The regions to visit in Italy are numerous, and each area hides unique treasures: from the white sandy beaches of Sardinia to the green hills of Tuscany, to the splendid volcanoes of Sicily.
To help you discover all that this beautiful country has to offer, we have created an article that collects the 10 best regions of Italy to visit, with a detailed explanation of the must-see places and experiences to have if you come here for a vacation.
What are the most beautiful tourist regions in Italy?
When thinking of Italy, images of art cities, stunning coasts, and fascinating rural landscapes come to mind. However, for those who have never visited this nation, navigating between the different regions can be quite difficult.
This is why we decided to dedicate the next few lines to describing what characterizes the main Italian tourist regions. This way, it will be much easier for you to plan your next vacation, and you’ll be able to organize yourself better to visit the most beautiful places in this unique land.
1. Lazio
When thinking about the best regions in Italy to visit, Lazio is certainly one of the first that comes to mind.
It is here, in fact, that Roma (Rome) is located, a city that constitutes a true open-air museum.
Walking through its streets, you can discover the Colosseo (Colosseum), the famous arena that has stood in the historic center for two thousand years as a silent witness to the grand exploits of the ancient Roman Empire; or the Pantheon, the temple with the perfectly round dome that was one of the main places of worship of the time.
But Lazio doesn’t end with Rome. A few kilometers from the capital, wonders await you such as Ostia Antica, the ancient port of Rome that will catapult you into daily life two thousand years ago, letting you discover perfectly preserved paved streets, temples, and theaters; or Tivoli, a charming town where you can admire the magnificence of Villa d’Este, with its lush gardens and spectacular fountains, and Villa Adriana (Hadrian’s Villa), the imposing imperial residence that will transport you to the era of ancient Roman splendor.
And what about the cuisine: no one can resist a plate of spaghetti alla carbonara or a delicious sandwich with porchetta. You have to try it to believe it!
2. Veneto
When thinking of Veneto, the mind immediately flies to Venezia (Venice), one of the most romantic cities in the world. This architectural jewel is a maze of canals and bridges, where every alley tells stories of merchants, doges, and artists.
You can’t miss Piazza San Marco (St. Mark’s Square), with its majestic Basilica, and the Canal Grande (Grand Canal), crossed by the famous gondolas that offer an unparalleled view of the city.
But what makes Veneto one of the most beautiful regions in Italy is not just Venice. A short distance from the lagoon, you’ll find Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet and the historic arena where splendid musical performances are still held today.
For those who love natural landscapes, there are the Dolomiti (Dolomites), mountains that have become a UNESCO World Heritage site which, if in winter transform into a paradise for ski enthusiasts, in summer become the ideal place for excursions, trekking, and climbing.
3. Emilia-Romagna
When it comes to art, culture, and good cuisine, Emilia-Romagna is certainly a must-visit. The capital of this region, Bologna, is a city famous not only for the two towers that dominate the historic center but also for having the oldest university in Europe.
Walking through the streets of the center, you’ll be enveloped by the inviting aroma of local cuisine: you can’t leave Bologna without having tasted mortadella, tortellini in brodo (tortellini in broth), and lasagna alla bolognese.
But Emilia-Romagna is not just food. On the coast, you’ll find art cities like Ravenna, which with its Byzantine mosaics, will let you discover timeless artistic beauty, or places famous for their nightlife like Riccione and Milano Marittima.
And then there’s the Motor Valley, where motor enthusiasts can visit museums dedicated to Ferrari and Lamborghini, discovering Italian excellence in the field of sports cars.
4. Marche
Marche is also one of the Italian regions for holidays that can give you great surprises. Ancona, the capital, is a port city that combines the charm of history with the beauty of the sea.
Here, you can visit the Cattedrale di San Ciriaco (Cathedral of San Ciriaco), which dominates the port from above, offering you a spectacular view of the Adriatic Sea, but also the Passetto, an iconic place in the city where a monumental staircase leads you directly to the sea, allowing you to enjoy a walk between nature and history.
But the cultural heart of Marche is Urbino: the latter is famous for being the birthplace of Raphael, and its historic center is rich in references to the celebrated Renaissance painter, as well as important works of the era, first and foremost the majestic Palazzo Ducale (Ducal Palace).
