Italy is one of the most visited countries in the world, and it is easy to guess why. This country is home to a lot of historical sites and some of the most picturesque cities and towns in Europe.

Northern Italy
Beautiful mountain backdrop in one of the beautiful villages in Northern Italy

When it comes to planning a trip to Northern Italy, many tourists might just go to Milan, Turin, Venice, and Bologna. Although, they could have a day trip (or longer) to smaller towns, many of which are backdropped by snow-capped mountains or have a stunning seaside.

There are a lot of amazing towns and villages, this is why, in this post, I and my fellow travel bloggers shared our favourite places to help you plan your visit.

This post contains affiliate links and if you click one I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Rovereto in Trentino

Recommended by myself

Rovereto is a charming Italian town situated among picturesque hills and vineyards, connecting Trento and Verona, two cities in Trentino and Veneto. It is an ideal place for those who are looking for a cultural trip with a bit of adventure.

When you are in Rovereto, you can feel the different identities of the city, its medieval heart around Rovereto Castle, and the more modern side hosting the Modern Art Museum.

Visiting the castle is one of the top things to do in Rovereto. It is located on the right bank of the river Leno, it has the imposing structure of a military fortress. Inside, you will visit the Italian War History Museum, which was founded in remembrance of the First World War.

Rovereto in Northen Italy
The river in the middle of Rovereto, a beautiful town in Italy

Make sure to visit the Bell Of The Fallen at 9 pm, when it rings. This bell was cast with the bronze of the cannons of all nations participating in the First World War.

Rovereto is surrounded by mountains and nature, which makes it a paradise for adventure lovers. In winter, you can go skiing while many cyclists travel here during the summer.

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Vernazza in Liguria

Recommended by Erki from Genem Travels

Cinque Terre is located in the northwest of Italy in the Liguria region. Also known as a fisher village which is part of the Italian Riviera area. It consists of five charming villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore.

Every picturesque village is recognisable by colourful fisher cottages and narrow streets, and they are surrounded by steep fields of olive, grape, and lemon. Due to maintained agriculture, magnificent landscape, and unique history, Cinque Terre is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage site.

Vernazza in Liguria - Italy
Vernazza in Liguria, in Northern ItalyItaly

One village, Vernazza, is titled one of the most beautiful towns in all of Italy. Vernazza is known for its harbour, characteristic vivid fisher cottages, and Doria Castle. The best way to move around Cinque Terre is through the hike trails.

Vernazza is well connected with neighbouring villages Monterosso al Mare and Corniglia by walking paths. The best views over Vernazza are on the hiking trails. There will be plenty of options to spend a night in Vernazza, but I would recommend Ca du Dria Vernazza.

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Brisighella in Emilia Romagna

Recommended by myself

Brisighella might be unknown to many international tourists, but it is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, and many locals truly believe it is the prettiest one. It is hard not to fall in love with this place at first sight.

Brisighella sits between Ravenna, Bologna and Florence, and it is a perfect destination for a day trip.

This village is defined by its trio of iconic hilltop structures: the Castle (La Rocca), The Tower (La Torre) and the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of Monticino (Il Monticino). The castle was built in the 14th century and it is well-maintained, The Tower is a 19th-century clocktower, and Montanico is an 18th-century religious sanctuary.

Brisighella a beautiful village in Northern Italy 
Brisighella a beautiful village in Northern Italy 

You can visit each of these attractions by walking between the hills, so make sure you have comfortable footwear. By visiting these attractions, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the village and the surrounding landscapes.

Walking through the cobbled streets lined with colourful houses is enjoyable and relaxing. In the centre, you can also visit the church of Saint Michael and John the Baptist.

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Bellagio in Lombardy

Recommended by Jennifer at Family Trip Guides

Bellagio is truly one of the most beautiful towns in Northern Italy and probably in the world! It is often called the “jewel of the lake” because of its location on a peninsula where the 3 main branches of the lake come together. This stunning and central location makes it a convenient base to explore the other beautiful villages by ferry including Varenna, Menaggio, and Tremezzo.

