The 6 Regions Of Southern Italy

Southern Italy is divided into 6 regions and is a part of Italy that always seems to be less discovered. That said when you start to look at some of the iconic places and attractions the area has to offer you have to wonder why.

I have always felt that Southern Italy lends itself to a road trip. All of Italy is a driving dream yet these undiscovered southern Italian towns, old fishing villages and beaches are just waiting to be discovered and explored by car.

There are the stylish towns of Capri and Positano offering the wow factor with their houses perched on the edge of cliffs overlooking the blue seas. Naples gives us mystery, mafia and charm and I have always associated it with football and Maradona. There is the great town of Sorrento perched on the cliffs and feeding down to the coast with its busy marina, charming streets and busy beaches.

These 6 regions of Southern Italy deliver an authentic taste of Italy coupled with that glorious Mediterranean sunshine.

Abruzzo

Abruzzo is located in central Italy and is considered the greenest region of Italy. It stretches from the heart of the Apennines to the Adriatic Sea, on mostly mountainous and wild terrain. The region’s capital is L’Aquila.

L’Aquila is the region’s main art city and therefore has a cosmopolitan feel. However, very sadly the city is now more famous as having been rocked by a massive earthquake in 2009. The grandeur is gone and being rebuilt.

Attractions of the Abruzzo Region

Pescasseroli, Rivisondoli & Roccaraso – popular winter ski resorts.

Gran Sasso, Laga Mountains, and Mount Majella – are popular mountains, peaks and hills rich in history, traditions and art.

Aterno Valley – an area full of ancient villages and pretty scenery.

National Park of Abruzzo, the Park of Gran Sasso and the Laga Mountains – for species such as golden eagle, wolves and the Marsican brown bear.

Basilicata

Basilicata is located between Calabria and Apulia, in the south of Italy and is known for its forests and small charming villages that cover the mountainside. The region’s capital is Potenza.

Potenza is one of the highest regional capitals in Italy and overlooks the Basento valley. With a Roman history, the town hosts several historical sites and monuments. Potenza can be explored on foot since most attractions are limited to the centre of the town and with the roads here quite picturesque it makes walking around very enjoyable.

Attractions of the Basilicata Region

Matera – an incredible town famous for its caves and being one of the oldest settlements in the world.

Monticchio Lakes – is one of the most spectacular locations in Basilicata.

Lake Grande and Lake Piccolo – are two splendid stretches of water that fill the two craters of the extinct Mount Vulture.

Metaponto and Policoro – coastal resorts offering wide sandy or pebble beaches.

The Gulf of Policastro – an area of coastal villages, small beaches and crystal-clear seas.

Calabria

Calabria is at the toe of the boot, in the extreme south of Italy and separated from Sicily by the Strait of Messina. The capital of the region is Catanzaro.

Catanzaro is an old town with a beach and a little fishing port on a rock split into two parts by the steep Fiumarella valley. These two parts are connected by a huge concrete steel bridge of Viadotto Morandi –  one of the tallest one-arch bridges in Europe. There is a pedestrian walkway, the Strada dei Due Mari where you can enjoy fantastic panoramas of the region.

Historical monuments include the Duomo Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta and the Piazza Duomo.

Attractions of the Calabria Region

Reggio Calabria – a coastal city hosting the National Archaeological Museum

Cosenza – a town recognised for its spectacular beauty and history.

Crotone – a town popular for its panoramic location and  its classic Italian lifestyle

Campania

Campania is one of the regions of Southern Italy and stretches along the Tyrrhenian Sea, from the mouth of the Garigliano River to the Gulf of Policastro. It is well known for its beautiful coast, art, history and cuisine. The region’s capital is Naples.

I read an article about Naples and it was described as a tattered beauty… Naples is raw, it has a chequered history and even today it is not perfect but then perhaps that’s why it appeals to some more than any other Italian city. It is that rough diamond and the black sheep of the family.

