Stylish, cultured, good humored and volatile – Italy, with its golden light, stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, has inspired poets and painters for centuries. Italy is largely homogeneous linguistically and religiously but is diverse culturally, economically, and politically. Italy has the fifth-highest population density in Europe. Minority groups are small, the largest being the German-speaking people of Bolzano Province and the Slovenes around Trieste. There are also small communities of Albanian, Greek, Ladino, and French origin. Immigration has increased in recent years, however, while the Italian population is declining overall due to low birth rates. Italy occupies a long, boot-shaped peninsula, surrounded on the west by the Tyrrhenian Sea and on the east by the Adriatic Sea. It is bounded by France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia to the north. The Apennine Mountains form the peninsula's backbone; form its northern boundary. Several islands form part of Italy; the largest are Sicily (9,926 sq mi; 25,708 km²) and Sardinia (9,301 sq mi; 24,090 km²). There are several active volcanoes in Italy: Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe; Vulcano; Stromboli; and Vesuvius, the only active volcano on the mainland of Europe.
At its greatest extent, the Roman Empire stretched from Egypt to England and for several centuries conferred on its inhabitants the benefits of the Pax Romana: culture (mainly Hellenic in origin), law, relative peace and comparative prosperity. In the 15th century, parts of Italy were at the heart of the greatest ever flowering of art and culture (the Renaissance), associated with artists such as Fra Angelico, Raphael, Botticelli, Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. Today, Italy features romantic medieval hill towns, such as San Gimignano in Tuscany, and unspoilt fishing villages, like Positano on the Amalfi coast. Operatic productions are staged in Verona’s ancient amphitheater, while the influence of Federico Fellini is celebrated in Turin’s museum of cinema.
Italy combines art, history and contemporary fashion with stunning natural landscapes: the turquoise waters of the Costa Smeralda offer one of Europe’s most beautiful stretches of sand, sea and sunshine, while the snow-covered slopes of the Dolomite mountains are a haven for winter sports enthusiasts.
Throughout the country visitors can find vineyards and cellars to taste the very best regional wines, workshops where crafts are produced by hand and friendly trattorie where simple but superb dishes are served.
VISA INFORMATION FOR TOURISTS
All nationalities require valid passports; they should be valid for at least the period of visa validity, or if obtaining visa on arrival then passports should have at least six months validity. Travelers entering Italy are required to prove they have sufficient funds to cover the length of their stay, and are recommended to hold documentation for return/onward travel. Entry may be refused to travelers of a 'hippy' appearance.
Americans: Visas are not required for holiday travel by US passport holders for periods of 90 days or less (an extension of up to 10 days is possible). Passports must be valid for at least 30 days from date of arrival.
Canadians: Visas are not required for travel by Canadian passport holders for periods of 90 days or less (an extension of up to 10 days is possible). Passports must be valid for at least 30 days from date of arrival.
Australians: Visas are not required for travel by Australian passport holders for periods of 90 days or less (an extension of up to 10 days is possible). Passports must be valid for at least 30 days from date of arrival.
Passport Note
(a) Italy is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement.
(b) The regulations stated below also apply to San Marino and the Vatican City.
Passports
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except:
(a) EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.
(b) Nationals of EU countries for an unlimited period apart from nationals of Bulgaria and Romania who may stay for up to 90 days;
Note: EU nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU Member State. This evidence can take the form of a valid national passport or national identity card. Either is acceptable. Possession of a return ticket, any length of validity on their document, sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit should not be imposed.
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see General Info).
Warning
Most visits to Italy are trouble-free but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate international terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners. There continues to be isolated cases of domestic terrorism in Italy by extreme left wing and secessionist groups which are aimed primarily at official Italian targets.There is currently a risk of unannounced wildcat strikes by municipal transport workers in cities across Italy. Travelers are advised to check local travel reports for dates of pre-planned strikes.
Visitors should be alert to the dangers of car and street crimes in cities.
There continues to be non-violent volcanic activity on the island of Stromboli. Italy is in an earthquake zone.
TRAVEL ATTRACTIONS AND THINGS TO DO IN ITALY
Italy, the land of sea sand and sunshine with rocky mountain ranges to the north, houses some of the most beautiful and vivacious cities. Italy with spectacularly beautiful landscapes, peculiar art & architecture, museums, art galleries and excellent restaurants.
SKIING
There are a number of good ski resorts in Italy, two of the most famous being Cortina d'Ampezzo and Courmayeur. As the map of Italy is so mountainous, winter provides a good choice of places to hit the pistes.
CYCLING
Enjoy comfortable accommodations and delicious local cuisine & wine, the focus at Cycling—Made in Italy is on introducing you to the exhilaration of exploring our region by bike. We have a comfortable base in Northern Italy’s cycling paradise, the Veneto region. Each day your activities are planned according to the interests and physical condition of the riders in each group. We take a maximum of 10 guests at any given time and are committed to creating custom-designed tours for our guests. There are no rigid itineraries to follow or schedules to keep, you won’t be constantly packing and unpacking as you move from town to town. This is the most affordable way to enjoy bicycle touring in Europe. You’ll have an opportunity to get to know the region, make friends and have time to relax.
WINDSURFING
Sardinia is one of the most stunning islands in the Mediterranean. A hidden gem! For windsurfers and non-windsurfers alike you will find something here for everyone. White sandy beaches and crystal clear water as fine as the Caribbean, and only a short two hour flight away.
Porto Pollo has two beautiful bays created by the promontory of Isola dei Gabbiani, with far reaching views to the archipelago of the Magdalena Islands. Your base here is the Windsurf Club Baia dei Delfini (bay of dolphins), who have their own Mistral centre and accommodation in a collection of terra-cotta buildings scattered across the hillside above the bay.Due to the structure of the two bays you can choose to surf in the protected safe conditions or risk the adventure of sailing in the channel where the waves crest as tall as a rig.
HORSERIDING
The biennial Palio bareback horse race in Siena, held on July 2 and August 16, draws thousands of spectators and has been a special event since the 14th century. One of Rome’s most prestigious events is its international horse show held in May. There is also flat racing in February at the Capanelle track. Each of the three seasons lasts two months, the second starting in May and the third in September. Trotting races take place at the Villa Gloria track in February, June to November.
Some of the other attraction spots in Italy are:
Climate of Italy:
Italy has a largely temperate climate with regional variations. In summer the Northern parts of Italy are warm with occasional rainfall, the central region is somewhat stifled by humidity and the south scorches under the dry heat. In winter, conditions in Milan, Turin and Venice are dominated by cold, damp and fog and Tuscany's winter temperatures approach freezing, while temperatures in the south of the country are more favourable averaging 50-60ºF (10-20ºC). Most people visit Italy between June and August, however the best time to visit is in Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) when the weather is good and the tourists are few. The sea is warm enough for swimming between June and September. Most Italians take their vacation in August and many shops and restaurants are closed during this period. The ski season runs between December and April and the best time to walk in the Alps is between June and September. |
