If you're dreaming of the perfect European escape, Northern Italy offers everything you could want in a summer vacation - from stunning alpine scenery to romantic lakes, vibrant cities, and unforgettable food. Whether you're planning a relaxed holiday by the water, an adventurous hiking trip in the mountains, or a cultural getaway through historic towns, the north of Italy is packed with diverse and exciting places to visit.
This region is home to some of the best places to visit in Italy, including world-famous destinations like Lake Como, Cinque Terre, and Milan, as well as hidden gems waiting to be explored. From relaxing by turquoise lakes to wandering cobblestone streets, there are endless reasons to travel Northern Italy this summer. Keep reading for the top reasons this magical part of the country deserves a spot on your holiday bucket list.
Lakes of Northern Italy
Northern Italy is renowned for its breathtaking lakes, each offering unique experiences for travelers. Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural exploration, these lakes are among the best places to visit during your holiday in the north.
The charming town of Torbole sits at the northern shore of Lake Garda, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and lush mountains, offering a breathtaking view of Italy’s largest lake.
Lake Garda
As Italy's largest lake, Lake Garda stretches across Lombardy, Veneto, and Trentino-Alto Adige. It offers a stunning mix of mountain views and Mediterranean flair. The lake is a paradise for outdoor lovers, with opportunities for windsurfing, sailing, hiking, and cycling. Its diverse landscapes and historic towns make it one of the top holiday destinations in northern Italy.
Sirmione
Located on a narrow peninsula on the lake's southern shore, Sirmione is known for its medieval Scaliger Castle and the ancient Roman ruins of the Grotte di Catullo. Visitors also flock here for the town’s renowned thermal baths and scenic boat tours.
The medieval Scaliger Castle of Sirmione rises majestically over Lake Garda’s turquoise waters, its crenellated towers and stone walls standing guard over the charming lakeside town.
Alto Garda Bresciano Regional Park
This natural park covers the western side of the lake and features a variety of ecosystems, from Mediterranean forests to alpine peaks. It’s ideal for hiking, wildlife spotting, and exploring peaceful mountain villages.
Cascate del Varone
Near Riva del Garda, the Varone Waterfalls plunge over 100 meters through a dramatic vertical cave. This natural wonder is one of the lake’s hidden gems and a perfect stop for nature enthusiasts.
A thrill-seeker catches air while wing foiling on Lake Garda near Riva del Garda, surrounded by fellow wind and kite surfers in one of Italy’s top spots for water sports and adventure.
Lake Garda has attracted celebrities over the years thanks to its beauty, mild climate, and elegant villas. It's a place where luxury blends effortlessly with nature.
Lake Como
Located in the Lombardy region, Lake Como is known for its deep blue waters, dramatic mountain backdrop, and historic lakeside towns. The lake’s Y-shaped layout creates three distinct branches, each dotted with grand villas, quiet villages, and lush gardens. Lake Como is also famous as a celebrity hotspot, with George Clooney owning the iconic Villa Oleandra in the town of Laglio. Other notable fans include Madonna, Richard Branson, Donatella Versace, and Sylvester Stallone.
Villa del Balbianello
One of the most famous villas on the lake, Villa del Balbianello is set on a wooded peninsula and is known for its terraced gardens and lakeside views. It has also served as a filming location for Hollywood films like Casino Royale and Star Wars: Episode II.
The elegant Villa del Balbianello graces the lush, forested peninsula of Lake Como, its gardens and historic charm making it one of Italy’s most iconic and cinematic lakeside landmarks.
Bellagio
Often called the "Pearl of Lake Como," Bellagio is a charming town with narrow cobblestone streets, upscale boutiques, and beautiful waterfront promenades. It sits at the meeting point of the lake’s three branches, offering panoramic views in every direction.
Boat Tours
Exploring Lake Como by boat is one of the best ways to experience its charm. Private or public tours let you visit elegant villas, hidden beaches, and postcard-perfect towns like Varenna, Menaggio, and Tremezzo.
Charming Cities and Towns
From fashion capitals and culinary hotspots to romantic old towns and modern metropolises, the cities of the north Italy offer something for every traveler.
Milan
Milan is Italy’s fashion and design capital, a bustling metropolis known for its cutting-edge style, art, and architecture. Visitors can explore the iconic Duomo, shop at the glamorous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and admire da Vinci’s masterpiece, The Last Supper. The city's thriving food scene, stylish aperitivo culture, and vibrant nightlife make it a dynamic urban destination.
Venice
Venice is one of the most unique cities in the world, built on a network of canals and steeped in centuries of history and culture. Known for its romantic gondola rides, ornate palaces, and stunning churches, Venice captivates visitors with its dreamlike atmosphere. Highlights include St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the iconic Rialto Bridge. The city’s maze of alleyways and canals invites exploration, while its rich artistic heritage and Venetian cuisine provide endless delights for culture lovers.
A gondolier rows through the calm waters of Venice at sunset, passing the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute as a seagull glides overhead. Photo by Simone Mascellari.
Turin
With its elegant boulevards, Baroque architecture, and refined café culture, Turin is a hidden gem often overlooked by tourists. Once Italy’s royal capital, it boasts grand palaces, museums, and one of the best Egyptian collections in the world. Turin is also the birthplace of Italian chocolate and home to some of the finest vermouth and wine bars.
Verona
Best known as the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Verona combines romance and history in a truly magical way. The well-preserved Roman amphitheater hosts open-air operas in summer, while the city's charming streets and piazzas invite leisurely strolls. Its blend of ancient ruins, medieval towers, and Renaissance palaces make it one of the best cities to visit in northern Italy.
