue in 2014, the Fortune Global 500, these are headquartered in Italy.

Education in Italy is compulsory from 6 to 16 years of age, and is divided into five stages: kindergarten (scuola dell'infanzia), primary school (scuola primaria or scuola elementare), lower secondary school (scuola secondaria di primo grado or scuola media inferiore), upper secondary school (scuola secondaria di secondo grado or scuola media superiore) and university (università). Italy has both public and private education systems.

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT PUBLIC EDUCATION IN ITALY

The basis of the current schooling system were laid in 1946, when Italy became a parliamentary republic. Since then, statal education has formed the real backbone of the didactic system in the country. Compulsory school, which last from 6 to 16, is tax exented, which means you do not need to pay any registration fee. From 16 to 18, a minimal registration fee of about 20 euro (around 23 USD) has to be paid. Children who were not born in Italy, receive free public education, even after the end of compulsory school and even if they are regular Italian residents.

Third level education in Italy, just like primary and secondary, is mostly public. There is a number of private universities, some of them, such as Università del Sacro Cuore and Università Bocconi, both in Milan, are renowned a bit everywhere in the world. Many public university are prestigious, too: Pisa, Pavia, Padova, Bologna are only some of the best known athenea in the country. In public universities, fees are usually divided in a fixed tax to be paid to the State and tuition fees due to the university. The latter are usually calculated on the basis of the student's (or his/her family, if dependent) income. Public universities fees are, however, usually never superior to 2500 euro per annum (around 2800 USD). Private universities may charge more, but never as much as an American University!

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY CYCLES OF EDUCATION

As said, compulsory school, which is fee exempted, starts at the age of 6 (with the possibility to be anticipated to 5 1/2) and lasts until the age of 16. The percentage of alphabetization in the country reaches the almost totality, at 99%. Schools in Italy are mainly public, although some private institutions exist.

Before entering the schooling system, children are usually introduced to non-compulsory nidi d'infanzia and sezioni primavera, the equivalent of crèches. These sections usually are for children of one to three years of age. They then enter the scuola dell'Infanzia, the rough equivalent of kindergarten. Here, children begin experiencing a more standardized schooling experience with classes, classmates and little learning sections with tasks. Often, they also eat at school and spend part of the afternoon there.

La Scuola Primaria (primary school)

Scuola primaria (formerly "elementare"), or primary school, begins at age six and continues for five years. Class sizes generally run about twenty five children per class with a minimum of ten students. Pluriclassi, or mixed-level classes, have between six and twelve students. Municipalities manage transportation and school meals, most often asking for contributions but making exceptions for needy families. The curriculum includes: Italian, English, Geography, History, Math, Science, Technology, Music, Art, Physical Education, Information Technology and Catholicism.

La Scuola Secondaria di Primo Grado (middle school)

Scuola Secondaria di Primo Grado was formerly known as scuola media. Pupils attend it until they turn fourteen years old. Formerly at age fourteen, compulsory education was considered complete. Now this limit has been raised to sixteen. While the schooling is free, books must be purchased at the secondary level. Class size is about 21 students per class. The curriculum includes: religion, Italian, English, an alternate foreign language, history, geography, science, math, technology, information technology, art, music and physical education.

At the end of the three years of scuola secondaria di primo grado there is a State exam, similar to the one students will have to take at the end of high school.

La Scuola Secondaria di Secondo Grado (High School)

If up to scuola secondaria di primo grado the Italian educational system may seem very much the same as the American's, when it comes to high school, things change dramatically. Italy is known to be one of the few countries in the world where a distinct, well defined choice about a pupil's future professional career needs to be taken as early as 14. Italian high schools are of different types, depending on the main focus of their teachings. They must be chosen during the final year of scuola secondaria di primo grado and the pupil must attend it until his/her 16th year of age. Italian high schools can be divided as such:

1.LICEI: schools focusing on theoretical learning:

- Liceo Artistico:has branches in fine arts, design, photography, sculpture etc.

- Liceo Classico: focuses on classical languages, philosophy and literatures.

- Liceo Scientifico: focuses on biology, chemistry, physics and maths.

- Liceo Linguistico: focuses on foreign languages

- Liceo musicale e coreutico: has branches in music and dance.

- Liceo delle scienze umane: focusing on humanities and psychology

2. ISTITUTI TECNICI: schools focusing on technical skills:

- Istituto tecnico a indirizzo tecnologico: focuses on techical skills such as mechanics, logistics, electronics etc. (divided in branches)

- Istituto tecnico a indirizzo economico: focuses on administration, accounting, marketing or tourism.

3. ISTITUTI PROFESSIONALI: schools focusing on professional skills:

- Istituto professionale a indirizzo dei servizi: has branches in agriculture, health and social services, hospitality and gastronomy, commerce.

- Istituti professionale a indirizzo dell'industria e dell'artigianato:branches in industrial and artisanal production, techical assistence and maintenance.

In all high schools class sizes are between twenty five to twenty eight students. They, as mention above, do charge a minimal tuition for the years after their pupils turn 16. However, based on family income, some students may qualify for exemptions or assistance. Curriculum varies depending on the course of study chosen.

After completing the higher secondary school, students must pass another exam in order to receive their Diploma di Maturità. Once they have their diplomas, they either begin their careers in their professions or move on to the University.

UNIVERSITIES IN ITALY

Italy has 61 state universities and 15 private. Structurally, they all follow what is considered the now stardardized European model, with a primary course of three years to obtain a bachelor degree (diploma di laurea), a further two years to specialize with a Master's degree (laurea magistrale) and, finally, the possibility to obtain a PhD (dottorato di ricerca). This is valid for very much all faculties, except some which maintained a more independent structure, characterized by a single cycle of studies – longer – which equals, once achieved, a Master's degree. Among them, Medicine (6 years), Law (5 years), Architecture, Pharmaceutical sciences. Specialistic studies in fine arts and music acan be pursued in Accademie delle Belle Arti (Fine Arts Academies) and Conservatori (music schools).

Italian food is strongly influenced by local history and traditions, as well as by the local availability of products. Some of Italy's most famous gourmet delicacies which have gained internal fame, such as white truffles, can be found only in certain regions of Italy.

This be said, the Italian menu is typically structured in much the same way all over Italy - with antipasto, primo, secondo, and dessert - but each region of Italy has its own regional food specialties.

There are many regional variations of cooking throughout Italy, but in general grain foods such as pasta, bread, rice, and polenta are mixed in a variety of interesting ways with vegetables, beans, fish, poultry, nuts, cheeses and meat.

Grain foods

Since ancient times, grains such as wheat have been a staple food throughout Italy. Indeed, wheat is one of the most revered foods in Italian cookery. It's used to make a variety of interesting breads including ciabatta, focaccia and crusty whole grain bread. Pasta, which is made from wheat and comes in dozens of different shapes, has also been a highly-prized food for centuries.

Other popular grain foods include rice such as arborio (which is a short-grain variety of rice popularly used in risottos) and cornmeal which is used to make polenta.

Vegetables and fruits

There's an old saying that good cooking begins in the market, and never is this more true than with authentic Italian cuisine which relies heavily on fresh produce.

The most commonly used vegetables include tomatoes, garlic, onions, bell peppers (capsicum), eggplants (aubergine), cabbage, zucchini (courgettes), artichokes, fennel, mushrooms, celery, asparagus, broccoli, spinach, cauliflower and lettuce.

These vegetables are traditionally chopped and added to bakes, pasta dishes, risottos and pizza or turned into salads, soups, antipasti(appetizers) and side dishes.

Fruits, both fresh and dried, are eaten as snacks and desserts. Popular types of fruit include grapes, berries, citrus fruit such as oranges and lemons, figs, pears, cherries, apples and plums

Olives and Olive oil

Southern Italy shares a similar Mediterranean climate to Greece, Provence and Spain. This warm, sunny climate makes it ideal for olive growing.

Whole olives are used in cooking, but the most revered part of the olive is the nectar it produces. The first cold pressing of the best olives producesextra virgin olive oil. This golden-green, richly flavored oil is used in hot dishes, marinades, salad dressings or drizzled on fresh crusty bread.

Fish, shellfish, poultry and eggs

The coastline of Italy is dotted with fishing villages, and fish and shellfish are a traditional staple in most parts of the country.

Popular varieties of fish include tuna, anchovies, sardines, swordfish, cod, salmon, shrimp, crab, squid, clams and mussels. This fish and shellfish is traditionally added to stews, pasta dishes, bakes, risottos and pizzas, or simply served grilled, baked or lightly fried in olive oil with side dishes.

Poultry, especially chicken, is also eaten regularly. Eggs, which are a common ingredient in many Italian dishes such as frittata, are traditionally eaten regularly, but in modest amounts.

Meat

Meat has never featured prominently in Cucina Povera—the cuisine of poorer southern Italy. Instead it has typically been eaten on festive occasions or used in small amounts as a flavor and texture enhancer. In the northern parts of Italy meat has traditionally been eaten more frequently, but still in moderation.

Legumes and nuts

Legumes (beans, peas and lentils) are a highly popular food throughout Italy. In the Tuscany region, for example, beans are so highly regarded that Tuscans are fondly known as the "bean eaters." Commonly eaten beans include chickpeas and cannellini beans. Green peas and green beans are also regularly used in Italian cookery, as are lentils, which are added to soups and stews.

Nuts such as pine nuts, walnuts and almonds are used in cooking or eaten as snacks. One of Italy's most famous sauces, pesto—which originates from the seaport of Genoa —is a mixture of pine nuts, garlic, fresh basil, Parmesan cheese and olive oil. (There are also other variations of pesto such as Sun-dried tomato and walnut pesto.)

