The 20 regions of La Bella Italia

Regions for a holiday Italy, there's so much to choose from! Italy has a total of 20 different regions - counting the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. From the well-known regions like Lazio and Lombardy and the cities of Rome and Milan to the colourful Puglia and Liguria and the Italian charms of the Umbria and Tuscany regions, every place in Italy has something unique. 

But which region is best to stay in for your Italy holiday home? That question is different for everyone and depends on your needs on holiday. We have listed all the regions for you, so you can easily choose which region suits you best.

Northern Italy

1. Valle d’Aosta 

In the north-west of the country against the border of Switzerland and France, you will find the Valle d'Aosta region. This area is characterised by the giant mountain ranges of the Italian Alps, which surround it. Ancient Roman buildings, beautiful hiking and winter sports areas, untouched nature and vast vineyards make this area nostalgic.

2. Piedmont

The Piedmont region is the region for true gourmets. The region has won several awards, such as the city of Alba being named ‘Creative City for Gastronomy’ by UNESCO and the Langhe region being the cradle of the ‘Slow Food’ concept. Add to this the vineyards and rice fields and your holiday Italy in Piedmont is a true sensation of flavours and experiences. 

3. Liguria

Liguria, also part of the Flower Riviera, is loved by many tourists because of the well-known colourful coastal towns of Cince Terre and Portofino, which are built on giant cliffs by the water. The towns in Liguria give the region something idyllic, like looking at a painting. The region gives you a real holiday feeling and there is plenty to do in the area. 

4. Lombardy 

The Lombardy region is diverse; with Milan offering great shopping, historic cities, each with its own story, not to mention Lake Garda, Lake Como and Lake Maggiore as a base for families. There is something for everyone in this region and plenty to discover for those who want to dive deep into Italy's environment and history.

5. Trentino-South Tyrol 

Along the Dolomites you will find the region of Trentino-South Tyrol. The heart of the Italian Alps is surrounded by green nature, impressive mountain ranges and cultural cities. There is plenty to do in the Trentino-South Tyrol region: from winter sports or visiting castles to cycling or hiking through the rolling hills. The region is also known for its wellness; the many wellness centres with open pools overlooking the mountains will make you feel totally zen.

6. Veneto

Whoever thinks of the Veneto region naturally thinks of Venice. Once you have ticked this piece of romantic Italy off your bucket list, there is so much more to do in the Veneto area. How about visiting the city of Romeo and Juliet, finding out the secret of Italy's happiest village, or enjoying a drink in the Prosecco region? Every place in Veneto has its own story, and you won't get bored easily.

7. Friuli-Venezia Giulia

A somewhat lesser-known region, but one that is certainly not inferior for its beauty is the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region. There is relatively little tourism in this region, which ensures that you can experience typical Italian life. The area offers plenty of peace, space and nature, with green valleys with waterfalls and kilometres of lakes where you can canoe. The region is surprising and you will find something new in every area.

Central Italy

8. Emilia-Romagna

Castles, cathedrals, bell towers and centuries-old squares; you are back in the Emilia-Romagna region to Italy's ancient style for a while. Stroll the narrow streets of Bologna at a leisurely pace and check out the ancient buildings. You are also in the right place here, and in the rest of the region, for culinary excursions. For example, delicious pasta dishes and the ‘Prosciutto di Parma’ come from this region.

9. Tuscany

Tuscany's landscapes are vast and colourful, and the region is a favourite holiday destination every year. It is the part of Italy everyone dreams of; tear along the narrow roads on a red Vespa or overlook the beautiful landscape from your holiday home. The major cities of Siena, Florence and Pisa are centrally located and there is plenty to do. From fashion and history, to architecture and art.

10. Le Marche

The Le Marche region is known for its clear blue lakes and beautiful sandy beaches, making it the perfect holiday destination if you love sun and beaches. You will find bustling cities, cute villages and plenty of holiday homes and agritourisms. The hilly areas of Le Marche lend themselves perfectly to the region's cycling routes. You will feast your eyes on the breathtaking landscapes and many wine regions. 

11. Umbria

Umbria is also known as the green heart of Italy. Waterfalls, green landscapes and forests: if you are looking for nature, Umbria is the place to be. There is plenty to see and do in the region, so you can explore the area on foot or by bike or visit the cities of Assisi and Perugia, where you can stroll between the beautiful buildings and streets. In Umbria, you will find many holiday homes where you can completely unwind. 

12. Lazio 

Most know the Lazio region for its beautiful and ancient Rome. But this magical region offers so much more. The Lazio region is known for its ‘dying village’, the place Civita di Bagnoregio can be reached via a footbridge and you have breathtaking views of the area. Many places in Lazio were formed by volcanic activity in the past. This makes the area fairytale-like and extra unique. 

13. Abruzzo

Abruzzo is one of Italy's lesser known and visited regions, yet it still has its highlights. In Abruzzo, you will find no less than 4 national parks, which make up a third of the entire region. You will also find special villages in the region, each with its own specialities, such as the ‘pasta village’, ‘ceramics village’, ‘little Pompeii’ or a village where a special Dolchi is baked. Perfect for the sweet tooth among us!

14. Sardinia

Sardinia is one of Italy's beautiful islands and ideal for a beach holiday. The island has one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, with its clear blue waters and long sandy beaches. Sardinia has plenty to do, so you can visit its colourful towns, delve into the island's history or seek out the island's highest points (and highlights). The island is for the traveller who wants to enjoy all the beauty of Italy at a leisurely pace.

Southern Italy

15. Molise 

The often unknown region of Molise is for the advanced Italy holidaymaker who wants something just a little different from the popular areas and well-known cities. It is one of the smallest regions of Italy, where you can still enjoy the rich nature and culture undisturbed. Besides, you can go truffle hunting in Molise, as you can find surprisingly many truffles here.

16. Puglia 

Apulia, also called the region of Puglia, is known for its unique architecture, extraordinary bays and beaches, rocky outcrops and unique atmosphere. In the popular capital Bari, and in other places in the region, you will find the so-called ‘trulli’: the typical limestone houses with cone-shaped roofs. Puglia is an atmospheric and welcoming region that will make you wonder. 

17. Campania 

Campania is known for its quaint villages, rolling hills, and the well-known Amalfi Coast. The region is distinctive in all areas: the famous and infamous city of Naples where you will learn more about the Roman Empire, the Vesuvius volcano, the unique islands of Ischia and Capri and the taste of buffalo mozzarella and olive oil. It was the inspiration for artists and is your inspiration for a wonderful holiday.

18. Basilicata

Basilicata is a special region, with high-altitude, densely populated areas. The architecture of the Basilicata region has something unique: narrow streets and the rock-cut cave dwellings in Sassi di Matera. This provides beautiful views and shows a real slice of Italy. Man and nature live together harmoniously in this region, and this is reflected throughout. 

19. Calabria

The Calabria region is perhaps Italy's most unspoilt. Calabria has beautiful sandy beaches, unique natural areas, fairytale towns and some active getaways here and there. Along the coastline, you have the most beautiful views of the region, with pristine spots where few tourists visit. You can enjoy Calabria simply and in peace. 

20. Sicily  

In the southernmost and sunniest point of Italy you will find the island of Sicily. Impressive about the island is Mount Etna, the volcano that is currently still active. But there is much more to Sicily: picturesque villages, Roman history, the bustling city of Palermo, nature reserves and not forgetting the delicious Sicilian cuisine. There is a huge amount to explore on this beautiful island.