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Italy

Italy is situated in southern Europe and attached in the north to the European mainland. The Alps provide the northern border between France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia.

Italy is mountainous with its backbone formed by the Apennines, extending from Genoa in the north right down to Calabria and Sicily in the south. The Po River Valley in the northeast forms the largest lowland area which is subsequently the most populated and industrialised area. There are three active volcanoes: Stromboli in the Aeolian Islands, Vesuvius near Naples and Etna on Sicily.

Northern Italy is home to the Alpine regions with some of Europe’s highest mountains and offers good winter sports. From the mountains down to the beautiful Lake District flow the rivers towards the Po Basin. The Lakes are a popular destination with stunning mountain views and picturesque towns and villages.

Tuscany, in the northern part of the Italian peninsular has a diverse landscape with snow-capped mountains, lush countryside, hills and a long sandy coastline with offshore islands. Umbria is known as the \'green heart of Italy\', hilly with broad plains, olive groves and pines. Further south lies Rome, Italy\'s capital and largest city. One of many Italian cities steeped in history and culture, Rome is home to the Forum and Colosseum and within its precincts is the Vatican City.

Campania, the region which is home to Naples consists of flat coastal plains and low mountains. The coast is rocky in this area and inland, the Appennines are lower, mellowing into the rolling countryside around the pretty coastal resort of Sorrento. The south of Italy boasts mile upon mile of olive trees, cool forests and rolling hills. Puglia, to the south east has a landscape of volcanic hills and isolated marshes whilst Calabria to the south west is heavily forested and thinly populated.

Other highlights of Italy are of course the canals of Venice, the cultural city of Florence, the fashion capital of Milan and Pisa’s leaning tower. Away from the hustle and bustle of the cities are many beautiful beaches scattered down the coasts and the islands of Sicily in the south and Sardinia off the west coast offer escapes.

Wildlife

Italy no longer has a wealth of animal species, they have been diminished by increasing human population and hunting. The Calabrian hills in the south are home to bear and wolves and you may spot wolves, marmots, chamois and deer in the Alpine regions. Mouflon sheep, wild boars and cats can be found on Sardinia and falcons, hawks and golden eagles can be sometimes seen in the skies.

Weather

In Italy the summers are hot, and the temperature rises the further south you go. Spring and autumn are mild with fine, sunny weather. The mountain regions are colder and have long, severe winters with heavy snowfalls in winter, sometimes from late autumn. The south experiences much drier and warmer winters than the northern and central areas.

The best time to visit is during the spring and autumn when the extreme weather of summer and winter can be avoided and travelling is made easier. Of course winter is best if you intend to ski.

There are hundreds of small campsites in Italy where you can pitch your tent or pull up your camper or if you prefer, choose a luxury bungalow tent complete with kitchen and living room, or the comfort of a mobile home.