Northern Italy Introduction
Northern Italy is one of those parts of Europe that I never tire of exploring. Over the years, I have travelled through many of its eight regions, discovering famous cities, beautiful lakes, historic towns and some wonderful food and wine along the way.
There is Venice, a city I have returned to several times and one that still stops me in my tracks. There is Verona with its magnificent Roman arena, Turin with its football and automotive heritage, Genoa on the Ligurian coast and Trieste, sitting close to the borders of Slovenia and Croatia.
Away from the cities, Northern Italy has some truly spectacular landscapes. The Italian Lakes, the mountains of the Dolomites, the vineyards and countryside of Piedmont and the coastline of Liguria all offer completely different experiences.
For me, however, it is the combination of the food, wine, people, scenery and history that makes Northern Italy so special. It is a part of Europe that holds a special place in my heart and somewhere I will always be happy to return to.
In this guide, I take you through the eight regions of Northern Italy, sharing some of the places I have visited and a few of my own experiences along the way.
You can also read about my Italian Adventure, when I travelled from Venice to Bergamo, visiting several beautiful cities, lakes and regions along the way.
Aosta Valley
Aosta Valley is Italy’s smallest region, tucked away in the far northwest of the country between France and Switzerland. Surrounded by some of the highest peaks in the Alps, it is a spectacular part of Northern Italy and particularly popular for skiing, hiking and outdoor adventures.
The regional capital, Aosta, has a fascinating history with Roman ruins, medieval buildings and a beautiful mountain backdrop. One of its best known traditions is the centuries old Sant’Orso Fair, held in the centre of Aosta every January and showcasing local crafts including wood carving, ironwork, textiles and sculpture.
Things to See and Do in Aosta Valley
The Alps
Some of Europe’s most dramatic mountain scenery can be found here, including the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa, Gran Paradiso and Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in the Alps.
Courmayeur
One of Italy’s best known mountain resorts, Courmayeur sits at the foot of Mont Blanc and is popular for skiing during the winter and hiking during the warmer months. The cable car journeys into the mountains provide some spectacular views.
Gran Paradiso National Park
Italy’s oldest national park is one of the best places in the region for wildlife and mountain scenery. Ibex, chamois, marmots and golden eagles can all be found here, making it somewhere I would particularly like to explore with my camera.
Emilia Romagna
Emilia Romagna stretches from the River Po in the north to the Apennine Mountains in the south, with a long Adriatic coastline to the east. It is one of Italy’s great food regions and home to historic cities, seaside resorts and some of the biggest names in Italian motoring.
The regional capital, Bologna, is a lively university city packed with history, beautiful architecture and, unsurprisingly, some fabulous food. At its heart is Piazza Maggiore, surrounded by impressive medieval and Renaissance buildings including the Basilica di San Petronio and Palazzo d’Accursio.
Bologna is also famous for its kilometres of covered porticoes, while its streets, squares, cafes and bars give the city a wonderful atmosphere, particularly as evening approaches.
Things to See and Do in Emilia Romagna
Bologna
Explore Piazza Maggiore, wander beneath the city’s famous porticoes and make time to experience the food for which Bologna is so well known.
Rimini, Riccione and Cattolica
These popular resorts along the Adriatic coast offer long sandy beaches, restaurants, nightlife and plenty of traditional Italian seaside atmosphere.
The Apennines
Head inland and the landscape changes completely. The hills and mountains around Parma and Piacenza offer walking, cycling, horse riding and numerous parks and nature reserves.
Salsomaggiore Terme and Bagno di Romagna
Two of the region’s best known spa towns and places to consider if you want to combine exploring Emilia Romagna with a little relaxation.
Modena
A must for motorsport fans and synonymous with Ferrari. The region’s connections with the motor industry also extend to names including Lamborghini, Maserati and Ducati.
Parma
A beautiful historic city famous for its architecture, music and art, as well as two of Italy’s most celebrated foods, Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma.
Friuli Venezia Giulia
Friuli Venezia Giulia sits in the far northeast of Italy, bordering Austria and Slovenia and overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Its location has given the region a fascinating mixture of Italian, Austrian and Slovenian influences, and it remains one of the less explored corners of Northern Italy.
The regional capital, Trieste, is a city I have flown into when travelling onwards to Slovenia and the Istrian Peninsula in northern Croatia. Its location makes it a great gateway for exploring this part of Europe, but Trieste itself is also well worth discovering.
Looking out across the Adriatic and surrounded by limestone hills, Trieste has an elegant centre filled with grand neoclassical buildings, historic cafes and reminders of its long maritime history. I particularly like the area around the Borgo Teresiano, with its streets, squares and picturesque Grand Canal.
