One of the least explored regions in Italy, Calabria is often skipped over as travelers head to its better-known "neighbor" Sicily. The narrow Straits of Messina separate the toe of Italy from the largest island in the Mediterranean. Though Calabria ranks low on travelers' itineraries, its 780 ...

Emilia-Romagna is a region known for its good taste and unforgettable flavors. The region is a major contributor to Italy's gastronomic heritage, being the birthplace of prosciutto, Parmigiano, balsamic vinegar, and pasta like tortellini and lasagne. Bologna, the capital of Emilia-Romagna, is ...

Basilicata, the instep of Italy's boot, is best known for the stony town of Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The region is mostly mountainous, save for two stretches of coastline on the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Gulf of Taranto. Basilicata is also known as "Lucania," a name that dates back to ...

From its rugged, mountainous national parks to its less touristy Adriatic beaches, Abruzzo is, as noted by writer Giorgio Manganelli, "a great producer of silence." Abruzzo is considered the greenest region in Europe owing to the fact that it is made up largely of parks and nature reserves, ...

Campania is one of those regions that has it all. Naples, the capital of Campania, is a lively yet mysterious city whose influence stretches across the entire region and beyond. The cityscape of Naples is unmistakable, with still-active Mount Vesuvius looming along the city edge. Not far ...

Founded in 753 B.C., Rome is the city that has sparked millions of dreams over several millennia. The Italian capital is home to the Colosseum, the Forum, and hundreds of ruins, museums, and must-see churches. A city that has been around as long as Rome has is bound to be known by many names. ...

Lazio is Rome's region. But despite being home to Italy's capital and largest city, Lazio has a reputation for being rather bucolic. Lazio is known for its archaeological sites, medieval villages, tranquil beaches, and mountain towns. Top Things to See and Do in Rome Lazio Maps ...

Florence is one of the most visited cities in Italy for both first-time and experienced travelers. The picturesque capital of Tuscany, Florence (Firenze, in Italian) is known for its Renaissance art and architecture and the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marcel Proust called it "a miracle ...

A harmonious landscape of vineyards, olive groves, and rolling plains dotted with cypress trees, Tuscany is one of the most beautiful regions in Italy. One could easily spend an entire vacation here visiting historic towns, touring wineries, and taking in the serene scenery. Florence, the ...