Cheeses

Cheese is traditionally eaten regularly, but in moderation, throughout Italy. Some of the most popular types of cheese include Parmesan (the most highly regarded type being Parmigiano Reggiano), mozzarella (classically made from the milk of a water buffalo, but available in a cow's milk variety), Romano, gorgonzola and ricotta.

Cheese is used in bakes or to top pizza, sprinkled over pasta dishes, mixed through risottos, tossed in salads or eaten with fruit as a dessert.

Herbs and seasonings

Letting the flavor of fresh ingredients shine through is a fundamental part of Italian cookery, so elaborate spices don't feature prominently. Instead fresh or dried herbs such as basil, flat-leaf parsley, rosemary and oreganoare used simply to highlight the flavors of the food. Other important seasonings include salt, freshly cracked pepper, vinegar (such asbalsamic vinegar) and foods that impart a rich flavor such as anchovies, garlic, capers, olives and sun-dried tomatoes.

Lemon juice and wine are also common flavor enhancers, and fruity extra-virgin olive oil adds flavor and texture when a little is stirred through dishes likes stews, soups or pasta sauces at the end of cooking.

Beverages and desserts

Wine has been the most popular alcoholic beverage since ancient times. It's customary in Italy to consume wine with meals, and in moderation. Strong coffee is the most popular non-alcoholic beverage.

Traditionally, elaborate desserts have been reserved for special occasions. Fresh and dried fruit, or a little cheese, are the typical dessert.

Short Stay Schengen Visa

The short-stay visa is the most common Schengen visa. It entitles travellers, subject to the visa requirement, to enter the territories of the 26 Schengen States to pay a continuous visit or several visits (depending on the number of entries granted by the consulate), the duration of which does not exceed three months (90 days) in any half-year from the date of first entry in the Schengen area. The short-stay visa is issued for one or several entries its period of validity shall not exceed five years.

If you plan to go to Italy on a short stay visa for a period not to exceed 90 days and your country is not on the visa-free list, you need a Schengen travel visa (Visa C). This visa is not a work permit.

Please note that in order to apply for a travel visa at the Embassy of Italy, your only destination or your main destination (longest duration of stay) must be Italy. In the absence of a main destination (e.g. same duration of stay in two or more countries) you should apply at the country of first entry because your passport will show the entry stamp of your first destination only.

When to apply?

You can apply for a visa minimum 15 days or maximum 3 months before your intended date of travel. Applicants are strongly advised not to confirm their travel arrangements until they have received their visa.

Schengen Information

A Schengen visa has to be obtained from the Embassy/Consulate of the country where the main purpose of travel lies. Therefore, please check your travel plans before making your application. In case of travel to multiple Schengen countries, please make your application to the Consulate where you will be staying for the maximum number of days, and from the Point of First Entry into the Schengen Countries, if the duration of stay is the same in more than one Schengen Country.

Schengen visa is valid for: Austria, Finland, Greece, Luxembourg, Portugal, Estonia, Poland, Hungary, Switzelrand, Belgium, France, Iceland, Netherlands, Italy, Latvia, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Lichtenstein, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Norway, Sweden, Lithuania, Slovakia, Malta.

Long Term Visas-"D" Type

Note: “D”Type Visa (Long Term Applications) shall be submitted by applicants only and other persons accompanying applicant will not be allowed entering the Italy Visa Application centre in New Delhi, Jalandhar, Jaipur and Chandigarh.

Residence Permits in Italy: Permesso di Soggiorno, Registration and EC Residence Permits

The legal requirements for visiting or staying in Italy depend on citizenship - European Union (EU) or non-European Union (EU) citizen - reason for entry into Italy, and intended duration of the stay.

EU-citizens do not require a visa to enter in Italy, regardless of the planned duration of the stay.

All non-EU citizens require a visa for a stay of longer than three months (90 days). The home country Italian Embassy can provide guidance on the type of visa required and the documents needed for the application. The visa must be inserted into the passport before leaving for Italy.

- The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ministerio degli Affari Esteri) website gives information for all non-Italian citizens travelling to Italy for long or short term, on visa (visto) and documentation requirements (and the cost) appropriate to the purpose of the stay

-Citizens of certain countries require a visa

Tourists and Residents

Under Italian law, every foreigner in Italy is considered to be either a tourist or a resident. As a rule, a tourist is a foreigner staying in Italy for less than three months. People coming on a business trip, students enrolled in short courses, people doing research on their own, for example, are considered to be tourists, as long as the stay does not exceed three months.

All non-residents from non-Schengen countries (including Canada and the United States) are required to report their presence to the airport’s border authorities on the day of arrival. A Schengen stamp, the equivalent of a Declaration of Presence (Dichiarazione di Presenza), should be issued on travel documents. It is important to keep a copy of the stamped receipt issued by the Italian authorities.

Tourists arriving from a Schengen country can request the a Declaration of Presence form (Dichiarazione di Presenza) from a local police station (commissariato di zona or questura) and submit it to the police within eight business days of arrival. For tourists staying in hotels, the Declaration of Presence will be supplied and submitted to the authorities by the reception staff on check-in. Request a copy which can be shown to a police officer if requested. Failure to submit a Declaration of Presence within eight days is punishable by expulsion from Italy.

- A PDF version of the Declaration of Presence form for EU Nationals

- Additional information can be found (in Italian only) at the Italian Immigration website

More information can be found at the Italian State Police website

Residents

A resident is anyone who plans to stay in Italy for more than three months. Foreigners working in Italy, seasonal workers, students enrolled in full-time education for a full academic year, or those who wish to live in Italy are considered to be residents. Residents require a permit or certificate of registration.

- Permesso di Soggiorno (permit to stay): required by non-EU citizens, has an expiry date, is renewable, and is issued (with varying durations of validity) for the first five years of residence in Italy

- Permesso di Soggiorno per Soggiornanti di Lungo Periodo, S.L.P (EC Long-Term Residence Permit): issued for an indefinite period to people who have had a residence permit for more than five years in Italy, and that have a minimum income (equivalent to the amount of social security benefit)

- Certificato di residenza (certificate of registration): issued by the Anagrafe office of the local town hall, to EU citizens who intend to stay more than three months in the country

The Italian Immigration authority (Portale Immigrazione) provides comprehensive information in Italian for EU and non-EU citizens and their family members. (Note that the English version of this website may not be up to date).

- Portale Immigrazione

-Call Centre Tel: 848 855 888 (for general information) Open: Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 20:00 (some information available in English)

The Polizia di Stato website has detailed information about all cases of immigration.

- Polizia di Stato

- The Immigration Guidebook of the Ministry of the Interior, "Staying in Italy legally" has comprehensive information in English for people in all situations

Work permits

The Italian work permit scheme is administered regionally, so implementation differs significantly depending on the exact destination within Italy.

Italian work permits must be sponsored by an Italian company. They cannot be applied for directly by a potential employee or by an agency.

Processing times vary between regions, but the average is about two months.

Instead of a work permit, expats will have to apply for a residence permit that will enable them to legally live and work in Italy.

Citizens of the European Union (EU) don’t need a work permit to legally work in Italy since they have a right to work in EU member states. These expats simply apply for an Italian residence card after arriving in the country.

Expats from outside the EU will, however, have to apply for a working residence permit for Italy.

Before this can happen, the expat’s Italian employer must first apply for clearance (nulla osta al lavoro) at the one-stop immigration centre in their county.

Every Italian province has an office that the government describes a one-stop shop for immigration (Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione). These offices are responsible for the entire process of hiring foreign workers in Italy.

While the expat applicant will be required to submit certain documents, the employer takes responsibility for much of the application. Expats must have signed an employment contract with their employer before applying for a work permit, since it has to be submitted to the company’s local provincial immigration office as part of their application to hire a foreigner.

After the employer receives clearance to hire a foreign worker, the expat employee can apply for an Italian work visa at their local Italian diplomatic mission.

After the employee is cleared to work in Italy, the expat will be issued an entry visa at their local Italian consulate, which contains a tax code that is necessary for other bureaucratic processes.

Working residence permits for Italy

Foreigners who intend to stay in Italy for more than three months must apply for a residence permit. These permits allow foreigners to stay in Italy, under certain conditions depending on the category.

Regardless of whether expats apply for a permit before or after they have arrived (depending on their nationality), they will have to report to their local immigration centre within eight days of arriving in Italy. This can also be done at a post office in some provinces.

The residence permit is issued at the new arrival’s local police station. This requires filling out an application form specifying the type of permit required, proof of identification, fingerprints and photos. Different types of permits may have different requirements. The residence permit is an electronic smart card to guard against fraud.

In order to get a residence permit expats will have to submit a variety of documents including application forms, a passport and photocopies, passport photos and an application fee. Expats should liaise with their Italian employer to find out when and how this should be done.

The receipt an applicant receives while waiting for their residence card affords them the same rights as the permit they are applying for.

The duration of a working residence permit for Italy is valid for as long as the applicant’s entry visa. Residence permit holders have access to government services and benefits.

Work permit validity

Expats with a permit that is valid for a year or more are required to report to the Italian Ministry of Interior (Ministero Dell’Interno) where they will enter into an agreement to fulfil certain integration objectives such as attending Italian language classes.

A working residence permit for seasonal work is valid for six months and can be extended by an extra three months. Permits for self-employment, employment at a local employer and family joining visas are valid for up to two years.

Expats who are waiting for their working residence permit to be issued don’t have to sign the agreement until they have received their residence card. They are also temporarily allowed to work unless Italian authorities issue a letter to the applicant and their employer stating otherwise.

