Why visit
Italy is endless travel. Rome's ruins, Florence's Renaissance, Venice's canals, Amalfi's cliffs, Sicily's markets, Dolomites hiking. Regional food and dialect identity remains strong.
Country · Europe
Italy
culturefoodhistorybeachcity
At a glance
Location
42.8°, 12.8°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
301,336 km²
116,346 mi²
Country population
58.9 million
195/km²
Subregion
Southern Europe
Currency
Euro (€)
EUR
Dial
+39
Language
Italian
Demonym
Italian
Internet
.it
UN
Member state
ISO code
IT / ITA
Where in the world
42.8° · 12.8°
Italy
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Did you know
- Italy has more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other country (60+).
- Venice is built on over 100 small islands in a lagoon, connected by 400+ bridges.
- Italy has two microstates inside it: Vatican City and San Marino.
- Vesuvius is the only active volcano on the European mainland.
Bordering Italy
Traveler notes
- Rome + Florence + Venice is the ten-day classic
- Schengen area; e-ETIAS coming soon
- Shoulder months avoid heat and crowds
Plan checks
- Start research with the capital Rome, then compare two or three other regions.
- Check passport validity, visa rules, health requirements, and travel insurance for current conditions.
- Verify swim safety, ocean conditions, and water-quality reports by month.
- Reserve top restaurants 2–4 weeks out and plan two standout meals per city.
Signature travel cities in Italy
Florence
Florence is the Renaissance in a walled walking city. Uffizi, Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, Accademia (David). Plus Tuscan day-trips to Siena and San Gimignano.
Venice
Venice is 118 islands, 400 bridges, and a fragile lagoon you can cross by vaporetto. Visit in shoulder season; the crush of high summer hurts everyone.
Milan
Milan is Italy's design and finance capital. The Last Supper, the Duomo's roof terraces, Brera's gallery and aperitivo, and the Navigli canals at night.
Naples
Naples is pizza's birthplace, the gateway to Pompeii, and the wildest, most alive city in Italy. Spaccanapoli's alleys, Capodimonte's art, and the Amalfi Coast next door.
Explore more
Frequently asked about Italy
What is the capital of Italy?
Rome is the capital of Italy.
What currency does Italy use?
Italy uses the Euro (€), ISO code EUR.
What languages are spoken in Italy?
The primary language is Italian.
Is Italy landlocked?
No, Italy has a coastline.
What countries border Italy?
Italy borders Austria, France, San Marino, Slovenia, Switzerland, Vatican City.
What is the international calling code for Italy?
The calling code is +39.
When is the best time to visit Italy?
Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct. Check current weather and local events before booking.
Other Europe destinations
Lithuania
Lithuania is a destination in Europe layered with historical sites and heritage routes. Plan an itinerary around ruins, old quarters, monuments, and museums.
Luxembourg
Luxembourg is a destination in Europe built around urban travel: walkable neighborhoods, public transport, restaurants, galleries, and weekend city-break itineraries.
Malta
Malta is a destination in Europe with coastlines and warm-water travel at its core. Plan around season, swim conditions, and regional island or coastal routes.
Moldova
Moldova is a destination in Europe worth planning meals around. Regional dishes, markets, and local producers are a reason to visit rather than a side activity.
Monaco
Monaco is a destination in Europe with coastlines and warm-water travel at its core. Plan around season, swim conditions, and regional island or coastal routes.
Montenegro
Montenegro is a destination in Europe with coastlines and warm-water travel at its core. Plan around season, swim conditions, and regional island or coastal routes.