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Explore la Dolce Vita: Northern Italy vs. Southern Italy 

Written on : 20 June 2025
By : Alexis Steinman
Is the North or South of Italy better? Both are brilliant

Is the North or South of Italy better? Both are brilliant

Discover Italy from the North to the South, exploring the most beautiful Italian regions through their traditions, la dolce vita, and gastronomy. From the Italian Alps to the Mezzogiorno (central Italy), from the great lakes like Lake Como to the seaside, each part of Italy reveals sublime landscapes, longstanding traditions and unique flavours. Villanovo offers you exclusive stays in prestigious villas to enjoy these treasures and make your trip a unique experience.

North Italy: Elegance in nature and an alpine ambiance

North Italy: Elegance in nature and an alpine ambiance

Lakes in Italy: Como, Maggiore, Garda 

In north  Italy, the great lakes are a must. The world-famous Lake Como is a real draw, with its illustrious lakeside villas, flower-filled gardens and elegant villages such as Bellagio and Varenna. Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands offer a peaceful atmosphere, while the larger Lake Garda attracts families and water sports enthusiasts. Each lake is a picture-postcard setting, ideal for a family vacation or a romantic getaway.

Dolomites and the Italian Alps: Unspoilt natural landscapes

A kingdom of skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer, the Dolomites offer a spectacular panorama for experiencing alpine culture. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, these mountains fascinate with their sharp peaks and peaceful valleys. The far north of Italy reveals its wild side here, with luxurious mountain refuges, picturesque villages with an Austrian influence, and exclusive resorts like Cortina d'Ampezzo. The pure air and unspoilt scenery make the Italian Alps a haven for nature lovers, especially thanks to their colder temperatures in the summer.

Outdoor relaxation: Golf, skiing, and thermal baths 

From golding and skiing in the mountains, thermal baths and hot-air ballooning, the northern part of Italy offers a wealth of outdoor pleasures. A day can start with a sunrise hike and end at a panoramic spa. Lake cruises, bike rides and star-studded dinners in Alpine refuges give you a taste of this lifestyle that combines elegance and nature.

The flavours beloved by the northern Italians 

Northern Italy delights the most discerning palates: Milanese risotto, polenta, aged cheeses, white truffles from Alba, balsamic vinegar from Modena, or the great wines of Piedmont and Veneto (Barolo, Amarone). Each northern Italian region, like Emilia-Romagna and Trentino-Alto Adige, cultivates a sophisticated and refined culinary heritage.

Central Italy: Culture, refinement, and the good life

Central Italy: Culture, refinement, and the good life

A bucolic stay in Tuscany 

Between Florence, Siena and the Val d'Orcia, Tuscany embodies the quintessence of Italy: rolling hills, cypress trees, stone villages, art galleries and wineries. Tuscan villas, nestled between olive groves and Chianti vineyards, offer the perfect setting for a stay that brims with Renaissance culture and simple pleasures.

Umbria: Medieval villages and authentic la dolce vita 

More discreet, Umbria charms as one of the most authentic regions of the country. Perugia, Assisi, Orvieto and Spello reveal medieval treasures and a peaceful pace of life. Far from the crowds, this is a corner of Italy where you can savor black truffles, artisan olive oil and the beauty of a landscape that has remained untouched.

Rome and Lazio: History, culture, and a sophisticated lifestyle 

A vibrant capital city, Rome is an immersion in 3,000 years of rich history, marked by the Roman Empire, the Renaissance, the unification of Italy and the transformations of the 19th century. Villanovo offers private cultural tours for travellers eager to be far from the hustle and bustle of tourism. Let us guide you through the narrow streets of Trastevere, ancient villas or hidden gardens, before returning to your villa with a garden and a swimming pool for a timeless interlude.

Regional flavours from central Italy 

Central Italy also appeals to gourmets. Chianti wine, pasta alla carbonara, Tuscan-style grilled meats, and cold-pressed olive oil are an integral part of the local culture. This is a region where gastronomy tells a tale of the seasons, the land and the skills passed down through generations.

Places in Southern Italy: Sensuality, light, and traditions

Places in Southern Italy: Sensuality, light, and traditions

The Amalfi Coast: The Mezzogiorno gem that straddles sky and sea

An iconic region of the Mezzogiorno, the Amalfi Coast offers breathtaking panoramas of the Tyrrhenian Sea and unique historic sites. In Positano, Ravello or Amalfi, colourful villages cling to the cliffs, while spectacular gardens and lemon trees perfume the air. Famous for its dry summers, mild winters, and wonderful weather, the Amalfi Coast is ideal for private boat excursions that can be easily arranged with Villanovo's concierge.

Puglia: Easily immerse into the unique culture of the south 

In this part of Italy, trulli (conical stone houses), secret beaches and white villages like Ostuni and Alberobello invite you to enjoy an easygoing and convivial immersion. Between local crafts, smaller towns, markets, festivals and generous cuisine, Puglia is the joyful soul of southern Italy.

Sicily and Sardinia: Great islands of Mediterranean treasures 

Sicily is a large island with a varied heritage, and is home to all the riches of southern Italy. Every place exudes passion and history. Find Greek temples, archaeological sites from the Roman Empire, Baroque churches, beautiful wild beaches and the bustling markets of Palermo, not forgetting Mount Etna, which dominates the island. Across the Mediterranean, Sardinia, a former kingdom, is equally majestic. The island seduces with its secret coves, hilltop villages and unique culture. These two dream destinations offers you a colourful stay in a prestigious, waterfront villa that takes advantage of the mild Mediterranean climate.

Food in South Italy vs. North Italy: A tour of contrasting tastes

The Mezzogiorno shines for its gastronomy. Try dishes like Neapolitan pizza, Sicilian caponata, mozzarella di bufala, and citrus granita. Southern Italian cuisine is sun-kissed, generous, and often served on the street, infused with local traditions and with no risk of disappointment!

Villanovo in Italy: Exceptional stays and luxury concierge service

An exclusive collection for your stay and your road trip in Italy 

Villanovo has selected exceptional villas in Italy's most beautiful regions. From the North to the South of Italy, each property embodies a unique facet of the country, showcasing their distinct differences:

In northern Italy, enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Como or the Dolomites, in prestigious villas combining absolute calm and top-of-the-range comfort.

In central Italy, experience the rustic charm of Tuscan villas and the authenticity of a stay in Umbria, with its hills, villages and easygoing lifestyle.

In southern Italy, stay in a luxury villa in Puglia, Sicily or the Amalfi Coast, where superb Mediterranean residences offer direct sea access, exotic gardens, and sun-drenched roof terraces.

A tailor-made experience from the North to the South of Italy

Thanks to our concierge service, each stay is entirely personalised: transfers, private chef, tailor-made activities, exclusive cultural visits or sea excursions. They are also happy to help advise you on whether the North vs. the South of Italy is best for your holiday. With Villanovo, you don't have to worry about a thing during your trip, except enjoying Italy's finest.

Discover Villanovo's selection of luxury villas for Italy

1 100 € - 2 150 € per night
-15%
8 4 3

Puglia - Salento - San Michele Salentino

Trullo Frapiatto

(3 reviews)
597 € - 1 172 € per night
6 (7 max.) 3 5

Puglia - Salento - Ostuni