Naples has its very own character and an old-world charm. Like many Italian cities though it is full of narrow cobbled streets, bars restaurants and galleries. Washing hangs up high down every side street and markets are bustling with shoppers touching feeling, smelling and discussing the fresh local produce.

Neapolitans, despite their dodgy reputation, welcome visitors like guests to their home and with so much to do both in the city and throughout the region of Campania it’s worth a visit! 

Sorrento is a small but popular resort perched picturesquely on a plateau above the sea with spectacular views over the Bay of Naples.

It has long been a favourite with British tourists as a gateway to the Amalfi Coast and it also has good train connections for a 30-minute transfer costing 2-3 euros to Pompeii and regular fast ferry connections to Naples and Capri. The Piazza Tasso is a delight and bordered by high-quality hotels, shops and restaurants. As well as the buzzing and historical town, there are the beaches, nearby traditional villages and rural walks through lemon and olive groves.

Attractions of the Campania Region

Capri – an island in Italy’s Bay of Naples, known for its rugged landscape, high-class hotels, shopping and its Blue Grotto.

Ischia – A short ferry ride from Naples, this small volcanic island is known for its thermal springs and mud baths.

Positano is one of the most beautiful cliffside villages in Italy. Artists, writers and singers are all attracted to the white houses and gardens.

Pompeii – the famous city buried by an eruption from nearby Mount Vesuvius in the year 79 AD.

Molise

Molise is situated in south-central Italy and is known for its nature, history, art, age-old traditions and good food. The region’s capital is Campobasso.

Campobasso was once famous for making cutlery but over time this has dwindled and replaced with paving tiles and soaps. The city has various historical sites of interest including the Castello Monforte with six towers of the medieval wall remains in the old town, where there are also the Romanesque churches of San Bartolomeo and San Giorgio.

Attractions of the Molise Region

The National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise – nature reserves ideal for walking and wildlife watching.

Campitello Matese and Capracotta – the area’s best-loved ski resorts

Puglia

Puglia, a southern region forming the heel of Italy’s “boot,” is known for its whitewashed hill towns, centuries-old farmland and hundreds of kilometres of Mediterranean coastline. The region’s capital is Bari.

Bari is a gorgeous old town with a pretty bustling traditional harbour and some of Italy’s finest beaches nearby.

The old harbour is where the traditional fishing boats land their catches and sell their seafood straight off their boats. This is traditional Bari life and wonderful to witness. The atmospheric old town is called Bari Vecchio. Sitting on a peninsula overlooking the old harbour, this walled part of the city is full of narrow alleyways, cobbled streets and small piazzas, just begging to be explored.

The beaches in Bari start along the Longomare and keep on going while the harbour front Teatro Margherita, is one of the city’s most loved and iconic buildings and is now home to much of the city’s contemporary art scene.

Attractions of the Puglia Region

Lecce – an art city and Baroque jewel scattered with outstanding masterpieces and landmarks.

Gargano – the “spur of the Italian boot”  is home to pristine nature, wonderful beaches, charming villages, and olive and citrus groves.

Alberobello and Itria Valley – set in beautiful countryside this is the valley of quaint villages like Alberobello, Locorotondo and Cisternino.

Ostuni – the “White City” due to its whitewashed houses.

Tremiti Islands – a nature reserve of five islands. This is a diver’s paradise as the only archipelago in the region.

Torre Guaceto Nature Reserve – a natural oasis and protected sea area.

Castel del Monte – a castle built by Emperor Frederick II in the XIII century and the region’s most visited monument.

Castellana Caves – a huge group of underground caves which are considered the most spectacular in Italy

Salento – an area of white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters nicknamed “the Maldives of Italy”.

Contact Information

For further information on taking a trip to any region of Italy or Europe, contact your local travel agent, a specialist tour operator or the Italian National Tourist Office.

If you are interested in the North Of Italy why not check out my recent Italian Adventure taking in the best cities and lakes between Venice and Bergamo. .

The 4 Regions Of Central Italy

Central Italy is divided into four main regions – Tuscany, Umbria, Le Marches, and Lazio. They provide some of the most spectacular scenery in the country including the capital, Rome with its ancient treasures and stunning shopping and ambience.

