If you’re planning a trip to Italy, you may be wondering where to visit first – North or South? The good news is that there’s no wrong answer. The north dazzles with cosmopolitan cities and alpine scenery, while the south seduces with sun-soaked coastlines and ancient ruins. However, if you’re torn between where to book your next adventure, this quick guide is here to help.
The Food: Refined vs Rustic
In the north, cuisine leans towards rich and comforting, with butter and cream used frequently in cooking. Signature dishes include risotto, polenta, and tagliatelle al tartufo (truffle pasta). Alpine cheeses like fontina, gorgonzola, and parmesan all make an appearance, too. This delicious northern cuisine is typically paired with elegant wines from Piedmont or Veneto.
Head south and the flavours get bolder and lighter, largely due to the region’s warm Mediterranean climate. Think sun-ripened tomatoes, olive oil, fresh seafood, and herbs like oregano and basil. Southern Italy is also known for its pizza (ciao, Naples!), and Sicily’s famous cannoli.
The Cities: Sophisticated vs Soulful
Northern Italy is characterised by its chic cities, including fashion-forward Milan, elegant Venice, artistic Verona, and sophisticated Florence – all conveniently located just a short high-speed train ride from one another.
In contrast, southern cities may appear less polished than their northern counterparts but make up for it with warmth and personality. From vibrant Naples to ancient Palermo, residents in the south tend to embrace a more relaxed lifestyle, guided by tradition, family, and food.
The Landmarks: Renaissance vs Ruins
Northern Italy is a haven for art-history buffs, with Michelangelo, da Vinci, and some of the world’s most iconic cathedrals to be found here. Must-see sites include Milan’s Duomo di Milano, Venice’s iconic canals, and Florence’s Uffizi Gallery – renowned for its rich collection of Renaissance masterpieces.
The south counters with an abundance of ancient archaeological wonders, blending Greek and Roman mythology. Here you’ll find Rome’s crumbling Colosseum, Pompeii’s haunting ruins, Sicily’s Valley of the Temples, and Alberobello’s cone-shaped trulli houses – just to name a few.
The Landscapes: Mountains & Lakes vs. Coastlines & Olive Groves
The north is blessed with picture-perfect scenery – from the snow-capped peaks of the Alps and Dolomites to the serene, crystal-clear lakes of Como, Garda, and Maggiore. Rolling vineyards stretch across Piedmont and Veneto, while centuries-old seaside villages hug the rugged Italian Riviera coastline. It’s pristine, peaceful, and perfect for hikers, skiers, or those in search of magnificent mountain views or sweeping sea vistas.
Meanwhile, the south shows off with azure Mediterranean waters, cliffside villages, sun-baked olive groves, and fiery volcanoes like Mount Etna and Vesuvius. The UNESCO-listed Amalfi Coast is a prime example of the south’s rugged coastal beauty, while the island of Sicily offers a variety of beautiful black-sand beaches.
So, what’s the verdict? You can’t lose! Whether you’re drawn to lakeside luxury and medieval towns or seaside sunsets and ancient ruins, Italy has something to offer everyone. Explore north, south or the whole boot with our Globus and Cosmos Italy tours.
