The Local (Italy)

1 week ago | thelocal.it | Clare Speak

La Bella Vita is our regular look at the real culture of Italy – from language to cuisine, manners to art. This newsletter is published weekly and you can receive it directly to your inbox, by going to newsletter preferences in ‘My Account’ or following the instructions in the newsletter box below. When you think of Italy’s famous coastline, you might imagine the Italian Riviera, Sorrento, or the unspoilt white sands of Sardinia’s lesser-visited coves.

1 week ago | thelocal.it | Elaine Allaby

Italy's high school students start final exams Half a million students across Italy started their final exams for their high school leaving certificate on Wednesday, national media reported. The maturità consists of one oral and two written exams that test students' Italian language and critical thinking skills as well as their knowledge of specialist subjects.

1 week ago | thelocal.it | Elaine Allaby

The price of a summer holiday in Italy is rising once again this year, with hotels costing as much as 34 percent more in August than the summer season five years ago, according to financial newspaper Il Sole 24 Ore. The average holidaymaker was set to pay 2.3 percent more for an Italy vacation in August 2025 compared to 2024, a study by consumer research centre Altroconsumo found.

1 week ago | thelocal.it | Elaine Allaby

Elderly man drives car down Spanish Steps An 81-year-old man was unharmed after driving a car down Rome's Spanish Steps in the early hours of Tuesday morning, Italian media reported. Stopped by police part way down the steps, the man tested negative for alcohol but appeared to be "in a state of confusion," according to Corriere della Sera newspaper. Firefighters later removed the Mercedes-Benz he was driving with the help of a crane to avoid damaging causing further damage.

1 week ago | thelocal.it | Elaine Allaby

Beaches For many who visit Italy during the summer, beaches are the biggest draw - but you'll need to decide whether you prefer a free public beach or are willing to fork out for a spot at one of the many privately-run beach clubs that dot the coastline. The average cost to rent two sunbeds and an umbrella at a beach club this year is €32-€35 per day during weekends, according to consumer watchdog Codacons, though prices can vary significantly depending on location.