Italy

Italy (Italia) , officially the Italian Republic (Repubblica Italiana), is a country rich in history, culture and natural beauty. Italy is located in southern Europe and stretches across the middle of the Mediterranean. It consists of a long, boot-shaped peninsula and several other islands, including Sicily and Sardinia, the two largest islands in the Mediterranean. Italy borders France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia. It also surrounds the Vatican City.

Italy has a varied landscape, ranging from mountains to coasts and fertile plains. In the north, the snow-capped peaks of the Alps protect the country, while the rolling hills of Tuscany (Toscana) , the rugged Apennines in the centre of the country and the sun-drenched beaches of Sardinia (Sardegna) and Sicily (Sicilia) underline the diversity of the topography.

The population of Italy is around 60 million. The largest cities in the country are the capital Rome (Roma) , Milan (Milano) , Naples (Napoli) , Turin (Torino) and Palermo .

The majority of the population is Roman Catholic with the Vatican (Vaticano) in Rome. Italian is the official national language, but there are several regional languages and dialects.

Italy is the legacy of the Roman Empire, which shaped the western world. Italy is also the cradle of the Renaissance, which had a profound influence on world art, architecture and science.

Cities such as Rome (Roma) , Florence (Firenze) and Venice (Venezia) are living museums, filled with works by masters such as Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and others who dominated the art scene.

Italy has the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world, including the Colosseum (Colosseo) in Rome, the Uffizi Gallery (Gallerie degli Uffizi) in Florence and the historic centers of several cities.

Italian cuisine is known and loved all over the world, with specialties such as pizza, pasta, gelato and espresso. Italy is one of the largest wine producers in the world with well-known wine regions such as Tuscany (Toscana) , Piedmont (Piemonte) and Veneto .

Italian life is often described as ‘la dolce vita’ (the sweet life) or ‘il dolce far niente’ (the sweetness of doing nothing), an expression of the Italian ability to find beauty and joy in everyday moments.

The official currency in Italy is the euro (EUR). The most important economic sectors are tourism, fashion, car manufacturing (especially luxury vehicles), food processing and viticulture. With a GDP of several trillion euros, Italy is one of the ten largest economies in the world.

Cities such as Milan (Milano) are the centre of the global fashion industry with fashion from Gucci, Prada, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Armani, Fendi, Valentino, Bulgari, Moschino oder Salvatore Ferragamo. While Italian design, from cars such as Ferrari or Lamborghini to furniture, is appreciated worldwide.

In Italy, means of transport such as the Vespa, the Fiat 500 or the Piaggio Ape are part of the cityscape. The iconic scooter, the charming cult car and the versatile three-wheeled utility vehicle epitomise Italian style, mobility and the charm of the dolce vita, perfectly suited to the narrow alleyways and bustling streets of the cities.

Pasta: Pasta is an Italian staple food made from durum wheat semolina and water, sometimes also eggs. Pasta comes in many shapes and sizes, such as spaghetti, penne, fusilli, farfalle, lasagne or ravioli, which are combined with different sauces and dishes depending on the type. Pasta is often cooked in salted water and served with a variety of sauces, from the classic tomato sauce to more elaborate sauces such as pesto, carbonara or bolognese.

Pizza: Pizza is a dish that consists of a thin, flat dough and is traditionally topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella and various ingredients such as vegetables, meat or fish. The best-known version is the Margherita pizza, topped with tomatoes, mozzarella and basil – in the colours of the Italian flag. Originally from Naples, the pizza is baked in a hot oven, ideally a wood-fired oven, which makes the base crispy and the topping juicy.

Gelato: Gelato is the Italian version of ice cream and is characterised by a particularly creamy consistency and intense flavour. Compared to conventional ice cream, gelato contains less air and fat, making it denser and more flavourful. It is stirred more slowly and served at slightly higher temperatures, which brings out the flavours better. Typical flavours are chocolate, pistachio, vanilla and fruit flavours, but there are also many creative variations.

