30 + books, movies, podcasts not to be missed before you travel to Italy

Your dream of traveling to Italy is about to come true, and you know very well that organizing a trip is not just about booking flights or finding hotels or Airbnbs to stay in. It's also about gradually immersing yourself in the deep rhythm of Italian culture. Reading, watching films, listening to podcasts, or documentaries helps build an emotional connection with the places you will visit.

When you know the stories, sounds, and faces of Italy even before you leave, your journey becomes richer: every road will speak to you, every landscape will become recognizable and full of meaning. Cultural familiarity generates empathy, understanding, and a sense of belonging. Instead of feeling like a tourist, you will feel part of a context, ready to explore not only the space but also the time, traditions, and local ways of life.

In this article, we want to guide you through the best books about Italy, the films to watch before visiting Italy, documentaries on Italian culture, and travel podcasts about Italy, which are highly appreciated by travelers and Italians themselves. This way, you will be ready to fully experience your dream of traveling to Italy.

Let's start with timeless classics from the best books about Italy. Immerse yourself in the pages of books that have made history, stories told by Italian authors and foreign authors who have fallen in love with beautiful Italy, who have seen and felt a deep connection with this country.

This novel is a quiet yet profound journey into the soul of the Italian Alps. Set between the valleys of the Aosta Valley, it tells the story of Pietro, a boy from the city, and Bruno, a child of the mountains. Their friendship grows through hikes, silences and alpine huts, offering a glimpse of an often-overlooked Italy—far from big cities and tourist clichés.

Cognetti invites us to slow down, to breathe, to observe. The reader is transported into an almost meditative dimension, where the mountains are not just a backdrop but a character in themselves. It’s the perfect read for anyone seeking authenticity, simplicity, and emotional depth in their cultural journey.

A classic of world literature intertwined with Italy’s experience during the First World War. The American author, with his dry and direct style, takes us through the Piave front, Milan and Lake Maggiore. The love story between Frederic and Catherine is as fragile and powerful as the landscapes they move through. Hemingway looks at Italy through the eyes of a foreigner in love—with the scenery but also with the conflicting emotions of a crumbling era. This book teaches how beauty can coexist with pain, and how every place can hold multiple truths.

Mystery, essay, historical novel—this masterpiece by Umberto Eco is much more than a story about murders. Set in a medieval monastery, it’s a journey through philosophy, religion and enigma. The Italy depicted here is one of isolated abbeys, ancient codes, theological disputes.

Reading it means diving into the intellectual layers of the country, understanding how deeply the past influences the present, and how knowledge is often hidden in places invisible to the modern traveler.

Venice has never felt as vivid and complex as in the novels of American writer Donna Leon. Commissioner Brunetti moves through narrow streets, bridges and theaters with the disillusioned eye of someone who loves the city but also knows its contradictions.

"Death at La Fenice" is the first in a long series and offers a perfect introduction to the everyday Venice, far from tourist snapshots. Through crime fiction, Leon crafts a social and urban narrative, offering readers an insider’s perspective.

A summer in the Ligurian countryside, with sea views, a villa, and the intensity of first love. Aciman’s writing is sensual, evocative, filled with sensory detail: the taste of apricots, the scent of a lover’s skin, the warmth of sunlight.

This novel is ideal for those seeking an intimate, whispered version of Italy—one you experience with your heart rather than your eyes. It’s an invitation to let go, to feel, to remember.

Though written by an Englishman, this novel is a true love letter to Florence. Young Lucy undergoes a profound transformation while observing the city from her window, discovering art, passion and emotional turmoil.

It’s a story of awakening and change—perfect for those wanting to connect with Italy through aesthetics, feeling, and the contrast between British restraint and Latin freedom.

Ferrara, 1930s. The story of the Finzi-Contini family unfolds against the rise of fascism and the exclusion of Jews from public life. Bassani recounts beauty, memory and decline with melancholy and clarity.

The garden becomes a symbol of a vanishing era—a suspended place where the reader can feel the fragility of history. A book that invites deep reflection, ideal for those who want to understand Italy’s most poetic and painful past.

If you love mystery, art and adrenaline, this thriller is a perfect way to explore Rome in an unusual way. Following Professor Langdon through churches, squares and monuments, you enter a parallel world where symbols, history and architecture intertwine.

