Italy voted most popular country by Conde Nast

Italy's cities are natural favourites, but its countryside is also exquisite.

Italy has been recognised as the favourite destination of those voting in the Conde Nast Traveller Readers' Travel Awards.

In a ceremony held at the Royal Institution of Great Britain last week, Italy was announced as the most popular country among readers, ahead of the United States, Thailand and France.

Italy is of course renowned for its beautiful cities of Florence, Venice and Rome but those looking to set off on hiking holidays will also find the nation has plenty to offer.

The Dolomites in the north of the country offer travellers many great hiking routes in September and June and a chance to explore this often overlooked mountain range.

No trip to this region would be complete also without visiting the Tre Crime, the three imposing rock towers that have become something of an icon.

Travelling during the summer will mean that a dip in the many lakes of the mountains is possible for those looking to cool off after a long hike.