Some of my Favorite Places in Northern Italy
Making a list of what to see in Northern Italy is definitely subjective. Everyone has their favorite spots or those places that just spoke to them. Being a local expert, married to an Italian from Friuli (born and raised), having a home in Friuli and having spent over 25 years traveling in northern Itlay, I’m confident that the places I’ve chosen for this guide should be on your northern Italy bucket list. If you are looking for places off the main tourist trail in northern Italy, I have included several here on this list.
Northern Italy’s riches are vast, varied, and yours to discover, from art-packed museums and mosaic-filled cathedrals to Roman sites and hill towns amid vineyards that produce some of Europe’s best wines. You can dine at refined Michelin star restaurants or with the locals at osterie, trattorie (small local eateries) that have spent generations perfecting traditional regional recipes.
Between the 15th and 17th centuries, Europe’s best painters, sculptors, writers and poets circulated among the Northern Italian courts, leaving behind masterpieces for the ages. Leonardo da Vinci spent two decades in Milan under the patronage of the Sforza family. The Gonzagas of Mantua sponsored the creation of the splendid frescoes painted by Andrea Mantegna. Cosmè Tura rose to fame in Ferrara, courtesy of the Este family, and in Venice, the grandeur of the maritime republic was captured brilliantly by the talented Bellini family and later Canaletto. Great musical genius also had its origins here, with composer Claudio Monteverdi and luthier Antonio Stradivari from Cremona, and violin virtuoso Niccolò Paganini from Genoa, to name but a few.
Even without its colorful history, Northern Italy’s geography and climate make it unique in comparison to other areas of the country. The 15,000-foot Alps that form Italy’s border with France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia usually block the colder arctic air from descending on the Northern Italian plains during the winter, while the warm, sunny, moist Mediterranean climate has made the region one of Europe’s most fertile. Northern Italy boasts an incredible variety of landscapes, from the flatlands of the majestic Po River to the celebrated canals of Venice. Deep mountain lakes and the rugged peaks of the Dolomites give way to the gentle hills of the Monferrato and the Langhe, famous for their truffles. Such diversity produces robust wines and unique culinary specialties, so it is no wonder that Northern Italians treasure their regions , sharing their secrets more generously with those who are willing to venture off the beaten path.
Northern Italy is the home of fine cashmere and popular “Made in Italy” fashion brands, motorcars like Ferrari, Ducati, and Maserati, Parmigiano Reggiano, San Daniele and Parma prosciutto, Balsamic Vinegar, Prosecco, Murano Glass, and much more. Its regions are among the wealthiest in Italy and Europe.
Northern Italy consists of 8 regions:
Piemonte, Liguria, Valle d’Aosta, Lombardia, Veneto, Emilia-Romagna, Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Trentino Alto Adige.
The regions of northern Italy offer a wealth of famous cities, impressive natural landmarks, distinctive food and wine, and breathtaking mountain peaks and of course the famous Italian Lakes. Encompassing Italy’s wealthiest provinces, Northern Italy is a premier destination and there really is something for every traveler. Whether it’s art, history, architecture, the delicious cuisine and wine, hiking, or beautiful natural landscapes, you’ll find what your heart desires in Northern Italy.
Breathtaking Lakes
Just imagine the backdrop of snow-covered peaks and evergreen forests, the lakes of Northern Italy are sure to dazzle you. Lake Garda, Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta, Lake Como, and Lake Iseo. Each of these lakes has its own fun activities and exciting excursions for any visitor to enjoy.
Majestic Alps
Probably the most characteristic feature about Northern Italy are the Alps. The Alpine mountain range embraces the Northern border of the country, separating Italy from Austria, Switzerland, France and Slovenia. Formed millions of years ago, with the collision of the Eurasian and African plate, the Alps are an iconic symbol of all things mountains and mountain culture. You could find the most unique alpine flowers and alpine animals thriving in the cooler, and higher altitude conditions of the Alps.
Unique Culture
Traveling in Northern Italy offers a culture that’s unique from the rest of Italy. Travelers will hear a broader spectrum of languages. This distinct culture is a big reason why the regions of northern Italy are some of my favorites in Italy especially for slow travel.
