Northern Italy

Northern Italy is a land immersed in breathtaking green landscapes, picturesque cities, tranquil lakes, and towering mountains, no matter where you look. We have selected the best of Northern Italy for you, along with small yet significant details that may not be mentioned on other websites.

Tourism for the independent traveler in Northern Italy offers countless opportunities. Nature reigns supreme in this country, accompanied by thousands of “kingdoms” of picturesque cities with numerous interesting landmarks, exquisite wines, the finest cuisine, and more. It is important to gather information and carefully plan your trip.

Northern Italy and the Lakes

A journey to Northern Italy is often referred to as “Northern Italy and the Lakes.” Indeed, the lakes are the central point of this region, with Lake Garda, Lake Como, and Lake Maggiore surrounded by beautiful and pastoral towns. Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy. It is encompassed by picturesque towns such as Sirmione, Limone sul Garda, Malcesine, and Lazise. Here, you will find dozens of attractions for the whole family:

• Gardaland – the largest amusement park in Italy.

• The impressive SEA LIFE aquarium.

• Caneva Water Park.

• Mobileland – a cinema park with dozens of thrilling attractions.

• Adventure Park Jungfrau.

Cruise ships that sail from city to city are an integral part of the Lake Como experience. Here are the two most beautiful villas in all of Italy: Villa Balbianello and Villa Carlotta. In the small town of Domaso, located in the northern part of Lake Como, you will find a family-owned winery that offers one of the best wine tastings in the region – Domazino. You can enjoy their homemade wines and dishes with an unforgettable view of Lake Como. Families with children will also find plenty of entertainment options:

• Ranch el picadero – a ranch that offers horse riding lessons of varying difficulty levels, from beginner to advanced, all on routes with unique views, right “above the lake.”

• Jungle Raider Park – an adventure park for the whole family.

• There are many cycling routes of different difficulty levels that surround Lake Como.

Important Landmarks in the Dolomite Alps:

Lake Maggiore is the third most popular lake among the three largest lakes in Italy. Here, you will find perhaps the most magnificent attraction in all of Northern Italy – Isola Bella. It is an island with a stunning palace and the most beautiful gardens you will ever see. The white peacocks roaming the alleys will leave you captivated. And Isola Bella is just one of the three famous Borromean Islands. In Lake Maggiore, you will discover:

• Stresa – a favorite vacation spot for British royalty.
• Verbania – a charming Italian town with a picturesque waterfront and a unique botanical garden, Villa Taranto.
• The Alpinia concrete garden, featuring some of the most stunning alpine slides in Europe.
• Just 30 kilometers south of Lake Maggiore, you will find one of the most interesting and highly recommended wineries in the region, Azienda Vitivinicola Fontechiara.

If you’re interested in exploring lesser-known places with fewer tourists, you will find dozens of equally fascinating lakes in the region. These include Lake Lugano, Lake Orta, Lake Tano, Lake Iseo, Lake Ledro, Lake Tovel, Lake Ceresio, and others. Each of these lakes has its own unique charm and attractions waiting to be discovered.

• The small village of Santa Magdalena, which offers famous and stunning views of the Dolomite Alps. Start your journey through the Dolomites from this village, where you will undoubtedly take dozens of photographs that will garner the most likes.

• The town of Cortina d’Ampezzo, considered the city of artists and craftsmen, and one of the picturesque towns in the Dolomite Alps.

• The lakes of Carezza and Braies, whose beauty is simply indescribable. When you arrive here and see the breathtaking blue lakes, trees, and mountains reflected in the water, you can only acknowledge that you had the honor of being in such a marvelous place.

• The peaks of Tre Cime di Lavaredo and Marmolada, which instantly provide a sense of grandeur, wild beauty, and a desire to ascend to new heights.

• And dozens of attractions for the whole family – rafting, mountain roller coasters, cycling paths, rock climbing routes of various difficulty levels, and “via ferrata” routes for iron climbing.

When planning a route in the Dolomite Alps, it’s important to keep two things in mind:

1. Summer in the Dolomite Alps is relatively short, typically opening at the end of May and ending in mid-September. In winter, the Dolomites become one of the most famous ski resorts in the world, while spring and autumn can be chilly with frequent rain and snow. Many cable cars and attractions may be closed during these seasons.
2. Distances in the Dolomites are vast, primarily due to the mountainous terrain. Traveling between two locations can take several hours. Therefore, it’s crucial to plan your route carefully, considering longer travel times. If you are traveling with young children or are sensitive to long journeys on winding roads, it’s advisable to visit fewer places and savor the experience of each destination more fully.

Regarding cuisine, espresso, transportation, and everything in between – Northern Italy for travelers.

Well, how can one do without delicious food, a double, or short espresso that smells Italian and energizes you?

Almost everywhere you go, whether you’re surfing, traveling, or exploring, you’ll find restaurants, food kiosks, and each one of them will have a wonderful Italian aroma. Restaurants in the main cities of Northern Italy offer elegant service and menus that cater to Italians. Cafés pop up in every city, town, square, alley, and village.

It is also highly recommended to visit wine and cheese tastings, experience one of the agro-tourism farms where you can sample homemade dishes prepared by locals. And we highly recommend visiting one of the culinary workshops, where local chefs will teach you how to cook traditional dishes like pizza and pasta.

I also suggest taking part in one of the culinary tours that are organized in many cities. In my opinion, there is no better way to get to know the local culture than through food. Such workshops and tours are usually not cheap, but they truly leave the strongest memories of the entire journey.