What Visitors Often Get Wrong About Italy

Relocating to a new country or even visiting one with different cultural norms can be exciting and overwhelming. Italy, with its deep traditions and unique social habits, is no exception.

Whether you’re coming as a traveler or moving long-term, there’s a learning curve to daily life here. From greetings to gestures, avoiding embarrassment is easier with a little prep and curiosity.

Since retiring in Sicily, I’ve had my share of awkward moments. Some were funny, some cringeworthy. But every one of them taught me something important, and I want to share those lessons so you don’t make the same mistakes.

This post walks through common cultural missteps people make in Italy and how to avoid them. If you’re planning a trip or settling in, these tips will help you blend in and avoid the dreaded “brutta figura,” or bad impression.

The Italian Experience: A Roadmap for Success

Here’s what we’ll cover to help you navigate Italian customs with more confidence:

• Mastering Greetings
• Understanding the Importance of Language
• Respecting Local Traditions
• Decoding Italian Gestures
• Practicing Etiquette with Photos and Videos
• Perfecting the Art of Italian Greetings

Mastering Greetings

In Italy, greetings matter. Saying “Ciao” to a stranger can seem too casual or even rude. It’s better to start with something more appropriate depending on the situation.

Here are some good go-to greetings:

• Salve: Neutral and polite, safe in most situations.
• Buongiorno: Means “good morning,” used before early afternoon.
• Buonasera: Means “good evening,” used later in the day.

In Sicily, it’s common to greet friends and acquaintances with a cheek kiss, twice, starting with the right cheek. For more formal settings, stick to a handshake, a smile, and eye contact.

Understanding the Importance of Language

You don’t need to be fluent to make a good impression. But learning some basic Italian phrases goes a long way. Don’t assume everyone speaks English. A little effort shows respect and opens doors socially.

Try these phrases to start:

• Parli inglese? (Do you speak English?)
• Signore and Signora (Mr. and Mrs.)
• Grazie (Thank you) and Prego (You’re welcome)

Keep in mind: just because someone doesn’t speak English fluently doesn’t mean they don’t understand it. Avoid saying anything negative in public. You never know who’s listening.

Respecting Local Traditions

Italy takes its traditions seriously. Even if you don’t follow the same customs, showing respect is key. That means pausing during religious processions or behaving appropriately in sacred spaces.

Other signs of respect include:

• Dressing modestly in churches or religious sites
• Observing local holidays without disrupting them
• Letting public ceremonies unfold without interruption

Even small gestures show awareness and appreciation for the culture around you.

Decoding Italian Gestures

Italians speak with their hands—literally. Gestures are part of the conversation here, and they can be tricky for outsiders.

Here are a few common ones:

• What do you want?: Fingers pinched together, moving up and down
• Let’s go: Palm up, fingers motioning toward the body
• You’re in trouble: Hand swipe under the chin

If you’re unsure what a gesture means, don’t use it. You could send the wrong message without realizing it. Better to observe and learn from locals first. For more, see our guide on what not to do in Sicily.

Practicing Etiquette with Photos and Videos

Italians are usually gracious, but they value privacy. Don’t snap pictures in shops, restaurants, or private areas without asking. A simple “Posso fare una foto?” (Can I take a photo?) is enough.

At museums and landmarks, look for posted rules. They’ll let you know if photos are allowed. Following the rules protects you from awkward interactions—and it’s just good manners.

Perfecting the Art of Italian Greetings

One of my most embarrassing moments in Sicily happened at a family event. I didn’t know the proper direction for a cheek kiss, and almost kissed someone on the lips. Not a great start.

To avoid that, start with the right cheek, and don’t actually kiss the skin—just make the sound. For formal situations, stick with a handshake. Women usually offer their hand first. Don’t go in for a hug unless you’re already close.

Italy’s charm lies in its warmth, its history, and the way people connect. Respect the culture, and you’ll have a much better experience. Mistakes happen, but they’re great teachers. What matters is your effort to learn and fit in with humility.

If you’re serious about spending time in Italy, you’ll also want to understand the real cost of living in Sicily. We broke it all down in a separate post.

From greetings to hand gestures, it’s the little things that help you connect. You don’t need to be perfect, just curious, respectful, and willing to learn.