20 Regions in Italy

What are the number of regions in Italy? This is likely one of the most important topics in Italy. To learn more about Italy, it’s worth learning about the 20 Italian regions. It is important to be familiar with the capitals and regions of Italy. Why is it so important to know the northern Italy areas as well as the regions of southern Italy? It’s simple! For hundreds of years, Italy was divided into cities-states. These city-states created their own culture, developed different dialects and had a different way to live. These differences are still evident today, even within the same region or between provinces. Because the country is diverse in terms of culture, traditions, language and food, it’s important that you know which region of Italy Venice is located in. It’s this that makes Italy so fascinating for all visitors. There is something for everyone.

Map of Italy Regions

We created this cute map above to help you see all regions in Italy. This post will show you where in Italy Rome is located. So when you hear anything about the Lazio region, you’ll know you can easily travel from Rome.

We have already spoken of the many regions in Italy. Now we will take you through each one. We’ll discuss anything important for each region, as well as places to visit and regional cuisine.

It’s amazing to see the great things in Liguria and the Tuscany region, as well as the lesser known ones like Molise and Abruzzo. Although we didn’t make a map of Italy that included cities and regions, below is a list of all the regions and their capitals.

Italy’s capitals and regions

20 Regions in Italy

It’s now time to explore each region of Italy. To see where each region is located, you can scroll up on the map. We will share with you great things to do in particular Italian regions, where to go, when, and some cultural insights. Let’s dig in!

1. Abruzzo

Abruzzo, Italy is the first region on the list with 20 regions. Abruzzo is located in central Italy, with L’Aquila as its capital. Although it is the first region on our list we include, Abruzzo isn’t as well-known as other regions, but it has some amazing places to explore.

Although the area is quite large, Abruzzo only has 1.3 million inhabitants. It’s also divided into four provinces. These are L’Aquila (Pescara), Chieti, Teramo and Chieti. Abruzzo lies between the Marche, Molise and Lazio regions. The Adriatic Sea is on the eastern frontier.

Abruzzo tourism is primarily based on Italians but it is also visited frequently by Europeans. Although it hasn’t been as popular with visitors yet, this is slowly changing. The mountains of the Gran Sasso d’Italia dominate the majority of the area. More than half the area is protected by 38 nature reserves and national parks.

Abruzzo was awarded the title of Europe’s greenest region because of this. These national parks are home to rare species of animals such as the Apennine Wolf, the Marsican Brown Bear, and golden Eagles. Abruzzo is the perfect place for anyone who enjoys mountain travel and outdoor adventure. You will find plenty of things to do in Abruzzo.

2. Aosta Valley

The Aosta Valley (Valle d’Aosta), one of the autonomous regions in northern Italy, is one of the most beautiful regions. Aosta is the capital of the region. It’s a stunning mountainous region with breathtaking views and great escapes.

Valle d’Aosta borders the region of Piemonte to the south and west, while it borders France and Switzerland to the north. It is also the territory of one of Italy’s autonomous regions. However, its population of 128.000 people is the smallest.

Valle d’Aosta’s official languages are French and Italian, while the Valle d’Aosta dialect is Franco-Provencal. Mother nature has created many beautiful places for you to explore in the valley. You can visit castles such as the Savoya Castle and go skiing.

3. Basilicata

Basilicata is one of 20 Italian regions that has been growing in popularity over the past five years. Basilicata, in southern Italy, is a region that deserves attention. Potenza is the capital and the region is split into Matera and Potenza.

Matera, the town, is the reason Basilicata receives more and more tourists. This could be a good thing, considering it’s the third poorest region of Italy. It has a population of 600.000 people. What’s more, it is one of the most rockiest areas in Italy. It makes modernizing and living in the region difficult. You will also find some beautiful abandoned places throughout the region.

Matera is home to the breathtaking view of the UNESCO Heritage Site from the Sassi of Matera. It is a place that shows that beauty doesn’t depend on money or luxury. Basilicata is a stunning and authentic place to visit in Italy.

