Europe
Italy
Italy, officially known as the Italian Republic, is located in southern Europe, on the Apennine Peninsula. Italy's distinct shape, resembling a boot, makes it easily recognizable on any world map. The country boasts diverse landscapes and a rich history, with the ruins of ancient Roman civilization scattered throughout, along with beautiful coastlines and alpine mountains.
Frequently asked questions
Ferrara
Ferrara, a city in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, is known for the buildings erected by its Renaissance rulers, the Este family. These include the moated Este Castle, with its lavish private chambers. The family also built the Diamanti Palace, which is covered in diamond-shaped marble blocks and home to the National Picture Gallery. The Romanesque Ferrara Cathedral has a 3-tiered facade and a marble bell tower.
Lake Garda
Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy, located between Venice and Milan. The diverse landscape around its 158 kilometre shoreline ranges from rustic countryside to steep mountains. It offers a rich mix of culture, history, and outdoor activities, making it an ideal place for both relaxation and adventure.
Milan
Milan, a metropolis in Italy's northern Lombardy region, is a global capital of fashion and design. Home to the national stock exchange, it’s a financial hub also known for its high-end restaurants and shops. The Gothic Duomo di Milano cathedral and the Santa Maria delle Grazie convent, housing Leonardo da Vinci’s mural 'The Last Supper', testify to centuries of art and culture.
Assisi
Assisi, a medieval town in Italy’s Umbria region, birthplace of Saint Francis, is a hill town in central Italy’s Umbria region. It's known for the stunning Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi, a multilevel church that was begun in 1228 and is a place of Christian pilgrimage. The frescoes by Giotto in the upper church are considered some of the most important masterpieces of the time.
Lake Como
Lake Como, pretty, enveloped by mountains and loaded with lookouts, has been a popular place to escape the urban landscape of northern Italy since Roman times. Its villa-studded shoreline, divided into a series of smaller towns, is a place of terracotta-roofed houses and gardens blooming with colorful azaleas. Villa del Balbianello, Villa Carlotta, Villa Melzi, and Villa Serbelloni are major attractions here.
Stromboli
Stromboli is one of the eight Aeolian Islands, a volcanic archipelago off the coast of Sicily. The island is home to one of the three active volcanoes in Italy. It's known for its frequent and spectacular volcanic eruptions. Stromboli offers great opportunities for hikes and stunning vistas of the Mediterranean Sea. The island also features charming villages, beautiful beaches and a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere.
Palermo
Palermo is the capital of the Italian island of Sicily. The 12th-century Palermo Cathedral houses royal tombs, while the huge neoclassical Teatro Massimo is known for opera performances. Also in the city center are the Palazzo dei Normanni, a royal palace started in the 9th century, and the Cappella Palatina, with Byzantine mosaics.
San Marino
San Marino, officially the Republic of San Marino, also known as the Most Serene Republic of San Marino, is an enclave microstate in Southern Europe, on the northeastern side of the Apennine Mountains, completely surrounded by Italy.
Gran Paradiso
Gran Paradiso is a mountain in the Graian Alps located between the Aosta Valley and Piedmont regions of north-west Italy. The peak, the 7th highest mountain in the Graian Alps, with an elevation of 4,061 metres (13,323 ft), is close to Mont Blanc on the nearby border with France. Formerly thought to be the highest mountain in Italy, it is known for its beauty and uniqueness.
Gargano
Gargano is a region in Italy's Puglia. Known as the 'spur' of Italy for its boot-like shape, it is characterized by a diverse natural landscape of sandy beaches, azure sea, ancient forest, and mountains. The region is rich in history, with archaeological sites dating back to the Neolithic era. It is famous for hosting Medieval and Renaissance towns like Vieste, Peschici, and Vico del Gargano.
Sardinia
Sardinia, an island located in the Mediterranean Sea, is the second-largest island in the Mediterranean. It is characterized by its rugged mountainous interior, sandy beaches, and mysterious Bronze Age stone ruins known as nuraghi. The island's coastline is dotted with long, sandy beaches. Beyond its beaches, Sardinia offers a plethora of outdoor activities, exquisite cuisine and important archeological sites.
