An unforgettable workation experience in idyllic Italy

Alieke Ingerman
16 August 2024
6 minutes reading time

Italy, the land of breathtaking scenery, historic cities and delicious food, is the ideal destination for a workation. A workation combines work with vacation, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful surroundings while staying productive. Here are the highlights of my trip and tips for fun spots in la bella Italia.

Choose your favorite destination in Italy

Whether you work from a quaint village or in a bustling city, Italy offers a plethora of inspiring locations where your productivity and relaxation go hand in hand. Each place has its own charm. Here are some of the most beautiful places I’ve visited in Italy and recommendations for you.

  1. Tuscany: For an idyllic experience with rolling hills, vineyards and quiet villages.
  2. Rome: If you want to combine the vibrant city atmosphere with history and culture.
  3. Amalfi Coast: For breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and picturesque coastal towns.
  4. Cinque Terre: The Cinque Terre consists of five villages along the coast near La Spezia in Liguria, these are on the Unesco World Heritage List.
  5. Sicily: If you’re looking for a mix of beautiful nature, culture and delicious food.
  6. Milan: Milan is the business and fashion heart of Italy. The city is perfect for professionals who want to combine work and networking with culture and style.

square with terraces in Lucca Italy Alieke in cinque terre Italy

Working among the vineyards in Tuscany

When I think of pictures of Italy, I think of Tuscany. Beautiful hills, vineyards, cypress trees, medieval villages; this area is truly a painting. Cities like Florence and Siena combine culture and history with modern amenities, while the quiet rural areas are perfect for those in need of peace and concentration.

Must-visit spots:

  • Florence: The city of the Renaissance offers an inspiring environment with world-famous museums and historic buildings. Work from a co-working space overlooking the Duomo or find a quiet café in one of its charming streets.
  • Chianti region: Surrounded by vineyards, you will find many traditional agritourisms where you can work in peace. A wonderful environment to relax or take a walk during your working day and enjoy the local wines after your working day.
  • Lucca: I found this to be such a great characteristic town, really a place to go to if you are in Tuscany on workation as far as I am concerned.

lunch on the rooftop terrace overlooking Rome colosseum in italy with queue

On workstation in Rome

Rome is a city brimming with history, culture and energy. This is one of my favorite European capitals to be honest. For those who want to combine the city atmosphere with work, Rome offers many modern facilities such as co-working spaces, luxury accommodations and good Internet connections. The only downside is the hustle and bustle of tourism. For many historical highlights, you have to get there very early.

Must-visit spots:

  • Trastevere: In this bohemian neighborhood across the Tiber, you will find many cafes and small restaurants where you can work while enjoying authentic Roman life.
  • Colosseo and Monti: Choose a workspace here with views of iconic monuments. Take a long break and explore the nearby Roman Forum or enjoy a gelato on a terrace.

What you should really do in Italy

1. Taste the local cuisine
One of the highlights of Italy is, of course, the food. Use your workation to explore local cuisine. Try regional specialties such as Tuscan ribollita, Roman pasta alla carbonara, or Sicilian cannoli. Make lunch breaks a time to try new dishes and enjoy Italian dining traditions. 2. Explore your surroundings
Working online means that you often sit still behind your laptop for long periods of time. Make sure you stay active during your workday. Especially in a different environment, it is great to take a walk or enjoy the sunshine in between. After the work part of the workation, it’s time for relaxation and adventure. Italy offers many opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking in the Dolomites, biking through Tuscany, or sailing along the Amalfi Coast.

Physical activity can help you keep your mind sharp and reduce stress.

hilly landscape in Italy tuscany agritourism in Tuscany in Italy

3. Explore local culture
Take time to immerse yourself in Italy’s rich culture. Visit one of the many museums and beautiful historical sites. I personally found this to be one of the highlights of my trip. These moments of relaxation are not only very nice, but also offer you new inspiration and insights that can benefit your work. I always try to learn a few words of the language. Although I must say that I found that quite difficult in Italy. Buongiorno, grazie mille, bueno, per favore all work, but otherwise I found the language quite difficult. Maybe also because I spend relatively little time in this country. But at least try to master the basics, which is always greatly appreciated by the locals.

Provide a good workplace

Besides your accommodation, there are plenty of inspiring places to work in Italy. Think local cafes overlooking a square, quiet libraries or co-working spaces in cities like Milan and Florence. These places often offer a refreshing atmosphere that can boost your creativity. A stable Internet connection is essential for a successful workation. Prior to your trip, it is wise to check if your accommodation offers fast and reliable Wi-Fi. Consider bringing a mobile Wi-Fi router as a backup or a large data bundle, especially if you plan to spend some more time in the countryside.

Iconic building in Florence with terrace bakery with cannolis

A good work-life balance

A workation is all about balance. Plan your work hours carefully so that you have enough time to relax and explore the surroundings. Try to start your workday early so you can enjoy the Italian sun and culture in the afternoon. Don’t forget to also make time for spontaneous activities and discoveries. Keep in mind the Italians’ lunch break (la pausa). In many Italian cities and towns, stores and businesses close around noon for a long break, often between 1 and 4 p.m. Keep this in mind when planning your day. While it is important to keep your work in order, remember that you are also on vacation. Allow yourself to occasionally adjust your schedule and enjoy unexpected moments and discoveries. That’s part and parcel of traveling. This flexibility can make your workation even more enjoyable.

On to la bella Italia

I really loved my workation in Italy. It was the perfect way to discover the beauty and culture of this beautiful country. Whether you prefer the peaceful hills of Tuscany, the vibrant streets of Rome, or the picturesque coast of Cinque Terre. With the right preparation and an open mindset, you can not only be productive, but also enjoy all the beauty Italy has to offer.

More inspiration on remote working and workations:

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