Hiking down the Mt Etna in Sicily

Italy Travel Guide

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Practical information

08:58:43
Language(s)
Italian
Currency
Euro
Time zone
GMT +2

Time Zone

The time zone in Italy is GMT +1

Languages

Italian

The main language in Italy is Italian. However, Italy has 34 spoken languages including Sicilian, Neapolitan and Sardinian. 

Useful Phrases

  • Si - Yes
  • No - No
  • Per favore - Please
  • Grazie - Thank you
  • Prego - You're welcome
  • Mi scusi - Excuse me
  • Mi dispiace - I am sorry
  • Buon giorno - Good morning

Currency

Euro

The currency in Italy is the Euro (EUR). For the latest exchange rates please see www.xe.com

It is possible to withdraw cash from ATMs but please be mindful of any charges from your bank. Credit cards are widely accepted in the towns but not in remote areas. Please budget for drinks, souvenirs and any meals not included in your tour.   

USD
EUR

Electricity

220V 55Hz – Standard European two prong plug.

Weather of the Dolomites

The Dolomites enjoy the best weather conditions in the whole of the Alps. Storms working their way up from the south tend to be broken up by the southern mountain areas around Lake Garda and Brenta, leaving the northern Dolomites with relatively low annual rainfall.

The summer months have warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine, perfect for hiking and climbing. The average temperature in the summer is 15°C - 25°C normally with a refreshing mountain breeze.


In autumn the temperature begins to drop but the conditions remain stable, making the Dolomites a great option for some late summer / early autumn hiking. Snow begins to accumulate in December and can last through until the end of April.  Winter temperatures will average -5°C to 6°C.


Spring is the most likely time of year to experience heavy rain in the Dolomites but this is often welcomed as it clears the air and opens up spectacular views of the mountains while on your hiking adventure in Italy.

View of Dolomites peaks

Geography of the Dolomites

The Dolomites are located in north east Italy and form part of the Southern Limestone Alps. The borders of the range are the River Adige in the west and the Piave Valley in the east. The Dolomites are made up of 15 different massifs, each reaching roughly 3000m in altitude.

The landscape of this UNESCO World Heritage site supports an incredibly diverse range of flora and fauna. Endemic plant species include Campanula morettiana, Saxifraga Facchinii and Primula tyrolensis. The extremely rare orchid know as Nigritella buschmanniae can also be found here. Wildlife includes roe deer, golden eagles, chamois and even brown bears.


What makes the scenery of the Dolomites so unique and compelling is the contrast between the gently undulating lines of the valleys and the sudden vertical rise of the vast limestone spires. The shear rock walls appear to change colour over the course of the day as the rock reacts to the changing light in a natural phenomena know as Enrosadira.

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