Last Updated on 22 December 2025 by Johan

Italy lies in southern Europe and stretches into the heart of the Mediterranean Sea. It shares land borders with France to the west, Switzerland and Austria to the north, and Slovenia to the northeast. Its long coastline touches the Ligurian Sea, the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Ionian Sea, and the Adriatic Sea. The country includes the islands of Sicily and Sardinia and sits close to the wider Mediterranean basin, which shapes its climate, culture, and long history.

Explanation of the name: Italy

The name Italy has ancient roots that reach back to the tribes who lived in the southern part of the peninsula. Early Greek writers used the word Italoi to describe a people living in what is now Calabria. Over time the name expanded to cover a larger area as Roman influence grew. By the late Roman Republic the term Italy referred to the whole peninsula south of the Alps. After the fall of the Roman Empire the name continued to evolve through medieval Latin and local dialects until it became the modern Italian Italia. Although the political borders changed many times, the name remained a symbol of shared heritage and identity.

History: Italy

Italy’s history is shaped by the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, which left behind cities, roads, aqueducts, and laws that influenced Europe for centuries. When Rome declined in the early Middle Ages, new kingdoms and cultures emerged across the peninsula. These shifting powers laid the foundations for the medieval states that later became part of modern Europe.

During the Renaissance, cities such as Florence, Venice, and Rome became centres of art, science, and architecture. Their painters, sculptors, and thinkers transformed European culture. The Leaning Tower of Pisa, the palaces of Venice, and the churches of Florence still reflect this creative period.

Modern Italy took shape in 1861 when the separate states of the peninsula united under King Victor Emmanuel II. The new nation faced challenges as it merged regions with different languages, traditions, and economies. In the early twentieth century Benito Mussolini established a dictatorship that aligned with Nazi Germany. Italy’s defeat in the Second World War ended the monarchy and led to the creation of a democratic republic in 1946.

After the war Italy became a founding member of NATO and the European Economic Community, which later developed into the European Union. The country adopted the euro in 1999. Although Italy has a strong industrial base, it continues to face economic differences between the prosperous north and the agricultural south. Issues such as unemployment, corruption, and organised crime remain part of the national debate, yet Italy continues to play a central role in European politics and culture.

Tourist information: Italy

Italy attracts millions of visitors each year because it offers a wide range of landscapes, cities, and cultural treasures. The Alps rise along the northern border and include the ski resort of Courmayeur, which sits near Mont Blanc. The lakes of northern Italy, including Lake Como and Lake Garda, offer peaceful scenery and mild weather. The coastline stretches for thousands of kilometres and includes the dramatic cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, the sandy beaches of Puglia, and the volcanic shores of Sicily.

Cities such as Rome, Florence, and Venice are world‑famous for their art and architecture. Rome contains ancient monuments, including the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, as well as the independent state of Vatican City. Florence is known for Renaissance masterpieces and elegant streets. Venice is built on canals and offers a unique atmosphere that draws travellers from around the world. Genoa, Verona, Perugia, and Assisi each have their own character and history.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Italy has more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other country. These include archaeological areas such as Agrigento, Segesta, and Selinunte in Sicily, as well as historic city centres and natural landscapes. The Trevi Fountain in Rome remains one of the most visited Baroque landmarks in Europe.

Italy administrative structure

The country’s administrative structure includes twenty regions, each with its own traditions, dialects, and cuisine: Abruzzo, Aosta Valley, Apulia, Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, Emilia‑Romagna, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Lazio, Liguria, Lombardy, Marche, Molise, Piedmont, Sardinia, Sicily, Trentino‑Alto Adige, Tuscany, Umbria, Veneto.

These regions are divided into provinces and thousands of municipalities, known as comuni. This local structure helps preserve regional identity and supports cultural diversity.

Italy’s islands add further variety. Elba offers beaches and hiking paths. Sicily combines Greek temples, volcanic landscapes, and lively cities. Sardinia has clear waters and rugged mountains. Each island has its own culture and cuisine.