Work permits for Italy are, however, position specific and any change to the employee’s position has to be reported to immigration. If an expat loses their job in Italy their residence permit will not automatically be revoked. Instead it is possible to register as being unemployed and stay for as long the permit allows.

Work permits for skilled workers in Italy

Highly skilled or qualified expats often have specific requirements to fulfil. This includes executives or specialised staff belonging to large companies with an Italian headquarters , academics, translators, professional sportspeople, artists, and expats working in theatre or opera. Under most circumstances these expats will receive their documentation before entering Italy.

*Visa and work permit requirements are subject to change at short notice and expats should consult their respective embassy or consulate for the latest details.

Italy ranks among the World Health Organization’s top 10 countries for quality health services (by contrast, the U.S. only holds 37th place, despite being the highest spender).

Expats will find a public sector that generally offers high standards of healthcare. There can, however, be discrepancies in the quality of care in different regions of the country. Private healthcare in Italy is highly regarded, but can be prohibitively expensive without the proper insurance. Most Italians make use of public healthcare but those that can afford it try and get the best of both systems.In Italy, public hospitals are generally categorised under the term ospedali, while private hospitals are known as ospedali privato.

Public healthcare in Italy

In short, patients who make social security contributions may have to make copayments, but most of a medical bill is paid by the government.

Although the SSN is a socialised system, regional governments are in charge of managing it on a provincial level, meaning that there are differences between regions. For instance, public hospitals in Italy’s northern and central regions are known to offer higher standards of care than those in the south. As a result, expats may prefer to be treated in a major city such as Milan in emergency cases.

How to apply for Italian health insurance

Expats who are EU nationals can take advantage of reciprocal health agreements which makes access to public healthcare in Italy easy.

Non-EU expats will, however, need to formally register for the SSN. Expats who have their residence status finalised and have an Italian identity card (carta d’identità) are then able to apply for an Italian health insurance card (tessera sanitaria).

In order to get a health card an expat would have to go to their nearest local health authority (Azienda Sanità Locale/ASL) which will require various documents. This usually includes the expat’s residence permit, official identification and proof of employment, among others.

Expats wanting to claim benefits for their families will require a family status certificate (certificato di stato di famiglia).

After registering, applicants have to choose a family doctor and a paediatrician, if applicable. They are then issued with their health card, which must be presented in order to receive care under the SSN. These cards must be renewed every year.

Private healthcare in Italy

Although public healthcare in Italy is free, most foreigners still opt to utilise private healthcare.

Private healthcare in Italy is championed by doctors that are well trained and on par with the finest in the world. There are a number of impressive specialist facilities in the large urban centres, and university hospitals are also highly reputable.

Private procedures vary in cost, and the Ministry of Health sets a minimum charge for all operations in this sector.

For this reason, private healthcare can be expensive and health insurance is a must. In many cases, employers are obliged to finance health insurance for their employees but, if not, it is vital that expats organise it themselves.

Private healthcare allows expats to avoid the queues and complications of the public system, and also makes provision for more comforts and personal choice when it comes to doctors and facilities.

Getting the right health insurance

If you are employed in Italy, your employer is obliged to pay for your health insurance. You can pay a visit to the nearest local health authority, the Azienda SanitELocale (ASL), and then register with your doctor. Once you are registered, a health card and a health number will then be issued. This will serve as your ticket for free visits to your doctor. In turn, your doctor will then issue you with the proper prescriptions, along with any necessary referrals.

On the other hand, if you are a European Union citizen that is paying a visit to Italy, take advantage of the reciprocal healthcare agreements. Before you arrive, you are required to apply for form E111, (the certificate of entitlement to treatment), at least three weeks prior to travelling. However, if you are visiting Italy and you are not a European Union citizen, you are required to have private insurance cover. Upon arrival, you have eight days to visit the local police station and present a health policy that is only valid within the duration of your stay.

Drugs and medical products

If you are in need of prescription medicines and other drugs, your family doctor will issue you a prescription that you can present to the pharmacy. Most pharmacies in Italy are small, family-run establishments and they only deal with medically related items. However, if you have state health cover, you will qualify for subsidized rates that reduce the cost of your medicines; otherwise you are required to pay in full. If you are taking a prescription drug on a regular basis, it may be worthwhile to find out the medicines’ generic name as brands normally vary from one country to another.

Italy has an area of over 300,000 square kilometres. It is approximately 1,130 kilometres long and has approximately 7,600 kilometres of coastline. Over a third of the total area is mountainous, over 700 metres high, and the Alpine ranges in the north and the Appenines range down the centre can make travelling round the country somewhat challenging.

When Italy was a destination on 'The Grand Tour', intrepid visitors struggled around the country by boat, foot and donkey, encountering a multitude of perils on the way. However, modern-day transport facilities in Italy are mostly well developed and armed with the correct information, visitors should be able to reach their destinations in relative comfort.

Italian Motorways

There are 3,408 km of motorways in Italy, used by 4 million motorists. They are mostly well maintained, fast and fairly free of traffic. They operate on a toll system. As you enter a stretch of motorway, you will pass through an 'Alt Stazione' where you take a ticket from an automatic machine. When you exit that part of the motorway system you will pass through another 'Alt Stazione' where you present your ticket and pay the toll charge. Payment can be made automatically with cash or credit card, or at a manned kiosk. It is possible to buy a 'Telepass' which allows you to pass through the 'Alt Stazione' without stopping. The Automobile Club Italiano (ACI) is the Italian breakdown organisation equivalent to the AA in Britiain. If you breakdown anywhere in Italy, dialling 116 will put you through to the nearest ACI centre. On the motorways, there are emergency telephones every 2 kilometres.

Italian motorway information - http://www.autostrade.it/en/home

Italian Buses

In Italy there is a very efficient inter-city bus service. The buses are modern, comfortable, fast and well equipped. They also provide a very economical way of traveling around the country.

Italian bus timetable - http://www.ibus.it

Italian Trains

There are three types of train in Italy. The Eurostar is the premium grade. It is fast, comfortable and good value for money. Getting around Italy, italian transport, trains in italy, eurostar, intercity trains, regional trains, buses, ferries, italian motorways, toll charges, coach travel in italy, italian car hire The Intercity trains are less modern but still relatively fast and efficient. The Regional trains tend to be the oldest, the slowest and the least comfortable, especially in the south. However, they do amble around the countryside, stopping at all the most inaccessible places, so they too have a role to play. The rail fares in Italy are generally very reasonable.

Italian train timetable - http://www.trenitalia.com/tcom-en

Italian Ferries

There are a lot of islands off the coast of Italy, including the major ones of Sardinia and Sicily, so naturally there are a lot of ferries traveling backwards and forwards. The major ferry terminals are: Genoa, Civitavecchia, Napes, Palermo. Ancona, Bari and Brindisi. There are other, smaller ones at Livorno, Piombino, Catania, Porto Torres, Portoferraio, Salerno, Savona and Venezia. See our ferry timetable for details.

Italian ferry information - http://www.traghettiweb.it/en/tw_index.php

Airports

Italy airports are frequented by tourists from all over the world to see its beauty and experience its peculiar roman culture. Italy has a dozen of airports making journey comfortable and convenient for tourists from all over the world.

Some of the famous Italy airports are:

Rome's Leonardo da Vinci International Airport

This famous and premier airport in Italy is situated towards the south west of Rome da Vinci. It accommodates flight from many parts of the world and has three flight terminals where it receives domestic flights, international flights and domestic and international flights respectively.

http://www.rome-airport.info

Florence-Amerigo Vespucci Airport

This Florence airport is situated at a fair distance from the central part of the city to its northwest direction. Every year it receives almost 1.5 million passengers moving to or from important cities of Italy, and other parts of Europe as well as London, Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam and Madrid.

http://www.aeroporto.firenze.it/en/

Venice - Marco Polo Airport

This Venice airport is situated at a considerable distance north of Venice. Annually it receives almost 4 million passengers from all over the world. It accommodates flights to or from UK, Germany, Northern Europe, Spain, France and the US. The Venice Airport received the honor of Friendliest Airport Staff in the 2005 World Airport Awards and, of Overall Excellence in southern Europe.

http://www.veniceairport.it/en/

Milan - Malpensa International Airport

This Italy airport located at reasonable distance from the city of Milan receives flights to northern Italy from the US and the whole of Europe. There are two terminals in this airport which are connected by shuttle bus services. The Milan Malpensa International Airport also accommodates the extra traffic of flights from Milan Linate International Airport.

http://www.milanomalpensa-airport.com/en

Trieste - International Airport

This airport in Italy is situated to the north east of Italy has a single flight terminal and receives both domestic and international flights. Every year this airport receives a million of passengers as it is the most frequented airport of Italy. It connects Venice, Slovenia and Croatia.

http://www.aeroporto.fvg.it/en/home/index.htm

Palermo - International Airport

This Italy airport located on the northern coast of the southern island of Sicily has a single modern terminal with all mod cons. It facilitates both international and domestic flights and is the main centre for all the flights to the island.

http://www.palermo-airport.com

Rent a car

For the best deal on long-term rentals, book in advance from home. If you decide to rent a car while in Europe, try calling around to local car-rental agencies, or book through a local travel agency. When renting a car, you’ll need to make a few decisions, including whom to rent from, what kind of car to get, and where to pick it up and drop it off.

When shopping around, don’t stop at just comparing initial price quotes. You’ll want to determine which company’s offer involves the best combination of rates (including all fees and any extras you want), service, and pickup/drop-off locations (with workable office hours) for your trip. Even with the wealth of information that’s available online, you may find that it’s easier to make a phone call to get all your questions answered. It’s generally an advantage to go with a larger company, with a wider choice of pickup and drop-off locations.

