Winter conditions vary widely throughout Italy. Turin, home of the 2006 Winter Olympics, is located in the mountainous and snowy regions of Italy. Here you can delight in some time on the slopes, while along the Amalfi Coast you may find the perfect spot to set out your towel for some sunbathing.
Christmas is only one of the festivals celebrated in Italy during the winter. While Christmas is celebrated throughout Italy, many towns and villages have their own festivals. Beside we-known festivals, like the Carnival in Venice during February and March, there are plenty of smaller festivals to choose from, like the festival Sa Sartiglia in Palermo from February 24 to 26.
The bulk of tourists travel through Italy from spring through autumn, so winter travelers have an opportunity to see Italy in a personal way, without all the embellishments for the tourists. However, you may find that some tourist attractions have shortened hours of operation or they may be closed for the season. Some places, like Rome or Venice, tend to operate at full strength while other places, such as the Amalfi Coast, may have a drastic reduction in activity.
