Regions of Italy: all you need to know to plan a trip (with map)

Essential guide to the regions of Italy: what they are, their names, location, most important towns and most famous attractions for visitors.

Italy it organized in 20 regioni, Italian administrative regions.

Each regione has a main city, called capoluogo di regione, and is subdivided into smaller areas called provincie (provinces), each of them with a local capital (capoluogo di provincia).

The regions of Italy are an important part of Italian identity and you often hear them mentioned when discussing where someone is from and they also often come up in talks about travel and itineraries, which is why I believe this article can be of use to you when planning your Italy trip!

Some regions are known as travel destinations, Tuscany and Sicily being the perfect example of this, while others are overshadowed by some of their most famous locations.

This is a list of Italian regions with their names, a map and the most famous attractions in each.

Good to know: food wise, each region has its own specialties. Find our guide to Italy’s regional food here.

Need to know: current health and safety regulations limit the opportunities to move in between region and, at times, even between provinces and municipalities. If planning any travel in Italy in 2021, please take this into account, check official sources at the time of travel and abide by regulations at all times.

The 20 regions of Italy

Italy regions quick chart:

Name of the Region	Main city	Most visited localities
Val D’Aosta/ Aosta Valley	Aosta	Mont Blanc/Courmayer, Cervinia/Matterhorn, Gran Paradiso National Park
Piemonte / Piedmont	Torino/Turin	Turin, Alba, Lake Orta area
Lombardia/ Lombardy	Milano/Milan	Milan, Lake Como, Lake Maggiore, Lake Garda West Shore
Veneto	Venezia/Venice	Venice, Verona, Lake Garda (Eastern shore)
Trentino Alto Adige	Trento/Bolzano	Dolomites
Friuli Venezia Giulia	Trieste	Trieste, Lignano Sabbiadoro area
Emilia Romagna	Bologna	Bologna, Parma, Ravenna
Liguria	Genova/Genoa	Cinque Terre, Genoa
Toscana/Tuscany	Florence	Florence, Siena, Chianti region, Val d’Orcia region
Marche	Ancona	Urbino, Numana
Abruzzo	L’Aquila	Gran Sasso National Park
Umbria	Perugia	Assisi, Orvieto, Perugia, Spello, Gubbio
Lazio	Rome	Rome, Civita di Bagnoregio, Ostia Antica
Campania	Naples	Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, Capri, Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius
Molise	Campobasso	Termoli
Puglia/Apulia	Bari	Alberobello, Bari, Lecce
Basilicata	Matera	Matera
Calabria	Reggio Calabria	Tropea
Sicilia/Sicily	Palermo	Palermo, Taormina, Siracusa, Valley of the Temples, Noto Valley
Sardegna/Sardinia	Cagliari	Costa Smeralda, Orosei, Golfo dell’Asinara, Alghero, Cagliari

The special statue regions of Italy (Regioni a Statuto Speciale)

Among the 20 regions of Italy, 4 stand out for being ‘special statute’ regions, meaning regions with a status that is unique to them and that grants to them more autonomy, due to specific historical and/or geographical reasons.

These are:

• Valle d’Aosta/Vallée d’Aoste/Aosta Valley
• Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol
• Friuli Venezia Giulia
• Sicilia/Sicily
• Sardegna/Sardinia

This is an important thing to know if you are planning on living in Italy however, it doesn’t affect your travel plans and it is an administrative organizational you can largely ignore.

Regions of Italy map

What to see in each Italian region

Compiling a comprehensive list of all there is to see in each region is an endless task and arguably not the most useful either, from the point of view of planning travel. Instead, I felt it was useful to outline the most famous Italian attractions in each region and give you travel resources about each – I will add guides as we add them, bookmark this article for later or pin it for east access!

The list is in random order:

Lazio

Lazio is the region of Rome as, as such, one of the first Italian regions visitors experience.

The region has 5 provinces: Roma, Rieti, Frosinone, Latina and Viterbo and while it has many beautiful attractions, sees tourism focussing mostly in the city of Rome, other areas being frequented mostly by locals.