Summers in these regions are hotter and longer than those of the north, while the winters are much colder inland. The cuisine in Central Italy focuses on meat dishes and leafy vegetables, There is also a rich farming tradition, with many unusual crops grown in the hills or mountains.

I will always remember a magical holiday in a villa deep in the heart of the Tuscany countryside yet within easy reach of the majesty of Florence, the stunning town of Siena, and the iconic city of Pisa with its leaning tower.

There is something quite idyllic about the Italian countryside of Central Italy and when mixed with the tremendous wine and food, you have a little piece of Italian heaven.

Lazio

Lazio is a central Italian region bordering the Tyrrhenian Sea. The capital of the region, and the country, is Rome, the heart of the ancient Roman Empire.

I visited the Eternal City of Rome back in the 1990s and remember it as this big brute of a city but with a huge sprinkling of romance, character, incredible history, and astonishing art! I ticked off all the signature sights including the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Pantheon, St Peter’s Basilica, and the Vatican. As you walk the streets and stumble upon sculptures by Michelangelo, paintings by Caravaggio, frescoes by Raphael, and fountains by Bernini you realize that there is nowhere in the world quite like Rome.

With all the sightseeing I found a great place to catch my breath at the famous Trevi fountain. Yes, it’s full of tourists taking pictures (today it’s selfies) and gazing longingly into one another eyes but hey that’s what you do on a city break to Rome….. isn’t it?

I liked a market square called Campo de’ Fiori which is a busy area full of tourists and locals buying everything from fresh fruits, flowers, and vegetables to local olive oil and wine.

For views of the city, it’s hard to beat the Ponte Umberto where you can watch the sunset while admiring the Ponte Sant’Angelo, Castel Sant’Angelo, and the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica.

The Spanish Steps are not far from here and ideal to visit towards the end of the day as the Spagna metro stop is right by them so it’s easy to get back to your hotel or the airport if needed.

In the evening fashionable drinkers descend on the city’s bars and cafes for deep conversation and plenty of Italian choreographed gesticulation and flailing of arms!

Rome is magnificent and huge…. so you need two or three days to do it at your own pace!

Attractions of the Lazio Region

Ostia Antica – an archaeological park.

Pontine Islands – an archipelago of six volcanic islands – Ponza, Palmarola, Zannone, Gavi, Ventotene, and Santo Stefano.

Castel Gandolfo – an area on the Alban hills and the venue of the Pope’s summer residence, noble villas and high-class cuisine.

Civita di Bagnoregio – known as “the Dying City”, is this historic village perched on a hillside and accessible through a pedestrian bridge.

Sperlonga – one of the “Borghi più belli d’Italia” – Italy’s most beautiful villages.

Tarquinia – a town of artists with an extraordinary necropolis, medieval monuments and a nature reserve.

Gardens of Bomarzo – a park with XVI-century basalt sculptures depicting monsters, deities and mythological beings.

Tivoli – a peaceful city outside of Rome with magnificent villas.

National Park of Circeo –  a wide UNESCO-protected area along the coast between Anzio and Terracina.

The Marches

This region of Central Italy is well known for its beaches cliffs and caves, backed by hills and mountains popular in the winter for skiing. Ancona is the regional capital.

Ancona is an ancient city founded by the Greeks. Split into two parts – the historic centre on Monte Guasco and the modern part on the coast.

Among its standout monuments is the Cathedral of San Ciriaco, with its white and rose marble façade. The Cathedral dominates the city from the heights of Guasco Hill, where the city’s Acropolis was built.

Attractions of The Marches Region

Senigallia – a seaside resort and popular lido for people-watching.

Gabicce Mare, Pesaro, Fano, Civitanova Marche and San Benedetto del Tronto – fashionable resorts frequented by high society.

Monti Sibillini and Monti Della Laga National Parks – for wildlife and the great outdoors

Conero Riviera offers amazing views and patches of still unspoilt land, often only accessible via the sea or footpaths carved into the green Mediterranean scrub.

