Climate The Northern part of Italy has hot summers and cold winter, although the temperature rarely drops below freezing during the daytime.
The South enjoys mild winters and long, dry, hot Summers. Mountain areas such as the Alps and the Apennines have long, cold winters long and short, cool summers.
Geography Italy’s distinct shape (the boot) makes it one of the most recognizable countries in the world. Being a peninsula, the majority of the country is surrounded by the crystal blue Mediterranean Sea leading to nearly 8000 km (nearly 5000 miles) of stunning white sand beaches. Rolling green hills dotted in olive groves and wineries dominate the more rural landscape while the cities juxtapose ancient structures with more modern buildings. There are two major mountain ranges in Italy that cover more than 75% of the landscape: the Alps in the north and the Apennine range creating the backbone of the mainland. |