4. Calabria

Calabria and Catanzaro, its capital, are two of the most overlooked Italian capitals and regions. Calabria, one of the regions in southern Italy that has a stunning coast with clear water and beautiful beaches is Calabria.

Catanzaro is regional capital but Reggio Calabria is home to the largest population. Calabria is home to the country’s largest national park. Pollino National Park ranks among the top 50 national parks worldwide.

The sea is the main border of the region. To the south is Sicily and to the north is Basilicata. Another interesting fact is that Calabria has evidence of one the oldest records of human existence in Italy. It’s also one region in Italy with a very long history.

5. Campania

Campania is among the most beautiful regions in Italy. It’s also the most visited region in southern Italy. You’ll find the answer to your question now if you’re here because you want to know Naples Italy where. Naples (or Napoli) is located in Italy’s Campania region. It’s one the most visited holiday destinations.

Capri and the Phlegraean Islands are also part of Campania, which is on the peninsula’s territory. It had a population close to 6 million people. Campania is the third most populous region of Italy. According to their GDP, Campania is the 7th most productive and cheapest region in Italy.

Ten UNESCO sites are now found in Campania, out of the total 58 UNESCO locations Italy has. These include Pompeii and Herculaneum, the stunning Royal Palace of Caserta of Naples’s historical center, the magic Amalfi Coast and Mount Vesuvius which is the volcano that destroyed Pompeii.

There are many other things Campania has to offer than the UNESCO sites. You will find stunning beaches and coastal towns such as Sorrento. There are also beautiful islands such as Capri or Ischia. You can plan day trips to Napoli if you visit Napoli.

6. Emilia Romagna

Take a look at the maps of Italy and see Emilia Romagna. It’s the border between the northern and southern regions. The Po River forms the main border in the region, while the Apennines form the majority of it.

Emilia Romagna is now one of Europe’s most wealthy and developed regions. However, it ranks third in Italy in terms of GDP. Bologna, the capital, has the highest quality-of-life indices in Italy. The region also hosts hundreds of businesses and some of the most recognizable brands in Italy.

What you need to know about Emilia Romagna

One of the most fascinating facts about Emilia Romagna, is that it looks almost like a valley in between the lines of the rivers and mountains. This is why Emilia Romagna’s provinces are arranged in a logical order. Starting from the North-West, the list begins with Piacenza. Next is Parma Reggio Emilia Modena and Bologna.

It spreads a bit from here having on the northern side Ferrara or Ravenna. Ravenna can also be found by the coasts of Rimini and Forli Cesena. Food is the main reason to visit Emilia Romagna. You can think of Parmigiano Reggiano or Grana Padano which are two of Italy’s most well-known cheeses, as well as the Prosciutto Di Parma and chocolate brands and coffee brands such the Musetti.

It is home to some of Italy’s most prestigious car brands such as Lamborghini, Maserati and Pagani. Every province and every province center has a wealth of cultural, foodie and sporting activities. For any season, Emilia Romagna can be a wonderful Italian destination!

7. Friuli Venezia Giulia

Friuli Venezia Giulia Giulia is a great place to start when you’re looking for beautiful landscapes and lands. Friuli Venezia Giulia, one of five autonomous regions, has a special status and is also one of northern Italy’s regions. Trieste is Friuli Venezia’s capital and is considered one of the most multi-cultural cities in Italy.

The region is bordered on three sides by Slovenia, Slovenia, Italy’s Veneto region, and the Adriatic Sea. Three languages are spoken in the region, with strong Slovene and German influence. Today, Friuli holds a significant place in history. Friuli Venezia Giulia is a natural gateway to the sea for central European nations and has been a major transport route between the west of Europe and the east of South Europe.

Trieste is part of the Habsburg Monarchy. It was then the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Friuli Venezia Giulia has a lot of historical and cultural places. However, the region also boasts stunning mountain views, ski resorts and great beaches along the Adriatic Sea. Friuli is also known for its excellent wine.

8. Lazio

The Lazio region Italy is probably the most important of all the 20 regions. It is the ancient region in central Italy that saw the birth of Rome. Its history dates back more than 2000 years. You can find out where Rome is located in Italy by looking at Lazio.

