Italy is still popular with tourists this year – more expensive, but worth it

Full house on the beaches

This season, popular Italian resorts – including Bibione, Caorle, Jesolo and Rimini – were packed to the brim. The Bari area has also become particularly popular among Hungarian travelers, after low-cost flights started. The word Hungarian can now often be heard on the streets of Otranto and Gallipoli.

In addition to relaxing on the beach, many people visit Tuscany, the picturesque villages of the Cinque Terre around La Spezia, as well as Naples and the ruins of Pompeii. Of the islands, Capri and Sicily attract the most guests.

Expensiveness: how much of a deterrent is it?

Prices have risen significantly: a week-long beach holiday for a family of four can cost up to 6,500 euros. According to Róbert Richard Kiss, Italy is more expensive than Hungary or Croatia, and certain areas – such as Genoa and Viareggio – are particularly expensive. The area around Rimini is also positioned higher, while Caorle and Bibione offer slightly more affordable prices.

However, the expert stressed that the attractions and cultural heritage are such a strong attraction that visiting the country is much more than a simple holiday.

The downsides of overtourism

The success of Italian tourism also comes at a price. The most popular locations – such as Venice, Gallipoli or Otranto – often become overcrowded. In Venice, it is almost impossible to move around in the crowds during the carnival, and in Gallipoli and Otranto, rules had to be introduced to restrict the behavior of tourists.

The parking system in the Cinque Terre has also been changed: cars must be left further away from the settlements, and from there the villages can be approached on foot.