From the shimmering shores of Lake Garda to the breathtaking Dolomite mountains, northern Italy is a hidden paradise of natural wonders largely undiscovered by tourists.
Beyond the crowded canals of Venice and fashionable streets of Milan, this rich region offers far more than gondolas and designer goods.
For those who want to escape the tourist traps and explore further afield, a new guide highlights hundreds of hidden gems across northern Italy, where travellers can discover secluded lakes, vast mountain ranges, dazzling waterfalls and ancient sites.
Wild Guide Northern Italy maps the wild side of five core regions: the Alps, the Dolomites, the Great Lakes, Venice and Tuscany.
From wild swims in remote coves and lakeside camping in the Great Lakes, to hikes through azure canyons, sacred forests, and lesser-known parts of the Dolomites, the guide, available to buy now, has something for every traveller.
Read on to discover how you can maximise your trip to northern Italy with 16 hotspots handpicked by us.
Preda Rossa, Val Masino, Lombardy
Preda Rossa offers breathtaking views of the soaring mountain ranges of Val Masino that are divided by the winding Duino river
Preda Rossa is a vibrant, marshy high mountain plateau found in Val Masino, a commune in the province of Sondrio in Lombardy.
Characterised by a vibrant palette of red and grey rocks, Preda Rossa offers an easy, well-marked route across small bridges and wooden bridges that lead to the mountain hut, Rifugio Ponti, at the foot of the Preda Rossa glacier.
At 6,414 feet, Mount Disgrazia offers a stunning vantage point, nestled amidst towering peaks and divided by the winding Duino stream.
Isola Comacina, Lake Como
Isola Comacina, Lake Como’s only island, was once a thriving Roman stronghold until it was destroyed in 1169 by Como and Frederick Barborossa
Isola Comacina, the only island in Lake Como, serves as a significant archaeological site.
While it was a thriving, fortified Roman stronghold for centuries, it was totally destroyed in 1169 by Como and Frederick Barbarossa, leaving behind now-atmospheric ruins.
The island – now covered in olive and laurel growth – can be accessed by canoe from the lido in Ossuccio.
Along the way, visitors can marvel at the Church of San Giovanni and the artists’ houses of Villa Balbiano, La Cassinella and Villa del Balbianello.
Isola Comacina’s interior can also be explored – though visitors need to purchase ticket for entry.
Colle del Nivolet, Graian Alps
Colle del Nivolet, situated between Piedmont and Aosta Valley, is home to a wide range of native wildlife like chamois and marmots – and it’s even featured in The Italian Job
Standing at over 2,600 metres is Colle del Nivolet, a stunning high mountain pass situated on the border between Piedmont and Aosta Valley regions in the Graian Alps, accessed via the Orco Valley from Turin.
The area, dotted with a range of ponds and peat bogs, is home to native wildlife species like chamois, ibex, marmots, as well as a wide range of amphibians and birds.
Movie buffs might also notice the landscape in the dramatic bus cliffhanger scene in the 1969 classic, The Italian Job.
With minimal light pollution, the region is a haven for stargazers seeking crystal-clear views of the night sky; however, because environmental traffic restrictions are often in place on summer weekends, planning in advance is essential for any visit.
Ledro Land Art, Trentino
Ledro Land Art is set in the forest of Pur, Trentino, where sculptures are carved from natural materials
Set in the lush forest of Pur in Trentino is Ledro Land Art, where visitors can explore a collection of sculptures crafted from wood, stone and other natural materials, all intended to evolve alongside the changing seasons.
Among the park’s most striking features are the giant expressive hands emerging from the ground and a massive violin that hums as the wind plays across its strings.
In summer, the forest becomes an open air studio for artists creating installations, which eventually return to nature after they undergo changes throughout the months.
The area is also a short walking distance from Lago di Ledro, considered to be one of the cleanest lakes in Trentino.
Lago Gelato Sledged Path, Vallemaggia
The Lago Gelato Sledged Path in Vallemaggia was carved especially for sledges to pass through efficiently
This gently graded paved track, located beside a high-altitude mountain lake in Vallemaggia, was carved to allow specially designed sledges, known locally as lese, to efficiently transport copper and iron ore down from the mines above.
Featuring dry-stone retaining walls and a paved surface of fitted stone slabs, the path is among the best-preserved mining roads in the Alps.
Trekking past old mine ruins, the route opens into a breathtaking glacial basin where Lago Gelato can be found.
Torre Medievale di Bagnasco, Piedmont
Overlooking the sleepy village of Bagnasco in Piedmont is Torre Medievale di Bagnasco, a 12th century circular tower
Situated halfway down the hill towards Bagnasco village, this circular tower is connected by walls to the 12th-century castle at the summit.
Two impressive stone walls extend from the tower, which is reached by a path starting behind the village church.
Venture a little further along the path and you’ll be met with a picturesque meadow, giving ample opportunity to look back at the stunning view.
Riserva Naturale del Parco Burcina, Piedmont
Riserva Naturale del Parco Burcina in Piedmont bursts into colour in the early summer months
Located just outside Biella in Piedmont, this historic botanical garden comes alive from late May to early June when rhododendrons burst into colour across the sloping basin.
Created in the 19th century by the Piacenza family, it’s now a peaceful, 57-hectare mix of woodland trails, open meadows and small pond, with wide views that stretch over the Biella plains to the Alps, from Monviso to Adamello.