For some of the best views across Trieste and towards the Adriatic, head up San Giusto Hill, home to the city’s cathedral and castle.
Things to See and Do in Friuli Venezia Giulia
Trieste
Spend some time exploring the historic centre, Grand Canal and waterfront before heading up San Giusto Hill for views across the city and the Adriatic.
The Karst Plateau
The dramatic limestone landscape around Trieste is characterised by rocky countryside, underground rivers and an extraordinary network of caves.
The Carnic and Julian Alps
Northern Friuli Venezia Giulia offers spectacular mountain scenery, alpine lakes and valleys, making this a very different experience from the region’s Adriatic coastline.
Lignano Sabbiadoro
One of the region’s best known seaside resorts, with long sandy beaches overlooking the Adriatic.
The Coast from Monfalcone to Trieste
This stretch of coastline becomes increasingly rugged as you approach Trieste, with rocky shores and views across the Gulf of Trieste towards Slovenia and Croatia.
Liguria
Liguria curves along Italy’s northwest coast between the mountains and the Mediterranean, creating a beautiful landscape of colourful seaside villages, historic ports and rocky coves. With its relatively mild climate, it is a wonderful region for coastal walks, city breaks and seaside holidays.
The regional capital, Genoa, is somewhere I visited before setting off on a Mediterranean cruise. I had an afternoon and evening to explore and discovered a city with a fascinating maritime character and a historic centre that was perfect for simply wandering.
Genoa is Italy’s largest seaport and an important gateway to the Mediterranean, but there is much more to the city than its cruise terminal. The old harbour, aquarium and maze of narrow streets in the historic centre are all worth exploring, as is the impressive Cathedral of San Lorenzo, known locally as the Duomo di Genova.
While I stayed in Genoa, several of my fellow travellers headed along the coast to Portofino, around 25 miles away. Famous for its pastel coloured houses, tiny harbour and beautiful setting, it makes a lovely day trip or lunch stop from Genoa.
Things to See and Do in Liguria
Cinque Terre
Five colourful villages cling to the rugged Ligurian coastline: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. Connected by trains, boats and walking trails, they form one of the most recognisable stretches of coastline in Italy.
Portofino
One of Italy’s most famous coastal villages, with its colourful harbour, restaurants and beautiful surroundings making it a popular excursion from Genoa and the nearby resorts.
Dolceacqua
A picturesque medieval village in the Ligurian countryside, famous for its stone bridge and castle. Claude Monet visited in the 1880s and painted the village and its bridge.
Gulf of the Poets
The Gulf of La Spezia has long attracted writers and artists, including Lord Byron and Percy Bysshe Shelley. The coastline includes beautiful places such as Lerici and Portovenere.
Sanremo
An elegant resort on the Italian Riviera, known for its Mediterranean setting, grand architecture and the annual Sanremo Music Festival.
Camogli
A colourful fishing village overlooking the Golfo Paradiso and a great base for walking along this beautiful section of the Ligurian coast.
Riviera delle Palme
A picturesque stretch of coastline incorporating resorts and historic towns including Alassio, Loano, Albenga and Finalborgo.
Triora
A small medieval village in the Ligurian hills with a fascinating, if rather dark, history connected to the witch trials that took place here during the 16th century.
Lombardy
Lombardy is one of Northern Italy’s most varied regions, combining great cities, beautiful lakes, mountains, historic towns and some wonderful countryside. Its capital is Milan, a city I first visited for a rather different reason than fashion, food or sightseeing.
Back in 2001, I travelled to Milan for a couple of nights to watch my football team, Ipswich Town, play Inter Milan at the legendary San Siro Stadium. As a lifelong football fan, seeing little old Ipswich play a competitive European match against one of the giants of world football was something pretty special. We got thrashed, but who cares!
Thankfully, the trip also gave me time to discover Milan itself.
I remember wandering along Via Montenapoleone, one of the world’s great fashion streets, watching impeccably dressed Milanese disappear into designer stores before emerging with their Armani, Gucci and other luxury shopping bags.
Then there was the magnificent Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, surely one of the most beautiful shopping arcades anywhere in the world, and the enormous Piazza del Duomo dominated by the extraordinary Duomo di Milano.
What I perhaps enjoyed most, though, was simply sitting outside with a coffee and watching Milan go by. Even on an autumn day, the Milanese seemed effortlessly stylish, dressed in their finest clothes and, naturally, the darkest of sunglasses.
