I am looking for information on Italy {please read on.....}?

Question

I am looking to stay in Italy for aprx. 6 months. Would there be any restrictions on that time frame?

What area (or areas) would be best to visit? I am looking for a some what non-touristy area.

I am also intersted in aprx. rent prices for a studio or small apartment (in american format).

Also, does anyone know which areas would be most friendly towards someone with minimal Italian speaking skills?

Answer 1

I usually stay in a place called Frosinone. It is south of Rome appr. an hour drive. It is less touristy but it is pretty close to the city so you won't get bored. Many of the people are very wlecoming and friendly and are exeptive to your lack of the language and just try to help you. They are also fascinated that we are from a different place! If your looking for appartments or somewhere to stay here are some websites that you can browse:

www.tecnocasa.it

www.casa.it

www.remax.it

I hope that will help you!

Answer 2

Try the outskirts of Naples or down to Brindisi.

Take a Berlitz English/Italian dictionary and a phrase book with you.  Not many people speak English in Italy and Italian are only spoken in Italy.

There are no American format, if you find it be sure it will cost you.  Your best choice will be a two room format and shared bath room facilities. . .oh those were the days my friend, we had the run of the mill

Answer 3

I would suggest Piedmont or Marches. If you would like a smaller town then Ascoli Piceno or Alba are both lovely. You would probably look at around EUR 350 to EUR 400 per month for a decent studio without furniture.

Turin is also a great city and the people are very friendly. It is also easy to get work teaching English if you should need it. If you like I can give you the name of a few schools that are always looking for teachers.

Answer 4

Hi,

I've lived in italy... I went to school there. I'm also italian and go visit at least once a year.  So... I think that Florence is the best place to start out.  There are more english-speaking people that I can think of off hand in that area.  It also happens to be an amazing city... plus it can be as touristy or non touristy as you like... it depends on who you socialize with and where you go.  Places near by that area that are incredible to see include: Cinque terre, Isola D'elba, Bologna (that's where my family is from)... that's just to get you started.  Southern italy is a MUST see... it's the most passionate and free thinking part of italy... the sea life is just to die for.  If you happen to make it down there, I suggest in Sicily to see Taormina... look it up, it's something that most people don't know about.  Go to Naples to taste some authentic Pizza (we're talking the original, real deal) and perhaps to Puglia. There is this little town that my fiance' is from.  It's called Cisternino.  It's between Bari and Brindisi.  I think that it should warm you up.  I don't know you, but I'm definately excited for you.  I know what my experience was like and wish I could do it all over again.  If you want to know anything else or need any advise.  PLEASE email me, it's my pleasure.

Answer 5

go to the south east of Sicily. Val di Noto. I know Taormina is very very very famous but it too much touristic. choose some masseria in sicily...

I m sicilian

Answer 6

I just got back from my first Italy trip.  try getting the rick steves guide book.  he is pretty realistic.  

GO TO CINQUE TERRE.  it was a great break from the rest of the sight seeing.

Florence was my favorite place, but rome was fun too.  venice is only worth a few days at most.  if you are in to fashion, try milan. Pompeii is great.  many people like to travel to the small towns in tuscany.

as for staying long term I am not sure, you may want to check out Hostelworld.com it has apartments listed for some places.  

you could also try to get a "host family" if you are staying somewhere for a long time.

we had no problem speaking only english, you just need to be resorceful, speak slower than normal, and carry a phrase book.