Officially known as the Italian Republic the country of Italy is a boot-shaped peninsula in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea. It shares its northern borders with France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia. Several small islands also form part of Italy, among them, Sicily and Sardinia are the largest. The charming Alps and Apennine mountains criss-cross the country’s landscape.
Italy boasts one of the longest coastlines in the world and around 248 beaches of Italy have been awarded the Blue Flag status for their clear emerald waters and unspoiled sands. The country is home to Europe’s largest active volcano Mt. Etna – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, providing a spectacular sighting of eruptions, lava flows, soot-filled skies and extensive caves. Interestingly Italy has the world’s highest number of World Heritage sites – 51 in all.
Known worldwide for its pizza, pasta, Colosseum, Milan fashion, opera music and glitz, Italy offers various other exciting attractions.