Away from Milan, one of Lombardy’s greatest attractions is Lake Como, Italy’s third largest lake. Surrounded by mountains and dotted with beautiful towns and villages including Bellagio, Tremezzo and Varenna, it is easy to understand why this part of Italy has attracted artists, writers and famous visitors for generations.
Things to See and Do in Lombardy
Bergamo
One of my favourite discoveries in Lombardy, Bergamo has a beautiful medieval upper town, the Città Alta, surrounded by impressive Venetian defensive walls. Its historic centre is a wonderful place to explore on foot.
Lake Como
One of Italy’s great lakes, surrounded by mountains, elegant villas and picturesque towns including Bellagio, Varenna and Tremezzo.
Orobie Alps
A beautiful mountain landscape north of Bergamo, offering walking, wildlife and outdoor adventures away from Lombardy’s cities.
Mantua
A historic city surrounded on three sides by artificial lakes and renowned for its Renaissance architecture, magnificent palaces and artistic heritage.
Sirmione
One of the highlights of Lake Garda, Sirmione occupies a narrow peninsula stretching into the lake and is known for its castle, Roman ruins and thermal waters.
Franciacorta
A wine producing area between Brescia and Lake Iseo, particularly famous for its sparkling wines and vineyard covered countryside.
Valtellina
A spectacular Alpine valley offering mountain scenery, hiking, winter sports, traditional food and vineyards.
Monte Isola
Rising dramatically from the waters of Lake Iseo, Monte Isola is a peaceful island of small villages, walking trails and beautiful lake views.
Sarnico-View, Lake Iseo
Piedmont (Piemonte)
Piedmont, or Piemonte in Italian, sits in the northwest of Italy, surrounded on three sides by the Alps. It is a wonderfully varied region of mountains, lakes, vineyards, historic towns and some of Italy’s finest food and wine. The regional capital is Turin.
Whenever someone mentions Turin, one of my first thoughts is football. The city is home to both Torino and Juventus, one of the most famous football clubs in the world and nicknamed the Old Lady of Italian football.
There is, of course, much more to Turin than football. This elegant city is packed with museums, galleries, churches, palaces, piazzas, restaurants and historic cafes, while its architecture ranges from Baroque and Rococo to Neoclassical and Art Nouveau.
Among its best known landmarks are Palazzo Madama and the magnificent residences associated with the Royal House of Savoy. Turin is also home to the famous Shroud of Turin, which is kept in the Cathedral of St John the Baptist.
Things to See and Do in Piedmont
Turin
Explore the grand piazzas, palaces and historic cafes of Piedmont’s capital, along with attractions including the Egyptian Museum, Mole Antonelliana and the city’s impressive royal heritage.
The Piedmont Alps
The mountains form a spectacular backdrop to the region, with beautiful valleys including Val di Susa, Valsesia and Val d’Ossola offering hiking, skiing and magnificent Alpine scenery.
Langhe and Monferrato
Rolling hills, vineyards, castles and small towns characterise this beautiful wine country. The area is particularly associated with Barolo and Barbaresco wines and is a wonderful part of Piedmont to explore at a slower pace.
Lake Maggiore
One of Northern Italy’s great lakes, with the elegant town of Stresa providing a popular base for exploring the lake and the beautiful Borromean Islands.
Ivrea
A historic town north of Turin, perhaps best known today for its remarkable industrial heritage and its colourful annual Battle of the Oranges.
Novara and Vercelli
The plains of eastern Piedmont provide a completely different landscape, characterised by rice fields, old farmhouses and long rows of poplar trees.
Acqui Terme
A historic spa town with thermal waters that have been attracting visitors since Roman times.
Trentino Alto Adige
Trentino Alto Adige sits in the far north of Italy, bordering Austria and Switzerland and surrounded by some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the country. With the Dolomites, alpine valleys, lakes and a fascinating mixture of Italian and Austrian influences, this region feels quite different from much of the rest of Italy.
The regional capital, Trento, has a beautiful historic centre reflecting its long and varied history. Among its most impressive landmarks are Trento Cathedral, overlooking Piazza Duomo, and the magnificent Castello del Buonconsiglio, once home to the prince bishops of Trento.
The city also has a good collection of museums, galleries, shops and restaurants, making it well worth exploring before heading into the surrounding mountains.
Things to See and Do in Trentino Alto Adige
Bolzano
One of my favourite places in Northern Italy. I loved the mixture of Italian and Austrian influences in Bolzano, from the architecture and language to the food and atmosphere. Its location in South Tyrol, surrounded by mountains and vineyards, makes it a wonderful base for exploring this beautiful part of Italy.