Lazio is second in Italy’s most populous region, just behind Naples. It is also second in terms of the country’s regional economy, since Milan and Lombardy, even though Rome is the capital, are the real deal when you think about business and economics.

You can also find stunning beaches in the vicinity of Rome. You can plan day trips to many places from Rome, such as hiking in the Preappenines or visiting lakes, like Bolsena, Vico, and Bolsena.

There are beautiful towns such as Viterbo and Castelli Romani. You can also visit castles, and explore beautiful hilltop villages. You will find many vineyards, as well as villas, history and gardens. The region of Lazio is basically an extension of Rome’s museum. You can also enjoy Roman cuisine like the Carbonara or Cacio e Pepe, and visit the oldest monasteries of the country.

9. Liguria

Liguria and Genoa are the top Italian capitals and regions. Liguria, one of the most popular regions in northern Italy, is known for its beautiful coastline towns and stunning landscapes.

The Apennines and Alps also cross the region, laying along Italy’s north-western coast and the so-called Italian Riviera. The regions of Emilia Romagna and Piemonte border Liguria. France is also within its borders. Liguria is now a very popular travel destination , with many places to see.

You might be wondering where the most beautiful places are in Liguria. Here are some gems: Cinque Terre, Sanremo and Porto Venere. Among many other things, don’t forget about the Portofino diamond. If you are visiting Liguria you should eat focaccia, and then try Pesto Genovese.

10. Lombardia

Lombardy, as we have already said, is the region in northern Italy that receives the most attention. Milan is the capital of Lombardy, Italy. It is home to many famous things. It is also known as Lombardia in Italian. You can find it on the Italy map.

Lombardy is home to 10 million people, making it the most populous region in Italy. The region also forms a fifth the country’s GDP. This makes it the most populous, but also the most productive, and wealthiest region in Italy. It’s also among the top regions of Europe, according to the same criteria.

Here are some highlights from the Lombardy Region

Lombardia is home to the most UNESCO world heritage sites. These include the Piazza Del Foro in Brescia and the Santa Giulia Museum, Brescia, as well as the Last Supper fresco from Milan and the cities Mantua, Sabbioneta, and Mantua.

There are many things to see in Lombardy. If you’re visiting Milan and planning to take then day trip from there, think about Lake Garda and Lake Iseo and Lake Como. You can also consider destinations in the Italian Alps and Bergamo.

Lombardy is known for its delicious food. You must try Trippa Milanese, Cotoletta Milanese and the Panettone, especially during Christmas. Don’t forget to try the liquor and Campari drinks. There’s luxury everywhere, and fashion.

11. Marche

Marche is one the most underrated and beautiful of all the 20 Italian regions. It’s shame that we don’t talk more about the beautiful lands, mountains, and stunning coast and beaches of this region.

We’ve already taken a look at some highlights in the Marche region Italy. But let’s start with the capital of this region in central Italy. Ancona, the capital of the region, is one reason to visit the area. Marche borders Emilia Romagna and San Marino, Umbrias, Abruzzos, Lazio and Tuscany on the ground. The Adriatic sea lies on its eastern side.

It is a hilly region, which is why it isn’t so popular. It can be difficult to travel in certain places. There are many amazing places in the Marche region to visit, like Urbino, where Raphael was born.

12. Molise

Molise is another region in central Italy. Most people have never heard of the Italy Molise area. It’s the least visited, authentic, and most famous area in the country. Even those of us who love Italy forget it exists.

Don’t get me wrong. This region is beautiful and has stunning landscapes. With just more than 300.000 residents, the population of this region is second in Italy.

Molise is split into two provinces: Campobasso & Iserina. Molise’s capital is Campobasso. You can explore Molise by visiting places such as Campomarino, which is a beautiful beach town, and Termoli. You could also ski at Campitello Matese’s foot. There are many beautiful places to discover, even if tourism hasn’t yet taken over the region.

