Italy

Bet You Didn't Know! Here are 100 fun facts that you might not know about Italy, its people, and its history...

Looking for a few fun facts about Italy? Italy may be our favorite country in Europe and for that matter one of our favorites in the world. It has amazing food, iconic countryside, fantastic wine, a rich history, and strong Italian culture.

With some of the world’s most impressive art, architecture, food and scenery, it’s little wonder that Italy tops so many traveller’s bucket lists. From ancient cities and soaring mountains to fine wines and traditional pizza, you could explore this fascinating country for years and still not discover everything. We’ve dug up 15 fun facts about Italy to get you started.

When you think of a vacation in Italy, the first thing that comes to mind are the seaside resorts on the Adriatic and the Mediterranean, the beautiful Amalfi coast, the lagoon city of Venice, the lively capital Rome, the many beautiful islands, and of course Tuscany with its charming landscape. It is definitely worth looking further north - in Italy's extensive lake region on the edge of the Alps.

Italy is one of the most beautiful countries to visit in Europe, nay, the world! My love for this country goes almost as deep as my love of chocolate-flavoured-anything, which I feel no remorse about and no reason to apologise for!

We have an intense love of traveling in Italy–and as a result, many trips later, we have a huge collection of travel tips for Italy to share!

Italy is one of the most beautiful countries you can visit in Europe and the world, providing you with memories to last a lifetime. There are many famous landmarks in Italy that first-time tourists to the country can see. Several of Italy's cities and regions are also top tourist destinations, including well-known locations like Venice, Florence, and Milan.

If art and history aren’t your thing, Italy’s still got you covered, offering venues that range from mountainous ski resorts to Mediterranean beach towns to relaxing waterside retreats in the Lakes District. Italy is an excellent family destination, too, with children warmly welcomed everywhere.

The birthplace of the Renaissance (and of gelato), Florence is absolutely filled with masterpieces upon masterpieces. From the grand museums of the Uffizi, Accademia, and Bargello to the architectural wonders of the Duomo, Santa Croce, and Santa Maria Novella cathedrals, to the lavish palaces on every cobblestoned corner, Florence is a testament to Italian intellect, taste, and ingenuity. Its mild weather, walkable streets, and year-round attractions make it an ideal destination anytime, though the spring and fall months offer the best mix of good weather and smaller crowds.

Few destinations capture the imagination quite like Florence, Italy. Narrow cobblestone streets, intimate cafes and the rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside lend an air of romance while grand palaces and beautiful churches inspire awe. Galileo, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo have all called Florence home and these renaissance masters’ cultural legacy can be seen throughout the city. Florence has a timeless appeal and with so much to see and to planning a trip can be a little overwhelming. Armed with these tips you can find all of the best things to do in Florence and make your trip one to remember.

Blessed with vast areas of wilderness, ancient hilltop villages, and gorgeous coastline, this region at the toe of Italy’s boot is more rustic – but no less captivating – than more popular places up north. Nomad Olivia shares her journey.

Visiting Italy is the experience of a lifetime and full of wonderful cities to explore! Depending on what part of Italy you are traveling to, you could get a totally different experience. No worries, though because all of Italy is beautiful and full of history.

AllTrails has 8,313 great hiking trails, mountain biking trails, trail running trails and more, with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers, and nature lovers like you. Whether you're looking for the best trails in Cinque Terre National Park or National Park of the Belluno Dolomites or for trails in Liguria, Abruzzo or Veneto - we've got you covered.

The Acquario di Genova is a fascinating journey through the largest exhibition of biodiversity and ecosystems in Europe. You will discover 12,000 specimens belonging to 600 animal species and 200 vegetal species, but above all live a unique experience above and below the sea surface, to touch with your hands and to repeat and remember forever.

How many times did you find yourself in difficult situations while on holiday, just because you couldn’t speak a word of the local language? How many embarrassing scenarios could have been avoided if only you had had a small, yet practical list of useful sentences?

If it is your first time in Italy, you will probably feel compelled to see as much as possible, in as little time as possible. You see, Italy is much smaller than many other countries, but it has a formidable concentration of places to visit, things to do, and more. The biggest mistake you could do is pack too much into your itinerary – you’d end up really just seeing the places, rather than actually experiencing them! Remember that less is more, even when it comes to Italy!

British nationals introduced golf into Italy, establishing the Florence Golf Club, the country's first, in 1889. The club was rechristened Ugolino Golf Club in 1933, at which point a new course was built. The original 1889 course was taken over by Roma Acquasanta, which had been established in 1903. Despite this history, however, golf is not a major sport here; there are some 300 courses, and around 90,000 Italians belong to a club...

Italy is an exceptionally prominent vacation spot which is often neglected for scuba diving. However, there are many locations that are considered best for those who want to explore its underwater world. Scuba diving in Italy is fast picking up as a popular sport. Fine sandy shorelines, limestone tunnels, enchanting caves, and beautiful gorgonian corals will please every underwater explorer from throughout the world.

The Molentargius natural park in Cagliari is an inhabiting site for pink flamingos. Looking over the park riding a bike is a perfect idea to have an excursion around the Sardinia island.

Italian ski holidays are relaxed, informal, hedonistic, fun - and just a little bit crazy. Of course, the Italians take their skiing seriously, but then they take their lunches, dinners, aperitivi and digestivi just as seriously too. Thus, Italy ski holidays will always be as much about good food and drink, as it is about skiing and snowboarding.

The Dolomites ski area in Italy is made up of 1,200km of heavenly landscapes. With powder-covered slopes climbing to 3,000m, enjoy sun, snow and scenery throughout this Italian ski area. A beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site, famed for its sharp peaks, gentle rolling slopes and picturesque panoramas, skiing in the Dolomites is simply awe-inspiring. The Dolomites ski resorts offer everything you could ever need for the ski holiday of a lifetime.