Mi o My Italy Blog

Oct 30, 2026

Bringing Your Dog or Cat on Vacation to Italy

Would you love to bring your four-legged family member along on your Italian holiday? The good news is that Italy is generally a very pet-friendly destination. From countryside farmhouses to outdoor restaurant terraces and designated dog beaches, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy Italy with your dog or cat.

However, there are a few things to organise before packing their suitcase!

What documents does your pet need?

Dogs and cats travelling to Italy must have:

An approved microchip for identification.

A valid rabies vaccination, administered after the microchip is implanted.

The correct travel documents.

If you're travelling from another EU country, your pet will normally need a European Pet Passport.

Visitors from the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and other non-EU countries generally need an EU animal health certificate. Depending on your country of departure, a rabies blood test may also be required.

First-time rabies vaccinations generally require a 21-day waiting period before travel, so plan ahead.

Can your pet fly to Italy?

Many airlines allow small dogs and cats to travel in the cabin in an approved carrier. Larger dogs may have to travel in the aircraft's hold. Rules, weight limits and fees vary between airlines, so check before booking your ticket.

Getting around Italy

Small pets can generally travel free on Trenitalia trains in suitable carriers. Larger dogs are also permitted on many services, subject to ticket, lead and muzzle requirements.

Hiring a car is another good option, particularly if you want to explore Italy's countryside and smaller villages.

Finding pet-friendly places

You'll find plenty of pet-friendly hotels, holiday apartments and agriturismi (farm stays). Many restaurants welcome dogs, particularly at outdoor tables, although it's always best to ask first.

Italy also has designated dog-friendly beaches, known as spiagge per cani or Bau Beach.

One important tip: Italian summers can be extremely hot. Always provide fresh water and shade, avoid the hottest hours and never leave your pet in a parked car.

With a little preparation, there's no reason your dog or cat can't join you for a wonderful Italian holiday!

Oct 24, 2026

Students Invade Colosseum

Oct 22, 2026

Planning a Trip to Italy? Start With This Step-by-Step Itinerary

The only Italian itinerary you will ever need. Save time, avoid the crowds, and experience the best of Italy with our expert-designed itinerary.

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Oct 21, 2026

Farmers and Truck Drivers Join Protests

A war thousands of kilometres away is now being felt in the everyday lives of Italians, from the price of filling a car to the availability of food in supermarkets.

The conflict in Iran has disrupted energy markets and driven up fuel costs, adding to the pressure on an economy already struggling with expensive energy and a high cost of living. For Italy’s truck drivers and farmers, who keep the country supplied with food, goods and raw materials, rising diesel prices have become a breaking point. They say the cost of keeping their tractors and trucks running is becoming unsustainable.

Now the anger is spilling onto the streets. Tractor and truck blockades are disrupting deliveries, supermarket shelves in Sicily are emptying, and some factories are struggling to obtain the supplies they need. Airports in Crotone and Reggio Calabria have also reported fuel shortages.

The bitter irony is that ordinary Italians are being hit twice: first by the economic consequences of a war they did not start, and then by the disruption caused as workers fight to survive its financial fallout.

When fuel becomes unaffordable, the consequences reach every household.

Oct 16, 2026

Huge Protests Rock Italy

Students in Rome Burn US and Israeli Flags During Nationwide School Protests

Students took to the streets of Rome and cities across Italy on Friday, October 16, 2026, in a nationwide day of protest against government education policies, military spending and the rising cost of living.

The demonstrations, organised under the banner of “No Meloni Day”, brought together many many thousands of young people demanding more investment in schools and less money spent on weapons and war.

In Rome, where organisers said around 20,000 students had joined the march, protesters burned the flags of the United States and Israel. Palestinian flags were also prominent in the crowd, and demonstrators chanted slogans calling for a boycott of Israel.

The scenes in the capital were part of a much wider mobilisation. Demonstrations were also held in Turin, Milan, Genoa, Venice, Florence, Cagliari and other Italian cities.

“Money for schools, not for war” was among the slogans heard during the protests. In Turin, demonstrators also protested against government policies and military expenditure, while some threw eggs at police officers. In other cities, the demonstrations included symbolic actions against the government and the arms industry.

