With sun-soaked vineyards, famous Renaissance cities like Florence, the majestic buildings of Rome and some of the world’s most beautiful countryside, it’s not surprising why Italy is such a popular destination to visit – and that’s before we get onto the food and wine! When travelling in Italy, it can be easy to fall into the usual tourist traps, but if you would prefer to see the country through a local eye, these websites should help.

Tours by Locals

Who better to show you around Italy than someone who has lived there for years? toursbylocals.com is a website built on this principle, hooking visitors up with friendly local tour guides across the globe. There are a range of tours in Italy to choose from, with everything from excursions into the countryside to foodie day tours taking in the best of the region’s cheese, salami, and olive oil.

Rome, Lazio, Italy by Julius

Trusted Housesitters

House sitting is one of the best ways to experience a region like a local, and websites like trustedhousesitters.com make it easy to find opportunities within Italy. House sitting involves looking after someone’s pets and property while they’re away. It’s a great way to get plugged into the social pipeline: the homeowner will introduce you to their neighbours and friends, and usually passes on local knowledge to help you ease into your stay.

Couch Surfing

If you’re a social butterfly, couchsurfing.org is a good way to get accommodation in Italy: and best of all, it’s free. Don’t be fooled by the name: most couch surfing hosts have a spare bedroom to put you up in. Couch surfing hosts are naturally friendly, and take pleasure in showing their guests around town. It’s a good way to discover Italy’s many hidden gems.

Typical Sicilian living style by Julius

Agroturismo

You can experience the Italian countryside like a local by staying on a working farm. agriturismo.it is an Italian website specialising in farmhouse accommodation across the country, and there’s a great selection of accommodation available. Some of the holiday homes come complete with bicycles, so you can enjoy an idyllic afternoon of cycling through those famous rolling hills.

Airbnb

Having your own apartment is the best way to experience a city like a local. Most of the apartments on airbnb.com are away from the usual tourist destinations, giving you a real feel for the neighbourhoods of Florence, Rome, Milan and other popular Italian cities. Renting a self catering apartment also gives you a chance to shop like a local, in the weekly market. Picking up perfectly ripe produce and taking it home to experiment: could anything be better?

What are your favourite websites for discovering Italy?

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