Bellagio in Lombardy - Italy
Bellagio in Lombardy, Northern Italy

Bellagio sits on a hill with gorgeous views of the mountain and lake below and lovely stairways and alleyways to explore. Bellagio also has incredible restaurants (2 Michelin starred ones), Villas to explore and the lake at your feet to enjoy! There are many grand hotels including Hotel du Lac and Hotel Belvedere. And if you are travelling with kids, there are lots of apartment rentals in the area that may be a lot more kid-friendly. 

Bellagio can get crowded with tourists, but a tip is to stay overnight in Bellagio or nearby in order to enjoy the town after the tourists leave in the late afternoon. A walk along the promenade with the famous evening lake breeze is as close to a perfect day as possible!

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Orta San Giulio in Piemonte

Recommended by myself

Orta San Giulio, a quaint town sits on the slopes of a steep hill next to Lake Orta, one of the most beautiful lakes in Italy. Italian writer Piero Chiara called this town “God's watercolour” and it is easy to see why it is amongst the prettiest towns in Italy.

This town is a maze of stunning streets and narrow cobbled alleys, lined up by old stone walls and colourful buildings. Orta San Giulio is the busiest town around Lake Orta, but it is still unknown to many tourists or even some locals.

Lake Orta 
Isola San Giulio in the middle of Lake Orta, in Italy

When in the town, you can walk up to Sacro Monte di Orta, a roman catholic complex and one of the world’s UNESCO heritage sites, located at 360 meters above sea level and 100 m above the lake. Here you will have a spectacular view of the lake and the island in the middle.

You can give a visit to Isola San Giulio by taking a ferry which costs less than €4. The island is only 400 meters from the Orta San Giulio’s waterfront and you can walk around the whole island in less than 30 minutes.

There are different types of accommodations in Orta San Giulio, but if you are looking for a room with a view across the lake, you can stay in Hotel Bocciolo, but if you are looking for a hotel with an outdoor swimming pool with a view, check the availability of Hotel La Bussola or Hotel San Rocco.

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Ivrea in Piemonte

Recommended by myself

The charming town of Ivrea is located in the northwest of Italy, near Turin. It is mostly known for its annual traditional carnival, the Battle of the Oranges. It is the largest fruit battle in Italy and it takes place for three days, from Sunday to Shrove Tuesday, in the main town square. The origin of the battle dates back to medieval times.

Ivrea in Piemonte
Ivrea, one the beautiful towns in Northern Italy

If you are visiting Ivrea for this event, you should be prepared to get dirty, but if you are looking for a relaxing and cultural visit, it is better to go there during the spring or early summer.

When in Ivrea, you can have a stroll in the main street where you find shops, gelaterias, cute cafes and restaurants. You can also visit Ivrea Castle in Piazza Castello. The castle was built in the 14th century, then later in the 18th century, it was transformed into a prison until 1970.

Ivrea town centre - Italy
Streets in Ivrea, Italy

There are various hotels and accommodations in Ivrea, but if you like to stay in the centre, I recommend you to stay in La Margherita B&B. It is a small hotel with only 3 rooms and an English-speaking host. Check the availability here.

Vicenza in Veneto

Recommended by Milene & Paul from Surf & unwind

Located conveniently halfway between Verona and Venice, Vicenza is usually overlooked by travellers that flock to these two popular destinations. So it’s less crowded and expensive but as interesting as its two famous neighbours.

Vicenza might not have the same medieval charm of Verona or as many canals as Venice but it’s home to the Palladian Villas of Veneto designed by the famous Italian architect.

Vicenza in Veneto - Italy
Vicenza in Northern Italy

There are twenty-three of these UNESCO Heritage buildings spread around the town like Teatro Olimpico and Pallazzo Chiericati, or Basilica Palladiana which you can admire whilst enjoying a delicious fresco meal in Piazza Dei Signori.

During summers, the best place to end a day of sightseeing with an Aperol Spritz in hand is Una Spiaggia per Vicenza, a lovely urban beach bar facing the canal, followed by a visit to Monte Berico where you can have an outstanding panoramic view of the city at night.