The Frasassi Caves – age-old limestone caves.

Piceno and the Esino Valley – An area rich in orchards and vineyards.

Tuscany

Tuscany is perhaps Italy’s most compelling and beautiful region combining natural beauty with heavenly towns and cities. The region’s capital is Florence.

Florence is incredible. As someone who does not embrace the cultural scene in terms of statues of men’s genitalia, broken pots, and museums I have to say Florence delivered it to me on a whole different level!

The palaces, museums, and churches are home to some of the greatest artistic treasures in the world. The most popular and important sites in Florence include the jaw-dropping Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore, the Baptistery, the Uffizi Gallery, the Bargello and the Accademia. Add to this, the numerous churches, art galleries, and the library of San Lorenzo dedicated to Michelangelo’s architectural genius and you have a city of world renown.

Despite the heavyweight culture, Florence has a small-town feel, with its meandering cobbled streets, tiny boutiques, and eateries. These are great as after a long day sightseeing all you sometimes need is an ice-cold beer and a bowl of pasta! Well, I do anyhow!

If you are looking at spreading out beyond the main centre then why not visit the Boboli Gardens or climb up the hill to the church of San Miniato al Monte for some of the very best views of the area?

Siena – When someone asks me if I have any recommendations for Italy they will, I guess, expect me to suggest the signature cities like Rome, Venice, or Florence but actually, the first name on my lips is always Siena. I spent an afternoon and evening here which is not long enough, back in the late nineties, and was bowled over by the charm and the character of this pretty, small yet atmospheric medieval town. Siena is famous for the Palio – a horse race around the dome shape of Piazza del Campo. I am not keen on this event as I know many horses are injured partaking so once again Italy is generating this love-hate feeling but putting that to one side the rest of the town is incredible.

The Duomo di Siena is one of the standout buildings off the main Piazza as well as the Torre del Mangia which you can climb for amazing views of the town.  Every Wednesday, it’s the biggest market Tuscany has to offer, and it’s at La Lizza. The gorgeous little back streets of Siena at dusk are a dream – the sound of scooters and footsteps on cobbled streets as people shop for local leather goods or stock up on fresh fruit, vegetables, cheese, and wine is to them just everyday life but to me its why I travel. Siena is in my opinion, the best of Italy.

Pisa is of course renowned for its leaning tower which is simply magnificent as is the area immediately around it – the Campo Dei Miracoli or the Piazza del Duomois. This is a large, green open space hosting a group of monuments that are famous all over the world – the baptistery, the cathedral, the cemetery, and the world-famous leaning tower. The Piazza has been on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage sites since 1987.

To the southeast of the Campo, on the river, you’ll find the Museo Nazionale di San Matteo, a fine collection of art and sculpture, while west along the Arno is the Palazzo Reale. A strip of unattractive beach resorts stretches north along the coast from near Pisa to the Ligurian border. This Riviera Della Versilia should be something more special, given the dramatic backdrop of the Alpi Apuane, but the beaches share the coastal plain with a railway, autostrada, and roads.  

Overall I was disappointed in Pisa – yes the tower is an amazing site but the hordes of tourists taking the money shot backed by stalls selling souvenir books and tacky model leaning towers was not for me…

Attractions of the Tuscany Region

San Gimignano –  a beautifully well-preserved medieval town with tall towers and narrow alleys.

Val d’Orcia – a valley of winding slopes dotted with cypresses and vineyards.

Chianti –  somewhere you are likely to find me is a naturally beautiful area famous for its wine. Viareggio – a seaside Riviera-style resort known for its carnival. 

Lucca – a city on the Serchio river known for its well-preserved Renaissance walls encircling the city centre.

Baratti Gulf – many stunning beaches in the coastal area between Livorno and Grosseto.

Elba Island –  with its amazing beaches and clear waters.

Umbria

The region of Umbria comprises mainly hills, mountains, hollows, and plains and extends along the Tiber’s central basin. The region’s capital is Perugia.

