I Traveled Across Italy’s 20 Regions—Here’s What I Learned

In October of 2023 I spent 2 nights in the charming seaside town of Termoli in the region of Molise.

Though brief, this visit marked a significant milestone: completing a years-long journey to visit all 20 regions of Italy.

The Historic Center of Termoli, from the Beach

I don’t count regions I’ve simply passed through; for me, visiting means staying at least overnight, exploring the streets, and connecting with the people and their way of life. Molise, often overlooked and even joked about as “nonexistent" by some Italians, was the last piece of the puzzle.

As I always say: "It's not just about ticking boxes".

Over the years, traveling through Italy has given me something far more valuable: a deeper understanding of what makes this country so special.

Italy isn’t a single destination—it’s a mosaic of diverse cultures, cuisines, and traditions. What binds it all together is a shared love of beauty, the warmth of family ties, and the strength of community.

As I reflect on my journey through all 20 regions, I realize that this milestone is about more than just geography. It’s about understanding Italy’s essence—its regional pride, everyday elegance, and the art of slowing down to savor life’s simple pleasures.

Each region has taught me something unique, yet together they form a cohesive narrative about what makes this country so extraordinary. 

Let's see what makes Italy truly unforgettable.

History Lives Everywhere...

In Italy, history isn't limited to famous tourist spots—it's everywhere, waiting to be discovered in unexpected places. Italy is an open-air museum, where every cobblestone, fresco, and piazza holds the echoes of history.

You might walk down a narrow street and find an ancient Roman ruin, a medieval church, or a Renaissance palace, each with its own story. These historical treasures are not just relics; they are part of the community, integrated into daily life.

Imagine a sleepy village with a Roman amphitheater still used for events or a medieval fortress that is now a community center. Each discovery deepens your understanding of Italy's rich tapestry, showing how history and modern life coexist. The landscape tells the stories of emperors, artists, and everyday people, inviting reflection on the legacy they left behind.

Heather at a restaurant in Badolato, Calabria

...Alongside Art, Beauty & Creativity

Art isn't just confined to the renowned galleries of Florence or the majestic halls of the Vatican museums. In Italy, art is omnipresent. Everywhere you go, you’ll encounter masterpieces, often in the most unexpected places, waiting to be discovered by those who wander off the beaten path.

Imagine stumbling upon a fresco hidden away in a small, unassuming church nestled in the rolling hills of Umbria, its colors still vivid and telling stories of centuries past.

Or picture a mural, bold and expressive, adorning the side of a building in a quiet, sleepy town, capturing the essence of local life and history. In Puglia, you might find a local artist’s work proudly displayed in a modest gallery, each piece reflecting the unique spirit and culture of the region.

Italy’s art isn’t just something to admire from a distance; it’s an integral part of the daily landscape, seamlessly woven into the towns, villages, and even the way people live. It’s in the intricate design of a wrought-iron gate, the elegant curve of a hand-blown glass vase, or the vibrant colors of a market stall.

Art in Italy is a living, breathing entity, a testament to the country’s enduring love affair with beauty and creativity, inviting everyone to pause, appreciate, and be inspired by the world around them.

Local Festivals Keep Tradition Alive

Italy’s local festivals are an incredible window into the heart of its culture, offering vibrant, colorful celebrations that go far beyond the usual tourist attractions. While Italy’s famous cities are known for their art and history, it’s in the smaller towns and villages where the most authentic cultural experiences come to life.

From medieval reenactments to harvest festivals, Italy’s festivals celebrate everything from ancient traditions to modern creativity. These events are often rooted in centuries-old practices and offer a glimpse into local life, bringing communities together to honor their heritage and share their crafts, food, and music.

Italy’s Regional Pride Runs Deep

Italy’s strong tradition of regional cultures is deeply rooted in its history and heritage. Each region has a unique identity shaped by centuries of shared experiences—generations living and dying together, creating a continuity that’s unmistakable.

