20 Most Beautiful Regions of Italy is bordered by the Alps in the north, Italy is globally celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes, featuring picturesque countryside, enchanting coastlines, and the idyllic islands of Sardinia and Sicily. The Apennine mountains span down the center of the peninsula, while the country’s extensive and scenic coastline is embraced by the Adriatic, Ionian, and Tyrrhenian Seas. Italy’s diverse geography contributes to its reputation as a destination with stunning natural beauty, drawing travelers from around the world to explore its rich and varied landscapes.
Italy, bordered by the Alps in the north, is celebrated for its stunning landscapes, including picturesque countryside, beautiful coastlines, and the islands of Sardinia and Sicily. Iconic cities like Florence, Rome, and Venice, along with charming villages in the Italian Lake District and Riviera, make Italy a diverse and appealing destination.
Basilicata
Often overshadowed by its neighbors Calabria and Apulia in southern Italy, Basilicata is a hidden gem worthy of exploration. With a third of the region comprising nature reserves and national parks, Basilicata offers diverse and scenic landscapes. From the verdant and mountainous interior to the arid, wild coastline, the natural wonders are captivating. Amidst this backdrop, charming towns like Irsina and Maratea await discovery. Basilicata also boasts impressive archaeological sites and castles, with Matera, the 2019 European City of Culture, standing out as a highlight for many visitors.
Calabria is one of the 20 Most Beautiful Regions of Italy
Nestled at Italy’s ‘toe,’ Calabria boasts a bewitchingly beautiful coastline, bordered by the Tyrrhenian Sea to the west and the Ionian Sea to the east. While the region’s culture and city life are centered around the sea, Calabria is also home to three majestic mountain ranges, with a vast, forest-filled mountain plateau at its center. Calabria offers a laidback way of life that has endured for centuries, making it an ideal destination for a relaxing holiday. Travelers exploring the region will encounter fascinating Greek archaeological sites, Byzantine churches, and charming towns and villages steeped in history.
Campania
Campania, Italy’s most densely populated region, is a treasure trove of historical, natural, and scenic wonders. While Naples, Mount Vesuvius, and Pompeii draw crowds, the Amalfi Coast is equally renowned. Charming towns like Positano and Amalfi perch at the base of steep mountains, offering stunning views of the Mediterranean. Campania is a delightful destination with breathtaking scenery, rich history, and the idyllic islands of Capri and Ischia to explore. The region promises a fulfilling experience with its diverse attractions.
Emilia-Romagna
Emilia-Romagna, with its captivating old towns and diverse landscapes, offers a rich tapestry of experiences. Bologna, the region’s capital, boasts the oldest university in Europe. Beyond Bologna, Ferrara, Modena, and Ravenna showcase remarkable churches, museums, and monuments. Emilia-Romagna’s geography unfolds westward from the Adriatic, revealing mountains, hills, valleys, and plains leading to its scenic coastline. The region promises a harmonious blend of cultural richness and natural beauty, making it a compelling destination.
Friuli-Venezia Giulia
Friuli-Venezia Giulia, positioned at the crossroads of Southern, Central, and Eastern Europe, offers a unique blend of cultures and landscapes. Trieste, the capital, reflects this diversity through its people, architecture, and ambiance. The region’s picturesque mountains, forests, and alpine lakes provide a stunning backdrop, inviting outdoor enthusiasts to indulge in activities like hiking, mountaineering, and swimming in summer, and skiing and snowboarding in winter. Rich in history, Friuli-Venezia Giulia showcases numerous castles and historic monuments, narrating tales of its varied rulers across different eras.
Lazio
Lazio, home to Rome, boasts more than its iconic capital. The Castelli Romani, situated near Rome, offers charming hillside towns with scenic lakes and hills. Day trips to Civita Castellana and Tivoli from Rome are also delightful. Despite being mostly flat, Lazio’s picturesque countryside and sandy beaches along the coastline provide opportunities for exploration and relaxation beyond the bustling city life of Rome.
