February is one of the best months to travel in Italy. This is when she shares her winter beauty. 

Here are just 5 great reasons to travel in February:

1. BETTER VALUE, LESS CROWDS: February offers real value and less crowds as most tourists avoid travelling in the winter months. This means that airfares and accommodation are usually less expensive.

2. VALENTINE'S DAY: Valentine's Day is celebrated in February throughout most of the world. Surprise your beloved with a romantic gondola ride in Venice.

3. CARNEVALE: February is a big festival month in Italy. The biggest festival is Carnevale which takes place throughout Italy. Carnevale starts 40 days before Easter so the dates vary each year. Each part of Italy celebrates Carnevale in different ways, some with, for example, Roman themed carnivals and others with an orange throwing battle.

CARNEVALE in VENICE is the most famous with the actual celebrations starting aprroximately two weeks before the actual date of Carnevale. Be aware however, that the hotels in Venice get booked out weeks in advance and the rates are high. Apart from the festive atmosphere, mask parade, costumes and music in the streets, the best events are the boat and gondola parades in the Grand Canal. Carneval concludes with grand fireworks on the last day.

CARNEVAL in VIAREGGIO, located along the coast of Tuscany, is mainly known for its giant mannequins, paper mache creatures and colourful float parade on the Sunday before Shrove Tuesday. Masked balls, cultural events and concerts are organised during the seaon.

CARNEVAL in IVREA, Is located in Piedmont and has a very unique tradition - their parade is followed by an orange throwing battle in the town centre that can last 3 to 4 days - NOW THAT HAS GOT TO HURT!

4. SAINT AGATHA'S FEAST DAY is one of the largest religious celebration in the world. The feast is held in Catania, Sicily and celebrates Saint Agatha, the patron saint of Catania who died a martyr in the year 252 at the age of 15. A mass is held on 4th February at dawn and then the statute of Saint Agatha is placed on a carriage weighing over 18,000 kilograms or 40,000 pounds and made from silver. This is pulled by 5,000 local men to Monte Sangiuliano. The feast runs for 2 days and features good food, wine and the fireworks that Italian's always love.

5. SKIING- If you love to ski, you can still get up to 400cm of snow in the Italian ski fields - see this link for more details of snow conditions in Italy at this time of year.

If you have been to Italy in Winter, what did you find to be the advantages or unique sights on offer?