Category: Italy destinations

Italy attracts more tourists than nearly anywhere else on the planet.

Fourth place globally.

And honestly? Deserved.

You take a step and you are walking through layers of history so thick that they have literally built whole civilizations on top of each other. Roman foundations under medieval walls under Renaissance palaces under modern-day cafés where locals argue about football over espressos.

But here’s the little-known truth.

The cities are amazing, obviously – Rome is out-standing, Florence will leave you speechless and then there’s Venice which defies all logic and reason.

But step out of the cities, and that’s where the magic really starts.

Coastlines that make you question if the blue in the water is even real. Lakes that mirror mountains like glass. Alpine ranges dusted with snow. And hills that roll on forever, with grape vines carpeting them in a way that’ll make you plan trips just to taste the wine that’s made from those grapes.

And then there’s the food.  Naples Pizza – I mean, let’s not mince words; it is iconic for a reason. Pasta in Bologna will totally ruin you for packaged stuff by the way. And don’t even get me started on the gelato in Florence. It makes ice cream almost everywhere else seem like a poor imitation.

So – all set to go exploring?

Here are our comprehensive guides to all twenty Italian regions. From the well-trod Tuscany to the hidden gems of Molise. From the sophisticated lakes of Lombardy to the untamed beauty that is Sardinia’s interior.

Click through to discover which Italian region should be your first port of call on that Italian adventure of yours.

Italy’s 20 Regions – What to See, Do and Eat

Abruzzo – Rugged as can be, this central region combines the Apennine wilderness with the Adriatic coastline and is home to some pretty impressive medieval villages that are fiercely independent too.

Basilicata – Ancient cave dwellings carved out of ravines in a southern landscape that seems like it’s forever been unspoilt and frozen in time.

Calabria: Italy’s toe is a gem, home to some of the most untouched beaches in the country, some spicy food with street cred stretching back to all those Mediterranean crossroads cultures and some utterly amazing coast line.

Campania – Where the chaotic, brilliant and unforgettable Naples exists, where Pompeii has been frozen in time by a catastrophe, and where we find the Amalfi coast rising vertically out of blue water: Birthplace of pizza.

Emilia-Romagna – This is the gastronomic heart of Italy where parmesan, prosciutto, balsamic vinegar, and pasta-making all reach their absolute zenith.

Friuli-Venezia Giulia – This north-eastern border region is a real melting pot of Italian, Austrian and Slavic cultures – you’ll be hard-pressed to find anywhere quite like it.

Lazio – Of course, Rome’s eternal presence is a given but there’s also a load of lakes, hills, and coastal towns that offer a quieter side to Italy beyond the capital’s non-stop intensity.

Liguria – This is the Italian Riviera, where the coastal arc produces some of the most mouthwatering pesto, focaccia and picturesque fishing villages clinging to cliffs.

Lombardy – The financial and fashion capital of Milan meets the beautiful lakes and rice paddies and some of Italy’s smartest cities.

Marche – The rolling hills here drop away to Adriatic beaches, there’s some great Renaissance art in the cities, and there’s plenty of tranquil countryside to lounge around in.

Molise – This is one of Italy’s smallest regions, but it’s also one of its most mysterious – rural and traditional, it’s authentically preserved in a way that’s just so endearing.

Piedmont – This northern region has a certain elegance to it, with some of Turin’s most beautiful arcades, some of the world’s best Barolo wines, and some very expensive white truffles that’ll make your eyes water.

Puglia – This southern region boils with some of the best olive oil you’ll find anywhere, trulli houses that are like nowhere else, and baroque cities that’ll blow your mind.

Sardinia – This is an island that operates on its own wavelength. They’ve got their own language, a whole load of prehistoric mysteries, some beaches that’ll make you wonder if you’re in the Caribbean, and more.

Sicily – This is the one place that defies all categorisation – take Greek temples, add some Arab influences, then throw in some Norman castles and volcanic drama, and you’re left with a destination like no other.

Tuscany – This is the place that defines so many people’s Italian dreams – cypress-lined roads, Renaissance masterpieces, vineyards in Chianti, medieval towers – what more could you want?

Trentino-Alto Adige – German-speaking Alps meet Italian valleys in this bilingual northern region where schnitzel shares menu space with risotto.

Umbria – The green heart lacking coastline compensates with hilltop towns, Assisi’s spiritual gravity, black truffles, artistic treasures.

Valle d’Aosta – Italy’s smallest region towers highest. French-influenced Alpine culture, serious skiing, castles guarding mountain passes.

Veneto – Venice’s watery magic extends across a region containing Verona’s romance, Palladian villas, Prosecco hills, and Alpine Dolomites.

Each region awaits your discovery. Where will you begin your Italian exploration?