Not all the protests remained peaceful. In Rome, some individuals reportedly set off firecrackers and smoke bombs, while police maintained a strong security presence around the Ministry of Education.

The burning of the American and Israeli flags is likely to draw particular attention, given the continuing tensions surrounding the conflict in the Middle East. For the demonstrators, the actions formed part of a broader expression of opposition to war and military spending.

Oct 10, 2026

Flash Floods Hit Lipari as Torrential Rain Sweeps the Sicilian Islands

Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Lipari after torrential rain caused serious flooding on the beautiful Aeolian island off Sicily's northern coast on Saturday, October 10.

The storm struck during the early hours of the morning, reaching its greatest intensity between 1am and 1.40am. The damage was considerable. Dozens of homes were flooded, streets in the town centre were covered in mud, and cars became trapped in floodwater and debris around Sottomonastero harbour.

Two torrents, Ponte and Valle, overflowed, carrying mud and rocks towards the beaches and into the sea. Firefighters worked through the night, helping motorists in difficulty and responding to calls for assistance.

Lipari is a place many visitors remember for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, welcoming community and beautiful coastline. For the residents now facing the difficult task of cleaning up and repairing their homes, however, the island's beauty will offer little comfort until life returns to normal.

Oct 09, 2026

Tornado Hits Sicily

Powerful Tornado Devastates Towns in Western Sicily

A powerful tornado swept through western Sicily on Friday, October 9, causing widespread damage in Marsala, Petrosino and the surrounding area.

Homes and other buildings were damaged, cars and trucks were overturned, and trees and electricity poles were brought down by the violent winds. A school in Marsala suffered particularly severe damage, with windows blown out and part of its ceiling collapsing. Around 300 pupils were evacuated.

Ten people, including five children, were initially reported admitted to hospital, according to local officials. Most of those treated in Marsala were subsequently discharged, although some remained under observation. Two people caught in the tornado while travelling by car in the Petrosino area were also seriously injured.

Sep 30, 2026

Retire in Sicily or Calabria?

Dreaming of a new life in Italy? For many people, Sicily and Calabria seem irresistible. Both offer stunning coastlines, charming villages, warm weather, and a lower cost of living than many other parts of Italy. However, before packing your bags, there are some important realities you need to consider—especially if you're planning to retire or spend your later years in Italy.

Healthcare Can Be a Serious Concern

One of the biggest factors to consider when choosing where to live in Italy is healthcare. While Italy's healthcare system is often ranked among the best in the world, the quality of care varies considerably from one region to another.

Unfortunately, Sicily and Calabria have struggled for years with healthcare-related challenges. Waiting lists can be long, specialist appointments may take months, and some hospitals lack the resources available in central and northern Italy. It is not uncommon for residents to travel hundreds of miles to other regions for important procedures or specialist care.

For retirees and anyone with ongoing health concerns, this can become a major issue. A beautiful home overlooking the Mediterranean loses some of its appeal when accessing quality healthcare becomes difficult.

Other Challenges of Living in Southern Italy

Healthcare is only part of the picture. Both Sicily and Calabria face economic challenges, higher unemployment levels, and less developed infrastructure than many parts of central and northern Italy. Public transport can be limited outside the larger cities, and dealing with bureaucracy often requires patience.

While these regions are wonderful for holidays, daily life can sometimes prove more complicated than newcomers expect. Many expats arrive enchanted by the scenery but later discover that practical matters have a much greater impact on their happiness.

Why Umbria Is a Better Alternative

If you're looking for a region that offers beauty, authenticity, and a higher quality of life, Umbria deserves serious consideration. Known as Italy's Green Heart, Umbria is famous for its rolling hills, medieval towns, excellent food, and welcoming communities.

The region also benefits from generally stronger healthcare services, good transport connections, and a central location that makes exploring the rest of Italy easy. Best of all, property prices and living costs remain reasonable compared to many of Italy's most famous destinations.

Before You Make Your Decision

Every region of Italy has its attractions, but moving abroad requires looking beyond postcard views and sunny beaches. For many expats, Umbria offers a more balanced and practical lifestyle than either Sicily or Calabria.