It’s a book that sparks curiosity and will make you walk through Rome with more investigative eyes.

The story of Lenù and Lila is a powerful fresco of postwar Naples. Emotions are raw, family dynamics are complex, and the urban descriptions are precise and compelling.

Ferrante makes every page visceral, forging an intense empathetic connection with the reader. It’s a must-read for anyone wanting to discover the real Naples—with its contradictions, energy and unique language.

The saga of the Florio family tells the rise and decline of one of the most powerful families in Palermo. Amidst the scents of spices, merchant ships, political intrigues, and family passions, Sicily comes to life in all its intensity.

It is a compelling read that blends historical documentation with fictional storytelling, ideal for those who want to explore the deep roots of Sicilian identity.

If you love films, you can't miss the best movies set in Italy to watch before visiting Italy. Through scenes shot in the most beautiful Italian locations, you will dive even deeper into the culture, discovering little-known corners, cities, and towns that make our Italy unique.

If you love movies, here is our selection of:

- films that capture the essence of the Italian summer
- iconic films set in Rome

A visually stunning journey through the decadent and captivating Rome of today. Jep Gambardella, a disillusioned journalist and writer, guides us through lavish parties, aristocratic palaces, and existential reflections. Sorrentino’s camera explores the Eternal City as if it were a living being, where beauty mingles with melancholy.

Watching "La Grande Bellezza" is like diving into a dreamlike aesthetic, learning to see Rome with fresh eyes, and questioning the meaning of beauty and memory. It’s more than a story—it’s a full sensory experience, ideal for those dreaming of a Rome far from tourist clichés.

Set on a fictional island in Southern Italy, this film tells the touching story of the friendship between Chilean poet Pablo Neruda and Mario, the local postman. The Mediterranean landscape provides the backdrop for a delicate, poetic, and moving tale about love, poetry, and the longing for change.

The images of the sea, sun-bleached beaches, and whitewashed houses turn the film into a hymn to simplicity and the power of words. "Il Postino" prepares you to discover the hidden beauty of the Italian countryside and to tune into the musicality of both the language and the heart.

A bittersweet comedy that begins with a woman forgotten by her family at a highway café and ends in a surreal, poetic, and surprising Venice. Rosalba, the protagonist, rediscovers a new version of herself, far from the monotony of daily life.

This film is a love letter to personal freedom and the joy of the unexpected. Venice, away from the crowds, reveals its most intimate and dreamlike side. It’s perfect for anyone seeking an authentic and gentle Italy, filled with improbable encounters and quiet personal revolutions.

A portrait of Milan’s bourgeoisie that merges formal rigor with overwhelming passion. Tilda Swinton shines in this drama that explores familial and personal transformation through the eyes of a woman breaking away from her predetermined role.

Elegantly shot, the film highlights historic villas, traditional dishes, and the Lombard landscape. It’s a tale of transformation, desire, and freedom. Watching it helps you read Italy in its silences and social contradictions.

A neorealist classic that follows a troubled English couple traveling through Naples, Pompeii, and Southern Italy. Slow and contemplative, yet deeply powerful, it portrays 1950s Italy with authenticity, balancing reason with emotion, inner life with outer beauty.

Essential viewing for connecting with a spiritual, profound Italy—far from exotic stereotypes and close to human truth.

Previously mentioned as a novel, this is its perfect visual adaptation. Guadagnino transforms the written emotions into warm, sun-drenched images full of light and longing. Lombardy’s hills, historic villas, bike rides, and intimate dialogue make the film an immersive experience.

It lets you feel Italy through the rhythm of slow days, quiet moments, and the sounds of nature and language. A love letter to beauty, discovery, and bittersweet nostalgia.

A film that moved audiences around the world, capturing the horror of the Holocaust with extraordinary sensitivity and humanity. Set first in Arezzo and then in a concentration camp, it shows how paternal love and imagination can become tools of resistance. This film teaches the deep connection between memory, identity, and hope.

Watching it before your trip will help you understand how history runs deep in Italy and how pain can turn into poetry.

A timeless classic starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck that reveals Rome through the enchanted gaze of a princess. Fountains, Vespas, gelato, and freedom: everything in this film is an invitation to dream and embrace spontaneity.

Despite its age, it remains a perfect way to approach the capital with joy and curiosity. Ideal for first-time visitors to the Eternal City.

