Do you love Italy or dream of visiting this incredible country? Then this post is for you! 😉 Italy is made up of 20 regions, each with its own personality, culture, cuisine and, of course, its pros and cons. We live in Italy, have lived in several places and traveled through almost the whole country. Today, we’ll talk about the good side and the not-so-good side of each Italian region, based on our experience and on the extensive research we did when choosing where to live.
Whether you’re a curious traveler, a person considering moving to Italy, or simply in love with Italian culture, keep reading, because there are plenty of fun facts along the way!
In the end, we’d love to hear from you: do you know any of these regions? Do you agree with our points? Have you visited or do you dream of living in any of them? Leave your comments! ❤️🤍💚
The regions are in alphabetical order, and the names are in Italian.
ABRUZZO
- Capital: L’Aquila
- Population: ~1,269,963 inhabitants
- Area: 10,829 km²
- 4 Provinces: L’Aquila, Chieti, Pescara, Teramo
It sits in central–southern Italy and is known for its mountainous landscapes and beautiful beaches along the Adriatic Sea.
Strengths: One of the greenest regions in Europe! It’s perfect for anyone who loves nature, hiking, mountains and crystal-clear sea. Moreover, the cost of living is much lower than in northern regions, which makes it very popular with people who want to enjoy retirement with quality of life.
Weaknesses: There are fewer jobs, especially if you don’t speak fluent Italian. Public services can also be slow in more remote areas.
BASILICATA
- Capital: Potenza
- Population: ~533,636 inhabitants
- Area: 10,072 km²
- 2 Provinces: Potenza, Matera
It is a region in southern Italy, nestled between Puglia, Campania and Calabria.
Strengths: Matera is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with cave-style stone houses carved into the cliff! It’s also a peaceful region, great for anyone seeking calm.
Weaknesses: A very limited economy, few transport options and basic infrastructure outside the main tourist areas.
CALABRIA
- Capital: Catanzaro
- Population: ~1,838,150 inhabitants
- Area: 15,212.7 km²
- 5 Provinces: Catanzaro, Cosenza, Crotone, Reggio Calabria, Vibo Valentia
Located at the tip of the “boot,” it offers rugged mountains and stunning beaches washed by the Ionian and Tyrrhenian Seas.
Strengths: Gorgeous beaches, delicious Mediterranean cuisine and very welcoming people.
Weaknesses: Serious structural issues, high unemployment and, unfortunately, the lingering influence of local mafias. In healthcare, there’s a shortage of doctors and precarious infrastructure.
CAMPANIA
- Capital: Naples
- Population: ~5,590,076 inhabitants
- Area: 13,667.9 km²
- 5 Provinces: Avellino, Benevento, Caserta, Napoli, Salerno
It is a southern Italian region renowned for stunning landscapes and a rich cultural heritage.
Strengths: A vibrant culture and spectacular food—this is the region where the famous Neapolitan pizza was born. Plus, there’s easy access to the Amalfi Coast and Capri.
Weaknesses: Urban chaos, heavy traffic and, in some neighborhoods, waste-management issues. The healthcare system struggles with high demand and limited resources, and some public facilities face management problems.
It’s close to Mount Vesuvius, with a constant eruption risk—this volcano has caused major tragedies in the past.
EMILIA-ROMAGNA
- Capital: Bologna
- Population: ~4,455,188 inhabitants
- Area: 22,501.8 km²
- 9 Provinces: Bologna, Ferrara, Forlì-Cesena, Modena, Parma, Piacenza, Ravenna, Reggio Emilia, Rimini
Set in northern Italy, it’s known for a unique mix of culture, history and gastronomy that attracts visitors from all over the world.
Strengths: A wealthy region with prestigious universities, excellent public services, quality transport and impeccable cuisine—yes, Parmigiano Reggiano, Grana Padano and Parma ham were born here! Public healthcare is among the best in the country, a national benchmark for efficiency, prevention, infrastructure and quality care.
Weaknesses: High rent in the larger cities due to strong housing demand.
FRIULI-VENEZIA GIULIA
- Capital: Trieste
- Population: ~1,195,792 inhabitants
- Area: 7,936.8 km²
- 4 Provinces: Trieste, Gorizia, Pordenone, Udine
This northeastern region borders Slovenia and the Adriatic Sea. Known for diverse landscapes, it offers a rich blend of culture, history and great food.
