2025 is the Italy Jubilee year. It is anticipated that MANY pilgrims will be making their way to Rome throughout the year to obtain the indulgences from the pope. Does anyone know if this anticipated increase in travelers will affect travel to the Amalfi, Sicily, Sardinia areas? IE. increase in costs dues to more travelers. Or will this primarily effect the ERome and pilgrimage routes to the north?
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Wilmington, DE, USA
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I spent the month of April in Italy revisiting friends I've made over the past 20 years. A hotel owner told me that the 'summer season' is now pretty much year round. The government said that as of early April more than 16 million tourists had entered the country. They expect a total of 35 million this year. Next year they are predicting 50 million. So, yes, it's going to be crowded throughout the country. Of course, the 'main' cities of Rome, Florence and Venice will feel more crowded than usual but so will the 'less' popular areas (that's always a personal choice). Costs have been rising since the pandemic - my apartment in Rome was about 25% higher than 5 years ago. Eating out will be a bit of a challenge for some. My average dinner was 80 euro.
Word to the wise: plan well ahead, get tickets ASAP, make reservations for dinner early (as in calendar not dinner time), and find ways to escape the crowds when you feel overwhelmed. Hint: in Venice, turn left (or right) if you see a crowd ahead of you! In Rome, explore neighborhoods on your way to the main attractions. In Sorrento, stay at a hotel away from the city to give you more a sense of escape. Many have regular shuttle service to downtown. Sicily and Sardinia will be destinations probably for people who are more experienced with travel in Italy - thinking the crowds won't be there. Surprise! (and not a good one, I'm sure).
I'm skipping 2025. See you in 2026!