Italy

Landscape

Italy includes the Alps in the north, the Apennines along much of the peninsula and major islands including Sicily and Sardinia. The Po Plain is a broad lowland between northern mountains. Elsewhere, level land is more fragmented by hills and ranges.

The Dolomites contain steep, pale rock peaks, while Tuscany is known for rolling cultivated hills. Long coastlines include cliffs, lagoons and sandy plains. Active volcanic regions add further geological variety, especially in southern Italy.

Climate & seasons

Much of the coast has Mediterranean conditions. The Alps have cold mountain climates, while inland northern plains experience colder winters than the southern coasts.

Regional environments

Alpine conditions differ sharply from Mediterranean coasts and islands. Forests, mountain grasslands and agricultural landscapes follow these climatic and elevation zones. Rivers connect upland catchments with plains where water is important for farming and settlement.