Regional languages coexist along with the standard Italian language, and you may even hear interesting dialects spoken. Many Northern Italians speak a second or third language in addition to Italian, and often one of those non-Italian languages is their primary one. You’ll hear French dialects widely spoken in the northwestern region of Aosta Valley, where the official languages are Italian and French. In Lombardy, Piedmont, and the Italian Lake District, Lombard and Swiss dialects can be heard in the local markets and cafes, and in Trentino-Alto Adige and the Dolomites, German and Ladin, the native regional language, is widely spoken. Indeed, many locals in towns and valleys near the Austrian border refer to themselves as German-speaking Italians. And if you travel to the easternmost part of northern Italy, you’ll hear the eastern European Slovene language spoken as well as the local language called Friulano spoken by my husband and his family.
UNESCO world heritage sites in northern Italy
- Friuli Venezia Giulia has 3 designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites to visit: Palmanova, Cividale del Friuli and Aquileia.
- Valcamonica’s rock drawings
- The Convent of Santa Maria della Grazie with Leonardo da Vinci’s famous Last Supper painting
- Venice and the Venetian Lagoon
- Vicenza and Palladian Villas of the Veneto
- Crespi d’Adda in Capriate San Gervasio
- Ferrara, on the Po Delta in Emilia-Romagna
- Ravenna, also known as the city of mosaics
- The botanical garden, Orto Botanico, of Padua
- Modena’s 12th century Duomo or Cathedral and Gothic bell tower
- Portovenere and the Cinque Terre
- Residences of the Royal House of Savoy in Piemonte
- Aquileia’s archaeological area and basilica
- Verona is known as the town of Romeo and Juliet
- Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy; the Renaissance and Baroque Rolli Palaces, in Genoa’s center
- Mantua and Sabbioneta
- Genoa – Le Strade Nuove and Palazzi dei Rolli
- Rhaetian Railway and Bernina Landscapes
- Dolomites
- Piemonte Wine Regions
My favorite towns, cities and sites to visit in northern Italy
With so many fascinating places to visit in Northern Italy, it can be hard to figure out where to start. The eight separate regions that constitute Northern Italy are full of beautiful cities and towns. From the impressive buildings of Milan to the stunning Dolomites and the beauty of Portofino and Sanremo, there is no shortage of destinations to discover.
1. Milan (Region of Lombardia)
Nearly destroyed from heavy bombing during WWII, today, Milan is one of the wealthiest cities in Europe, headquarters for many financial institutions. Widely regarded as a fashion center, Milan also attracts visitors to its world famous treasures like Leonardo da Vinci’s painting, the Last Supper, Arco della Pace, the impressive La Scala Opera House, the luxurious Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping mall and one of the world’s largest and most beautiful Gothic cathedral, the 14th-century Sforzesco Castle housing the exhibits of the Museo d’Arte Antica which includes Michelangelo’s Pietà Rondanini, this city has something for everyone. Don’t miss Raphael’s School of Athens drawing or DaVinci’s Codex Atlanticus at the Biblioteca Ambrosiana and San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore known as Milan’s “Sistine Chapel”. Milan is what we call a workin’ Italian city, not one of the locations that has more travelers than Italians.
If you’re a foodie, Milan has many treasures unique to Lombardy and the tradition of pre-dinner aperitivo (Milan invented it). On the menu is more risotto than pasta, found most traditionally flavored with rich, golden saffron and the famous Osso Buco. I recommend checking out the Brera district and the Navigli for aperitivi and dinner options.
2. Venice (Region of Veneto)
There’s no doubt that the UNESCO world heritage city of Venice is one of Italy’s most beautiful cities, and that means crowds of tourists visit every year. Venice, unanimously recognized as one of the most romantic cities in the world, the “Serenissima” boasts an extraordinary historical center, UNESCO World Heritage site together with its lagoon. Must-see sites include St Mark’s Square with the St Mark’s Basilica, the Bell Tower and the Doge’s Palace, without neglecting the churches of Santa Maria della Salute, Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, the synagogues of the Jewish ghetto, the many beautiful palaces overlooking canals, campi (the local squares) and calli (the streets) and the extensive network of the Civic Museums (among which, in addition to the Doge’s Palace, also the Museo Correr, Ca’ Rezzonico, Ca’ Pesaro and Palazzo Mocenigo).
Located in the Venetian lagoon, Venice is an island city that is formed from hundreds of individual islands all joined together by a network of canals and bridges. There is a lot to see in Venice including hidden gems, quiet corners to sit and enjoy a Spritz (aka Spritz Veneziano), and foodies will enjoy Venetian cicchetti at the various bacari.
3. Turin (Region of Piemonte)
Although an economic powerhouse and one of the main industrial centres in Italy, Turin retains much of its history and charm and has an amazing amount of sites and attractions. Turin was the first capital of unified Italy (1861 to 1865), is capital of present day Piemonte, and has always been an important cultural and economic stronghold.
