Reading Italian magazines is one of the most enjoyable ways to improve your vocabulary, comprehension and cultural knowledge, with content Italians actually read. And reading is one of the most underestimated skills: every article exposes you again to the grammar and vocabulary you’ve been building. Combine it with listening and you get a sense of immersion you can’t easily find outside Italy.
In short
- A2/B1: start with a magazine written for learners, like Piazzetta Italiana, with audio and vocabulary support.
- B1/B2: Focus Junior, Stare Bene and Donna Moderna have clear, everyday Italian.
- B2 to C2: Bell’Italia, Falstaff, Focus, Internazionale and L’Espresso.
- My tip: choose a magazine about something you love, and read each article more than once.
| # | Magazine | Level | Topics |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Piazzetta Italiana | A2 to B1 | Italian culture, travel, food, design and everyday life |
| 2 | Focus Junior | B1 | science, nature, history and curiosities for young readers |
| 3 | Stare Bene | B1 to B2 | health, fitness, food and wellbeing |
| 4 | Donna Moderna | B2 | lifestyle, fashion, health and real-life stories |
| 5 | Bell’Italia | B2 to C1 | travel, cities, villages, art and landscapes |
| 6 | Focus | B2 to C1 | science, technology, nature and history |
| 7 | Falstaff | B2 to C1 | food, wine and restaurants |
| 8 | The Good Life Italia | B2 to C1 | travel, design, business and lifestyle |
| 9 | Millionaire | B2 to C1 | business, startups and innovation |
| 10 | Internazionale | C1 to C2 | world news, politics and culture |
| 11 | L’Espresso | C1 to C2 | politics, society and investigative journalism |
A magazine written for Italian learners
1. Piazzetta Italiana
Level: A2 to B1
Topics: Italian culture, travel, food, design and everyday life
Yes, this one is mine! Unlike the magazines below, Piazzetta Italiana is designed for language learners: real cultural topics in clear, accessible Italian, with audio for the articles, vocabulary support and exercises. Perfect for self-study or for discussion with your teacher.
Italian magazines for intermediate learners (B1/B2)
2. Focus Junior
Level: B1
Topics: science, nature, history and curiosities for young readers
A magazine for kids and teens, and that’s exactly why it works for learners: short articles, clear sentences and lots of pictures, on topics that are genuinely interesting at any age.
3. Stare Bene
Level: B1 to B2
Topics: health, fitness, food and wellbeing
A lifestyle and wellness magazine with simple, practical language. A good fit if you want to build vocabulary around health, food and self-care.
4. Donna Moderna
Level: B2
Topics: lifestyle, fashion, health and real-life stories
One of Italy’s most widely read women’s magazines. Its clear, modern language and its mix of culture and practical content give you plenty of useful Italian for everyday conversations.
5. Bell’Italia
Level: B2 to C1
Topics: travel, cities, villages, art and landscapes
The go-to magazine for exploring Italy’s most beautiful places, with stunning photography. Perfect if you love travel and want to expand your vocabulary about art, history and landscapes.
6. Focus
Level: B2 to C1
Topics: science, technology, nature and history
Italy’s best-known popular science magazine. The articles are informative but accessible, and they’re a great way to learn the vocabulary of science and technology.
Italian magazines for advanced learners (B2 to C2)
7. Falstaff
Level: B2 to C1
Topics: food, wine and restaurants
The best of Italian food and wine, with gourmet guides, interviews and reviews. A tasty way to practice Italian while exploring local flavors and traditions.
8. The Good Life Italia
Level: B2 to C1
Topics: travel, design, business and lifestyle
A lifestyle magazine about travel, design, business and good living, written in a modern, polished Italian.
9. Millionaire
Level: B2 to C1
Topics: business, startups and innovation
Italy’s best-known business and startup magazine. Great for advanced learners who want to practice Italian in a professional context, or who are interested in Italian business culture.
10. Internazionale
Level: C1 to C2
Topics: world news, politics and culture
Internazionale translates the best international journalism into Italian. Ideal if you want to build vocabulary on current affairs and see how Italians read the world.
11. L’Espresso
Level: C1 to C2
Topics: politics, society and investigative journalism
One of Italy’s most respected news magazines, known for investigative journalism and in-depth analysis. Authentic, challenging Italian for advanced readers.
How to learn Italian with magazines
- Choose a topic you love. You’ll build vocabulary in that area and have more to say in your conversations.
- Choose the right level. Most Italian magazines need a solid intermediate level. If you’re not there yet, start with content written for learners, like Piazzetta Italiana or my graded readers.
- Read more than once. Reading an article once is consuming information. To really learn new words and phrases, read it again, underline the expressions you want to reuse, and study them.
- Talk about it. Bring the article to your Italian class or write a short summary. That’s how reading turns into speaking.
You don’t need to live in Italy: most of these magazines are available online or through their apps.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Italian magazine for learners?
If you’re at A2 or B1 level, choose a magazine written for learners, like Piazzetta Italiana, with audio and vocabulary support. From B2, Italian magazines like Focus, Bell’Italia or Donna Moderna are a great next step.
Can I learn Italian by reading magazines?
Yes. Magazines expose you to real, modern Italian and to the vocabulary of topics you care about. Read each article more than once and use the new words in conversation.
What level do I need to read Italian magazines?
Most Italian magazines need a solid B2 level. Magazines for younger readers, like Focus Junior, or magazines written for learners are more accessible.
Where can I buy Italian magazines outside Italy?
Most Italian magazines have digital editions and apps, so you can read them from anywhere.
Not ready yet? Start with a story
Not ready for a real Italian magazine yet? Start with a story written for your level, with audio and a vocabulary list:
Gioielli, Caffè e Firenze
Level B1+
Marie moves to Florence, where jewelry making leads to a new life.
Read more: Best Italian short stories for intermediate learners · the best Italian podcasts · nonfiction books in Italian
