The 20 Regions to Visit in Italy (& What Each Offers)

Abruzzo

• Capital City: L'Aquilia
• Location in Italy: South
• Best Known for: Their abundance of nature, with a good portion of the region naturally protected

We're starting off with a region I haven't yet visited, which I realize now is the issue with going in alphabetical order - but let's stick with it.

Abruzzo is a relatively large region, directly across the country from Rome, stretching from the mountains to the coast. It rides the line between central and southern Italy.

I started learning about Abruzzo when we thought for a bit that we'd have to relocate to Rome for my husband's job. I didn't love the idea of leaving behind the mountains I've come to love so much in Northern Italy but was pleasantly surprised by the peaks in Abruzzo.

It seems to me that Abruzzo would be a fantastic destination for your trip if you're seeking a slower pace of life and a little bit of everything when it comes to nature. You'll find a number of national parks, a long coastline, and vineyards and valleys in between. It would be an easy option if you fly into Rome and rent a car to explore from there.

Since I'm no expert on Abruzzo, I'll drop this guide from a local that covers the region quickly yet thoroughly.

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Aosta Valley

• Italian Name: Valle d'Aosta
• Capital City: Aosta
• Location in Italy: Northwest
• Best Known for: Unique cultural blend and some of the highest peaks in Italy

Truthfully I'm a little disappointed that I haven't yet visited the Aosta Valley. On paper, it seems like my kind of place: stunning mountains, a big national park, and a blend of cultures I know I'll enjoy. Although Italy's smallest region, it doesn't seem to be missing much.

Aosta Valley is right on the border with both Switzerland and France and sits just west of Milan and north of Turin. On one border you'll find the imposing Matterhorn and on the other, Mont Blanc. I mean talk about a stacked deck.

There's not much in terms of cities here, with Aosta being the largest option and still quite small. But really, I think we both know you don't come over here for that, you come here to get outside.

With the exception of late spring and early fall when the seasons are changing and the slopes transition to trails and vice versa, there's not a bad time to visit. You'll enjoy some of the country's best skiing in the winter (so they say) and endless hiking trails in the summer.

Although the mighty mountains around both borders get most of the attention, I'd recommend you also consider visiting Gran Paradiso National Park. It looks like a hiker's dream and without the crowds the more famous peaks bring in.

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Apulia

• Italian Name: Puglia
• Capital City: Bari
• Location in Italy: South
• Best Known for: White-washed towns liked Alberbello and Polignano a Mare

Since I had never heard of the region Apulia before moving here, I learned it by it's Italian name of Puglia instead. So, to save my brain the stress, that's how I'll refer to it here. Just know we're both talking about the same place.

Italy looks like a boot, right? Puglia is the heel of that boot.

If you're chasing an endless summer, you'll love it here. Just know that while far more people are here than across the country on the Amalfi Coast, some towns still get far more than their share of tourism.

Still, it's dreamy. Many towns are white-washed and will have you feeling as though you wound up on a Greek island instead. Fresh seafood overtakes every menu and green-blue hues of the sea are never too far away, even as you head inland towards the olive groves.

I visited Puglia in April for about 10 days. While there, I bounced around the region and also visited Basilicata (next on our list). I went here on a solo trip but enjoyed it so much that I'd love to go back to bring Raf.

Most guides online will tell you that you have to rent a car to explore Puglia. That's not necessarily true. I didn't and got around alright but do know with the exception of the train that runs along the coast, buses are a little confusing to figure out. I was able to sort it out but did end up losing some time figuring out transfers and in between stops.

Best Places to Visit in Apulia

There are so many towns to choose from in this region and the ones you decide on will depend on what type of trip your after.

While I know many people that like Bari, the city didn't quite click for me. I didn't dislike it by any means but it didn't leave me eager to promote it so unless you're using it as an easy transit base, I'd recommend a few other places instead:

• Monopoli is where I'd suggest you base yourself instead of Bari. This one is more central in the region and easier to explore from, plus the old town was stunning and really fun to roam around.
• Polignano a Mare is famous for the coastline built right on the crumbling rocks. It really doesn't feel real. That said, it was far busier than I imagined since even though I visited in the off season there were still a large number of tour groups.
• Alberobello is arguably the most well-known place in the region due to the hype it's gotten on social media from their unique trulli houses. This is a type of architecture that's particular to this town and the surrounding area. It really is a cute place to visit but do know you won't be the only one with this idea.
• Ostuni is top of my list for my next trip to Puglia. This is a white-washed town more inland in the region and while still popular, I would like to check it out.
• Lecce is also high on my list for next time I'm in the heel of Italy. Lecce is known for its impressive Baroque architecture.

Here's a more detailed description of how I'd suggest spending 3-days in Puglia.

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Basilicata

• Capital City: Potenza
• Location in Italy: South
• Best Known for: The impressive history from in Matera

Basilicata sits on the arch of Italy's boot and is seemingly one of those relatively forgotten regions of Italy, with the exception of Matera. And while I was one of those people who only visited Matera while here, I can see that I missed out on quite a bit.

People love Southern Italy and for good reason. The weather is warm, the beaches are idyllic, the food is fresh, and the people seem to be more relaxed, although they will still passionately yell their points across.

The thing about Basilicata is that since it's nestled between Puglia, Calabria, and Campania, it has a little bit of everything and more history than all of them combined.

I also don't know if it was just a coincidence but I do think consistently the best meals I've had on a trip were from my time in Matera. I didn't stress too hard on where to eat, just going for places that I could sit outside with a nice view (not hard to find in this town) and every bite was just perfection.

