best italy travel books 2023

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13 Best Italy Travel Guide Books

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• 13 Best Italy Travel Guide…

Italy has so much history, art, and culture that naturally attract travelers. The enchanting peninsula isn’t the largest European country. But, it offers diverse and rich things to see and do. Each city and region have something different to offer. From preserved treasures, ancient towns like Pompeii, to its beautiful coastline and beaches. For the best authentic experiences, we cannot recommend you enough to plan first. And travel books about Italy are your best option for travel preparation. Guidebooks help you get the best insight into destinations you want to visit. Plus, you’ll get plenty of information for planning.

How To Choose The Best Travel Books about Italy

When you decide to visit Italy, you first need to read travel guides to learn more about the country. However, it can be difficult to find the best travel guides for Italy since there are so many options available. Before you purchase one, here are a few things to help you choose your own.

Check the published date

When buying the best travel books for Italy or any other country, you need to make sure you get new and updated information about the country. So, it’s important to check the published date. If you buy the old version of guidebooks, the information may be outdated.

Guidebook format

Many publishers offer travel books about Italy in two versions: printed and digital. Consider buying both printed and e-book for your next trip. You can take notes on the printed version – plus, it makes a great coffee table book – while the e-book can be used on the go.

Check the author bio

To have the best experience while traveling, only equip yourself with first-hand information. We recommend choosing local-based and experienced authors and writers. For example, if you want to visit villages in Italy , it’s best to buy a travel book from someone who came from that village or at least has spent a significant local living there as a local.

What is the best way to tour Italy for the first time?

You should mix relaxation and sightseeing in your itinerary for the best experience. Generally, you can combine the sights of Rome and while staying at hotels in Florence with a more relaxed ambiance. Tuscany or Venice are also great choices. Get a travel guide for Venice Italy to get an unforgettable experience in Venice.

How many days is enough for Italy?

Generally, you would need about ten days to explore Italy. Though you’ll need much more time to discover and enjoy a complete Italy experience. But, you still be able to cover many of the top sights.

How do I organize my trip to Italy?

If you only have 3-5 days, choose only one destination. It could be a city or region. For 10 days trip, you can cover 1-3 places, either the north, central, or south of Italy. You can set aside two weeks? If so, you could explore 3-4 places in the south and north.

Italy Travel Guide Essential Tips For First-timers in Italy

Planning on traveling to Italy for the first time can be overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. Italy Travel Guide Essential Tips For First-timers in Italy is what you need. Find out how to enjoy Italy’s beauty to the fullest with this guidebook. The book has 11 chapters, which 5 of them cover the cities and regions. They include Rome, Florence and Tuscany, Venice, Milan and Lombardy, and Sicily. Unlike other best travel books for Italy, the author even devoted a chapter to the best Italian beaches. Not to forget some of the less-traveled ones.

The chapter starts with the History of Italy. Here, you can get brief information about the Roman Empire. Another chapter covers how to plan a trip to Italy. There is so much information you can get, like the best time to visit which place. Get the most of your visit by learning some Italian phrases to help you get around.

We think The Cultural Tips: Not To Do in Italy and Travel Tips sections are the best sections. If you plan to eat and drink in Italy, you’ll find some helpful sections. These include How to Order Coffee, How to Choose a Restaurants, and Drinking Wine in Italy. Also, there’s a chapter on What to Do When Things Go Wrong and Airport Tricks that you’ll find very supportive and useful. All these trips and tricks will complete your arsenal to explore Italy.

Foodie, beach-goers, first-time travelers, backpacker, family, and group travelers

Michelin Green Guide Italy

Create your memorable journey to Italy with Michelin Green Guide Italy . It’s one of the travel guides for Italy that will give you depth descriptions of the locations and sites, whether you’re visiting Italy’s must-see cities or outdoor activities.

Do you prefer wine regions and gourmet destinations? Historic cathedrals, castles, and Roman ruins? Wandering around the sunny Sicilian villages? Or, hunting postcard-perfect photos in Lakes Region? This book gives travelers the most reliable recommendation on where to go, where to eat, and where to stay. There’s also a section about activities for kids. You’ll also get information on how to get there and what to see and do.

Get some practical A to Z information that will help your trip, from embassies, pharmacies, and public holidays. It also provides maps and pictures. Getting to know more about Italy will make the best of your trips. You can get some insights from the book about Italian history. Besides, there’s brief information about Italy today, nature, plus art and culture.

Family travelers, photographers, backpackers, adventurers

The Rough Guide to Italy

The Rough Gu i de to Italy gives everything you need to know when planning a trip to Italy. The book includes extensive lists of must-see sights, practical advice, even an off-the-beaten-track. Plus, it provides insights on what to see and do, how to get around, and things not to miss. Besides, there’s an itinerary section that helps tailor your own schedule. With excellent reviews, you’ll discover the recommended restaurants, shops, and hotels. The full-color maps and photos will inspire your places to visit.

The book has four main chapters in the table of contents. They include Introduction, Basics, The Guide, and Contexts. The Introduction provides information all travelers would need. You’ll find itineraries, where to go, when to go, and author picks. Meanwhile, the Basics cover practical information and pre-departure tips. Getting there, getting around, festivals and travel essentials are among the topics.

Next, The Guide Chapter is divided into 17 cities and regions. It covers Rome and Lazio, Umbria, Sicily, Lombardi and the Lakes, Tuscany, Sardinia, and more. Also, you’ll find highlights, brief history, maps, and more information on each city and region. Contexts give you information about the history, Italian art, and useful language. Plus, recommended books and films. Make the most of your time in Italy! Whether you plan to experience the Piazza San Marco in Venice, enjoy the spectacular Amalfi Coast, or explore the collections of art in Florence. Did you know that there are great gay-friendly hotels in Florence ?

You’ll get an e-book for every paperback purchase. All these make this book one of the best travel books for Italy as well as a travel guide for Venice Italy.

All type of travelers, such as adventurers, city slickers travelers, solo travelers

Italy The Best Places to See by Rail

If you’re interested in exploring Italy via Rail, Italy The Best Places to See by Rail is your best choice. The book is perfect for solo or group travelers who don’t want to join the fixed scheduled tours through travel agencies. Or, travelers who don’t want to drive in a foreign country. If you want or spend as much as time you want on each sight, this book helps planning your own itinerary.

This entertaining travel guide includes five major itineraries. They are Venice, Rome, the Lake District (Como, Maggiore, and Lugano). Besides, it also covers Sicily, the Amalfi Coast, and over the Alps on the world-famous Bernina Express. The author also provides a chapter about hotels near the stations. So, you only need to walk less than 15 minutes to your hotel. There’s also a guide on how to choose each hotel along the way based on your budget.

You’ll also find websites on how to obtain your rail and attraction tickets on this easy-to-read guide book. It helps save your time and money on the internet. Other information, such as recommended restaurants and places of interest are provided. Including tables and maps. This book really helps travelers to have a stress-free trip around Italy on its superb rail system. Making it also the best travel guide for Venice Italy and travel books about Italy.

Independent travelers, adventurers, group or family travelers

Rick Steves Venice, 16th Edition

Make the most of your vacation in Venice with Rick Steves Venice . It’s the perfect choice for a travel guide for Venice Italy. This updated version provides new restaurant reviews and city walks. Either you’re exploring the great city for a week or more, the book offers comprehensive coverage. Find top sights and hidden gems, such as the Rialto Bridge, the charming city of Padua, or St. Mark’s Basilica. Also, don’t miss exploring the canals and wandering down the cobblestone alleys as you soak up the culture, art, and history of Venice.

The book also includes the best places to eat and sleep. Besides, you can use the self-guided walking tours of museums and Grand Canal Cruise tours. Traveling with your best friends? You’ll also find some useful info about the best nightlife and places to relax in Venice.

The Italian survival phrases help you connect with local people and get to know their culture. The book also provides a historical overview and recommended reading. You’ll like the useful packing list given in the book. What’s more, the detailed maps and fold-out city map will help you get the most of your time. Get this guide in paperback or digital version.

Party-goers, family or group travelers, and backpackers

Lonely Planet Italy’s Best Trips

Lonely Planet Italy’s Best Trips is one of the most useful travel guides for Italy, especially, if you’re planning for a road trip to Italy whether to explore somewhere new or places you’ve been before. The book features 40 amazing road trips in Northern Italy, Central Italy, and Southern Italy. These road trips include Grand Tours and World Heritage Wonders. Plus, you’ll have up-to-date expert advice on the destinations you’ll visit along the way.

Embrace the majesty of the Dolomites or enjoy the Tuscan landscape and stop by on the dazzling Amalfi Coast. Jump in the car, turn on the music or one of the best audiobooks , and hit the road with your trusted travel companion! The book includes insider tips to get around like a local. Other information is included, like places to eat, sleep, sightseeing with honest reviews. To start your road trip, there’s a section on Road Trip Essentials. It provides plenty of information, from how to hire a car, insurance, road conditions, to fuel and parking.

While you’re on the road, you can always use the features like Stretch Your Legs and Detours. The gorgeous color photos throughout the book help pick your interests and needs. On top of that, it has easy-to-read and full-color route maps, which is important for your road trip. It provides detailed directions for exploring Italy accessible by car.

Family or group travelers, adventurers, photographers, frequent wanderers

DK Eyewitness Venice & the Veneto

With so much to see and experience in Venice, you’ll need the best travel guide for Venice Italy. Planning to wander around the magical maze of Venice canals? Or, exploring through majestic mountains and sampling delicious cuisine? Experience all Venice has to offer with DK Eyewitness Venice & the Veneto . Not only does it offer a watery oasis, but the book also includes more places you should visit. The alpine forests and verdant hills in the Dolomites, the third-largest Roman Arena, and the beautiful scenery of Lake Garda are among the others.

This book is divided into three major sections; Discover, Experience, and Need to Know. There’s everything you need to know about the Vento region. It includes excellent walking tour suggested itineraries. So, you can create your own itinerary that suits your likes. If you have limited time, take the suggested itineraries given. Learn more about the history of the region in its section Brief History.

Each section of the city in the Experience chapter is completely updated with places to see and things to do. Besides, it covers the opening times and website. Plus, you’ll find recommendations for hotels and places to eat. The Venice map is very helpful for exploring Venice and Veneto. Besides, it provides bus and water taxi maps. Other information includes bus and train services. Useful telephone numbers and a street map of Venice and Murano are included. Also, you’ll have the DK Eyewitness special, the virtual 3D map! You can get this guide in paperback and digital versions on Kindle.

Couples, group or family travelers, photographers, foodies

Kids’ Travel Guide Italy

Are you traveling with your family to Italy? Or, moving to live in the country temporarily? Kids’ Travel Guide Italy is not only interesting but also a fun way of learning. Specially designed for children, they may not realize they’re learning while reading at the same time. Also, the book helps to keep your children occupied while traveling. There are plenty of fun activities for kids to do. With this book, even children get to prepare what to bring before traveling.

The table of contents makes finding anything about Italy easier and faster. The book includes a section about places you should visit and why they’re famous. It guides your children to walk through the famous Grand Canal Venice and the magnificent piazzas and basilicas. And your children will love discussing pizza, gelato, and spaghetti!

Furthermore, the book provides history, flags and symbols, culture, plus geography. It also provides some popular Italian words and phrases. It will help you and your children interact with local people. One of the best travel books about Italy for children, it’s available in Kindle edition. The e-book is perfect if you’re flying with luggage restrictions. But, if you prefer a more interactive experience, you can get the paperback edition.

Family travelers, long-term travelers, temporary residences

Fodor’s Essential Italy 2020

Fodor’s Essential Italy 2020 is recognized as one of the best travel books for Italy. It’s something you need to create the perfect adventure and experience the country. This guidebook provides information and explanations about culture and history. It also helps enrich your travel. Find which cities or regions you’re looking for with the color-coded category icons and two-column text. This book covers Venice, Lake Como, Pisa, Tuscany, Vatican City, Rome, and more.

This book also includes customizable itineraries for various trip lengths. And it provides info for the best walking tours. Known for accuracy and attention to detail, you’ll find top recommendations and exclusive tips from the locals. Its section of ‘best of lists’ provides the best things to do and see. Plus, there are expert recommendations on hotels and restaurants. What’s more, you’ll find some practical tools and tips for getting around as well as basic Italian phrases, a calendar of events, and festivals.