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Varenna in Lombardy

Recommended by Chrysoula from Travel Passionate

The small and picturesque medieval town of Varenna sits on the shores of Lake Como. It used to be a fishing community, but today, the harbour is a centre of water sports including kayaking.

Varenna in Lombardy - Italy
Varenna in Lombardy - Italy

The main square is the Piazza San Giorgio which is dominated by the Queen Victoria Hotel, named after the British Queen who stayed there in 1839. It is fun to climb the steep hill to the hamlet of Vezio and visit its castle, here you are rewarded with spectacular views across the lake.

Villa Monastero is an elegant 18th-century mansion by the lakeshore that is open to the public or you can catch a boat to Villa Balbianello, which was once home to the Italian aristocracy and featured in James Bond and Star War movies.

Varenna is the perfect place to relax with a glass of Italian wine and a local dish of Missoltino, dried salted sardines. Just outside the town, there are family farms making prosciutto and Parmesan.

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Lanzo Torinese in Piemonte

Recommended by myself

About 30 kilometres northwest of Turin at the mouth of the Valli di Lanzo lies Lanzo Torinese, one of the most beautiful towns in Northern Italy. It is a true hidden gem, It’s easy to fall for the quaint charms of Lanzo Torinese.

Lanzo Torinese in Piemonte
Lanzo Torinese in Piemonte, Northern Italy

The best way to explore the town is to get lost in the maze of its narrow lanes and stone cobbled streets which are lined with colourful buildings and charming cafes. While in the town you can visit Ajmone of Challant Tower and the Parish Church of San Pietro in Vincoli.

The main attraction here is Ponte del Diavolo (the Devil's bridge) which is one of the most picturesque stone bridges I have ever seen. It was built in 1378 over the river Stura. By walking along the river from the train station to the bridge, you will have an amazing view of the bridge over the river with the mountains in the background.

Ponte del Diavolo in Piemonte
Ponte del Diavolo in Piemonte, Northern Italy

On weekends and holidays in the summertime, you might find this place busy, since locals go there to swim, but it is very quiet and peaceful the rest of the week. If you are looking for a trip to unwind, here is your place. There are some self-catering places in the town and a couple of hotels.

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Como in Lombardy

Recommended by Sasha fromThe Alternative Travel Guide

Como is a lovely place in northern Italy, enchanting travellers with its landscapes. Tourists come here from all over the world to see Lake Como's breathtaking panorama, immortalised for centuries by the great Italian romantic writer Alessandro Manzoni in his masterpiece The Betrothed (I Promessi Sposi in Italian).

Como is the Lombardian city and the Como province's capital, where history goes hand in hand with modernity. The city is both an industrial and a touristic one, with around 85,000 inhabitants.

Como in Lombardy
Como, one of the prettiest town in Northern Italy

Como is located near the border with Switzerland and an hour's drive north of Milan. The city is known mostly for its colourful landscapes, mountains, and Lake Como. By the way, many celebrities have villas here, for example, George Clooney and Madonna.

The best thing to do in Como is to walk along the promenade of Lake Como and go on a boat tour of the lake. In Como's city itself, the main attraction is the magnificent Cathedral of Como. It combines Romanesque, Renaissance, and Gothic styles and is crowned with a Rococo dome. Como features lots of restaurants, bars and cafes where you can try unique local delicacies.

The best place to stay in Como is by the lake, for example, at Palace Hotel Lake Como. Read the guest reviews on TripAdvisor or check the prices on Booking.com.

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Tenno in Trentino

Recommended by Margherita from The Crowded Planet

People visiting Lake Garda usually just stick to the banks of the lake, but just a few kilometres inland you can find some real gems. One example is Tenno, a mountain village barely 20 minutes drive from Riva del Garda, which is one of the best kept local secrets.

Tenno in Trentino - Italy
Trento in Trentino, Italy

Tenno is made up of one main town, plus some small 'hamlets' scattered all around - the best known is Canale di Tenno, where Medieval architecture and atmospheres still survive, especially beautiful during the time of Christmas Markets.