Liguria
Liguria, known for the Italian Riviera and the picturesque Cinque Terre villages, hugs Italy’s northwest coastline. The region’s narrow strip is dotted with charming towns and villages. Genoa, the capital, offers a lively city experience, while Portofino is a popular destination. Liguria’s modest size contrasts with its impressive scenery, bordered by the Alps and Apennines to the north and the Mediterranean to the south. The diverse landscapes provide stunning views, and the coastline boasts scenic hiking trails.
Lombardy
Lombardy, bordering Switzerland in northern Italy, offers diverse and stunning scenery. The region ranges from the Alps in the north to the Prealps, the Italian lake district, and vibrant cities like Milan, Bergamo, and Lecco. Lombardy caters to various interests—explore Milan’s fashion boutiques, cruise scenic lakes like Como or Garda, and venture into the Alps for breathtaking views on hiking trails. Cities in Lombardy often feature historic centers against a backdrop of mountains or lakes, providing a blend of cultural and natural attractions.
Marche
Marche, located in central Italy, offers a serene and less crowded alternative to popular destinations like Rome and Venice. The region boasts diverse landscapes, including the Apennines in the west, rolling farmland and plains in the center, and scenic beaches with steep cliffs along the eastern shore. Ancona, the main city, is rich in history with numerous museums and monuments. Marche also features hidden gems like the ancient town of Ascoli Piceno, the walled city of Cingoli, and the beach resort town of Fano, making it a comprehensive representation of Italy’s varied attractions.
Molise
Molise, the second smallest region in Italy, offers an off-the-beaten-path experience with few visitors. This makes it an ideal destination for those seeking an authentic, crowd-free Italian experience. The southern region boasts diverse landscapes, featuring the Adriatic coast with beautiful beaches and rocky cliffs. Inland, splendid nature reserves and parks invite exploration. Molise is dotted with fascinating archaeological sites and castles. Tiny villages like Carovilli, Ripalimosani, and San Pietro Avellana, surrounded by forests, mountains, and rolling hills, exude an untouched-by-time charm.
Piedmont
Piedmont, located in the northwest of Italy, is characterized by breathtaking scenery, bordered by the Alps on three sides. Besides the majestic mountains and the plethora of outdoor activities they offer, the region features the picturesque Lake Maggiore and rolling hills adorned with vineyards and charming wineries. While Turin serves as the capital and central hub of Piedmont, exploring further unveils marvelous towns and cities like Asti, Bra, and Stresa.
Sardinia
Sardinia, situated just south of Corsica in the Mediterranean, is renowned for its breathtaking beauty. Beyond its jagged cliffs and scenic coastline, the island’s mountainous interior offers fantastic exploration opportunities. With a diverse range of landscapes and a Mediterranean climate, Sardinia is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering popular activities such as swimming, sailing, windsurfing, hiking, and camping. The island’s largest cities, Cagliari and Sassari, are worth a visit, but the true charm lies in the picturesque villages scattered throughout Sardinia’s stunning scenery, providing a peaceful escape from the crowded beaches.
Sicily
Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, stands out with its distinct history shaped by various civilizations, including the Greeks, Romans, Arabs, and Normans. Cities like Palermo, Catania, and Trapani showcase the island’s rich cultural heritage. Sicily boasts stunning landscapes, archaeological sites, and ruins, providing fascinating views wherever you go. Beyond its popularity as a beach destination, the island features diverse habitats, including the majestic Mount Etna, Europe’s largest volcano. The interior is a picturesque blend of hills, farmland, and charming villages, offering a unique and multifaceted experience.
Trentino-South Tyrol
Trentino-South Tyrol, bordering Switzerland and Austria in northeastern Italy, is renowned for its breathtaking mountain scenery, particularly the majestic Dolomites. The alpine region is a haven for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and mountaineering. The towns and villages vary in appearance, with some exhibiting a Germanic influence and others a more Italian character. Brizen, Meran, Val Gardena, and the capital Bolzano are noteworthy destinations.
