Loading...
From the Alps to Sicily, explore Italy's authentic regional cultures, cuisines, and traditions
Each of Italy's 20 regions has its own distinct identity, shaped by centuries of history, unique geography, and deeply-rooted culinary traditions. From the snow-capped peaks of the Dolomites to the sun-drenched shores of Sicily, discover the soul of Italy one region at a time.
Click on any region to discover its cities, cuisine, and cultural treasures
Explore all 21 Italian regions organized by geographic area: Northern Italy, Central Italy, Southern Italy, and the Islands. Each region offers unique cultural traditions, culinary specialties, and travel experiences.
Piedmont, meaning 'at the foot of the mountains,' is a northwestern region known for its prestigious wines including Barolo and Barbaresco, the elegant city of Turin, and the stunning Alps. The region is a culinary powerhouse, birthplace of the Slow Food movement, and home to white truffles from Alba.
Italy's smallest and least populated region, Aosta Valley is a mountainous paradise nestled between Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn, and Monte Rosa. This autonomous region blends Italian and French cultures, offering world-class skiing, Roman ruins in Aosta, and distinctive Fontina cheese.
Italy's most populous and economically powerful region, Lombardy is home to Milan, the nation's fashion and financial capital. Beyond the metropolis lie the romantic Italian Lakes, Renaissance cities like Bergamo and Mantua, and the rich culinary traditions that gave us risotto alla milanese and panettone.
A unique bilingual region where Italian and German cultures merge, Trentino-Alto Adige offers the dramatic Dolomites, excellent skiing in resorts like Cortina, and charming alpine towns. The region produces outstanding wines and boasts a distinctive cuisine blending Mediterranean and Austrian influences.
From the magical canals of Venice to the romantic balconies of Verona, Veneto captivates visitors with its artistic heritage, prosecco vineyards, and Palladian villas. The region encompasses the Dolomites, Lake Garda's shores, and Padua's ancient university, offering incredible diversity.
Where Italy meets Central Europe, this northeastern region blends Italian, Slavic, and Austrian influences. Trieste's Habsburg grandeur, Udine's Venetian elegance, world-class white wines, and the prosciutto of San Daniele make this an undiscovered gem for discerning travelers.
A slender crescent of coast between the Alps and the sea, Liguria is home to the colorful villages of Cinque Terre, glamorous Portofino, and the historic port city of Genoa. The birthplace of pesto, this region offers dramatic cliffside scenery, hidden beaches, and exceptional seafood.
Italy's culinary heartland stretches from the Po Valley to the Adriatic. This is where Parmigiano-Reggiano, prosciutto di Parma, balsamic vinegar, and fresh pasta were perfected. Bologna's medieval towers, Ravenna's Byzantine mosaics, and Ferrari's Maranello factory add cultural and automotive excitement.
The quintessential Italian region, Tuscany embodies Renaissance art in Florence, medieval towers in San Gimignano, and rolling hills dotted with cypress trees and vineyards. From Chianti wines to Florentine steak, Tuscan culture has shaped global perceptions of Italian beauty and gastronomy.
The 'green heart of Italy,' landlocked Umbria offers mystical hilltop towns like Assisi and Orvieto, black truffles, and a slower pace of life. This spiritual region, home to St. Francis, provides an authentic Italian experience without the tourist crowds of neighboring Tuscany.
Stretched along the Adriatic coast, Marche combines beach resorts with Renaissance treasures like Urbino's Ducal Palace. This underrated region offers dramatic caves, the sacred sanctuary of Loreto, excellent seafood, and some of Italy's most affordable and authentic experiences.
Home to the Eternal City of Rome, Lazio encompasses 3,000 years of history from Etruscan tombs to Vatican treasures. Beyond the capital lie volcanic lakes, medieval villages, ancient Roman ports, and the pastoral landscapes that inspired countless artists throughout history.
Wild and mountainous, Abruzzo is one of Europe's greenest regions, with national parks protecting wolves, bears, and chamois. Medieval hilltop villages, shepherd traditions, saffron cultivation, and hearty mountain cuisine make this region a paradise for nature lovers and food enthusiasts.
Italy's second-smallest region is so overlooked that 'Molise doesn't exist' became an Italian meme. Yet this hidden gem offers unspoiled medieval villages, ancient Samnite ruins, traditional crafts, and authentic southern Italian hospitality untouched by mass tourism.
From the chaos of Naples to the glamour of the Amalfi Coast, Campania pulses with life. Pompeii's ruins, Capri's blue waters, authentic pizza, and the world's best mozzarella make this volcanic region an essential Italian destination combining history, beauty, and gastronomy.
The heel of Italy's boot, Puglia has emerged as a hot destination for its whitewashed towns, trulli cone-roofed houses, Baroque Lecce, and 800 kilometers of coastline. The region's olive oil, orecchiette pasta, and burrata cheese represent southern Italian cuisine at its finest.
Also known as Lucania, this remote southern region is home to Matera, whose ancient cave dwellings transformed from national shame to UNESCO World Heritage Site and European Capital of Culture. Rugged mountains, empty beaches, and fiery peperoncino characterize this untamed land.
The toe of Italy's boot, Calabria boasts 800 kilometers of coastline, the wild Aspromonte and Sila mountains, and ancient Greek heritage at Reggio's museum. Famous for 'nduja spicy spread, bergamot citrus, and the fierce hospitality of the Calabrese people.
The Mediterranean's largest island is a crossroads of civilizations, from Greek temples at Agrigento to Arab-Norman palaces in Palermo. Active Mount Etna towers over a land of stunning beaches, baroque cities, incredible street food, and wine from volcanic soils.
The second-largest Mediterranean island offers some of Europe's most pristine beaches along the Costa Smeralda, mysterious nuraghe Bronze Age towers, and a unique culture distinct from mainland Italy. Sardinia's shepherding traditions, pecorino cheese, and longevity-promoting diet attract seekers of authentic experiences.