Like many Italian towns, Perugia is steeped in history.  The centre is on a hilltop and is packed with medieval lanes and fine buildings. Corso Vannucci, the town’s principal street, is pedestrianized and leads to the main square, Piazza IV Novembre. The town’s cathedral, the Duomo or Cattedrale si San Lorenzo has a baroque facade and Roman ruins

Perugia has two major universities, one of which is for foreigners and this has led to a lot of bars and student digs catering to the younger audience and has brought a drinking culture to parts of the town.

Attractions of the Umbria Region

Lake Trasimeno is central Italy’s largest lake. 

Castiglione del Lago – ancient dwellings amid a natural landscape.

The Cascate delle Marmore – waterfalls near Terni.

The River Nera – is an area popular for sports lovers who enjoy canoeing, and kayaking.

Carsulae – an ancient Roman town.

The Dunarobba Fossil Forest is an ancient forest that existed 3 million years ago.

Contact Information

For further information on taking a trip to any region of Italy, contact your local travel agent, a specialist tour operator or the Italian National Tourist Office.

If you are considering a trip to the North of Italy then check out my recent Italian Adventure.

The 8 Regions Of Northern Italy

Northern Italy is divided into 8 regions and boasts some of Italy’s most iconic cities, sites and attractions.

From Modena – the spiritual home of Ferrari to Turin and the home of Juventus – the Old Lady of world football. There is Genoa, the gateway to cruising the Mediterranean and Trieste, an ideal starting point for a trip into Slovenia, Croatia and beyond. There is also Verona – home to opera and so much more.

Then there is the jewel of the North and Venice. possibly the most beautiful city in the world with its canals, architecture and sheer class enticing the rich and the famous not to mention the romantics from across the world. I loved Venice just for the pure sense of relaxation you feel when wandering around the city’s little cobbled streets and St Mark’s Square.

Northern Italy is a dream – the food, the wine, the people, the scenery, the history – it is a part of Europe that is incomparable and one that holds a special place in my heart.

Check out my Italian Adventure when I took a trip from Venice to Bergamo visiting several beautiful cities, lakes and regions en route.

Aosta Valley

Aosta Valley is a small mountainous region of Italy located in the North West between France and Switzerland. The regional capital is Aosta.

Aosta is rich in monuments from pre-historical, Roman, medieval and even later times. The thousand-year-old Sant‘Orsa craft fair is held each year in the centre of Aosta on the 30 and 31 of January.

Attracting visitors from all across the region there is a wide range of interests including wood carvings, soapstone, ironwork, lace and woollen fabrics, as well as farming equipment, furniture, household utensils and sculptures.

Attractions of the Aosta Valley Region

The Alps – Cervino, Monte Rosa, Gran Paradiso and then there is Mont Blanc, which at 15,781 feet is the highest mountain in Europe.

Courmayeur – is one of Italy’s signature ski resorts with an amazing cable car ride and sensational views to take in.

The Gran Paradiso – a national park where it is still possible to see ibex, chamois, eagles and marmots in their natural surroundings.

Emilia Romagna

Emilia Romagna lies between the River Po to its north and the Apennine Mountains (to its south). It is one of the most fertile and productive regions of Italy. The capital of the region is Bologna.

Bologna is Europe’s oldest university town and therefore quite a lively, historic capital of the Emilia-Romagna region. Its Piazza Maggiore is an enormous plaza lined with cafes and medieval and Renaissance structures such as the City Hall, the Fountain of Neptune and the Basilica di San Petronio. Then there is Piazza Verdi which attracts musicians and arty students, while the many bars under the arches of Piazza Santo Stefano are a great spot for a sundowner.

At weekends the central Via Ugo Bassi and Via Rizzoli, along with perpendicular Via ell’Indipendenza, are pedestrianised and filled with shoppers and street performers. In the evenings, cafes are packed with people as the city is flooded with Bolognesi.

Attractions of the Emilia Romagna Region

Emilia Romagna – occupies an interior and a coastline and is a hotbed for music, cinema and art.

