Even Johann Wolfgang von Goethe appreciated every trip to Italy as an inspiration. The harmonious landscape, the Mediterranean attitude towards life and the great round of sights make Northern Italy one of the most popular tourist regions in Europe. Choosing northern Italy as a destination for your vacation also means having the world’s greatest density of UNESCO World Heritage Sites at your disposal.
From the Alpine regions to the Po Valley and northern Tuscany, northern Italy offers hundreds of world-class tourist attractions. The once powerful cities of Friuli, Piedmont, Veneto, Liguria or Emilia-Romagna shaped European culture for centuries. Famous families such as the Medici left behind magnificent buildings that still have a breathtaking effect today. They promoted works of art that gave absolute world renown to the cathedrals and museums of Turin, Milan, Venice or Bologna.
An entire vacation could be spent just visiting at least the most important of these sites. But Northern Italy is also the land of traditional culinary delights and exciting modern lifestyle. Turin and Milan not only hold historical treasures, but are also vibrant fashion and design metropolises. To help you choose, here are our 30 best places to visit in North Italy.
30. Milan
Milan, the capital of the north, is considered an all-rounder among Italian cities. The international art, music and fashion metropolis, combines history with modernity and is rich in important sights and art treasures. In addition, there are great restaurants and shopping opportunities that round out the total package.
Milan (Italian: Milano) is the second largest city in Italy with a population of about 1.5 million and the capital of the Lombardy region. It is located in the northwestern Po Valley between the river of the same name and the Alps.
Among the most beautiful places in Milan are the Cathedral, the Scala Opera House, the Academy of Arts, the Castle Sforzesco and the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie with da Vinci’s famous Last Supper and the Navigli district. In addition, Milan has much more worth seeing buildings and art treasures to offer.
You can admire impressive skyscrapers in the districts north of the historic center. Around the Porta Nuova district there are some impressive financial and trade fair buildings. Among the most imposing buildings in Milan’s New Town are the Pirelli skyscraper, completed in 1960, and the Bosco Verticale residential towers, overgrown with trees and greenery.
Milan is the most important soccer city in Italy (along with Turin). The city is divided between the tifosi (fans) of AC Milan and Internazionale Milano, both of which are among the most successful clubs nationally and internationally. A visit to the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, formerly known as San Siro after the district in which it is located, is a must for soccer fans.
29. Venice
Venice (Italian Venezia) is a city in north-eastern Italy and the capital of the eponymous province of Venice and the Veneto region.
It is located on the Gulf of Venice (Golfo di Venezia), named after it, the northern part of the Adriatic Sea, where it is spread over parts of the mainland and many small and large islands in the eponymous Venice Lagoon. That is why it is also called the “floating city”.
The individual islands of the historic center are connected by more than 400 bridges and the famous canals on which the gondolas sail back and forth.
In the city itself you can visit a variety of spacious squares, imposing sacred buildings and majestic palaces.
This architectural uniqueness makes Venice one of the most visited cities in Italy and the world, and earned the city a place on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1987.
In the past, Venice was the capital of the eponymous Republic of Venice and, with a population of more than 180,000, was one of the largest and most important port and trading cities in Europe.
Moreover, the Republic’s fleet counted the most warships and made the Republic the predominant naval and war power of the time. That is why Venice was nicknamed “La Serenissima” (The Most Serene).
28. Turin
Turin is one of the most exciting and diverse cities in Italy and is still a real insider tip for short trips and city breaks. Located on the Po River, Turin is the fourth largest city in Italy and the capital of the Piedmont region.
Its most prominent landmark is the Mole Antonelliana, which dominates the city skyline with its imposing dome.
Turin was originally founded as a Roman military colony in honor of the Emperor Augustus, which gives its historic center around the Porta Palatina a special charm to this day.
Many magnificent residences such as the Palazzo Reale or the Palazzo Madama bear witness to the stately past of the former capital of Italy and the Duchy of Savoy.
After losing its function as a capital, the city quickly recovered in the course of industrialization and became the center of the Italian automobile industry with the founding of Fiat and Lancia.
The many magnificent buildings and countless exciting museums make Turin an absolutely recommendable destination.
27. Bologna
Bologna is the capital of the metropolitan city of the same name and of the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy.
It has just under 400,000 inhabitants and is located between the Reno and Savena rivers at the foot of the Apennine Mountains.