It’s also worth considering renting through a consolidator, such as Auto Europe orEurope by Car. These companies compare rates among various companies (including many of the big-name firms), find the best deal, and — because they’re wholesalers — pass the savings on to you. You pay the consolidator, and they issue you a voucher to pick up your car in Europe.

With a consolidator as a middleman, it’s especially important to ask ahead of time about add-on fees and restrictions, since you might not learn this critical information until you pick up the car. If any dispute arises when you show up at the rental desk, call the consolidator to try to resolve the issue — ask to use the rental office’s phone (the consolidator’s number is toll-free from any land line). Once you sign off on something with the vendor, it’s difficult for the consolidator (or anyone else) to reverse what you’ve agreed to. If you have a problem with the rental agency, the consolidator may not be able to intervene to your satisfaction, but at least you’ll have gotten some help in resolving the problem.

No matter whom you rent through, be sure to hang onto all your paperwork (including the checklist used by the company to check the car’s condition when you turn it in) for a few months after the rental period, in case a billing dispute arises.

Choosing a Car

Expect some differences between your typical American rental car and what you’ll likely get in Europe, where midrange cars have less passenger room, vast trunk space is unheard of, and manual transmissions are the norm. Automatics are more expensive (usually about 50 percent more) and may only be available if you upgrade to a bigger, pricier car. (Some Americans find automatics worthwhile in Great Britain and Ireland, where it can be enough of a challenge just to learn to drive on the left.) Since supplies are limited, if you must have an automatic, you’ll need to arrange it farther in advance than a manual-transmission car. Ideally, skip the automatic and brush up on your shifting skills. It’s worth doing some lurching through your hometown parking lot to save the expense (or to be prepared in case your reserved automatic doesn’t materialize).

When checking out options for budget rentals, you’ll see some familiar makes (Ford, VW) — though not always familiar models of these — as well as some less familiar ones, most commonly Opel, Fiat, Citroën, Peugeot, Renault, Škoda, and Seat (“SAY-aht”). Don’t waste time carefully choosing among models, since you’re not guaranteed to get the exact car you signed up for, just a “similar” model.

I normally rent the smallest, least-expensive model with a stick shift — not just to save money, but because larger cars are not as maneuverable on Europe’s narrow, winding roads. If you’re traveling with more than one other person, it can be worth it to move up to a larger class of car. But if you pack light and have only one other person in tow, the smallest models should have plenty of room, even if it’s a little less than what you’re used to.

Choosing a Pick-Up (and Drop-Off) Place and Time

It’s best and less stressful to begin your driving experience away from big cities, so try picking up your car away from major destinations. A pleasant scenario for a trip to England would be to start out (sans car) in the smaller city of Bath, rent a car when leaving Bath, explore Britain at your driving leisure, then drop off the car in York and take the train into London, where you can rely on the excellent public transportation system. That way you’d enjoy the three major city stops on your England itinerary — where the last thing you’d want is a car — without paying for one.

That said, beware the possible inconveniences of picking up your car in a truly small town — a tiny regional office almost certainly has a smaller fleet on hand, and the staff may be less equipped to handle the concerns of foreign renters. Don’t plan to pick up or drop off your car in a small town on a Saturday afternoon or Sunday — or anywhere on a holiday, when offices are likely to be closed (except for train-station and airport locations).

Picking up a car at an airport usually costs more than picking it up downtown. If you don’t need a car immediately after your flight, look into a cheaper rental with a downtown pickup price. But airport pickup may still be worth it; many central car-rental locations have shorter hours (and may close at midday) or are buried in a maze of narrow streets. Also consider traffic — it may be easier to drive away from an airport than a parking garage in the heart of the city. Before choosing a rental location, find it on a map. You may find that a train-station office is handier than a downtown one (though some station pickups come with airport-like fees). Fortunately, airport/train-station fees apply only to your pickup location, not your drop off.

European cars are rented in 24-hour periods, so think carefully about selecting your pickup and drop-off times — if you pick up the car at 10 a.m. on the first day and drop it off at noon on the last day, you’ll be charged a whole day’s rental for just those two hours. Don’t book your pickup time for earlier than you really need the car. If you can, book a drop-off time that falls within that location’s office hours (rather than just leaving the keys in an after-hours drop box); it’s best to finalize and receive your paperwork in person.

Sometimes it can make a lot of sense to start and end your car rental in different cities. One-way rentals are usually free within the same country (Germany and Portugal are the main exceptions), but dropping off in another country will likely cost you a hefty extra fee. Expect fees of $100–300, but beware that this cost can top $1,000, especially if the start and end points are quite far apart, or if the drop-off point is an out-of-the-way location. Certain places seem to be especially expensive for one-way cross-border trips no matter what (Italy, Spain, Scandinavia, and far eastern Europe). The extra cost of a one-way rental can still be worth it if it saves you a very long drive back to your first country. But if the last leg of your trip isn’t too far from the border of the country you started in, a small tweak to your rental plans can save you plenty. Let’s say you’re renting a car in France for a trip that ends in Barcelona. By simply dropping the car off within France (as close to the border as possible) and hopping a train to Barcelona (roughly $25 per person), you could save hundreds in drop-off fees.

When booking, also ask about your options (and the costs involved) in case you change your plans en route and want to drop off your car at an office in another city or on a different date.

More Tips for Renting a Car

Get quotes for weekly rentals. Typically, the longer you rent, the less it’ll cost per day. You may find that renting for a full seven days costs the same as, or even less than, five or six days.

Double-check currency conversions when comparing prices. Some foreign-based rental-company sites use fudged conversion rates that make the price in dollars look cheaper than the price that’ll actually show up on your credit-card bill. Convert prices yourself on a conversion site such as Oanda.

Pay upfront. It’s almost always smarter to prepay for a rental car when you book, rather than at the agency counter in Europe. Not only are you likely to get a discount, but, assuming that your quote was in dollars, you’ll know you’re paying the exact amount you were quoted. You’ll also avoid getting dinged with an overseas transaction fee on your credit card. If you’re purchasing a collision damage waiver from the rental company, that’ll likely also be cheaper when paid upfront. But beware cancellation fees: Don’t pay until your itinerary is firm, and be clear on the company’s cancellation policy.

Read the fine print. To minimize the chance of being blindsided when you show up at the rental counter, carefully read your entire reservation voucher before you leave home. Even if you booked the rental over the phone, the agent may well have skipped over certain details. Many travelers end up overpaying (or at least worrying they might be overpaying) if they’re jetlagged or too eager to hit the road to sort through the details. By asking about fees in advance (and taking along a hard copy of your reservation voucher), you can avoid unpleasant surprises.

Driving in Italy

ZTL (Limited Traffic Zones)

The historic centres of many cities, towns and villages throughout Italy have ZTLs. These limited zones have been put in place in order to reduce congestion and pollution making the centres more pleasant for residents and visitors alike. The zones in each place will have its own regulations; some zones are restricted to certain hours, some to residents only, some to cars with certain permits. These conditions will be set out underneath the road sign which marks the entrance to the zone. Although the sign is an international driving sign, it is one that some countries do not use, so it is essential that you familiarise yourself with this sign, before you travel to Italy.

Speeding

Pay careful attention to speed restrictions. Again, there are cameras on some roads and motorways and again, if you are caught speeding a fine of over 100 Euros will eventually find you. It is worth it to get a GPS as it will warn you before you come upon a camera. Listen for the beeps and make sure your GPS is up to date.

There are signs warning of the cameras and the cameras themselves are housed in large grey boxes by the sides of the road. On major motorways there is system they call "tutor" which identifies you at a certain point on overhead cameras and then monitors your progress through a number of similar points. The system works out your average speed and if it decides that you couldn't have gone that distance without breaking the speed limit, then you can expect a fine in the post.

Of course, you could also be stopped and ticketed by a police officer. The police also have the authority to make an on the spot fine.

Generally speaking, the speed limits are 50km/h in built-up areas, 90km/h on ordinary roads, 110km/h on dual carriages and 130km/h on motorways. In wet weather the limit is reduced to 90km/h on dual carriageways and 110km/h on motorways.

Voltalacarta

Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean, European, Soups, Seafood

Cerveceria ESTIU Bar

Reveiw: Five stars all the way. Top notch products used to create beautiful looking dishes that taste heavenly. You can trust chef Maurizio Pinto will give the meal of your life. Great staff as well who are very helpful and make the whole experience very comfortable. A class act.

From the outside you wouldn't recognize this place, and there is a bell you have to ring in order to get in. Inside it is a tiny place with about 10 tables. In shorts words, friendly, delicious, not too expensive, an absolute recommendation if someone visits Genova!

Good for: Special occasions, Business meetings, Local cuisine

Address: Via Assarotti 60r | Corner Via Peschiera, 16122, Genoa, Italy

Phone Number: +39 010 831 2046

Bella Vida Ristorante Brasiliano sul mare

Cuisine: Italian, Brazilian, South American, Steakhouse

Reveiw: Bella Vida Brazilian Restaurant invites you to taste the dishes Brazilians, we serve at the table various hot and cold appetizers, the meat is also cut and served directly at the table with the typical churrasco cooking using swords, cuts of meat are selected and you can find cooking Churrasco, the good quality as very valuable, supported by a cellar with a wide selection of Italian and international labels, to follow Desserts prepared by hand, typical Brazilians and Italians ... You will be impressed by the quality '... We wait ...

