Italy

Italy delivers a blend of natural beauty and cultural richness, with vineyard-clad hillsides in Tuscany, high fashion in Milan, sun-kissed beaches in Sicily, and galleries and museums in Rome.
The breathtaking gem of Capri Island with views of the Tyrrhenian Sea lies off the coast of southern Italy. Photo: Balate Dorin/iStock

Overview

Gorgeous sun-soaked coastlines where colorful cliffside houses hang over the Italian Riviera, Renaissance art, grand cathedrals, bustling cities, and fairytale villages hidden behind medieval stone walls along with secluded and lively Mediterranean beaches contribute to Italy’s enchantment. Italy’s islands are diverse treasures scattered across the Mediterranean, offering a unique blend of cultures, landscapes, and histories. From the largest, Sicily and Sardinia, to the charming islets of Capri and Elba, each boasts its distinct personality and allure.

Sardinia mesmerizes with its crystal-clear waters, rugged landscapes, and ancient Nuragic civilization remains, providing a perfect blend of beach relaxation and historical exploration. Sicily, at the Mediterranean’s crossroads, offers a rich tapestry of history, with Greek temples, Norman churches, and vibrant street markets, all under the watchful eye of Mount Etna. Capri, the jewel of the Bay of Naples, is famed for its rugged landscape, upscale hotels, and the Blue Grotto, a sea cave that dazzles with its ethereal blue light. Lastly, Elba, known for its pristine beaches and as Napoleon’s place of exile, offers a peaceful retreat with a rich historical backdrop, making these islands Italy’s crowning jewels in the Mediterranean.

Size

116,348 square miles (301,340 square kilometers)

Population

60 million

Int'l Dialing Code

39

Time

Central European Time (CET, UTC+01:00)

Capital

Rome

Driving Side

Right

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Voltage

230V, 50Hz

Government

Parliamentary republic

Visa/Entry

Language

Italian

Airport

Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO)

Plan Your Italy Trip