The city is especially known for countless arcades and impressive red-brick buildings, rich food, and the oldest university in Europe.
That is why it has three nicknames that aptly describe its character: “la Rossa” (the Red), “la Grassa” (the Fat) and “la Dotta” (the Scholar).
The center of the historic city of Bologna is Piazza Maggiore. Around the rectangular square are impressive buildings from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.
These include the Palazzo dei Notai to the southwest, the Palazzo d’Accursio to the west, the Palazzo del Podestà to the north and the Palazzo dei Banchi to the northeast of the square.
The most impressive building in Piazza Maggiore, however, is not one of the palaces, but the Basilica di San Petrionio, the largest church in Bologna and the fifth largest in the world.
Its construction was originally started in 1390 with the aim of building the largest Christian church in the world. However, due to financial problems, it was not completed until today.
26. Genoa
Genoa (Genova in Italian) is the capital of the Liguria region. With about 600,000 inhabitants, it is the sixth largest city in Italy. In the Middle Ages it was the center of the important eponymous Republic of Genoa. As a powerful commercial and colonial city, it was one of the four most important maritime republics in Italy (along with Amalfi, Pisa and Venice).
The city is located in a long bay, with the Apennine Mountains rising at its back, and is the geographical center of the Ligurian Coast. To the west of the city is the Riviera di Ponente coastline, and to the east is the Riviera di Levante. Therefore, the terms Ponente and Levante are often used in Genoa to refer to regional locations.
The city is best known for its seaport with lighthouse, an interesting mix of small streets and imposing buildings, and as the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. Parts of the old town have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2006.
The impressive Piazza de Ferrari is located in the center of the city and is considered its cultural and social hub.
One of the most beautiful buildings in the square is the magnificent Palazzo Ducale, which was once the seat of the Doges and the center of power in the city. Today it hosts a wide variety of cultural events. Next to it is the Carlo Felice Opera House. It is one of the most important and best opera houses in the country.
25. Parma
The city of Parma has a population of about 200,000, is located about 85 km northeast of Bologna on the Po Valley, and is known today primarily for its food industry.
Home to Prosciutto di Parma ham and Parmesan cheese Parmigiano Reggiano, as well as the headquarters of pasta producer Barilla, the city is a leading economic center of Emilia-Romagna and Italy.
In addition, the city has more than 2,000 years of history and many monuments such as the Cattedrale Santa Maria Assunta, the Baptistery of San Giovanni and Palazzo Pilotta.
Not far from the city you can visit the imposing castles Rocca di Fontanellato and Castello di Torrechiara.
24. Verona
Verona is, along with Venice, the largest city in the Veneto region and the capital of the province of the same name, Verona. It also has about 260,000 inhabitants and is located about 100 km west of Venice on the Adige River.
Since 2000, the old town of the former Roman colony has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Accordingly, there are many exciting things to see there.
The well-preserved amphitheater, the arch Arco dei Gavi, the city gate Porta Borsari, the cathedral Santa Maria Matricolare as well as the fortress Castelvecchio and the bridge Ponte Scaligero are only a small selection of the most worth seeing buildings of the city.
What must not be missed, of course, is the House of Juliet, one of the (alleged) settings of the tragic love story with Romeo, made timeless-immortal by Shakespeare.
23. Lake Garda
Sun-drenched mountainsides where olives and citrus fruits grow, picturesque villages and crystal clear waters make Lake Garda one of the most beautiful and popular destinations in all of Italy. Amusement parks such as Gardaland, top-class wine-growing areas and sightseeing destinations such as Brescia, Trento or Verona complete the overall package.
Lake Garda (Italian: Lago di Garda or Bènaco) is the largest lake in Italy and owes its name to the municipality of Garda on the eastern shore. It stretches from the Alps in the north to the Po Valley in the south and its shores are located in the three Italian regions of Lombardy (west) Trentino-Alto Adige (north) and Veneto (west).
Among the most popular destinations on Lake Garda are picturesque towns such as Riva del Garda on the north shore, Malcesine on the east shore, Sirmione on the south shore, and Limone on the west shore, as well as several islands, the most famous of which is Isola del Garda. The surrounding wine regions of Bardolino, Lugana, Soave and Valpolicella, a handful of theme parks such as Gardaland and several major cities such as Brescia are perfect for day trips.
