The Beaches of Puglia
The heel of the Boot, Puglia is the bread basket of Italy producing a great deal of fruit and vegetables, olive oil and Primitivo wine. The region has a seen a surge in popularity due to their amazing beaches, stunning food, wonderful rustic countryside views, with warm and sharing people.
Visit Puglia if… you enjoy a slower pace of life, love the beach, are a foodie (you will have amazing food for every meal), and want to get a little more for your travel dollar. You can choose from several rustic places to stay as a home base then rent a car to explore several towns each with their unique charm.
On the east coast where the north of Italy meets the south is one of the most beautiful regions in the country.The Apennines mountain range defines Abruzzo as it boasts the title of “Greenest Region in Europe.” One third of Abruzzo has been set aside for national parks and nature reserves.
Visit Abruzzo if… you are a nature lover, need to get away from tourists, and want to drive (not the best area to get around in). Explore ancient villages on top of mountains with stunning views. If you enjoy meeting locals, hospitality here is top notch.
Spread across the north of the country are Italian’s own collection of Great Lakes. These lakes and their surrounding landscapes are filled with spectacular views and incredible diversity. Lake Como is not to be missed, as it offers everything you could want in a lake retreat. Surrounded by mountains Como has some of the best trails in Europe and stunning backdrops wherever you look.
Visit Lake Como if… you want to immerse yourself into some dramatically stunning views, get outdoors and enjoy an active adventure. It is almost impossible to take a bad photo here.
The instep of the Boot, Basilicata is in the heart of the Apennines and is the most mountainous region of the south. The volcanic activity over the years has created a region full of mountains, valleys and excellent caves. There is a wealth of rich historic culture (Greco-Roman remains and Medieval castles), but it has fallen on harder times more recently as one of the poorer regions of Italy. Basilicata also borders along 2 coastlines in the Tyrrhenian and Ionian seas.
Visit Basilicata if… you really want to get off the beaten path (you probably will need a car to make the most of your time here) and have a love of prehistoric and ancient history. Basilicata offers a lot, you just have to do a little more work to discover its secrets. If you love spicy food, ask the locals for their hottest delicacies and good luck!
The Cinque Terre (meaning five lands) is comprised of 5 (really six, but we won’t quibble) separate coastal hill-perched villages connected by hiking trails and a local train. The towns of Corniglia, Manarola, Monterosso, Riomaggiore, and Vernazza are uniquely different and they still cling onto their authenticity while the tourists increasingly visit.
Visit Le Cinque Terre if… you want to get away from the museums and tourist traps of the north and get a taste of old world Italian charm. Pack some hiking shoes, you won’t want to miss the stunning views of some of the best coastal hiking in the world.Perhaps you might enjoy a romantic dinner on a sailing boat with a prime view you will never forget.
The Volcanic Island of Sicily (Italian: Sicilia)
Sicily is the biggest island in the Mediterranean and home to the active, yet non threatening volcano “Etna.” This region is the center of Greco-Roman culture and the convergence of many ancient civilizations such as Phoenicians, Huns, Ostrogoths, Byzantines, Arabs and the Normans. The climate, volcanic nature, and sea make this region rich with flavors and sensations likely to steal your heart.
Visit Sicily if… you want to experience natural beauty, rich vibrant local culture, spectacular views, and incredible food that will have your taste buds excited at every sight and sensation. Or perhaps you want to walk through ancient remains of civilizations from the second and third century before Christ.
The enchanting Amalfi Coast boasts some of the most spectacular views along winding roads stretching for 40+ miles. You can drive or hop on a boat to take in the backdrop of mountainous coastlines peppered with Mediterranean fishing villages clinging onto the cliff sides. Not too far from Sorrento, Ercolano and Pompeii are a must for those who love archeology and nature.
Visit Amalfi if… you are hoping to spent some quality time in a romantic place.The surrounding beauty, the sea, and the food are all perfect ingredients to propose and get “yes” in reply.
The Dolomites are a breathtaking series of tall spiky mountains in northeast Italy. Annexed from Austria in 1917, this region offers a distinct amalgam of Austrian/Italian cultures. Many cities carry multiple names in various languages. The summer months are verdant and green with excellent hiking while the winter months offer some amazing skiing activities.
Visit the Dolomites if… you are interested in an active, outdoorsy vacation with the chance to practice your German. If photography is your passion, it is likely you will never put down your camera for more than 5 minutes.
Much has been written about the lush rolling hills, vineyards, picturesque olive groves, and the world famous Renaissance art in Florence. Tuscany is perhaps the best known of all the Italian regions because it offers so much to world travelers. Situated right in the heart of Italy with great access to the transportation system, almost every traveler to Italy will find themselves within it’s borders.
Visit Tuscany if… you want to walk along the same streets travelled by Michelangelo, Vasari, Brunelleschi, Giotto and admire their masterpieces. Or perhaps you want to get lost in the charming countrysides riding a bike through fields of poppies, sunflowers, grapes, and fall in love with la bella vita.
Way up north bordering France is the second largest region in Italy surrounded on three sides by the Alps. The countryside has a contrasting range of high peaks to lowland rice paddies and Borolo vineyards. The Alps provide a wonderful backdrop for the many small towns dotting the countryside. Those familiar with the Slow Food movement will recognize that the Piedmontese take their time to enjoy a wonderful meal.
Visit Piedmont if… you want to get active and ski, hike or golf your way across the countryside. Or perhaps you want to try someplace in Italy you haven’t been before and want to experience the art of chocolate making or visit several wineries in the Po River Valley.
The Plains of Emilia-Romagna
Just north of Tuscany and between the River Po and the Apennines lies the plains of Emilia-Romagna. A great agricultural region home to several dozens of rivers and four national parks. Without any of Italy’s largest tourist attractions, Emilia-Romagna more than makes up for it with world renowned culinary delights. Balsamic vinegar, Parmesan cheese, prosciutto di Parma, tortellini and many other culinary staples were invented here.
Visit Emilia-Romagna if… you are a foodie this is a must stop for you. Similar in experience to Tuscany without the mass of tourists and many more castles. Car lovers will want to tour through Motor Valley, home of Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, and Ducati.