13. Piemonte

Piemonte (Piedmont), another highlight of northern Italy’s regions, is something we haven’t discussed yet. Piemonte borders Lombardy and Liguria as well as Valle d’Aosta, Emilia Romagna, and Valle d’Aosta. Piemonte’s capital is Turin ( Torino), and it is one of the most important cities and regions in terms of GDP.

Recently, Piemonte has been receiving more attention in terms of tourism and economy. Piemonte is a popular region for filming and chocolate making, as well as liquors production. However, there are many beautiful spots to visit.

The Piedmont region Italy is home to many stunning castles. One of these is the Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi in Nichelino. Another is Sacra di San Michele Abbey. Piedmont is also a great place to find beautiful mountain locations and landscapes, as it borders the Italian Alps.

14. Puglia

Puglia (Apulia) is one of the most stunning summer destinations. It is also another of the 20 Italian regions. The Puglia region Italy can be found in southern Italy. It’s home to many stunning towns and gorgeous beaches that offer crystal clear water.

Bari is the capital of Apulia (Puglia), Italy’s capital. It borders the Adriatic Sea along its coastline, and is home to approximately 4 million people. Puglia borders the Molise, Campania and Basilicata areas on its north, west and south-west sides.

The region is known for its pastatypes and delicious dishes . street food such as my personal favorite, Panzerotti, are also popular. Puglia also boasts a international airport and beautiful towns such as Polignano a Mare or Alberobello, which is a popular white town.

15. Sardegna

The peninsula is the most common region on the Italy map. Two regions are located on islands. One is Sardinia and the other is Sicily. Sardinia is also known as Sardegna in Italian. It’s a popular summer destination, especially for Italians.

Cagliari is the capital of Sardegna, and is found in the south of the island. You should also know that Sardinia, the second-largest Mediterranean island, has stunningly clear waters and amazing coastlines with white sand beaches.

About Sardinia Italy

Each region and each province has its own dialects. The Piacentino dialect, which is a mixture of French, Latin and Italian, is the Sardinian dialect. You can easily chat with locals if you speak Catalan. Sardinia’s official language is Italian.

Visitors are drawn to the stunning, unspoiled landscapes of Sardinia, as well as the beautiful waters and beaches, particularly in northern Sardinia. La Maddalena National Park is another beautiful park that’s spread across several small islands.

You will find amazing beaches and clear water up to a great distance. Sardinia is a popular choice for friends and youth. You can have lots of fun, while still enjoying the idyllic island lifestyle and stunning landscapes.

16. Sicilia

Sicily is perhaps the most well-known region in southern Italy. It is not only because of the beautiful spots you can find in Sicily, as well as the stunning beaches . But, it’s also because it is an island that is famous and very popular.

Palermo is the capital of Sicily. It’s also one of five autonomous regions in Italy, along with Sardinia or Trentino-Alto Adige. Sicily is home to approximately 5 million people. It also has an interesting and long history. You must try many Sicilian foods on the island like Canneloni and Arancini or sweets such as Cannoli.

More information on Sicily

There are many highlights when it comes to cities in Siciliy. These include Taormina and Agrigento as well as Syracuse and Catania. We must mention Mount Etna, an active volcano, while we are talking about Sicily. Evidence shows that human activity began in Sicily around 12000 BC. The island was home to Phoenician colonies and Greek colonies by 750 BC. It later became part of Rome’s Empire.

Vandals, Ostrogoths and Byzanz occupied Sicily. It was occupied by Vandals, Ostrogoths, Byzanz, and Arabics for 700 years after the formation of the Kingdom. In 1816, the Kingdom was unified with the Kingdom in Naples, then it was incorporated into the Kingdom Italy. The island is home to many UNESCO-listed sites and architecture that reflects its long history. Erice can be visited as well as the Necropolis in Pantalica.

17. Trentino – Alto Adige

Trentino- Alto Adige, South Tyrol is another beauty of northern Italy. Trentino is home to some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in all of Italy. Trentino-Alto Adige, an autonomous region in Italy, has more than 1 million inhabitants. About 65% of them are Italian while 30% speak German dialect.