There’s even a section to guide you on what to read and watch before your trip! We love the beautiful color photos and features throughout. It includes features on hiking the Cinque Terre and Sistine Chapel. With more than 70 detailed maps and a free pull-out map, it’s definitely one of the best travel guides for Italy.

Adventurers, photographers, and backpackers

Frommer’s Italy 2020

Whether you’re planning for a family trip or special food and wine trip, Frommer’s Italy 2020 is one of the best travel books for Italy you can have. Its chapter of suggested itineraries gives you the most helpful day-by-day info to plan something that suits your interests and schedules. You’ll get helpful advice from Frommer’s authors themselves. Do you prefer walking among the ancient ruins of Pompeii? Or, exploring off-the-beaten-path Puglia? What about floating along the canals of Venice? Whichever you prefer, this one of the travel guides for Italy is brilliant to help planning your trip.

You’ll find up-to-date guide Italy destinations. These include honest recommendations on where to eat, where to stay, and what to do in each place. Besides, the book also provides cultural information. So, you’ll understand the history, traditions, and cuisine of Italy better. What’s more, there’s some helpful accurate information of websites, transportation, and telephone numbers.

The book divides cities and regions into each section. You’ll find Bologna & Emilia-Romana, Genoa & Cinque Terre, Venice, Tuscany, and more. Milan and Rome, Italy’s fashion capitals are also covered. On top of that, it provides one chapter about the maps and a handy pull-out map. Get the travel books about Italy both in paperback and e-book on Kindle for your Italy’s best authentic experience!

Any type of travelers, including business travelers and fashionistas

Rick Steves Italy 2020

Are you planning your first trip to Italy? Rick Steves Italy 2020 should be your top choice of travel guides for Italy. It gives references and guides for those unfamiliar with the country. The book provides updated information on some best places. It covers Milan, Florence, Tuscany, Naples, Pompeii, and Venice, making it also the best choice for your travel guide for Venice Italy. Experience Italy, from the Colosseum, the Mediterranean to the Alps, or discover the relaxed rhythms of sunny Cinque Terre.

Even before you leave, you’ll find so many useful things in the book. What to pack, currency to use, city history, and customs are examples. Plan your trip to the max with everything you need to know about Italy in this book. These include places to stay and see, how to book and use transportation, and how to avoid tourist traps. We love that the book helps travelers figuring out the transportation system. Plus, it has a chapter with a planned three-week trip from Milan to Rome using public transportation.

Make your trip easier and connect with the locals by learning some Italian common phrases. The book also provides information on the opening times and days closed for major sites. Plus, there’s a section on historical overview. Detailed maps, including a fold-out map, are very helpful. You can rip it out and fold it in your pocket for handy reference.

Backpackers, family, or group travelers

DK Eyewitness Italy 2020

You’ll find this guide to be useful in making your trip across Italy easy. Whether you want to explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii, cruise down Venice’s Grand Canal, soak in the sunny Capri, it’s one of the best travel books about Italy that has everything covered. Finding the best gelato or enjoying the lavish foodie culture? You’ll find the book is organized into three major sections: Discover, Experience, and Need to Know.

Discover provides brief introductions to the history and architecture of the country. Experience is divided into three main sections of twenty different towns and regions. First, Central Italy (like Rome, Lazio, and Florence). Second, Northern Italy (including Milan and Venice). And third is Southern Italy (Sicily, Sardinia, Naples, and more). Each region, city, or town comes with a brief history and some highlights. There is information like places to see, insider tips, suggested places to eat. Plus, many sections have detailed maps. The last one, Need to Know, gives you expert advice and practical information about getting around and a few Italian phrases.

You’ll also find a selection of itineraries to help planning your trip, so you can enjoy the best of Italy. Whether you’re staying for a few days or few weeks, this travel guide makes sure you experience all Italy has to offer. What’s more, DK Eyewitness Italy 2020 provides lots of color photos. Also, maps and illustrations. It’s perfect for those who want to get places and sights visually. And it includes plenty of those 3D photos of cathedrals and historic buildings that you’ll love.

Good planner travelers, backpacker, photographers, and foodie travelers

Lonely Planet Italy

Lonely Planet Italy is one of the must-have travel books about Italy for independent travelers, who long for the best way to discover this country. It’s also perfect for those planning a trip to Italy, but unsure where to go. You’ll get everything you need. Enjoy the adventures and hidden gems from the information and recommendation in this book.

The book gives you up-to-date info on what to see and skip. Sample the varieties of olive and wine in Tuscany, toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain in Rome, or wander through streets in Pompeii. Anywhere you want to go, such as Rome, Naples, Sicily, Sardinia, and the Dolomites, this book covers them.

Get the best place for you to sleep, eat, sightsee, and more from honest reviews that meet all budgets. The book includes itineraries to help you set up your trip to your personal interests. Or finding cultural insights, like art, history, and customs? We also love the photos throughout the book. Plus, the pull-out Rome map and hundreds of other colored maps that really helpful. This is why Lonely Planet Italy sits on top of our list of the best travel books for Italy.

Backpackers, adventurers, solo travelers

Author:  Julie Wharton

As a solo traveler, I have discovered the freedom and adventure that comes from exploring the world on your own terms. With a backpack on my back and a thirst for new experiences, I have journeyed to some of the most remote and fascinating destinations on the planet. As a travel blogger, I share my stories and insights with fellow solo travelers who are looking to break free from the constraints of group tours and package deals. Whether you're a seasoned backpacker or a first-time adventurer, my blog is dedicated to helping you plan your solo travels with confidence and ease. From tips on finding the best hostels to recommendations for off-the-beaten-path destinations, I provide a wealth of information that will help you make the most of your solo journey. And with a passion for photography and storytelling, I bring each destination to life through vivid imagery and captivating narratives. So if you're ready to embark on an adventure of a lifetime, join me on my journey and let's discover the world together.

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Uncovering the Best Travel Books for Italy [2024]

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Looking for an Italy travel guide book to help you plan your trip? There are many options to choose from so we rounded up those that delivered the best information for planning, insight into the destinations you want to visit and those that added a little something extra.

Guidebooks are an important resource to help you plan your travels to Italy. Usually thoroughly researched and detailed, they offer a great starting point as you begin your initial trip planning. As you begin to firm up your itinerary you can also check back for tips on logistics and general information prior to arrival.

Fortunately, there’s a host of high-quality Italy travel books out there, and we’re here to tell you which are best, including guides for specific cities and regions. All of these books are available in print or digital formats depending on your preference.

3 Best Italian Travel Guides

Rick steves italy, lonely planet italy, dk eyewitness travel guide italy.

Rick Steves is the go-to guy for many Americans when it comes to travel in Europe.

For almost half a century he has spent ⅓ of every year traveling around the continent, and he’s made it his mission to make travel in Europe accessible to Americans.

Rick Steves’ guide to Italy is easy to read and full of useful information, from travel tips and recommendations to history and cultural insights.

It covers popular attractions as well as off-the-beaten-track gems, and is perhaps the best travel book for Italy.

As a general rule, Rick Steves is selective about the places he includes. His guides may not cover every destination in Italy, but the places that are included are well worth visiting. This book delves deep into Rome , Milan , Tuscany, Naples, Venice, and Sorrento, amongst others.

It is, however, missing information on several key areas of Italy, such as Sicily, Puglia, Basilicata, Sardinia, Piedmont, and Matera. As such, it may not be ideal if you’re planning a trip around the whole of Italy or any of the aforementioned destinations.

That being said, his philosophy is to include places based on their worthiness rather than popularity or fame. So if you don’t have an Itinerary for your Italian adventure, following Rick’s guide certainly won’t leave you disappointed!

This guide is best suited to first-time travelers and has a focus on making the entire experience less intimidating. Rick’s writing is soaked with passion and enthusiasm.  This is a guy who lives for travel, and his love for it certainly shines through!

Lonely Planet is the gold standard when it comes to travel guide publishers, and they’ve been crafting world-class guides for decades.

Lonely Planet’s Italy guide is amazing when it comes to day-to-day travel tips and advice, such as where to stay, what to eat, and how to get around.

You’ll also find plenty of interesting information on Italy’s history and culture and insider tips that will help you save money and time.

It contains detailed itineraries and allows you to tailor your trip to suit your interests, making it a strong contender for the best Italy guide book. 

Lonely Planet’s guide is broader than the Rick Steves alternative, covering more of the country. As a result, the guides on specific cities and towns are more condensed, and so offer a bit less detail. This guide isn’t especially visual, but it does feature a good amount of color images and plenty of maps throughout!

While this guide is great for those traveling on any kind of budget, it is particularly well-suited for low-budget and mid-range travel. Backpackers and independent travelers will love it most, but it’s a great resource for any kind of traveler. Use the code UNTOLD10 to get 10% off on Lonely Planet .

DK Eyewitness travel guides give you the best picture coverage of any guide book. Through its compelling images, this travel guide transports you to your destination before you’ve even left, giving you a tantalizing taste of what’s to come!

DK Eyewitness Travel Guide Italy includes all of the basics and is undoubtedly one of the best travel guidebooks for Italy. 

It includes fully planned out Itineraries and detailed histories to helpful tips, suggestions, and information.

DK Eyewitness books have a keen focus on culture, art, and architecture, and this one is particularly visual, featuring amazing photographs and hand-drawn color pictures. DK’s guides tend to concentrate more on ‘ see’ rather than ‘ do’ .

DK Eyewitness has a less personal feel than Rick Steves and is more focused on facts and histories than personalized suggestions. It mostly covers major tourist attractions, but covers them well and in detail. 

You’ll find maps, birds-eye images, and beautiful illustrations of famous landmarks’ interiors. This travel guide is amazing if you’re a dreamer who enjoys visualizing your trip and finding inspiration before you leave. 

Top Guides for Rome

Rick steves pocket rome, dk eyewitness travel guide rome, glam italia 101 fabulous things to do in rome, blue guide rome.

Rick Steves Pocket Rome is packed with everything you need to know about the Eternal city. You’ll find fascinating histories and cultural information alongside recommendations, helpful tips, useful information, and on-the-ground travel insights.

Rick offers his advice on how you should prioritize your time in Rome during a visit of any length, whether it be a day or a week.

As the title suggests, this guide is small enough to easily carry around as you explore, and can be tucked away in a pocket when not in use.

The book also includes promo codes for tours; if you take a couple of them, you could easily save more than the cost of the book, making this an extremely cost-effective purchase. 

As with all of Rick’s guides, Pocket Rome’s writing style has a personal touch. It contains insights that could only be curated by such a seasoned traveler.

The DK Eyewitness Travel Guide Rome  is a great tool for planning a trip to Rome. It offers itineraries for different length stays and includes sections for different kinds of travelers, such as art lovers, foodies, families, and architectural admirers.

This can help tailor your experience to suit your interests. It also contains a healthy amount of history and cultural information, alongside some helpful tips and suggestions.

It is an exceptionally visual book, with beautiful color images dominating pretty much every page. This, again, allows your mind to wander through Rome before you’ve left home, and is a great source of inspiration when planning your trip!

This guide is best suited to those who wish to see the main, popular sights of Rome and anyone who has a keen eye for aesthetics.

This guidebook was written by Corinna Cooke who runs small group tours in Italy and has been traveling to Rome for several decades. She is exceptionally well experienced and knowledgeable, and pours it all out onto Glam Italia! Rome ’s 394 pages.

The book has a distinct focus on avoiding the tourist crowds and absorbing a side of Rome that is less traveled. Corinna details the best sights, markets, and experiences, sharing insightful travel tips along the way. Amongst the tips and suggestions, you’ll find quirky illustrations, fun stories, interesting facts, and history.

This guide will give you a truly unique and enjoyable experience of Rome and is best suited to those who want to explore off the beaten track. We think it’s one of the best travel books for Italy.

Blue Guide Rome is almost encyclopedic, overflowing with information on just about every corner of Rome. Co-authored by an art historian, it truly contains a wealth of information on the city’s history, art, culture, and architecture, with an unparalleled level of detail. 

The book’s writing style conveys intelligence and deep knowledgeable understanding, and is the perfect guide for travelers who like to dig deep into culture and history!

It is, however, a little light on visuals as well as practical tips and suggestions, and so may not be ideal for first-time travelers.

Top Guides for Florence and Tuscany 

Dk eyewitness travel guide florence and tuscany, tuscany, italy: small-town itineraries for the foodie traveler.

