ITALY is a country full of beauty and it's worth taking advantage of every free weekend or vacation to visit it thoroughly, choosing among its endless proposals. 

But what is the best period? There are many characteristics that influence a traveller's choice, first and foremost the climate. 

Not everyone knows, in fact, that in Italy, a peninsula of longitudinal extension, climatic conditions vary greatly depending on the season and the predominant natural elements of that territory (sea, mountain ranges, lakes, etc. ...). 

Following a brief excursus divided into two articles on the 6 main climatic "regions" and as many travel ideas suitable for every preference.  

ALPINE REGION

The Alpine mountain region is characterized by long, harsh winters and snow. 

Perfect season for winter sports lovers, skiing, snowboarding, walking in the snow or ice climbing. Don't miss, for example, the village of Sappada in the province of Udine with its wooden houses and the "Specchio di Biancaneve" ( Mirror of Snow White), an icy waterfall visible from the village, on which it is possible to take several lines of ascent.

Macugnaga in Piedmont at the foot of the majestic Monte Rosa is the ideal place for snowshoeing in the silence of unspoiled nature in the homonymous wildlife oasis.

Ski destination par excellence is Bormio in Valtellina, a small jewel nestled between the valleys.

Summers in this area are short and cool, a real breath of fresh air from the high summer temperatures that characterize the rest of Italy. 

A lesser known destination to visiti in this area are the wonderful Friulian Dolomites: Andreis with its typical stone houses and external balconies, Barcis with its town center close to Lake Aprilis where you can spend pleasant days walking in the Forra del Cellina Nature Reserve. Do not forget to visit Erto and the Vajont dam, a place known in Italy for the tragedy caused by the landslide of Mount Toc.

The flood destroyed the valleys below and caused the loss of numerous lives. 

PADAN REGION

The Po Valley region that includes the hinterland of Piedmont, Lombardy, Friuli Venezia Giulia and part of Trentino Alto Adige has a continental climate. It presents strong thermal variations and high humidity. Winters are characterized by persistent fogs, summers are sultry and rains are concentrated mainly during the autumn and spring. 

In this area you can visit the wonderful Valle Camonica, a whole valley Unesco heritage located in Lombardy. Here you can admire the rock engravings of ancient civilizations that lived in these picturesque mountains. There are many trekking tours available throughout the year, either alone or accompanied by highly trained local guides.  

In the spring or autumn season a place of incredible charm is the Hermitage of Colombano in the province of Rovereto, chosen by more than one hermit to withdraw and consecrate themselves to meditation or prayer. Its position on an overhang of 120 meters, which is accessed on foot along a short path and a staircase of 102 steps, makes it certainly a unique place of its kind. 

In autumn, even if there is some risk of rain, we can not fail to mention the area of Langhe- Roero and Monferrato. Colours, scents and local flavours will awaken your senses. Getting lost among the vineyards that lie on the sweet hills and stopping to taste cheeses and wines in the local wineries is surely the best way to discover this area.

APENNINE REGION

It affects the mountainous chain of the Appenines and therefore extends from North to South. The climate is milder than that of the Po Valley region, even if it varies according to the longitude. Rainfall is abundant, especially on the Tyrrhenian side.

If we pass by the lovely town of Parma, not far away, we can engage in hiking, biking or horseback riding visiting the Parco de Ducale also known as the Park of 100 lakes. A large protected natural area consisting of several hills where you can relax, do sports or taste the excellent local products such as grana padano DOP or PARMA ham in one of the shelters or restaurants surrounded by lush vegetation.

Going down the chain let's stop in Gubbio, Umbrian medieval town wonderfully preserved over the centuries, refuge also of St. Francis escaping from Assisi. Do not miss the harmonious complex that includes Piazza Grande, the Palazzo dei Consoli and the Praetorian Palace, the heart of the city, which offers a splendid view over the valley. For nature lovers moving further south we find the area of the Sibillini Mountains, a magical place rich in stories and legends still little known. We recommend a visit to the "Gole dell'Infernaccio", impressive and suggestive natural gorges formed by the river Tenna, perfect for cooling down from the high summer temperatures. Exploring the territory, we can also visit the Hermitage of San Leonardo, a fascinating and ancient monastery immersed in a thick vegetation of yews, maples and beeches.

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Continue discovering the climatic regions of Italy in the next article.