Discover Italy
Italy is a country in Southern Europe. Located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, it consists of a peninsula delimited by the Alps and surrounded by several islands; its territory largely coincides with the homonymous geographical region. Italy shares land borders with France, Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia and the enclaved microstates of Vatican City and San Marino. It covers an area of 301,230 km2 with a population of about 60 million. It is the third-most populous member state of the European Union, the sixth-most populous country in Europe, and the tenth-largest country in the continent by land area. Italy's capital and largest city is Rome.
Italian proverb
L’Appetito Vien Mangiando!
Appetite Comes With Eating
Diary
Lots of fresh vegetables
When most people think of Italian food, their minds immediately go to pizza, pasta, and other delicious, carb-heavy foods. These dishes are undoubtedly important within the Italian tradition. However, authentic Italian food lovers know that the cuisine uses popular vegetables just as often as it uses dough. Here are some of the secrets of an Italian’s favorite vegetables.
Bologna's Medieval City Center
Variety of Italian Pasta
Italy is home to thousands of types of pasta, from well-known quills and tubes, to unusual shapes handmade from region to region. Know your gigli from your trofie with help from our guide to local pasta variations.
Every one of Italy’s 20 regions has a distinctive cuisine – partly shaped by climate and terrain, partly due to history. You’ll find truffles and creamy Gorgonzola in the mountainous northern region of Piedmont; cured meat and flavourful tomatoes in the fertile central region of Umbria; and artichokes and seafood in Sicily, at Italy’s southern tip.
Traditional Italian Deserts
Italian desserts are trending right now and it’s easy to see why! With tiramisu and panna cotta, cannoli and semifreddo, we’re sure you can find a sweet treat that will impress the nonnas, the nannas plus any of your guests.