22. Trieste
Trieste (Italian Trieste) is an Italian port city with about 200,000 inhabitants. It is the capital of the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region and is located at the northern end of the Adriatic Sea in a bay named after it, the Gulf of Trieste.
The city is located not far from the Austrian, Slovenian and Croatian state borders and is considered the crossroads of Central and Southeastern Europe.
In the past it has belonged to many different states and empires. The many different historical, geographical and cultural influences make the city an insanely varied, diverse and truly worthwhile destination.
Moreover, Trieste is an important research and University City, as well as the headquarters of some major Italian corporations. It is therefore considered one of the safest and most livable cities in the world.
21. Lake Maggiore
With a length of almost 66 km, Lake Maggiore is the second largest lake in Italy, picturesquely nestled between Switzerland and the Italian region of Piedmont and Lombardy. Thanks to the mild climate and quite warm weather, a vacation on Lake Maggiore is suitable all year round. Of course, the up to 280 sunny days per year also affect the water temperature – so Lake Maggiore measures a maximum of 24 degrees in summer and still 11 degrees in autumn or spring. The popular lake offers everything you need for a perfect and varied vacation: an idyllic natural setting, clear water, charming fishing villages and towns, magnificent water castles and the majestic Alps in the background. Swimming, surfing, sailing, diving, canoeing and hiking are just a few of the numerous leisure activities in the area that the lake invites you to enjoy.
A special highlight of Lake Maggiore on the Italian side are certainly the Borromeo Islands – Isola Bella, Isola Madre and Isola dei Pescatori. The group of islands is named after the Borromeo family, to whom the islands belonged for centuries. On Isola Bella you will visit the magnificent estate of the Borromeos, here you can admire numerous works of art, furniture, statues and stuccoes. In one room of the summer palace even Napoleon once spent the night!
20. Brescia
Brescia’s old town, with its archaeological finds and sacred buildings, is one of the most beautiful and interesting in Lombardy and all of northern Italy. The proximity to Lake Garda, Lake Iseo and the Franciacorta wine region make the city the perfect destination for a short vacation in Italy.
Brescia is the capital of the province of the same name and, with just under 200,000 inhabitants, the second largest city in Lombardy. It is located in the northern Po Valley between Lake Garda and Lake Iseo and is surrounded by picturesque hills and small villages.
Although Brescia is an important industrial city, its beautiful old town with many sights such as the Roman Forum, the monastic complex of San Salvatore-Santa Giulia and an old and new cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
19. Monza
Monza is a real insider tip for an exciting city trip in northern Italy. With its historic old town and one of the largest parks in the world, the city fascinates its visitors. It is also an ideal starting point for a trip to the nearby fashion metropolis of Milan and Lake Como.
With a population of around 125,000, Monza is the third largest city in the Lombardy region of northern Italy. It is located just a few kilometers northeast of Milan on the Lambro River on the edge of the Brianza hills.
Among the most interesting and beautiful places in Monza are the old town with the cathedral and the former town hall Palazzo dell’Arengario, as well as the Parco di Monza with the Villa Reale, the Royal Gardens and the Formula 1 race track Autodromo Nazionale Monza.
18. Como
The city of Como is located directly on Lake Como, which is named after it, and delights its visitors with a long lakeside promenade, magnificent buildings and churches, and a historic old town that invites you to go sightseeing and shopping. From the surrounding mountains you have a great view of the city and Lake Como.
Como is a northern Italian city with about 85,000 inhabitants. It is located about 40 kilometers north of Milan on the southwestern shore of Lake Como in the Lombardy region.
Among the most beautiful places in Como are the lakeside promenade with the Tempio Voltiano, the old town with churches such as the Cattedrale Santa Maria Assunta and the Basilica di San Fedele, and the villa suburb of Brunate with the lighthouse Faro Voltiano, from which you have an incomparable view of Lake Como.
17. Udine
Udine, the former center of the Friuli region, is not one of Italy’s main tourist attractions, but anyone who has visited this pretty city in northwestern Italy understands why people like to live here.
The almost 400 years during which the city was under Venetian rule (from 1420 to 1797) are still visible today, especially, of course, in the city’s main square, the “Piazza della Libertà”, which represents a unique architectural setting and is certainly one of the most beautiful squares in northern Italy. But also the period under the Habsburg Monarchy (from 1797 to 1866) and the proximity of Slovenia (20 km) can be felt in the cosmopolitan atmosphere of the city.