Porto Cervo
Porto Cervo, overlooking the emerald waters of northeastern Sardinia, is considered one of the most luxurious resorts in the world. Rich and famous from all over globe gather here to enjoy its exclusive facilities, restaurants, and lavish parties. Architecture is a blend of Mediterranean styles, and the marina hosts some of the most luxurious yachts. What's more, the natural setting is truly amazing.
Bologna
Bologna is a historic city located in northern Italy. It is renowned for its beauty, wealth of UNESCO-protected portals, and its cuisine (Bolognese sauce originated from here). The city has a rich history and is home to the oldest university in the world, The University of Bologna, established in AD 1088. From medieval towers, antique buildings, churches, and the layout of its historical center, Bologna still retains its look ages ago.
Taormina
Taormina is a hilltop town on the east coast of Sicily. It's known for the ancient Teatro Greco, which still hosts concerts and events. Near the theater, cliffs drop to the sea forming coves with sandy beaches. A narrow strip of sand connects to Isola Bella, a tiny island and nature reserve. The town’s gardens are full of exotic plants, and its streets are lined with chic boutiques, bars, and restaurants.
Giglio Island
Giglio Island is a stunning island located in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Known for its crystal clear waters and beautiful sandy beaches, the island is a part of the Tuscan Archipelago, Italy's second largest island park. The island is also home to one of Italy's most beautiful medieval villages, Giglio Castello, which is perched on a hill providing stunning views.
San Vito Lo Capo
Renowned for its crystal-clear sea and its white sandy beach, San Vito Lo Capo is one of the most beautiful and popular seaside resorts in Sicily. Its old town is lined with scenic narrow streets, complimented by colorful houses and home to a variety of bars, restaurants, and shops. The town is famous for its Cous Cous Fest, a gastronomic event of international renown taking place every September.
Cortina d'Ampezzo
Cortina d'Ampezzo, commonly referred to as Cortina, is a town and comune in the heart of the southern (Dolomitic) Alps in the Veneto region of Northern Italy. This popular winter sport resort is known for its ski-ranges, scenery, accommodation, shops and après-ski scene, and for its jet set and Italian aristocratic crowd.
Stelvio
Situated in Italy, Stelvio is known for its natural landscapes and as the location of the Stelvio Pass - the highest paved mountain pass in the Eastern Alps. It offers excellent hiking and skiing opportunities. In addition to outdoor activities, Stelvio is home to quaint traditional buildings that offer a glimpse into the area's cultural history.
Monreale
Monreale is a town and comune in the Metropolitan City of Palermo, in Sicily, Italy. It is known for its large and opulent Norman-Byzantine cathedral, which is inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List. The architecture and mosaics of Monreale Cathedral are famous worldwide, and the view from the cathedral terrace of Palermo and its surroundings is remarkable.
Ischia Island
Ischia Island, located in the Bay of Naples, is world-renowned for its beautiful beaches, relaxing thermal spas, green landscapes, blue sea, historical landmarks, and rich Italian culture and cuisine. Known as the 'Emerald Island' because of its lush vegetation, Ischia is also home to Mount Epomeo, hiking trails, vineyards, and medieval castles, making it a perfect location for sightseeing, relaxation, and exploration.
Lampedusa
Lampedusa is the largest island of the Italian Pelagie Islands in the Mediterranean Sea. The island is part of an archipelago situated between Malta and Tunisia. It is famous for its fine sandy beaches and crystal clear water. The main economic activities include fishing, agriculture, and increasingly tourism. It’s a nature lover’s paradise, hosting hundreds of species of plants, birds, and marine life.
Portofino
Portofino is an elegant seaside village in Italy, renowned for its striking harbor, pastel-colored houses, and boutiques. The superyacht harboring port is enclosed by hills filled with luxurious hotels, villilas, and high-end Italian restaurants. The Piazzetta, a bustling square, is the community’s meeting point. From the square, narrow streets wind uphill to the medieval church of Saint Martin and to the Castello Brown fortress, which has panoramic views of the town and Ligurian Sea.
