Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
PRACTICALITIES
»
Weights & Measurements
Use the metric system for weights and measures.
»
Smoking
Banned in closed public spaces, though some locals continue to flaunt the law.
»
Newspapers
If your Italian is up to it, try the following newspapers:
Corriere della Sera,
the country's leading
daily, and its southern spin-off
Corriere del Mezzogiorno;
or
La Repubblica,
a centre-left daily with a flow of
Mafia conspiracies and Vatican scoops.
»
Radio
Tune into state-owned Italian RAI-1, RAI-2 and RAI-3 (
www.rai.it
)
, which broadcast all over Italy and
abroad. The regions' plethora of contemporary music stations include Radio Kiss Kiss (
www.kisskiss.it
).
»
TV
Channels include state-run RAI-1, RAI-2 and RAI-3 (
www.rai.it
)
and the main commercial stations (mostly
run by Silvio Berlusconi's Mediaset company): Canale 5 (
www.canale5.mediaset.it
), Italia 1
(
www.italia1.mediaset.it
)
, Rete 4 (
www.rete4.mediaset.it
)
and La 7 (
www.la7.it
).
Public Holidays
Most Italians take their annual holiday in August, with the busiest period occurring around August 15, known locally as
Ferragosto. This means that many businesses and shops close for at least a part of that month. It also means that south-
ern Italy's islands and coastal resorts become incredibly lively (and crowded). Settimana Santa (Easter week) is another
busy holiday period for Italians.
National public holidays include the following:
New Year's Day
(Capodanno) 1 January
Epiphany
(Epifania) 6 January
Easter Monday
(Pasquetta) March/April
Liberation Day
(Giorno della Liberazione) 25 April
Labour Day
(Festa del Lavoro) 1 May
Republic Day
(Festa della Repubblica) 2 June
Feast of the Assumption
(Ferragosto) 15 August
All Saints' Day
(Ognissanti) 1 November
Feast of the Immaculate Conception
(Immaculata Concezione) 8 December
Christmas Day
(Natale) 25 December
Boxing Day
(Festa di Santo Stefano) 26 December
Safe Travel
Despite mafia notoriety, southern Italy is not a dangerous place and the biggest threat you will face is from faceless
pickpockets and bag-snatchers. The following tips will help ensure a safe and happy stay:
