Italy Landscape: The 19 Best Locations of the Italian Peninsula

Every summer, I find myself leading Rustic Pathways programs in Italy, immersing myself in Italy’s landscape and culture. When autumn rolls around and I’m back in my Denver apartment, I can’t help but daydream about the sun-drenched piazzas and winding coastal roads I left behind in Italy.

In this article, we’ll explore Italy’s landscape, from its rocky coasts to major rivers to coastal areas and rolling hills. Join us as we journey the boot shaped peninsula that has inspired artists, poets, and visitors for centuries.

The Mountains of the Italian landscape

The Italian peninsula, shaped like a boot and surrounded by the Tyrrhenian, Ionian, Mediterranean, and Adriatic Seas, serves up beautiful landscapes that leap from the pages of a postcard. I’ve explored Italy’s natural beauty from the beaches at sea level to Monte Corno, the highest peak entirely on the Italian mainland.

Mountains dominate Italy’s landscape, with nearly 80% of the Italian Peninsula covered. The country’s main mountain ranges are the Alps, the Apennines, and the Dolomites.

The Italian Alps

The Italian Alps are the most well-known of Italy’s three main mountain ranges, famous for their world-class ski resorts, such as Sestriere and Madonna di Campiglio. While winter sports are the primary draw, the Alps attract summer visitors looking to breathe in the crisp mountain air on the one of the world’s most beautiful landscapes.

For those interested in hiking, Cervinia and Gran Paradiso offer some of the best trails, while the Susa Valley is exceptional for its natural beauty. Nature lovers should keep an eye out for the elusive Alpine Marmots, particularly in the western Alps and the valleys of Aosta, Cervinia, Susa, and Lanzo. These animals are shy, so you’re not going to find them on the ski lifts.

Italy Landscape: The Apennines

The Apennines Mountains are less famous than the Alps or Dolomites. This mountain range stretches the whole peninsula of Italy, and the southern Apennines even cross the Messina Strait into Sicily (Mount Etna). The Apennines are a haven for wildlife, including bears and wolves, and are dotted with hilltop villages with breathtaking views of the Italian landscape.

If you’re planning to explore the Apennines, be prepared for a more rustic experience. I lived in the Apennine mountains on the borders of Emilia Romagna, Tuscany, and Liguria, where the natural beauty is matched by its peaceful seclusion. The remoteness comes with its challenges—there’s often just one bus per day to get to the shops, and taxis can be non-existent.

To enjoy this region of Italy, you almost have to renta a car as it gives the freedom to explore the Italian landscapes and villages at your own pace. Or just be prepared to spend more time, take the bus and go slowly. Or travel with us and we can make it easy for you.

The Dolomites

The Dolomites are part of the Southern Limestone Alps in Northern Italy and your place for adventure. They cover Veneto, Friuli Venezia Giulia, and Trentino Alto-Adige. The range stretches across three regions in northern Italy.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is celebrated for its dramatic, jagged peaks, with Marmolada standing tall as the highest mountain at 3,343 meters above sea level. You’ll discover pristine glacial lakes like Lake Carezza, Lake Landro, and Lake Misurina, each famous for their crystal-clear water.

My first trip to the Dolomites ruined the Sierra Mountains for me forever.

The Dolomites in Italy ruined the Sierras for me

Italy’s Volcanos

Italy is the land of volcanoes, with prominent extinct volcanoes like Amiata and Monte Vulture and active volcanoes like Mount Etna and Mount Vesuvius. Italy’s volcanoes add a dash of drama to Italy’s beautiful landscape, but more importantly contribute to the richness of the soil. The Italian food you love comes in part as a result of the fertile volcanic soil.

Rivers of Italy

Italy’s rivers are more than just features of the landscape; they are the lifeblood of the regions, shaping the history, culture, and economy of the Italian city-states. Each river tells a distinct story.

1. The Po River is Italy’s longest river. The Poflows through cities like Turin, Piacenza, and Ferrara before reaching the Adriatic Sea near Venice, reflecting centuries of industrial and agricultural development in Italy.
2. The Tiber River cuts through the heart of Rome before flowing into the Tyrrhenian Sea. The Tiber witnessed the rise and fall of the Roman Empire and Rome’s evolution into a global hub of culture, religion, and tourism.
3. In Tuscany, the Arno River winds through Florence and Pisa, carrying with it the legacy of the Renaissance, before spilling into the Ligurian Sea.
4. The Adige River is the second longest in Italy. The Adige originates in the Alps and joins the Adriatic Sea, reflecting the natural beauty of Northern Italy.
5. The Brenta River shaped the Veneto region with its historical significance in trade and transport.
6. The Piave River was a critical front during World War I and now serves as a peaceful, scenic route to the Adriatic Sea.