Places to Visit in Basilicata

Not only is the food so good in Matera, the history and architecture are unmatched. This city has 6,000 years of continuously inhabited history to work though, an amount I truly can't wrap my head around.

I suggest basing yourself in the Sassi and giving yourself more than a day to explore. I enjoyed 3-days here and could have spent more. One day, take a guided tour to learn more about the history.

Other than Matera, a few places on my personal list to visit in Basilicata are:

• Bernalda is a small town that also holds a lot of history and is near the coast. You'll find some sandy beaches around here which aren't so common in Italy.
• Maratea is Basilicata's coastal town on the other side of the region that sits on the Tyrrhenian Sea. If you're craving rugged coastlines, neon bright water, and quiet beaches, this is the one for you. The entire coastline on the southwest is stunning but most people overlook Maratea, giving it more peace than others offer in the summer.

Although lesser-known, even Vogue agrees this region is worth more attention than it gets.

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Calabria

• Capital City: Catanzaro
• Location in Italy: South
• Best Known for: It's dramatic coastline, filled in with picture-perfect beaches

Calabria is high on my wish list but honestly, what isn't? Known as the toe of the boot, this region is best for those chasing beautiful beaches and small towns.

From what I've seen and locals have told us, it's where you want to go if you're craving the drama of the Amalfi Coast but with half the people. This region is far from a secret and where many locals go for vacation but isn't quite as popular internationally...yet.

Most skip right over it and stick with the beaches of Campania or Sicily.

I'd suggest you think again if you were planning on that exact same thing.

While I haven't yet been to Calabria, Raf's boss spent the entire month of August traipsing along the coast and eagerly sent him his favorite destinations for our future planning. His boss lives in Treviso in the north but every year his family makes the trek to Calabria, bouncing between their favorite destinations.

His biggest suggestions are Tropea and Scilla. But instead of taking the train and rushing between destinations, he says to get a car and take our time as there are plenty of small towns and hidden beaches nestled in between. For reference, the drive is only about an hour and a half if you take the fastest route.

Note that from just south of Scilla you can take the ferry to Sicily and extend your trip from there.

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Campania

• Capital City: Naples (Napoli)
• Location in Italy: South
• Best Known for: Naples, the Amalfi Coast, and the home of pizza

You go to Campania for two reasons, if you ask me: for the beaches and for the food. While most know the region because of Naples, the Amalfi Coast, and as the home of pizza, there's a lot more going on than just this.

Campania has a very different feel from it than the rest of the country. The moment you land in this region coming from the north or center, you'll feel the shift. It's livelier, noisier, and simply more chaotic. Most likely you'll land in Naples, either via the train station or airport, and really be pushed into the deep end.

While Naples can be an assault on the senses, it's a fantastic city that really does have a lot going for it if you can look past its grungier shell. Just be sure to get away from the train station or cruise port and don't judge the entire city by these two areas. Here's a more in-depth guide on how to best spend 3-days in Naples.

We've been lucky enough to visit Naples and the surrounding area three times now. While all trips have brought us back to Campania's capital, they've also taken us somewhere else in the region and shown us even more delicacies you can't find elsewhere.

Grab a spoon and get ready to dig in.

Places to Visit in Campania

Other than Naples, there are a lot of interesting places to visit in Campania. I am going to go ahead and tell you though, I don't really recommend the Amalfi Coast or Capri. Yes, they're beautiful but, man, are they crowded. I've never faced human traffic quite like what we went through when visiting Positano. These are also some of the most expensive places in the entire country.

If you insist on ignoring me and heading there anyways, try and avoid July and August and base yourself in less talked about villages.

But, where I do recommend you scope out includes:

• Ischia is one of the islands off the coast of Naples, easily accessible by ferry. It's a bigger island than you might expect so take a few days to explore. While summer is great for swimming, the island is famous for its natural hot springs so even winter would be a good time to visit.
• Procida is closer to Naples and smaller than Ischia. You'll need less time to check out the island but it's still worth visiting, if only for the stunning views of the colorful fishing village found here.
• Pompeii is one of the most historic sites in all of Italy and while I haven't yet been here, everyone that I know who has visited says it's certainly worth it. You'll just want to be sure to hire a guide that can really explain.
• Royal Palace of Caserta is another historic site outside of Naples but much more modern than Pompeii. Be sure to check the inside of the palace and give yourself plenty of time to walk around the pristine gardens. You'll likely want to account for an entire day here. Be sure to book your tickets in advance.
• Agropoli is another on the list that I haven't yet visited but has been recommended by local friends for an alternative coastal destination in the region.

For more information and options, read up on all the best day trips from Naples (that can easily be turned into full-on getaways).

Foods to Try in Campania

The food does not disappoint in Campania. The hype is real and the pizza truly is better here, even compared with the rest of the country.

A big difference in the food you'll eat in Campania vs. the food you'll eat in the rest of the country (with the exception of Emilia-Romagna) is that it's much heavier. Fried food rules here, especially in the streets of Naples and while you can certainly get your fill of fresh fish and veggies, the true gems are bathed in oil.