Turin attracts visitors for its elegant squares and buildings, like the Royal Palace, Palazzo del Governo and Palazzo Madama, the major Residences of the Royal House of Savoy declared UNESCO World Heritage sites (together with, among others, the Castle of Valentino and Villa della Regina), the Cathedral dating to the XV century keeping the Holy Shroud, and the museums, like the eminent Egyptian Museum (second only to the Cairo museum) and the National Museum of Cinema, housed inside the Mole Antonelliana. Majestic piazzas include Piazza San Carlo, Piazza Castello and Piazza Vittoria Europe’s biggest square.
It’s also Italy’s capital city of chocolate, known for its gianduja (to which Nutella owes its history to), the coffee drink bicerin, and not to mention the annual CioccolaTo, an epic 10-day chocolate festival!
4. Dolomites (Regions of Trentino Alto Adige and Friuli)
The UNESCO World Heritage Site Dolomites are a breathtaking mountain range in northeastern Italy. They deserve a top spot on your northern Italy bucket list, as well as on your Italy bucket list. These gorgeous, jagged peaks are absolutely one of the best places to visit in northern Italy. My favorite towns include Brunico, Ortisei for the gorgeous views, and Merano.
The best times to visit are early summer, summer months, fall, for hiking and for winter if you like wineter sports. In the spring, the skiing season is winding down and many hiking trails aren’t open yet. In late September or early October, you get the bonus of the amazing fall colors.
- Hike: You’ll find endless possibilities. The Tre Cime di Lavaredo, with its iconic trio of peaks, offers amazing views and trails for all skill levels. I also really like the trails at Seceda after the cable car drops you at the top, as well as the Alfred Munkel trail from Zanser Alm.
- Take a cable car ride: If you’re not able to hike or just prefer not to, use one of the cable cars to get a bird’s-eye view of the stunning landscapes. From the town of Ortisei, cable cars whisk you to Seceda and the Alpe di Siusi.
- Taste the local Trentino-Alto Adige cuisine: It’s a mix of Italian and Austrian foods and flavors. Look for canederli, a dish similar to gnocchi but made with bread and meat.
5. Ravenna (Region of Emilia Romagna)
With eight monuments on the UNESCO World Heritage list and a pretty historical center, Ravenna is a must-visit if you love art and history. Ravenna is a historic city that definitely deserves a spot on any Northern Italy itinerary. This ancient city was the capital of the Western Roman Empire from the early 5th-century and right up until 476 when the Empire collapsed. From that point onwards, it was the capital of the Ostrogothic Kingdom.
Renowned for its mosaics, those at the top of your list to visit should be the Basilica di San Vitale and nearby Mausoleum of Galla Placidia. Other UNESCO sites in town include the Baptistery of Neon, the Oratory of San Andrea, the Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, and the Arian Baptistery. A short drive from the historic center is the Basilica di Sant’Apollinare in Classe, and just outside the city center is the Mausoleum of Theodoric.
The Byzantine mosaics are even more dazzling when illuminated by night. During the Mosaico di Notte season (July – August), four of the major monuments, including San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, are open for guided tours on Tuesday and Friday evenings from 9pm-11pm. Time your visit to coincide with the feast of Sant’Apollinare, the city’s patron saint, and you’ll see Ravenna come alive with concerts, street-food stalls, fireworks and sound-and-light shows.
6. Verona (Veneto)
Verona does get the daytime crowds, but does boast one of the finest historical centres in the country and some stunning sites. With its spectacular location on the banks of the Adige River, long and rich history, and gorgeous architecture, Verona definitely deserves a place on your itinerary for Northern Italy. The main site of Verona is undoubtedly the Roman theatre built in the 1st century BC. If you enjoy opera, plan to visit during the Verona opera season to attend a show at the Arena. Other sites include Castle Vecchio and the connecting Ponte Vecchio, Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore, Piazza Delle Erbe and Piazza Bra.
7. Udine (Friuli Venezia Giulia region)
Udine is located in the eastern part of Italy in the region of Friuli Venezia Giulia. This city has been influenced greatly by other cultures crossing the Italian border and has an extensive history. The castle of Udine is a mighty structure created in the 16th century and sits as a major landmark in the historic town centre. Other interesting structures of note include Loggia del Lionello, the Cathedral of Udine, Chiesa di San Giacomo, Diocesan museum known for its Tieopolo frescoes. Aside from the architecture, Udine has several gorgeous Piazzas to enjoy an aperitivo.
