Location and Climate

Italy is located in Southern Europe, on a peninsula that extends out into the central Mediterranean Sea, northeast of Tunisia. It stands out distinctively like a large boot on the map.

Italy has a mild temperate climate thanks to the moderating influence of the sea and the protection given by the Alpine mountain barrier. The weather varies quite considerably depending on how far you are from the sea or the mountains.

During the winter months it gets very cold in the Alps, Po Plain and the central Apennines, while on the Ligurian coast Neapolitan coast and in Sicily it remains mild and sometimes quite warm. Inland, in summer it gets hot and dry. In coastal areas, sea breezes bring temperatures down to more bearable levels. Also, in the Apennines and Alps it remains pleasantly cool.

In mountain areas, skiing is very popular during the winter months; conditions are ideal. The summer months provide perfect conditions for hiking etc. Seaside and lakeside resorts get intensely busy in summer. The best time to visit cities that are rich in treasure like Rome and Florence is during spring and autumn.