Top 20 Italian Regions Ranked:
Which is Truly the Best?

When ranking Italy’s regions, we know it’s hard to play favorites. Still, while we believe every corner of Italy is worth visiting, a few places simply steal the show. So, here's how we would rank Italy's regions, from the absolute best to the merely fabulous, along with a few critiques because, let's face it, no place is perfect. 

The list was created through a family effort—my wife, son, and I each rated every region on a scale of one to ten. We then averaged our scores to ensure a well-rounded and balanced perspective.

You can vote for your favorite Italian region at the end of the article

1. Veneto

Rating: 9.8/10

Veneto is an Italian masterpiece. Of course, Venice alone would place this region high on any list. The sheer magic of its canals, the ancient beauty of Piazza San Marco, and the lagoon’s unique charm are unparalleled. Venice can be overwhelming at peak times, with crowds and high prices, but that doesn't detract from its dreamlike beauty and the moment you walk out of the station and see Venice before you is a moment you will always treasure.

Outside of Venice, Veneto offers the wine regions of Valpolicella and Prosecco, the elegance of Verona, the spectacular scenery of Lake Garda, the grandeur of the Dolomites, and some of Italy's loveliest small towns, towns like Soave and Asolo, making this region incredibly diverse and a must-visit on your next vacation.

Negatives: Venice can be crowded, and its reputation for being expensive is well-earned. If you're after peace and solitude, avoid the high season.

Our Verdict: Venice alone is reason enough to visit. Yes, it gets busy, but it’s worth braving the crowds, and if you visit Venice in winter, you'll often have it all to yourself. Add in everything else the Veneto offers, and you've got enough for an entire vacation. Have a look at our Veneto itinerary for ideas.

Tips for Venice: Click here for 9 important tips that will make your visit to Venice extra special.

2. Tuscany

Rating: 9.6/10

Few regions are as universally adored as Tuscany. The rolling hills, lined with cypress trees, seem to embody Italy’s romantic spirit. Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, offers incredible art and history, while the charming towns of Siena, Lucca, and San Gimignano provide a more laid-back, medieval atmosphere. 

A lot of people don't realize that Tuscany also has beautiful beaches and even islands too, like Giglio and Elba, both of which are fabulous. Then there are the hill-towns Tuscany is so famous for, towns like Pitigliano, and there are some fabulous walks as well; click here for one of my favorites.

Let’s not forget the wine—Tuscany is home to the famous Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino. 

Negatives: Tuscany’s popularity means that certain areas (we’re looking at you, Florence) can feel more touristy than authentic. High prices and large crowds during peak season can detract from the overall experience. 

Our Verdict: Despite the crowds, Tuscany remains a must-see. The beauty, culture, and food make it a destination that can’t be skipped.

3. Piedmont

Rating: 9.5/10

Piedmont is the land of fabulous food, world-beating wines, and royal elegance. From the foothills of the Alps to the rolling vineyards of Barolo and Barbaresco, this region exudes refinement. Turin, once the seat of the Italian monarchy, is one of Europe's great cities, and boasts grand palaces, art galleries, and a café culture rivaled only by Trieste. Piedmont is also a foodie paradise—think white truffles, decadent chocolates, and some of Italy’s best wines.

Negatives: The region as a whole has a quieter, less touristy vibe, which can be a pro or a con, depending on your travel style.

Our Verdict: If you love fine wines and good food, Piedmont is the place for you. A little off the beaten path, but that’s part of its charm.

4. Campania

Rating: 9.1/10

Campania has it all: the glamorous Amalfi Coast, famous for its dramatic coastline, where cliffs drop into the turquoise Mediterranean, beautiful beaches,  the historical treasures of Pompeii, the ancient Greek city of Paestum, the bustling energy of Naples, islands like Capri and Ischia as well as the marvellous Cilento. It’s also the birthplace of pizza, and, even today, the pizza is the best on the planet. 

Negatives: Naples is an acquired taste—its chaotic, gritty energy can feel overwhelming. And while the Amalfi Coast is stunning, the roads are narrow and often packed with traffic, making driving a bit stressful. It is worthwhile to find yourself a local tour guide to really experience the best of Naples.

