Sending a Parcel to Italy: Fast, Safe and Hassle-Free

Your best friend has moved to Florence. Your brother is studying architecture in Rome. Or perhaps your mother has started a new life in a small town in Tuscany. These are real, familiar stories that cross borders—and often, parcels too. Because when you can’t be there in person, a gift, a thoughtful gesture or a letter becomes a way of staying close.

Sending a parcel to Italy may seem complicated at first, but in reality, it’s much easier than you might think. Here we explain everything you need to know to send your shipment with complete peace of mind, wherever you are.

How to Send a Parcel to Italy Step by Step

Regardless of the city or the contents of the parcel, to make sure everything goes smoothly when sending a package to Italy, simply follow these steps:

• Choose a courier company with European coverage:

Make sure it has experience in international shipping and infrastructure in Italy. Companies like GLS have their own network across Europe and thousands of Parcel Shops in both Spain and Italy, enabling fast and accurate deliveries.

• Prepare your parcel properly:

Use a sturdy box, fill any empty spaces with protective material, and make sure everything inside is securely packed. Further down, we’ll share detailed packaging recommendations.

• Send your parcel from wherever is most convenient for you:

You can drop it off at a Parcel Shop or request home pickup. In both cases, everything can be easily managed through the MY GLS website or app .

• Keep your tracking number:

This is key to knowing where your parcel is at all times. With GLS, you can track your shipment from Spain all the way to delivery in Italy.

How Much Does It Cost to Send a Parcel to Italy?

The cost of sending a parcel to Italy depends on its size, weight and the type of service selected. In general terms, a small parcel can cost from around €18–€20, although the price may increase if the shipment is bulky or urgent.

To estimate the cost, measure the longest and shortest sides of the parcel and add them together. This will help you determine whether it falls into the XS, S, M, L or XL category. The maximum weight is usually up to 30 kg.

GLS tip: Avoid using boxes that are larger than necessary. Pack efficiently and compactly to reduce volume and better protect the contents. The smaller the parcel, the more competitive the price.

How Long Does It Take for a Parcel to Reach Italy from Spain?

The estimated delivery time for standard shipments from Spain to Italy is usually between 3 and 5 working days, depending on the origin and destination. For example, a parcel sent from Barcelona on a Monday could arrive in Rome between Thursday and Friday of the same week.

That said, it’s worth bearing in mind peak periods such as Christmas or Black Friday, when delivery times may be slightly longer. In these cases, it’s best to send your parcel in advance to avoid surprises.

Tips for Packing and Sending a Parcel to Italy Correctly

Good packaging is the first guarantee that your shipment will arrive in perfect condition. Here are some essential recommendations to prepare your parcel safely:

• Use a sturdy box suited to the contents:

Reusing boxes is fine, as long as they are in perfect condition. Make sure the box is the right size to prevent items from moving during transit.

• Fill the interior with protective material:

Kraft paper, bubble wrap or even soft textiles can help prevent impacts or movement—especially important when sending fragile or delicate items.

• Seal the box securely:

Use strong adhesive tape to reinforce all seams. Don’t cut corners here—a weak seal could cause the parcel to open during transport.

• Clear and visible labelling:

Place the label on the top of the parcel, centred and without folds. It’s your logistics passport, so it must be perfectly legible.

• Avoid sending liquids or restricted items:

If in doubt about what can or cannot be shipped, check with the courier company. In the case of GLS, you can consult the terms and conditions directly on their website.

How to Track Your Shipment to Italy with GLS

We know that once you’ve handed over your parcel, what you want most is to know where it is and when it will arrive. With GLS, you can track your shipment to Italy easily and in real time:

• Online tracking: Enter your shipment number on the GLS website to access detailed information about your parcel’s journey, from pickup to final delivery.

• My GLS app: Available for iOS and Android , the app allows you to track your shipments at any time, receive status notifications, reschedule deliveries or even redirect the parcel to a Parcel Shop in Italy if the recipient is not at home.

Imagine you’ve sent a parcel with homemade sweets to your grandmother in Naples. Through the app, you can see how the parcel leaves the warehouse in Spain, passes through the logistics hub in Italy and reaches its destination. And if she’s not at home that day, either of you can redirect it to the nearest pickup point.

Sending a parcel to Italy is no longer a complex process reserved for logistics experts. Thanks to companies like GLS, with a strong presence across Europe, solid infrastructure and intuitive digital tools, anyone can now send a shipment quickly, safely and without complications. The key is choosing a trusted logistics partner that offers real-time tracking, flexible delivery options and an experience designed for both the sender and the recipient.