Gallipoli
Gallipoli is a southern Italian town and commune in the province of Lecce, in Apulia. It’s famous for its crystalline Ionian Sea and its 16th-century defensive walls. The historic city center is located on an island, connected to the mainland by a bridge built in the 17th century.
Padua
Padua is a city in the Veneto region of Italy known for the frescoes by Giotto in its Scrovegni Chapel and the vast 13th-century Basilica of St. Anthony. The city's ancient university, founded in 1222, is home to a variety of architectural styles from different periods. The city also boasts one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world and a large network of arcaded streets.
Florence
Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, is a city in central Italy and the capital city of the Tuscany region. It's known for its culture, Renaissance art and architecture, and monuments. The city also contains numerous museums and art galleries, including the Uffizi Gallery and the Palazzo Pitti.
Erice
Erice is a historic town in the province of Trapani in Sicily, Italy. Elevated at 750m above sea level, it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding areas, including the Tyrrhenian Sea. The town is known for its well-preserved Medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, and rich history. Points of interest include the Castle of Venus, the Church of San Giovanni Battista, and the Garden of Balio. Erice is also renowned for its traditional pastries, particularly 'dolci ericini'.
Capri
Capri is an Italian island located in the Tyrrhenian Sea off the Sorrento Peninsula, on the south side of the Gulf of Naples in the Campania region of Italy. The main features of the island are the Marina Piccola (Small Harbor), the Belvedere of Tragara, the limestone crags called sea stacks that project above the sea, the town of Anacapri, the Blue Grotto, and the ruins of the Imperial Roman villas.
Viareggio
Viareggio is a city located on the northern Tuscan coast in Italy. Known for its Carnival which has been an annual event since 1873, it attracts visitors worldwide. Its extensive beaches are one of its key attractions along with the summer deco architecture. The city is also home to a wealth of fine dining establishments and shops.
Dolomites
The Dolomites is a mountain range located in northeastern Italy. They form a part of Southern Limestone Alps and extend from the River Adige in the west to the Piave Valley in the east. The Dolomites feature some of the most beautiful mountain landscapes anywhere, with vertical walls, sheer cliffs and a high density of narrow, deep and long valleys.
Maratea
Maratea is a small town in the Basilicata region of southern Italy. It's known for its picturesque settings, stunning beaches, and a colossal statue of Christ the Redeemer. The historic town is nestled in the hills and has a charming, medieval old town to explore. With its idyllic setting and laid-back atmosphere, it's often referred to as the 'Pearl of the Tyrrhenian'.
Mount Vesuvius
Located on the Gulf of Naples in Campania, Italy, Mount Vesuvius is one of the world's most dangerous volcanoes. It is best known for its eruption in AD 79 that led to the burying and destruction of the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Inactive since 1944, Vesuvius is the only active volcano on the mainland of Europe.
Cefalù
Set on the northern coast of Sicily, Cefalù is a historic city with stunning vistas, beautiful beaches, and a vibrant local culture. Explore its old town, marvel at its cathedral, a UNESCO Heritage site, and dine in cosy trattorias serving authentic Sicilian cuisine.
Tropea
Tropea is a stunning seaside town located on Italy's 'Coast of the Gods' in Calabria. This iconic holiday destination is famous for its dramatic cliffs, pristine sandy beaches, and historic old town center filled with charming restaurants and local shops selling Tropea's world-renowned red onions. A top sightseeing spot is the Santa Maria dell'Isola monastery, situated on top of a rock formation near the beachside.
Turin
Located in the northern part of Italy, Turin is a vibrant city known for its baroque architecture, amazing museums, and its rich history involving the monarchy. The city is surrounded by the Alps, offering incredible views and making it a great spot for nature lovers. It is also famous for being the headquarters of automobile manufacturers Fiat and Alfa Romeo.
Venice
Venice, Italy, is known for its unique cityscape, enchanting waterways and bridges, and its historic, beautiful buildings. The city is famous for the central waterway known as the Grand Canal and an iconic square, Piazza San Marco. Here, one can visit St. Mark's Basilica, admire the view from Campanile, or feed the numerous pigeons. Get lost in the maze of narrow alleys, take a romantic gondola ride, or try the local cuisine, especially seafood and gelato. The city hosts the world-renowned Venice Film Festival and Venice Biennale.
