In Italy, the summer period is coming, which means it's time to choose a place for your future vacation! Where and how do they rest? locals? Let's get a look!

Every summer, the Italians are divided into 2 “fronts”: the “sea team” and the “mountain team”. Half prefer a beach holiday under the hot summer sun, and the other half - escapes from the stuffiness of big cities in the mountains. And the higher the better!

Where to go?

Sea in Italy

Without a doubt, the Italians are very fond of beach holiday it is in your own country, in Italy, that you can immediately go to 4 seas, because it is surrounded by the Ligurian, Ionian, Tyrrhenian and Adriatic.

Such a huge marine diversity in just one country: choose what you want!

In addition to choosing which sea to go to in Italy, you also need to decide on the type of vacation: mainland and island. So, if you want to stay in the main territory of Italy, then go to the following regions:

• Calabria region (for example, in Tropea),
• Liguria region (for example, Alassio or San Remo)
• the region of Emilia-Romagna (to the mecca of the Italian beaches of Rimini).

If you prefer to visit the islands of Italy, then give preference to Sardinia, Sicily or Capri: there you will find incredible beautiful nature and excellent conditions for summer holidays.

By the way: during your vacation you may need a car to see the entire coast and nearby towns, you can rent a car in Italy through this site.

Mountains in Italy

In addition to the 4 seas, the mountains in Italy are also popular for recreation: the Apennines are stretched along the length of the “boot”, and the Alps are wide from above. So if you want to enjoy outdoor activities and reconnect with nature, you can go to the Emilia-Romagna region with its famous Carno alle Scalle (province of Bologna), to the Dolomites in the Trentino Alto Adige region (for example, to the mountain town of Andalo) or to the famous Cortina. All these and other mountainous regions of Italy are available for summer holidays and will give you many ideas for entertainment!

Interesting fact: if in winter a huge part of the southern inhabitants of Italy moves north to ski and snowboard in the Alps, then in summer the opposite is true: the north of Italy “migrates” to its south, since in the large cities of northern Italy it is very stuffy, humid and hot in summer .

Things to do?

Sea

What to do on the beach? Relax, have fun, swim, sunbathe, enjoy the incredible beauty of the sea and spend great time with friends and family!

Interesting fact: Quite a lot of Italians don't really like to swim, but prefer to just go knee-deep into the water and chat with each other about everything in the world. At least all day long! Very few people really actively swim for half an hour or more (as our compatriots often do with pleasure), and in order to freshen up a little, they quickly get into the water, rinse and continue to stand under the sun :)

Mountains

In the summer in the mountains you can find entertainment for every taste: climbing, relaxing on lakes, hiking, especially in the mountains of Italy trekking trips are popular. You also have the opportunity to go skiing. Yes, yes, even in the height of the hot season, you can go to the glaciers where skiing and snowboarding is available all year round! Italy's glaciers are located in the Stelvio and Senales.

Where to go next to Italy?

Sea

Let the Italians love their summer holidays at home, but sometimes they are happy to visit other countries. For trips from Italy to the sea, frequent destinations are Spain, Greece and the Côte d'Azur.

Mountains

Even taking into account the fact that both the Apennines and the Alps are located in Italy, but sometimes for the sake of diversity, local residents go for mountain holidays and to the “Holy Trinity”: Austria, Switzerland or France. However, mountain holidays in these countries will cost more than in Italy.

What type of summer vacation do you prefer: sea or mountain? Or maybe even combine?

Leave your comments and stay with us: website - this is the most interesting thing about the life of Italy!

Italy is located on a long peninsula mediterranean sea, shaped like a boot and stretching from the northern to the southern border for 1170 km, 230 km wide. The terrain of Italy is mainly mountainous, with rare plains and lowlands, the territory falls on the Padan Plain and coastal zones. Italy also includes more than 70 islands, including the largest Sicily and Sardinia.

(Veneto region)

The champion in the production of vintage wines is the Veneto wine region. The Alpine mountains, a small number of plains, the swampiness of the Po River and the proximity to Lake Garda determine the climatic and geological diversity of the region. The transition of zones from the Alpine to the Mediterranean also affects the variety of wines. The most famous are the wine regions of Valpolicella, Bardolino and Soave. The best grappa or grape vodka is also produced in Veneto.

