If you are looking to stay in youth hostel accommodation in Italy, there is quite a lot of choice out there.
And, as this is Italy, you can imagine there are some pretty spectacular locations for Italian hostels, from the fabulous Amalfi Coast to some beautiful corners of Venice.
Expect to find romantic Renaissance villas, fortresses and castles, enchanting ancient buildings, as well as ultra modern stylish conversions.
But also faceless grey dormitories which must have looked wonderfully futuristic on architects' drawing boards during the 1960's and 70's.
Nevertheless, despite the recent boom in bed and breakfasts, holiday houses, agriturismi etc. hostels are still just about the cheapest accommodation option in Italy.
The official Italian Youth Hostel Association in Italy is called AIG, which stands for 'Associazione Italiana Alberghi per la Gioventu'.
Once a member you can stay in over 100 structures from Friuli to Sicily and enjoy discounts and concessions on Italian trains, car hire, books, museum entrance and much more.
Accommodation is open to anyone holding an International Youth Hostelling membership card and you can also sign up when you arrive in your accommodation.
Anyone can become a member of the association. There are no limits to age and family rooms are available.
Hostels do, however, follow general hours and tend to be closed between 10.00 and 15.30.
italian language schools
Attending an Italian class or course of Italian lessons in Italy is a fun way to experience a vacation in Italy or to avoid visiting the country alone.
Many Italian language schools exist across the regions. Read more here.