This sense of community pride, known as campanilismo (literally, “bell-tower pride”), is so strong that it was a challenge for the 19th-century revolutionaries who sought to unify Italy.

Even today, campanilismo fuels daily life. Whether it’s food, art, or festivals, Italians celebrate what makes their town, region, and people special. It’s a reflection of their pride in their local heroes and heritage, a pride you can feel in every conversation, piazza, and market.

Heather riding in the countryside in Piedmont

Cycling is A Shared Passion

Across Italy, the love of cycling is unmistakable. From serene countryside rides to exhilarating races, cycling is both a cherished pastime and a source of pride. This passion comes to life during the Giro d’Italia, a world-renowned cycling race that winds through Italy’s towns and landscapes.

When the Giro passes through, it’s more than a sporting event—it’s a celebration. Streets fill with cheering crowds, and towns pull out all the stops to welcome the cyclists. It’s a reflection of Italy’s love for sport, tradition, and community, and it’s just one more way the country connects people through shared experiences.

Italy's also honors its cycling legends, such as Fausto Coppi, whose legacy lives on through annual celebrations in his hometown of Castellania.

Heather riding in Sud Tirol

The Dolce Vita Lifestyle

Each of Italy’s 20 regions has its own dialect, history, and cuisine, yet the dolce vita—the sweet life—is everywhere. It’s a way of living that combines a love of beauty, connection, and tradition.

It’s also why so many of our guests return to Italy year after year.

They come for the food, the wine, and the art, but they stay for the feeling: the sense that they’re experiencing something timeless and universal, yet deeply personal.

Heather in the countryside in Puglia

My 5 Biggest Takeaways From Italy:

1. Beauty is Everywhere
   The Italian concept of bella figura—making a good impression—isn’t just about appearances. It’s a way of life. From the design of a chair to the plating of a meal, Italians care deeply about beauty in all its forms. This passion is why Italy has given the world so many great artists, architects, and fashion designers.

2. Family is Everything
   Family isn’t just important in Italy—it’s the backbone of society. From family-run businesses to decisions made around the dinner table, everything revolves around this central unit. 

3. Slowing Down is an Art
   In Italy, slowing down isn’t a luxury. The passeggiata—an evening stroll through the piazza—is a quintessentially Italian ritual. It’s a moment to connect with others, show off your best outfit, and enjoy the rhythm of life. It’s a reminder to slow down, savor the moment, and take pleasure in simple joys.

4. Food is Magic
   Italian food may seem simple, but the magic happens upstream—at the farm, the cheesemaker, and the butcher. Italians understand that great ingredients don’t need much fuss. A meal cooked in 20 minutes can be utterly transformative when the tomatoes, olive oil, and pasta are exceptional.

5. Generations Are Interwoven
   Italy is one of the few places where all generations seamlessly mix. Whether in a bustling market or a quiet trattoria, young children and elders share the same spaces with ease. There’s a deep respect for the wisdom of the older generation and a joyful celebration of youth that’s rare to see elsewhere.

Heather at a cooking lesson at Casa Artusi in Emilia Romagna

Together, these lessons form a blueprint for living with joy and intention—a philosophy as enduring as Italy itself.

They also mirror the lifestyles of Blue Zones—areas known for longevity and well-being. While Italy has one officially designated Blue Zone, many areas throughout the country would qualify.

Was It Worth Visiting all 20 regions of Italy?

Absolutely YES.

This journey across Italy’s 20 regions has been one of discovery, connection, and deep inspiration. It’s reminded me that Italy isn’t just a place—it’s a living, breathing celebration of life, love, and beauty.

When I think back to my two nights in Termoli, I’m reminded of how much more there is to discover in every corner of Italy.

And while I’ve completed this milestone, I know I’m not done.

Italy always has more to teach, more to offer, and more beauty to uncover, in all 20 of its regions.

Heather hiking the Path of the Gods, Amalfi Coast