It's fun to explore Canale di Tenno, but also don't miss wandering around Lake Tenno, a small heart-shaped lake with turquoise waters surrounded by a forest. There's also a tiny island, but if the waters are too low, it becomes a promontory.

Tenno in Trentino - Italy
Trento in Northern Italy

Another fun place to visit is Rifugio San Pietro, a small mountain hut with a scenic position overlooking Lake Garda in the valley below. There's a restaurant where you can enjoy traditional specialities, and it's about a 20-minute walk from Canale di Tenno, on an easy path through a forest. If you want to go on a longer hike to burn off that lunch, just ask Andrea, the friendly owner - there are plenty of nearby paths to choose from!

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Manarola in Liguria

Recommended by Dymphe from Dymabroad

Manarola, another village in Cinque Terre, is known as one of the most picturesque places in Italy. The nearest larger city is La Spezia, from which the easiest way to reach Manarola is by train.

Manarola in Liguria - Italy
Manarola in Liguria - Italy

The town is located next to the sea. Furthermore, Manarola is known for its colourful houses, views, and hiking routes to the other villages of Cinque Terre. If you like hiking, then this is a great place for that with spectacular landscapes and views along the way! Besides that, there are plenty of restaurants in the village, most of which are located in the main street.

One restaurant that is particularly unique and it is Nessun Dorma. This is a restaurant that serves delicious Bruschetta, while you can see the village from above.

Make sure to bring your swimsuit, in the summertime, you can go for a swim on a small beach in the village. There are also lots of opportunities for photos as there are many picture-perfect spots in Cinque Terre and specifically in Manarola.

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Sirmione in Lombardy

Recommended by Dominika from Sunday In Wonderland

Sirmione is probably one of the prettiest small towns in Northern Italy. That's because of its localisation. It's placed just at the end of a narrow peninsula in the Southern part of Lake Garda. And it's well known for its lovely old town and exclusive resorts with private thermal baths.

You can get to Sirmione either by bus, passing by pretty luxury hotels, or by taking a ferry trip from another lake town. Entering the city already guarantees an exciting moment since you pass the Medieval gate and start right away and you will have a great view of a small castle built by Scaligeri's family in the XIII century.

Sirmione in Lombardy - Italy
Sirmione in Northern Italy

Next, you dive into the dense jungle of delightful small streets and ancient buildings. It's not surprising that this place was one of Maria Callas' favourites for spending summer vacations and relax from the opera singer's life.

By taking a walk to the Northern part of the town, you eventually reach the ruins of a huge villa remembering the Roman times, Grotte di Catullo. The small hill with ancient buildings is surrounded by Garda's waters from three sides. Entering this property guarantees you a time nicely spent among the beautiful views. After your visit to the villa, you can have a walk to a local rock beach and chill a little big on huge stones immersed partially in the Lake.

Taking a one-day trip to Sirmione is a wonderful idea to add to your Northern Italy road trip itinerary and gives you a perfect opportunity to enjoy slow travelling and the Italian lifestyle.

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Chiavenna in Lombardy

Recommended by Audrey from That Backpacker

Chiavenna is one of the most charming towns that I have visited in all of Italy. Set in the alpine region of Valchiavenna just north of Lake Como and a stone's throw from the Swiss border, this town is a must-visit if you enjoy slow living.

In fact, Chiavenna has been designated a Cittaslow town, making it part of a movement focused on the quality of life, conserving the uniqueness of a place, protecting the environment, and enjoyment of food, art and community.

Chiavenna in Lombardy - Italy
Chiavenna in Lombardy, Northern Italy

Walking around is a great way to explore Chiavenna which is home to villas and palazzos, gardens and squares, and sweeping mountain views at every turn. As you walk through town, you'll get a sense that things here move at a different pace and you may just find yourself wanting to linger.

Another reason to visit Chiavenna is that it is home to the annual Bresaola Festival. This festival is dedicated to the celebration of bresaola, which is an air-dried, salted beef that is aged for two to three months until it becomes hard and dark in colour. During the festival, visitors are given a map highlighting various food stands scattered across town, and they are then free to sample bresaola from all the local makers.