Transport

Italy’s transport network makes travel easy. High‑speed trains connect major cities, while regional lines reach smaller towns. Ferries link the mainland with Sicily, Sardinia, and many smaller islands. Airports in Rome, Milan, Venice, Naples, and other cities provide international connections.

Culinair

Italy also offers a rich culinary scene. Each region has its own dishes and ingredients. Tuscany is known for Chianti Classico wine, while Emilia‑Romagna produces Parmigiano Reggiano and traditional balsamic vinegar. Puglia offers olive oil and seafood, and Sicily is famous for citrus fruits and sweets. Visitors can explore food markets, vineyards, and small restaurants that highlight local flavours.

Museums

Museums across Italy preserve art and history. The Vatican Museums display centuries of religious and cultural works. The Uffizi Gallery in Florence holds Renaissance masterpieces. The museums of Rome, Venice, and Naples present archaeology, painting, and sculpture. Many smaller museums focus on local crafts, traditions, and stories.

Attractions

Italy’s top‑rated attractions include the historic centre of Rome, the canals of Venice, the Florence Cathedral, the Amalfi Coast, and the ancient ruins of Pompeii. The highest‑rated museums include the Vatican Museums, the Uffizi Gallery, the Galleria dell’Accademia in Florence, the Museo Egizio in Turin, and the National Archaeological Museum of Naples. These places appear consistently in visitor reviews and remain central to cultural tourism.

Events

Events take place throughout the year. In 2026 Italy will host major international competitions, including the Winter Olympics and Winter Paralympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. Local festivals celebrate food, music, and seasonal traditions. Many towns hold historical pageants, religious processions, and open‑air concerts.

Walking and cycling routes

Walking and cycling routes cover the countryside. Tuscany offers rolling hills and quiet roads. The Dolomites provide mountain trails with dramatic views. Coastal paths in Liguria and Campania follow cliffs and fishing villages. These routes allow visitors to explore nature at a relaxed pace.

Climate

The country’s climate varies from alpine cold in the north to warm Mediterranean weather in the south. Spring and autumn are popular seasons for travel because temperatures are mild and crowds are smaller. Summer brings heat and busy resorts, while winter offers skiing in the Alps and quieter city visits.

Culture

Italy’s cultural life includes art courses, music festivals, and language schools. Many travellers come to study painting, sculpture, or Italian language. Websites such as ArtTrav, Bella Italia, Delicious Italy, and Italy Guides provide information about local culture, food, and travel ideas. Other resources include the Italian State Tourism Board (ENIT), Discover Italia, Odyssei Adventure Travel, and In Italy Online. These sites offer maps, itineraries, accommodation suggestions, and regional insights. The CIA World Factbook is also cited as a source for general information.

Fun things for children

Italy offers many activities for children. Cities have open squares where families can relax and enjoy gelato. Museums often include interactive exhibits that explain history in simple ways. Coastal areas provide safe beaches with shallow water. Mountain regions offer easy walking paths and outdoor play areas. Boat rides in Venice, castle visits in Tuscany, and island trips in Sicily give children memorable experiences. Many restaurants welcome families and serve dishes that appeal to younger travellers.

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Things to do in Italy around the year

Summer in Italy

Summer in Italy feels alive in a way that is hard to capture until you stand in the heat yourself. The mornings begin quietly, with soft light over the hills and the sound of shutters opening as towns wake up. By midday the sun sits high and bright, and the air carries the smell of warm stone, ripe fruit, and the sea. Travelling through Tuscany in summer means walking along dusty paths between vineyards, hearing cicadas in the background, and stopping in small villages where cafés spill onto the streets.

Along the Amalfi Coast the sea looks almost unreal, with deep blue water that changes colour as the sun moves. Ferries run between the islands, and the breeze on deck offers a welcome break from the heat. In the Dolomites the air is cooler, and the mountains feel close enough to touch. Trails lead through forests and meadows, and the long daylight hours make it easy to spend the whole day outside. Summer evenings are slow and warm, and many towns hold open‑air concerts, food festivals, and local celebrations that continue late into the night. It is a season of movement, colour, and long days that seem to stretch endlessly.