• Glam Italia! 101 Fabulous Things To Do In Florence: Insider Secrets To The Renaissance City

DK Eyewitness Travel Guide Florence and Tuscany is an easy-to-use travel tool that, just like other DK Eyewitness Guides, is strongly visual. It offers useful travel tips and practical information alongside cultural and historical context.

The color-coded chapters make navigating the guide a breeze, and the book is packed with plenty of user-friendly maps. There’s even a large pullout map of Florence tucked inside.

Expect exploded illustrations of key sights as well as gorgeous images that will whet your travel appetite like no other guidebook. Perfect for lovers of all things visual, this book offers an inspiring taste of Florence and the rest of Tuscany.

This travel guide for Tuscany takes you on a journey to discover the highly-celebrated Tuscan cuisine, exploring the region’s gorgeous historic sights, natural beauty, and vibrant culture along the way.

It provides travel tips and information, making recommendations for places to stay and visit beyond culinary establishments. But if you’re a foodie traveler, this is without a doubt one of the best Italy travel guides for you!

Glam Italia! 101 Fabulous Things To Do In Florence

This guidebook was written by Corinna Cooke, who runs small-group boutique tours to Italy and is a best-selling author. She travels to Florence regularly and is well-experienced and knowledgeable on the ins and outs of the city. She shares all the tips and tricks she has learned in Glam Italia! Florence .

The book guides you to avoid the tourist crowds and get off the beaten track in Florence. Corinna shares the best sights, eateries, and experiences, as well as many other insightful travel tips and suggestions for a stress-free visit. 

This guide is full of interesting facts and history, as well as hilarious anecdotes and is best suited to those who like to get off the beaten track and explore a unique and sometimes quirky side to the city.

Top Guides for Venice

Rick steves pocket venice.

• Glam Italia! 101 Fabulous Things To Do In Venice: Fantastic Finds In The most Unique City On Earth

Rick’s Steves Pocket Venice is a fantastic, compact guide to Venice , that comprehensively breaks down the city in order to help you get the most out of your trip. You’ll find the usual travel tips, recommendations, and information, including some history and cultural insights.

It’s more visual than his Italy guide, with color images scattered throughout. There’s also a large pullout map of the city, which comes in particularly handy when exploring the maze that is Venice. 

It contains some great walking tours through the city, as well as some downloadable audio tours. Rick’s passion for European travel is once again conveyed through the book’s personal writing style. 

Pocket Venice is a great option for anyone who wants to avoid Venice’s tourist traps and travel the city with insider information.

Glam Italia! 101 Fabulous Things To Do In Venice

Another excellent guide from best-selling author Corinna Cooke, who has been traveling to Venice half her life and knows the city inside out. She shares her insider knowledge and tips in  Glam Italia! Venice .

With Venice being a notoriously busy tourist hotspot, this book tells you when and where to get you away from the crowded center. The guide is full of places to get off the beaten track in Venice and will help you find this lagoon city’s hidden gems. 

Best Regional Travel Guides for Italy

• Rick Steves Snapshot Naples & the Amalfi Coast

Lonely Planet Sicily

Rick steves snapshot naples & the amalfi coast: including pompeii.

This Rick Steves guide is the perfect companion for those planning a trip to Naples and the Amalfi Coast . With detailed suggestions on where to go and what to see, as well as first-hand advice on accommodation, food, and nightlife.

The guide covers the main sights and destinations, including Vesuvius, Pompeii, Amalfi Town, and Positano. You’ll find detailed maps as well as some black and white images. Featuring Rick’s usual writing style, this book helps you travel like a local, and provides a good amount of historical context.

This is a great option for those who want the advice of an experienced traveler to heighten their explorations of Naples and the Amalfi Coast.

As with all Lonely Planet guides, Lonely Planet Sicily is packed full of helpful on-the-ground travel tips.

This book allows you to get to the heart of the region and helps you to get around the island like a local. It’s great for exploring the main sights and attractions, as well as for discovering hidden gems.

Amongst several other destinations, it covers the Aeolian Islands, Western and Central Sicily, Palmero, and much of the region’s extensive coastline.

The writing is practical and useful, and the guide is well-suited to adventurous travelers who want to dive into Sicily , head first.

Choosing the best Italy Travel Book for your trip

When selecting the best Italy travel guide for your preferences and interests, there are several important considerations you should take into account. 

Some guidebooks are more focused on pragmatic hands-on information, often in the form of tips and advice. Some favor a more informational approach with a focus on providing historical and cultural context to the sights and destinations. 

You’ll find that some guidebooks tend to be more visual, with plenty of images and diagrams and less written content, while others are text-heavy and rich in information. Others include handy extras such as maps. 

It’s important that you check the publication date of the Italy travel book you’re considering. We live in a world of constant change; more recent guidebooks will have more current information and are more likely to be useful.

Also, be sure to check the table of contents so that you can compare the areas covered in the guide to the list of areas you would like to visit.

Italy trip planning

We hope this guide to the best Italy guidebooks has given you some useful insights and helped you make an informed decision. We’ve curated this list with every traveler in mind, and we’re sure that you’ll find something that suits you and your itinerary !

Choosing the right guidebook can really make a visit to Italy special, and, no matter which book you choose, we hope you have a wonderful adventure.

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10 Best Travel Books For Italy

Italy is a fascinating country with a rich cultural heritage, breathtaking natural landscapes, and world-famous art and architecture. From the historic cities of Rome, Florence, and Venice to the picturesque coastlines of Amalfi and Cinque Terre, Italy has something to offer every traveler. Whether you’re planning a trip to Italy or simply looking to learn more about this beautiful country, here are the 10 best travel books for Italy that you should add to your reading list.

1. Italian Days by Barbara Grizzuti Harrison

Barbara Grizzuti Harrison’s Italian Days is a classic travel memoir that captures the essence of Italy’s people, culture, and landscapes. The book is divided into four seasons, each representing a different aspect of Italy’s character. From the romance of spring in Venice to the sun-drenched beaches of the Amalfi Coast in summer, Harrison’s vivid prose will transport you to Italy and make you fall in love with its charm and beauty. With her insightful observations and sharp wit, Harrison paints a picture of Italy that is both timeless and contemporary.

2. Invisible Cities by Italo Calvino

Italo Calvino’s Invisible Cities is a surreal masterpiece that blends fantasy and reality to create a mesmerizing portrait of Venice. The book is structured as a series of conversations between the explorer Marco Polo and the emperor Kublai Khan, with each chapter describing a different imaginary city. Calvino’s writing is poetic and dreamlike, and his vision of Venice will leave you spellbound. Invisible Cities is a book that will inspire you to explore Venice and discover its hidden treasures.

3. Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes

Frances Mayes’s Under the Tuscan Sun is a memoir that chronicles her move to Tuscany and her efforts to renovate an old villa in the countryside. The book is a celebration of the simple pleasures of life, from cooking with fresh ingredients to enjoying the beauty of the natural world. Mayes’s descriptions of Tuscany’s landscapes and culture are vivid and evocative, and her enthusiasm for the region is infectious. Under the Tuscan Sun is a book that will inspire you to slow down, savor life’s simple pleasures, and appreciate the beauty of the world around you.

4. The Agony and the Ecstasy by Irving Stone

The Agony and the Ecstasy is a biographical novel that tells the story of Michelangelo’s life and work. The book takes the reader on a journey through the Renaissance, from Florence to Rome, and offers a fascinating glimpse into the creative mind of one of history’s greatest artists. Stone’s meticulous research and vivid descriptions bring Michelangelo and his world to life. The Agony and the Ecstasy is a book that will inspire you to appreciate the art and architecture of Italy’s great cities, and to see the world through the eyes of a true genius.

5. A Room with a View by E.M. Forster

E.M. Forster’s A Room with a View is a classic novel set in turn-of-the-century Florence. The book tells the story of Lucy Honeychurch, a young Englishwoman who falls in love with an unconventional young man while traveling in Italy. Forster’s writing is witty and insightful, and his descriptions of Florence’s architecture and culture are beautifully rendered. A Room with a View is a book that will transport you to a bygone era and make you fall in love with Florence’s timeless beauty.

6. Italian Neighbors by Tim Parks

Italian Neighbors is a memoir by Tim Parks that offers a humorous and insightful portrait of Italian life. The book describes Parks’s experiences living in a small town near Verona and his interactions with his Italian neighbors, who are both charming and maddening at the same time. Parks’s observations about Italian culture and daily life are astute and often hilarious. By reading “Italian Neighbors,” you’ll gain a profound comprehension of Italian society’s intricacies and peculiarities, and admire its distinctive personality.

7. The Leopard by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa

The Leopard is a historical novel set in Sicily during the 19th century. The book tells the story of the decline of the aristocracy and the rise of the middle class in a changing Italy. Tomasi di Lampedusa’s writing is elegant and lyrical, and his descriptions of Sicily’s landscapes and people are breathtaking. The Leopard is a book that will transport you to another time and place, and make you appreciate the rich history and culture of Italy’s southern regions.

8. Eating Rome by Elizabeth Minchilli

Eating Rome is a culinary travelogue by Elizabeth Minchilli that explores the city’s rich food culture. The book is organized by neighborhoods, with each chapter focusing on a different area of Rome and its culinary specialties. Minchilli’s writing is informative and engaging, and her descriptions of Rome’s food scene will make your mouth water. “Eating Rome” motivates readers to discover Rome’s cuisine, from markets and trattorias to gelaterias, and experience the authentic tastes.

9. In Other Words by Jhumpa Lahiri

In Other Words is a memoir by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jhumpa Lahiri about her love affair with the Italian language. Lahiri’s book recounts her move to Rome, learning its language, and the challenges she faced mastering its subtleties.In Other Words is a meditation on the joys and challenges of learning a new language, and a tribute to the beauty and complexity of Italian culture. The book will inspire you to learn Italian and explore Italy’s rich literary heritage.

10. City of Falling Angels by John Berendt

City of Falling Angels is a non-fiction book by John Berendt that chronicles the aftermath of the fire that destroyed Venice’s Fenice Opera House in 1996. The book is a portrait of the city and its people, and an exploration of the forces that shape its culture and history. Berendt’s writing is engaging and insightful, and his descriptions of Venice’s architecture and art are fascinating. The book “City of Falling Angels” enhances appreciation for Venice’s character and its cultural preservation challenges.

Italy is a country that has inspired countless writers, artists, and travelers over the centuries. From the ancient ruins of Rome to the rolling hills of Tuscany and the canals of Venice, Italy offers a wealth of cultural, historical, and natural attractions. The 10 best travel books for Italy listed above are a diverse and engaging selection of works that capture the essence of Italy’s people, landscapes, and culture. Whether you’re planning a trip to Italy or simply looking to explore the country through literature, these books are sure to inspire and delight you.

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9 Books to Spark Your Wanderlust in 2023

Armchair travel. We’ve all indulged in it via daydreams and  Parts Unknown,  with weekly trips to  The White Lotus and afternoons spent leafing through the pages of this very magazine. But our editors, avid readers that they are, know that the most transportive (and transformative) stationary adventure is often to kick back with a good book. And we read a lot of those in 2022—from immersive  travel writing  that challenges the reader to breezy beach reads designed to be read on the sand. Here, we’ve rounded up the fiction and non-fiction books that sparked our wanderlust over the past year. Whether you are an accomplished bookworm yourself, or have simply resolved to crack even just one book in the New Year, we’ve got you covered.

