It is situated in the Mediterranean and borders France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia. The country, which is a peninsula and is surrounded by the Ligurian Sea, the Sardinian Sea, and the Tyrrhenian Sea in the west, the Sicilian and Ionian Sea in the South, and Adraitic Sea in the East.

Italy has a very diverse landscape, but can be primarily described as mountainous including the Alpes and the Apennies mountain ranges that run through it. Italy has two major islands as part of its country: Sardinia, which is an island off the west coast of italy, and Sicily, which is at the southern tip of the country.

Italy has beautiful sunny summers and sun lovers can enjoy some of the fabulous Italian sandy beaches. Many holiday makers choose to stay in a holiday villa with swimming pool in Sicily. Sardinia is also a very popular tourist destination and has some outstanding self catering apartments and holiday cottages available for rental direct from their owners.

The Italian lakes are regarded as some of the most beautiful lakes in Europe. Lovers of outdoor pursuits and water sports often stay in self catering holiday homes and explore the local area. Umbria is an area of outstanding natural beauty and many families go there on vacation. Many stay in a villa with swimming pool and use the villa as a base to go hiking and explore the area.

Florence and Tuscany are full of contrasting architecture and offer the tourist a holiday full of culture and fine cuisine. Lovers of good food and wine come back to this part of Italy year after year and stay in some of the self catering apartments and beautiful holiday villas.

Rome is now one of the most popular cities in Europe, visited by families spending long vacations staying in holiday villas. They use these holiday villas as the base to explore the culture and history of this fine city. Rome is also a popular destination for couples going on romantic breaks with many staying in some of the fantastic self catering holiday apartments.

Italy is a diverse country offering holiday makers some of the best beaches in Europe. In summer it has long months of sunshine and many families love going on vacation to the Italian Lakes where they can stay in holiday cottages or Italian farmhouses. Lovers of history and culture are spoilt for choice where to stay, with self catering apartments available for rental. No mater what your budget there are some great holiday homes available for rental in Italy.