Coffe: The espresso is the classic, while the ristretto is a shorter, concentrated espresso. The lungo extends the espresso with more water and the cappuccino combines espresso with frothed milk and is often drunk for breakfast. Other variants are the caffè macchiato (espresso with a shot of milk), the latte macchiato (frothed milk with espresso) and the caffè americano (espresso with hot water). The caffè shakerato is a cold espresso with ice cream and the affogato is a dessert of vanilla ice cream and hot espresso. In Italy, drinking coffee with milk (cappuccino, latte macchiato, caffè latte) after 12 noon is considered a faux pas because it is believed that the milk is heavy on the stomach and can impair digestion.

Aperol Spritz: Aperol Spritz is an Italian aperitif cocktail consisting of Aperol, Prosecco and a dash of soda water. Served over ice and often garnished with a slice of orange, it is known for its bright orange colour and bittersweet, refreshing taste. The classic mixing ratio is 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Aperol and 1 part soda water. Originally created in Veneto, the Aperol Spritz has developed into a popular summer drink and is a classic of Italian aperitivo culture.

Lake Garda (Lago di Garda) – Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy and a popular holiday destination. Surrounded by picturesque villages, mountains and olive groves, Lake Garda offers numerous leisure activities such as water sports, hiking and relaxation. The idyllic landscape attracts many visitors every year who want to enjoy the peace and beauty of nature.

Venice (Venezia) – Venice is a city like no other, known for its romantic canals and magnificent architecture. St Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco) with St Mark’s Basilica (Basilica di San Marco) and the magnificent Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale) are the main sights. Built on wooden stilts, the town enchants visitors with its special atmosphere and is one of Italy’s most popular tourist destinations.

Lake Como (Lago di Como) – Lake Como is a picturesque lake in northern Italy, nestled in the Alps and surrounded by charming towns and villages. It is known for its breathtaking scenery, crystal-clear water and elegant villas such as Villa del Balbianello and Villa Carlotta . The lake offers numerous leisure activities such as boat trips, hiking and cycling. Popular towns on Lake Como include Como with its historic old town and magnificent cathedral (Basilica Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta) and Bellagio , which is known for its narrow streets and breathtaking views.

Milan (Milano) – Milan is a vibrant metropolis in the north of Italy, known as the fashion capital and economic centre of the country. The city combines historical architecture with modern flair. The most famous sights include the impressive Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano) , the shopping arcade Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II , the Castello Sforzesco and the world-famous painting The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci. Milan is also a centre for art, culture and design, especially during Milan Design Week and the fashion weeks. In addition to its architecture, Milan is known for its exclusive shopping streets and luxury boutiques.

Cinque Terre – Cinque Terre is a group of five colourful villages on the Ligurian coast, stretching along steep slopes: Monterosso al Mare , Vernazza , Corniglia , Manarola y Riomaggiore . The region is known for its hiking trails, breathtaking coastal views and the crystal-clear Mediterranean Sea. The charming villages and picturesque landscape make the Cinque Terre a favourite destination for nature lovers and photographers.

Tuscany (Toscana) – Tuscany in central Italy is known for its rolling hills, vineyards and historic cities such as Florence (Firenze) and Pisa . The region offers medieval villages such as San Gimignano , first-class wines such as Chianti and traditional cuisine. Tuscany combines culture, nature and pleasure and attracts numerous visitors every year.

Leaning Tower of Pisa (Torre di Pisa) – The Leaning Tower of Pisa is a world-famous building in Italy. Originally planned as the bell tower of Pisa Cathedral, the tower became famous for its striking inclination. Its extraordinary architecture and the historical ambience of the neighbouring Piazza dei Miracoli make it a popular destination for visitors.

Florence (Firenze) – Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, fascinates with cultural treasures such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore) with its famous dome by Brunelleschi. The Uffizi Gallery (Gallerie degli Uffizi) is home to one of the most important art collections in the world with works by Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli and Michelangelo. Other sights include the Ponte Vecchio , the Palazzo Vecchio and the Galleria dell’Accademia with the famous statue of David by Michelangelo.

Rome (Roma) – Rome, the ‘Eternal City’, is rich in historical and cultural treasures. The Colosseum (Colosseo) is reminiscent of the gladiator fights of antiquity, while the Roman Forum (Foro Romano) impresses as the former political centre of Rome. The well-preserved Pantheon with its striking dome, the Spanish Steps (Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti) and the Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi) make Rome a living museum full of history and tradition. The Vatican City as an independent state and centre of the Catholic Church is located in the centre of Rome.