Even if you can't time your visit to coincide with the festival, there is plenty to do in Chiavenna; tour Palazzo Vertemate Franchi, dine in a cave restaurant, visit the botanic gardens, shop for local stone cooking pots, and if you're enjoying the slow pace, perhaps even spend the night in an agriturismo.

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Cannobio in Piemonte

Recommended by Or from My Path in the World

Lake Maggiore does not get as much attention as lakes Garda and Como, but, in fact, it's home to some of the most beautiful towns in northern Italy, and Cannobio is one of them.

Cannobio in Piemonte _ Italy
Cannobio in Piemonte _ Italy

Located only a few miles away from Italy's border with Switzerland, Cannobio is a lakeside town dating back to the Medieval period to which you have to dedicate at least a couple of hours.

There isn't much sightseeing to do in Cannobio, but you'll enjoy getting lost in its maze of charming streets and alleys. Visit the 16th-century Sanctuary Della Pieta and 18th-century Collegiate Church of San Vittore, and stroll along the promenade, which is packed with restaurants and cafes and overlooks Lake Maggiore. Stop at Pasticceria Castello to indulge yourself with the most delicious little Italian sweet treats. The town also hosts a weekly market on Sundays and has a fantastic lake beach - Lido di Cannobio.

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Riva del Garda in Trentino

Recommended by Luke from Wild About BC blog

Riva del Garda is a small gorgeous town located right at the northern tip of Lake Garda, the largest lake in Italy. The town is set in the most beautiful surroundings as it is right on the shores of Lake Garda and is encircled by steep cliffs and mountains. The scenery is truly stunning. The town itself is charming, with historic buildings and cobbled streets that are always buzzing with activity.

Riva del Garda in Trentino - Italy
Riva del Garda, Northern Italy

One of the best things to do in Riva del Garda is to get out and enjoy the lake itself. This could be as simple as taking a swim from one of the local beaches or going out further to go sailing, water skiing or windsurfing.

If you want to get some incredible views of Riva del Garda town and Lake Garda from above then you can walk or mountain bike along the Old Ponale Road which has been carved out of the cliff edge that towers above the town. This relatively easy walk offers amazing aerial views of the surrounding landscapes.

An excellent place to stay here is the Grand Hotel Liberty which is a handsome hotel located right in town with a pool you can relax in after a day of exploring. Read the reviews on TripAdvisor and book it here.

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Sarnico in Lombardy

Recommended by Kristine from Wanderlust Designers

Sarnico is a picturesque little town situated at the southwestern tip of Lake Iseo. It is located in Lombardy, about 30 km east of Bergamo. Sarnico is a magnificent destination by itself, as well as a convenient base for exploring the beautiful Lake Iseo and its surroundings.

Sarnico in Lombardy - Italy
Sarnico, a beautiful town in Northern Italy

Sarnico's historic centre is small but offers a lot. From Pinacoteca to Enoteca, there's something for everyone to be found while wandering through the narrow streets of the old town. Another great attraction in Sarnico is its superb Lungolago (lakeside promenade). Just stroll along, grab a gelato or aperitivo in one of the numerous gelaterias and bars and enjoy the splendid views of the Iseo Lake and the surrounding mountains.

If you're vising in the summer season, take a boat from Sarnico to Monte Isola, an island in the lake which is the largest lake island in Europe. It makes for a perfect half-day excursion.

Sarnico in Lombardy - Italy
Sunset views in Sarnico, Northern Italy

There are plenty of cosy apartments and B&B's in Sarnico while the neighbouring towns of Predore and Paratico offer high-end hotels as well. You definitely won't stay hungry in Sarnico – we recommend restaurant Al Tram for innovative regional cuisine and La Pagoda di Eolo for great fish dishes.