All products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The Penguin Book of Italian Short Stories by Jhumpa Lahiri

My lack of familiarity with Italy’s modern literature, combined with my interest in novelist Jhumpa Lahiri’s immersion in the country’s language and literary traditions, motivated me to order this collection of 40 tales from 20th-century Italian writers, which Lahiri edited. The Pulitzer Prize winner curated a super sharp collection from authors who were both known to me (Italo Calvino, Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa) and those unfamiliar (I enjoyed discovering Natalia Ginzburg), translating many of them herself, to telegraph an Italy you don’t see through travel: The dusty backroads of  Sicily in the early 1900s; hardscrabble towns beyond  Florence ; male and female protagonists struggling through banal life choices. More than a varied journey that jumps between eras and places in an often-overlooked Italy, this collection demonstrates the power of fiction to enlighten audiences on cultures and histories that are not their own (nearly half of the stories had never been translated before), mostly thanks to the stewardship of Lahiri herself. — Erin Florio , executive editor

The Portrait of a Lady by Henry James

“It’s nothing to come to Europe … It doesn't seem to me one needs so many reasons for that. It is something to stay at home; this is much more important.” I found a weathered and water-damaged copy of this masterpiece sitting alone on a  Brooklyn stoop this spring and began devouring it immediately—it is by far the longest and most difficult spontaneous read I’ve ever embarked on, and my found edition quickly became mine as I underlined passages more than I did not. Protagonist Isabel Archer is a young American woman, one less in control of her own desires than she is aware, visiting distant relatives in England. Her aunt takes her as a companion on a tour of Europe, and as she traipses from  Paris to  Florence  Archer makes a suitor out of just about every man she encounters. Firmly declining proposal after marriage proposal, Isabel is determined  to accomplish the abstract and impossible: to know everything about the world and about herself before she can marry. What better way to do so than to travel?— Charlie Hobbs , editorial assistant

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt

I was already planning a trip to  Savannah when I picked up the non-fiction novel by journalist John Berendt, which is a page-turning murder mystery and a human interest masterpiece all in one. But it inspired me to make sure I experienced all the smallest nooks and crannies of Georgia’s oldest city—from subterranean antique shops to Flannery O’Connor’s historic childhood home, the Spanish-moss-strewn cemeteries, and an beloved drag show (yes, Club One) that lived up to the hype. Berendt lived the remote-work life, well before we all caught on to it, in order to live out his dream of transplanting to Savannah in the 1980s. The Southern Gothic tale that unfolds shortly after his arrival is one that strings together the small community’s dark past and its many eccentric personalities to paint a colorful picture of a Low Country gem that you can only experience through its people. — Shannon McMahon , editor, destinations

Bluets by Maggie Nelson

In her poetic prose, Maggie Nelson writes a personal exploration of her encounters with the color blue in life and love, and misery and pain. Catching sight of fragments of blue in my own life, Nelson has inspired me to count the colors in all my adventures. Navigating and experiencing travel through the lens of color opens up new and exciting emotions, connections, and realizations. I now find myself asking questions like: Which other city have I seen with this palette before? What does the color of this food remind me of? I jot down my answers and it becomes a story of its own. — Jessica Chapel, editorial assistant

Less Is Lost by Andrew Sean Greer

I fell for the somewhat hapless, super awkward, but rather relatable Arthur Less in Andrew Sean Greer's Pulitzer Prize-winning 2017 novel  Less during a jaunt around Europe, not unlike the protagonist. This fall, Less entered my life once again with Greer's sequel  Less is Lost . The novel—at times laugh-out-loud funny, deeply heart warming, and an apt portrayal of the current state of America—sees Less once again on a journey; this time on an unexpected  road trip across the United States where he finds himself in unpredictable situation after unpredictable situation. From beginning to end, I found myself armchair traveling through Greer's metaphors and vivid-yet-quirky descriptions from California to New Mexico to Georgia. I was ultimately left with an optimistic view of humanity—and an itch to rent a camper van, grab my dog, and get lost. — Scott Bay , associate editor

Lizzie and Dante by Mary Bly

This summer, when it seemed like everyone was traipsing around Europe, I was reading  Lizzie & Dante , a delicious rom-com about a woman who vacations at a seaside resort on Elba, an island off the  coast of Italy . The titular character, Lizzie (a Shakespeare scholar, because of course), meets a handsome Italian chef and his precocious daughter, and romance ensues. There are yachts,  secret ocean coves, and mouthwatering accounts of a crabby chef’s set menu that’ll have you ready to plan a trip to Elba (or at the very least, make a reservation at a very expensive Italian restaurant). The main character is on holiday with her best friend and his movie star boyfriend, giving it a touch of  The White Lotus  energy, but with far more likable characters. — Madison Flager , senior commerce editor

Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys

This year, I revisited a book I was assigned in high school when it caught my eye on a shelf in New York 's McNally Jackson Nolita, showcased with a group of “eerie” titles in the month of October. In the 1966 novel  Wide Sargasso Sea , Dominican-British author Jean Rhys gives the infamous madwoman in the attic from  Jane Eyre a story, and a life. The feminist, post-colonial prequel is set in the Caribbean, part one in  Jamaica during the protagonist’s childhood, and part two in Dominica during her toxic honeymoon with Mr. Rochester. The descriptions of these islands are at once beautiful and haunting. Take, for example: “The road climbed upward. On one side the wall of green, on the other a steep drop to the ravine below. We pulled up and looked at the hills, the mountains, and the blue-green sea. There was a soft warm wind blowing but I understand why the porter had called it a wild place. Not only wild but menacing. Those hills would close in on you.” These locations are not romanticized—they’re integral to the story Rhys tells about race, power, and assimilation—and in that way, this read will prompt your interest in them in more ways than one. — Alex Erdekian , travel bookings editor

Pachinko by Min Jin Lee

I was utterly transported by the epic sweep of this beautiful, terribly sad historical novel about the Korean experience in  Japan over the course of the 20th century. (I read it right around the time Apple TV+ released its miniseries based on the book, and while I know many people who have enjoyed the screen version, this might be a case where the book hit me so hard I’ll never want to see the adaptation.) The vividly wrought locales are essential to Lee’s storytelling, especially the spartan but pristine world of Yeongdo, a fishing village on a tiny island off the coast of Busan more than a hundred years ago, and the rough-and-tumble milieu of Osaka at mid-century, with its squalid Korean ghetto, crowded markets, and illicit pachinko parlors. There are also gripping forays into Tokyo, Nagano, and the Japanese countryside. I found it to be such an illuminating portrayal of the fraught interlaced history of these two wonderful countries, and a reminder of how deeply I want to spend time in both. — Jesse Ashlock , deputy global editorial director and head of editorial content, U.S.

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

I read Madeline Miller’s  Circe years ago, and was blown away by how she brings Greek mythology to life in a totally fresh format. I finally got around to reading her debut novel,  The Song of Achilles  (2011), about that Achilles—and  that heel—this year, and it reminded me just how transportive mythology can be. It inspired me to buy a book on Sicilian mythology  while on the island over the summer , and my 2023 resolution is to read up on local stories before future trips. (Currently accepting recommendations of books tied to Kenyan and Peruvian folklore for my winter travels.) — Megan Spurrell , senior editor

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Best Italy Travel Guide 2023: Capri and Amalfi Coast at a glance: A Complete and Comprehensive Travel Guide Book Unveiling Landscapes, Places, Unique ... and Natural Wonders. (A+ TRAVEL GUIDE) Paperback – July 27, 2023

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• Book 14 of 20 A+ TRAVEL GUIDE
• Print length 131 pages
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• Publication date July 27, 2023
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• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CCXP17BL
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently published (July 27, 2023)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 131 pages
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8853844537
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17 Best Italian Books: Explore Italy’s Rich Culture

We have compiled a list of the best Italian books that have left a lasting impact on Italian culture and have been widely celebrated worldwide. These books offer an insight into the rich tapestry of Italian life and society, exploring themes of love, family, politics, and human nature.

These books are enjoyable to read and provide one of the best ways to learn the Italian language if read in Italian. Learning a new language can be challenging, but immersing yourself in Italian literature can make the process fun and engaging.

By reading these books in Italian (ideally side by side with the English translation), you can learn new vocabulary, grammar structures, and cultural references while experiencing the beauty and richness of the Italian language.

17 Best Italian Books You Need to Read to Immerse Yourself in Italian Culture and History

From Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy to Primo Levi’s If This Is a Man, these books are a testament to the literary genius of Italian writers.

They have inspired countless artists and thinkers, and their legacy continues in Italian culture and beyond. Here they are, listed in no particular order.

1. Elena Ferrante – L’amica geniale (My Brilliant Friend)

My Brilliant Friend, the first book in the Neapolitan Novels series, was first published in Italian in 2011.

The book is a coming-of-age story that follows the lives of two young girls, Elena and Lila, who grow up in a poor neighborhood on the outskirts of Naples, Italy, in the 1950s.

Elena is the story’s narrator, a bright and studious girl who admires her friend Lila’s natural intelligence and creativity.

Despite their different personalities and backgrounds, the two girls become inseparable as they navigate the challenges of their adolescence and early adulthood, including poverty, family conflicts, and the strict gender roles of their society.

The book explores themes of friendship, identity, class, and gender, portraying the complexity and richness of Italian culture.

My Brilliant Friend is considered a masterpiece of contemporary Italian literature. The book has been praised for its vivid and realistic depiction of Naples and its inhabitants.

My Brilliant Friend has gained international acclaim and has been translated into over 40 languages, making Ferrante one of the most widely-read Italian authors of the 21st century.

The Neapolitan Novels series, which includes four books in total, has been compared to the works of Elena Ferrante’s literary predecessors, such as Italo Calvino and Elsa Morante, and it has been praised for its exploration of the themes of feminism, politics, and history.

Elena Ferrante is a pseudonymous author, and her true identity remains unknown. The author’s anonymity has become a subject of much speculation and intrigue, contributing to the mystique surrounding the Neapolitan Novels series.

In 2015, HBO announced that it was developing a television series based on the books, further increasing their popularity and cultural significance.

Planning a trip to Italy? Discover the 35 best travel guide books for Italy that will elevate your adventure.

2. Andrea Camilleri – La forma dell’acqua (The Shape of Water)

“La forma dell’acqua” (The Shape of Water) was first published in Italian in 1994. The book is a detective novel featuring Inspector Salvo Montalbano, a fictional detective who works for the police department in Vigàta, a small town in Sicily.

In this book, Montalbano investigates the murder of a local construction magnate, found dead in his car on a deserted beach. As he unravels the corruption, deceit, and betrayal surrounding the victim’s family and business associates, Montalbano also grapples with his demons and his complicated love life.

The book is characterized by Camilleri’s wry humor, colorful portrayal of Sicilian life and culture, and keen observation of human behavior.

Andrea Camilleri was one of the most popular and influential Italian writers of the 20th century, and his novels have been translated into more than 30 languages.

“La forma dell’acqua” is part of the Inspector Montalbano series, which has become a cultural phenomenon in Italy and abroad, inspiring a successful television adaptation and a devoted fanbase.

The series has been praised for its realistic and nuanced portrayal of Sicilian society and its exploration of justice, morality, and identity themes. The books are also notable for their use of the Sicilian dialect and their blending of regional and national cultural references.

Andrea Camilleri was a prolific writer, playwright, and screenwriter born in Sicily in 1925 and lived to be 93 years old. He began writing the Inspector Montalbano series in his late 60s after a long and varied career in the arts.

Camilleri was known for his political engagement, love of food and wine, and irreverent humor.

He was also a vocal advocate for protecting the Sicilian language and culture, and he used his platform as a writer to raise awareness of social and environmental issues. Camilleri passed away in 2019, leaving behind a rich legacy of literary and cultural contributions.

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3. Italo Calvino – Il sentiero dei nidi di ragno (The Path to the Nest of Spiders)

The book, first published in Italian in 1947, is a semi-autobiographical novel set in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy during World War II. It follows the experiences of Pin, a young boy who grows up in a rural village and becomes involved in the resistance movement against the Fascist regime.

The novel portrays the brutal realities of war and the complex social and political dynamics of a divided Italy. It is characterized by Calvino’s lyrical prose, keen attention to detail, and exploration of themes such as memory, identity, and morality.

The Path to the Nest of Spiders is considered a landmark of post-war Italian literature. It has been praised for its originality, emotional depth, and social and historical relevance.

The book was part of the neorealist movement in Italian literature, which sought to capture everyday life’s reality and give voice to marginalized groups.

The novel has also been recognized for its influence on the development of Calvino’s later works, which include such masterpieces as Invisible Cities and If on a winter’s night a traveler.

Italo Calvino was one of the most innovative and imaginative writers of the 20th century, known for his experimentation with form, genre, and language. He was born in Cuba in 1923 to Italian parents, and he spent most of his life in Italy.

Calvino was a member of the literary group known as the Oulipo, which aimed to create literature through constraints and rules. He was also a respected literary critic and essayist; his works have been translated into dozens of languages.

Calvino died in 1985, leaving a legacy of literary innovation and creative genius.

4. Carlo Levi – Cristo si è fermato a Eboli (Christ Stopped at Eboli)

“Cristo si è fermato a Eboli” (Christ Stopped at Eboli) was first published in Italian in 1945. The book is a memoir of Carlo Levi’s experience of political exile in the southern Italian region of Basilicata, also known as Lucania, during the Fascist regime of Benito Mussolini.

