Italy
The country of Italy, known for its ancient treasures and world-famous cuisine, is a highly sought-after destination in Europe. However, the large number of visitors can have both positive and negative effects, as seen by the issue of over-tourism in Venice during the summer. However, focusing only on the popular attractions such as the Renaissance art of Florence, the picturesque Amalfi Coast, and the ancient ruins of Rome would overlook the true essence of Italy. The entire country can be considered as one vast archaeological site, with endless wonders to be found along its islands, mountains, and 7,500 kilometers of coastline.
Italy's cities have their own unique charms. Bologna's UNESCO-listed porticoes, historic university, and iconic pasta dishes embody the magnificence of Italy's lesser-known towns, as does the misty hilltop gem of Bergamo, surrounded by Venetian walls. Then there’s the distinctly non-Italian city of Trieste, a former Austro-Hungarian port adorned with Viennese-style cafés, nestled between peaks and the sparkling Adriatic Sea.
There are also lesser-explored regions to be discovered. The traditionally impoverished southern regions of Italy are now captivating visitors who want to venture beyond the Roman towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum. The whitewashed 'Trulli' villages of Puglia and the magnificent cave city of Matera in Basilicata transport you to another era. In the southern region, you can bask in the sun-soaked villages and towns of Calabria or escape to the timeless charm of Sicily.
Moving further north, Umbria offers everything that makes Tuscany appealing – truffles, wine, and hilltop medieval villages – without the crowds. Vineyards sprawl across Piedmont, beautiful lakes dot the region of Lombardy, and the Dolomites are perfect for Alpine adventures, regardless of the time of year.
Above all, Italy boasts a rich history. With nearly 60 UNESCO World Heritage sites, Italy has more than any other country in the world. The history of Italy extends beyond just the Romans, with the relics of the Etruscans, the first superpower of the Western Mediterranean, being visible on Tuscany's west coast. Additionally, the Tuscan Archipelago offers a glimpse into where Napoleon was exiled before his unsuccessful attempt to conquer Europe.
When to go to Italy
Italy is a year-round destination, but many of its honeypot sites tend to be swarmed by tourists during the summer months. Try visiting during the cooler seasons of spring and autumn. You’ll avoid the hordes and prices will drop.
International airports
Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport is 30km west of Rome. Milan Malpensa Airport is 50 km from Milan. Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport is 10km from Bologna. Naples International Airport is 5km north of Naples.
Getting around in Italy
Public transport is good in Italy, though tends to become sparser the more you get into the rural areas, particularly in the south. Trains, buses, boats and ferries can help you travel across the country with ease.
Rail travel is a great option for city hopping. Services are mostly operated by Trenitalia and range from slow services, which stop at most stations, to high-speed trains, though rival Italo services now compete on some of the busier lines. Specialist trains are also making a comeback, with the Venice-Simplon Orient Express and the Orient Express La Dolce Vita connecting Italy to Paris in style.
Travelling by car gives you more freedom for exploring the coast and countryside, and is invaluable in rural and mountain areas; attempting to explore Umbria, the Dolomites or the southern regions without a car will see you miss out on some impossibly beautiful spots
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