Bologna
Often called Italy’s culinary capital, Bologna is a paradise for food lovers. Beyond its rich cuisine, the city is known for its medieval towers, arched porticoes, and the oldest university in the Western world. Its youthful energy, vibrant markets, and welcoming atmosphere make it a must-see destination for those looking to experience authentic Italian life.
Wander Through Historic Towns and Villages
Northern Italy is home to a wealth of historic towns and villages that feel like stepping back in time. From ancient Roman roots to medieval streets and Renaissance charm, these places offer a quieter, more intimate experience of Italian life and culture.
Bergamo Alta
The upper town of Bergamo, known as Città Alta, is enclosed by Venetian walls and filled with cobbled streets, elegant piazzas, and panoramic viewpoints. It’s a perfect place to explore on foot, stopping for espresso at a historic café or admiring the intricate details of the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.
Parma
Parma is rich in both art and gastronomy. Beyond its famous food scene, the town offers beautifully preserved architecture, including the pink marble Baptistery and the fresco-covered Parma Cathedral. The atmosphere here is cultured and relaxed, ideal for leisurely days of walking, dining, and exploring.
Neive and the Langhe Villages
Neive is one of the most beautiful villages in the Langhe wine region of Piedmont. Surrounded by vineyards and rolling hills, it’s a great base for tasting Barbaresco wines and enjoying slow-paced travel. The region is dotted with small villages, castles, and hilltop towns perfect for a scenic road trip.
Castell'Arquato
This medieval gem in Emilia-Romagna features a fairytale castle, Romanesque churches, and a tranquil pace of life. Perched on a hillside, it offers lovely views of the surrounding countryside and a true taste of Italy’s rural charm.
From architectural treasures to wine-soaked valleys, Northern Italy’s historic towns and villages are the perfect escape for travelers who enjoy culture, history, and authenticity.
The Mountains of Northern Italy
The mountains of Northern Italy offer a striking contrast to the lakes and cities, with some of the most dramatic alpine scenery in all of Europe. From the towering Dolomites to the snow-dusted Alps, this region is a paradise for nature lovers, hikers, and outdoor adventurers.
The Dolomites
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Dolomites are a must-see destination for their unique jagged peaks and stunning landscapes. In the summer, the mountains are crisscrossed with hiking trails that take visitors through alpine meadows, around turquoise lakes, and past charming mountain huts. One of the most iconic hikes is the trail around Tre Cime di Lavaredo, offering unforgettable panoramic views.
View at Alpe di Siusi Meadows circuit trail. Photo by Ales Krivec.
Adventure and Relaxation
The mountains of Northern Italy are not just for hikers. You can also enjoy mountain biking, rock climbing, and paragliding. For those seeking relaxation, many resorts and spas offer wellness experiences surrounded by peaceful alpine views.
From dramatic cliffs and wildflower-filled valleys to cozy alpine villages and outdoor adventures, the mountainous regions of the north are among the most breathtaking places to visit in Italy during the summer.
Coastal Escapes in Northern Italy
While Northern Italy is more famous for its lakes and mountains, its coastline is equally enchanting. Stretching along the Ligurian Sea, this area is home to colorful fishing villages, dramatic cliffs, and sparkling coves perfect for a summer escape.
Cinque Terre
The Cinque Terre is one of Italy’s most iconic coastal destinations. This UNESCO-listed stretch of coastline is made up of five pastel-colored villages—Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore—clinging to steep cliffs above the sea. A scenic hiking trail connects the villages, offering sweeping views of the Ligurian coast. It’s ideal for walking, swimming, and enjoying fresh seafood by the water.
Portofino and Santa Margherita
Portofino is the definition of coastal luxury. With its sleek yachts, designer boutiques, and elegant cafés, it attracts celebrities and style-conscious travelers. Just next door, Santa Margherita Ligure offers a more relaxed but equally beautiful alternative, with a palm-lined promenade and lovely pebble beaches.
The colorful harbor of Portofino sits along the Ligurian coast, framed by green hills and dotted with yachts on the calm Mediterranean sea. Photo by Peter Thomas.
Camogli and Sestri Levante
Camogli is a charming fishing village with colorful buildings, narrow streets, and a lively harbor. Sestri Levante is home to the stunning Bay of Silence, a serene cove perfect for a day of sunbathing and swimming.
With a mix of dramatic coastline, quaint towns, and beachside relaxation, the Ligurian coast is a perfect addition to any Northern Italy itinerary.
Food and Wine Experiences
One of the greatest joys of visiting Northern Italy is indulging in its food and wine. Each region offers its own culinary traditions and world-renowned products, making it a paradise for food lovers and wine enthusiasts alike.
Emilia-Romagna
Often referred to as Italy's food valley, Emilia-Romagna is home to some of the country's most iconic specialties. Visit Parma for authentic Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma, and explore Modena for traditional balsamic vinegar. Bologna, the region’s capital, is the birthplace of beloved pasta dishes like tagliatelle al ragù.
Piedmont
Piedmont is a dream for gourmet travelers, especially in autumn when white truffle season begins. The region is also famed for its rich cuisine and robust red wines, including Barolo and Barbaresco. Visit Alba and Asti for truffle markets, wine tasting, and rustic trattorias serving hearty local fare.
Terraced vineyards stretch across the rolling hills of Treviso in Veneto, Italy, along the scenic Road of Prosecco and Conegliano Wines, an enchanting UNESCO World Heritage Site in summer.
Lombardy and Veneto
These regions serve up everything from creamy risottos and fresh lake fish to decadent desserts like tiramisu and panettone. Pair your meals with Franciacorta sparkling wine from Lombardy or a glass of Amarone from Veneto’s Valpolicella region.
Whether you're dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant in Milan, enjoying a vineyard picnic in the Langhe, or savoring handmade pasta in a mountain hut, the culinary experiences of Northern Italy will leave a lasting impression.
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