Traveling In Italy: Attractions And Activities

Italy is home to the world's most famous wine and food,

renaissance castles and incredible Roman ruins. Traveling in

Italy means the opportunity to experience a variety of

different things. Visitors can spend days getting lost in

beautiful ancient cities while enjoying the finest

entertainment possibilities anywhere. Any number of days can

also be spent journeying among the country's hidden

treasures, meeting the stylish and cultured residents of

different regions.

This famous nation beckons travelers with the world's most

splendid collection of artistic and architectural

achievements. Innovative cuisine, a world-famous fashion

scene, artistic masterpieces and a gorgeous landscape, plus

44 World Heritage Sites, offer possibilities unheard of

anywhere else. For centuries, poets, painters, and travelers

have been inspired by its amazing cities such as Florence,

Venice, and Rome.

Other than the large metropolitan areas, Italy also has a

number of dramatic hill villages, especially around Tuscany,

and the Amalfi coast has several unique oceanside fishing

villages, such as Positano. Vineyards and wine cellars all

over the countryside allow visitors a special opportunity to

sample elegant cuisine and fine local wines.

Nature lovers, or anybody wanting to experience more than

architecture and art, can be entertained by countless outdoor

pursuits. Skiing, cliff diving, and watersports are popular

here. For one of Europe's most beautiful beaches, head to

Sardinia's Costa Smeralda. The Dolomites draw the most

adventurous hikers, skiers, and campers.

Europe is separated Italy by the Alps. Switzerland, Austria,

Slovenia and France are all located to the north. The

Dolomites, Po Plain, Val d'Aosta, and Piedmont are all found

within the Alpine region which is home to several of Europe's

highest mountains. Tuscany is part of the central region,

noted for its scenic mountain backdrop, undulating hills and

rugged coastline. Umbria is home to expansive groves of

olives, pine forests and vast plains. Rome, Italy's capital,

and Vatican City lie to the south of Umbria.

Miles of lush forests and olive orchards make up the

country's southern region, which is less populated than the

north. Procida, Capri, and Ischia are all popular islands of

the Tyrrhenian Sea. Sicily and Mt. Etna, an active volcano,

are visible across a strait from the mainland. Sardinia has

several islands off its rugged coastline. More volcanoes and

lava fields may be found near Puglia, in the boot heel

region.

Italy has become one of Europe's favorite beach destinations,

with nearly 8,500 of coastline and countless islands. All

beaches feature convenient, modern amenities, watersports,

and luxurious resorts. Large crowds are the norm all over the

Italian Riviera, especially the Amalfi coast and Liguria.

Beaches at any of the islands tend to be less crowded. Divers

and surfers will find themselves well occupied in Mauro, the

Tremiti Islands, and Sardinia.

Fishing holidays are popular at numerous destinations around

the country. The waters of Sicily and Sardinia are

traditional sea fishing locations, and the many rivers of the

Umbria and Tuscany regions are popular as well. Traveling in

Italy will allow visitors of any personality to experience

their ideal vacation activities.