If you have already read some of the articles on the Posarelli Villas blog you will be familiar with our Guide to Italy. This small manual is designed for our clients (and not only). Arriving on holiday prepared will allow you to avoid making beginner "mistakes" that could compromise your wonderful stay.
Today we want to give you some concrete tips on how best to spend your days in Italy.
1. SEPARATE WASTE COLLECTION
When in Rome, do as the Romans do. As you know, separate waste collection is the sorting and separation of materials for subsequent recycling. Each municipality gives precise indications on how to dispose of waste correctly, but there are general rules applicable throughout Italy.
Let's find out together:
- Pay attention to the wording on the bin, you will usually find indications for glass, plastic, paper and organic waste
- Rinse dirty bottles and containers: for pizza boxes you can't, but products such as glass jars of spreadable creams, washing-up liquid or tuna cans you can.
- Separate different materials: it happens that the cardboard of pasta packaging has an easily removable plastic band, in this and other cases you have to separate the materials and place them in the relevant containers. Some municipalities have even launched an app that shows you the correct destination of waste: just scan the barcode with your smartphone camera.
- Each municipality has its own set day for waste collection, you will certainly find this information in your rental house or on the municipality's website.
2. GROCERY SHOPPING
In addition to trying out all the restaurants you can imagine, you will need a few basic necessities and a few ingredients to prepare a meal on the spot.
In addition to pasta and some ready-made sauces (tomato puree and pesto are our favourites) we recommend you also pick up some vegetables, but beware: use gloves!
In most Italian supermarkets you can find fruit and vegetables in bulk, you will find little columns with bags and gloves. Pay attention to this detail, it is bad manners to touch food with bare hands.
In some chains you will have to weigh the products yourself on scales: each fruit/vegetable is assigned a number. A label will then be printed and attached to the bag.
In supermarkets you will also find butcher's, baker's and fishmonger's departments: fresh produce is delicious, but don't forget to take the number if you want to be served!
3. PUBLIC TRANSPORT
If you don't want to rent a car or scooter to explore Italy, here are some things to know before using public transport:
- Before taking a bus make sure you have a ticket: once on board you will only be able to buy a ticket with exact cash and at a premium. Do not forget to validate your ticket, otherwise you will be liable to a fine.
- For paper regional train tickets, it is necessary to validate them: at every station you will find ticket machines where you can insert your ticket. If you are late and cannot buy your ticket, you can purchase it on the train: look for the ticket inspector immediately, otherwise it will be difficult to avoid a penalty.