Our Verdict: It’s Italy at its most dramatic. The sights, the food, and the history make Campania unforgettable. For a less-touristy experience our tip is a visit to the Cilento.

5. Umbria

Rating: 9/10

Often called the “green heart of Italy,” Umbria is Tuscany’s quieter and more affordable sibling, but no less charming. Towns like Spello, Assisi and Orvieto feel like stepping back in time, and the lush countryside offers the perfect backdrop for a peaceful escape. 

Negatives: Umbria lacks a major international airport, making it slightly harder to reach. While the quiet, rustic beauty is appealing, those looking for glitzy restaurants and vibrant nightlife might find it too tranquil.

Our Verdict: Umbria is perfect for those who want to experience Italy’s countryside at a slower pace. Less touristy than Tuscany, but every bit as beautiful.

6. Sicily

Rating: 8.8/10

Sicily is a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, Mount Etna, the vibrant city of Palermo, gorgeous towns like Cefalu, Savoca  and Taormina make this island a dream for history buffs and nature lovers alike. Sicily’s food scene, from arancini to cannoli (click for the recipe), is a highlight of Italian cuisine.

Negatives: Sicily can be chaotic, especially in its larger cities. Infrastructure and transport are less developed compared to mainland Italy, making travel a bit trickier.

Our Verdict: Sicily’s history, cuisine, and landscapes are absolutely worth the effort. Here are our recommendations on what to see in Sicily

7. Lazio

Rating: 8.5/10

Home to Rome, Lazio has a unique place in the heart of Italy. The Eternal City is a blend of ancient ruins, Renaissance art, and modern hustle. Beyond Rome, Lazio’s countryside offers lovely towns like Civita di Bagnoregio and, as well as numerous beach resorts.

Negatives: Rome’s charm comes with a side of chaos. From crowded public transport to long queues at the major tourist spots, navigating the city can be exhausting. The graffiti is also something that really irritates me.  And while Lazio has much to offer outside of Rome, it often gets overshadowed by the capital.

Our Verdict: Rome dominates, but the surrounding areas shouldn’t be overlooked. Perfect for lovers of history and urban exploration.

Our Tip: When in Rome, we always stay in the Trastevere neighborhood.

8. Friuli Venezia Giulia

Rating: 8.4/10

Friuli Venezia Giulia is one of Italy’s most underrated regions. With its blend of mountains, beaches, and vineyards, it offers a unique mix of landscapes. The cities of Trieste and Udine are both rich in history and culture, with a unique Austrian/Italian/Slovenian fusion feel, while small towns like Muggia and Palmanova are rated as some of the loveliest in all of Italy.

Negatives: Friuli is a bit off the tourist radar, meaning fewer crowds but also fewer well-known attractions. It’s a region that rewards slow travel.

Our Verdict: Perfect for those looking to escape the tourist trail and discover a more nuanced side of Italy. Udine is one of the loveliest towns in all of Italy, one of the best choices if you are thinking of moving to Italy.

9. Sardinia

Rating: 8.3/10

Sardinia’s turquoise waters and pristine beaches are what island dreams are made of. The Costa Smeralda is a playground for the rich and famous, but the island also offers rugged landscapes, historic ruins, harming small towns, and out-of-the-way beaches that are, if anything, even more beautiful than those of the Costa Smeralda.

Negatives: Sardinia is more expensive than many other regions, particularly during the summer months. While the beaches are stunning, the pretentiousness of much of the coastal resorts is horrible.

Our Verdict: If you’re after beautiful beaches and island life, Sardinia is unbeatable. Just be prepared to pay a premium for it. Our tip is to explore inland too; the island’s inland areas can feel remote and undeveloped, with none of the snobbery of the coast, and that is what I love about them.

