Italy travel guide
Italy - beautiful landscapes, beautiful buildings, beautiful people. From Roman Empire ruins to the art of the high Renaissance, Italy is a travel classic
Since the days of the Roman Empire, Italy has been at the forefront of Western civilisation, a cultural powerhouse and energetic innovator. It's also stunningly beautiful, with the mountains of the Alps and the Dolomites to the north and the cones of Stromboli and Etna in the south - though the iconic images of the country are usually the rolling landscapes of its Tuscan heartland.
From the great Renaissance city states of the north to the rugged, sunblasted provinces in the south, it encompasses tiny, postcard-pretty villages, wild national parks and the 'eternal city', Rome.
Want beaches? Take your pick from over 9000km of coastline, with beaches ranging from the tiny coves of the Quinqueterre to the boulder-strewn white sands of Sardinia, lapped by turquoise waters.
Want mountains? As well as the Alps, there are the exceptionally beautiful sheer cliffs, glaciers and karst systems in the Dolomites and, running the length of the country like a spine, the Apennines.
Want culture? Italy has more Unesco-listed culture sites than any other nation.There are Roman ruins, majestic public buildings, domed churches and, of course, the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Italy's ancient towns and cities are still thriving, lively places: see them at their animated best each evening, as the locals take to the streets in their finery for the daily passagiata.
And if wilderness is what you’re after, Italy’s got national parks aplenty, many of which you can hike through for days without seeing another soul. The most well-known – Abruzzo National Park – is a haven for nature-watchers with opportunities to spot bear, wolves and wild boar and a great place to explore.
As if this wasn't enough, it's backed by Italy's legendary cuisine. With the best food and drink in the world, this is one country that it's a pleasure to explore.
Wanderlust recommends
- Go Forage. There's no shame in searching out wild plants in food-obsessed Italy. The locals will hunt for hours for seasonal berries, mushrooms and Italy’s white gold – truffles – in the woodlands of Tuscany, and even argue about which brand of mineral water will go best with it
- Study an Eruption. Volcanic Italy is the best place in Europe to see geothermal activity. Study rumbling Stromboli or Etna, and then witness the earth's power in the preserved city of Pompeii
- Spot Golden Eagles. Europe's largest raptor is often seen soaring, along with griffon vultures, above the ancient trails of Sicily’s Nebrodi Mountain Park
- Best by Bike. Italy’s chain of specialist cycle hotels, complete with maintenance workshops and overnight laundry facilities, mean the whole country is open to exploration by bike.
- Escape the Crowds. Avoid the high-season crowds in Tuscany by changing your itinerary: Le Marche, for instance, has charmingly crumbling hilltop citadels - and they're almost all deserted
- Meet the Dead. The Capuchin catacombs at Palermo have a gruesome appeal: the walls are lined with bodies, still wearing their funeral best, dating back over the centuries
- Go to Ground. Explore underground chapels, altars and frescos and stay in a cave hotel in the little-visited region of Basilicata
- Visit Venice. Walkable Venice is one of those places you just have to see. Wander at will then catch a vaporetto back to your hotel: inexpensive and unforgettable
Wanderlust tips
If you’re planning to visit a church make sure you dress respectfully. This means no shorts for men or women. Shoulders should be covered. You may be asked to leave the building during services if you are not taking part in them. If you are allowed to stay, keep voices lowered and avoid flash photography.