A three-part diary that takes us through Rome, the Aeolian Islands, and Italian hospitals. Moretti observes the world with irony, melancholy, and a critical yet never banal eye.

It’s a personal and political film, uncovering hidden corners of Italy while prompting subtle reflections on life and society. A perfect piece for those who love inner journeys as much as physical ones.

Watching Italian culture documentaries is one of the most authentic and engaging ways to prepare for a trip to the Bel Paese. Italian culture documentaries offer a privileged lens through which to observe habits, landscapes, stories, and characters that often escape the radar of traditional tourism.

From artistic masterpieces to ancient crafts, from family histories to contemporary social tensions, these visual stories help you decode the soul of the country even before setting foot on Italian soil.

A touching and personal documentary that follows a journey through Italy to understand what it means to be Italian today. Vicari interviews everyday people in every region, capturing accents, life stories, and dreams.

The result is an emotional and realistic mosaic—perfect for those who want to go beyond postcards and discover the real Italy, full of contrasts and multiple identities.

This documentary is a road movie that is both critical and affectionate. The two filmmakers travel across Italy to understand whether it’s still a country worth living in.

It touches on youth emigration, corruption, scenic beauty, and the spirit of resilience. A thought-provoking watch for those wanting to reflect on contemporary Italy, torn between love and frustration, belonging and departure.

Though not a traditional documentary, the Gomorrah series and its associated behind-the-scenes content are essential to understanding certain dynamics in Southern Italy.

Interviews, investigative reports, and bonus materials help explain the social context, criminal culture, and structural challenges of the region of Naples. A powerful perspective for those who want to understand even the more uncomfortable sides of Italy.

A series of short documentaries available for free on RaiPlay that explore hidden places, traditions, and characters throughout Italy. From mountain communities to minor islands, from shepherding to art restoration, each episode reveals a lesser-known face of the country.

Ideal for curious travelers looking to get inspired before choosing their own itinerary.

Produced for an international audience, this documentary explores cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice through the lens of art, architecture, and history.

Perfect for those looking for high-quality Italian culture documentaries, with captivating narration and extraordinary visuals. It’s an elegant way to start dreaming and planning your trip with cultural awareness.

Exploring Italy through the voices of those who live it, question it, and tell its stories is a powerful experience. Italy travel podcasts let you start your journey with your imagination, even before boarding a plane. Through accents, personal anecdotes, historical insights, and practical tips, they offer an authentic and often intimate perspective on the country.

From forgotten villages to vibrant cities, from historical roots to modern transformations, here are some essential podcasts to help you connect with Italy before you go.

Created by Visit Italy with Monnalisa is a moving podcast blending art, identity, and storytelling. Each episode unfolds as a conversation with Mona Lisa—Italy’s artistic icon—who guides the listener through the country’s cultural and artistic heritage.

The episodes address themes related to travel throughout the Italian peninsula. This podcast is ideal for those seeking an inspired, sensory audio experience—each listen feels like an imaginary stroll through Italy’s artistic marvels. With its elegant, evocative voice and rich references, it’s perfect for lovers of timeless Italian beauty.

Perfect for travelers who want to go off the beaten path, Hidden Gemms reveals Italy’s most authentic and lesser-known corners. Each episode introduces under-the-radar destinations, local stories, centuries-old traditions, and breathtaking landscapes. The storytelling is carefully crafted, featuring interviews with local guides, historians, and residents who protect and share the secrets of their territories.

It’s the ideal podcast for those who want to build a journey full of discoveries, meaningful encounters, and hidden wonders. Listening before departure will help you choose unusual stops and embrace an Italy that few truly know.

Designed for those who want to improve their Italian while getting to know the country better, this podcast is a true companion for curious travelers. Emanuel, the friendly Italo-Australian host, guides listeners through episodes ranging from colloquial expressions to typical Italian behaviors.

Each episode is a mini journey: you’ll learn how to behave at an Italian café, why Italians gesture so much, or how they celebrate Ferragosto. The real strength of Italy Made Easy Podcast in its accessibility.

The language is clear, the pace is friendly, and the tone is inclusive. While originally intended for language learners, it’s perfect for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in the rhythm and nuances of spoken Italian. Listening while making coffee or going for a walk is a delightful and enriching way to tune into the soul of everyday Italy.