A few foods I highly recommend you try are:

• Pizza Margherita: This is the most classic pizza but one you need to try before testing out different toppings.
• Spaghetto a Vongole: This is spaghetti with clams and to me, the best summer pasta. You won't have a hard time finding this anywhere on the coast.
• Frittatina di Pasta: Essentially a fried ball of pasta that never disappoints. Easily found in Naples at street vendors.
• Montanara: Like a fried mini pizza, where the dough is fried and then topped with fresh tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil.
• Taralli: These are savory or sweet cracker-like snacks commonly found around the country but my favorite versions come from Campania. Find them fresh and try a variety of ingredients - my favorite is the cheese and pepper.
• Sfogliatella Frolla: My favorite choice as a breakfast pastry, just be sure not to confuse it with its brother, sfogliatella riccia, which isn't nearly as good in my opinion.

Get more detail on these dishes and a handful of others on my dedicated guide to food in Naples.

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Emilia-Romagna

• Capital City: Bologna
• Location in Italy: Northeast
• Best Known for: Their local dishes and luxury car production

Emilia-Romagna is one of my favorite regions in Italy to eat. The food here is just a 10/10 from Bologna to the small towns, like Sant'arcangelo di Romagna.

We've been to this region loads of times, always visiting a different city or town within it. The area seems to bring in a lot of rock concerts so while we have visited without live music on our itinerary, 3 out of our 4 trips were concert motivated.

That said, music or no music the region is a real gem. Most people know of the capital city, Bologna, and its neighbors Modena and Parma but with the exception of perhaps Rimini on the coast, few people branch out to other places.

On top of the food (more on that later, don't worry), you might have heard of the region because of its Motor Valley, where luxury car companies like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Ducati, and Maserati are from. Although I've never dabbled over there, car enthusiasts would probably enjoy visiting the racetracks, museums, and manufacturers.

Personally, I'm more motivated by the charm and the food. I have so much to say on both of these topics for this region that I've sub-divided them. Let's dig in.

Places to Visit in Emilia-Romagna

There's a lot to explore in this region but it is worth mentioning something: the nature here is pretty mid. But that's coming from the total nature snob that I am and in so many places in Italy, you can be truly blown away by your natural surroundings. Emilia Romagna is not one of those places.

The beaches are sandy, which is a perk here, but the water isn't great and you have to go supperrrr far off shore to get in deep water to actually swim. I'm sure this would be a perk for those with small kids as the water stays pretty shallow though. The valleys and plains are nice, don't get me wrong, but you don't get the ruggedness of the north or the romanticism of the center of the country.

That said, this region is where you go to eat and to explore some unique towns. Bologna is home to the oldest university in Europe and the population around here tends to be young and liberal. You're more likely to see graffiti, dyed hair, and tattoos than you are anywhere else in the country.

A few of the best places we've visited in Emilia-Romagna and that I'd recommend you check out are:

• Bologna is a really lively city, especially during the school year. Leave your diet at home and come ready to eat your heart out.
• Modena is the more put-together older sister of Bologna. It's cleaner and a little more high end, while still having a similar vibe. Famous for their balsamic vinegar.
• Reggio Emilia is one of my favorite small towns in Italy. For those that like smaller places to explore on foot, I'd recommend a day walking around here for sure.
• Ravenna is the place to be amazed by the churches. We're not religious but still could certainly appreciate the craftsmanship that it took to create the mosaics found all throughout this city.
• Ferrara is somewhere I'd like to spend more time in as we only passed by on our way home from Ravenna. It has a different feel from the cities around it and was so preserved that you felt like you were walking back in time.
• Cesena was one of our concert destinations but we were super surprised by this small city. The people had a very alternative feel to them, with unique twists to classic dishes on most menus. The main piazza is really gorgeous.
• Santarcangelo di Romagna was another we went to because of a concert but were really impressed with. It'd be a good place to stay if you need to go to Rimini or want to visit San Marino.

Want more on each destination? This guide covers these 7 locations in detail.

For the record, these aren't the only places we've been in the region but are my top choices. Compared to other options, I've left Parma, Rimini, Carpi, and Milano Marittima off the list.

Foods to Try in Emilia-Romagna

This is really why you come to this region: to eat. Many of the most famous Italian dishes are from here and once you have the real deal, you'll have a hard time going back. You've been warned!

I have so much to say about each of these dishes that I've written 2 full guides on the topic: the best food in Bologna and the best food in Modena. While there are some overlap between the 2 neighboring cities, the differences are worth noting.

To summarize it to a few of my favorite things across the region, I'd go with:

• Lasagna Verde: The traditional lasagna is actually made with green noodles (thanks to spinach) and doesn't have any mozzarella.
• Tagliatelle al ragù: This is where our Americanized meat sauce comes from, note the meat is most often beef.
• Gramigna alla Salsiccia: This mac 'n cheese with ground sausage. This is usually the 1st meal I crave whenever we visit Emilia Romagna
• Mortadella, squacquerone, con Gnoccho Fritto: For a classic aperitivo "snack" you can find around the region, try mortadella, squacquerone cheese and this fried bread.
• Erbazzone: This is a spinach breakfast pastry that I'm in love with. Technically from Reggio Emilia, you can find it at other cafes in the region.
• Piadina: Piadina is a type of flat bread sandwich that's really common in the region. For a quick, cheap, yet still delicious dinner or lunch, I highly recommend this.

Be sure to wash it all down with a glass of red, fizzy Lambrusco.

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Friuli-Venezia Giulia

• Capital City: Trieste
• Location in Italy: Northeast
• Best Known for: Unique cross-border culture, Karst landscape, and Trieste

This is the region we've called home since moving to Italy in 2023. Raf, my husband, got a job offer in-person here back in 2022 and as we'd both been abroad about a decade, popping around from one country to another, we figured why not.

It ended up being the best decision possible, although that likely doesn't come as any sort of surprise.