Udine is a convivial city, in the afternoon, after work, people often meet in one of the typical osterie (wine bars) of the city for a chat and a glass of good Friulian wine. Don’t forget to have an espresso or a capuccino in the art-deco café “Cantarena” (Piazza della Libertà), which is well worth a visit!
16. Cesena
Besides the proximity to the Adriatic coast, the foot of the Apennine Mountains characterizes the cityscape. Cesena calls itself the “City of the Three Popes” because Popes Pius VI, Pius VII and Pius VIII were born in Cesena and were bishops of the Cesena diocese.
Cesena was founded by the Umbrians. In the third century BC the Romans took over the city. Cesena had an important strategic importance as a garrison town. Frankish conquerors gave Cesena to the Pope in 754. Cesena was later an object of dispute among popes and emperors for a long time.
Cesena is a popular tourist destination. This is due to its proximity to the Adriatic coast and to the history of the city. The history of the city of Cesena is linked to the history of the province of Forli-Cesena. The historical center of Cesena has city walls dating back to 400 BC. In the castle of Cesena you can visit the peasant museum. When visiting Cesena, one should not forget the Rocca Malatestiana castle. The Renaissance library located there has remained unchanged until today. It displays more than 1,753 handwritten copies among more than 300,000 books.
15. Bolzano
Bolzano is the capital of the autonomous province of South Tyrol and the second largest city in the Trentino-Alto Adige region.
The city is located in a basin where the three rivers Adige, Isarco and Talfer or the Adige Valley, the Isarco Valley and the Sarentino Valley meet. Due to this location, it is not only an important traffic junction in the Alpine region, but is also considered a melting point of the German, Austrian and Italian languages, economy and culture.
As a medieval planned city or settlement, Bolzano and its surroundings are rich in imposing castles and fortresses, monuments and beautiful churches.
Among the most famous are Maretsch Castle, Sigmundskron Castle, the Town Hall and the Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary, and Runkelstein Castle just outside the city.
14. Cremona
Cremona is the epicenter of Italian violin making. Craftsmen such as Stradivari, Amati and Guarneri produced stringed instruments of inestimable value there in the late Middle Ages. Moreover, the city, located on the Po River, is rich in imposing monuments and invites you to a relaxing sightseeing.
Cremona is a city with about 70,000 inhabitants. It is located in Lombardy on the banks of the Po River. Just a few meters south of the city limits, the neighboring Emilia-Romagna region begins on the opposite bank.
Cremona’s historic center stretches around the central Piazza del Comune and is rich in buildings worth seeing, including the Duomo with the Torrazzo church tower and the Baptistery, as well as the Palazzo del Comune town hall and the Loggia dei Militi. Cremona is also known as the city of violin making. In the Museo del Violino you can admire the works of important craftsmen like Antonio Stradivari.
13. Vicenza
Vicenza is an industrial city of about 110,000 inhabitants located in Veneto, about halfway between Venice and Verona.
It is the capital of the province of Vicenza and is known for its jewelry, clothes and the buildings of the Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio.
Its old town is one of the most beautiful in Veneto and Palladio’s villas have been part of the UNESCO World Heritage since 1994 and 1996 respectively. The architect’s most famous palaces include Palazzo Barbaran da Porto, Palazzo del Capitanio, Villa La Rotonda and the Basilica Palladiana.
Other sights of Vicenza are the Teatro Olimpico, the Duomo and the Piazza dei Signori with the 80 m high Torre di Piazza.
12. Ferrara
The city of Ferrara originated in the Middle Ages and flourished under the rule of the Este family (in the 14th-16th centuries), who also had the mighty Castello Estense built in the center of the city. Since that time, the city center has remained almost unchanged, making Ferrara an exceptionally charming city.
Ferrara is a decidedly bicycle-friendly city, unfortunately a rare exception in Italy. The bicycle plays a role here almost like in Amsterdam. That is why we recommend to every visitor of this city: if you have the possibility, rent a bike and explore the city this way, it is the most beautiful and pleasant way to get to know this city. You will not regret it! The entire old town is car-free and you should definitely go down the medieval city walls (about 9 km). But you can also enjoy a large part of the old town undisturbed on foot.
If you have time for an excursion, you should visit the nearby natural oasis of the Po Delta. Here boat tours are offered from Porto Tolle, where you can experience the unique beauty of this almost untouched region (a large part is nature reserve).