Good for: Romantic, Special occasions, Large groups, Bar scene, Families with children, Business meetings

Address: Corso Italia 32R, 16145, Genoa, Italy

Phone Number: +39 329 536 3750

http://www.ristorantebellavida.it

Ostaietta

Cuisine: Italian, Seafood, Mediterranean, European

Reveiw: I have visited Ostaietta with my family on our trip around northern Italy. We were served selected degustation menu by the chef including different pastas for first course and seafood mix for the second. We decided to leave dessert as the previous dishes were quite big and we would be not able to fit the desserts. All the food was very tasty and gave us the feeling of Italian home cuisine. Also the staff was very friendly. Last but not least the price of the meal was very good comparing with the restaurants in nearby that we visited during our trip that sometimes were disappointing compared to offered value. I highly recommend this place for the great experience of local cuisine for its' great foods and hospitality of the people running that restaurant.

Good for: Italian, Seafood, Mediterranean, European

Address: Via Canevari 280R, 16137, Genoa, Italy

Phone Number: +39 345 982 9289

Locanda degli Adorno

Cuisine: Italian, Seafood

Review: My colleague and I enjoyed a wonderful lunch here. My Italian is not good but the staff and other patrons were so helpful. There was no set menu, maybe 10 choices of the day. I had trouble understanding the menu so the waitress showed me plates of other patrons. They all knew each other and were glad to help me decide. We choose the tuna and the octopus - both were absolutely delicious. If you're looking for a typical restaurant with great food, great staff at reasonable prices, come here. I've had several good meals here in Genoa, but this was the best. Also, we were given Lemoncello to finish off the meal. We felt like family and highly recommend this restaurant and staff.

Good for: Local cuisine, Business meetings, Families with children, Dining on a budget

Address: Vico degli Adorno 50r, 16134, Genoa, Italy

Phone Number: +39 010 256695

http://www.locandadegliadorno.it

Ristorante San Giorgio

Cuisine: Italian, Seafood, Mediterranean, Soups

Review: The restaurant San Giorgio is just a few hundred meters from the center of Genoa Trade Fair. Easily accessible from the city center in just 5 minutes Our chefs offer dishes of Liguria, fish and meat. The wine list has over 500 labels. All major credit cards are accepted. It is advised to book. Air-conditioned rooms. Animals allowed. Open 7 days on 7 lunch and dinner. Wi-Fi free

Good for: Business meetings, Families with children, Special occasions, Romantic, Local cuisine

Address: Via Alessandro Rimassa 150 rosso | Per navigatore satellitare inserire Nr.civico 72, 16129, Genoa, Italy

Phone Number: +39 010 595 5205

http://www.ristorantesangiorgiogenova.it/en/about-us/

Trattoria Arvigo

Cuisine: Italian, Seafood, Mediterranean, Soups

Review:The place is out of town, on a small hill. When you get inside, it's like a crowded cantine that lots of senior people and working colleagues dining there. We went there a laboral Thursday on the way to Florence. The tagliatelle with funghi pocini was the best pasta I tried so far. The same as the seafood noodles I had "tagliatelle frutti di mare". The white wine was fine "Rosadimaggio". I didn't expect such high quality of food in a place like that with a very reasonable price.

Good for: Special occasions, Large groups, Business meetings, Local cuisine, Families with children

Address: Via Cremeno 31a, 16162, Genoa, Italy

Phone Number: +39 010 7170001

Locanda Spinola

Cuisine: Italian, Seafood, Mediterranean, Vegetarian

Review: We recently ate at Locanda Spinola. Food was excellent. Was a mix of locals and tourists but very much catering to locals with an Italian only menu. The waiter was helpful in translating. All the food was very tasty and innovative while still traditional. Would definitely recommend.

Restaurant features: Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol

Good for: Special occasions, Families with children, Local cuisine

Address: Vico della Scienza, 17/R | Centro Storico Di Fronte Alla Galleria Nazionale Di Palazzo Spinola, 16123, Genoa, Italy

Phone Number: 0104077266

http://www.locandaspinola.it

Patanegra

Cuisine: Italian, Steakhouse, Pizza, European, Spanish

Review: Patanegra is a relatively new restaurant outside the town centre, in the Val Bisagno, however despite the location off the usual tourist track it is really worth a visit.

They specialise in Taglieri misti, mixed traditional boards with different types of salami, ham, and cheeses. Everything is extremely high quality and well presented and prepared in front of you by the knolegeable chef/owner Gianluca.

As a main we had a steak, focaccia al formaggio with truffle and pizza. Everything was cooked to perfection, compliments to the chef.

We also enjoyed a bottle of Sagrantino from Frescobaldi which was extremely pleasant and drinkable.

We finished the meal with 2 delicious desserts and a few glasses of limoncello.

The bill was 85 euro with a tip, I could not believe how cheap it was, extremely good value for money for the amount and quality of food served.

Good for: Families with children, Business meetings, Large groups, Local cuisine

Address: Via Molassana 132, 16138, Genoa, Italy

Phone Number: +39 010 455 0500

http://www.patanegragenova.it

Indarsena Oyster Bar

Cuisine: Italian, Steakhouse, Pizza, European, Spanish

Review: Indarsena Oyster Bar is the only authentic "French style oyster bar" in Genoa, and one of the best in Italy. Gagge create a corner of Cote d'Azur on the dock of the Old Port. Importing directly from France every week 7-8 different kinds of oysters and various of shells, the restaurant offers real speciality for fans (also the famous Alaska King Crab !). But even those who don't appreciate coquillage, can taste steamed shellfish served cold with dips, or fish carpaccio, or soupe de poisson, or French cheeses and desserts provided by the best bakeries in Genoa.

Good for:Special occasions, Families with children, Local cuisine

Address: Calata Andalo Dinegro n.4 | Vecchia Darsena - Edificio Cembalo, 16126, Genoa, Italy

Phone Number: +39 347 713 9020

http://www.indarsena.it/index.php?id=inglese

Trattoria dell'Acciughetta

Cuisine: Mediterranean, Italian, Gluten Free, Seafood

Review: Acciughetta is a "funky" trattoria devoted to the small blue fish also called "pan do mâ"-"sea bread". Every day we love to introduce new combinations in our menu shaping them from traditional Ligurian cuisine and both listening to our imagination. Everything using quality ingredients bought in stores in the nearby, wherever possible. The restaurant is composed by a young staff (average 30 year old) with a strong passion for cooking, hospitality, communication, presentation, quality, conviviality, chatter and ... obviously ... wine.

Good for: Families with children, Local cuisine

Address: Piazza Sant'Elena | Angolo Vico Foglie, 16126, Genoa, Italy

Phone Number: +39 010 869 3918

http://www.acciughetta.it

Groove

Cuisine: American, Bar, Pub, Steakhouse

Review: Groove is a new place in Genova where you can taste quality Street food! Located in the old town, near one of its most famous streets: Via Garibaldi. The staff is very friendly and ready to help you in the choice of your meal. Vintage and rock based forniture make this place cozy and warm. Good selection of American uncommon beers, traditional and new concept delicious burgers, meat, hot dogs and tasty side dishes.

Suggested for tourists and locals!

Good for: Large groups, Dining on a budget, Bar scene, Families with children

Address: Via Ai Quattro Canti Di San Francesco 32r, 16124, Genoa, Italy

Phone Number: 390104071403

Ristorante Santa Teresa

Cuisine: Seafood, Italian, Mediterranean, Vegetarian, Gluten Free

Review: From the moment I opened the door I started loving the place, I was greeted at the entrance and shown a table straight away. They gave me a suggestion for the meal, I decided to try the first dish and chose the second plate myself, they were both delicious and brought as soon as I was ready, never had to call anyone as they were always paying attention and ensuring everything was fine. I really recommend this place, not only for the great food you can have there but also for the great service they provide, I will definitely recommend it to my friends and go there again if I come back to Genova!

Good for: Special occasions, Families with children, Business meetings, Local cuisine

Address: Via di Porta Soprana, 55 R, 16123, Genoa, Italy

Phone Number: +39 010 583534

http://www.ristoranteteresa.it

Taverna di Colombo

Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean

Review: This place is absolutely wonderful, we had the pleasure of eating at this restaurant a few months ago and my boyfriend and I still talk about our wonderful experience to this day.

Firstly, the food was delicious. We had an almond ravioli, pesto pasta and octopus. The wine was exceptional, and I love the fact that when we asked for a recommendation the owner suggested the house wine as it was his favourite.

Secondly and most importantly what made this restaurant so fabulous was the owner and head chef's company. He went above and beyond

Read us the whole menu in English (twice!) recommended food, wine, and after the restaurant quietened down came and sat with us for a chat- which turned into an extra three hours in the restaurant where he shared with us Australian wine, Italian whiskey, and many interesting and funny stories. Also the recipe for pesto which was very much appreciated! He even walked us out through the alleyways when we left (as it was very late) making sure we got home safe. Absolute gentleman, delicious food, amazing ambiance- what more could you want?

Good for: Dining on a budget, Local cuisine, Families with children

Address: Vico Della Scienza 6R | 6r, 16123, Genoa, Italy

Phone Number: +39 010 422 5003

http://www.tavoladautore.it/recensioni/id/271/cat/0/tip/0/La-Taverna-di-Colombo.html

OHO

Cuisine: Italian, Seafood, Mediterranean, Soups, Gluten Free

Review: Our restaurant in the heart of Genoa is located on the Via al Ponte Calvi and is 100 meters from the Aquarium in the Porto Antico area. When you enter the Soho Restaurant & Fishwork, you happen into huge counters full of fish, which customers can also buy just like in a real fish market. In this way, we follow the traditional spirit of the old city center and its inhabitants by continuing the former business featured by the building.