Lakes of Italy

Italy’s lakes are celebrated for their beauty, history, and luxury. Lake Como, Lake Garda, and Lake Maggiore stand out as famous and photogenic. The draw of the Italian lakes dates back to the Roman era with some of the most picturesque views in Europe.

• Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy. It is between Venice and Milan and its crystal-clear waters and charming towns like Sirmione and Riva del Garda are popular locales with summer travel students.
• Lake Maggiore, which straddles the border between Italy and Switzerland, is renowned for the Borromean Islands, particularly Isola Bella with its magnificent baroque palace and gardens. The lake is framed by the Alps, providing breathtaking mountain views that add to its allure.
• Lake Como is 90 minutes from Milan and famous for its celebrity residents like George Clooney.
• Lake Trasimeno is a shallow lake with three islands, two of which are inhabited. The lake is the site of Hannibal’s victory over the Romans in 217 BC and offers excellent bird-watching opportunities for those who like that sort of thing.
• Lake Bolsena, Europe’s largest volcanic lake, is situated in the northern Lazio region. It is known for its black sand beaches and clear waters, and the medieval town of Bolsena, located on its shores, is famous for a Eucharistic miracle that draws pilgrims and visitors alike.
• Lake Iseo is home to Monte Isola, Europe’s largest lake island.
• Lake Orta offers a quieter, less touristy alternative to the more famous lakes.
• Lake Lugano is shared between Italy and Switzerland. It has dramatic mountain scenery, making it a popular destination for those seeking a blend of natural beauty and cultural richness.
• Lake Molveno has deep blue water and the peaks of the Brenta Dolomites behind it. For me it’s one Italy’s best landscapes!

These lakes not only offer scenic landscapes but also a glimpse into Italy’s cultural and historical heritage, making them essential destinations for any traveler exploring the Italian countryside.

Lake Como, home to George Clooney and other Nespresso drinking celebrities

Manmade elements of the Italian peninsula

Beyond natural wonders, Italy is home to some of the world’s most iconic buildings, including the Colosseum, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Marmore Falls, and the Trevi Fountain.

When you pair these with the history of the Roman empire, Italy’s culinary heritage from its fertile plains in the Po Valley, c’mon, forget about it.

Italy offers an unmatched experience in Europe.

Islands of the Italian Republic

The specific geography of Italy shapes its culture. An estimated 1 in every 10 Italians lives on one of the country’s islands. I spend much of my summers island hopping in the south of Italy.

Italy is home to two large islands, Sicily and Sardinia, as well as numerous smaller ones, all of which contribute to the nation’s tourism, biodiversity, history, and economy. These islands are popular vacation destinations, attracting millions of visitors annually due to their ecosystems, species not found on the mainland, and the rich traditions, dialects, and cuisines of the local populations.

Major Islands

1. Sicily (Sicilia) is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. It is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest active volcano. The island of Sicily is also famous for its cuisine, which includes dishes like arancini, cannoli, and Marsala wine.
2. Sardinia (Sardegna) is the second-largest Italian island in the Mediterranean. It is renowned for its pristine beaches, clear waters, and Nuragic archaeological sites dating back to the Bronze Age. The Tyrrhenian Sea lies between the peninsula and the island of Sardinia.
3. The Aeolian Islands (Isole Eolie) are a volcanic archipelago in the Tyrrhenian Sea, north of Sicily. Also known as the Lipari Islands, this group consists of seven main islands: Lipari, Vulcano, Salina, Stromboli, Filicudi, Alicudi, and Panarea. The Aeolian Islands were listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000 and are known for their active volcanoes, black sand beaches, and thermal resorts.
4. The Tuscan Archipelago is located between the Ligurian Sea and Tyrrhenian Sea. It includes several islands, such as Elba, known as the place of Napoleon’s exile, Giglio, Capraia, and others.
5. The Pontine Islands are in the Tyrrhenian Sea off the coast of Lazio. This group includes Ponza, Ventotene, and several smaller islands.
6. The Egadi Islands are located off the western coast of Sicily.
7. The Tremiti Islands, situated off the coast of Puglia, are known for their beautiful beaches and marine reserve.