The Dolomites
One of Europe’s great mountain landscapes and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The dramatic peaks, valleys and mountain passes offer spectacular scenery as well as hiking during the summer and skiing throughout the winter.
Lake Garda
Italy’s largest lake stretches across three regions: Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino Alto Adige. The northern end of the lake is surrounded by mountains and is particularly popular for walking, cycling, sailing and other outdoor activities.
Madonna di Campiglio, Canazei, Moena and San Martino di Castrozza
Some of the region’s best known mountain resorts, attracting skiers during the winter before becoming popular bases for walking and outdoor adventures during the summer.
Merano
An elegant spa town surrounded by mountains and vineyards, with a fascinating combination of Mediterranean and Alpine influences.
The Thermal Spa Towns
Lèvico Terme, Peio, Rabbi and Comano Terme are among the destinations known for their thermal waters and wellness traditions.
Veneto
Veneto stretches across northeastern Italy from the Dolomites to the Adriatic Sea and is home to historic cities, beautiful countryside, vineyards and part of Lake Garda. Its capital is, of course, the extraordinary city of Venice.
I first visited Venice back in the 1990s and found it absolutely breathtaking. I was only there for two nights but could easily have stayed for a week, simply wandering the tiny streets, crossing its countless bridges and soaking up the sights, sounds and, dare I say it, smells of this incredible city.
I stayed in a tiny hotel just off one of those narrow Venetian streets. It had deep crimson, slightly grubby floral carpets and an old fashioned gated elevator that paused for just long enough before opening its doors to make your heart beat a little faster. I loved it. That’s the sort of travel memory that stays with me.
At the heart of Venice is St Mark’s Square, or Piazza San Marco. Yes, you can pay an eye watering amount for a coffee here, but with one of the world’s great city views in front of you, sometimes you just have to accept that you are paying for the experience.
I headed up the Campanile di San Marco for fabulous views across the rooftops and lagoon. Another of my favourite viewpoints was the Ponte dell’Accademia, around a 15 minute walk away. From here you get that classic Venice scene of boats and gondolas on the Grand Canal with the magnificent Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute in the distance. Just breathtaking.
Then there is the Rialto Bridge, the Doge’s Palace and the Bridge of Sighs, while no first visit to Venice feels quite complete without experiencing the city from the water. A gondola ride isn’t cheap, but this is Venice and sometimes the experience is worth paying for.
Beyond the historic centre, the Venice Lido offers a completely different side to the city with its beaches and views across the lagoon. The islands of Murano and Burano are also well worth exploring, Murano for its centuries old glassmaking tradition and Burano for its colourful houses and seafood restaurants.
Things to See and Do in Veneto
Venice
One of the world’s great cities and somewhere I never tire of returning to. Explore St Mark’s Square, wander beside the canals and, most importantly, allow yourself to get a little lost among the backstreets.
Verona
A beautiful historic city known for its Roman Arena, elegant squares, excellent restaurants and its association with Romeo and Juliet.
Lake Garda
The eastern shore of Italy’s largest lake lies within Veneto, with picturesque towns, mountain scenery and plenty of opportunities for walking and exploring.
The Palladian Villas
Magnificent villas designed by Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio can be found across Veneto, particularly around Vicenza and the surrounding countryside.
The Dolomites
The Dolomiti Bellunesi offer some spectacular mountain scenery, including famous peaks and landscapes around the Three Peaks of Lavaredo, Marmolada and Monte Civetta.
The Prosecco Hills
The vineyard covered hills between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene are the heartland of Prosecco production and a beautiful area to explore by road.
The Po Delta
A vast landscape of wetlands, lagoons and waterways supporting hundreds of species of birds and an excellent destination for nature lovers and birdwatchers.
Padua
An elegant university city with beautiful squares, historic buildings and Giotto’s extraordinary frescoes inside the Scrovegni Chapel.
Cittadella
A fascinating medieval walled town where you can walk along the remarkably well preserved walls surrounding the historic centre.
Bassano del Grappa
Sitting at the foot of Monte Grappa, the town is best known for its historic wooden Ponte Vecchio and, unsurprisingly, its association with grappa.
Planning a Trip to Northern Italy
Northern Italy is a region I have returned to many times over the years and there is still so much more I would like to explore. Whether you are planning a city break, a road trip through the Italian Lakes or a journey through several of the eight regions, it is a wonderful part of Italy to discover at your own pace.
You can find more of my first hand experiences, destination guides and travel ideas on my Italy page, including Venice, Bergamo, Bolzano, Lake Garda, Lake Iseo, Brescia, Padua and Vicenza.
For official visitor information and the latest travel advice, you can also visit the Italian National Tourist Board.