Levi, a Jewish anti-Fascist painter and writer was sent to live in the remote town of Aliano, where he was forced to confront the local peasant population’s poverty, illness, and social isolation.

The book is a powerful account of the author’s encounter with a different culture and way of life, and it explores themes of identity, community, and social justice. The book’s title refers to the idea that the people of Lucania were so neglected and forgotten by the Italian state that even Christ did not reach them.

Christ Stopped at Eboli is widely regarded as a masterpiece of modern Italian literature and has been translated into dozens of languages. The book is notable for its poetic and evocative style, its vivid and sympathetic portrayal of a marginalized community, and its critique of the Fascist regime and the political and social injustices of Italy.

The book has also been recognized for its influence on the development of Italian neorealism, a cultural and artistic movement that aimed to represent reality and the lives of ordinary people.

Carlo Levi was a multifaceted artist and intellectual born in Turin in 1902 and died in Rome in 1975. He was a member of the anti-Fascist resistance and a prominent figure in the Italian cultural scene after World War II. In addition to his literary works, he was also known for his political activism, painting, and social and cultural commentary.

Suggested Reading : 23 Best Italian Grammar Books to Master the Language

5. Alessandro Baricco – Seta (Silk)

“Seta” (Silk) was first published in Italian in 1996. The book is a historical novella set in 19th-century France and Japan. It tells the story of Hervé Joncour, a young French merchant who travels to Japan in search of silkworms, which have been decimated by disease in Europe.

In Japan, Joncour falls in love with a mysterious woman named Madame Blanche, who becomes the object of his obsession and desire. The novella is characterized by Baricco’s lyrical style, evocative imagery, symbolism, and exploration of love, loss, and cultural exchange.

Alessandro Baricco is one of the most prominent and innovative voices in contemporary Italian literature, and his works have been translated into dozens of languages. “Seta” is widely regarded as a masterpiece of contemporary Italian literature.

It has been praised for its originality, sensuality, and profound meditation on the nature of love and desire. The book has also been recognized for its cinematic qualities and has inspired various adaptations, including a film by François Girard and a play by André Aciman.

Alessandro Baricco was born in Turin in 1958 and is known for his work as a playwright, essayist, and cultural commentator. He has been a prominent figure in the Italian and international cultural scene since the 1990s and has received numerous literary awards and honors.

Baricco’s other notable works include Novecento (1900), City, and Mr. Gwyn. He is also the founder of Scuola Holden, a creative writing school in Turin that has trained many successful writers and artists.

6. Paolo Giordano – La solitudine dei numeri primi (The Solitude of Prime Numbers)

“La solitudine dei numeri primi” (The Solitude of Prime Numbers) was first published in Italian in 2008. The book is a novel that follows the lives of Alice and Mattia, two emotionally damaged individuals who become best friends in childhood and remain connected throughout their lives.

Alice is a talented skier who suffers a traumatic accident as a child. At the same time, Mattia is a brilliant mathematician who carries the burden of guilt and shame for an accident that occurred in his youth.

The novel explores loneliness, trauma, and the search for meaning and connection in life. It is characterized by Giordano’s psychological insight, lyrical and atmospheric prose, and ability to create empathy and identification with the characters.

The Solitude of Prime Numbers has been praised as a sensitive and nuanced portrayal of the human condition, and it has become a bestseller in Italy and abroad. The novel has been translated into more than 30 languages and is recognized for its universal themes and ability to resonate with readers from different cultures and backgrounds. The book has also been adapted into a successful film by Saverio Costanzo.

Paolo Giordano is a prominent Italian writer and physicist born in Turin in 1982. He achieved literary fame with the publication of The Solitude of Prime Numbers, which won the Strega Prize, Italy’s most prestigious literary award, and was a bestseller in Italy and abroad.

Giordano’s other notable works include The Human Body and Like Family. In addition to his writing career, Giordano is also a respected physicist. He has worked as a researcher at the University of California, Berkeley, and at the International Centre for Theoretical Physics in Trieste.

7. Umberto Eco – Il nome della rosa (The Name of the Rose)

The Name of the Rose was first published in Italian in 1980. It is a historical murder mystery in a medieval Italian monastery. The story follows the Franciscan friar William of Baskerville and his young apprentice Adso of Melk. They are sent to investigate a series of mysterious deaths within the monastery walls.

As they delve deeper into the investigation, they uncover a complex web of religious and political intrigue involving forbidden texts, secret societies, and the struggle for power within the Catholic Church. The novel combines elements of detective fiction, historical fiction, and philosophical treatise, and it is characterized by Eco’s erudition and his playful use of language and intertextuality.

The Name of the Rose is widely regarded as one of the greatest works of contemporary Italian literature and one of the best Italian novels ever published. The book has been translated into over 50 languages.

The novel has been praised for its intricate plot, vivid and realistic portrayal of medieval life, and exploration of the themes of knowledge, power, and religion. The book has also been recognized for its influence on the genre of historical fiction and its contribution to the intellectual debates of the late 20th century.

Umberto Eco was a renowned Italian writer, semiotician, and literary critic known for his interdisciplinary approach and ability to bridge the gap between academia and popular culture. The Name of the Rose was his first novel, and it became an instant bestseller, selling over 10 million copies worldwide.

The book was adapted into a successful film in 1986, starring Sean Connery as William of Baskerville. Eco’s other notable works include Foucault’s Pendulum, The Prague Cemetery, and On Literature.

Umberto Eco was awarded numerous literary prizes throughout his career, and he was a respected voice in the Italian and international cultural scene until he died in 2016.

8. Elsa Morante – La storia (History)

The book, first published in Italian in 1974, is a novel that follows the lives of a Roman family during and after World War II. The family is headed by Ida Ramundo, a widowed schoolteacher left to care for her two children, Useppe and Anna, amid the war.

The novel explores themes of political and social change, the impact of historical events on individual lives, and the struggle for survival and identity in a time of crisis.

History is characterized by Morante’s poetic style, her use of multiple narrators, and her ability to convey the complexity and diversity of human experience.

“La storia” is widely regarded as a masterpiece of contemporary Italian literature, and it has been recognized for its ambitious scope, deep humanity, and political and social relevance.

“La storia” has been translated into more than 20 languages and has been praised for contributing to the development of feminist and postmodernist literature. The book has also been recognized for its engagement with Italian history and culture and its portrayal of the social and cultural changes that shaped Italy in the 20th century.

Elsa Morante was one of post-war Italy’s most prominent and influential writers and intellectuals. She was born in Rome in 1912 and died in 1985. In addition to her literary works, she was a teacher, a political activist, and a cultural commentator.

Morante’s other notable works include Arturo’s Island and Menzogna e sortilegio (House of Liars). She received numerous literary awards and honors, including the Strega Prize, Italy’s most prestigious literary award.

9. Primo Levi – Se questo è un uomo (If This Is a Man)

“Se questo è un uomo” (If This Is a Man) was first published in Italian in 1947. The book is a memoir of Primo Levi’s experience as a Jewish prisoner in the Auschwitz concentration camp during World War II. Levi, a chemist from Turin, was arrested by the Fascist authorities in 1943 and sent to Auschwitz, where he survived for almost a year before being liberated by the Soviet army in 1945.

The memoir is a powerful and harrowing account of the brutal realities of life in the camp and a meditation on the nature of humanity, morality, and survival in extreme circumstances. It is characterized by Levi’s clarity of style, attention to detail, and unflinching honesty.

If This Is a Man is considered a landmark of Holocaust literature and has been translated into dozens of languages. The book has been recognized for its importance as a testimony of Nazi atrocities and a warning against the dangers of totalitarianism and racism.

The memoir has also been praised for its literary qualities, and it has been compared to the works of such writers as Primo Levi, Elie Wiesel, and Anne Frank. The book symbolizes the resilience and courage of the human spirit in the face of unspeakable horror.

Primo Levi was one of post-war Italy’s most influential and respected writers and intellectuals. He was born in Turin in 1919 and died in 1987. In addition to his literary works, he was also a chemist and a prominent voice in the Italian cultural and political scene.

Levi’s other notable works include The Periodic Table, considered a masterpiece of Italian literature, and The Drowned and the Saved, a collection of essays on the Holocaust.

Levi’s legacy has been celebrated through various cultural initiatives, including the Primo Levi Center in New York and the Primo Levi International Prize.

10. Roberto Saviano – Gomorra (Gomorrah)

“Gomorra” (Gomorrah) was first published in Italian in 2006. The book is a non-fiction investigation of the Camorra, the Neapolitan mafia organization that controls vast criminal networks involved in drug trafficking, extortion, and money laundering. Saviano, a journalist and writer from Naples, spent years researching and infiltrating the Camorra’s operations.

He exposes their brutal methods, infiltration of legitimate businesses, and impact on Italian and global society. The book is characterized by Saviano’s bold and unflinching style, vivid and detailed descriptions of the Camorra’s activities, and his denunciation of the complicity and corruption sustaining their power.

Gomorrah is considered a groundbreaking and controversial work of investigative journalism, and it has become a symbol of the fight against organized crime and corruption in Italy and beyond. The book has been translated into over 50 languages and adapted into a successful film and TV series.

The book has also been recognized for its impact on Italian culture and society and its role in raising awareness of the destructive effects of organized crime on individuals, communities, and institutions.

Roberto Saviano was born in Naples in 1979, and he became a prominent writer and public figure with the publication of Gomorrah. However, his work also made him a target of the Camorra’s retaliation, and he has been living under police protection since 2006.

Saviano’s other notable works include ZeroZeroZero and La paranza dei bambini (Piranhas). In addition to his writing career, he is also a commentator and activist, and he has been involved in various initiatives to promote social justice, human rights, and democracy.

11. Niccolò Ammaniti – Io non ho paura (I’m Not Scared)

The book, first published in Italian in 2001, is a coming-of-age novel that follows the story of a nine-year-old boy named Michele Amitrano, who discovers a dark secret in his small town in southern Italy.

Michele befriends a boy named Filippo, who is being held captive in a hole in the ground, and he must confront his fears and the moral dilemmas that arise from his discovery.

The novel explores themes of childhood innocence, fear, and moral ambiguity. It is characterized by Ammaniti’s spare and evocative style, skillful use of imagery and symbolism, and ability to capture the nuances and complexities of human relationships.

I’m Not Scared has been recognized as one of contemporary Italian literature’s most important and influential novels and translated into more than 40 languages.

The book has been praised for its universal themes and ability to resonate with readers from different cultures and backgrounds. The novel has also been adapted into a successful film by Gabriele Salvatores, which won the Jury Prize at the 2003 Cannes Film Festival.

Niccolò Ammaniti is one of his generation’s most popular and acclaimed Italian writers. He was born in Rome in 1966 and has published numerous novels, short stories, and screenplays.

Ammaniti’s other notable works include Steal You Away and Me and You, which was also adapted into a film by Bernardo Bertolucci. Ammaniti’s work is known for its dark humor, human frailty and vulnerability exploration, and keen insight into contemporary Italy’s social and cultural dynamics.

12. Italo Svevo – La coscienza di Zeno (Zeno’s Conscience)

“La coscienza di Zeno” (Zeno’s Conscience) was first published in Italian in 1923. The book is a modernist novel that follows the inner monologue of Zeno Cosini, a middle-aged businessman from Trieste, who is undergoing psychoanalysis to quit smoking.

Through a series of anecdotes, confessions, and reflections, the main character recounts the events of his life, his relationships with his family and friends, and his struggles with addiction and mortality. The novel is characterized by Svevo’s psychological acuity, irony and humor, and exploration of the themes of self-deception, identity, and the human condition.

Zeno’s Conscience is considered a landmark of modern Italian literature, and it has been recognized for its originality, wit, and insight into the complexities of the human psyche.

The book has been compared to the works of James Joyce and Marcel Proust and has been praised for its contribution to developing the stream-of-consciousness narrative technique.

The novel has also been hailed as a portrayal of Trieste’s cultural and social milieu. This cosmopolitan and multicultural city has been a European history and culture crossroads.

Italo Svevo was the pseudonym of Ettore Schmitz, an Italian writer of Austro-Hungarian and Jewish origin, who was born in Trieste in 1861 and died in 1928. Svevo was a late bloomer as a writer, and he achieved literary recognition only in his late fifties after the publication of Zeno’s Conscience.