10. Apulia (Puglia)

Rating: 8.1/10

Puglia’s rustic charm is growing in popularity, thanks to its whitewashed towns, olive groves, and stunning coastlines. Alberobello’s trulli houses, the city of Bari, the beaches of the Salento, Polignano, and the historic town of Lecce are standouts. For nature lovers the Tremiti Islands, and the Gargano Peninsula are unmissable. The food here is fresh and delicious, with seafood and vegetables playing a big role. Don't miss the handmade pasta made by the grandmothers of Bari.

Negatives: Public transport can be unreliable, so renting a car is often necessary. So

Our Verdict: Puglia is a hidden gem, offering a slower, more authentic taste of Italy. Try to visit outside of July and August; those months can be really crowded, both on the coast and in towns like Alberobello, and the heat is crushing.

11. Calabria

Rating: 7.9/10

Calabria is a region of dramatic coastline, quiet villages, and deep history. Tropea, the beaches of Capo Vaticano, towns like Scilla and Chianalea and the enormous national parks like Sila are the highlights. It’s off the beaten path, offering a more authentic, raw Italian experience.

Negatives: Calabria is among the poorer regions of Italy, and this can be seen in its infrastructure. Public transport can be unreliable, and some areas feel isolated, run-down, and underdeveloped.

Our Verdict: Calabria is for adventurous travelers looking to explore Italy’s less-trodden paths. The natural beauty is stunning, and towns like Tropea are up with the best in Italy. The cities, however, aren't anywhere close to the great cities of many other regions, and they can appear dirty and neglected. I still recommend you visit and, to help you plan, have a look at our guide to Calabria.

12. Le Marche

Rating: 7.8/10

Le Marche offers a quiet, scenic escape with rolling hills, charming towns like Urbino, and a picturesque coastline. It’s often compared to Tuscany, but without the crowds. Le Marche’s appeal lies in its blend of history, art, and natural beauty. I personally love this region and have a guide dedicated to it, which you can read here.

Negatives: Le Marche remains relatively undiscovered, which means fewer tourist amenities and less-developed transport infrastructure.

Our Verdict: For travelers seeking a quieter, more affordable version of Tuscany, Le Marche is a fantastic option. A hidden gem for sure. Urbino in particular is one of Italy's greatest Renaissance cities. Here's everything you need to know about Urbino.

13. Liguria

Rating: 7.7/10

The Italian Riviera has to be one of the most beautiful coastlines in Europe, with its colorful villages perched on steep cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean. The Cinque Terre is, of course, the star attraction, but the entire region, from Portofino all the way to the French border, is blessed with stunning views, amazing experiences, and a laid-back vibe.

Genoa, often overlooked by travelers, is one of Italy's great cities, packed with history, from its maritime legacy to its impressive collection of UNESCO-listed palaces. While Inland Liguria offers a different side of the region, away from the bustling coastal areas. It is characterized by picturesque medieval villages, rugged mountains, lush forests, and rolling hills.

Negatives: Cinque Terre, as gorgeous as it is, can be overrun with tourists. Liguria's narrow, winding roads make driving difficult, and accommodation can be pricey. Try Tellaro for a quieter alternative.

Our Verdict: A slice of coastal heaven. Best enjoyed in the shoulder season to avoid the tourist crowds.

14. Lombardy

Rating: 7.6/10

Lombardy is the financial and industrial heart of Italy, home to Milan, one of the world’s fashion and shopping capitals. Beyond the city, Lombardy offers beautiful lakes like Como and Maggiore, as well as charming towns like Bergamo.

Negatives: Milan can feel cold and commercial, especially compared to Italy’s more laid-back cities. Prices are high, and it lacks the warmth and charm of southern Italy.

Our Verdict: Milan is a must for fashion lovers, and lake seekers will love Como, but Milan can feel a bit too businesslike for the casual traveler, and Como's lake towns like Bellagio are really crowded in the summer months and very expensive too. For a more genuine and less touristy experience, try Lake Iseo.

15. Emilia-Romagna

Rating: 7.5/10

One of the great capitals of Italian food, Emilia-Romagna gives you parmigiano reggiano, prosciutto di Parma, balsamic vinegar, and Bologna’s famous ragu alla bolognese (which is not spaghetti bolognese). Beyond the food, the region boasts charming cities like Ferrara, Parma, Modena (home to Ferrari), and Ravenna.