(Green fields of Tuscany)

The climate of Tuscany is mild, warm near the coast, summers are long and dry, winters are less severe than in the north, the Apennines prevent the penetration of cold air masses. Most of the region is occupied by hills, the southern slopes of which are covered with vineyards. The main grape varieties include Sangiovese, Malvasia and Trebbiano. Super Tuscan wines are made from international varieties: Merlot, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon.

(Italian province of Calabria)

South Calabria surrounded by greenery national parks, Pollino hills and warm waters ionian sea has a mild Mediterranean climate. The region with the richest ampelagrographic heritage is Calabria, where there are 175 indigenous grape varieties. The most famous are galloppo, magliocco, greco, pecorello. Neighboring Apulia, located on the "heel of the boot", is characterized by a predominantly flat relief. An exception may be national park Gargano, with the isolated mountain range of Monte Gargano, located in the northeast of the region.

The large extent of Italy from north to south causes a variety of climatic zones, relief and landscape.

Mountains of Italy

(Relief of Italy)

Italy is a mountainous country. The Alpine mountains and the Apennines are the 2 most significant mountain systems of the country.

The most high point Western Europe - Mount Mont Blanc, which has a height of 4800 meters, is located in the Alps. There are several lakes Lago Maggiore, Lago di Como with crystal clear water. The largest, with an area of ​​370 square kilometers, is Lago di Garda, located between Milan and Venice.

Apennines

(View of the Apennines and Mount Etna from the island of Sicily)

The central region, the Apennines, one of the youngest mountains in Europe, stretches the entire length of the mainland and into Sicily, where the active volcano Etna is located. Another active volcano, Mount Vesuvius, is included in the same range and is near Naples. The third volcano Etna is located in the Tyrrhenian Sea.

(The sloping ridges of Mount Etna)

In Italy, there are active, conditionally active and “sleeping” volcanoes, so volcanic eruptions and earthquakes happen quite often. The most seismically active center and south of Italy. This is also why rare architectural monuments of antiquity are presented in their original form. The Apennines are ahead of the Alps in length, but still the second is higher.

corno

(Blooming poppies and Mount Corno)

The most high peak Apennines, Mount Corno, reaches a height of 2912 meters.

Calderons

(The rest of the Calderone glacier, which, by the way, has already melted)

On the northern part of the mountain is located Calderoni - the southernmost glacier in Europe. Located on the mountains of Corno Grande, the highest point of the Apennines. Recently, it has been rapidly decreasing due to the continued pace of abundant melting, by this moment, has completely melted after heat and drought in the region and rising temperatures across Europe. Many perceived this as the result of global warming, but this is a completely natural process, especially for the closest located in southern region glacier.

The Dolomites are located in the east of the country. They are part of the Southern Limestone Alps. Height - 3343 meters above sea level. Top - Marmolada.

The Mont Blanc crystalline massif (4810 m above sea level) is located in the Western Alps. It is located on the border with France.

Vesuvius

(The ill-famed Pompeii at the foot of Vesuvius)

Mount Vesuvius is an active volcano, the last eruption of which was in March 1944. The height of the peak is 1281 m. It is located on the coast of the Gulf of Naples.

Plains of Italy

The Padana or Padano-Venetian Plain is the only lowland of Italy of impressive size. It is located between the Alps, the Apennines and the Adriatic, mainly in the valley of the longest Italian river Po, in ancient Roman Pad - hence the name of the plain. The Padana plain includes the Piedmontese plain in the west, the Lombard in the center, the Venetian in the east, and ends with the southern Emilian. The region is famous for its wine-making traditions due to the favorable climate.

Although almost half of the Piedmontese plain is mountainous and this can interfere with the cultivation of grapes, the vineyards of Piedmont are considered one of the largest and most famous in Italy. The southwestern hills of Monferrato and Langhe are the birthplace of the red Piedmontese Barolo and Barbaresco.

