Experience ‘La Dolce Vita’: A Guide To This Italian Way Of Life

What Does La Dolce Vita Mean?

“La dolce vita” is an Italian phrase that translates to the sweet life or the sweet life in English. It represents a lifestyle of enjoyment, indulgence, and savoring the pleasures of life.

Our Experience With La Dolce Vita Vita Lifestyle

The first time I heard the term “La Dolce Vita” was 14 years ago on our first trip to Italy, but it only sank in on our trip to Italy in 2015 when I was looking for a place to stay that was “off the beaten path.” I found the tiny village of Castlemuzio and the woman with the big heart, Isabella.

On her website, The Isabella Experience, she says you become a Tuscan insider. After staying on her properties three times, I can confirm that we felt like insiders. We booked our stay in their lovely organic agriturismo at La Moscadella, with the option to take the “La Dolce Vita” package. This was the experience of a life time. It was so good that we did it again and again. There is nothing that makes you feel like you belong like walking in the streets of Pienza and seeing a local that you have met. This made our trip time and again. Read more about this fantastic experience in our top pick of places to stay in Tuscany.

What Is La Dolce Vita In Italy?

How Does The Italian Lifestyle Embody “La Dolce Vita?”

Italians embody “la dolce vita” in various ways, deeply ingrained in their culture and lifestyle. Here are some key aspects of Italians living out “la dolce vita.” Italians embody “la dolce vita” in various ways, deeply ingrained in their culture and lifestyle. Here are some key aspects of Italians living out “la dolce vita.”

Emphasis On Food And Cuisine

Italian cuisine is renowned worldwide for its delicious flavors and fresh ingredients. The Italians take great pride in their food, and meals are often seen as a social and joyful event, bringing family and friends together. Street food is very popular.

We experienced this firsthand when we rented a Tuscan villa, and it had three outdoor seating spaces, each with at least 12 chairs, making it ideal for large gatherings, all focused on food. The Italians also love having large, sharable plates of food placed in the middle of the table. Food and recipes are very local and are passed down from generation to generation.  

Best Gelato in Florence

Don’t miss out on the best gelato in Italy in the beautiful city of Florence. On all of our trips to Italy, we made it a goal to eat as much gelato as we could. Go to our favorite spots, but make sure that you do not miss out.

Vino, vino, vino

No matter what your preference in wine is Italy has lots to offer. From vino rosse (red wine) to vino bianco (white wine) or even vino vecchio (old wine) to name a few. Vino forms a crucial part of “la Dolce Vita.” I was surprised to learn about the “wine windows in Florence,” something I knew nothing about till I read the blog. It’s fascinating to learn about these windows normally seen in noble houses. Read more about the history and purpose, and on your next trip, see how many of these windows you can find in Florence.

Leisure And Enjoyment

Italians value leisure time and prioritize enjoying life’s simple pleasures above work and money. Whether sipping an espresso at a café, strolling through charming piazzas, or taking a leisurely passeggiata (evening walk), they know how to appreciate the present moment. From our experience, it is evident that people dressed up for this leisurely evening stroll. Kids run in the streets, older people sit in piazzas (squares), and it is an all-around leisure time.

Cultural Richness

Italy’s rich history and cultural heritage provide endless opportunities for exploration and appreciation. From ancient ruins to breathtaking art and architecture, Italians take pride in their cultural treasures. We found it particularly interesting that many museums would be accessible on a Sunday, with hundreds of Italians in line. Italians often go to these museums; it is not a one-and-done thing. They also take their children, who are well behaved in the museums. I also love that the cities provide the opportunity to go to these museums for free, making these beautiful places accessible to all, not just the rich.

Social Connections

Strong family bonds and vibrant social circles are integral to Italian life. Spending time with loved ones and engaging in lively conversations are cherished aspects of daily life. The people are proud of their heritage and, even more so, of where they were born. We heard this the first time we asked Isabella for ideas of what to do in the town less than ten miles away. Her response was, “Why do you want to go there? Everything you need is here.” Each family has its Nona that makes the best “pizza, pasta, etc.” They all get together as families to eat. Many restaurants have large communal tables as well. On weekends there is always something going on in the piazza. Let your hair and your kids down, let them sit on the pebbles, and enjoy the sweet life. 🍀

Work-Life Balance

Italians value work-life balance, with many businesses closing for a couple of hours during lunchtime (siesta) to allow employees to relax and enjoy a meal with family or friends. Although siesta hours are not as long as in Spain, it still allows you a leisurely 2-hour lunch. Another great example we experienced is the work-life balance of Valerio Truffelli, the leather artisan in Pienza displays.

Over the years, we have gotten to know him and loved the products that he creates. On one of our trips to Italy, we received a large order for leather belts. Very proud of ourselves, we entered his store and asked if he could make it for us before we left at the end of the week. He looked at us and said: “Too much work, it’s harvest season.” He offered to make half of what we needed and not a single belt more. I loved him for putting the harvest and his life before money.

The Art Of Expression

Italians are known for their expressive nature and gestures, making conversations and interactions lively and engaging. People-watching is one of my favorite things to do when traveling. There is nothing like sitting in a piazza/square, with a nice cool Aperol and people watch. You see hands in the air, loud conversations, and then you wonder if there is a disagreement. But the next moment, the people at the table will erupt in uproar, with everyone laughing. If you tie an Italian’s hands behind their backs, they cannot talk.

Appreciation For Nature

The beautiful landscapes of Italy, from stunning coastlines to picturesque countryside, encourage Italians to connect with nature and indulge in outdoor activities. You often see people walking in parks and large open spaces. They also keep the country clean, and for me, nothing shows respect for the countryside as much as keeping it clean. How lucky can you be to find a lovely rainbow after a light rain in Tuscany. A little travelers luck. 🍀

Celebrating Traditions

Festivals, religious events, and local traditions are enthusiastically celebrated throughout the country, fostering a sense of community and belonging. If possible, you can plan your vacation around one of these festivals. But there is nothing nicer than turning a corner, and there it is. I a celebration of sorts; it could be people in a parade carrying flags, all dressed in traditional garb. Or maybe a puppet show in the piazza, free for all, although adding a tip to the tip jar is nice. We embrace this and call this our travelers luck. 🍀

Fashion and Style

“Italians take pride in their fashion sense and have a flair for style, reflected in their attire and overall presentation. Nowhere is this more visible than in Milan. If you ever want to”“dress up” while on vacation, I would do it in Milan.

The people also dress for their evening stroll or passeggiata.”Italians take pride in their fashion sense and have a flair for style, reflected in their attire and overall presentation. Nowhere is this more visible than in Milan. If you ever want to “dress up” while on vacation, I would do it in Milan. The people also dress for their evening stroll or passeggiata.

Laughter and Joy

Italians have a vibrant sense of humor and often find reasons to laugh and share moments of joy. On weekends you will often see gatherings in the local squares. People are out and about, and kids are laughing and running in the streets. They truly know how to enjoy life.

It’s important to note that “la dolce vita” is not just a stereotype or cliché but a genuine aspect of Italian life that values quality over quantity. They enjoy life’s little things and find pleasure in everyday moments that make life sweeter.