Publishers initially rejected the novel, but it was later championed by James Joyce, a friend, and admirer of Svevo’s work. Svevo’s other notable works include Una Vita (A Life) and Senilità (As a Man Grows Older).

13. Dante Alighieri – La Divina Commedia (The Divine Comedy)

Between 1308 and 1320, Dante Alighieri wrote La Divina Commedia (The Divine Comedy), but it was not formally published until the 1470s, after his death.

The Divine Comedy is an epic poem that follows the journey of the poet Dante through Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise, guided by the spirit of the Roman poet Virgil and later by Beatrice, Dante’s idealized love. The poem is divided into three parts, each consisting of 33 cantos.

It is characterized by Dante’s vivid and imaginative descriptions of the afterlife, his exploration of theological and philosophical themes, and his use of allegory and symbolism. The poem has inspired countless artistic and cultural works, becoming a cornerstone of Western literature and culture.

The Divine Comedy is considered one of the greatest works of world literature and the ultimate spiritual travel guide. It has had a profound impact on Italian culture and identity. The poem helped to establish Tuscan Italian as the literary language of Italy, and it has been celebrated for its contribution to the development of the Italian language and culture.

The poem has also been recognized for its universal themes and ability to speak to the human condition across time and space. The Divine Comedy has been translated into dozens of languages and has influenced many writers, artists, and thinkers worldwide. It remains a great book and a great resource to understand and appreciate Italy and Italian culture.

Dante Alighieri was a poet , philosopher, and politician born in Florence in 1265 and died in Ravenna in 1321. He is considered one of the greatest figures of Italian literature and Italian culture and a key player in his time’s political and intellectual scene.

Dante’s other notable works include Vita Nuova (The New Life) and Convivio (The Banquet), and he is also known for his political treatise De Monarchia (On Monarchy).

14. Giovanni Verga – I Malavoglia (The House by the Medlar Tree)

“I Malavoglia” (The House by the Medlar Tree) was first published in Italian in 1881. The book is a novel that tells the story of a Sicilian family, the Malavoglias, who struggle to make a living as fishermen in a changing society. The novel explores themes of family, tradition, social change, and the tension between individual aspirations and collective identity.

The novel is characterized by Verga’s realistic and naturalistic style, attention to detail and local color, and ability to capture the human experience’s complexity and contradictions.

“I Malavoglia” is considered one of the most important and influential novels of Italian literary realism. It has been recognized for its contribution to the development of modern Italian literature.

The novel has also been praised for engaging with Sicilian culture and society and portraying the social and economic changes that shaped Sicily in the late 19th century. The book has been translated into several languages and has inspired numerous artistic and cultural works, including films, operas, and plays.

Giovanni Verga was a writer and playwright born in Sicily in 1840 and died in 1922. He was one of the most prominent figures of Italian literary realism, and his works were influential in developing modern Italian literature. Verga’s other notable works include Cavalleria Rusticana (Rustic Chivalry) and Mastro-Don Gesualdo (Master Don Gesualdo), which have also been adapted into successful operas and films.

15. Giovanni Boccaccio – Il Decameron (The Decameron)

Il Decameron (The Decameron) was first published in Italian between 1351 and 1353. The book is a collection of 100 novellas, or short stories, that are told by ten young people who flee from the plague-ridden city of Florence to a villa in the countryside.

The stories range from bawdy and satirical to tragic and moralistic, offering a panoramic view of medieval Italian society and culture. The book is characterized by Boccaccio’s lively and colorful style, skillful use of irony and humor, and ability to capture the diversity and complexity of the human experience.

The Decameron has profoundly influenced Italian culture and identity and has been celebrated for contributing to developing the Italian language and literature. The book has also been recognized for its universal themes and ability to speak to the human condition across time and space.

Giovanni Boccaccio was a writer, poet, and scholar born in Tuscany in 1313 and died in 1375. He was one of the most prominent figures of Italian literature and humanism, and his works influenced the development of Renaissance culture and thought.

Boccaccio’s other notable works include Il Filostrato (The Love Arrow) and the Trattatello in laude di Dante (Little Treatise in Praise of Dante), which celebrate the legacy of Dante Alighieri.

16. Luigi Pirandello – Il fu Mattia Pascal (The Late Mattia Pascal)

“Il fu Mattia Pascal” (The Late Mattia Pascal) was first published in Italian in 1904. The book is a novel that tells the story of Mattia Pascal, a man who, after a series of misfortunes, decides to fake his death and start a new life.

The novel explores identity, freedom, and the search for meaning in an uncertain and unpredictable world. The novel is characterized by Pirandello’s innovative use of narrative technique, his exploration of the nature of reality and illusion, and his insight into the complexities of human psychology.

“Il fu Mattia Pascal” has been celebrated for developing the modern Italian language and literature. Its influence can be seen in the works of writers and thinkers such as Jorge Luis Borges and Italo Calvino. The book has also been recognized for its universal themes and ability to speak to the human condition across time and space.

Luigi Pirandello was a writer, playwright, and poet born in Sicily in 1867 and died in 1936. He was one of the most prominent figures of Italian modernism, and his works were influential in developing European literature and thought.

Pirandello’s other notable works include Sei personaggi in cerca d’autore (Six Characters in Search of an Author) and Enrico IV (Henry IV), which explore the nature of truth and reality in different ways.

17. Alessandro Manzoni – I Promessi Sposi (The Betrothed)

The book, first published in Italian in 1827, is a historical novel about two young lovers, Renzo and Lucia, separated by a powerful and corrupt nobleman, Don Rodrigo. The novel is set in 17th-century Lombardy during a time of social and political upheaval, and it explores themes of love, faith, justice, and human dignity.

The novel is characterized by Manzoni’s masterful use of language, his attention to historical detail, and his ability to capture the human experience with empathy and insight.

“I Promessi Sposi” is considered one of the greatest works of Italian literature and a cornerstone of Italian culture and identity. The novel has been celebrated for contributing to the development of the modern Italian language and literature and has profoundly impacted Italian culture and society.

The novel has also been recognized for its universal themes and ability to speak to the human condition across time and space. The Betrothed has been translated into numerous languages and has inspired countless artistic and cultural works, including films, operas, and plays.

Alessandro Manzoni was a writer, poet, and patriot born in Milan in 1785 and died in 1873. He was one of the most prominent figures of Italian Romanticism, and his works were influential in developing the modern Italian language and literature.

Manzoni’s other notable works include Inni Sacri (Sacred Hymns) and Adelchi, a tragedy that explores the conflict between the Lombards and the Franks in 8th-century Italy.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re an Italian literature enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of Italian books, our list of the best Italian books will take you on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Italy. So, grab a book, pour yourself a cup of coffee (or a glass of wine), and immerse yourself in the beauty and richness of Italian culture.

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• Italian Vegan Cookbooks: Top 10 Plant-Based Picks
• 10 Famous Latin Quotes and Meanings: Wisdom Unveiled

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The Best South Italy Guide Books (Puglia, Sicily, Amalfi Coast & More!)

Recently, I’ve been spending a lot of vacation time in South Italy, including upcoming trips to Puglia and Basilicata, along with recent trips to Sicily and the Amalfi Coast. As part of my trip planning I have read every South Italy guidebook I could find. And, like always, I am happy to share my reviews of these South Italy guide books with you, so that you can read and pack the right ones on your own trip to Italy.

In 2023 and 2024 there were major changes at some of the main guidebook companies, and some of those changes were not for the better. So, when you’re looking at this list of South Italy guide books, make sure to note the year of each book I recommend, as the newest editions may not be as helpful. If you have any questions about my recommendations (or about traveling in Southern Italy) let me know in the comments at the end of this guide.

Lonely Planet Southern Italy (2022 Edition or Earlier!)

Do not buy the 2023 edition of this guidebook!  Look for an older edition, like 2022 ( linked here ) or 2020!

In my opinion, this is the best South Italy guide book on the market.  Specifically, I am talking about the 2022 release (with the aerial view of the waterfront town on the cover), although I also looked at the 2020 version, which was equally useful.

The new edition (dated 2023) uses Lonely Planet’s new format, which is a significant downgrade from the earlier style.  For example, in the 2022 edition, the Otranto Cathedral is listed as one of the Top 8 highlights in all of the “heel” of Italy – but online reviews say Otranto isn’t even mentioned in the new version!

The Lonely Planet Southern Italy 2022 covers the regions of Naples and Campania (including the Amalfi Coast), Calabria, Puglia, Basilicata and Sicily.  For each region there is a useful map with markers to show the can’t-miss sights, plus dense text recommending things to see, restaurants, hotels and transportation connections. There are bonus boxes on many pages highlighting off-the-beaten-path attractions and important historical notes. The sections on Pompeii (three pages you could clip out and carry with you) and Sicilian desserts are top-notch.

Overall, the 2022 of this South Italy guide book is a classic, practical, useful book that you’d want to carry with you when you were out exploring.

Moon Guide – Southern Italy

I’ve never been a big fan of Moon Guides, but they are stepping up to fill a void left by the classic Lonely Planet series.  Their 2022 guide book for South Italy includes Sicily, Puglia, Naples and the Amalfi Coast.

This book feels like a step up from the Lonely Planet – the paper is soft and silky, there are way more color photos and overall it just has a more upscale vibe. This would be the perfect South Italy guide book to gift to someone planning a trip to the region.

I actually used this book quite a bit when planning my upcoming trip to Puglia, as the maps are really good and they helped me identify logical routes to travel around the region (including by train, bus and rental car).

The Amalfi Coast section had good information about both beaches and hiking, and the six-page Pompeii self-guided walking tour was also well-organized. Sicily is split into three separate sections, and I liked the color-coded map itineraries that showed where to go and what to do on each day.

I can definitely recommend the Moon Guide to Southern Italy , and I’ll probably carry a copy with me when I’m in Puglia later this year.

National Geographic Puglia

If your trip to South Italy only includes Puglia, this would be the perfect guidebook to carry.  The National Geographic Puglia contains more than 250 pages of information about traveling in Puglia, starting with the Gargano Region in the north and working its way south to the beaches of Salento.

What you won’t get in this book is itineraries, but what you will get is an exhaustive list of the things to see in each Puglia destination, including the history and tips for visiting today. There are full-color map and photos, plus a “Travelwise” section at the back with information about festivals, hotels, restaurants and shopping.  As long as you can plan your own route, this book is perfect for helping you figure out what to do along the way.

The downside of this book is that when they say Puglia they mean Puglia, so it doesn’t include anything about other destination that are commonly visited along with Puglia, such as the town of Matera (which is  extremely famous, and only about five kilometers away!).

Lonely Planet – Italy’s Best Trips: 40 Amazing Road Trips

This review is specific to the 3rd edition of this Italy guide book, which was published in 2020. You can find it on Amazon here. A new edition was published in December 2023 but I haven’t looked at it.

The Lonely Planet Italy’s Best Trips features about 120 pages specific to South Italy, including both Sicily and Sardinia.  As I’m planning to rent a car for a few days in Puglia, this book was really helpful in identifying places that are best visited by car, and how to get between the different cities and towns. There were some spots noted on these driving routes that I didn’t see in other guidebooks, possibly because they aren’t realistic for people getting around by bus or train.

The maps at the beginning of each section show the general route for each drive, and also help you identify which routes could be connected together as part of a longer trip.  There isn’t a ton of information about what to do in each stop, so you might want to pair this book with either the Moon Guide or the Lonely Planet Southern Italy books mentioned above.

Lonely Planet Experience Italy

This review is also specific to the 2020 soft-cover book shown above – Lonely Planet also wrote a completely different hardcover coffee table book by the same name in 2018.

This book won’t help you when you’re on the ground in Italy – it’s too short (clocking in at barely more than 200 pages for the entire country). However, if you know you want to visit South Italy but aren’t sure exactly where you want to go, this photo-heavy book is organized around fifty different destinations and experiences, so you can rifle through it to see what catches your eye.

In terms of South Italy specifically, Experience Italy has about twenty-four pages of content covering Naples, the Amalfi Coast, Puglia, Basilicata and Sicily. Again, pair it with one of my first two recommendations for more comprehensive travel information.

Looking for more Italy travel tips?

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National Geographic Traveler – The Amalfi Coast, Naples & Southern Italy

This full-color guidebook from National Geographic covers Naples, day trips from Naples, the Amalfi Coast, nearby islands and most of southern Italy, including Puglia, Basilicata, Calabria, Sicily and Sardinia.  Clocking in at less than 250 pages, this book is a good overview of the region but it’s not long enough to cover all these different destinations in depth.