Plain of Lombardy

(Flower field of Italian Lombardy)

The largest lowland region in Italy, the Lombardy plain, extends eastward between the Apennines and the Alps. This area is the most populated and the most fertile sector of Italy.

More than two-fifths of Italy's crops are grown in this area, including potatoes, corn, wheat, olives, citrus fruits and stone fruits. The land also supports livestock, sheep and cows. Italy produces more wine than any other country in the world and most of its vineyards are located in this fertile region. landscape and climatic conditions The Lombard plains vary, but the continental climate, the proximity of the Alps, the Po River and the abundance of lakes favor the production of wines. Vineyards of Barbera, Rieslings, Muscat varieties can be found between Lake Iseo and Garda, in the valley of the Adda River, in the southwest of Ticino and Po.

A mountainous country whose beauty and suffering have similar roots is Italy. Earthquakes that occur here are associated with the contact of lithospheric plates deep in the bowels of the Mediterranean. But Italian geology has another side - the beauty of the mountains beyond human comprehension. As well as the dangerous majesty they breathe active volcanoes Italy... Even today they often remind us that far from all the forces in the world are subject to people.

Mountain peaks occupy more than a third of the surface of Italian land. Alps, Apennine mountains, dormant and active volcanoes - all this captures the eye of the traveler. But, singing that "only mountains can be better than mountains", do not forget that in this world there are not many places more formidable and dangerous than mountain peaks. Maybe the mountains are beautiful because it is here that a person acutely feels not only his strength and greatness? ..

Mount Blanc, Valle d'Aosta

Mount Vesuvius, Campania

Mount Corno Grande, Abruzzo

This is the highest mountain peak in the Apennines, whose height is 2912 m. Climbers like to climb the mountain peak Corno Grande (Big Horn). They chose the expanses of the Gran Sasso massif back in the 16th century! Interestingly, the southernmost European glacier, Calderone, lurks in the mountainous crust of Corno Grande. And next to it is Corno Piccolo, or the Little Horn.

Photo source: summitpost.org.

Stromboli Volcano, Sicily

The small Sicilian island of Stromboli also has its own potentially dangerous one. Stromboli ("Round Island") is located in the Tyrrhenian Sea and belongs to the Aeolian Islands. The volcano is constantly active: mini-eruptions regularly occur on Stromboli, which are visible both on the island and from the sea. A particularly large eruption occurred here in April 2009.

Photo source: carbonbrief.org.

Mount Etna, Sicily

If you do not take into account the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus Mountains, it is not only the highest European volcano, but also the highest point in Europe. Its height changes due to eruptions, and now it is about 3330 m. Approximately once every three months, lava erupts from some volcanic crater of Etna onto the surface of the earth.

Photo source: youtube.com by Naturaleza Salvaje HD.

At the foot of Etna, you can stop at. Hotels with a view of the volcano are located, for example, in, and hotels are invited in the foothills of Etna.

Mount Monte Leone, Piedmont

Between Switzerland and Italy lies Monte Leone, the highest mountain (3552 m) in the Lepontine Alps. They are shrouded in legends about the Lepontians. This ancient people once inhabited this area, and he gave it a name.

Photo source: manuelpermonti.blogspot.com.

If you liked this particular place, then you need to stay in Piedmont in the province of Verbano Cusio Ossola (commune).

Volcano Vulcano, Sicily

Volcano Solfatara, Naples

Solfatara is perhaps the most mysterious volcano in Europe. It is located on the Phlegraean Fields (or "Campi-Flegrei"). So called unique territory in Naples, which actually “floats” on lava, the earth of this (densely populated, by the way) territory is so close to the magmatic melt. Solfatara is one of the few supervolcanoes on earth that is located here. A supervolcano is a volcano whose eruption is likely to lead to climate change on the entire planet Earth. And this volcanic region really threatens to become a second Vesuvius and a pan-European catastrophe... If the Phlegrean fields suddenly wake up.

Photo source: guideturistichenapoli.com.

You can stay in Naples near Campi Flegrei at the hotel. If you want to explore the city and its attractions in more detail, as well as get acquainted with other hotel offers, then use.