For those who love nature, this region offers splendid parks, first among them the Conero, where you can admire wonderful landscapes and go hiking among trails that wind between sea and mountain; but also entirely unique experiences, like the one you can live at the Grotte di Frasassi (Frasassi Caves), a place where you’ll find an incredible underground world of stalactites and stalagmites that will leave you breathless.
5. Toscana (Tuscany)
Tuscany is an Italian region that seems to have stepped out of a painting. What makes it one of the most beautiful places in Italy are its rural landscapes, the cypresses that dot the hills, and the cities that house unparalleled art treasures.
Among the latter, Firenze (Florence) is the cradle of the Renaissance: here you can not only be enchanted by the majesty of the Duomo (Cathedral), but also lose yourself among the paintings of the splendid Galleria degli Uffizi (Uffizi Gallery) and be amazed in front of Michelangelo’s statue of David.
Among the other wonders of the place, we cannot fail to mention Pisa, with its famous Torre Pendente (Leaning Tower), or Siena, famous for the palio that is held every year in its celebrated Piazza del Campo.
And then there are the Chianti hills, ideal for a tasting of fine wines, and small medieval villages like Volterra and San Gimignano where time seems to have stood still. Here, you can stroll through narrow cobblestone streets, admire the towers that soar into the sky, and discover artisan workshops where the past still lives through ancient traditions.
The cuisine here in Tuscany is also a heritage: try the ribollita, an ancient bread and vegetable soup, or the bistecca alla fiorentina (Florentine steak). We’re sure you won’t easily forget these Italian delicacies.
6. Puglia (Apulia)
Puglia, located in the “heel” of the Italian boot, is a land surrounded by a crystal-clear sea that reserves surprises for its tourists on every side.
The capital of this region is Bari, a city where ancient and modern blend perfectly, creating a unique atmosphere that will captivate you from the first moment. On one side, there’s Bari Vecchia (Old Bari), with its intricate maze of narrow alleys where you can discover one of the most important churches in Southern Italy, the Basilica di San Nicola (Basilica of Saint Nicholas), and breathe in the authentic daily life of the locals.
On the other side, there’s a modern and lively city, with shops, restaurants, and a seafront that invites you to relax and enjoy the splendid view of the Adriatic.
But Puglia is also (and especially) famous for its beautiful coastal cities, each with a unique and unparalleled character.
Among the most precious pearls, we have Polignano a Mare, a town perched on steep cliffs where white rock houses seem suspended over the sea; but also Gallipoli, the “Beautiful City,” with its historic center on an island and golden beaches that attract visitors from all over the world. We can’t forget Otranto, the easternmost point of Italy, a city where tourists can admire a suggestive mix of natural beauties and unique historical treasures.
7. Umbria
Umbria, also known as the “green heart of Italy”, is a region that, in addition to having beautiful hilly landscapes, possesses a rich historical and cultural heritage.
The capital of this territory is Perugia, a city that is a maze of medieval alleys converging on the splendid Piazza IV Novembre, where the beautiful Fontana Maggiore (Major Fountain), a masterpiece of the medieval era, stands. The city is also famous for its University for Foreigners, and for Eurochocolate, the annual festival dedicated to chocolate, which transforms Perugia into a paradise for the sweetest tooth.
But Umbria is also known for its spiritual places. Assisi, the birthplace of Saint Francis, is one of the holiest places in Christianity, and the basilica welcomes thousands of pilgrims from all over the world every year.
Not far from Assisi, we then find Spoleto, another Umbrian gem famous for its Festival dei Due Mondi (Festival of Two Worlds); and Orvieto which, with its imposing Gothic Cathedral, considered one of the most beautiful in Italy, is among the most visited cities in the region.
8. Sicilia (Sicily)
Sicily is an island that embodies the essence of the Mediterranean, a land where sea and history merge into a landscape of rare beauty.
Its capital, Palermo, is a city where the charm of the sea intertwines with a rich historical and cultural tradition. One of the most fascinating aspects of this place is undoubtedly its vibrant culinary scene, which manifests itself in all its authenticity in the city’s historic markets, such as Ballarò and Vucciria.
