What do you like most and least about Italy?

Question

I live in Italy now and am getting used to the traditions and culture here. I live in a town near Milan and it's very interesting! If you have any tips or something interesting to say about Italy and Italian culture, please do.

Answer 1

My father was born over there, we still have family over there, but more towards the South, not up by where you're at (although it's fantastic up there as well). Basically there's so much to do and see in Italy it's almost unbelievable. You've got all the major northern cities, Milan (which you're in), Florence, Venice, Pisa, check out the Italian Riviera as well of course, Portofino, etc. Then as you move gradually more south you've got the Tuscan region, and then into the Lazio region, Rome , obviously.

But don't overlook the South (generally regions south of Rome have been considered to be the "mezzogiorno", or southern Italy, and they have a different climate , culture, and feel about them than the northern cities). Some say the "real" Italy lies from Rome south, especially in the poorer isolated rural regions. For some great adventure and very non-touristy places (along with extremely hospitable people and fantastic food) check out the regions such as southern Abruzzo, Molise, and Basilicata. Also see Puglia (the port city of Bari), Campania (Naples is in Campania, as is the isle of Capri --- fantastic there), Calabria , and Sicily.

If you go to Sicily be sure to go just a bit further south and visit the Italian / Sicilian isle of Pantelleria. From there you are very near northern Africa, and this is the southernmost point of all of Europe. It's a fantastic island. If you're American, it's almost like, if you could imagine this, a blend of Arizona and Florida or California (because you have the palm trees, etc). It got this name because the Arabs who lived there called in "Bint alRion" ("daughter of the wind"), because of the warm dry winds that blow across it. My uncle lives there now, and you have to try to stay in a dammuso (this is traditional old Moorish / Arab style house) ; they have them for tourists as well. Also you can get really good sun if you lie on the beaches there. :-) Have fun!

Answer 2

I like the architecture and history and culture. I hope to someday see Florence, Vience, Rome and maybe Milan in person.

The only thing that may bug me are some of the exotic seafood dishes, I'm not that big on seafood. Most American's think of Pasta, meats and pizza as mainstay Italian foods, but my research shows there are a lot of seafood dishes regularly eaten there. I also may not like the mainstay wines. I'm not into heavily dry wines.

Answer 3

What I like most about Italy is that Italy is (was?) considered to be THE GARDEN OF EUROPE. Then I like all the good technological and artistic things that still come from Italy (or designed in Italy).

I also like the rare possibility to say "Ciao a tutti!"

What I definitely don't like about Italy is a kind of backward mentality with too many religious items at most places and with too many Italians that typecast others - telling you in advance what you want to say to them and defining what you are without giving you time to tell them what you actually are and what you actuallly want to say to them.

Anyway, ciao a tutti.

Answer 4

I've never been in Italy but I like very much the language because it is like a melody and I also like Italian people cause they're very stylish and enjoy their life a lot like greeks (i'm greek)!

Answer 5

I like least that it has taken away my brother!Miss him a lot........ What I like the most in Italy is my brother!LOL

Answer 6

The pasta and scenery is the pro. The con is, it's too far away sniff......soo romantic