Created by two Americans with a deep connection to Rome, this podcast shares the emotional and everyday side of living in Italy. Katy and Tiffany reflect on discoveries, dilemmas, and the wonders of a life lived amid the contradictions and magic of the peninsula. The show alternates introspective episodes with interviews featuring writers, artists, and Italian residents, offering an authentic and never superficial look at the country.

What makes it special is its honest, personal tone: you feel the enchantment of falling in love with Italy, but also the struggle of adapting to its pace, rules, and mindset. Listening feels like reading a real-time diary—perfect for those seeking a journey that is both outward and inward.

With a narrative style blending enthusiasm, passion, and insight, this podcast is made for those dreaming of Italy from afar. Katy Clarke, an Australian deeply in love with the Bel Paese, takes listeners on an audio journey through regions, local dishes, traditions, and lesser-known destinations.

Each episode feels like a warm conversation with a well-traveled friend. From the Dolomites to Sicily, from food markets to religious rituals, Untold Italy unveils details that traditional guidebooks often overlook.

What’s most fascinating is the care in telling Italy’s cultural diversity: through the stories, you’ll truly grasp the richness of the country’s fabric. It’s an inspiring and informative podcast, ideal for those planning a personalized itinerary—or simply wanting to be lulled by the beauty of Italian tales.

Though not entirely focused on Italy, this podcast is a must for anyone eager to understand Italian food culture in depth. Hosted by the brilliant Linda Pelaccio, this podcast explores the connections between cuisine, history, and cultural identity. The Italy-related episodes are numerous and packed with insights: from the origins of pasta to wine rituals, from regional cuisines to the evolution of the Mediterranean diet.

Listening to this podcast is like sitting at a table with historians, chefs, and anthropologists. It’s a flavorful way to prepare for mindful culinary experiences while traveling, recognizing in each traditional dish not just ingredients but centuries of tradition. In a country where food is language and ritual, this podcast is a privileged gateway into Italian culture.

This refined and intellectually stimulating podcast explores Italy through the lens of cultural, artistic, and entrepreneurial innovation. Each episode is a rich, content-filled lesson—ideal for those who want to move beyond clichés and dive into Italy’s global influence today.

Topics include design, literature, cinema, architecture, and business, always anchored in history and philosophy. Conducted in English with a cultured yet accessible tone, Italian Innovators reveals a modern, dynamic Italy still rooted in a timeless heritage.

It’s the perfect podcast to enjoy before visiting museums, attending cultural events, or exploring cities with both a glorious past and a creative present.

Where can you access all the content we've just explored? Here’s a useful list for quick and easy access:

1. Books: Amazon, IBS, Feltrinelli or university libraries.

2. Movies and documentaries: Netflix, Amazon Prime, RaiPlay, Disney+, HBO Max.

3. Podcasts: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and dedicated apps.

4. RAI/Alberto Angela documentaries: RaiPlay available for free.

We can affirm that traveling is about opening up, tuning in, and allowing oneself to be traversed. Even before arriving in Italy, you can start to feel it within you through books that tell of identity and memory, documentaries that expose and celebrate, films that enchant and move, podcasts that speak authentically.

These cultural experiences allow you to connect deeply with Italy, with its landscapes and contradictions, with its millennia-old history and contemporary vitality. Reading, watching, listening: three ways to prepare to experience your journey not just with your eyes, but with your heart.

What should I read before leaving for Italy?

Start with "The Eight Mountains to breathe in the Alps", move on to "A Farewell to Arms" for history, choose "A Room with a View" or "Call Me by Your Name" for poetry and love. Don't forget "My Brilliant Friend" and "The Leopard" for authenticity and regional charm.

Are there good podcasts about Italian culture?

We recommend "Monnalisa Talks" and "Hidden Gems" by Visit Italy to take you to real places; "Untold Italy," "Italy Made Easy Podcast," and "The Bittersweet Life" add history, language, and inspiration.

Which films give an idea of Italian life and history?

Other interesting films for inspiration, in addition to those mentioned, are: "Nuovo Cinema Paradiso," "A Room with a View," "Under the Tuscan Sun," "The Talented Mr. Ripley," "Call Me by Your Name," "The Leopard," and the docuseries Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy, which are essential stops to understand real Italy, from the past to the present.