Mount Liskamm, Valle d'Aosta

The Liskamm mountain range is one of the most dangerous in the Pennines. The highest mountain peak here reaches more than 4,500 m. Avalanches are frequent here, on the border of Switzerland and Italy, and many huge snow blocks hang down on the ridge itself. For this, climbers nicknamed this mountain range "Cannibal". Despite the danger, brave mountain lovers go here regularly. Liskamm was first conquered by 14 British and Swiss in 1861.

Photo source: abenteuersuechtig.de.

This region is very popular with tourists. Therefore, hotels offer unique opportunities for ski holidays - choose the best!

Volcano Epomeo, Naples

Officially, the volcano is considered extinct. But still, perhaps this is another "vigilant" Italian volcanic dome. Last eruption Epomeo happened in 1301 - more than 700 years ago. However, in 2001, he nevertheless threw out sulfur. Epomeo is located on the Neapolitan island of Ischia in the Tyrrhenian Sea. This is the highest point of the island (789 m).

Photo source: fotoeweb.it.

There is enough on the volcanic island of Ischia - you can choose the one that you like the most.

So, where is it better and more interesting, in the Alps or in the Apennines, near Etna or at the foot of Vesuvius? Many travelers agree that best mountains in italy Those are the ones you've been to. And the hottest volcano is the one near which for the first time you feel like a small part of a huge and exciting mountain world!

In the diverse landscape of Italy, both on the peninsula itself and on the islands, one can see mountain ranges, snow-capped peaks, extinct and active volcanoes. Such a relief has a great influence on the economic and cultural life of the country.

Mountain ranges and mountains of Italy

The Italian mountain landscape can be divided into three groups:

• Alpine,
• apennine,
• island.

On the map of Italy, the Alps are located on the north side, where the border with Switzerland and France is located. The Dolomites and Julian Mountains belonging to this system are considered a natural and cultural value of world importance and are protected by UNESCO. Now the most major city the Italian Alps is Bolzano. Almost 100 thousand people live here.

Mountains of Italy

Mountains in Italy are no different great height when compared with French or Swiss. But they are high enough to remain snowy almost until summer and provide active ski vacation from November to April. The mountain roads here are more gentle than in Switzerland: the serpentines are not so twisted, the passes are more gentle. The highest peak in these places is Monte Leone (3552 m).

On the border with France are the Ligurian Alps, the top of which is Piedmont Marguareis, which belongs to Italy and France. Its height is 2651 m. This mountain is distinguished by its caves, of which there are many. The Ligurian Alps gradually pass into the Apennine mountains, stretching along the peninsula of the same name from north to south, not rising above the Alpine ones. The highest point of the range is Mount Corno Grande, which reaches 2912 m above sea level. Its name translates as "big horn".

Monte Leone is the highest point in the Italian Alps

The Apennines are young mountains, therefore they continue to develop actively. Earthquakes often occur here, volcanic activity does not subside. by the most famous volcano of this system is Vesuvius. The last time it erupted in 1944, several people died. Another, while dormant, volcano - Amiata, is located in Tuscany, surrounded by a magnificent landscape. Its activity is manifested in the presence of geysers and thermal springs. They are used by people to generate electricity, as well as for balneological purposes. Amiata is home to the Calderone glacier, the southernmost in Europe.

The Calabrian Apennines, located in the southern part of the peninsula, smoothly merge with the Sicilian mountains. The Italian islands have a volcanic mountainous landscape, especially Sicily. Here are the active volcanoes of Stromboli and the famous Etna, whose height at the moment is 3330 m.

Dolomites: description, attractions, types of recreation

The Dolomites are located in the northeastern part of Italy and have an area of ​​140 km². There are five provinces in this territory with many settlements. most high mountain, about 3000 m, here is the Marmolada (Province of Trento). On the northern side, it is captured by a glacier, and on the western side it forms an almost vertical wall. In clear weather, the peaks of Marmolada can be seen even from Venice, the distance to which is about 100 km.

Additional Information! An interesting story tells why this part of the Alpine mountains is called the Dolomites. Until the 18th century mountain system called Monte Pallidi (Pale Mountains), because a large number rocks, iridescent reflecting the sun's rays. The French geologist Deodat de Dolomieu investigated this mineral, later named dolomite after him. After that, the local Alps began to be called the Dolomites.