Negatives: Bologna, while a vibrant university city, can feel a bit gritty compared to Italy’s more polished tourist destinations. Some parts of Emilia-Romagna are industrial, which can be less scenic, and I am not wild about the very crowded big beach towns, towns like Rimini, filled with endless rows of umbrellas and soulless beaches.

Our Verdict: If you’re coming for the food (and why wouldn’t you be?), Emilia-Romagna won’t disappoint. The charm of smaller cities seals the deal. Avoid the beach resorts like Rimini.

16. Abruzzo

Rating: 7.4/10

Abruzzo’s rugged mountains, national parks, and medieval towns offer a blend of natural and cultural treasures. Hiking, skiing, and exploring ancient villages are popular here, and the region is relatively untouristed.

Negatives: Abruzzo’s remoteness can be both a pro and a con. While it offers solitude, it can be difficult to reach and hard to get about without a car.

Our Verdict: Nature lovers will adore Abruzzo, with its mix of mountains and forests. It’s an underappreciated gem for outdoor enthusiasts. There are some really lovely little towns too. The towns are lovely too, and the people are so friendly. They also have the best seafood soup in all of Italy and weird overwater restaurants called Trabocchi that I simply adore, so cute and so unlike anywhere else. Check out my guide to Abruzzo to discover many more reasons why you really must visit.

17. Trentino-Alto Adige

Rating: 7/10

Trentino-Alto Adige is all about the Dolomites. Known for its skiing and hiking, this region offers breathtaking mountain views, charming alpine villages, and a distinct blend of Italian and Austrian culture.

Negatives: The region feels more Austrian than Italian, which might be a downside if you’re looking for that classic Italian vibe. The cost of accommodation and activities can also be high.

Your Verdict: For skiers, hikers, and nature lovers, this is paradise. Just be prepared for a less “Italian” experience in terms of culture and food. If you love apple strudel and good beer, this is the region for you.

18. Basilicata

Rating: 6.8/10

Basilicata is home to Matera, one of Italy’s most unique and visually striking cities. The ancient cave dwellings of Matera have been inhabited for millennia, and the city’s blend of history and architecture is simply incredible. The rest of the region is quiet and rural, with plenty of rugged natural beauty.

Negatives: Outside of Matera, there’s little infrastructure for tourists. The region’s remote nature can feel isolating, and getting around without a car is difficult.

Our Verdict: Matera is a must-see, but the rest of the region remains relatively undeveloped for tourism.

19. Valle d'Aosta

Rating: 6.6/10

Valle d’Aosta is a tiny mountainous region known for its excellent skiing and outdoor sports. The Gran Paradiso national park and the historic town of Aosta are highlights. For nature lovers, this region offers some of the best alpine scenery in Italy.

Negatives: While Valle d’Aosta is stunning, it’s very much geared toward outdoor sports enthusiasts. If you’re not into hiking or skiing, there’s less to do here compared to other regions.

Our Verdict: For skiing and hiking, Valle d’Aosta is hard to beat. But if you're looking for culture and history, you might want to head elsewhere.

20. Molise

Rating: 6.3/10

Molise is often overlooked, but that’s precisely why some travelers love it. The region offers unspoiled countryside, quaint villages, and a glimpse into a slower, more traditional way of life. Molise is perfect for those looking to get away from it all.

Negatives: Molise’s underdeveloped tourism infrastructure and lack of major attractions can be a downside for travelers looking for more excitement.

Our Verdict: Molise is for those who truly want to get off the beaten path and towns like Termoli are lovely and fairly lively in summer. The rest of the region is very quiet, beautiful, and wonderfully untouched—but that’s not for everyone. 

Final Thoughts

Italy offers something for everyone. From the bustling energy of Rome to the tranquil hills of Umbria, each region has its unique charm. At ItalyMammaMia, we believe that no matter where you go in Italy, you’ll come back with unforgettable memories—just be sure to savor every moment!

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