Trieste has a unique history and was part of the Austro Hungarian Empire longer than it's been Italian. It was even independent for a few years after WWII. Even today, most of the architecture feels more Viennese than Italian and the food shares a lot of similarities with its Slovenian neighborhood.

We had never heard of Fruili-Venezia Giulia or even Trieste before moving here and actually, with the exception of the city's growing popularity, many people in Italy overlook it.

The perk to this is that you, as a visitor, get to enjoy a region that doesn't get nearly the hordes of tourists that other more famous areas do, but you still get a high quality of impressive cities, food, landscape, and things to do.

Since we've moved here, we've watched a handful of cruise ships trickle in over the summer to up to 2 a day docking right in the city center in response to Venice tightening their controls. So while it certainly feels laidback, calm, and more affordable, even in the height of summer, I don't imagine it'll stay this way for long.

Places to Visit in Friuli-Venezia Giulia

Although Trieste is the biggest draw, there's a lot more to FVG than just this one city here. These are a few other personal recommendations of places to visit while here:

• Udine is a really stunning city in the north of the region, nestled between the vineyards and the mountains. The city itself is worth visiting but do know if you visit in off season, it can feel really quiet.
• Monte Zoncolan or Tarvisio are both stunning mountains where you can go skiing or snowboarding for half the price of the resorts in the Dolomites. Zoncolan is better for snowboarders and Tarvisio is better for their picture-perfect alpine village.
• Gorizia was named the European Capital of Culture, alongside Nova Gorica (it's Slovenian counterpart) in 2025. The city is small but has a nice center and is conveniently located right in the heart of the best wine vineyards of the region.
• Cividale del Friuli is the one town here that we haven't yet visited but is high on my list. It's small, just outside of Udine, but known to be stunning to roam around on a sunny day.

For more options, dig into my top 10 favorite places to visit in Friuli-Venezia Giulia.

Foods to Try in Friuli-Venezia Giulia

Although the history, culture, and cute towns will be enough to tempt most to skip the obvious tourist destinations and instead head to FVG, allow me to sweeten the deal.

The food here is far different than the rest of Italy. Yes, you can still load up on all the classics but more than anything you'll find hybrid combos bringing in influences from Slovenia and Austria. A few dishes you should try while here are:

• Frico: This is a pan-fried potato and cheese "patty" that's just as good as it sounds.
• Goulash: This definitely comes from abroad but it's commonly found on local menus. Instead of a stew, it's a dish, often served with polenta. It's essentially slow-cooked beef that comes together in a hearty meal.
• Polenta: This is a type of boiled cornmill, like grits. It's also served on the side of frico or goulash.
• Prosciutto di San Daniele: Often overlooked by Prosciutto di Parma, this one is richer, less fatty, and a little sweeter. Can you tell we prefer this one?
• Cjarsòns: These are a local type of ravioli, usually made simple with herbs, cheese, and butter.
• Montasio Cheese: This has become a staple in our home. It's not so strong but does have a kick so is a flavor enhancer to eggs or in sandwiches. Just know every farm as its own slight variety.
• Jota: Jota is another where the international roots shine. This is stew mainly consisting of sauerkraut, beans, potatoes, and pork. It's more common to find this on menus when the weather is cold.

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Lazio

• Capital City: Rome (Roma)
• Location in Italy: Center
• Best Known for: Rome

Truthfully, the only place I've visited in Lazio has been Rome. And while I've been to Rome 4 times and counting, I haven't stepped foot outside of the city center.

Although you might guess that I'd tell you to skip Rome, think again. Rome is a fantastic city and well worth the visit. It's rare that you can walk among layers of history in such a vibrant city. They've done such a great job mixing old with new, even when every time they try to expand they hit more ruins that pauses their plans (that's the reason the metro expansion is a neverending project).

I've written quite a few articles about Rome so won't rehash the details there but do give those a read if you're visiting the Eternal City:

• Rome on a budget
• Best areas to stay in Rome
• And, most importantly, foods to try in Rome

Rome is home to, in my opinion, the 4 best pastas in the entire country (bold statement, I know) so do yourself a favor and don't skip the food article linked above.

Places to Visit in Lazio

Just because Rome is the only place in Lazio I've visited, doesn't mean it's the only place worth visiting. Lazio is home to a nice stretch of coastline and plenty of lakes to choose between. The region is littered with historic towns that were once the vacation destinations of choice by the ancient Romans. A few on my list include:

• Ostia Antica is just 45 minutes from Rome and even closer to Rome's airport if you have some time to kill around there. This town is actually full of Roman ruins and worth visiting for those craving more history.
• Anzio & Nettuno are coastal towns just an hour from the city. Although 2 separate towns, they're close enough to each other that most visit them together. You might be most interested in visiting Nero's Caves while here.
• The Castelli Romani is a regional park that covers 15 towns and 2 lakes. For those that want nature and charming towns, this might just be the area for you. The lake views from Castel Gandolfo look pretty spectacular.
• Palombara Sabina is a hilltop fortress that seems ideal for those searching for the small and quiet. I'd recommend walking to the castle that sits on the uppermost part of town, strolling the alleyways while you work your way up.

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Liguria

• Capital City: Genoa (Genova)
• Location in Italy: Northwest
• Best Known for: Cinque Terre and Portofino

Somehow Liguria swept in and overtook the entire northwestern coast all the way to the border with France. It's the home of pesto, focaccia, and the highly visited and photographed Cinque Terre villages.

Before moving to Italy, Cinque Terre was probably the place I most wanted to see here. Truthfully, I didn't know much about the country other than what I saw when I was a kid and what social media fed me. Years after moving here, we still haven't visited and moved far down my list.