On the lower level, you will find an elegant, softly lit area with cosy and small dining-rooms, that are perfect for intimate dinners orworking lunches. A great deal of attention is paid to the menu, which changes every day according to the season and the type of fish caught. The long wine list includes labels from Italian and foreign producers, so that you can try interesting combinations with any food.

Good for:Special occasions, Families with children, Romantic, Business meetings, Local cuisine

Address: Via al Ponte Calvi, 20r, 16100, Genoa, Italy

Phone Number: +39 0108692548

Le Scuderie Dell'Astronauta

Cuisine: Italian, Pizza, Seafood, Mediterranean

Review: From the outside this restaurant looks a bit tacky. But going inside this restaurant will not disapoint you. It is traditional Italian food and it is well prepared and served. The pizzas are very good. I can also recommend the antipasti which is served in large dishes which can be shared among several persons. This restaurant also have a lot of seafood dishes which we did not tried this time but it must be good. The food is very reasonably priced and it must have all the recommendations it can get in this price range.

Good for: Dining on a budget, Business meetings, Local cuisine, Families with children

Address: Via Gian Battista Carpaneto, 18, 16149 , Genoa, Italy

Phone Number: 010 6438925

Ostaia de Banchi

Cuisine: Italian, Seafood, Mediterranean, Soups

Review: This restaurant was recommended by our guide, she said this is where she takes her family for dinner. The meals are very local and use Genoa's best ingredients: basil, olive oil, anchovies etc etc. Its specialty is fish, since it is located near the water, so you need to like seafood. I had a delicious claims and pasta in pesto and lemon. My husband simply had pasta with pesto. The restaurant is very simple, there is no prevention...they are ONLY about the food. Therefore, it is also not expensive. This was worth the visit, and we highly recommend!

Good for: Local cuisine, Dining on a budget, Families with children

Address: Vico Denegri, 17r, 16124, Genoa, Italy

Phone Number: 00 39 010 854 0468

Retro Restaurant

Cuisine: Italian, Seafood, Mediterranean, International, European

Review: Retro Restaurant is yet another delightful seafood restaurant set in vintage decor with a warm atmosphere. The staff is attentive and friendly and will you make you feel very welcome.

Very nice/ fun atmosphere with good music. Staff was very friendly & speak English if you need. Food was excellent. We tried the meat & cheese appetizer and it was very good & plenty of it. As our mains we had pasta. We tried the pasta with clams & pasta with salmon, both were excellent. Great wine list with reasonable prices. Great location & easy to find.

Good for: Romantic, Local cuisine, Special occasions, Business meetings, Families with children

Address: Via Malta 29, 16121, Genoa, Italy

Phone Number: +39 010 553 5064

http://www.genovalive.it/retro.php

Sugo

Cuisine: Seafood, Italian, Pizza, Mediterranean

Review: All Pizza dough are of an high quality , you could choose from the menù the pizza you like and then ask for a particular kind of dough That's great and more they have very selected kind of beer many of them are craft beer. All the team is kind and professional and if you like you could even bring home some particular kind of flour and beers and more other things. More then suggested.

And finally it is front sea!!!

Good for: Special occasions, Business meetings, Families with children

Address: Via Pietro Paolo Rubens, 35r | Vesima, 16158, Genoa, Italy

Phone Number: +39 010 613 9002

http://www.sugogenova.it/restaurant/

Zupp

Cuisine: Soups

Review: FOOD: this restaurant is specialised in zuppe (vegetable creams and vellutata). They have a short list of dishes but all them excellent and fresh prepared. Prices are from 7 to 10 euro per dish and can reach 16 if they have fresh fish.

Beer is served cold enough and they have also italian wines. Very cozy. Owners are nice and welcoming.

Location: This place is located in the vicoli of Genova, thus, the heart of the city. In this part of the city the streets are very narrow but clean and safe. Feel free to go for a walk in the evening.

Good for: Lunch, Late Night, Business meetings, Families with children

Address: salita coccagna, 10r | angolo via di Ravecca, 16128, Genoa, Italy

Phone Number: 010 247 5601

Piedigrotta

Cuisine: Italian, Pizza, Seafood, Mediterranean

Review: A good restaurant in Genoa, easily reachable from exhibition hall and centre. This restaurant offers many dishes of the Italian food tradition. A 'menu of the day' though offers the freshest dishes. Pasta, pizzas, risottos and fish/ meat specialities are of high quality. All were very tasty and well-presented. A good range of beverages available but the DAB German beer was excellent and satisfied us. Highly recommended for folk wanting a good lunch in Genoa.

Good for: Dining on a budget, Large groups, Families with children

Address: Piazza G. Savonarola 27 r, 16129, Genoa, Italy

Phone Number: 39010580553

http://www.ristorantepiedigrotta.com

Rossocarne

Cuisine: Italian, Steakhouse

Review: What a lovely surprise!!!!! It started to rain, we were walking through the historical center of Genoa and starting to get hungry, we heard laughter, lots of voices, so we walked into this tiny restaurant with wooden tables and chairs:

Their speciality is tartar steak made in different ways, at lunch they chop it with the meat grinder but in the evening they chop it with the knife which is actually a different thing according to the owner.

We must try to get a table in the evening when we get back to Genoa, as the atmosphere is fantastic, good wine, good service, oh by the way the pasta there is also very good.

Good for: Families with children

Address: Via Ravecca, 75/R, 16128, Genoa, Italy

Phone Number: +39 010 253 0518

http://www.rossocarne.it

La Locanda del Molo

Cuisine: Italian, Seafood

Review: We were recommended this restaurant in a cafe/bar in the Genova but found it hard to find. you have to walk inside the old walls and find it one end of Via del Molo. The interior is interesting: old walls and beams. The menu is extensive and the staff very helpful. It is used by a lot of locals which always recommends a place. The food was expertly cooked and well-presented. The choice of wines were well priced - sensibly priced. We ate there twice: once midday and in the evening. Both good experiences.

Good for: Large groups, Local cuisine, Families with children

Address: Via Del molo87-89, 16128, Genoa, Italy

Phone Number: 3495356064

http://www.lalocandadelmolo.it

Osteria dei Bischeri

Cuisine:Italian, Mediterranean, Seafood

Review: There are times when it's great to experience the joy of discovering a little cafe, bar or restaurant by accident and others when in an unfamiliar place with little time you want to go straight to a place where you will be treated well and have great food put in front of you.

The Osteria dei Bischeri is definitely in that category, we could not have been made more welcome or better looked after and the food was very well prepared and of a high standard.

What's more the menu offered something for all the family (we were offered simpler pastas for the children, although they stuck to their guns and held out for the gnocchi.. A great choice.)

Good for: Families with children, Business meetings, Romantic

Address: Genova | Via di Porta Soprana 31 R, 16123, Genoa, Italy

Phone Number: 390109751052

http://www.mentelocale.it/ristoranti/2805-osteria-dei-bischeri.htm

NH Collection Genova Marina****

Offering free Wi-Fi and a modern fitness area, the Genova Marina is just 50 m from Genoa Aquarium and near the Maritime Museum. It is in the old harbour, 5 minutes’ walk from the centre.

Rooms at NH Collection Genova Marina include a private bathroom, air conditioning and an electric kettle to prepare tea/coffee. Rooms come with carpeted or parquet floors and some have a balcony.

The restaurant serves Ligurian seafood dishes, modern cuisine, and traditional Italian recipes. It has 2 outdoor terraces with a charming view of the port and of Genoa's symbolic landmark, La Lanterna. Including healthy food, coffee and fresh fruit, breakfast is buffet style. NH Collection Genova Marina is located 100 m from La Città dei Bambini children's museum. Genoa Principe Train Station is 1.5 km away.

This is guests' favourite part of Genoa, according to independent reviews.

This property is also rated for the best value in Genoa! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.

NH Collection Genova Marina has been welcoming Booking.com guests since 7 Jul 2009m

Hotel Rooms: 140, Hotel Chain: NH Collection

Adress: Via Al Ponte Calvi, 5, 16124 Genova

http://www.nh-hotels.com/hotel/nh-collection-genova-marina

Hotel Bristol Palace****

The Bristol Palace features an impressive elliptical staircase, leading to its elegant rooms with satellite TV. This historic building is in central Genoa, 100 m from Piazza De Ferrari.

The classic style rooms feature antique furniture, and are soundproofed and air-conditioned. Each offers free WiFi and a large bathroom, some with a spa bath.

Genoa's Aquarium and harbour area are a 15-minute walk away.

Genoa Historical Centre is a great choice for travellers interested in museums,food and old town exploring.

This is our guests' favourite part of Genoa, according to independent reviews.

This property is also rated for the best value in Genoa! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city. We speak your language!

Hotel Bristol Palace has been welcoming Booking.com guests since 21 Apr 2006

Hotel Rooms: 133, Hotel Chain: Duetorrihotels

Address: Via XX Settembre, 35, 16121 Genova

http://www.hotelbristolpalace.it/en/hotel-4-stars-Genoa-Italy/hotel-bristol-palace-genova

Hotel Le Nuvole Residenza d'Epoca***

Hotel Le Nuvole Residenza d'Epoca is located in Genoa, just a 5-minute walk from the harbour. It offers elegant air-conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi throughout, and a continental-style breakfast provided daily.

The rooms feature a modern décor and design furnishings. Each is provided with parquet floors, a flat-screen TV, and an en suite bathroom.

At the Residenza d'Epoca le Nuvole you can start the day in the dining room, where breakfast is provided as a buffet. It includes sweet and savoury products. Teas and mineral water are available throughout the day.

Genoa Airport is 11 km from the property, while the Aquarium of Genoa is a 5-minute walk away.