8. Bassano Del Grappa (Veneto)
Bassano del Grappa is an incredible medieval town in the foothills of the Alps, famous for its beautiful old town, and the renowned spirit grappa. Be sure and stop at the Grapperia Nardini to try the local aperitivo the town called ‘mezzo e mezzo’. The town’s main site is the 16th century wooden pontoon bridge. No other than Palladio himself designed the Ponte degli Alpini. Save time for a visit to the Museo degli Alpini. As you stroll, access the Ezzelini Castle walkway to admire amazing views of the town and valley.
9. Vicenza (Veneto)
Vicenza is not as well-known as neighboring Verona or Venice, but Vicenza has plenty of historic charm. Its historic centre (centro storico) is where you’ll find the city’s main attractions. Begin your tour of the city in the Piazza dei Signori, the largest square in the city, home to the Basilica Palladiana. Built in the 15th century, the building has two standout features: the 82m bell tower (Torre Bissara) and the loggia, the covered exterior corridor or gallery supported by arches and columns of the basilica. A short walk from here is the equally splendid Teatro Olimpico. Palladio’s last project before he died, it was the first indoor theatre of its time and is the world’s oldest surviving stage set.
From La Rotonda to Villa Valmarana Ai Nani, from Villa Pojana to Villa Trissino: it is impossible to think of Vicenza without thinking of the architect Andrea Palladio and the magnificent villas he designed in the mid-1500s. These architectural spectacles earned the city a place on the Italian UNESCO World Heritage list, initially limited to the historic centre and three suburban villas, subsequently expanded to include 21 villas scattered throughout the Veneto Region. Walk the porticos uphill to the Santuario della Madonna di Monte Berico, for panoramic views over the city.
10. San Marino
An amazing hidden gem in Italy to add to your list is UNESCO world heritage site, the micro-state San Marino. San Marino is Europe’s third smallest state, with only the Vatican and Monaco being smaller. It is also the world’s oldest republic, having been founded in 301.
When you visit San Marino, it’s not that obvious you’re entering another country. You won’t need to show your passport; the currency is the Euro, just like in the rest of Italy eventhough they are not part of the EU; and people speak Italian (though there is a Sammarinese dialect).
The first thing you’ll notice about San Marino is the towering castle on the peak of Monte Titano. There are three towers to explore, dating back to the 11th century. The first tower, Guaita, is the oldest tower built in the 11th century and most famous. The second tower, Cesta, is on the highest peak and home to a museum holding over 1,500 weapons dating back to medieval times. Montale, the third tower, is on the smallest summit and is not open to the public.
- The population of this little country is just 30,000
- The country covers 61 square kilometers, but we recommend staying in the historic center
- The country receives over 3 million visitors a year
- It’s therefore not surprising that 50% of the country’s GDP is from tourism. Hence our recommendation to stay overnight and explore the place when the tour buses have left for the day.
- The San Marino Grand Prix is not actually in San Marino, but is in the town of Imola, 100 km away.
- The reason San Marino did not become part of Italy with the unification in 1871 is because San Marino had given refuge to people persecuted for their support of the unification. When San Marino asked to not be included into the Italian state, Garibaldi obliged.
11. Aosta and its castles (Aosta Valley Region)
The tiny mountainous region known as the Aosta Valley shares borders with Switzerland and France. Known for spectacular alpine scenery and castles perched on rocky outcrops, this area sees few visitors outside the ski season but is well worth a visit all year round. In the spring and summer months walking trails are popular and this is when you’ll also find festivals celebrating folk traditions dating back to Medieval times and of course the local cheese fontina.
In the heart of the Aosta valley, framed by the mountains, the city of Aosta offers many places of cultural and historical interest dating to the Roman period (not by chance it is nicknamed the “Rome of the Alps”), like the Roman Theatre and the Arch of Augustus.
The region is also scattered with fascinating castles (more than 130) with interesting museum collections: like the Castle of Saint-Pierre, the Castle of Verrès and the Savoy Castle in Gressoney-Saint-Jean. Without leaving out the Fort Bard, housing ancient and modern art displays and temporary exhibitions.
12. Langhe, Roero and Monferrato (Piemonte)
The Langhe-Roero and Monferrato areas in the region of Piemonte are a wine lover’s dream and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Rolling, vineyard-covered hills give way to views of the snow-covered Alps. Picturesque Piedmont villages form in clusters on small winding roads throughout the region, with striking contemporary architecture and sculptures found on many vineyard estates.