Walking among the stalls, you’ll be surrounded by an explosion of colors: fresh fruit and vegetables, freshly caught fish, local cheeses, and, of course, the famous specialties of Palermo street food.
But it’s along the Sicilian coast that you’ll find some of the island’s most spectacular attractions. Taormina, for example, is one of the most renowned tourist destinations, situated on a natural terrace overlooking the Ionian Sea.
On the eastern coast, you can visit l’Etna (Mount Etna), the highest active volcano in Europe, which rises imposingly near Catania, a city known for its baroque architecture in lava stone, and for its black sand beaches on the slopes of the volcano, where you can explore craters and volcanic caves, enjoying spectacular panoramas.
9. Abruzzo
Among the most beautiful regions of Italy, we couldn’t fail to mention Abruzzo. L’Aquila, its capital, is a city rich in history and charm, located in the heart of the Apennines. Here, you can visit the majestic Basilica di San Bernardino (Basilica of San Bernardino), with its imposing Renaissance façade, and the Fortezza Spagnola (Spanish Fortress), an impressive military construction that offers a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding mountains.
But Abruzzo is also about the sea, and the Costa dei Trabocchi (Trabocchi Coast) is one of its most suggestive stretches. Here, you’ll find the trabocchi, ancient wooden structures that were used for fishing and that make this place truly magical.
Today, some of these trabocchi have been transformed into restaurants where, in addition to enjoying freshly caught fish, you can taste all the best delicacies of the area, such as arrosticini (lamb skewers), or spaghetti alla chitarra with a ragù (meat sauce), lulled by the sound of the sea waves.
10. Campania
Finally, among the best regions of Italy, we couldn’t exclude Campania. It’s right here, between the crystal-clear sea and the imposing mountains, that one of the most iconic Italian dishes in the world was born: pizza.
You can’t visit Napoli (Naples), the capital, without tasting a real pizza margherita, cooked in a wood-fired oven and served with fresh tomato, buffalo mozzarella, and a drizzle of olive oil.
This city is also characterized by the presence of Vesuvio (Mount Vesuvius), the volcano that in 79 AD buried the cities of Pompei (Pompeii) and Ercolano (Herculaneum). Visiting these archaeological sites is like taking a journey back in time, where you can walk among perfectly preserved ruins and discover how the ancient Romans lived.
But this region is also famous for the Costiera Amalfitana (Amalfi Coast), an area that with its breathtaking panoramas and colorful cities like Positano and Amalfi, offers spectacular views of the sea. If you come here, don’t forget to savor a glass of limoncello, the famous lemon liqueur produced right in this region.
Discover the Most Beautiful Regions of Italy with Anita Villas
As you could read throughout this guide, the Italian regions are so different from each other that each of them turns out to be a great surprise.
To best experience these lands, there’s nothing better than booking a holiday home with a pool. Unlike a hotel, a holiday home offers you spacious and private spaces where you can live your moments of relaxation without having to follow strict rules on schedules or other restrictions. Here you can cook your favorite dishes with fresh local ingredients, relax by the pool at any time of the day, and live your vacation at your own pace, without any compromises. Moreover, a holiday home is perfect for groups of friends or families, because it offers all the comforts of a home combined with the pleasure of living immersed in nature or close to the main tourist attractions.
Anita Villas is the ideal partner for those who wish to discover Italy in all its beauty. With a curated selection of villas and holiday homes in some of the most fascinating regions of the country, Anita Villas offers you the possibility to experience an unforgettable stay, surrounded by comfort and luxury. Each property is carefully chosen to ensure an authentic experience, in unique locations that allow you to easily explore the surrounding territory.
Don’t miss the opportunity to discover the wonders of Italy by booking one of Anita Villas’ exclusive villas. You can find us in every part of Italy:
- Villas in the Marche
- Villas in Tuscany
- Villas in Sicily
- Villas in Apulia
- Villas in Emilia-Romagna
- Villas in Lazio
- Villas in Umbria
- Villas in Abruzzo