That's simply because it's crowded and gets really busy. It's the northern equivalent of the Amalfi Coast and if you haven't realized by now, with a few exceptions, the most popular places in Italy tend to be my least favorite.

This isn't to deter you from visiting anywhere in the region, quite the contrary, there looks to be a handful of other coastal and hilltop towns to choose from outside of this famous collection of 5. It's simply to remind you that not always the most famous is the best choice. Especially if you plan to visit in July and August, you can expect hordes of others with the same idea.

While Genoa is the capital city and will offer the most in terms of restaurants and attractions, know that it's a port city so not the best in terms of beaches. If you're craving beautiful towns and all the charm you can imagine, friends have suggested we visit Camogli instead.

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Lombardy

• Italian Name: Lombardia
• Capital City: Milan (Milano)
• Location in Italy: Northwest
• Best Known for: Milan and Lake Como

I had a trip planned to head back to Lombardy in March but the concert we were going to was cancelled. I planned to spend a few days in Milan and then head over the Lago Maggiore for the weekend (although that lake is split between Lombardy and Piedmont).

While I have been to Milan, but just for a few hours, and a few other places in Lombardy (Lake Como, Brescia, and the western side of Lake Garda), I was excited to see more.

Lombardy is a huge region and easily one of the most visited in Italy. If Milan is your best flight, you can fill up your entire trip simply getting to know this region and nothing more. With big cities, epic mountains, and some of the prettiest lakes in the entire country, it's hard to go wrong.

Places to Visit in Lombardy

If planning a trip through Lombardy, consider visiting:

• Milan, although the most obvious choice, isn't necessarily my top choice. Truthfully I'm not a big city person and while I do want to explore more of the city, it wouldn't top my list for people who only have a few days or weeks in the country. That said, if you're arriving here, it's probably worth a night or two to check out.
• Lake Como is the most famous Italian lake, even though there are so many more. When I visited Lake Como with friends, we had a really great time but truthfully I like northern Lake Garda more. That said, read my designated Lake Como vs. Lake Garda guide before making any decisions.
• Bergamo is one of the cities in Lombardy I'd really like to visit. We've been to Brescia before and instead of going back there, I would choose to give Bergamo a shot. The city is divided into a "upper district" and "lower district" given the big hill that divides them. The upper district, or Città Alta, is the historic area.
• Varese is top of my list next time I visit Lombardy. It's located between Milan and Lago Maggiore, near Lake Varese. The small city looks really elegant and like an interesting place to spend a weekend.
• Lago Maggiore, or Major Lake, sits on the border between Lombardy, Piedmont, and Switzerland. While I do think there are a number of charming towns to visit along the Lombardy coast, the trip I had planned was actually mainly set across the shores in Piedmont.
• Bernina Express Train isn't really a single destination but one of the most popular tourist attractions in Lombardy. This is a scenic train ride that connects St. Moritz, Switzerland with Tirano, Italy. You'll cut through some of the most scenic sections of the Alps. I've heard it's really beautiful in all seasons.

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Marche

• Capital City: Ancona
• Location in Italy: Center
• Best Known for: The picturesque beaches near Sirolo

Marche is another region that I haven't yet been to in Italy but really piques my interest. Like its southern neighbor of Abruzzo, this region stretches from the mountains to the Adriatic Sea.

For those that prefer the quieter life, Marche seems like a fantastic option. On Substack I've ended up connecting with quite a few writers who have chosen this region as their home abroad and while maybe they're romanticizing the small village life, they do have me itching to visit.

While this seems to be the most popular place to visit in Marche, I'd really like to start (or end) my trip in Sirolo and the beaches that litter the peninsula just north of the fishing village. They really do look epic. I'd bet that July and August get busy with locals but June and September are likely still good times for fun in the sun without as big of crowds.

In addition to the rolling hills and rugged coastline, Marche is also home to a very unique history. There are even some underground cities you can visit, if you dare. This local website does a good job of outlining what Marche is famous for, and it seemingly has a little bit for everyone, so long as you're good with bypassing the big city life.

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Molise

• Capital City: Campobasso
• Location in Italy: South
• Best Known for: 'Ndocciata, an ancient fire ritual around Christmas each year

Molise is another of the Italian regions that most, even Italians, don't consider when booking their next vacation. Truthfully, this is the region I've heard least about since moving here and actually couldn't find anyone I know who has visited when working on this article.

That alone got my attention and has me wanting to book my trip.

As such a popular country, it's exciting to find these under-the-radar slivers that are still reminiscent of Italy before cruising and bustling tour groups.

I'm not going to pretend to be an expert on all the best places to visit and things to do in Molise but I will leave you with a few interesting tidbits I found while researching for you to use for your own trip.

Looking at it on a map you'll see Molise is towards the south of the country and spreads from the Adriatic into the central mountains that split the country in half. It seems to have mountains, valleys, and beaches all in one small package. Sounds like the perfect weekend trip if you ask me.

It seems like a good starting point for a trip would be to consider visiting the coastal town of Termoli, the mountains in the National Park Abruzzo (despite the name, it does creep into Molise), and Agnone, a town known for its traditional crafts. A lot of this has been summed up from this article I read on Travel + Leisure that gave a nice deep dive into Molise.

And hey, if you beat me here, let me know how it is!

