Attractions

With spectacular scenery, Italy is becoming one of the world's most popular second home and holiday destinations. One of the most historically important and culturally significant countries in the world, Italy is a fantastic blend of picturesque countryside and vibrant cities.

Economy

Italy has a diversified industrial economy with roughly the same total and per capita output as France and the UK. The Italian economy has changed dramatically since the end of World War II. From an agriculturally based economy, it has developed into an industrial state ranked as the world's fifth-largest industrial economy.

Climate

The summer is hot and dry, but the temperature is mitigated on the coast by sea breezes and in the Apennines and Alps it is pleasantly cool. In mountain areas, winter is ideal for skiing, and summer for excursions, hiking, etc. Seaside and lake resorts, with their excellent hotel facilities, have an intense tourist season in the summer, as the temperature is perfect.

Health

The Italian health service is much better than its reputation. For the most part, Italy's health service is cheap and pretty good, with English-speaking medical staff widely available.

Tourism

Most areas of Italy are popular tourist destinations, from the ski regions of the north to Sicily in the south. Tuscany and Umbria are becoming world destinations for tranquil breaks whilst the cultural popularity of Rome, Florence and Siena are timeless.

Travel

All major airports in Italy are very well connected, with year-round cheap flights available from most regional airports around the UK and Europe.

Visas

According to your nationality, time and purpose of travel you may require a visa. EU citizens do not need a visa.

Tourist (Schengen) Visa

Those not exempt need a Schengen Visa, named after the agreement that abolished passport controls between Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. It allows unlimited travel throughout the entire zone within a 90-day period.

Applications are made with the consulate of the country you are entering first, or that will be your main destination. Among other things, you will need medical insurance and proof of sufficient funds to support yourself.

If you enter Italy overland, it is unlikely that your visa will be checked at the border, but major problems can arise if you don't have one later on.

Tourist visas cannot be extended except in emergencies (such as medical problems); you'll need to leave and reapply from outside Italy when your visa expires.

Useful Links

• http://www.italiantourism.com/
• www.initaly.com/

Hotspots to Buy Italy Property

Calabria property
Dubbed 'The Sunny Heart of Italy', historically, Calabria has been a poor region and it is still a predominantly agricultural society. Thus, prices of Calabria property are generally low. It is, however, the perfect place for sun worshippers.

Puglia property
The sunny and scenic southeast of Italy has been opened up thanks to regular low-cost flights to Bari and Brindisi. Prices of property in Puglia have been rising significantly but they are still competitive by Italian standards

Tuscany property
A perennial favourite. Though prices of property in Tuscany are very high, there are cheaper areas if you look. The lifestyle and tourism means that whatever you spend, the area will always be a good long-term investment

Umbria property
Prices are nearly on a par with Tuscany, but nevertheless the climate and landscape are as wonderful as ever - a terrific place to relocate or buy a holiday home. Tourism means letting potential is very good.

Origins of Pizza

The word "pizza" is thought to have come from the Latin for flatbread, pinsa. Legend has it that Roman soldiers stationed in Palestine gained a taste for Jewish Matzoth and developed a similar food after returning home. Traditionally a peasant food, in the Middle Ages these early pizzas started to take on a more modern look and taste, as people used what few ingredients they could afford to produce the modern pizza dough, topped with olive oil and herbs. Later with the introduction of the Indian Water Buffalo, pizzas started to take on a new dimension with a topping of fresh mozzarella di buffalo.

Tomatoes arrived in Italy during the 1530's, but were widely believed to be poisonous and were grown only for decoration. However in the 18th and early 19th centuries, the innovative (and probably starving) peasants of Naples began adding this 'deadly fruit' to many of their foods, including pizzas. The modern pizza was born.

Once members of the aristocracy tried pizza they couldn't get enough of it, by which time they were being sold on the streets of Naples for every meal. As pizza popularity increased, street vendors gave way to actual shops, offering pizza with a wide range of toppings. By 1830 the "Antica Pizzeria Port'Alba" of Naples had become the first true pizzeria and is still producing masterpieces today.