The beauty of the mountains themselves is the main natural attraction of these places. Cities located in this area harmoniously fit into the landscape. Each of them has its own characteristics that are interesting to tourists: cathedrals, palaces, monuments. The city of Trento is famous for its peculiar architecture, combining the features of German Gothic and Italian Renaissance. Such a synthesis of styles can be seen in the example of the Cathedral of St. Virgil, in the Palazzo Pretirio, etc.

Not far from the town of Meran is the Tyrolean Castle, built in the 12th century. In addition to its architectural value, it attracts the attention of tourists with ancient frescoes and marble sculptures. An interesting attraction is the Marienberg Abbey. It is located at an altitude of 1340 m above sea level.

Dolomites

IN winter period people come to ski resorts such as Val di Fassa, Val di Fiemme, Marmolada, etc. Everywhere the most convenient conditions for vacationers are created: a system of lifts, cozy hotels, slopes of different levels, schools teaching skiing , rollers. The towns and villages where you can stay are very beautiful.

In summer, you can come here for a relaxing holiday in the bosom of nature. Some cities have thermal baths. Such balneological resorts operate all year round. lovers excursion tours The Dolomites attract with a wealth of cultural monuments. In fact, in every settlement there are wonderful examples of old architecture, decorated with frescoes and sculptures, memorable places associated with interesting historical events.

Mountains of the islands of Sardinia and Sicily

The island of Sardinia has a picturesque mountainous landscape, where stone masses alternate with canyons and hollows covered with forest. Among them there are unique samples, for example, the only one in Europe stone forest primary oaks of Sas-Baddes-Nurag-Mereu. Not far from it are the mountains of Monte Limbara, the peak of which is Balistreri, reaching a height of 1359 meters. Erosion has given fantastic shape to the peaks and made many caves.

Note! On the slopes of Monte Limbara, oligo mineral springs beat. They perfectly cleanse the body, having a particularly beneficial effect on the kidneys. This water tastes great.

The mountains of Rifugio Monte Maccione are connected with the Lanaittu valley, where you can see interesting caves. Speleologists can also find them in the Supramonte massif. It is there that the Nurra de Sas Palumbas cave, famous for its vegetation, is located. This group of mountains includes the largest karst spring in Italy, Su-Gologone. The highest peak of Sardinia - Monte Corrasi (1463 m) - is a bare rock, the originality of which is given by bizarre ridges, karst plateaus, dips, caves and other geological formations.

In Sardinia, in addition to the traditional beach holiday, trekking is popular. People take hiking trips to the mountains to admire the incredible scenery. These walks are combined with visits to settlements, where various holidays are regularly held with tastings of local dishes. The cities themselves, with their old houses and narrow streets, are also interesting to visit.

Sicily, despite its small size, accommodates four mountain range- Peloritani, Nebrodi, Le Madonie, Ibleian mountains. They are a continuation of the young Apennine mountains, therefore they are characterized by a stormy character. There are active volcanoes, among which Etna stands out.

Important! Excursions to this volcano are organized for tourists (cost 60 euros *). The ascent is carried out along the southern slope by bus to an altitude of 1900 meters above sea level, from there the path continues by funicular. To see the crater, learn and feel the consequences of the eruption for yourself, you need to overcome a few more kilometers in a jeep.

Etna at the time of the eruption

Beach holidays are very developed in Sicily, but regardless of the season, it is possible to get unforgettable impressions from the natural and cultural attractions that are abundant throughout the island.

Apennine mountains: description, peaks, types of recreation

According to its geological structure, the Apennines are predominantly clay in nature, and the landscape is very diverse. Rising 1200-1800 meters above sea level, they differ in that the peaks are rounded. This gives the landscape a unique charm. The presence of the Calderone glacier ensures the existence of ski resorts. They are less known than the Alpine ones, but no worse than them.

