For sake of tourist convenience, we can divide Italy into various regions. Northwest Italy has cities, such as Turin, manufacturing capital; Milan, business capital; and Genoa, a port of importance. Piedmont and Valle d’Aosta areas, located close to the French and Swiss Alps and dotted with mountain valleys, are the home to key Italian business giants. The River Po, Italy's longest river, starts from this region creating scenic valleys. Sestriere skiing center, Monviso climbing facility, view of Mont Blanc, national park around the Gran Paradiso Mountain, etc. are some major attractions. Liguria area is blessed with gentle slopes, beaches, and mountain villages. Genoa city and its old port and quarters are chief attraction in the region. Albenga and Noli are attractive medieval towns, and Finale Ligure is a charming Mediterranean resort. The Lombardy region has some beautiful lakes, such as Maggiore, Como, and Garda. Milan City is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Northeast Italy is known for Canals of Venice, the scenic Dolomites in the Italian Alps and has Cortina d'Ampezzo ski resort. Emilia-Romagna region extends from the Adriatic Coast to the shores of the Mediterranean. Ferrara, Modena, Piacenza, Parma, etc. still hold remnants of Renaissance art. Well-preserved castles and fortresses, medieval townships, rolling countryside, and scenic landscape attract many tourists. Bologna has one of the most beautiful city centers in Italy. The Grand Escursione Apenninica offers 25-day-long trek for tourists. Ravenna has churches and mausoleums with the finest set of Byzantine mosaics. The Veneto region has its most important attractions in Venice. Venic’s Palazzo Ducale, the Basilica di San Marco, palaces along the Grand Canal, Gondolas, and beautiful bridges are often decorated many movie scenes. The fortified townships of Montagnana, Cittadella, and Castelfranco also attract many tourists.
Central Italy breathes history and lives in art. Rome boasts wonders dating back to the Roman period. Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance, Siena, Pisa, and Lucca are custodian of the country's rich history and culture. The area basks in the glory of sandy Adriatic coastline, Roman ruins, and mountainous national parks. The Lazio region has Christian basilicas, Romanesque churches, and Renaissance palaces. Ponza Island is one of the loveliest spots. Tuscany region is well-known for Chianti countryside and masterpieces of Renaissance architecture in Florence. Umbria region is well-known as the birthplace of several saints.
Southern Italy has bustling Naples, exciting ruins of Pompeii, picturesque Amalfi Coast, and stunning beaches of Calabria. Sicily and Sardinia Islands, though separated from Italy by sea, exhibit striking similarity with the mainland in architecture and landscape. Sardinia boasts Roman and Carthaginian ruins, graceful Pisan cathedrals, Genoan castles, and stunning Gothic and Spanish Baroque architecture. Sicily showcases an impressive array of relics of Romans, Arabs, Normans, French, and Spanish in its temples, theaters, and churches.
Though Italy has numerous cities, six of them are most important and boast the legacy of many traditions. Rome has everything - historical ruins, architectural splendors, and cultural attractions. Bologna was home to the first university in the west and is filled with history and culture. Florence is the city of Renaissance and often cited for its architecture, art, museums, Michelangelo's famous statue of David, and past influence throughout the world. Genoa is the birthplace of Columbus and has many splendors. Naples is a UNESCO World Heritage city. Pisa is known for the Leaning Tower, university, and numerous attractions. Venice is one of the most beautiful and publicized cities of the world. The Vatican City has many striking architectural features, and St Peters Church is the only one of its kind in the world.
The picturesque islands offer plenty of opportunity for taking a yacht ride, hopping, swimming, diving, snorkeling, and many other water sports. Cities of Italy, such as Venice, Rome, Milan, and Turin, organize various festivals, and tourists can enjoy the festive ambience.