Lago di Carezza & Labirinto del Latemar, Carezza, South Tyrol
Lago di Carezza and Labirinto del Latemar in South Tyrol provide an otherwordly landscape
In South Tyrol, near Carezza, Lago di Carezza is at its best early in the morning, when its clear emerald water reflects the Latemar peaks and shimmers with an almost otherworldly iridescence, earning its Ladin name ‘Lech de l’ercaboan’ or ‘Rainbow Lake’.
It’s a popular stop, so it’s worth heading to the main viewpoint – follow nearby trails into the Labirinto del Latemar, where a jumble of huge boulders and narrow passages create a more adventurous, lunaresque landscape.
Piramidi di terra di Longomoso, South Tyrol
Piramidi di terra di Longomosso consists of unusual geological rock formations that rise from eroded glacial soil
Nestled in South Tyrol is the Piramidi di terra di Longomoso, where peculiar earth pyramids rise from eroded glacial soil, each topped with a large balancing stone.
They’re constantly changing shape, and run the risk of collapse, so it’s best to admire them from a distance as they stand out against a picturesque backdrop of forest, mountain ranges and the church of Monte di Mezzo.
Cascate di Vallesinella, Adamello Brenta Nature Park, Trentino
Located in Adamello Brenta Nature Park is the striking Vallesinella waterfalls that freeze into ethereal ice formations in winter
In Trentino’s Adamello Brenta Nature Park, the striking Vallesinella waterfalls – fed by karstic springs that emerge from underground tunnels – flow through a green valley in three main stages.
The upper falls, Cascate Alte, tumble gently over moss-covered rocks in rivulets, while the middle falls, Cascate di Mezzo, cascade dramatically.
Meanwhile, the wider but lesser-known Cascate di Sotto falls quieter, further down the valley.
In winter, the falls often freeze into ethereal ice formations, creating a breathtaking sight.
Brent de l’art, Sant’Antonio di Tortal, Veneto
Brent de l’art, located in Veneto, is a canyon that cuts through layered rock, revealing extraordinary bands of grey, green and red
Near Sant’Antonio di Tortal in Veneto, this narrow canyon cuts deep through layered Cretaceous red Scaglia rock, revealing bands of red, grey, and green.
The name derives from local dialect, with ‘Brent’ signifying a stream that flows at the bottom of a deep valley, and ‘Art’ which comes from the local phrase ‘Atus’, meaning ‘rocky gorge’.
The stream below adds a pop of colour, but it’s the sculpted canyon walls that really stand out as you walk through.
Osteria Ai Pioppi, Nervesa della Battaglia, Treviso
Osteria Ai Pioppi in Treviso is especially unique as it is powered entirely by humans
Set in the countryside of Treviso, this one-of-a-kind spot combines a rustic osteria with a handmade playground hidden in the woods.
Built over decades, by Bruno Ferrin, the rides at Osteria Ai Pioppi are all human powered – from the giant slides and hand-operated roller coasters, to unusual spinning contraptions and gyroscopes powered by pedals.
In order to access the site, visitors are required to dine at the on-site, family-run restaurant, which offers a relaxing atmosphere and plenty of outdoor seating.
Casone Donnabona, Valli di Comacchio
Casone Donnabona, Valli di Comacchio, looks particularly spectacular at sunrise and sunset
Out in the wetlands of Emilia-Romagna’s Valli di Comacchio is Casone Donnabona, an old guard hut that sits on a small island reached by a wooden bridge.
Once used to watch over eel fishing and keep unauthorised fishermen away, it’s now a peaceful spot – especially at sunrise or sunsets when birds glide above the water.
In spring, Casone Donnabona becomes a prime hotspot for greater flamingos and other species who arrive to set up their nests.
Lago Fedèra, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Belluno
Lago Fedèra is located near Cortina d’Ampezzo in the Dolomites, home to the sharp peaks of Croda da Lago (pictured)
Located near Cortina d’Ampezzo in the Dolomites, this quiet alpine lake reflects the sharp peaks of Croda da Lago and the spire of Becco di Mezzodì.
In autumn, golden larches light up the shoreline, providing a spectacle for photographers.
Fed by underground springs, the lake’s water level remains consistent throughout the year, and a historic mountain hut built in 1901 sits right by the water, further setting the surreal scene.
Loro Ciuffenna, Arezzo, Tuscany
Loro Ciuffenna in eastern Tuscany features clear pools where locals still swim today
In eastern Tuscany, Loro Ciuffenna clings to the edge of a deep gorge carved by the River Ciuffenna, with stone houses gathered around a narrow Romanesque bridge.
Down below, the river forms an abundance of clear pools where locals still swim, and there’s even a medieval mill that dates back to around 1100 that continues to produce chestnut flour today.
Le Roste, Montieri, Tuscany
Le Roste, set in southern Tuscany, looks as though it’s on another planet thanks to its deep red ridges and gullies
Set near Montieri in southern Tuscany, Le Roste has an almost surreal, lunar look, with deep red soil carved into ridges and gullies.
It’s a leftover from the area’s mining past, with discarded pyrite and chalcopyrite from copper extraction activities in the early 20th century still present today.
A short walk from the road leading to Montieri brings you into this raw, rust-coloured landscape.
Wild Guide Northern Italy, which showcases hundreds of hidden gems across the region, is available to buy now
