Northern vs Southern Italy: Which Should You Visit First?

When planning your Italy itinerary, a question often crops up: Northern vs Southern Italy—which should you visit first? The truth is each half offers a distinct flavor of Italian life. In the north, you’ll find alpine lakes, Renaissance cities, Michelin-starred dining, and the elegant upper-middle class. Down in south Italy, it’s sun-soaked coastal villages, ancient Greek ruins, sumptuous olive oil and island escapes. Read on to see how the north and south stack up, why either offers something unique, and how to pick which to do first when choosing from our Italy guided tours.

Geography & Atmosphere

Northern Italy stretches from the foothills of the Alps through verdant valleys and serene lakes. Think Lake Garda and Lake Como, the classy chic of Milan, and the food-rich plains of Emilia Romagna—home to parmesan, prosciutto di Parma, and balsamic vinegar. You’ll also find some of Italy’s grandest archaeological sites, like Verona’s Roman Arena or Padua’s Scrovegni Chapel.

Meanwhile, Southern Italy is the land of dramatic coasts, olive groves, and ancient traditions. The Amalfi Coast dazzles with cliffside towns, while Sicily and Sardinia offer varied landscapes, from volcanic mountains to pristine beaches. And more than anything, the weather: down south the beating sun and lapping waves create a distinct Mediterranean vibe which you could compare to places like Greece or Turkey. While in the north, you have slightly cooler temperatures and the added variance of lakes and mountains to create a more cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Culture, Cuisine & Lifestyle

Northern Italian Living

Life in the north runs on precision. Packed trains, sleek trams, and efficient service. It’s where Lake Como villas hide behind manicured gardens, and dinners are sophisticated, often booked weeks ahead. Fashion lives in Milan; opera in Verona; and fine dining along the Emilia Romagna belt. This is where you’ll find the big fashion houses, the enviable villas, the glitzy ski resorts. It’s where the sleek bourgeois of Italy strut their stuff; where people go to be seen, particularly at Aperitivo.

Southern Italian Soul

In the south, time moves slow. Rooms open late, meals extend into the night, and locals say “fare piano” (play softly). There’s not so much money as in the north, but a lot less stress. Here, markets brim with produce that is more vivid and swollen to huge sizes, all from the kiss of the rich southern sun. And olive oil isn’t just for cooking—it’s drizzled on everything. On the Island of Sicily, ancient Greek temples in Agrigento share hilltops with orange groves and centuries-old monasteries.

Tour suggestion: There’s no better way to drink in the lifestyle of Southern Italy than the Country Roads of Southern Italy and Sicily tour

Image source: Insight Vacations

Tempo & Pacing

Your ideal tempo matters: do you prefer planning each day or letting moments unfold naturally?

• Northern regions offer more formal travel experiences with city stays, pre-booked dinners, and scheduled museum visits.

• Southern regions favour laid-back days—slow coastal drives, agriturismo meals, and plenty of time to soak in the atmosphere.

Travel Seasons & Conditions

• In the north, summers can be warm but manageable (especially in the mountains), and winters bring snow—ideal for skiing.

• In the south, summers are hot; shoulder seasons (spring and fall) offer cooler weather and fewer crowds.

• Central Italy (e.g., Tuscany, Umbria) blends both—rolling hills, olive groves, Renaissance towns like Florence or Perugia, and ideal mid-year temperatures.

DISCOVER MORE ON

Country Roads of Northern Italy TOUR

View Tour

Key Highlights: North vs South

Northern Highlights

• Lakes: Sail on Lake Garda, wander lakeside villages, or ride the funicular above Lake Como.

• Food: Try Parmigiano-Reggiano and Parma ham, plate after plate of rich yet refined cuisine.

• Culture: Explore Renaissance art in Florence, opera in Verona, and gala shopping in Milan.

• History: Visit Roman relics, medieval hill towns, and cutting-edge architecture in Turin.

Southern Highlights

• Coast: Drive the breathtaking Amalfi Coast, linger in Positano, and take ferries to the Island of Sicily.

• Ancient sites: Colossi in Agrigento, mosaics in Syracuse, and ancient Greek theatres at Selinunte.

• Olive & food culture: Take a tasting tour through olive groves, pair golden oil with freshly baked bread.

• Village life: Explore pastel villages—like Ostuni and Matera—where local traditions thrive.

Cost & Comfort Levels

• Northern Italy is generally more expensive. Think luxury hotels, upscale restaurants, and top-tier shopping.

• Southern Italy can offer excellent value. Think rustic farm stays, pasta dinners with locals, and seafood by the sea.

That said, sustainable travel in either region requires a budget set aside for authentic experiences.

What is the difference between Northern Italians and Southern Italians?

The differences between Northern and Southern Italians stem from centuries of history, geography, and cultural evolution. In the north, life often moves at a faster, more structured pace; shaped by its proximity to other European nations, a legacy of industrialisation, and global centres like Milan and Turin. There’s a focus on efficiency, innovation, and internationalism, with values rooted in work and progress. In contrast, southern Italians tend to place greater emphasis on family, community, and tradition; shaped by a warmer climate, agricultural heritage, and a past marked by waves of conquest and migration. Meals are longer, connections run deep, and everyday life is slower and more tactile. While both are proudly Italian, their ways of living reveal a country rich in contrast, where the north and south reflect two distinct but complementary sides of Italy’s soul.

Which is more beautiful: South or North Italy?

That’s not for us to decide. The north impresses with alpine peaks, elegant towns, and a rich vein of Renaissance and Baroque art. Cities like Florence and Venice are steeped in culture and architectural grandeur, while regions like Emilia-Romagna offer some of Italy’s best food scenes. The south on the other hand is wilder, more rustic, and often more emotionally charged. Think of the dramatic cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, the sunbaked landscapes of Puglia, or the volcanic intensity of Sicily—where Ancient Greek ruins meet Arab-Norman cathedrals. The south is where time slows, traditions run deep, and beauty often comes wrapped in simplicity and soul. Both are breathtaking. Choose what feeds your soul today, or plan an Italian loop that includes both.

Travel Trends & Popularity

In recent years, Cinque Terre and Amalfi Coast (both southern and northern coasts) have seen viral popularity. Cinque Terre is easily overrun on hot summer days. Read our beginner’s guide to Cinque Terre for the best time to visit to avoid overtourism crowds. Want to avoid the crowds? Choose the Country Roads of Tuscany & Central Italy, which takes you through a region of Italy less traveled, where places like Siena or San Gimignano deliver beauty with fewer tourists.

Making the Call: Where to Begin

• Start in the north if you’re a first-time visitor, love art and style, and prefer structured itineraries.

• Go south first if you’re chasing warmth, rugged beauty, and untethered experiences.

• Make it a spiral through Central Italy to ease into both worlds—Tuscan vineyards and hilltop villages offer a bridge so smooth you’ll want more.

Ready to choose your road?

No matter whether you fall in love with the lakes of Lake Garda, the olive groves of Amalfi Coast, or the ancient theatre at Selinunte, Italy is always ready to be rediscovered. And the next visit? You’ll taste something new all over again.