Autumn

Autumn brings a different rhythm. The heat softens, and the countryside changes colour as vineyards turn gold and red. This is the season of harvests, and many regions celebrate with food festivals dedicated to wine, truffles, chestnuts, and olive oil. Cities feel calmer after the busy summer months, and museums and historic sites are easier to explore. The weather stays mild in most areas, making it a good time for walking, cycling, and visiting archaeological sites. In the Alps the first snow sometimes appears on the highest peaks, while the lower valleys remain green. Coastal areas stay warm well into October, and the sea is often still pleasant for swimming.

Winter

Winter in Italy varies widely from north to south. In the Alps and Dolomites the season is defined by snow, skiing, and mountain villages decorated with lights. Resorts such as Courmayeur and Cortina d’Ampezzo become lively with winter sports, and the cold air feels crisp and clean.

In the cities winter is quieter, and this makes it a good time to visit museums, churches, and galleries without crowds. Rome, Florence, and Naples remain active throughout the season, and their historic centres feel atmospheric in the cooler months. In the south the weather stays relatively mild, and places like Sicily and Puglia offer bright days, citrus harvests, and peaceful coastal walks. Winter also brings Christmas markets, nativity displays, and seasonal traditions that vary from region to region.

Spring

Spring arrives early in many parts of Italy, and the landscape changes quickly as flowers appear in fields and gardens. Temperatures rise but remain comfortable, and this makes it one of the best seasons for exploring cities and countryside alike. The lakes of northern Italy look fresh and clear, and the surrounding mountains begin to lose their snow.

In central Italy the hills turn green again, and walking routes become popular as the weather improves. Coastal areas prepare for the summer season, but the beaches remain quiet and relaxed. Spring also brings cultural events, Easter celebrations, and local festivals that mark the return of warmer days. It is a season of renewal, with bright colours, mild weather, and a sense of anticipation.

Sources

National Tourism & Government

• Italia.it – Official tourism portal of Italy https://www.italia.it
• ENIT – Italian National Tourist Board https://www.enit.it
• Ministero della Cultura (MiC) – Ministry of Culture https://cultura.gov.it
• Ministero del Turismo – Ministry of Tourism https://www.ministeroturismo.gov.it
• Governo Italiano – Presidency of the Council of Ministers https://www.governo.it
• ISTAT – Italian National Institute of Statistics https://www.istat.it

UNESCO & International Institutions

• UNESCO World Heritage Centre – Italy https://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/it
• Council of Europe – Cultural Routes https://www.coe.int/en/web/cultural-routes

National Parks & Protected Areas

• Ministero dell’Ambiente – National Parks https://www.mase.gov.it
• Parco Nazionale del Gran Paradiso https://www.pngp.it
• Parco Nazionale d’Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise https://www.parcoabruzzo.it
• Parco Nazionale delle Cinque Terre https://www.parconazionale5terre.it
• Parco Nazionale del Vesuvio https://www.parconazionaledelvesuvio.it

Regional Tourism Boards (Official)

• Visit Tuscany https://www.visittuscany.com
• Veneto.eu – Official Tourism of Veneto https://www.veneto.eu
• Visit Trentino https://www.visittrentino.info
• Visit Alto Adige / Südtirol https://www.suedtirol.info
• Visit Sicily https://www.visitsicily.info
• Visit Puglia https://www.viaggiareinpuglia.it
• Visit Emilia‑Romagna https://www.emiliaromagnaturismo.it
• Visit Lazio https://www.visitlazio.com
• Visit Piemonte https://www.visitpiemonte.com

Museums & Cultural Institutions

• Vatican Museums https://www.museivaticani.va
• Uffizi Galleries https://www.uffizi.it
• Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze https://www.galleriaaccademiafirenze.it
• Museo Egizio (Turin) https://www.museoegizio.it
• Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli https://www.museoarcheologiconapoli.it

Official Event Websites

• Milano Cortina 2026 – Olympic & Paralympic Winter Games https://milanocortina2026.olympics.com