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Piedmont

• Italian Name: Piemonte
• Capital City: Turin (Torino)
• Location in Italy: Northwest
• Best Known for: The home of nutella (or maybe that's just what I think it should be best known for)

I haven't yet been to Piedmont but Raf has. One of his best friends from home now lives and works there so he's been on a trip to visit him. They spent their week together digging into Turin, with his local girlfriend as their culinary guide.

The entire region has a number of claims to fame, many revolving around food and wine (it is Italy after all). While some of the food I knew, namely the hazelnut goodness I grew up on, a lot of their products were ones well-known only in Italy. Likely I'll get some push back on this but I just hadn't heard of their wines like Barolo and Barbaresco, like I had Chianti or Prosecco.

That said, I do see this as a perk, not a slight. Piedmont is the home of the "Slow Food Movement," a now international movement that focuses on traditional, sustainable food for all. This is a great region for those that don't want to try things they know from back home but instead lift the veil on a side (and taste) of Italy previously unknown to them.

If you choose to visit Piemonte, you'll likely arrive in Turin first since that's the biggest city by far in the region. Lucky for you, we already have a 3-day guide and a head start on the best foods to try while here to get your trip planning started.

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Sardinia

• Italian Name: Sardegna
• Capital City: Cagliari
• Location in Italy: Island (west)
• Best Known for: Crystal clear water and some of the prettiest beaches in the country

Sardinia is an island paradise. I truly love this island so much that if it wasn't for Raf's desire to be near civilization (weird, right?), I'd move here.

While I was drawn into planning our trip here thanks to their dazzling beaches, I had no idea just how mountainous or large the island would be. It left me wishing I had packed my hiking boots along with my swimsuit - a quality that quickly gave the island a place in my heart.

The hardest part about planning a trip here was deciding where to go. Initially I planned on us renting a car and cruising around, staying at a different place each of our 5 nights. Raf shot that down suggesting that we should actually rest some on our trip (again, weird).

So, we compromised by picking one area to base ourselves and decided to spend the days exploring different beaches nearby.

We both underestimated just how big this island is and how much time it actually takes to get from Point A to Point B. Luckily, since I didn't have us hopping around, we could alter our trip to give us more time at the beach each day and less time in the car, something I'd highly recommend.

Places to Visit in Sardinia

That said, that means you actually will need to narrow down your options and pick just one of the 4 corners to enjoy, unless staying much longer than we did (lucky!).

Here's a little summary at each of the main areas to choose from:

• Olbia is where we ended up choosing, simply because we could get the best flights here from Trieste. It's known as the more touristic area but in early June, we didn't feel that. Other than eating lunch here when we arrived, we avoided the city and instead explored the nearby beaches, mountains, and took a catamaran tour through La Maddalena Archipelago.
• Cagliari is the island's capital and where most locals live year-round. This is also home to one of the bigger airports. If you want to disconnect and enjoy more nature, I'd skip this but if you prefer city amenities, this will be a good base for you.
• Alghero is another coastal town, this one in the northwest of the island. It's known to be picturesque and luxurious, which might just be your cup of tea.
• The interior of the island shouldn't be overlooked. We ended up staying here and loved the scenic views and easy access to a number of agriturismi for dinner each night.

Wherever you go, just be sure to take full advantage of the beaches and drink plenty of mirto, Sardinia's own sweet wine.

Want more? Here's my full guide on visiting Sardinia where I dive more into the details.

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Sicily

• Italian Name: Sicilia
• Capital City: Palermo
• Location in Italy: Island (south)
• Best Known for: Their Mediterranean beaches

Sicily feels like a whole new world to discover. While Sicily has been at the top of both mine and Raf's list since moving to Italy, we haven't yet visited for one simple reason: we both feel like we need a lot of time here.

Our dream is to fully circumvent the island, taking some trips inland, at a leisurely pace of a month or more. And well, this silly thing called work has gotten in the way. I know that it's better to pick one place in Sicily and visit rather than never visit at all but I am holding out hope that we'll be able to carve out at least a few weeks to dig in a little deeper.

Sicily is so much more diverse than most people realize. Did you know you can even go skiing on Mt. Etna in the winter? Plus when you add in the Aeolian and Egadi Islands, there's even more ground to cover.

I've started and restarted this section of the article multiple times, not quite knowing what to cover here and what to leave out. While working on it, I stumbled across this really in-depth guide to Sicily written by a local. I think they do a much better job than I could, at least until I visit for myself. For a full guide on where to visit, when to visit, and how to get around, I highly recommend you give this one a read.

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Trentino - South Tyrol

• Italian Name: Trentino - Alto Adige
• Capital City: Trento (Trentino), Bolzano (South Tyrol)
• Location in Italy: Northeast
• Best Known for: The mighty Dolomite mountains

If you've been around here for a bit you know just how much I love the mountains. Well, really any impressive nature, be it lakes, rivers, oceans, and, yes, ominous peaks.

The Dolomites is a mountain range that stretches along Northern Italy on the border with Austria and truly is one of my favorite places in the world. The thing is, social media has so highly promoted a few trials and view points that people flock to those and are disillusioned with just how crowded the area is.

The thing is, there are seriously 1000s of trails, maybe even 10s of 1000s if you really sat down to count all the options. With so many people heading to just a handful that means most trails are practically empty, even in the heart of summer.

The ones I've hiked have been jaw dropping. My biggest tip is to not get your heart set on a single trail. Find an area you want to base yourself and then use AllTrails or Kamoot to search what's around. Skip the ones that get multiple reviews in a single day and go for something that you can tell is well-maintained but shouldn't be flooded. I promise, you won't feel like you "missed out" if you go this route.

