North vs South: Which part of Italy is perfect for you?
Known affectionately by locals as the Bel Paese, or beautiful country, Italy is an extremely popular destination for families, couples, and groups of all ages and interests, and consistently ranks in the top ten most visited countries in the world. Land of la dolce vita — a life of pleasure and luxury — the timeless destination is home to a diverse range of cultural practices, historic treasures, and globally acclaimed food and wine.
The country can be roughly divided between north and south, with the northern areas influenced by the industriousness of neighboring Germanic nations and the south characterized by a more laid-back approach to life. Both regions are so full of wonders that it can feel impossible to know where to go — so our passionate Italy experts have pulled together a definitive guide to help you decide whether north or south Italy best matches your personality and travel goals.
North Italy
From the great outdoors to vibrant cities, northern Italy is the ideal destination for luxury European travel, with endless riches to explore. In the far north, the soaring Alps gently hug the legendary lakes of Como, Garda, and Iseo, and provide the backdrop for world-class hiking, mountain biking, as well as thrilling water sports and calming sailing trips, especially on Lake Garda. This area is also the perfect base for exploring nearby European gems like Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, which are all a scenic train ride away.
From the Alps, venture southeast to iconic Venice, the undisputed Queen of the Adriatic, or southwest to the UNESCO-listed Cinque Terre National Park, a wonderland of pretty trails amid five multicolored medieval villages perched spectacularly on seaside cliffs. Culture seekers are also spoiled for choice: come face to face with the heartstopping beauty of Michelangelo’s David and myriad more Renaissance treasures in Florence, or stand in the shadow of the 2000-year-old Colosseum in Rome. Technically considered part of the north, with its bustling yet laid-back atmosphere and hearty cuisine, Rome is culturally more akin to the south of Italy — perfect if you’re looking to get the best of both worlds.
As for beaches, the north has some secrets up its sleeve. As well as the sandy shores of Cinque Terre, the area around Portofino is our favorite northern Italian destination for sun worshipping. The hidden cove of Paraggi is the only sandy beach in the area, lapped by calm blue-green waters, and San Fruttuoso is a special secluded spot backed by a striking ancient abbey. The region’s real showstopper when it comes to natural wonders, though, is the Dolomite mountain range, with its world-class hiking trails, picturesque villages, and valleys carpeted with wildflower meadows.
Wine and food lovers have plenty to get excited about in the north, which is home to the famous wine regions of Tuscany, Veneto, Piedmont, and Umbria. Pasta aficionados should make a beeline for Emilia Romagna to sample classics like lasagne, tortellini, and ragù straight from the source. Liguria is famous for its pesto and focaccia, and Lombardy for polenta and the best risotto you’ll ever eat. After an unforgettable main course, order a tiramisù and finish up with a caffè, or espresso, to aid digestion.
South Italy
The south has a strong cultural and artistic identity, and is home to some of the country’s best beaches, characterful cities, and compelling historical sites. Despite these impressive credentials, the region remains the underdog, drawing fewer visitors than the north.
The south’s national parks include the famed Vesuvius, where you can scale the slopes of one of the world’s most active volcanoes with a volcanologist, learning about its remarkable history and marveling at the breathtaking views across the Bay of Naples. No visit to the south is complete without a trip to nearby Pompeii to discover the astonishingly preserved remains of a thriving Roman town that was buried suddenly by an eruption of Vesuvius. Wander around 2000-year-old streets and excavated ruins in this vast archaeological site, and marvel at the detail of ancient life, interrupted.
Further south, more historical marvels await. Matera in Basilicata is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its sassi houses carved directly into the rocks and inhabited since the paleolithic era, and the small town of Alberobello is dotted with trulli — traditional dry stone huts with distinctive conical roofs.
The breathtaking Amalfi Coast is southern Italy’s shining jewel, a striking shoreline studded with colorful fishing towns and the iconic town of Sorrento, famous for its cliffside setting and stunning sea views. Set sail for the island of Capri, Italy’s most exclusive destination, home to grand villas, charming mountain villages, and the Blue Grotto, an underwater sea cave that glows bright cyan. Further out in the Tyrrhenian Sea, the magnificent island of Sardinia lies surrounded by water so turquoise you have to see it to believe it. Another exquisite island destination in the south is Sicily, from the atmospheric capital of Palermo to the pristine Greek temples of Agrigento, pink-hued baroque architecture of Noto, and the majestic Mount Etna. For a full rundown of this incredible isle, read the story of our recent trip here.
The south is the land of eternal sunshine, and Puglia in particular is a beach lover’s heaven. Lounge on the shores of the dazzling Adriatic at Torre dell’Orso sweeping turquoise bay surrounded by soaring cliffs and fragrant pine forest, or step straight from the charming town of Polignano a Mare onto its cliff-framed beach of Lama Monachile, backed by a picturesque Roman-era bridge.
Like everything else, the food and wine is more intense in the south. Puglia and Sicily are the major wine regions, with the slopes of Etna producing unique flavors from the fertile, volcanic terroir. For Italy’s southerners, food is all about sharing and connection — which goes some way to explaining why Naples was the birthplace of pizza. Thanks to its proximity to the Mediterranean, the region is where you’ll find the tastiest olive oil, fish, pasta, and vegetables. Wherever you go in the south, be sure to wash your meal down with a glass or two of limoncello, the coveted lemon digestiv. In Sicily, it’s all about cannoli, sweet tubes of crispy dough filled with creamy, sugary ricotta — we guarantee an authentic cannolo is like nothing you’ve tastedoutside of Sicily.
Getting around
Italy’s cities and regions are connected by a network of reliable, high-speed Frecciarossa and Frecciabianca trains. Step aboard in Rome, sip on a glass of wine in your window seat and arrive at the Amalfi Coast in plenty of time for dinner with a view.
For a special treat, step aboard the UNESCO-listed Bernina Express between Tirano in Lombardy and St. Moritz in Switzerland, and gaze out of panoramic windows at alpine glaciers and shimmering lakes.
Best time to visit
Whether you opt for north or south, the best time to travel to Italy is spring or autumn, since summers can get hot and overcrowded. The south benefits from a mild winter and is particularly pleasant between seasons, whereas the north gets very cold in winter and is best avoided unless you love to ski.