The region is home to the Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park, the most visited in Italy, offering a diverse range of natural wonders. In addition to the towering mountains, visitors can explore charming lakes, rivers, valleys, and the Seiser Alm, Europe’s largest alpine plateau. The combination of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures makes Trentino-South Tyrol a captivating destination.
Tuscany
Tuscany, one of Italy’s most beloved regions, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and scenic landscapes. Florence, a romantic Renaissance city, is a cultural hub, while Siena offers a medieval charm. The iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa and the renowned Chianti wine region add to the region’s allure.
Exploring Tuscany reveals not only its historic cities but also its captivating countryside, characterized by picturesque hills, farmland, and vineyards. The region’s coastline along the Tyrrhenian Sea adds a coastal dimension to its diverse offerings. Nature parks, hot springs, and charming islands further contribute to Tuscany’s appeal.
Umbria
Umbria, a landlocked region in central Italy, boasts enchanting rolling countryside and a collection of captivating towns and villages. Perugia, a vibrant university town with a medieval center, and Assisi, a significant religious center, are just a glimpse into the region’s offerings.
Umbria’s charm extends beyond its towns, with hidden gems like Gubbio, Bevagna, and Trevi waiting to be discovered. The rural landscapes that envelop the region add to the overall appeal of exploring Umbria’s delightful and lesser-known destinations.
Veneto[SEE MAP]
While Venice is undoubtedly the main attraction in Veneto, the region offers much more beyond its majestic canals and historical sights. In the north, Cortina d’Ampezzo provides breathtaking views of the Dolomites and offers skiing and hiking opportunities. To the west of Venice, you’ll find Treviso, Padua, Vicenza, and Verona, each with its own unique charm. Lake Garda, located on the border with Lombardy, adds to the region’s list of marvelous attractions.
Abruzzo
Located in central Italy, Abruzzo is a haven for nature enthusiasts, with nearly half of its land designated as national parks and reserves. Outdoor activities like hiking, rock climbing, and skiing thrive in this region. The diverse landscapes include dramatic Apennines in the west and a pristine Adriatic coastline to the east. Amid rolling hills and valleys, Abruzzo showcases impressive castles and medieval towns, with L’Aquila, Pescara, and Sulmona being popular destinations for visitors.
Aosta Valley
Situated in the Alps and sharing borders with France and Switzerland, Aosta Valley, though the smallest region in Italy, is rich in breathtaking sights. Home to iconic peaks like Mont Blanc, Matterhorn, Monte Rosa, and Gran Paradiso, the region is a paradise for nature lovers. Aosta Valley offers an abundance of scenic treks providing stunning views, while activities like mountaineering and skiing are cherished by both locals and tourists alike. The region’s alpine charm and outdoor pursuits make it a delightful destination.
Beyond its awe-inspiring mountains, valleys, and the Grand Paradiso National Park, Aosta Valley is adorned with charming mountain towns and hillside villages. Among them, Aosta and Courmayeur stand out as exceptional picks, offering a blend of alpine beauty, cultural richness, and a cozy mountain atmosphere. Visitors can explore the delightful charm of these towns while enjoying the stunning natural surroundings that define the appeal of Aosta Valley.
Apulia
Situated in Italy’s southeastern region, Apulia, covering the country’s ‘heel,’ enjoys a warm and inviting climate, making it a popular holiday destination. While rugged cliffs dominate much of its long coastline, Apulia boasts lovely beaches and a wealth of historical sights, charming towns, and cities. Notable destinations include Bari and Brindisi, but the standout is Lecce, often called ‘the Florence of the South’ for its beautiful architecture, historical landmarks, and cultural richness. Apulia offers a mix of history, culture, and nature, with attractions like the historic city of Gallipoli and the breathtaking Tremiti Islands waiting to be explored.