One great thing about the National Geographic Traveler – The Amalfi Coast, Naples & Southern Italy guide book is the selection of full-page “experiences”: things that you might not think of doing, but that will create the unique lasting memories that a cookie-cutter guidebook might not inspire. For example, there is a guide to selecting the best olive oil to bring home with you… perfect for both souvenirs and gift-giving.  Another “experience” page offers tips for choosing the best Pompeii and Herculaneum guide, whether you’re thinking of visiting the archeological sites for a few hours or a few days. 

Rick Steves Naples & The Amalfi Coast (With Pompeii)

Just shy of 200 pages, the Rick Steves Naples & the Amalfi Coast guidebook is a great option for travelers whose trips are focused on this region of South Italy.  It contains easy-to-follow walking tours for Naples, Pompeii, Herculaneum, Paestum (one of my personal favorites – so underrated!), Sorrento and Positano. I love following Rick’s walking tours when I travel, and this guide book has some great ones.

As with all of Rick Steves’ guidebooks you can expect to find current restaurant recommendations (frequent updates mean you won’t walk hours to find a restaurant that closed years ago), budget-friendly accommodation and even a phrasebook to help you communicate in Italian with the locals.

Moon Guides – Amalfi Coast

This book opens with suggested itineraries for three, five, seven or fourteen days around the Amalfi Coast, and then supports those recommendations with helpful tips on what to see and do in each of the region’s most iconic destinations. Like most books in the series, the Moon Guide – Amalfi Coast is printed on thick paper and full of colorful photos and maps, which makes this book ideal for inspiration during the trip-planning phase.

The recommendations in this book are suitable for travelers on a mid-range or upscale budget; many of the recommended hotels run upwards of € 250 per night and many of the restaurants lean towards fine dining. If that’s your preferred travel style, you’ll love this South Italy guidebook.

Rick Steves Sicily

A new version of this book was published in December 2023, making the Rick Steves Sicily book one of the most current Sicily guidebooks on the market (if not the most current guidebook!).  This edition brings you 490 pages of super-helpful information about traveling in Sicily, from the most iconic sights in the island’s largest cities to the secret small towns that are worth a visit too.

As with the other Rick Steves book mentioned above, this is a budget-friendly guidebook with recommendations for reasonably-priced hotels, restaurants, attractions and tours.  Rick’s motto of “exploring Europe through the back door” means that you’ll get tips on how to have authentic experiences (like visiting local salt flats and wineries) without breaking the bank.

Eyewitness Top 10 Naples & The Amalfi Coast

Personally, I love reading Eyewitness Top 10 guidebooks when I’m planning a trip, and the Eyewitness Top 10 Naples & The Amalfi Coast is no exception! 

Some of the lists, like “Top 10 Icons of Popular Culture” and “Top 10 Moments in History” will give context to things you might see and do during your trip, while others, like “Top 10 Toledo to Chiaia” recommend specific sights in an area you could explore by foot, car or public transportation. I would say the layout is more inspirational than practical, but that’s perfect when you’re wanting to get hyped for an upcoming trip!

This South Italy guidebook has about 110 pages of content formatted in full-color Top 10 lists, followed by another fifteen pages of directory-style information about topics like arrival information, currency, transportation and safety.

Lonely Planet Amalfi Coast Road Trips

I salute anyone reading this who is brave enough to take on the twisting, turning, narrow roads of Italy’s Amalfi Coast. If that’s you, please let me know in the comments… and please pack the Lonely Planet’s Amalfi Coast Road Trips guidebook for your journey!

This little guidebook (about 125 pages of content) features general tips on driving in Italy, four suggested road trip itineraries (ranging from two to seven days in length) and information about what you’ll see en route.  In the back of the book a full-size pull-out map helps you envision the different drives, but I would still recommend having a great GPS system (or Google Maps) to help you find your way on the region’s notoriously hectic roads!

I spent a full month traveling around Sicily, so check out my recommended Sicily itinerary – no car required!

If you’re planning your first-ever trip to Italy, also make sure to read my guide to avoiding common Italy travel mistakes .

Planning a trip to Southern Italy?  Pin this post for later!

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The best travel books of 2023 (so far)

From cycling South America on a bamboo bicycle, to unpicking the fascinating history of the Silk Road, these page-turners will transport you to every corner of the globe…

Readers get 10% off by using the code ‘WANDERING’ on the Stanfords website .

Wanderlust club members can get 25% off any of these books, plus 15% off everything else on the stanfords website. click here to get the code..

By Julian Sayarer (Stanfords Book of The Month for October 2023)

Sayarer pedals his way across Turkey, from the Aegean coast to the Armenian border, meeting farmers, workers, Syrian refugees and Russians avoiding conscription. The result is a love letter to the country and its neighbours, but one that also doesn’t shy away from the many issues.

Great Scottish Walks

By Helen & Paul Webster

All you need to know to trek 26 of Scotland’s finest long-distance trails from the brains behind the Walkhighlands website. If you’ve ever been marooned mid-walk without a bed in the Highlands, then this practical overview covering access, stays, transport and local amenities is a godsend.

Vet at the End of the Earth

By Jonathan Hollins

Hollins was the resident vet on some of the remotest islands on the planet: the British Overseas Territories of the Falklands, St Helena, Tristan da Cunha and Ascension. From saving the life of the world’s oldest land animal to relocating herds of reindeer, this is a remarkable account of the realities of working and living on the edge of the world.

Wanderings and Wonderings through the British Ritual Year

By Weird Walk

By walking Britain’s ancient landscape and following the old seasons, this book by zine creators Weird Walk aims to reconnect us to our shared folklore. The result is a fascinating delve into some of the UK’s most unusual historic sites and the stories behind them.

The Man Who Loved Siberia

By Roy Jacobsen and Anneliese Pitz

Jacobsen and Pitz have adapted the account of Fritz Doerries, who spent 22 years travelling in Siberia in the late 19th century, trying to better understand its flora and fauna. His on-the-ground research was legendary, but beyond his stories of ice chasms, bandits, bears and vipers, this is a rare glimpse into a region as mysterious today as it was 150 years ago.

Atlas of Extreme Weathers

By Pini Lorenzo (Stanfords Book of The Month for November 2023)

This beautiful coffee-table atlas is reason enough to never complain about the rain again. Explore 50 places where the weather shapes the lives of local communities, from a town in Siberia where it can drop to -70ºC, to a part of Venezuela pounded by lightning and a Japanese city submerged by 7m of snow every winter.

The Screen Traveller’s Guide

By various authors

For those who want to add another dimension to their next city break, or just want to follow in the footsteps of hobbits, this blend of travel guide and film-and-TV trivia takes you quite literally behind the scenes. Follow the Avengers as they battle across New York, wander the Croatian setting for King’s Landing in TV’s Game of Thrones and find out how New Zealand was transformed into Middle Earth in Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings.

The Wanderlust Ultimate Travel Quiz Book

Test your travel know-how or challenge your friends and family this festive season with the Wanderlust Ultimate Travel Quiz Book. It’s packed with new quizzes and the toughest questions around, guaranteed to stump even the most intrepid adventurers. What better Christmas present for the explorer in your life?

The Life Cycle

By Kate Rawles

Join Kate as she pedals South America on a bicycle that she built from bamboo. Gliding through Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina and Chile, she uses her surroundings to ponder the declining biodiversity in the region caused by goldmining and logging. She remains optimistic by asking how we can change things ourselves.

In Sardinia

By Jeff Biggers

Part travel literature, part historical guide, Jeff uses his three decades of living and travelling in Italy to elaborate on a region that has been a beacon of civilisation since the Bronze Age. Discover little-known historical sites and unusual facts, all illuminated by the author’s wit and charm.

Must Love Trees

By Tobin Mitnick

Tobin is an unapologetic tree lover, and his rather unabashed enthusiasm is infectious. This book runs the gamut from serious science to detailed drawings of North American trees, to an imagined dialogue with the world’s oldest bristlecone pine. There are personal reflections and even a guide to the best tree-hugging experiences.

Unravelling the Silk Road

By Chris Aslan

Unpick the long and fascinating history of three ancient trade routes (the Silk Road, Wool Road and Cotton Road) that tangle their way through Central Asia. Chris weaves in his own experiences from living in the region as he looks at the overarching narrative of colonialism and politics in these vast networks, as well as the incredible journeys that often lay at the heart of them.

South Wales

By Norm Longley

As the first of the always-excellent Bradt guides to focus on a specific part of Wales, this book lets you really drill down into one of the UK’s least heralded but most spectacular corners. If you didn’t know that South Wales boasts Europe’s second-tallest sand dune or the UK’s smallest city (St David’s), then this is the guide for you. Discover magical beaches, lonely castles, coastal paths, wild moorlands and plenty more.

Tender Maps

By Alice Maddicott

Travel inspired by art, literature or cinema can be a tricky thing, as the destination often doesn’t live up to the prose or subjective vision of the creator, or even how you felt when you first encountered it. Here, the author takes on that doubt head first by seeking out specific scenes or feelings inspired by cultural works. And whether through the art of Ana Mendieta or the writings of Italo Calvino, she implores us to look at our destinations in a different, more thoughtful way.

A Diver’s Guide to the World

By Carrie Miller & Chris Taylor

An illustrated guide for divers, snorkellers and their landlubber companions. Destinations cater to a number of different diving abilities, and the locations – all hand-picked by expert divers – include nearby day trips, hiking adventures and sailboat tours, just in case you want some time out of the water.

Into Xinjiang

By Ben Colbridge

Looking for a page-turner for the plane or beach? This gripping paperback novel might be just what you’re looking for. Following a nightmare scenario for a young British traveller who finds himself fleeing through China after being falsely accused of a crime, the pace doesn’t let up. Author Ben Colbridge, who works in the travel industry, claims it is based on real events, eek!

Buy Now (Stanfords offer not available)

Glowing Still

By Sara Wheeler

Fancy a life of adventure? When Sara Wheeler started out, she had few female travel writers to emulate and little experience of a world outside her small family circle, so had to develop her own style. It’s one that shines bright in this new book on growing with every trip that you take.

Wounded Tigris

By Leon McCarron

In 2021, adventurer Leon McCarron travelled by boat along the length of the Tigris, meeting those along its banks who rely on the river – farmers, artists, activists. Along the way, he saw first-hand the damage of climate change and regional politics on areas that stand to lose everything as the river waters continue to fall. Stanfords Book of the Month April 2023

The Future of Geography

By Tim Marshall

For some it’s the final frontier; for Tim Marshall it’s simply the next one, as he considers the geopolitics of space travel. Pondering everything from space metals worth billions to humans on Mars, he aims to show how we got here, where we’re going and what it means for the rest of us back down on Earth. An intriguing book on power, politics and the future of humanity. Stanfords Book of the Month May 2023.

Nomads: The Wanderers Who Shaped Our World

By Anthony Sattin

If you missed its initial release, the paperback edition of Anthony Sattin’s story of Nomadic peoples on the move across history is worth catching. Tracing the epic paths of wanderers across 12,000 years, this book reveals the tales of those whose influence and achievements far outstripped their footprint, and how their respect for nature’s rhythms and freedom of movement led to unique ways of thinking.

Finding Hildasay

By Christian Lewis

When ex-paratrooper Christian Lewis set off with £10, two days of food and his beloved dog Jet to walk the coastline of the UK, he was suffering from depression. This journey was, in many ways, his attempt to jettison his demons and find a new purpose. After five years and thousands of kilometres, this book narrates how he finally found the peace that he was denied by his old life.

Leaving the Comfort Zone

By Olivier Van Herck & Zoë Agasi

Authors Olivier and Zoë travelled for four years in search of wild outdoor adventures. While their exploits are covered in detail here, this book is as much a ‘how to’ manual as a travelogue. Expect advice and insights on how to plot your adventures as well as photography that gives you the push you might need.

Europe by Train

Fifty itineraries by a team of European rail travel experts is all the encouragement you require to take to the rails with confidence. There’s ticket advice and a good mix of short and long trips, with routes broken down so that you can plot your stops.

