06/10/2026
The Most Beautiful Corners of Northern Italy
Northern Italy has an almost unfair concentration of incredible places. Alpine lakes, Dolomite peaks, elegant lake towns, medieval castles and tiny coastal villages can all fit into the same trip.
These are 10 places I’d put near the top of the list.
1. Lago di Braies
One of the most photographed lakes in the Dolomites, but still worth seeing in person. The turquoise water, wooden boats and mountains rising directly behind the lake make it spectacular, especially early in the morning before the busiest part of the day.
2. Tre Cime di Lavaredo
Few landscapes in Italy are as instantly recognizable. These three enormous Dolomite peaks dominate one of the most dramatic hiking areas in the country, with viewpoints that seem to change every few minutes as you walk.
3. Val di Funes
This valley is one of the classic images of South Tyrol: green meadows, small churches and the jagged Odle mountains rising behind them. Santa Maddalena and the little Church of San Giovanni in Ranui are the two scenes most visitors come to photograph.
4. Alpe di Siusi
Europe’s largest high-altitude alpine meadow is especially beautiful in late spring and summer, when the fields turn intensely green and fill with wildflowers. The surrounding Dolomite peaks make even a simple walk here feel extraordinary.
5. Lago di Carezza
Much smaller than many of northern Italy’s famous lakes, but incredibly photogenic. Its water can shift between emerald, turquoise and deep blue depending on the light, with the Latemar mountains reflected behind it.
6. Bellagio
Sitting where the branches of Lake Como meet, Bellagio is one of the lake’s most beautiful towns. Stone lanes climb between elegant villas, gardens and waterfront terraces, while boats constantly connect it with the other villages around the lake.
7. Sirmione
A narrow peninsula stretching into Lake Garda leads to one of northern Italy’s most striking towns. The entrance through Scaliger Castle is unforgettable, but continue farther and you’ll find old lanes, lake views and the Roman ruins of the Grotte di Catullo.
8. Portofino
Tiny, glamorous and surrounded by steep green hills, Portofino has one of the most recognizable harbours in Italy. Walk beyond the main piazzetta toward Castello Brown or the lighthouse for some of the best views over the village and coastline.
9. Vernazza
If you only picture one Cinque Terre village, it is often Vernazza. Colourful houses surround the small natural harbour while vineyards climb the hills above. The viewpoints along the trails outside the village give you the classic postcard perspective.
10. Verona
Northern Italy is not only mountains and lakes. Verona brings Roman ruins, medieval streets, Renaissance architecture and beautiful piazzas into one extremely walkable city. The Arena, Piazza delle Erbe, Castelvecchio and views from the hills across the Adige make it far more than just the city of Romeo and Juliet.
The best thing about northern Italy is how quickly the landscape changes. One day you can be surrounded by Dolomite peaks, the next sitting beside Lake Como, and a few days later looking over the Ligurian Sea.
Save this list if northern Italy is on your travel plans.