Pisa
Pisa is an Italian city in the Tuscany region best known for its iconic Leaning Tower. However, the city offers more than the tower. With more than 20 historical churches, several palaces and various bridges across River Arno, Pisa is rich in culture and history.
Genoa
Genoa is a port city and the capital of northwest Italy's Liguria region. It's known for its central role in maritime trade over many centuries. The city's rich culture and history make it a fascinating destination for tourists. Old Town (Centro Storico) is characterized by its narrow, labyrinth-like alleys (Carruggi) that opens onto small squares.
Verona
Verona is a historic city in northern Italy distinguished by its beautiful architecture and its role as the setting for Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet.' Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Verona is known for its stunning Roman buildings, including the Verona Arena, a large-scale Roman amphitheatre that still hosts concerts and opera performances today.
Bomarzo
Bomarzo, a small village in central Italy, is known for its remarkable Park of Monsters. The Park is home to bizarre and fascinating stone structures including gigantic creatures and mythical beings. Wander the expansive gardens to see a crooked house, a leaning tower and a colossal war elephant. The quaint village center is full of old houses and has a tranquil atmosphere.
Sicily
Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and one of the 20 regions of Italy. It is one of the five Italian autonomous regions and is officially referred to as Regione Siciliana. The island is rich in art, history, culture, and is known for its beautiful seaside towns, and its cuisine.
Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre, which means 'Five Lands' in Italian, is a rugged portion of coastline on the Italian Riviera. It's known for its colorful houses and vineyards perched on steep terraces. The five fishing villages offer stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. The region is part of the Cinque Terre National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Rome
Rome, Italy’s capital, is a sprawling, cosmopolitan city with nearly 3,000 years of globally influential art, architecture and culture. Its landmarks such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill are among the world's most visited tourist destinations contributing to Rome's status as one of the world's most popular tourist destinations.
Rimini
Rimini is a vibrant city on Italy's Adriatic coast, known for its stunning beaches, historic sites, and lively nightlife. The city is rich in history, with Roman ruins, a medieval town, and a Renaissance square. One of the highlights of the city is the Tiberius Bridge, a Roman structure that spans the river Marecchia. Rimini is also known for its energetic nightlife and a wide selection of restaurants, making it a popular destination for party-goers.
Caltabellotta
Caltabellotta is a stunning hilltop town in the Agrigento province of Sicily, Italy. Known for its beautiful churches, ancient ruins and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, the town is a hidden gem that provides a peaceful retreat away from the busier tourist destinations. The stunning Church of San Pellegrino and the ruins of a Norman castle are among the highlights for any visitor.
Bergamo
Bergamo, a quaint city in Italy's Lombardy region, is an effortless blend of history and culture. The city, split into two diverse sections - the older ‘Città Alta’ and more modern ‘Città Bassa,’ offers layers of rich history, artistic treasures, and delicious cuisine. From beautiful fortresses and ancient churches to refreshing local wines and sumptuous polenta dishes, Bergamo is a captivating city that will leave you wishing for more.
Balestrino
Balestrino is a quaint village located in the Liguria region of Italy. Known for its historic old town, the village offers beautiful landscapes, an impressive abandoned medieval castle and stone-built houses. It has an alluring charm that captivates tourists, despite its size.
Cala Goloritzè
Cala Goloritzè is a beach located in the municipality of Baunei, in the province of Ogliastra, in central-eastern Sardinia. The cove was created by a landslide in 1962; it is famous for its high pinnacle of 143 meters above the cove. Another feature of the cove is the natural arch that opens on the right side of the bay. The beach is composed of small pebbles and sand.
Elba
Elba is a Mediterranean island in Tuscany, Italy, 10 kilometres from the coastal town of Piombino, the largest island of the Tuscan Archipelago. Elba is also part of the Arcipelago Toscano National Park, and it is known for its beautiful beaches, extensive vineyards and fragrant gardens.