Psst. Wanderlust Club members can now enter our competition to try and WIN a copy of this book! Enter here

In the Shadow of the Mountain

By Silvia Vasquez-Lavado Winner of the Edward Stanford Travel Book of the Year 2023

As the first openly gay woman to climb the highest peaks on every continent, Silvia recounts how the sport offered her freedom from the traumas and confusion of her youth in this impassioned memoir, and what it was like to lead a group of female survivors of abuse, who had never climbed before, to the Base Camp of Everest.

A Stranger in Your Own City: Travels in the Middle East’s Long War

By Ghaith Abdul-Ahad

This candid view of modern-day Iraq charts the nation’s history from the time of the US invasion in 2003 to the present day. In doing so, it untangles the Western stranglehold on its narrative and makes an effort to look through the eyes of ordinary Iraqis, who watched their world slowly fall apart.

The Earth Transformed: An Untold History

By Peter Frankopan

One of the UK’s leading historians makes the argument that the natural environment is a crucial part of human history, and one we can learn from. Frankopan offers a powerful case for looking at past eruptions, floods and droughts in order to discover a better future.

The Lost Whale

By Hannah Gold & Levi Pinfold Winner of the Edward Stanford Children’s Travel Book of the Year 2023

If you know any little ones curious about the world, then this tale of a young boy who bonds with a whale and grows by learning about its life and environment is a beautifully illustrated and touching read.

Wilder Journeys

Edited by Laurie King and Miriam Lancewood

This anthology of adventurous travels offers plenty of temptation to explore further than you ordinarily might. Tales of living with a family of eagles in Scotland, surviving for a decade in a remote Australian forest and charting a passage through the infamous Darien Gap is the kind of inspiration that makes our feet itch.

Lost In The Lakes

By Tom Chesshyre

If you have never hiked in the Lake District, then this gentle tome offers up inspiration enough to lace up your boots and book a train ticket to Penrith, as you follow its genial author in a 600km round-trip hike (or ‘big wobbly circle’, as he puts it). Along the way, he encounters fellow walkers, runners and farmers, and rests his weary feet in draughty bothies and damp shepherds huts on what is an entertaining ramble.

How to Read a Tree

By Tristan Gooley

If you’ve ever envied a companion’s ability to name the trees around you or tell the difference between almost identical leaves, this is the read for you. Trees can reveal fascinating secrets about the landscape and environment, and this book will add a new dimension to your next countryside stroll.

The Half Known Life

By Pico Iyer

In a spectacular journey, both inward and outward, Iyer roams from crowded mosques in Iran to a film studio in North Korea, to a holy mountain in Japan to discover whether paradise can exist in a divided and often chaotic world.

By Kapka Kassabova

Kassabova explores one of the oldest inhabited river valleys in Europe, deep in the south-west of Bulgaria. Its forests and mountains are a nexus for wild-plant gatherers, and in its old ways and villages the author finds room for thoughtful meditation on place, people, plants and the urgent call to rethink how we live.

Found in Translation

By Duncan Madden

Did you know that the word ‘Canada’ originally meant ‘village’? Duncan Madden unravels the tangled threads of history and etymology to uncover the strange and enlightening stories that have shaped the names of nations and places around the world.

By James Stourton

The author turns his gaze on elements of British cultural and the natural environment that have been deliberately preserved: the countryside, national parks, historic buildings. In doing so, he charts two major periods of conservation and looks at different ideas of ‘heritage’ and the threats to it that have existed down the years.

Edited by Mariella Fostrup

From Antarctica to the Andes, countless footloose females have travelled the world and recorded their exploits for posterity. In curating this collection of first-hand accounts, broadcaster and writer Frostrup lends a platform to adventurers gone by, ranging from lesser-known eccentrics to iconic heroines.

Between the Chalk and the Sea

By Gail Simmons

Wandering the Old Way across 386km of the UK’s south coast allows Simmons ample room to touch on history, folklore and modern politics. Along the way she also delves into what long walks, such as the old pilgrim trails, mean to us today and why being a woman walking alone still feels like a radical act.

Dreaming the Land

By Marie Geissler

As we learnt from our feature on the Northern Territory this issue (see page 76), Aboriginal Australian art carries with it a wellspring of cultural meaning. It’s a complex subject for outsiders, but one that is studiously broken down by Geissler, who charts the evolution of the contemporary Aboriginal art movement, focussing on the Torres Strait Islands and Northern Territory. She also provides useful itineraries for those after a closer look.

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World » Europe » Italy

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Last updated: July 03, 2024

The best books on Italy: we've asked novelists, academics and one chef to recommend which books to read to learn more about Italy, its food, its culture, its art and its history.

Books on notable Italians include Julius Caesar , Marco Polo , Isabella de’ Medici , Christopher Columbus , Galileo , Dante , Leonardo da Vinci , Verdi , and Elena Ferrante .

Italian authors frequently recommended on Five books include: Natalia Ginzburg , Umberto Eco and Primo Levi.

We also have sections on some of the most popular Italian cities; Venice and Ancient Rome .

Due to Italy's enviable geographic position it's historically been home to myriad peoples and cultures that have all contributed to its culture and literature.

The Best Italian Literature , recommended by Dacia Maraini

Canti by giacomo leopardi, orlando furioso by ludovico ariosto, i vicerè (the viceroys) by federico de roberto, le confessioni d'un italiano (confessions of an italian) by ippolito nievo, canne al vento (reeds in the wind) by grazia deledda.

One of Italy's greatest living authors, Dacia Maraini , nominates her choices for the best works of Italian literature.

One of Italy’s greatest living authors, Dacia Maraini, nominates her choices for the best works of Italian literature.

The Best Italian Crime Fiction , recommended by Massimo Carlotto

Per sempre by piergiorgio pulixi, prima di dirti addio by piergiorgio pulixi, la buona legge di mariasole by l. r. carrino, un caso come gli altri by pasquale ruju, i pregiudizi di dio by luca poldelmengo.

Journalists are no longer able to properly investigate organised crime in modern Italy — leaving it to crime fiction writers to pick up the slack, says the acclaimed Italian novelist, Massimo Carlotto . Here he chooses five noir novels that explore the reality of Italian corruption in highly original ways.

Journalists are no longer able to properly investigate organised crime in modern Italy — leaving it to crime fiction writers to pick up the slack, says the acclaimed Italian novelist, Massimo Carlotto. Here he chooses five noir novels that explore the reality of Italian corruption in highly original ways.

The best books on Italian Food , recommended by Ruth Rogers

Italian food by elizabeth david, the talisman italian cookbook by ada boni, the splendid table by lynne rossetto kasper, the essentials of classic italian cooking by marcella hazan, cooking the roman way by david downie.

A culinary tour of Italian food, with co-founder of the acclaimed River Café restaurant Ruth Rogers . She tells us about the books that have inspired her, including the one she asks all her chefs to read!

A culinary tour of Italian food, with co-founder of the acclaimed River Café restaurant Ruth Rogers. She tells us about the books that have inspired her, including the one she asks all her chefs to read!

The Best Italian Renaissance Books , recommended by Kenneth Bartlett

The prince by niccolo machiavelli, ricordi by francesco guicciardini, the book of the courtier by baldesar castiglione, the lives of the artists by giorgio vasari, the autobiography of benvenuto cellini by benvenuto cellini.

If you’re going to look at the past, you have to understand the people who were living there and see the world through their eyes, says historian and Renaissance specialist Kenneth Bartlett . He picks the best books written during the Italian Renaissance.

If you’re going to look at the past, you have to understand the people who were living there and see the world through their eyes, says historian and Renaissance specialist Kenneth Bartlett. He picks the best books written during the Italian Renaissance.

Books on Italy, Italian Politics & History , recommended by Alan Rhode

The pursuit of italy: a history of a land, its regions and their peoples by david gilmour, the italians by john hooper, the archipelago: italy since 1945 by john foot, la bella figura by beppe severgnini, the land where lemons grow: the story of italy and its citrus fruit by helena attlee.

"You may have the universe, if I may have Italy," goes the Verdi opera. Italy has had a profound influence on everything from art and food to religion and organized crime. Anglo-Italian journalist Alan Rhode recommends books to better understand Italian politics and history—and the Italians themselves.

“You may have the universe, if I may have Italy,” goes the Verdi opera. Italy has had a profound influence on everything from art and food to religion and organized crime. Anglo-Italian journalist Alan Rhode recommends books to better understand Italian politics and history—and the Italians themselves.

The Best Italian Novels , recommended by Tim Parks

Little novels of sicily by giovanni verga (translated by dh lawrence), zeno’s conscience by italo svevo, arturo’s island by elsa morante, the moon and the bonfires by cesare pavese, the garden of the finzi-continis by giorgio bassani & jamie mckendrick (translator).

In the decades following Italian unification, its authors started writing in the new common language: Italian. Italy-based novelist Tim Parks introduces us to some of the best novels by some of Italy's greatest writers.

In the decades following Italian unification, its authors started writing in the new common language: Italian. Italy-based novelist Tim Parks introduces us to some of the best novels by some of Italy’s greatest writers.

The best books on Italy’s Risorgimento , recommended by Carlotta Ferrara degli Uberti

The nation of the risorgimento: kinship, sanctity and honour in the origins of unified italy by alberto mario banti, the antiquity of the italian nation: the cultural origins of political myth in modern italy by antonino de francisco, risorgimento in exile: italian emigrés and the liberal international in the post-napoleonic era by maurizio isabella, garibaldi: invention of a hero by lucy riall, monarchie et identité nationale en italie (1861-1900) by catherine brice.

Italian unification was one of the great political dramas of 19th century Europe, transforming a patchwork of territories speaking different languages into the nation-state of Italy. Here, historian Carlotta Ferrara degli Uberti discusses the people and ideas that brought it about and how its disputed legacy continues to impact Italy today.

The Best Elena Ferrante Books , recommended by Sarah Chihaya and Merve Emre

My brilliant friend by elena ferrante, my brilliant friend: the neapolitan quartet by elena ferrante, the beach at night by elena ferrante, the lost daughter by elena ferrante, translated by ann goldstein, the days of abandonment by elena ferrante, frantumaglia: a writer's journey by elena ferrante.

From her early novellas to the Neapolitan quartet, the elusive Elena Ferrante has achieved deserved superstar status for the compulsively readable, addictive quality of her writing. Two of the authors of The Ferrante Letters , Sarah Chihaya and Merve Emre , introduce us to Ferrante and recommend what to read next after My Brilliant Friend .

From her early novellas to the Neapolitan quartet, the elusive Elena Ferrante has achieved deserved superstar status for the compulsively readable, addictive quality of her writing. Two of the authors of The Ferrante Letters , Sarah Chihaya and Merve Emre, introduce us to Ferrante and recommend what to read next after My Brilliant Friend .

The best books on Italian Political Philosophy , recommended by Guglielmo Verdirame

Discourses on livy by niccolo machiavelli, trans. harvey mansfield and nathan tarcov, the new science of giambattista vico: unabridged translation of the third edition (1744) by giambattista vico, trans. max harold fisch and thomas goddard bergin, the history of european liberalism by guido de ruggiero, trans. r. g. collingwood, prison notebooks by antonio gramsci, trans. joseph a. buttigieg and antonio callari, liberalism and democracy by norberto bobbio, trans. martin ryle and kate soper.

Italy has a rich tradition of political philosophy, producing a number of thinkers with both practical experience and a cosmopolitan outlook. Here Guglielmo Verdirame , Professor of International Law at King's College London, talks us through the five most important Italian political philosophers, and the best books to read to understand their work.

Italy has a rich tradition of political philosophy, producing a number of thinkers with both practical experience and a cosmopolitan outlook. Here Guglielmo Verdirame, Professor of International Law at King’s College London, talks us through the five most important Italian political philosophers, and the best books to read to understand their work.

The Best Books on the Mafia , recommended by John Dickie

The two mafias: a transatlantic history, 1888-2008 by salvatore lupo, men of honour: the truth about the mafia by judge giovanni falcone, la sicilia e gli alleati: tra occupazione e liberazione by manoela patti, mafia life: love, death and money at the heart of organised crime by federico varese, mafia women by clare longrigg.

The three biggest Italian mafias remain a powerful presence, with tentacles reaching deep inside Italian business and politics, but our understanding of them is marred by myths and misconceptions. Professor John Dickie of University College London, author of three books on the mafia, recommends what to read to get a better understanding of what the mafia really is.

We ask experts to recommend the five best books in their subject and explain their selection in an interview.

This site has an archive of more than one thousand seven hundred interviews, or eight thousand book recommendations. We publish at least two new interviews per week.

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