Do you have a fantasy of drinking or dancing in a smart Italian venue on a warm evening, wearing a glamorous dress to show off your tan and a pair of high-heeled strappy sandals? Well, forget it, unless you want to spend the following evening showing off your mosquito bites.
The little creatures come out at 7 pm, aperitivo time, and get everywhere. They particularly like your ankles, the tops of your feet, and your ear-lobes. You need to cover up from ankles to wrist to neck, and wear closed shoes. We’re usually in Italy in time for the summer sales, and I buy lightweight trousers and long-sleeved blouses. It’s difficult to find anything cool and protective in England.
Spray all over with a strong mosquito repellent. Probably best to buy it airside if you are travelling by plane, or go into a farmacia as soon as you can and ask for Autan Tropical. There are probably other good brands; I mention this one because it’s well-known and easy to ask for.
All this applies in spades to children. One year we couldn’t face forcing our daughter to rub on the mosquito lotion, and then she was covered in suppurating bites and we looked like Bad Parents.
Finally, mosquitoes don’t seem to like cool, rainy weather, so you won’t have to put up with both at once.
For tips on how to survive Italian filling stations, rain and tea, see the relevant posts.
Hill towns of Le Marche, Italy 
The most effective product (which is also “gentle” on the skin and can be used on kids) is called Mosiguard. Available online and from UK chemists. We buy the cream which is nicer than the spray and easy to apply. Especially recommend putting it on the back of your neck.
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Thank you Anna. Will try to buy from Boot’s airside at Stansted if time. I hate getting out my little bottles for Security! And I’ll remember the back of my neck.
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