The Italians are professionals in knowing how to stretch their euros on holiday. They have the nose for a good bargain and are great at findings things to do and beautiful places to visit – all for either free or low costs! In order to follow suit, we’ve investigated how to visit Italy on a budget.

Eating & Drinking

When in Italy, do as the Italians do – they only have one big meal a day so take full advantage of the all-you-can-eat breakfast from your hotel. If you need lunch, consider ordering a panini, small plates or make your own Italian picnic utilising the local shops, this will help you to save money for your dinner.

Where to Stay

For most of us, the idea of haggling over the price of a hotel room seems completely vulgar. However, most Italians make a sport of it. Why not trying to ask for a discount or for some extras to be included? They won’t get offended and you may even get a better deal.

You can also try an agriturismo – one of the many working farms across Italy with rooms or apartments, normally at a fraction of the hotel prices. This type of accommodation can also give you a better insight into the lives of the locals.

Beaches

While you may instinctively head to the more well-known beaches, renting a beach chair or an umbrella can cost you upwards of €20 a day! The locals prefer the head to the more rugged – often free or at least discounted – beaches. Maremma National Park, for example, has sandy beaches with pristine sea, hiking trails, wildlife and much more – and the cost of entry is a fraction of the other more touristy sites. Or you can try some free beaches, like San Fruttuoso which is preferred by the Italians for its family-run restaurants. San Fruttuoso, another free beach, also has a stunning 10^th Abbey on its seashore.

In Sardinia, the locals avoid the overpriced beaches near Porto Cervo and instead head to the white sands of national parks like La Maddalena Archipelago.