Genoa Historical Centre is a great choice for travellers interested in museums,food and old town exploring.

Address: Piazza delle Vigne 6, Genoa Historical Centre, 16123 Genoa

http://www.hotellenuvole.it/main.php

Tower Genova Airport - Hotel & Conference Center****

Tower Genova Airport is located less than 2 km from Cristoforo Colombo Airport. Featuring free Wi-Fi throughout, it offers a free, scheduled transfer service to the airport and the centre of Genoa.

The Tower Genova features a fully equipped conference centre with a maximum capacity of 1500. You can enjoy a delicious mix of regional cuisine and Mediteranean flavours at the elegant restaurant. End your day in style with a drink at the bar.

With carpeted floors, your room includes a safe, flat-screen TV with Mediaset Premium channels, and minibar. Each room has a marble bathroom complete with a luxury set of toiletries.

There is on-site parking available at extra charge from Monday to Thursday, while it is free on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Address: Via Pionieri ed Aviatori d'Italia 44, 16154 Genoa,

https://www.expedia.com/Genoa-Hotels-Tower-Genova-Airport-Hotel-Conference-Center.h20923.Hotel-Information

Meliá Genova*****

This 5-star design hotel is set in a quiet tree-lined boulevard in a residential area in the heart of Genoa, a 10-minute walk from the main shopping street XX Settembre and city centre

It offers free access to the 190 m² wellness centre with an indoor swimming pool, gym, Turkish bath and hot tub.

With free WiFi, all the rooms are elegantly designed and come with modern amenities such as LCD satellite TV, minibar and work area. Each one has oak parquet floors, a private bathroom with small TV in the mirror, and safe.

A buffet breakfast with sweet and savoury food and gluten-free items is served daily at the Marea Restaurant. Open also at lunch and dinner, it serves innovative Ligurian and international cuisine and a wide choice of wines. The Blue Lounge & Terrace hosts aperitifs with DJ set, Sunday brunches and special dinners.

Just 600 m from the Fiera di Genova exhibition centre, the hotel is 5 minutes' walk from the Renaissance church of Santa Maria Assunta. Carlo Felice Theatre is just 10 minutes away on foot. Tickets for the Aquarium of Genoa, which is a 15-minute walk away, can be purchased at the reception.

Address: Via Corsica 4, 16128 Genoa, Italy

http://www.melia.com/en/hotels/italy/genoa/melia-genova/index.html

Best Western Premier CHC Airport****

Featuring design rooms with free Wi-Fi and air conditioning, Best Western Premier CHC Airport is 1 km from the Colombo Airport in Genoa and offers a free airport shuttle. It has a sauna, terrace and gym.

Boasting a flat-screen satellite TV with pay-per-view channels, all rooms at the Premier CHC are allergy free. Each includes a kettle, minibar and wooden floors.

An American-style breakfast is served daily in the dining room, and a restaurant on site prepares local cuisine based on fish.

The Aquarium of Genoa is a 10-minute drive away, and Sestri Ponente city centre is 1 km from the hotel. A bus stopping in front of the property offers connections to the city centre.

Address: Via Enrico Albareto 15, 16153 Genoa, Italy

http://book.bestwestern.com/bestwestern/IT/Genova-hotels/BEST-WESTERN-PREMIER-CHC-Airport/Hotel-Overview.do?propertyCode=98327

Starhotels President****

Located opposite the Genoa Brignole train and metro stations, Starhotels President is near the city's shopping district. It offers free WiFi throughout, modern rooms with air conditioning.

Rooms are quiet and comfortable, with a selection of pillows, comfortable Starbeds with soft feather beds, a minibar and a TV with satellite channels. Each bathroom comes with toiletries.

Guests have free use of the small fitness area.

A buffet breakfast is served each morning and the President also features La Corte Bar and Restaurant by Eataly, offering international cuisine.

This Starhotel is 15 minutes' walk from Fiera di Genoa exhibition centre. It has excellent bus links to the port and Genoa Aquarium.

Address: Corte Lambruschini 4, 16129 Genoa, Italy

http://starhotels-president.h-rsv.com/index.htm?lbl=ggl-en&gclid=CIzozIGI880CFUWNGwodhE8Gxg

Grand Hotel Savoia*****

Grand Hotel Savoia is opposite Piazza Principe Train Station, a few steps from Genoa Aquarium. Rooms and suites feature free Wi-Fi access, a free bottle of mineral water, and an LCD TV with Mediaset Premium channels.

The Savoia features a fitness area and small wellness centre called La Spiaggia Segreta, which includes a sauna, a large hot tub, and aromatherapy showers. You will also find 2 hot tubs on the terrace.

Salgari Restaurant offers Italian cuisine and Ligurian specialities. There is also a cocktail bar and lounge. The private garden includes a unique children's playground with pirate ship.

Address: Via Arsenale Di Terra 5, 16126 Genoa

http://www.grandhotelsavoiagenova.it/en/

NH Genova Centro****

NH Genova Centro offers a central location in Genoa, set between Piazza Principe and Brignole Train Stations. It features free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and a combination of classic and modern design.

Piazza de Ferrari and the De Ferrari Metro Station are a 5-minute walk from NH Genova Centro. Carlo Felice Opera House is 600 m away, and buses going to the Brignole Train Station stop 50 m from the hotel.

Guest rooms at this NH feature either modern or classic design, a TV with Sky channels and a minibar. Some rooms feature parquet floors and a view of Piazza Corvetto square.

The hotel has an extensive business centre, with 6 meeting rooms and internet access. A garage is also available, at extra charge.

The breakfast buffet is served daily, and includes seasonal fruit, freshly baked croissants, and cold meats. The Villetta di Negro restaurant specialises in Ligurian seafood dishes and other Italian favourites.

Address: Via Martin Piaggio 11, 16122 Genoa, Italy

http://www.nh-hotels.com/hotel/nh-genova-centro

Cit Hotel Britannia***

Set in Genoa historic centre, Cit Hotel Britannia is just a few steps away from Genoa Piazza Principe Train Station and from the cruise ships terminal.

Within walking distance of the hotel you will find the famous Aquarium, the Palazzo Ducale, the Palazzo Reale, the ancient harbour, the main theatres and the Congress Centre. All rooms are en suite and cleaned with ozone disinfection systems.

The public areas of Hotel Britannia were recently renovated and decorated in neutral colours, complemented by modern furnishings.

The property offers a fitness centre, with gym equipment, sauna and hot tub, a snack bar and a restaurant. A games room for children and a circus for babies up to 6 months is also available.

Address: Via Balbi, 38, 16126 Genoa,

http://www.cithotelsbritanniagenoa-hrez.com

Holiday Inn Genoa City****

Set next to the ferry and cruise terminal in Genoa, this Holiday Inn offers an attentive service and elegant, modern rooms with satellite LCD TV. It is 300 m from Dinegro Metro. The hotel also has a small gym and a well-equipped business centre.

Holiday Inn Genoa features an attractive, contemporary design. Mediaset Premium TV channels and a pillow menu come as standard in the rooms, which also include parquet floors. Wi-Fi access is free.

A buffet breakfast is served daily. The elegant restaurant serves Liguria and international dishes, together with a children’s menu. Guests can enjoy a relaxing aperitif or after-dinner cocktail in the stylish bar./p>

Piazza Principe Train Station is 1 metro stop or a 5-minute taxi ride from the hotel. Genoa Cathedral is 2.4 km away.

Address: Via Milano 47, 16126

http://www.higenova.it/en/

Hotel Nuovo Nord

Nuovo Nord is an affordable hotel enjoying a wonderfully central location in Genoa's historic centre. Set 50 m from the train station, everything is just walking distance away.

Genoa's famous port is just a 5-minute walk away from friendly Hotel Nuovo Nord, as are museums and the city's Aquarium, the largest in Europe. Shopping districts are a 10-minute stroll away and this area has great transport links, with buses and the Metro located nearby.

Nuovo Nord's reception can book transfers, tickets or restaurant tables for you, as well as a variety of interesting city tours. An extensive Italian-style buffet breakfast is available daily in the elegant restaurant hall.

Address: Via Balbi 155R, 16126 Genoa

http://www.hotelnuovonord.com

Best Western Hotel Moderno Verdi****

The BEST WESTERN Hotel Moderno Verdi is housed within a beautiful historic building, which has been carefully renovated in the Liberty Style.

The hotel is located close to the Genoa Brignole Railway Station, the airport and the International Fair. Reach the main theaters, the Palazzo Ducale, the aquarium, the convention center, the Porto Antico di Genova, the historic center, the Stadio Luigi Ferraris and the motorway within a few minutes. The Bandaranaike International Airport is just eight kilometers away.

The professionalism and courtesy of our staff will make guests feel right at home. Each of the 87 well-appointed rooms are furnished with care and elegance and equipped with amenities like high-speed broadband access, mini-bar, electronic safe box, air-conditioning, LCD televisions with Mediaset Italia cinema and foreign satellite channels and Premium Calcio Football Coverage, a hairdryer, telephones in the room and the bathroom, and a tub or shower to ensure our guests have a pleasant and relaxing stay.

The on-site Rigoletto Restaurant featuring cuisine based on local specialties, the lounge bar, two lifts and a private underground parking garage watched by CCTV cameras make us an ideal hotel.

Address: Piazza Giuseppe Verdi 5, 16121 Genoa

http://book.bestwestern.com/bestwestern/IT/Genoa-hotels/BEST-WESTERN-Hotel-Moderno-Verdi/Hotel-Overview.do?propertyCode=98342

Comfort Hotel Europa Genova City Centre***

Set in the heart of Genoa, Comfort Hotel Europa is a 5-minute walk from Principe Metro Station. It offers free Wi-Fi throughout and features a terrace with panoramic views of the city.