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Vignola in Emilia Romagna

Recommended by Lori from Travlinmad

The city of Vignola in the province of Modena, Italy, is one of Emilia Romagna’s most beautiful towns. Surrounded by beautiful countryside and miles of fruit orchards, the town can be seen from miles away as you approach. Its local economy is largely agricultural, especially fruit farming. Springtime is a lovely time to visit when the blossoms create a breathtaking sight and spectacular photo ops.

Vignola in Emilia Romagna - Italy
Vignola, a beautiful town in Northern Italy

The absolute must-see in town is the medieval fortress, Rocca di Vignola, with its richly decorated interiors and interesting frescoes. Built in the 8th century for the purposes of defending the surrounding lands, climbing to the top of the towers is the best way to enjoy the view of the city and rolling hills.

The streets of Vignola are filled with charming houses, shops, cafes, and museums. The Museum of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena is a must-see for foodies. Plan on a visit, then lunch at a local cafe but save room for dessert at the historic Pasticceria Gollini in town. One of Emilia Romagna’s most renowned local pastries, Torta Barozzi, was invented here by them, and while it can be enjoyed throughout the region, only Torta Barozzi made in Vignola by Pasticceria Gollini can be called the Original.

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Santa Margherita in Liguria

Recommended by Roxanne from Faraway Worlds

An old fishing village, Santa Margherita Ligure is now one of the most beautiful towns in the Italian Riviera and a must on any northern Italy itinerary. The town is built on the waterfront, with colourful buildings leading up the hill and larger houses nestled between the trees of the surrounding hilltops.

Santa Margherita in Liguria - Italy
Santa Margherita in Northern Italy

It’s a perfect destination to visit in summer, when you can take a long walk along the promenade, stopping for coffee or ice cream along the way. There are also a number of good restaurants and bars in the town.

One of the highlights of Santa Margherita is its close proximity to Portofino. You can walk there along the coast, passing by waterfront mansions, exclusive hotels and hidden coves. After spending a few hours exploring Portofino, it’s quick and easy to catch a ferry back to Santa Margherita.

Situated on the Ligurian Coast and on a major train line, Santa Margherita makes a great base to explore more of the region. June and September are great months to be here since the weather is warm, but the town isn’t too crowded.

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Ravenna in Emilia Romagna

Recommended by myself

Ravenna, located in the northern Italian province of Emilia Romagna, is a beautiful historic town. This city has played an important role in the different periods throughout Italy’s history. It was the capital of the Western Roman Empire from 402 until it collapsed in 476.

Ravenna in Emilia Romagna - Italy
Ravenna in Emilia Romangna, Northern Italy

Ravenna is also famous for its extensive mosaics. Almost in every corner of the city, you can find 5th and 6th-century colourful mosaics. This city with its eight UNESCO World Heritage sites is a paradise for art and history lovers.

While in the city, make sure to visit Neonian Baptistery, Basilica di San Vitale and Mausoleum of Galla Placidia. You can have lunch at one of the many restaurants in Piazza del Popolo.

When it comes to planning a trip to Ravenna, I recommend you to stay there at least a couple of days. This city has plenty to offer. The town centre is only 15 km away from the coast, Marina di Ravenna, where you can find sandy beaches, perfect for swimming or relaxing.

Marina di Ravenna - Italy
Marina di Ravenna, Italy

The best way to get to Ravenna is by taking a train from Bologna or Rimini, you can also fly to Forlì and then take a bus to the city.

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Neive in Piedmont

Recommended by Annabel from Smudged Postcard

Neive is a small hilltop village in Piedmont, close to the chocolate-producing town of Alba and around 70 kilometres from the regional capital Turin. Medieval Neive is a warren of narrow cobblestone streets which wind their way up the hill. The views from the top of the village are spectacular – rolling hills as far as the eye can see, covered with vineyards.

Neive countryside in Piedmont - Italy
Nieve Countryside in Piemonte, Italy

Nieve is in the winegrowing region of the Langhe, home to Barolo (25 kilometres to the southwest). Although Barolo is the most well-known wine from Piedmont, the vineyards surrounding Neive produce plenty of other excellent wines including Barbaresco, Barbera, Dolcetto d’Alba and Moscato d’Asti.