Bolzano and Trento are home to some stunning parts of Italy’s Alps. These areas also host the most famous Italian ski resorts. Trentino-Alto Adige, along with the Austro-Hungarian Empire, was part of both the Holy Roman Empire and the Holy Roman Empire.

The region was returned to Italy after WW1. Bolzano and Trento offer many beautiful places to visit. You can also visit the stunning Buonconsiglio Castle in Trento. Winter vacation can be spent skiing or you can go on a summer vacation to explore great towns and hikes. Don’t forget the Dolomites, a UNESCO Heritage Site that is partially located in Trentino.

18. Toscana

Tuscany is one of the top three choices when it comes to beautiful Italian capitals and regions. Everybody dreams of traveling to Tuscany. Gorgeous cities, charming villages, stunning hilltop towns, amazing landscapes.

Tuscany’s hills are home to some of the most beautiful parts. These hills are covered with vineyards and olive trees. It is a magical place with breathtaking views and a fairytale setting. Tuscany is located in central Italy, with its capital being Florence.

Here are some highlights from the Tuscany region of Italy

The main attractions of Tuscany are not only the towns and landscapes, but also the arts and history. Tuscany is home to the Italian Renaissance. It gave birth to some of the most important names of the period, such as Niccolo Machiavelli and Petrarch. Leonardo da Vinci also lived there.

Palazzo Pitti, Palazzo Uffizi and the Accademia are some of the most important Renaissance masterpieces. Tuscany is home to many famous wine regions like Montepulciano, San Gimignano and Chianti.

You can also plan day trip from Florence to visit the main villages and towns in Tuscany. These include Siena and Pisa. The stunning Val d’Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also located in Tuscany.

You must also try the best Tuscan food: Porchetta, Risotto stuffed with Porcini mushrooms, Bistecca fiorentina, and Porchetta. It was in Tuscany that I discovered how wonderful boar meat can be. It was something I had never liked, but I fell in love with it after tasting a boar-ragu in Florence. You should also remember spas and castles as well as beaches throughout Tuscany!

19. Umbria

Umbria, one of 20 Italian regions, isn’t as well-known or as popular as the others. Umbra is as beautiful as Tuscany. Perhaps because of its national parks and stunning waterfalls it is even more beautiful than others.

Perugia is Umbria’s capital. The lands as well as culture and history are very similar to Lazio and Tuscany, although it borders both. Umbria is located in central Italy and is a wonderful place to visit if you’re looking for beautiful hilly and mountain landscapes.

You can visit many beautiful places in Umbria. You can find a stunning region off the beaten track, but it is still easily accessible from Rome and Florence, which have the largest international airports close by.

20. Veneto is the last of the 20 Italian regions.

The Veneto region Italy is another gem in the northern Italy regions. Veneto is the region in Italy where Venice is located. The region’s population is approximately 5 million. It ranks 4th in Italy. Venice is the capital of Veneto. However, Verona is the largest city in the area.

Veneto, which was a part of the Republic of Venice from the end of the Roman Empire’s fall, was incorporated into the Republic of Venice in the 18th century. You may be aware that Venice was for centuries the most prosperous maritime republic in the world. It also had the largest trade empire. Veneto belonged for 60 years to the Austro-Hungarian Empire. In 1866, it was merged into the Kingdom of Italy.

Learn more about the Veneto region in Italy

Verona and Belluno are some of the most prominent towns in the area after Venice. All of these towns are excellent places to take day trips, especially Verona. Veneto also owns a portion of Lake Garda. It is located near Friuli Venezia Giulia, Trentino Alto Adige and Lombardy.

You should try the local cuisine and drink as much Aperitivo, Spritz, or Cicheti as possible while you are in Venice. There are many beautiful beaches in the Veneto region. You can also see the rich history of each town in Veneto through the numerous museums, churches, or architecture.

The 20 Regions of Italy: A summary

We have seen the maps of Italy, which show each region with its capital cities. Now we will discuss how many regions there are in Italy and what they are. Each region has its own beauty, unique history, and interesting facts. We have more information in the other posts so make sure you check out the links under each region. Even though we tried to reduce the amount of information that was useful, this article got very long. We hope you enjoyed this overview of Italy.

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