Rooms are air conditioned and come with a satellite LCD TV, a minibar, and a private bathroom with free toiletries plus a hairdryer.

At Comfort Hotel Europa Genova City Centre free daily newspapers are provided from Monday until Friday. Staff at reception are available to assist you 24 hours a day.

Private parking is available on site and costs EUR 15 per night. It is free from November until February.

Genova Piazza Principe Train Station is 400 m from the property and trains link with La Spezia and Turin. You can embark for the Cinque Terre at the port just 1 km away, while Serravalle Designer Outlet is 45 minutes by car.

Address: Vico Delle Monachette 8, 16100 Genoa, Italy

https://www.expedia.com/Genoa-Hotels-Comfort-Hotel-Europa-Genova-City-Centre.h19357.Hotel-Information

Novotel Genova City****

Offering free Wi-Fi, Novotel Genova City features a seasonal outdoor pool, restaurant, and spacious rooms with satellite TV. It is 700 m from Genoa Harbour and 6 km from Genova-Sestri Airport.

Located just off the A7 motorway, Genova City Novotel is a 10-minute drive from the city centre. Alternatively, you can catch a bus to Genoa’s Aquarium right outside the hotel.

With large windows and free tea and coffee, rooms feature a flat-screen TV and en suite bathroom with free toiletries.

Breakfast includes a selection of pastries, cakes and cereals. La Terrazza restaurant is open every evening until 24:00, serving both Italian and international dishes. Drinks are available from the hotel bar.

Address: Via Cantore 8/C, 16126 Genoa, Italy

http://www.novotel.com/gb/hotel-1709-novotel-genova-city/index.shtml

Hotel Continental Genova****

Located opposite Genova Principe Train Station, the Continental is a restored Art Nouveau hotel overlooking the port. It offers elegant rooms with parquet floors, free Wi-Fi, and a large breakfast buffet.

Breakfast includes savoury items such as cheese, as well as warm croissants and fresh fruit.

Open for lunch and dinner, the Trattoria Tralalero serves both Ligurian and international dishes, specialising in fresh fish. Guests can eat outside on the hotel's leafy terrace during the summer.

The Continental's air-conditioned rooms come with Mediaset Premium TV channels. Each has a tiled bathroom complete with hairdryer and toiletry set. Some rooms include a spa bath and offer views of Piazza Acquaverde.

The hotel is well connected to the public transport system. Both the metro and various bus lines pass through the nearby central station. Cristoforo Colombo Airport is a 15-minute taxi ride away.

Address: Via Arsenale Di Terra 1, 16126 Genoa, Italy

http://www.hotelcontinentalgenova.it/en/

Hotel Galata**

Located between Genoa’s Piazza Principe Train Station and the cruise terminal, Hotel Galata features air-conditioned rooms with flat-screen TV. The sun terrace offers panoramic views of the city, including the harbour.

The rooms are colourful and come with cool tiled floors, and a private bathroom with shower, hairdryer, and free toiletries. Free internet is available in the lobby.

Enjoy Genoan specialities at breakfast in the top-floor café. For lunch and dinner you can choose one of the many restaurants nearby.

The Galata Hotel is a 10-minute walk from the historic centre. The ferry harbour is 2 km away.

Address: Via A. Doria 4A, 16126 Genoa, Italy

http://galata-hotel-genoa.booked.net/en/

AC Hotel Genova

Located between Genoa’s Piazza Principe Train Station and the cruise terminal, Hotel Galata features air-conditioned rooms with flat-screen TV. The sun terrace offers panoramic views of the city, including the harbour.

The rooms are colourful and come with cool tiled floors, and a private bathroom with shower, hairdryer, and free toiletries. Free internet is available in the lobby.

Enjoy Genoan specialities at breakfast in the top-floor café. For lunch and dinner you can choose one of the many restaurants nearby.

The Galata Hotel is a 10-minute walk from the historic centre. The ferry harbour is 2 km away.

Address: Corso Europa 1075, 16148 Genoa, Italy

http://www.marriott.co.uk/hotels/travel/goage-ac-hotel-genova/

Mercure Genova San Biagio****

Mercure Genova San Biagio is 2 km from the A7 motorway and a 20-minute drive from Genoa’s centre. It offers free parking, and rooms with free WiFi and a flat-screen satellite TV.

Rooms are decorated in a classic style, with either carpeted or wooden floors. They include a minibar and a private bathroom with hairdryer.

Featuring a slanted crystal wall, the spacious hall has lots of natural light. The Mercure Genova San Biagio includes an à la carte Al Serro restaurant, and a stylish bar.

Cristoforo Colombo Airport is 12 km away. The hotel is 1.5 km from Genoa S. Biagio Train Station.

This property is also rated for the best value in Genoa! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.

Address: Via Romairone 14, 16163 Genoa, Italy

http://www.mercure.com/fr/hotel-9617-mercure-genova-san-biagio/index.shtml

Albergo Posta***

Albergo Posta is a historic hotel in the centre of Genoa, right by Palazzo Reale and 300 m from the Aquarium and the harbour. Guests of the past include the famous Casanova.

All rooms at the Posta are basic and functional, and equipped with private bathroom and LCD TV. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.

The Albergo serves Italian-style breakfast, with pastries, croissants, and coffee, cappuccino or tea. The bar is open 7 days a week.

Genoa Historical Centre is a great choice for travellers interested in museums,food and old town exploring.

Address: Via Balbi 24, Genoa Historical Centre, 16126 Genoa, Italy

http://www.albergopostagenova.com

Hotel Tirreno***

Hotel Meublè SuisseLocated in Genoa’s Sturia quarter, Hotel Tirreno has an American bar. It offers modern rooms with an LCD TV and views of the Tyrrhenian Sea or the Ligurian Apennines.

Rooms at the Tirreno have simple, contemporary furnishings and tiled floors. Each comes with air conditioning and a private bathroom with hairdryer, while some feature a kitchenette.

An Italian breakfast of coffee or tea and croissants is served daily. The area has many cafés and restaurants serving local cuisine and pizza

Genoa Aquarium is 7 km from the property. The Palasport arena and the Genoa International Boat Show are a 5-minute drive away.

Address: Via Dei Mille 17, 16147 Genoa, Italy

http://hotel-tirreno-genoa.booked.net/en/

Hotel Meublè Suisse**

The Meublè Suisse is set on the 3rd floor of a historic building in the centre of Genoa, 650 m from Genova Brignole Train Station. Reception is open 24-hour and rooms offer a private bathroom.

The lobby of the Suisse leads to a common living room with sofas and armchairs for guest's relaxation.

Genoa's Aquarium is 1.1 km from the Suisse Meublè. The area around the hotel is full of restaurants and bars.

Address: Via XX Settembre 21/6, 16121 Genoa, Italy

https://www.lastminute.com.au/Genoa-Hotels-Hotel-Meuble-Suisse.h4374512.Hotel-Information

Albergo Caffaro *

Set on the 6th floor of an early 20th-century building, Albergo Caffaro offers air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV. It is 10 minutes' walk from the Genoa Aquarium.

Rooms are simply furnished and have Graniglia tiled floors, typical of the Genoa area. Each one features a private bathroom with hairdryer.

Guests will find fruit juice and croissants in their room for breakfast and a coffee machine is available at reception.

The Caffaro Hotel is 10 minutes' walk from the shopping street of Via XX Settembre and San Lorenzo Cathedral. It is surrounded by historical building such as Palazzo Ducale and Palazzo Rosso.

Address: Via Caffaro 3 int.14, 16124 Genoa, Italy

http://www.albergocaffaro.it/index.php?id=1&sup_id=

Hotel Ricci **

The family-run Hotel Ricci is a 5-minute walk from Genova Brignole Train Station in Genoa centre. It offers air-conditioned rooms with a flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi.

Guests enjoy a buffet breakfast each morning at the Ricci Hotel, which also has a bar and luggage storage room. Rooms come with a private bathroom with hairdryer and toiletries.

Santo Stefano Church is 350 m away, while Genova Cathedral is a 15-minute walk or short bus ride away. The aquarium and harbour are less than 10 minutes away by car.

Address: Piazza Colombo 4/8, 16121 Genoa, Italy

http://www.hotelricci.com

Hotel Acquario***

Hotel Acquario is just across the road from the Genoa Aquarium in the heart of the city. Right next to the marina, it offers air-conditioned rooms with a TV, minibar and private bathroom.

Free WiFi is available in all rooms and a buffet breakfast is served each morning. Guests can enjoy a drink at the hotel bar and have discounts at a restaurant 50 m away.

The Acquario Hotel is 5 minutes' walk from the Darsena and San Giorgio Metro Stations. It has excellent bus links around the city to Genoa University and the business district.

Genoa Historical Centre is a great choice for travellers interested in museums,food and old town exploring.

Address: Via San Pancrazio 9, Genoa Historical Centre, 16124 Genoa, ItalyM

http://www.acquariohotelgenova.it/?id_referer=ADWORDS&gclid=CKO_0Zii9c0CFcFAGwodIroLAg

Ariadimare**

Featuring classic-style rooms with free Wi-Fi, Ariadimare is right by Genoa Harbour and 200 m from Dinegro Metro Station. It offers a sweet buffet breakfast, with savoury options available on request.

Guests at Ariadimare can relax in a communal lounge, where the breakfast is served every morning.

The property is a 10-minute walk from Genova Piazza Principe Train and Metro Station, also reachable by bus.

Address: Via Bruno Buozzi 18A, 16126 Genoa, Italy

http://ariadimarebnb.com

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