Neive has some interesting historical buildings to explore including the 13th-century clock tower. However, the most enjoyable aspect of Neive is simply to wander its pretty streets and visit some of its excellent restaurants. The village does not receive many tourists so visitors can enjoy an authentic experience in this typical Piedmont village. If you would like to stay overnight, there are several small B&Bs to try – just make sure you book a room with a view!

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Trento in Trentino

Recommended by Lyubomira from Bulgarian On The Go

Trento may not be among the popular destinations in Italy, but it is definitely one to steal your heart. Even though it being on a smaller size, Trento does have quite a bit to offer to its visitors.

Trento in Trentino - Italy
Trento, a beautiful town in Northern Italy

Beautiful, quaint and peaceful - this is how I would describe this lovely city in the Northern parts of Italy. Some of the best things to do in Trento include visiting the Castel del Buonconsiglio - the largest and most important castle in the region, taking a walk around the Old Town, seeing the cathedral in the city centre and, last but not least, taking the cable car to the nearby town of Sardegna and enjoying the gorgeous view over Trento from the top.

Do not forget to enjoy the typical Italian cuisine and try the local Trentodoc - a locally produced white and rosé sparkling wine, which quite resembles champagne.

Trento may not be very big, but staying in the old town is your best pick, and the good thing is that this is where most hotels are. This way you’d be able to explore the town only on foot.

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Castelfranco Veneto in Veneto

Recommended by Daniel from Urban Abroad

When looking for ideal beautiful towns and villages in Northern Italy be sure to add the delightful little town of Castelfranco to your list. Famed for its; old square the first thing you’ll see is giant medieval walls which are a prominent part of the main town that surrounds the square, Piazza Giorgione.

Castelfranco Veneto in Veneto - Italy
Castelfranco Veneto, Northern Italy

Once inside you'll find the moat and city walls on one side and all the restaurants, cafes, and shops on the other. Everything here is so clean and neatly put in its place so be sure to exercise the same sustainable travel concepts that you would in any place.

There is an outdoor market twice a week where you can find a host of goods including everything from fresh vegetables to souvenirs. If you're staying in a place like Home Hotel you’ll not only get great views of the Dolomites mountains but you can also rent out bikes for exploring the town at your own leisure.

If you’re an art fan, a trip to the Teatro Accademico is a must. This small 18th-century theatre built in the age of Enlightenment was once used to host many intellectual debates before being transformed into a music theatre.

For just 3 euros you can wander around the stalls and boxes. Getting to Castelfranco is a breeze with good public transport links if you are not driving from the city of Venice.

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San Daniele Del Friuli in Venezia Giulia

Recommended by Shobha from Just Go Places

Famous for its prosciutto, San Daniele del Friuli is a charming town in the province of Udine. Many experts consider San Daniele prosciutto the best prosciutto in Italy. The prosciutto has a DOP designation which means it has been produced by the same artisanal method for hundreds of years. Prosciutto tasting is a must-do in the town with several workshops having tasting rooms.

San Daniele in Friuli-Venezia Giulia - Italy
San Daniele in Friuli, Northern Italy

The microclimate is what makes this area so special with the sea air coming from the coast mixing with the mountain air from the Dolomites. This special climate not only makes wonderful prosciutto but also preserves the books in the Biblioteca Guerneriana, one of Italy’s oldest libraries. The library has around 12,000 ancient books including an original manuscript of Dante’s Inferno.

The town itself is a Renaissance gem with many picturesque churches and buildings in the small town centre. The town centre is easily walkable and filled with shops, delis and restaurants. The main thing to have in this town is the prosciutto obviously!!

Italian snacks

You can take an organised tour to San Daniele del Friuli from the nearby big cities, such as Trieste and Udine. There are some small hotels in the town itself, such as the Hotel San Daniele. Be aware that the annual prosciutto festival in July is super popular and you will need to book far in advance.

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Most beautiful towns and villages in ItalyPrettiest Towns and villages in Northern ItalyPrettiest towns in Northern Italy