The area’s star is the Nebbiolo grape used to make a variety of wines including the “King of Wines,” Barolo. But stay longer than a wine tasting and you’ll discover an array of world-class wines that pair perfectly with the local Piemontese cuisine. In fact, the region has more DOCG wines and the same number of DOC wines as Tuscany. From well-known wines like Barolo, Barbera, and Barbaresco to lesser-known grapes like Ruche, Grignolino, and Arneis, there are an endless number of vineyards to visit to learn how the wine is made and taste the wines.
This foodie paradise attracts tourists for its famous white truffle to hazelnuts (it’s home to Ferrero, the makers of Nutella!). Throughout the hills, you’ll find countless trails to hike leading you past vines of grapes and through tiny villages. Keep an eye out for the “Big Benches.” These oversized landmarks are positioned in places with the best panoramic views. If you can, visit on a weekend in October and November for the annual white truffle festival, the Fiera internazionale del Tartufo bianco d’Alba.
13. Cinque Terre & Porto Venere (Liguria region)
This coastal region in Liguria comprises five fishing and wine-producing villages – Monterosso al Mare to Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore – perched dramatically on rocky cliff fronts. Steep terraces of brightly coloured houses teeter over inlets and lively harbours, while olive groves and vineyards traverse inland.
14. Lake Orta (Piemonte)
Lago di Orta (Lake Orta) lies close to the Swiss border, among the green forest and rocky foothills of the Alps in Piedmont. This is a great example of undiscovered Italy, as it is lesser known than other northern lakes like Como, Garda and Maggiore. Highlights include the historic town of Orta San Giulio – with Baroque and Medieval architecture, cobbled streets and Piazza Motta – as well as the shimmering waters of the lake itself. But the biggest surprise is the mysterious island in the lake’s center, a place for quiet contemplation for its resident nuns. The calm and reclusive feeling that people find at Orta has been a pull for writers across the centuries – Friedrich Nietzsche, Samuel Butler, Lord Byron, Honoré de Balzac and Robert Browning all visited.
15. Lake Maggiore (Lombarida, Piemonte, Switzerland)
I get regular requests from clients about Lake Como and very few about Lake Maggiore (though I’ve suggested it to many people who want to get off the beaten path and consequently include it itineraries on a regular basis). When people ask about Lake Como, it’s because they’ve heard about pretty lakeside towns with promenades, villas with gardens, mountain and lake scenery. All those things can be done on Lake Maggiore, with fewer tourists. Not only that, the two lakes are close to each other, so it’s easy to base yourself on one and visit both.
Everyone flocks to Lake Como, but the famous Italian lake has a neighbor that we think is even more beautiful than Como. Often regarded as the most beautiful of Italy’s northern lakes, Lake Maggiore is known for its clear blue waters, mild Mediterranean climate and sloping green clad shoreline. The area has long drawn the imagination of visitors passing through the Simplon Pass from central Europe into Italy for whom the lake was one of their first iconic vistas. The lake itself, acts as a border between the region of Piedmont on the western shore and Lombardy to the east. To the north, it stretches up into Switzerland and the picturesque Locarno area.
We can understand why 19-year-old Ernest Hemingway spent his time here after being hospitalized in Milan during WWI, taking up residence in room 106 of the Hotel des Iles Borromees. The beauty of the lake and his own love story with the nurse that cared for him inspired much of A Farewell to Arms.
The jewels in the crown though, are undoubtedly the Borromean Islands, nestled on the western shore between the towns of Stresa. This whole section of the lake, so popular with the European aristocracy during the years of the Grand Tour, is lined with beautiful Belle Époque villas and extensive botanical gardens, just waiting to be explored. And you won’t want to miss a lunch of fresh fish like lake trout on Isola Pescatore, named for the fisherman that take up residence there.
16. Wine country (Friuli Venezia Giulia)
Friuli-Venezia Giulia has a unique geographical position, bordering Slovenia, Germany and the Adriatic Sea, all of which make it a much-celebrated wine region. The Collio is a series of picturesque hills nestled between two rivers and the Slovenian border. Mostly small-scale, family-run vineyards sprawl across the valley in every direction, so when the seasons change the entire landscape changes color too – from intense and vivid green to burnt amber, the all encompassing vineyard views are truly stunning.
17. Monte Lussari Village (Friuli Venezia Giulia)
At the peak of Mount Lussari in the Julian Alps stands a shrine that has been a pilgrimage destination since the 16th-century. The story, which features in both Italian and Slavic folklore, states that in 1360 a shepherd lost his sheep before finding it in a bush of mugo pine alongside a statuette of the Madonna with Child. Climb up through the old world village and admire panoramic views of the Tarvisian basin.
