This post may contain compensated links. Please read our disclosure for additional information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Are you planning a trip to beautiful Italy? Or are you simply looking for some inspiration for your next travels?
I love reading about new places before I go. It helps gain an understanding and a sense of the culture and history. Actually seeing the places you have read about makes it even more special when you get there.
I spent a few weeks travelling Italy by train a few years ago and it was wonderful to see the works of Michelangelo I had read about in The Agony and the Ecstasy: A Biographical Novel of Michelangelo a few weeks before my trip.
Don’t limit your reading to the pages of a guidebook – I have selected some of the best books about Italy including fictional and non-fictional works to peruse before your trip.
If you are thinking of a longer-term stay I have included some great books written by authors who have moved to Italy to live and work.
Best Books About Italy
A selection of the best travel, non-fiction and fiction books about Italy. Best fiction books about (or set in) Italy I am so glad I read this book before I visited Florence for the second time as it made it so much more enjoyable. I was able to really appreciate Michelangelo’s sculptures and the art work in the Uffizi. If you are visiting Florence this is my number one choice! A must-read in my book! The story of one of the most famous women in history and certainly one of the most enigmatic. Find out about the woman who inspired the painting we know as the Mona Lisa. Against the backdrop of wandering Venetian canals, rolling Tuscan fields, and enchanting Amalfi Coast villages, romance blooms, destinies are found, and family secrets are unearthed—secrets that could threaten the family far more than a centuries-old curse. The Italian Affair is a heartwarming story of three generations of women in the Ferrari family who must heal the broken pieces of their lives on a trip to Italy from New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Probst. Workaholic, career-obsessed Francesca is fiercely independent and successful in all areas of her life except one: family. She struggles to make time for her relationship with her teenage daughter, Allegra, and the two have become practically strangers to each other. A selection of the best non-fiction books about Italy. I love reading books written by people who have taken the plunge and moved to another country! Follow the hilarious adventure of Stef and Nico when they decide with dog Sara to relocate from the Netherlands to Italy. Newly retired John and Nancy Petralia decide to follow their dreams to a life in Italy. It may not be everything that they had anticipated but its an adventure that only those brave enough to leave their comfort zone will ever know. A selection of the best guide books to help you plan your travel to Italy. Let's Eat Italy!, written by the Italian-born, American-raised author of Cook Like an Italian Grandma and president of the Association for Authentic Italian Cuisine, is a comprehensive guide to understanding the country's cuisine. With a mix of gastronomy, food science, history, cultural references, legend, lore, charts, graphs photos and illustrations every one of the 400 pages is an alluring and amusing journey into Italian food. A train is a train is a train, isn’t it? Not quite. As Tim Parks discovers on his first-ever trip to Italy, trains are like people: they have personalities and quirks that can surprise you--and make your journey unforgettable. Italy is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. However, there are still some things that you need to know before planning your trip to Italy. This article will provide you with some essential tips on how to enjoy Italy's beauty to the fullest. I really enjoy listening to Rick Steve’s podcasts and have become a recent fan. He certainly knows his way around Europe and his guide books are up-to-date and worth investing in if you are planning to spend some precious vacation time abroad. A selection of the best books about Italy for children of all ages. Help your kids learn all about Italy before they visit. A fun book which will keep them occupied for hours with puzzles, colouring in and fun facts this is a must-buy for that long flight! A perfect book to introduce younger children to the delights of Italy and Italian life. Follow the adventures of Theodore as he travel through Italy.BEST BOOKS ABOUT ITALY - FICTION
The Agony and the Ecstasy: A Biographical Novel of Michelangelo
I, Mona Lisa
The Star-Crossed Sisters of Tuscany
Our Italian Summer
BEST BOOKS ABOUT ITALY NON-FICTION
Living in Italy: the Real Deal - Hilarious Expat Adventures
Not in a Tuscan Villa: During a year in Italy
BEST GUIDE BOOKS ABOUT TRAVEL IN ITALY
Let's Eat Italy!: Everything You Want to Know About Your Favorite Cuisine
Italian Ways: On and Off the Rails from Milan to Palermo
Italy travel guide: essential tips for first-timers in Italy: How to travel Italy
Rick Steves Italy 2019
BEST BOOKS ABOUT ITALY FOR CHILDREN
Kids' Travel Guide - Italy: The fun way to discover Italy - especially for kids
Books about Italy for Kids: Theodore's Italian Adventure
Read more about Italy (plus more travel inspiration from my book selections)
There are lots more travel book suggestions in my complete guide to travel books from around the world (check out my global bookshelf) You will find my favourite book for lots of countries in the article including Norway, England, Australia, Canada, South Africa and France.
If you enjoy atlas-related books you will find an eclectic mix in my guide to the best atlases. Looking for travel inspiration? Check out my recommended travel books for 2021 here.
Travelling to Italy? Read about Rome, Venice, Milan and Florence in my city guides.
Enjoy watching TV shows and movies from around the world?