Strengths: Clean, organized and multicultural. Ideal if you value quality of life and calm.
Weaknesses: Harsh winters and a more reserved population, which may make integration harder.
LAZIO
- Capital: Rome
- Population: ~5,720,272 inhabitants
- Area: 17,236.5 km²
- 5 Provinces: Roma, Frosinone, Latina, Rieti, Viterbo
This is where Italy’s capital, Rome, is! It’s a central region brimming with heritage, offering a blend of history, art and nature, with picturesque towns that keep drawing visitors in.
Strengths: Rome is an open-air museum—rich in culture, tourism and opportunities.
Weaknesses: Heavy congestion, an overburdened public system and a high cost of living.
LIGURIA
- Capital: Genoa
- Population: ~1,508,847 inhabitants
- Area: 5,417.7 km²
- 4 Provinces: Genova, Imperia, La Spezia, Savona
A picturesque region tucked between the sea and the mountains, offering dramatic views and a rich local culture.
Strengths: A gorgeous coastline with charming villages like Cinque Terre, sea views and panoramic trails. Great climate and excellent food.
Weaknesses: Challenging terrain, small towns and high living costs near the sea.
LOMBARDIA
- Capital: Milan
- Population: ~10,020,528 inhabitants
- Area: 23,863 km²
- 12 Provinces: Milan, Bergamo, Brescia, Como, Cremona, Lecco, Lodi, Mantova, Monza e Brianza, Pavia, Sondrio, Varese
Located in the north, Lombardy is one of the country’s wealthiest regions and stands out for hosting Milan, Italy’s financial capital.
Strengths: A strong economy, excellent infrastructure, lots of companies and, consequently, great job opportunities. It also has the highest average salaries in Italy.
Weaknesses: A fast-paced lifestyle, very high living costs and a “colder” vibe.
MARCHE
- Capital: Ancona
- Population: ~1,484,427 inhabitants
- Area: 9,344.5 km²
- 5 Provinces: Ancona, Ascoli Piceno, Fermo, Macerata, Pesaro-Urbino
Set in the center of the country along the Adriatic coast, Marche blends mountains with seashore and enjoys a strategic position linking inland areas to the coast.
Strengths: Quiet towns, pretty beaches and an accessible cost of living.
Weaknesses: Lower visibility, which affects tourism and investment.
MOLISE
- Capital: Campobasso
- Population: ~289,413 inhabitants
- Area: 4,459.8 km²
- 4 Provinces: Campobasso, Isernia
A central–southern region set between the Apennines and the Adriatic Sea.
Strengths: Total tranquility, a very low cost of living and untouched natural scenery.
Weaknesses: Few opportunities—many young people leave the region—and infrastructure needs improvement.
PIEMONTE
- Capital: Turin
- Population: ~4,252,581 inhabitants
- Area: 25,391.7 km²
- 9 Provinces: Turin, Alessandria, Asti, Biella, Cuneo, Novara, Verbania-Cusio-Ossola, Vercelli
It lies in northern Italy, bordering France to the west and Switzerland to the north. It enjoys a strategic position between major European countries.
Strengths: Excellent quality of life and refined gastronomy—the land of Barolo wine and white truffles—with plenty of culture to explore.
Weaknesses: Cold, grey weather for a few months of the year.
PUGLIA
- Capital: Bari
- Population: ~3,890,250 inhabitants
- Area: 19,541.0 km²
- 6 Provinces: Bari, Barletta-Andria-Trani, Brindisi, Foggia, Lecce, Taranto
It is in the southeast of Italy, forming the “heel” of the boot. It’s famous for dazzling coastlines and a rich cultural heritage.
Strengths: Dreamy beaches, charming historic towns and wonderful food—think of the freshest burrata! The region also produces excellent wines.
Weaknesses: Patchy public transport in smaller areas and sanitation issues in some zones.
SARDEGNA
- Capital: Cagliari
- Population: ~1,569,832 inhabitants
- Area: 24,106.3 km²²
- 5 Provinces: Cagliari, Oristano, Nuoro, Sassari, Sud Sardegna
Sardinia is an island in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, strategically placed between the Italian Peninsula and North Africa.
