Ah, Italia!

What makes Italy one of the most beautiful countries in, well, the world?

A place full of history, culture, nature, art and gastronomy. Visitors astonished by the beauty of some coastal scenarios and tiny mediaeval boroughs. Not to mention the beautiful countryside fields planted with vines and olive trees or the northern mountains.

Every region has natural and cultural treasures, some of them so hidden that not even the locals know them!

Italy has 20 regions and I am going to take you for a tour around all of them! This week the most beautiful places in the 10 regions of the northern part and next week all the insight of the southern part of Italy!

1. The three Peaks of Lavaredo – Icons of the South Tyrolean Dolomites

The “Tre Cime di Lavaredo” also called “Die Drei Zinnen” in German are three distinctive battlement-like peaks in the Sesto Dolomites of northeastern Italy. This area was part of Austria until the end of the First World War. The locals have very different traditions and language to other parts of Italy. A good mix of Italian and German cultures!

They symbolise the word “mountain” and even if you have seen them in photographs before, it cannot be compared to the moment you see these mountains right in front of you! This is definitely an incredible scene not to be missed. Mountain climbers agree that “Looking is not enough; this natural monument must also be touched!”

2. Burano Island: the unknown jewel of Veneto

Everyone knows Venice, but only a few people have heard of the island of Burano. You can get there on a half-day trip from Venice. Burano is a paradise for photo-lovers with brightly-painted buildings and flower pots everywhere. In this little island, families used to paint their homes to be more visible from the sea!

3. Monte Lussari – Friuli Venezia Giulia

The Mount Lussari is one of the oldest and highest pilgrimage destination and a popular hiking and skiing spots.

A very special place where the Sanctuary of the Virgin Mary is located at its peak. The sanctuary dates back to the second half of the 14th century. It has been a destination of pilgrimages of Italian, Slavic and German. The legend tells that the Madonna appeared where the sanctuary is built.

4. Lake of Como – Lombardia

Lombardy is famous for popular cities like Milan. But also tinier towns like Bergamo and Mantova. However, one of the nicest spots is a natural one: the Lake of Como! A popular retreat for aristocrats and the wealthy since Roman times. Many famous people have or have had homes on the shores of Lake Como, such as Madonna, George Clooney, and Gianni Versace. As a tourist destination, Lake Como is popular for its landscapes, wildlife, and many entertainments: sailing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing.

As a tourist destination, Lake Como is popular for its landscapes, wildlife, and many entertainments: sailing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing. In the area surrounding the lake, there are several farms that produce goods such as honey, olive oil, cheese, milk, eggs and salamis.

5. Turin – Piemonte

There is a whiff of Paris in Turin’s elegant tree-lined boulevards. Also an echo of Vienna in its stately art nouveau cafes, but make no mistake – this elegant, Alp-fringed city is utterly self-possessed. The industrious Torinese gave the world its first saleable hard chocolate and Italy’s most iconic car, the Fiat.

Full of cultural and musical festivals, events and a thrilling nightlife, this is the perfect spot both for young people and families to spend a wonderful trip in a lively and dynamic city!

6. Forte di Bard – Valle D’Aosta

Almost intact from the moment of its construction, Fort Bard is a wonderful fortified castle and represents one of the best examples of early 1800 military strongholds.

It reopened in 2006 as the Museum of the Alps. The Fort Bard is formed of three main defence stations positioned at different levels upon a high imposing rock spur, the lowest at 400m above ground and the highest at 467m, from where you can admire the inspiring Alpine views.

7. Le Cinque Terre – Liguria

“Five Lands” is a rugged portion of the coast of the Liguria region of Italy It comprises five villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. This part of the Italia coastline, the five villages, and the surrounding hillsides are all a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Over the centuries, people have carefully built terraces on the rugged landscape right up to the cliffs that overlook the sea. However, part of its charm is the lack of visual development. For example, there are paths, trains and boats that connect the villages but cars cannot reach them from the outside. In particular, this is a great spot to hike, swim but also for a wonderfully relaxing day!

8. Bologna – Emilia Romagna

Bologna is the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region, which many claims is Italy’s gastronomic capital. It makes the perfect weekend destination, thanks to its youthful vibrancy with concerts, plays, gigs, and exhibitions.

You can spend some time absorbing the city’s unique character and peek inside its elegant old shops. Also, have a break in one of the numerous cafés and taste the typical “Piadina” bread filled with prosciutto and “Stracchino”, a fresh soft cheese. My favourite!

9.  The Town of Fine Towers, San Gimignano – Tuscany

San Gimignano is Italy’s Medieval Manhattan with its skyline of towers rising from the Tuscan countryside.Enter the walls of this old village, it’s like travelling to the past, and somehow we can feel a magic energy that remains there, it’s really a very special place.

The city flourished in 1348 and remained preserved in its medieval state until the 19th century when its status as a touristic and artistic resort was recognised by UNESCO to be part of the World’s Architectural Heritage. Whichever happens, don’t forget to visit the Medieval Tortures Museum!!

10. Frasassi Caves – Marche

The Frasassi Caves are a unique karst cave in the province of Ancona. They are the most famous caves in Italy.

Rich in water, the cave system is particularly well endowed with stalactites and stalagmites creating a magical atmosphere. Moreover, another characteristic is that the Frassisi cave system includes 4 chambers and that near the entrance to the caves are two sanctuary-chapels.