Rimini, Riccione and Cattolica – for sun sea and entertainment these resorts are some of the region’s most popular.

The Apennines – between Parma and Piacenza are ideal for outdoor pursuits such as horse riding in the splendid parks and nature reserves.

Salsomaggiore and Bagno di Romagna – two popular wellness spas.

Modena – a visit to the home of Ferrari is a must for all motorsport fans.

Parma – a city famous for its architecture, music, art, prosciutto (ham), cheese and surrounding countryside.

Friuli Venezia Giulia

Friuli-Venezia Giulia – an area with a mixture of influences and some off-the-beaten-track destinations. This region is situated in Italy’s northeast corner and borders Slovenia and Austria. The capital is Trieste.

Trieste – a city I have flown to for access to Slovenia and also Istria in Northern Croatia. Trieste looks out over the blue Adriatic, white limestone cliffs and green hills. The city’s main squares are lined with spectacular neoclassical buildings, and the much-photographed canal has an endless number of cafes and restaurants. 

Trieste has a seafaring history and while there are some parts which need investment and modernisation, in the heart of Trieste are the delightful and popular streets of the Borgo Teresiano. A well-visited attraction is to climb to the top of the San Giusto hill for the best views of the city.

Attractions of the Friuli Venezia Region

Friuli Venezia Giulia overlooks the Adriatic Sea and is surrounded by high mountain

The impressive Carso plateau is formed by windswept rocks and soil erosion has created a series of caves.

The Carnia & Julian Alps – mountain sceneries of the Eastern Dolomites are spectacular as well as the lakes & valleys.

Lignana Sabbiadoro – a tourist resort between Veneto up to Monfalcone and a coastline dotted with lagoons and sandy beaches.

Monfalcone to Trieste – a rocky wild coastline.

Liguria

Ideal for a seaside or walking holiday, the region enjoys a mild climate in winter with the capital being Genoa.

I visited Genoa a few years back and had the pleasure of an afternoon and evening in the city before heading off on a cruise ship the following day. The city is Italy’s largest seaport and an incredibly important gateway to the Mediterranean for many holidaymakers. It also boasts a pretty old harbour, a popular aquarium and a lovely historic city centre comprising a labyrinth of narrow alleyways and the Cathedral of San Lorenzo known locally as the Duomo di Genova.

Many visitors including those I travelled with often take the trip 15 miles journey south by land or boat down to Portofino which is an exclusive town well known for its pastel-coloured houses, a small port and pretty bays. It is a great lunch stop on a day excursion!

Attractions of the Liguria Region

Cinque Terre – five small picturesque seaside villages – Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore.

Dolceacqua – a small medieval hamlet in the backcountry, on the west side of the region, made famous by Claude Monet.

Il Golfo Dei Poeti – the Gulf of La Spezia has always been a preferred destination for writers and artists such as Lord Byron.

Sanremo – an elegant seaside resort famous for its music festival and its carnival, as well as its beaches and seafront.

Camogli – nestled in the rocks in the Gulf of Paradise, it is a charming village full of hiking trails.

La Riviera delle Palme – a stunning coast which includes the resorts of Alassio, Loano, Albenga, the Baia dei Saraceni and Finalborgo.

Triora – sadly noted for witch trials in the 1500s, it is a small hamlet with museums and festivals.

Taggia e Arma di Taggia – between the resorts of Arma di Taggia and Taggia there are popular hiking trails and motorcycle riding routes.

Lombardy

Lombardy – an urban region with so much to enjoy for the culture lover. The capital of Lombardy is the sensational city of Milan.

Back in 2001, I visited Milan for a couple of nights to take in a football match at the San Siro Stadium – one of the world’s greatest football stadiums. As a sports fan it was something special to see your little team – Ipswich Town – play a competitive match against one of the football’s powerhouses – we got thrashed but who cares!

