North or South of Italy? That’s the Question!
- Le monocle voyageur
- Feb 4
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 9
Italy is a country of contrasts, and choosing between the North and the South can feel like picking between two masterpieces. Let’s break it down in a way that’s as satisfying as an Italian meal: antipasto, primo, secondo, dolce. Ready to decide?
Northern Italy
Where to Go:
• Venice: Glide through the canals on a gondola and visit St. Mark’s Basilica.
• Milan: Marvel at the Duomo, shop in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and catch an opera at La Scala.
• Lake Como: Stroll through lakeside villages like Bellagio and take a boat ride surrounded by mountains.
• Turin: Explore its elegant boulevards and the Egyptian Museum, or sip a famous bicerin (coffee, chocolate, and cream).
• Dolomites: Perfect for hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter.
What to Do:
• Take a scenic train ride through the Alps on the Bernina Express.
• Attend a vineyard tour in Piedmont’s Barolo wine region.
• Stroll around Bologna, the food capital of Italy, and taste test your way through its markets.
• Go truffle hunting in Alba.
• Dive into Renaissance art in Florence (technically central Italy but often grouped with the North).
What to Eat:
• Antipasto: Platters of cured meats like prosciutto di Parma and Parmigiano-Reggiano.
• Primo: Creamy risotto alla Milanese or tortellini in brodo.
• Secondo: Ossobuco (braised veal shank) with polenta.
• Dolce: Tiramisu, which originated in Veneto, or creamy gelato from Florence.
• Drinks: Sip a bold Barolo or a refreshing Aperol Spritz.
Southern Italy
Where to Go:
• Naples: The birthplace of pizza! Visit the historic Spaccanapoli district and the Archaeological Museum.
• Amalfi Coast: Wander through Positano’s pastel-coloured streets and drive the scenic coastal roads.
• Sicily: Explore ancient Greek ruins in Agrigento, wander the vibrant markets of Palermo, and hike Mount Etna.
• Puglia: Visit Alberobello’s trulli houses and relax in the coastal town of Polignano a Mare.
• Matera: Marvel at its cave dwellings and stone churches.
What to Do:
• Tour Pompeii or Herculaneum, perfectly preserved Roman cities frozen in time.
• Snorkel or dive in the crystalline waters of Calabria.
• Take a cruise to Capri.
• Experience a lively street food tour in Palermo, sampling arancini, panelle, and cannoli.
What to Eat:
• Antipasto: Fresh seafood salads, marinated anchovies, and caponata (Sicilian eggplant dish).
• Primo: Spaghetti alle vongole (clams) or pasta alla norma (eggplant and ricotta).
• Secondo: Swordfish rolls in Sicily or braciole (meat rolls) in Puglia.
• Dolce: Ricotta-filled cannoli, sfogliatelle, or limoncello-soaked treats from Amalfi.
• Drinks: Limoncello from the Amalfi Coast or Nero d’Avola wine from Sicily.
The Fun Arithmetic of It All
• For the Mountain Lovers: North = 10/10, South = 5/10
• For the Beach Seekers: North = 6/10, South = 10/10
• For the Foodies: North = 9/10 (refined dishes), South = 10/10 (bold flavours)
• For the History Buffs: North = 8/10, South = 10/10
• For Adventure: North = 10/10 (hiking, skiing), South = 9/10 (volcanoes, diving)
So, North or South?
Both offer an unforgettable Italian experience, and the only real solution might be this: Why not both?
What’s your pick?
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