Shopping for Food in Italy

Although some things are more expensive than in the United States, you'll find that many items at the market cost less. For example, the radicchio I bought for €48 cents (about 75 US cents) would cost me $2.99 at my local supermarket in the US. We bought a couple decent bottles of wine for 99 and some good bottles for 3 or 4 euro. A 6-pack of 1 1/2 liter bottles of mineral water cost less than €2 and a good loaf of fresh bread less than €1. There are many good cheeses available for much less than you'd pay in the US, too.

One way to save money on your Italy vacation is by staying in a self-catering apartment, villa, or agriturismo. Eat your meal out a lunch time, when you can sometimes find bargain set price meals on weekdays, then have your late meal in at the end of the day. If you don't want to cook, pick up on picnic supplies or gourmet store items that can be heated and served. Just remember that shops close for a long lunch break in the afternon, usually close in the evening by 7 or 8, and are often closed all day Sunday and Monday mornings.

Related Italy Travel: Italian Grocery Shopping Tips | Vacation Rentals | Agriturismo Listings