The trip to Milan also enabled me to discover the other highlights of a city that is known as one of the most important fashion capitals of the world. I recall walking down the Via Montenapoleone one of the top streets for the top fashion labels and being mesmerised by the people carrying the Armani, Boss and Gucci bags. The most incredible shopping centre and that is really what it is despite taking the appearance of an Opera House is the Grand Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.

I also particularly loved the enormous Piazza del Duomo where you start to visit the historical sites. These include the magnificent Duomo di Milano cathedral, an impressive Opera House, ancient churches and a great variety of museums and art galleries.

I enjoyed my Autumn visit to Milan…..I loved just to sit with a coffee and watch the beautiful Milanese strutting around the city in the finest of clothes and darkest of shades.

Another key attraction of Lombardy is the quite magnificent Lake Como – Italie’s third biggest lake. This area has just the most stunning beauty not just in terms of the lake but also in the many towns that are dotted around the area. Some of the most popular retreats for the wealthy are Bellagio, Tremezzo and Varenna. Lake Como has attracted artists, poets and celebrities for centuries and it’s clear to see why.

Attractions of the Lombardy Region

Bergamo – a charming medieval historic city protected by walls of the XVI and XVII centuries and is a Unesco World Heritage site.

Orobie Alps – a protected mountain range and nature reserves stretching from Lake Como to Valtellina and Camonica Valley.

Mantua – a nature reserve surrounded by three lakes and a main centre of the Italian Renaissance.

Sirmione – a jewel on Lake Garda, renowned for its Roman remains and thermal waters.

Franciacorta – a popular wine region between Brescia and Lake Iseo.

Valtellina – a valley that offers endless opportunities for mountain sports, wellness, culture and good food.

Monte Isola – a green mountain island dotted with villages in the middle of Lake Iseo.

Piemonte

Piedmont or Piemonte in Italian is perhaps more of a winter region considering its impressive mountain landscapes. The capital of this region is Turin.

When people mention Turin to me I immediately think of football as this is home to Juventus (and Torino) – one of the world’s most famous football teams affectionately known as the “Grand Old Lady” of Italian football. The city is an important business and cultural centre however it is also known for its art galleries, restaurants, churches, palaces, opera houses, piazzas, gardens, theatres, museums and more!

Those who love their architecture are attracted by the sheer variety of periods represented including Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, Neo-classical, and Art Nouveau. Many of Turin’s public squares, castles, gardens and elegant palaces such as the Palazzo Madama, were built between the 16th and 18th centuries and a part of the historical centre of Turin was inscribed on the World Heritage List. The city also boasts the famous Shroud of Turin.

Attractions of the Piemonte Region

Monviso – on the Piemonte side of Monte Rosa for stunning landscapes.

Val di Susa, Valsesia & Val d’Ossola – The Alps form the background for sweeping, picturesque valleys.

Langhe and Monferrato – Hills and vineyards that are dotted with small towns and castles.

Novara and Vercelli – Expanses of water and rice paddies, long rows of poplars and old farmhouses make up the typical scenery of the plains.

Lake Maggiore is a popular tourist resort, including Stresa and the Borromean Islands.

The fortress at Ivrea – as well as the famous Residences of the Royal House of Savoy and the Sacri Monti.

The Acqui Terme and Vinadio spas offer treatments and therapies

Trentino Alto Adige

Trentino Alto Adige is situated in the very north of Italy bordering Austria and Switzerland and is best known for the beauty of its mountain ranges. The regional capital is Trento.

Trento is considered to be one of the richest cities in all of Italy and so the citizens enjoy a high quality of life and standard of living due to its thriving economy. It also has a deep history given its involvement with various Empires and rulers and as such there are many beautiful historical structures such as the Duomo and Castello del Buonocnsiglio.

Furthermore, the city has a host of fine museums and galleries and some great shopping opportunities.

Attractions of the Trentino Alto Adige Region

Bolzano – One of my favourite places in Northern Italy is Bolzano with its influence of both Italian and German being so close to both countries in the Southern Tyrol.

Lake Garda is situated in three Italian regions – Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino Alte Aldige.