The most famous places in Lazio are:

• Rome – find our full guide to planning a trip to Rome here
• Civita di Bagnoregio – the ‘dying city’, a wonderful hilltop village perched on top of a crumbling tufa rock
• Villa D’Este and Villa Adriana in Tivoli, two stunning yet very different examples of Italian villas
• Ostia Antica (archaeological site)
• Sperlonga and Gaeta, seasisde localities
• Cassino monastery

Travel by: car, train

Tuscany

The region of Tuscany is one of the powerhouses of Italian tourism, a place so rich of tourist attractions it can easily be the only focus of a trip to Italy, no matter how long!

Tuscany is the land of rolling hills, vineyards, medieval villages and it is home to Florence and many of the most exquisite examples of Italian renaissance art. A wonderful place for art lovers, wine lovers and families (find why we love Tuscany with kids here).

The region is organized in provinces: Firenze, Siena, Lucca, Prato, Pistoia, Grosseto, Livorno, Pisa, Arezzo, Massa e Carrara.

The most famous places to visit in Tuscany are:

• Florence / Firenze
• Pisa and its leaning tower
• The Chianti region
• Siena
• Lucca
• Tuscany’s famous historical Villages
• San Gimignano
• Pitigliano
• Val d’Orcia (includes Pienza, Montalcino, Montepulciano, Bagno Vignoni, San Quirico d’Orcia, Monticchiello)
• Cortona
• Saturnia
• The Coast – where you find Tuscany’s famous beaches

Tavel by: train and car

Liguria

Liguria is the thin, long region in the north west of Italy where the Alps meet the sea. Liguria is stunning and unique: here, the mountains plunge into the Mediterranean and this creates wonderful unique landscapes that rea tthe visitors to both hiking and swimming opportunities.

Its main cities are Genova/ Genoa, La Spezia, Imperia and Savona.

Liguria is often called the ‘Italian Riviera‘ (Riviera Ligure is however more appropriate) and is mostly known for the following localities:

• Cinque Terre – famous UNESCO site made of 5 colorful fishing villages perched on high cliffs
• Genoa, its capital city famous for an ancient city center and port
• Portofino, glamorous and colorful seaside town

Travel by: train

Veneto

Veneto is in the north east of Italy and it is one of the most famous regions in the country. Blessed with beautiful mountains, sandy beaches and some of the most beautiful cities in Italy, this is a stunning, well served region with plenty to offer to its visitors.

Its provinces are Venice, Verona, Padova, Rovigo, Vicenza, Belluno, Treviso.

The most famous localities and areas in Veneto for tourists are:

• Venice/ Venezia
• Verona
• Lake Garda (East side)
• Venice Adriatic beaches
• Veneto Palladian Villas
• Prosecco wine region
• Chioggia

Travel by: train and car

Trentino Alto Adige

Trentino Alto Adige is a mountainous region in the north east of Italy, peculiar in appearance and culture thanks to the presence of the high peaks of the Alps and a strong Austrian influence (the area is bilingual).

The two provinces of the region are Trento and Bolzano and tourists usually come here for hiking opportunities (summer) and skiing opportunities (winter) on the Dolomites.

Famous attractions in the area are:

• Christmas markets, very beautiful and popular in this area
• The Dolomites
• San Candido, one of the prettiest towns in the area and a famous tourism spot in both summer and winter
• Three peaks of Lavaredo area
• Lake Braies, one of the most photographed lakes in Italy
• Bolzano, the main city in this area a lovely getaway to discove this beautiful region

Travel by: car

Lombardia / Lombardy

Lombardia is the region of Milan. Large, beautiful and industrialized, Lombardia has many beautiful historical towns and beautiful nature in the area of Como and Lake Maggiore, two of its most famous and visited localities.

The provinces of Lombardia are: Milano, Bergamo, Brescia, Como, Cremona, Lecco, Lodi, Mantova, Monza, Pavia, Sondrio, Varese.