Click the Continue Reading link below to discover why Umbria may be the ideal place for your new life in Italy.

And also consider Udine

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Sep 30, 2026

Did u know that Italian women don’t take their husband’s surname?

In Italy, a woman does not legally replace her birth surname when she marries. Her surname remains the one she was given at birth, and that is the name used for official identification and civil records.

Italian consulates will confirm that a married woman keeps her maiden surname on her passport and other documents.

She can, however, use her husband’s surname socially, and it can be added as an annotation to an Italian passport. So you may sometimes hear an Italian married woman referred to using her husband’s surname, but that does not mean she has legally changed her name.

A very Italian bit of history

This has an interesting history. Under the old Italian Civil Code, the legal position was very different. Before the 1975 reform of family law, Article 144 stated that the husband was the “head of the family” and that the wife assumed his surname.

The landmark Family Law Reform of 1975 changed this. Article 143-bis provided that a wife would add her husband’s surname to her own rather than simply replacing it. In practice, the surname given at birth remained the key legal identifier.

It’s about identity

There is something rather beautiful about this Italian tradition. Your surname connects you to your family, your parents, your grandparents and generations of history. Marriage does not erase that identity.

And the story is still evolving. Italy’s rules concerning children’s surnames have also changed significantly in recent years, giving parents more choice over which surnames their children receive.

So the next time you meet an Italian married woman, remember: the surname she was born with is still legally hers.

A small detail? Perhaps. But it tells you something fascinating about Italian family, identity, and tradition.

Sep 28, 2026

Shopping in Florence: Our Guide to Italy's Shopper's Paradise

The Essential Guide to Shopping in Florence. Explore luxury boutiques, hidden gems, and local markets. Plan your ultimate shopping spree in Florence now!

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Sep 28, 2026

Saluzzo is an Absolutely Exquisite Little Italian Town

Saluzzo may not be one of Italy's famous names, but that is part of its charm. Give it a day and I think you'll understand why this little town is so special.

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Sep 16, 2026

Addio to Vitantonio Lovallo

There are some people whose lives seem to belong to another Italy. Vitantonio Lovallo — known affectionately as Zitòn — was one of them.

He was born in 1914 in Sarnelli, a small village near Avigliano in Basilicata, and he lived to the remarkable age of 112. For a time, he held the title of Italy's oldest living man. But titles never defined him. His life did.

And what a beautifully simple life it was. He worked the land. He looked after his animals. He stayed close to his family and to the village that had always been his home. Even as the years gathered around him, he never stopped. In his 100s, he was still taking his sheep out to pasture. Well into old age, he was still tending his vineyard — hands in the soil, as they had always been.

His food was just as traditional, just as honest. Vegetables, fruit, beans and chickpeas, alongside the simple foods produced around him. Nothing complicated. Nothing hurried.

And perhaps that tells us something about Basilicata.

This is a region where old ways of living have quietly survived. Where people have always walked a great deal, worked with their hands, eaten what the land gave them, and remained close to family and neighbours. The Mediterranean diet — rich in vegetables, legumes and olive oil, with little processed food — is part of the picture too.

Basilicata is also home to an unusually high number of very old residents. Yet there is no single secret to living to 100, let alone 112. Genetics, environment, lifestyle and luck all have their part to play.

But what I find most touching about Zitòn's story is this: he wasn't trying to live forever.

He was simply living.

Fully. Gently. Faithfully.

And perhaps that is the finest lesson this remarkable man leaves behind.

We salute you, Zitòn. May God bless you.

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Sep 14, 2026

Canale di Tenno: A Village That is Like Being in a Nativity Scene

Escape the hustle and bustle and retreat to the tranquility of Canale di Tenno, where time seems to stand still amidst the majestic peaks of the Italian Alps.

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Sep 12, 2026

Albori - A Secret Little World on the Amalfi Coast

When you think of the Amalfi Coast you think of picturesque villages, breathtaking scenery and lots of tourists. Albori is as picturesque, but no tourists.

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Sep 03, 2026

Postcards from Italy

Discover the beauty of Italy through these stunning photos that capture its essence. From historical towns to breathtaking landscapes, explore it all.

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