Madonna di Campiglio, Canazei, Moena, and San Martino di Castrozza are popular winter ski and summer activity resorts.

Merano, Lèvico Terme, Peio, Rabbi and Comano Terme are well known in the region as spa towns.

Veneto

The region of Veneto is located in the northeast of Italy with rather unsurprisingly the capital being Venice.

I visited the pedestrianised and UNESCO-protected city of Venice back in the 1990s. I just found it breathtaking and whilst I was only there for two nights I could easily have stayed a week and revelled in the sights, the sounds and dare I say it the smells of this incredible city. There is music, architecture and food all in a setting of tiny streets (which you just have to explore) and a collection of islands linked by bridges and waterways.

The heart of Venice is St Mark’s Square and I recall staying in a tiny hotel just off a tight narrow side street. You know one of those hotels that had deep crimson flowery slightly grubby carpets and an old-fashioned noisy gated elevator with a lengthy pause before it opened its doors causing the heart to beat a little faster! I love that type of hotel.

St. Mark’s Square, or Piazza San Marco, is in the heart of the city and is often a great place to start your explorations. This is also the place for one of the most expensive coffees in the world although with the accompanying views it’s worth the money. From St Mark’s Square, I went up the Campanile di San Marco – the large bell tower at the corner of the square with superb views of the city.

For another great view and a 15-minute stroll along the Grand Canal from St Marks Square is the Ponte dell’Accademia. This is the location for one of the best and most popular photos of Venice with boats and gondolas in the foreground and the Basilica di Santa Maria Della Salute framing the view at the end. Just breathtaking.

Then there is the Rialto Bridge – probably the most famous of all the bridges in Venice. The Rialto bridge gets its name from the Rialto market on the eastern bank of the river.

No trip to Venice is complete without a Gondola Ride however it’s not cheap at about 80 euros for 20-30 minutes and that’s the day rate – it goes up at night time. However, like the coffee in St Marks, it’s the experience you are paying for and as long as you don’t get seasick then it’s worth it!

Another popular attraction is the Bridge of Sighs and Doge’s Palace. The powerful Doge was the ruler of the Venetian Republic. Just next to the Doge’s Palace is the Ponte Dei Sospiri, better known as the Bridge of Sighs.

The Lido, or Venice Lido is an eleven-kilometre narrow strip of land which separates the central part of the Venetian lagoon from the Adriatic Sea. Out of season, this immaculate resort provides a range of reasonably priced shops and restaurants. There are lovely views over the lagoon to Venice, and in winter and spring, you may be lucky enough, on a clear day, to see the snow-capped summits of the Dolomites. During the summer, however, the island’s hotels open for the season and hordes of beach lovers cross from the lagoon-shore ferry stop to enjoy the sun, the beach, the ice cream and a different side of Venice we all know and love.

Finally, there are the islands of Murano & Burano. Murano is famous for its glass-making centre and Burano for its brightly coloured fishermen’s houses and seafood restaurants.

Attractions of the Veneto Region

Verona – a city of love, fantastic shopping and restaurants and of course opera.

Lake Garda – for stunning villages, thermal spas and hiking/trekking opportunities.

The Palladian Villas – built around the mid-16th century, scattered in the provinces of Vicenza, Padua, Treviso and Rovigo.

Dolomiti Bellunesi  – Incredible mountain scenery of The Dolomites including the Three Peaks of Lavaredo, Marmolada, Monte Civetta

The Prosecco Hills – Home to the sparkling white wine vineyards between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene.

The Po River Delta – is a protected area of wetlands inhabited by more than 300 species of birds and a popular destination for birdwatching.

Cittadella – a fascinating walled city with medieval origins just a few kilometres from Padua.

Padua – a refined city worth a visit even only for admiring Giotto’s masterpieces in the Scrovegni Chapel

Bassano del Grappa – located at the foot of Monte Grappa, it’s famous for its covered wooden bridge.

Contact Information

For further information on taking a trip to any region of Italy or Europe, contact your local travel agent, a specialist tour operator or the Italian National Tourist Office.