Italy is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe, and it is also one of the most popular with tourists. One of the attractions is that there are so many different places to choose from.

Whether you want to spend your time exploring historic towns and cities or the beautiful countryside, you have a number of regions that you can visit. Here is a guide to three of the best: Tuscany, Sicily and Lazio, and you could stop for a time in each of these on a multicentre break.

Tuscany

Tuscany is one of the most beautiful regions of Italy, and some might even say the world. It is a popular region at any time of year, but it is especially popular in the summer when people visit to experience the beautiful countryside, medieval towns and fine wine.

Located in central Italy, it has a long coastline as well as inland areas. You could hop across to the Tuscan Archipelago and explore the beautiful islands including the largest, Elba, with its numerous stunning beaches.

Other attractions include:

• the stunning Orbetello Lagoon, which is particularly popular with birdwatchers;
• medieval towns like San Gimignano delle Belle Torri, with its 14 towers, cobbled streets and beautiful views;
• the remains of the ancient Etruscan civilisation found throughout the region;
• city highlights like Florence and Pisa, in which you will find world-famous sights including the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Florence Cathedral with its huge dome and Michelangelo’s David, a masterpiece of the Renaissance;
• many UNESCO World Heritage Sites throughout the region.

All in all, it is easy to see why Tuscany is so popular with visitors, and it is the ideal destination when you are planning Italy multicentres.

Sicily

Sicily is the largest of Italy’s islands, and it is full of beautiful natural scenery including hills and mountains, as well as stunning beaches and tiny islands off its coast where you can experience getting back to nature.

It is also home to Mount Etna, the largest active volcano on the continent, which you can see clearly from Catania. If you want to, you can climb to the top and see the crater.

You can also visit the Aeolian Islands, which together form a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is no shortage of historic sights to visit, and one of the best is at Agrigento, where you can visit the Valley of the Temples.

Lazio

Lazio is the region where Rome is located, but there is more to Lazio than just the capital. Obviously Rome has enough sights to keep you busy for days, including the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Vatican Museum, the Spanish Steps and many more.

However, head out of Rome and you can enjoy walking in the hills in the north of the region, or exploring the more rugged south.

Visit highlights including Hadrian’s Villa in Tivoli, the Castelli Romani, and Ostia, home to Ostia Antica, a well-preserved Roman town. There are also natural attractions like Lake Bolsena and the mountains to explore, and you will find plenty of beaches.

Choose your regions and go exploring

Italy is a wonderful country to explore, and these are just three of the most popular regions. Choose two or more destinations in the country and then plan your multicentre holiday to see more of Italy during your time here.