The most visited areas in Lombardy are:

• the city of Milan
• Lake Como (Como, Bellagio, Varenna, Lecco)
• Lake Maggiore (Stresa, Verbania)

Travel by: car and train

Val D’Aosta

Val D’Aosta is the small, beautiful, Mountain region in the north western corner of Italy. Comprising of only one province, Aosta, is it a beautiful place for outdoor pursuits and it is especially popular in winter for skiing, thanks to the skiing area of the Mont Blanc and Mount Matterhorn.

In summer, if offers wonderful hiking opportunities in the Gran Paradiso National Park.

Among the most famous areas here you find:

• Aosta
• Gran Paradiso National Park
• Cervinia
• Courmayeur
• Saint Vincent
• Valtournenche

Travel by: car

Friuli Venezia Giulia

Friuli Venezia Giulia is the region in the north east of Italy, between Veneto and Slovenia. Despite having some wonderful cities and natural area, it is largely ignored by international tourism which means a visit here feels even more special as you feel you have stumbled upon a hidden gem!

The provinces of Friuli Venezia Giulia are Trieste, Udine, pordenone and Gorizia.

The most famous places to visit in Friuli Venezia Giulia are:

• Trieste, a stunning, elegant city with an important history and literary spirit
• Cividale del Friuli, wonderful and medieval
• The mountains in the Udine region
• Ligniano Sabbiadoro, famous beach resort locality

Travel by: car and train

Emilia Romagna

Emilia Romagna is the region usually associated with Italian food excellencies, Italy’s food valley.

The landscape here is dominated by the flat and beautiful Po valley and by some stunning historical cities as well as by, indeed, food production factories!

The provinces of Emilia Romagna are: Bologna, Ravenna, Parma, Ferrara, Forli, Modena, Piacenza, Rimini, Reggio Emilia.

Among the most popular and famous places to visit in Emilia Romagna there are:

• Bologna – beautiful, historical university town
• Ravenna – home to some of the most beautiful Bizantine mosaics in Italy, not to be missed
• Parma – the birthplace of Parma ham and parmigiano, perfect for food lovers (this is a great place for food tours)
• Rimini and Riviera Romagnola – a favorite for sea and sun vacations on sandy beach with plenty of evening entertainment

Travel by: car and train

Umbria

Umbria is a beautiful landlocked region often referred to as ‘the green heart of Italy’, thanks to its beautiful countryside. The region is a paradise of rolling hills and historical towns and it is also well known for olive oil and ceramics, two of the excellencies of this area.

This is a lovely destination for history lovers, relaxing in the country and for buying authentic Italian souvenirs.

The provinces of Umbria are: Perugia and Terni.

The most famous places to visit in Umbria include:

• Perugia – a beautiful historical town famous for, among other things, chocolate
• Orvieto, home to one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Italy
• Assisi, home to St Francis
• Spello, Gubbio and Todi, regularly mentioned as some of the prettiest towns in Italy
• Castelluccio, an area most visited in spring when it becomes one of the best places in Italy to see wildflowers

Travel by: car

Marche

Marche or le Marche are one of those regions tourism seems to have forgotten however, it has plenty to offer to its visitors. Beautiful towns and a stunning coastline are what attracts people here the most and the slower affluence of tourism also makes it a great budget option.

Provinces in Marche are: Ancona, Ascoli Piceno, Urbino, Fermo, Macerata.

The most famous places to visit in le Marche are:

• Urbino, stunning medieval town with an impressive castle
• Numana and its coast, a wondeful stretch of sandy beaches popular in summer especially

Travel by: car

Campania

You never hear people saying they are going to visit Campania as a region but actually, this is one of the richest regions in Italy when it comes to tourist attractions!

Blessed with a stunning coastline and some of the best food in the country, Campania always features in Italian itineraries and is perfect for people looking to experience pretty villages, sea and sun destinations and historical sites.

The provinces of Campania are: Naples, Salerno, Avellino, Benevento and Caserta.