Naples (Napoli) – Naples is a lively city in southern Italy known for its rich history, art and culture. Picturesquely situated at the foot of Mount Vesuvius (Vesuvio) , the historic city centre offers numerous sights, including the impressive Castel Nuovo and Naples Cathedral (Duomo di Napoli) , which is famous for its magnificent architecture. Naples is also known as the birthplace of pizza, which is served here in its original form.

Capri – Very close to Naples lies the enchanting island of Capri, which is known for its breathtaking coastline, the Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra) and its luxurious boutiques. Capri attracts many visitors every year who want to enjoy the beautiful landscape and Mediterranean flair. The combination of the vibrant life of Naples and the idyllic beauty of Capri makes this region a popular holiday destination.

Pompeii and Herculaneum – Pompeii and Herculaneum are ancient cities that were buried under ash and lava by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The well-preserved ruins offer fascinating insights into Roman life and attract archaeology and history enthusiasts from all over the world.

Amalfi Coast (Costiera Amalfitana) – The Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s most beautiful coastal regions with dramatic cliffs, turquoise waters and charming, colourful villages such as Positano and Amalfi . There are spectacular views along the winding coastal road, making this region an unforgettable holiday destination.

Valley of the Temples (Valle dei Templi) – The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento on Sicily is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the remains of ancient Greek temples dating back to the 5th century BC. Highlights include the well-preserved Temple of Concord (Tempio della Concordia) and the Temples of Heracles (Tempio di Ercole) and Zeus (Tempio di Zeus Olimpio) . The impressive complex offers a fascinating insight into Greek antiquity and attracts numerous visitors.

Sardinia (Sardegna) – After Sicily, Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean and is known for its spectacular coastline and beautiful beaches such as the Costa Smeralda. The island is rich in history with archaeological sites such as the nuraghi and culinary specialities such as pecorino cheese. The varied landscape, from mountains to picturesque bays, makes Sardinia a favourite destination for nature lovers and those seeking relaxation.

Italy is worth a trip all year round. While spring and autumn are generally the best seasons for most activities, summer and winter each offer their own charms, from sunny beach days to cozy hours in snowy Alpine villages.

In spring, from March to May, the country blossoms. The temperatures are mild and pleasant, which makes this time ideal for city breaks and exploring the countryside. Whether you want to hike through blooming Tuscany (Toscana) or explore the historic cities of Rome (Roma) and Florence (Firenze) without the summer heat, spring offers the perfect conditions.

Summer, from June to August, is the high season for tourism in Italy, especially in the coastal regions and on the islands such as Sicily (Sicilia) and Sardinia (Sardegna) . Temperatures can be very high, especially in the south. During this time, the beaches are lively and the towns are full of tourists. Summer is of course ideal for a beach vacation, but you should be prepared for higher prices and book early.

In the fall, from September to November, when the air gets cooler and the crowds of tourists dwindle, is the best time to visit cultural and historical sites. Nature shows its most colorful side, especially in the rural and mountainous regions. Autumn is also particularly attractive in wine-growing regions such as Tuscany (Toscana) and Piedmont (Piemonte) with the grape harvest and numerous culinary festivals.

Winter, from December to February, brings cooler temperatures, especially in the north and in the mountains, where skiing is a popular activity. Cities like Venice (Venezia) can be particularly charming during this time, even if it is colder and can rain. It remains relatively mild in the south, which makes quiet city breaks possible. The winter months are ideal for experiencing Italy without the big tourist crowds, with the exception of the Christmas and New Year holidays, when it gets busier again.

The Venice Carnival (Carnevale di Venezia) is one of the most famous festivals in the world and takes place every year in the city of Venice . It is famous for its elaborate masks and magnificent costumes and attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world. Carnival, whose roots go back to the 12th century, lasts around two weeks before the start of Lent. Highlights include impressive masked balls, street parades and performances that transform the historic backdrop of the lagoon city into a colourful spectacle.