There are several natural parks in the Apennines, among which Abruzzo is very popular. Tourists come here to admire the views, visit historical sites, and taste local cuisine. Since thermal springs flow due to volcanic activity, rest in balneological resorts is also in great demand. Among these resort towns can be called Montecatini, located literally half an hour from Florence.

Note! The Apennines are chosen by climbers, especially beginners. Tourists are trekking, making long transitions on foot against the backdrop of a striking beautiful views. Such an active form of recreation as orienteering is also popular.

Holidays in the mountains of Italy: unforgettable routes on the map, prices

The mountains of Italy are suitable for different types of recreation. Ski routes that run in the Alps and the Apennines provide an opportunity to try them out for a person with any level of training. Trails are color-coded according to difficulty. A ski pass in the Dolomites costs 254 euros for 6 days in the high season, 59 euros for one day. * For children and the elderly, the price is lower. A ski pass in the ski resorts of the Apennines is cheaper than the Alpine ones. In the high season, you have to pay 41 euros for one day of skiing, a six-day subscription costs 193 euros.

Ski lovers in Cortina d'Ampezzo

The route map for those who like to relax in the mountains includes, in addition to skiing, hiking and Bus tours with visits to many cities, each of which has its own unique features and attractions.

In Italy you can visit mineral springs, visit the ski resort and have a good time. Thus, a holiday in the mountains here will bring any tourists an unforgettable experience.

*The indicated prices are valid for September 2018.

The territory of Italy is very diverse, and its mountainous regions captivate with their beauty, both in summer and in winter. From North to South, the Italian mountains captivate tourists with their scenery, with their alpine lakes, dreamlike forests, charming towns rich in tradition and history, and gastronomic delights. Sports, entertainment and relaxation - all this is part of the holidays spent in Italy, both in winter and in the warm season.
From amazing places like Karnia, Piancavallo, Tarvisio located in Dolomites Friuli, to the kaleidoscope of Trentino and Alto Adige valleys such as Val di Fassa, Val Gardena and Val Badia, whence thanks to the largest ski complex in the world Dolomiti Superski, you can reach the famous Cortina D'Ampezzo and Madonnas of Di Campiglio.Moving west, we find ourselves in the Lombardy Alps: in the valley Valtellina with the towns of Livigno (one of the highest located in Italy), and Bormio- a place that became famous thanks to the World Cup held there in 1985 and 2005 skiing, and Santa Caterina Valfurva- main ski resort valley of the same name.

And among the most high mountains in Europe, in Valle d "Aosta, at the foot of Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa And Chervino, there are famous secular resorts Courmayeur, Breuil-Cervinia, La Salle and La Thuile bordering France.
Along the French-Piedmontese border valleys of Val Susa, there is a fabulous ski area Via Lattea with towns Sauze d'Oulx, Cesana and bardonecchia, formed in the distant 30s, when the Agnelli family built the first lifts in Sestriere.
Going down the peninsula, we find ourselves in Tuscan-Emilian Apennines with their famous resort Abetone, one of the most visited in central Italy, along with Mount Amiata And mountain peaks national park Monti Sibillini located in the Marche region.
But the most beloved mountainous region of Central Italy is still Gran Sasso and the territory adjacent to it, forming the highest mountain range of the Continental Apennines and known for such places as: Campo Imperatore, Campo Felice and canyon peaks Campo Pericoli.

Further south, between Basilicata and Calabria, are Pollino National Park, Sila and Aspromonte- places where you can practice any winter sports and enjoy the beauty of untouched nature. Further along the Continental Apennines, the ideal journey through the mountains of Italy ends at Etna, the high volcano Europe, with a height of 3343 meters, which offers a breathtaking view of Taormina, Strait of Messina and the Aeolian Islands. What could be more unique than summer excursions and winter sports on the slopes of the volcano.
In almost all mountainous regions of Italy there is the possibility of cultural recreation and outdoor sports, both in summer and in winter: skis, climbing, snowboarding, hiking, nordic walking, mountain biking, etc., and all resorts are well equipped with everything you need for ice skating, swimming, tennis games, horseback riding and much more. It is also worth noting a large selection of hotels and pensions suitable for any type of holiday: whether it is a romantic vacation or a relaxing family holiday, among the mountains and