The most famous places to visit in Campania are:

• Amalfi Coast (including Amalfi Town, Positano, Ravello, Maiori, Minori)
• Sorrento
• The island of Capri
• Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius
• Naples
• The island of Ischia
• The island of Procida
• Caserta Royal Palace
• Paestum Archaeological site

Travel by: car, train, ferry

Molise

Molise is a small region in the south of Italy so overlooked by tourism, even Italians often ignore its beauty. However, Molise is beautiful and one of those places you can just foresee one day to be ‘discovered’ and attract large numbers of people charmed by its unspoiled, remote beauty.

the provinces of Molise are Campobasso and Isernia and the one place people usually know in the area is Termoli, a lovely village on the coast.

Travel by: car

Puglia / Apulia

Puglia is the heel of Italy, a long, beautiful region almost entirely surrounded by the Mediterranean and blessed with beautiful nature and lovely towns.

Italians have loved Puglia as a destination for centuries however, it seems the region only recently attracted international attention but it is catching up fast! Home to stunning beaches, amazing food and lovely towns, Puglia is perfect if you want a vacation that mixed sightseeing and the opportunity to enjoy the coast.

The provinces of Puglia are Bari, Barletta, Brindisi, Lecce, Taranto and Foggia.

The most famous places to visit in Puglia are:

• Alberobello, Unesco workd heritafe site and home of the trulli
• Trani, a wonderful coastal town nicknames ‘pearl of the Adriatic’ for its beauty
• Martina Franca, the adorable white town and the home of the unique ‘Martinese Baroque’
• Castel del Monte, Unesco world heritage site
• Lecce, the ‘Florence of the South’
• Locorotondo and Martina Franca, pretty whitewashed towns
• Polignano al Mare, now an Instagram sensation thanks to its impressive rocky promontory
• Salento area, blessed with wonderful beaches

Travel by: car

Basilicata

Basilicata is a small, landlocked region in the south of Italy with a peculiar history: poor and largely forgotten for centuries, Basilicata was ‘rediscovered’ in the late XX century and has now arisen to world notoriety thanks to its most famous city: Matera.

Basilicata has two provinces, Matera and Potenza.

The most famous area here is Matera, one of the oldest cities in the world and a place with unique appearance and history. Learn all about Matera here.

Travel by: car

Calabria

Calabria is the pointy part of the Italian boot, the long southern Italian region stretching towards Sicily. Calabria is a beautiful, varied region with a beautiful coastline and it is a popular destination especially for sea and sun vacations.

The provinces of Calabria are: Reggio Calabria, Catanzaro, Cosenza, Crotone, Vibo Valentia.

The most popular places in Calabria for visitors are:

• Tropea
• Scilla
• Crotone
• La Sila National Park

Travel by: car

Sicilia / Sicily

Sicily is one of the island regions of Italy and it is located immediately to the south east of mainland Italy. Sicily is a very popular tourist destination and it has a lot to offer to all types of travelers: a road trip in Sicily will allow you to enjoy historical towns, beautiful archaeological sites, stunning beaches and taste some of the best food in Italy.

The provinces of Sicily are: Palermo, Trapani, Agrigento, Ragusa, Catania, Messina, Caltanissetta, Enna, Siracusa.

Travel by: car

Among the very many places to visit in Sicily, the most famous are:

• Palermo
• Scopello and the Zingaro Reserve
• Erice
• Marsala
• The valley of the temples
• Noto valley and its baroque towns
• Piazza Armerina and its Roman mosaics
• Siracusa
• Taormina
• Catania and Mount Etna
• The islands

Sardegna/ Sardinia

Sardinia is a large, beautiful island region of Italy, immediately to the east of Italy’s boot.

Blessed with some of the best beaches in the country and the Mediterranean in general, Sardinia is a wonderful destination for sun-seekers especially and anyone who wants to enjoy its crystal clear waters.

The provinces of Sardinia are: Cagliari, Sassari, Nuoro, Oristano

Among the most popular places to visit in Sardinia there are:

• Costa Smeralda
• Orosei
• Cagliari
• Alghero
• Asinara

Travel by: car, ferry

I hope you found this quick overview of the regions of Italy and the most famous places in each useful. Safe travel planning!