11. Modena
The industrial and university city of Modena, with its beautiful historic city center, is the third largest city in Emilia-Romagna with a population of just under 190,000.
The main attraction of the old city center is Piazza Grande with the Romanesque Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta in Cielo e San Geminiano and its 88-meter-high freestanding bell tower (Torre Ghirlandina).
Modena is also home to the automobile manufacturer Maserati. Not far from the city, however, are the other major Italian car companies Ferrari in Maranello, Lamborghini in Sant’Agata Bolognese and Pagani in San Cesario sul Panaro.
Another export hit of the city is the famous balsamic vinegar Aceto Balsamico di Modena.
10. Mantua
Surrounded by three lakes, the Renaissance city of Mantua rises on the banks of the Mincio River in Lombardy. The former seat of the powerful Gonzaga noble family is rich in important sights and combines imposing buildings with beautiful landscapes like hardly any other city in northern Italy.
Mantua (Mantova in Italian) is a city of about 50,000 inhabitants in the Italian region of Lombardy. It is located between Lake Garda and the Po River on the Mincio River and is surrounded by three man-made lakes.
Since 2008, the old towns of Mantua and Sabbioneta have been part of the UNESCO World Heritage List due to their architectural and historical relevance in relation to the Renaissance.
The highlights of the Renaissance city include Palazzo Ducale, Mantua Cathedral, Basilica of Sant’Andrea and Palazzo Te. A city tour of Mantua can be completed in one day thanks to the short distances. But also the surroundings of the city have a lot to offer with beautiful places like the Parco del Mincio, Sabbioneta and Lake Garda.
9. Ravenna
Ravenna is one of the oldest cities in Emilia-Romagna and rich in history. It is located about ten kilometers from the Adriatic coast and has about 160,000 inhabitants.
Ravenna is best known for its Byzantine art in the form of mosaic products and embroidery, as well as its architecture, also Byzantine, which had a strong influence on the buildings of the Lombard pre-Romanesque period.
Eight buildings in the city that belong to precisely this Lombard pre-Romanesque period, including the church of San Vitale and the mausoleums of Theoderic and Galla Placidia, have been UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1996.
In addition, Ravenna has many other interesting museums, churches, city gates and other sights that can be discovered during a visit.
8. Gran Paradiso National Park
Gran Paradiso National Park is the oldest national park in Italy and is located in the southwest of the Aosta Valley on the border with Piedmont.
It was formerly a royal hunting ground and was founded on 3 Dzemeber 1922 to preserve the protection of alpine flora and fauna. The focus was and still is mainly on the protection of the Alpstein bucks living there, which are also the emblem of the park.
Furthermore, during the hikes in the park, with a little luck you can observe chamois, marmots, hares, weasels and martens, while eagles and other birds of prey circle in the sky above you.
The center and namesake of the national park is the 4,061 meter high mountain peak Gran Paradiso, which is also the highest mountain located exclusively on Italian territory.
7. Bergamo
Surrounded by Venetian city walls, Bergamo’s old town sits enthroned on a hill and enchants its visitors with historic buildings and fantastic panoramas. The more modern lower town and excursion destinations such as the Parco dei Colli, Lake Iseo and the village of Crespi d’Adda complete the excellent overall package.
Bergamo (Lombard Bèrghem) is a city in the Lombardy region of northern Italy. It has about 120,000 inhabitants and is located about 50 kilometers northeast of Milan between the Alps and the Po Valley.
Particularly worth seeing is the upper town (Città Alta), picturesquely situated on a hill. With its Venetian city walls and many historic buildings, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But the lower town (Città Bassa) also has a lot to offer with its beautiful center and interesting museums.
6. Portofino
Sometimes all a small town needs is one famous visitor and it is discovered by the world public. This is exactly what happened to Portofino. With the British consul Montague Yeats-Brown and champagne baron Alfons von Mumm, the jet set took its course. He was followed by industrialists, writers and film actors. Humphrey Bogart, Sophia Loren and Grace Kelly strolled through the fishing village and turned the port into a global piazzetta.
Once in Portofino, it’s clear that what makes vacationers come here doesn’t have to do with the celebrity factor alone. The picturesque dwarf harbor shines in dazzling colors. Shades of yellow, red and umber, but also a delicate lime green and a strong blue can be found on the facades of the houses, some of which, stacked on top of each other, are reminiscent of brightly colored Lego towers from children’s rooms. Nestled in evergreen mountain slopes that provide a strikingly beautiful contrast to the blue in the bay, Portofino looks so idyllic and colorful.
5. Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre – translated from Italian as “five villages” – is a coastal strip about twelve kilometers long along the Italian Riviera. As the name suggests, Cinque Terre consists of five small colorful villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore, all located on the steeply sloping coast. They are located in the Liguria region of northwestern Italy.
A section of the city of La Spezia, which is the eastern end of the coast, also falls within the Cinque Terre area, which is even protected as a national park. For over 20 years, the Cinque Terre have even been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. All five villages attract visitors with their colorful house facades, numerous small fishing boats and chic roads and hiking trails that invite you to very special vacation experiences.
4. Belluno & Cortina d’Ampezzo
The small town of Belluno has about 35,000 inhabitants and is the capital of the mountain province of the same name, Belluno. It is located about 80 km north of Venice on the Piave River and is considered the gateway to the Belluno Dolomites National Park in Veneto.
About 50 km further north is the municipality of Cortina d’Ampezzo. It has just under 6,000 inhabitants and is one of the most famous winter and mountain sports centers in Veneto and Italy.
Cortina d’Ampezzo has already hosted the 1956 Winter Olympics and several Alpine World Ski Championships, most recently in 2021. Together with Milan, the town is set to host the 2026 Winter Olympics.
A few kilometers south of the town is the beautiful mountain lake Lago Federa with great views of the mountain peak Croda da Lago.
3. San Remo
Already since the middle of the 19th century San Remo has been the most prestigious resort on the Italian Riviera. German emperors, Russian tsars and English lords began wintering here at that time, ushering in the era of tourism. By the turn of the 20th century, there were already 25 hotels and almost 200 villas here, mostly of foreign princes, (money) nobles, artists and writers.
The Casinò Municipale, the municipal casino, was built between 1904 and 1906 and still brings millions to the city. The hustle and bustle of today’s mass tourism has faded some of the charm of the Belle Époque and the 1960s, but much of it can still be felt in the elegant hotels and villas of the Art Nouveau style and on the palm-lined lakeside promenade (“Corso Imperatrice”).
Picturesque Sanremo is located in a beautiful bay on the Riviera di Ponente between the nearby French border and the city of Genoa. This stretch of coastline with its palm-lined sandy beaches is not called the Riviera dei Fiori, the Riviera of Flowers, for nothing. The city of flowers enjoys a mild climate all year round (see the climate table below), which favors the lush growth of over 2,000 plant species. In the gardens of San Remo bloom – so they say – the most beautiful roses.
Every year, usually at the end of February or beginning of March, San Remo hosts the Italian pop festival San Remo, which enjoys great popularity in Italy since 1951.
2. Padua
Padua is the third largest city in Veneto and the capital of the province of Padua. It has about 210,000 inhabitants and is located on the river Bacchiglione between Venice and Vicenza.
The city is one of the oldest cities in Italy and, according to legend, was founded as early as 1200 BC by the Trojan Antenor. The botanical garden Orto Botanico di Padova, founded in 1545, is considered the oldest botanical university garden in the world still in existence and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Other interesting sights in the city include the Prato della Valle (Europe’s third largest downtown square), the Basilica of St. Justina located there, the Palazzo della Ragione, Padua Cathedral, La Specola Castle, and the Sanctuary Basilica di Sant’Antonio.
1. Lake Iseo
Fortunately, Lake Iseo is still a real insider tip. Its picturesque villages, islands and mountain peaks are not as well known as those of its “big brothers” Lake Maggiore, Lake Como and Lake Garda, but Lake Iseo is still one of the most beautiful vacation destinations in northern Italy without being too touristy.
Lake Iseo (Italian: Lago d’Iseo or Sebino) is the fourth largest of the upper Italian lakes. It is about 25 kilometers long, up to 250 meters deep and is located in Lombardy between the cities of Bergamo and Brescia. On its northern shore begins the Valcamonica and on the southern shore extends the famous Franciacorta wine region.
Among the most beautiful places on Lake Iseo are the municipalities of Iseo, Sarnico, Predore, Riva di Solto, Lovere, Pisogne, Marone and Sulzano. But the absolute highlight is the 400 meter high island Monte Isola in the middle of the lake. Around the lake you can go hiking or relax on one of the few, but beautiful beaches.