Strengths: Crystal-blue water that looks straight out of a movie, excellent weather and lots of peace. Perfect if you want to escape the rush.
Weaknesses: High living costs in tourist hotspots and a sense of isolation, since most travel depends on planes or ferries.
SICILIA
- Capital: Palermo
- Population: ~4,794,512 inhabitants
- Area: 25,824.3 km²
- 9 Provinces: Palermo, Agrigento, Caltanissetta, Catania, Enna, Messina, Ragusa, Siracusa, Trapani Palermo, Agrigento, Caltanissetta, Catania, Enna, Messina, Ragusa, Siracusa, Trapani
Italy’s largest island, set in the heart of the Mediterranean. It’s separated from the mainland by the Strait of Messina and lies close to Tunisia.
Strengths: Exceptionally rich culture, beautiful beaches, warm people and amazing cuisine—highlights include arancini, cannoli and pasta alla norma!
Weaknesses: Serious mafia issues in some areas, limited public transport and slow public services. Many hospitals face overcrowding, queues and lack of resources. The region is also close to Etna, Europe’s most active volcano, which frequently releases ash, causing airport closures and tremors.
TOSCANA
- Capital: Florence
- Population: ~3,664,798 inhabitants
- Area: 22,985.0 km²
- 10 Provinces: Firenze, Arezzo, Grosseto, Livorno, Lucca, Massa-Carrara, Pisa, Pistoia, Prato, Siena.
Tuscany lies in central Italy and is world-famous for its rolling hills, rich heritage and vineyards.
Strengths: Unmatched artistic and architectural heritage, renowned wines and breathtaking scenery. A must for anyone visiting Italy! In healthcare, it has a well-structured network of hospitals.
Weaknesses: Very touristy, which drives up the cost of living. Rents can be sky-high in the most famous cities.
TRENTINO-ALTO ADIGE
- Capital: Trento
- Population: ~1,086,599 inhabitants
- Area: 13,605.9 km²
- 2 Provinces: Trento, Bolzano
This far-northern region borders Austria and Switzerland. It’s famous for its mountains, including the Alps and the Dolomites.
Strengths: Very high quality of life, spectacular nature with Dolomite views, great for winter sports and impeccably organized.
Weaknesses: The lifestyle feels more German/Austrian than Italian, which can cause some cultural shock for Brazilians.
UMBRIA
- Capital: Perugia
- Population: ~851,544 inhabitants
- Area: 8,463.9 km²
- 2 Provinces: Perugia, Terni
It sits in central Italy, bordered by Tuscany to the west, Marche to the east and Lazio to the south. It’s the only landlocked region in central Italy, marked by mountains and fertile valleys.
Strengths: Storybook landscapes, tranquility and wonderful traditional cuisine.
Weaknesses: Few transport connections and a less dynamic economy.
VALLE D’AOSTA
- Capital: Aosta
- Population: ~123,018 inhabitants
- Area: 3,258.6 km²
- 1 Province: Aosta (the region and province are the same)
Italy’s smallest region, on the border with Switzerland and France. Fewer than 130 thousand inhabitants, with Aosta as the main city.
Strengths: Incredible mountains—perfect for winter sports. It’s safe, quiet and offers a great quality of life.
Weaknesses: A high cost of living and a sense of isolation, especially in winter.
VENETO
- Capital: Venice
- Population: ~4,851,972 inhabitants
- Area: 18,351.5 km²
- 7 Provinces: Venezia, Belluno, Padova, Rovigo, Treviso, Verona, Vicenza.
It is in northeastern Italy. It borders the Adriatic Sea to the east and is known for a rich history and diverse landscapes, from mountains to broad plains.
Strengths: A strong economy, vibrant culture, solid infrastructure and iconic scenery. It also has modern diagnostic centers and highly rated hospitals.
Weaknesses: Some areas are crowded with tourists year-round, especially Venice.
So, what did you think of this tour through Italy’s 20 regions? Each one has its charm, its challenges and its wonders—and together they make up the richness of this incredible country!
If you want more Italy tips, follow us on Instagram @beradatravel and read other posts here on the blog about gorgeous places to visit!
The 50 Most Famous Italian Wines
Italian Regional Cuisine: What to Eat in Every Province
Tuscany Travel Guide: Best Places to Visit
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