The same can be said of the ski slopes that litter this region in the winter. Cortina d'Ampezzo, this year's Olympic host, is the most popular and while beautiful, it's certainly not the only (or even the best, in my opinion) place to hit the slopes in the winter.

Places to Visit in Trentino - South Tyrol

Both of these regions were also part of the Austro Hungarian Empire, just like Friuli Venezia Giulia. In South Tyrol in particular, this heritage is incredibly obvious with most speaking German as their first language instead of Italian. It's even more likely you'll find sausage, beer, and pretzels on a menu before you find a lasagna.

That leaves a unique culture and interesting architecture to explore, outside of the obvious natural beauty.

Of course, let the trails guide your heart but other than picking where to nestle yourself in the mountains, a few great places to visit in Trentino - South Tyrol are:

• Trento is the capital of Trentino and one of my favorite cities in Italy, at least in terms of where I'd like to live. I personally think it's located in the perfect position, right near the mountains, Lake Garda, Verona, and Bolzano.
• Bolzano is the capital of South Tyrol and Raf's pick as his favorite city in Italy. Really though, this one is a big hybrid between Austria and Italy, giving you a bit of a fun identity crisis. The city is clean, green, and home to one of the biggest start-up incubators in the country, setting it even more apart from the rest.
• Riva del Garda is the northernmost town on Lake Garda. While the south of the lake is in Veneto, the north is in Trentino. From all the towns on the lake I've visited, this one is my favorite and my suggested base for you to enjoy all that Lake Garda has to offer.
• Val Gardena is one of the most beautiful places in South Tyrol, which is a really bold statement. The Gardena Pass is stunning but really the entire area right around this town is a 10/10 in terms of natural beauty. Just know hotels know what they have so you can expect high prices.
• San Cassiano gets my vote for a more laid back and affordable place just outside of the main hub of Val Gardena and Corvara. You'll find plenty of quiet trails here but will still be close enough to drive to the areas listed above if curiosity gets the best of you.
• Sesto is another alternative in the Dolomites, right at the border with Austria. We've only been here in the summer but really loved it. The trails are great and give you alternatives to getting to Tre Cime without hoping on the same trail as everyone else.
• Merano is the one town on this list that we haven't yet visited but both would like to. It's close to Bolzano, on the way to the Austrian border, and is known as a spa town in a valley surrounded by vineyards. Doesn't sound bad to me.

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Tuscany

• Italian Name: Toscana
• Capital City: Florence (Firenze)
• Location in Italy: Center
• Best Known for: The rolling hills and plethora of wine vineyards

I have a not-so-common opinion of Tuscany that I'm just going to have to admit here: I don't love it.

Don't get me wrong, the region is seriously scenic and I am a sucker for the restaurants in the small villages we've tried but I just think there are so many better places in Italy.

Tuscany was my first trip abroad, with the exception of a family beach trip to Turks & Caicos when I was 10. I was invited to go with a friend's family when I was 14 and while we visited a few places in Italy, a private villa somewhere in Tuscany was our first stop.

Like any good American teenagers, we ate gelato and pizza every meal and thought we had seriously made it. And really, we had.

This was over 20 years ago (what!?) and whether my opinions have changed or Tuscany has changed, I can't be sure. I will be honest in saying I haven't seen a lot of the region and I'm sure there are some places that will make me want to delete all of this and start over but, in general, it's more touristic than many other parts of the country.

So many of us dream of Tuscany that when booking a trip, often people hit the same 3: Rome, Florence, and Venice. I get it, these are the cities we've always imagined but to be honest, the only one I suggest removing from that list is Florence. You have to really be ready to look past the hordes and see the stunning architecture and history for what it is.

Places to Visit in Tuscany

While I have been to Tuscany on 3 separate occasions, there's still plenty I haven't checked out yet. That said, there are 2 places I've been that I would go back to again and again. They are:

• I'Desìo Ristorante in Montefioralle. It's a set menu based on what's fresh that's so reasonably priced for an absolute feast set in a stunning location.
• L'Oasi di Cice in Rufina. This is the first agriturismo we stayed in that got us hooked on the idea. I highly recommend staying a night although on the weekends you can just go for their restaurant.

A few other places in Tuscany that I haven't yet visited but would like to include:

• Siena
• Lucca
• Montepulciano
• Bagni San Filipo
• Elba Islands

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Umbria

• Capital City: Perugia
• Location in Italy: Center
• Best Known for: Umbria's Jazz Festival (held in both summer and winter)

Umbria is located smack dab in the center of Italy, right in it's beating heart. I'm not the only one who thinks that either, given that the region is often called the "Green Heart of Italy."

While we haven't yet visited Umbria, I'd really like to. I already mentioned that I didn't click with Tuscany quite like I hoped I would but do think Umbria might be what I was looking for. This region has the same rolling hills, charming towns, and rich local cuisine that Tuscany is famous for, just without the decades of mass tourism.

I could be wrong but in my heart Umbria seems like what Tuscany was like 50 years ago, before its popularity really skyrocketed.

This region is relatively small and doesn't have the landscape diversity many other parts of Italy have. While the main towns will be connected by train and bus, if you want to explore more of lesser-known corners, you might prefer to rent a car.

I'd suggest starting in Perugia, or even basing yourself here for easy travel, and branching out from there. Assisi looks stunning and as does Castiglione del Lago.

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Veneto

• Capital City: Venice
• Location in Italy: Northeast
• Best Known for: Venice and Verona

Although we currently live in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, I'm writing this from the mountains of Veneto, our future home. We recently purchased an apartment in charming Belluno and after a few days dealing with a mortgage and realtors in Italian, we headed deeper into the mountains to Alleghe to go snowboarding.

