Introduction to Italy - Basic Travel Information

Italy's Location and Geography:

Italy is a Mediterranean country in the south of Europe. Its west coast is the Mediterranean Sea and the east coast is the Adriatic. France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia form its northern border. Its highest point, in Monte Bianco, is 4748 meters. The mainland is a peninsula and Italy also includes the two large islands of Sicily and Sardinia.

Italy Geography Map and Basic Facts

Italy's Climate - When to Vacation in Italy:

Italy enjoys a predominantly Mediterranean (mild) climate with a colder Alpine climate in the mountains to the north and a hot and dry climate in the south. Italy's coast are pleasant almost all year. Much of Italy is very hot in summer and summer is the height of vacation season. Probably the best seasons to visit Italy are late spring and early fall.

More about Italy's Climate and When to Go on Wandering Italy

Regions of Italy:

Italy is divided into 20 regions with 18 on the mainland and two islands, Sardinia and Sicily. Although they are all Italian, each region still holds some of their own customs and traditions and there are many regional food specialties.

Italian Regions Travel Directory
Italy Region Map from Europe for Visitors
Maps of Italy's Regions

Transportation to and within Italy:

There is an extensive train network throughout Italy and train travel is fairly inexpensive and efficient. Italy Train Travel Tips There are also good bus systems so it is possible to get to almost any town or village by some form of public transportation. You can also rent or lease a car in Italy. The two major international airports are in Rome and Milan. There are many airports throughout Italy for internal and European flights. Italy Airports Map and Information

Transportation Links

Italy's Language :

The official language is Italian, but there are many regional dialects. German is spoken in the northeastern region of Trentino-Alto Adige and there are small French-speaking populations in the Valle d'Aosta region to the northwest and a Slovene-speaking minority in the Trieste area to the northeast. Many Sardinians still speak Sardo in the home.

Italian Language on about.com

Italian Currency and Time Zone:

Italy uses the euro, the same currency used in most of Europe. 100 euro cents = 1 euro. At the time the Euro was adopted, its value was set at 1936.27 Italian Lire (the previous unit of currency).

Italy's time is 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+1)

Entering Italy:

Non-EU visitors to Italy need a valid Passport. The maximum length of stay is 90 days. For longer stays, visitors will need a special permit. EU visitors can enter Italy with only a national identity card.

Details on How Long Can I Stay in Europe

Religion in Italy:

The main religion is Catholic but there are some small Protestant and Jewish communities and an increasing Muslim immigrant population. The seat of Catholicism is Vatican City, the Pope's residence. In Vatican City you can visit St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the extensive Vatican Museums. Vatican City Travel Essentials

Major Travel Destinations in Italy:

The top travel destinations in Italy include the 3 cities of Rome (Italy's capital), Venice, and Florence, the region of Tuscany, and the Amalfi Coast.

Top 10 Italian Cities to Visit
Top Romantic Places in Italy

Italian Hotels and Vacation Lodging:

Italian hotels are rated from one to five stars, although the rating system doesn't mean the same thing it does in the United States. Here's an explanation of the European hotel stars from Europe for Visitors. My favorite booking site for Italian hotels is Venere.com (book direct), where you'll find user ratings, hotel rates, and helpful maps. For longer stays, an agriturismo or vacation rental is a good idea. These rentals are usually by the week and often include some kitchen facilities. Read more about Self-Catering Vacations in Europe. Italy also has a good network of Hostels, offering budget lodging options. More about Staying in a Hostel and Hostel FAQs

Italy Lodging Directory

Italy Budget Travel Tips - Saving Money on Your Italy Vacation

Even with increasing costs and decreasing dollar value, Italy can still be affordable. See our Tips for Italy Budget Travel for suggestions on how to save money on your Italy vacation.