Rent a Car Italy - Geography Italy

Italy's instantly recognisable ‘boot’ shape extends into Mediterranean, including the Adriatic, Ionian, Ligurian and Tyrrhenian seas. Along its mountainous northern flank it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia. Across the Adriatic, Croatia, Yugoslavia and Albania are also important (problematic) neighbours. Italy also encompasses several sizeable islands including; Sicily, Sardinia, Capri and Elba.

The far north is predominantly mountainous, with the Alps and Julian Alps stretching from Genoa to Trieste. Several lovely valleys are found nestled among the mountains. Lake Maggiore, bordering Switzerland, is one of the loveliest destinations in the country. Immediately south is the Po River Valley, forming the largest lowland area, heavily populated and industrialised as a result.

Italy's backbone is formed by the Apennines, extending from Genoa right down to the soccer ball that bounces off the toe of Calabria. Rolling, cultivated hills typify Tuscany in the peninsula’s central region, the south by contrast is largely dry with less vegetation.

Italy also has three active volcanoes, Stromboli in the Aeolian Islands, Vesuvius near Naples and Etna on Sicily.