18. Aquileia (Friuli Venezia Giulia)
Aquileia was one of the largest and wealthiest cities of the early Roman Empire, reaching a population of 100,000 people in the 2nd century AD. Founded in 180/181 BC by the Romans, Aquileia originally served as a military outpost and through the decades, it became increasingly important as a trade center thanks to its large river port and its strategic position, well connected to other Roman cities. Aquileia was destroyed by Attila and his Huns in the mid-5th century. From the Middle Ages to the 18th century, Aquileia was a hub for the Christian world of Central Europe as it was made seat of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
Aquileia is one of the main archeological sites of Northern Italy. According to UNESCO, “most of it still lies unexcavated beneath the fields, and as such it constitutes the greatest archaeological reserve of its kind.” Still visible in part are the Forum (heart of public life), the Basilica (Roman government building), the macellum (indoor produce market), the circus (racing arena), the baths, the Mausoleum, residential complexes, defensive walls, the Sepolcreto Romano, the amphitheater, the ruins on the river port. The most important building within the site is the Patriarchal Basilica, the symbol of Aquileia, completed in 1301, built over the ruins of a 4th century BC religious complex destroyed by the Huns. The interior is particularly noteworthy for its 4th century mosaic floor depicting scenes from the Old Testament, which was not discovered until the beginning of the 1900s. The Patriarchal Basilica played a key role in the evangelization of a large region of central Europe.
Why it was inscribed on the World Heritage List: As explained on the UNESCO World Heritage site: “Aquileia was one of the largest and most wealthy cities of the Early Roman Empire; by virtue of the fact that most of ancient Aquileia survives intact and unexcavated, it is the most complete example of an Early Roman city in the Mediterranean world; the Patriarchal Basilican Complex in Aquileia played a decisive role in the spread of Christianity into central Europe in the early Middle Ages.”
19. Trento (Trentino)
The city of Trento, capital of the Trentino province of northern Italy, is not well known to tourists. However, according to an article by Forbes, it is one of the five most underrated Italian cities. The capital city of the Trentino region, Trento, is a perfectly sized city break and provides ample opportunity to experience the best of Italy plus the relative lack of tourists means that the restaurants can concentrate on traditional Italian cuisine. Trento was prominent during the Renaissance, and is probably best known for the Council of Trent, convened by the Catholic Church in 1545 in response to the Protestant Reformation. However, its history goes back into antiquity.
Local train services give access to historic towns like Rovereto or Bolzano (where you can visit the majestic Castel Roncolo). But you might wish to hire a car or join one of our cultural vacations, to explore the region more fully. This is a major wine-growing area, and many of the vineyards are open to visitors. And there are hundreds of medieval castles – some with impressive frescoes, all with spectacular locations. The Italian Lakes are also within easy reach, and the lakeside town of Riva del Garda is just 40 km away.
What is the best time to visit Northern Italy?
It really depends on where in northern Italy. But for a general advice, the best times to visit Northern Italy are May/June and September/October. In July and August – the peak of the tourist season – the days are long, everything is open, and there are many events, but it can be hot and crowded, especially in Venice, Lake Garda, Cinque Terre and Como.
As a rule, traveling in July-August, in a country like Italy that receives yearly the highest volume of visitors in Europe, can become a nightmare not only because of the heat but also due to the crowding at every site you visit.
A Northern Italy vacation is wonderful any time of the year, however, it will depend greatly on what activities you like to partake in. Northern Italy has cold winters (the average temperature for Milan in winter is 5°C or 45°F) and some of the well-known tourist hotspots are a lot less lively in winter months with seasonal bars & restaurants closing between December and March.
Temperatures start to climb end of March, and the beginning of April and stay warm until the end of October (18°C/65°F). Aim for shoulder season April/June; September – October to stay away from the crowds and to enjoy Northern Italy travel at its best.
It is not unusual for the first snowfall in the Dolomites to take place in October, if the thought of snow sends instant shivers down your spine (as it does for me) avoid visiting Northern Italy past September.
Ready to discover what makes northern Italy so special?
When planning a trip to northern Italy, there are many different cities and attractions that you simply must not miss. Whether you’re looking for great food and wine or incredible natural beauty, northern Italy offers much to a discerning traveler! Audrey helps you make your vacation truly memorable by offering small group journeys and custom guided journeys in northern Italy.