Most people know two destinations in Veneto: Venice and Verona and while those famous cities definitely deserve the attention they get, there's a lot more to this region than most realize. Veneto covers a lot of ground, stretching from the Adriatic Sea all the way to the border with Austria, giving it plenty of time to change from flat coastal islands, through the Prosecco Valley, and into the Dolomite Mountains.

Veneto is certainly not a secret or a hidden gem within Italy, if anything it's one of the most famous regions. That said, there are a lot of quieter corners to sneak away but truth be told, although I tend to steer clear of the most famous attractions in Italy, I do adore both Venice and Verona.

If you ask me, this list is ending with a real bang.

Places to Visit in Veneto

As such a diverse region, there's a lot to explore here. Just know that unlike some of the smaller regions, it might not be as likely to traverse through a big patch of it in just one trip. While getting between the bigger cities like Verona and Venice are quick and easy, driving through the mountains requires more time than you might think. In the mountains, it's often much easier to get around by renting a car, although buses are possible.

That said, here are my top recommendations of places to visit in Veneto:

• Venice is of course the most famous but honestly one of the most beautiful places I've ever been. I keep going back to Venice and am never disappointed. My only true suggestion is to not spend your entire trip walking the same tourist path from the train station, across Rialto Bridge to St. Mark's Square. Instead, walk anywhere else to see a much calmer and truly better Venice. Here's a 3-day trip itinerary that goes more into detail.
• The smaller islands in the Venice Lagoon are also worth visiting. Venice is actually comprised of over 100 islands, but most just go to the "main" set of islands, where the train station is. If you're only here for a day or 2, stay there, but for those that have more time, go see the islands of Venice, namely Murano and Burano.
• Verona is my favorite city in Italy. There. I said it. There's just something so romantic about Romeo and Juliet's city. Personally, I love it because it's super alive and vibrant, yet small enough to explore the old town on foot. For those that enjoy shopping, Verona is home to a lot of local designers so you can get a souvenir (or 6) that you won't find anywhere else. Here's how I suggest you spend 3-days in Verona.
• Malcesine is one of my favorite towns on Lake Garda. The views from the walking path just south of town are seriously mind blowing. While most of the east of the lake are part of Veneto, this town is my favorite in the region.
• Treviso is a small city just outside of Venice. If you're looking for a day trip option on mainland Italy from Venice, this is the easiest. Treviso is best known as the home of tiramisù.
• The Dolomites is my happy place. This mountain range stretches between this region and Trentino-South Tyrol and really, there's no big difference about which region you choose to visit these mountains in. Since I've already spoken about them in depth in that region's section, I'll let you follow the same advice here when picking a town, hiking trail, or where to go skiing. I really don't think you can go wrong, so long as you're not flocking to only the most famous peaks.
• The Prosecco Valley is the only place on this list I haven't yet been, only driven through. As someone who loves Prosecco, I'm a bit surprised that I haven't visited but know it'll come soon. Just note that there is a town called "Prosecco" near Trieste and that is NOT where they produce it (I was confused too) but instead, the valley is around Valdobbiadene.

Foods to Try in Veneto

I'm not an expert (yet) in the traditional food in Veneto but that said, I do have a few recommendations based on things I've tried while traveling. Just note that some are more city-specific, rather than regional specific.

If visiting Veneto, be sure to try:

• Cicchetti are small bites of bread topped with just about anything you can imagine. You'll find bars serving cicchetti all over Venice. While they tend to stay crowded, aperitivo time is when they often get packed. You can find these around the country but as the idea is from Venice, it's impossible to miss here.
• Risotto all'amarone is a type of risotto from Verona cooked with Amarone wine from the nearby Valpolicella wine region.
• Tiramisù is another you can get across the country but as the dessert is from Treviso, it's a great chance to try it from the source.
• Baccalà mantecado (often just promoted as baccalà) is a mashed cod that ends up like a creamier tuna salad. This is most often found in Venice but really anywhere along the coast will likely have it. It's most often served as a cicchetto.
• Pastin is a type of ground meat, made from a mix of beef and pork. It's really common in Belluno and the surrounding area and is really great for meat lovers. You'll find it either as its own plate, often with polenta, or as a topping on pizza or sandwiches.

Whichever dish you choose, wash it down with the local wine or a spritz. In and around Verona, your best bet is Valpolicella and anywhere near the valley will offer Prosecco on tap (how fun!).

The famous Spritz is from Venice and while Aperol is the most famous version, there's plenty more types to try while there. For those that want something lighter, try a Spritz Bianco and for those that prefer a more bitter flavor, try Cynar Spritz.

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Which Region Will You Visit in Italy?

This was a lot of information, I realize that. And while I know I didn't tell in clear words which region you should visit in Italy, I hope I gave you the insight to choose that for yourself. The beauty of this country is that there truly is so much diversity.

Italian culture changes drastically from north to south. The Alps and Dolomites make for a dramatic backdrop, while the glistening beaches that outline almost the entire country bring nothing but peace to its visitors.

There is no single Italian cuisine but instead each region and sometimes each city stays in their own lane to create something unique. The dishes that populate the menus in Tuscany won't be the same as what you'll find in Naples.

You could come here again and again (or even live here like we do) and never have the same trip twice. With so much to see, eat, and do in this country, the only real shame would be to stick with only the most popular destinations instead of finding what part of Italy speaks most to you.