Mountain and Valley Regions of Italy
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Latest page update: 23 January 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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The Mountain and Valley Regions of Italy provide some of the most spectacular and charming scenery in the country.
Tuscany features heavily with the beautiful Val d'Orcia along with the nearby Val di Cecina and Crete Senesi while the northern Alpine regions can boast the likes of Val Gardena, the Lys Valley and the Val di Susa. The south provides the sweeping beauty of the Tavoliere delle Puglie. The areas featured here present opportunities for a number of holiday types: anything from scenic driving routes with overnight accommodation stops to single-location activity holidays. |
Val di Susa, Piedmont
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Related links
Val d'Orcia
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The Val d’Orcia is a breathtaking valley in Tuscany, stretching between the towns of Siena and Grosseto. Renowned for its idyllic landscapes, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its rolling hills, cypress-lined roads, and medieval hilltop villages.
Key attractions include Pienza, known as the "Ideal Renaissance City," and Montepulciano, famous for its Vino Nobile wine. The valley is also home to thermal springs like those in Bagno Vignoni, and historic sites such as the Abbey of Sant’Antimo. With its picturesque beauty and cultural richness, the Val d’Orcia epitomises the charm of rural Tuscany. |
Val d'Orcia, Tuscany
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Val Gardena
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Val Gardena, nestled in the Dolomites of northern Italy’s South Tyrol region, is a picturesque valley renowned for its stunning alpine landscapes and outdoor activities. Surrounded by dramatic peaks like the Sassolungo and Sella Massif, it is a paradise for skiing in winter and hiking, climbing, and mountain biking in summer.
The valley’s three main villages—Ortisei, Selva, and Santa Cristina—blend traditional Tyrolean charm with modern amenities. Val Gardena is also famous for its centuries-old woodcarving tradition, showcased in local shops and museums. Part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the valley offers breathtaking views, rich Ladin culture, and attractions like the Seceda Ridge and Gardena Pass. |
Val Gardena, Trentino Alto-Adige
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Lys Valley
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The Lys Valley, or Valle di Gressoney, is a picturesque alpine region in Valle d'Aosta, northern Italy, nestled at the foot of the Monte Rosa massif. Renowned for its breathtaking mountain scenery, the valley features verdant meadows, dense forests, and crystal-clear streams. It is home to charming villages like Gressoney-Saint-Jean and Gressoney-La-Trinité, showcasing traditional Walser architecture and culture, reflecting the valley's Germanic heritage.
Historically, the Walser people settled here in the 12th century, leaving a lasting cultural imprint. Popular for hiking, skiing, and mountaineering, the valley also boasts the enchanting Castel Savoia and the Lys Glacier. |
Lilianes, Lys Valley, Valle d'Aosta
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Val di Cecina
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The Val di Cecina is a picturesque valley in Tuscany, located between Volterra and the Tyrrhenian Sea. Renowned for its rolling hills, cypress-lined roads, and unspoiled landscapes, the area is a haven of natural beauty and tranquility. The Cecina River winds through the valley, enriching its fertile land, dotted with olive groves, vineyards, and medieval villages.
Highlights include Volterra, famous for its Etruscan heritage, alabaster craftsmanship, and historic charm. The valley also boasts geothermal springs near Larderello, a pioneering centre for renewable energy. Rich in history, culture, and natural wonders, the Val di Cecina offers visitors a quintessential Tuscan experience. |
Val di Cecina, Tuscany
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Crete Senesi
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The Crete Senesi is a distinctive region located in southern Tuscany, known for its unique, rolling landscape of clay hills and isolated farmhouses. Stretching between the towns of Siena and Asciano, the area’s name, meaning "Senese Clays," refers to the characteristic grayish-brown soil.
The landscape is shaped by centuries of agricultural activity, with vast fields of wheat, olive groves, and vineyards, creating a tranquil rural environment. Historically, Crete Senesi has been inhabited since ancient times, and its charm has attracted artists and writers over the years. Today, it is celebrated for its natural beauty, picturesque villages, and medieval landmarks. |
Crete Senesi, Tuscany
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Tavoliere delle Puglie
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The Tavoliere delle Puglie is a vast plain located in the Apulia region of southeastern Italy. Stretching across the provinces of Foggia and Bari, it is one of the largest agricultural areas in Italy, known for its fertile soil and extensive cultivation of wheat, vegetables, and olives.
The plain is characterized by flat, expansive fields, with few natural elevations and dotted with small towns and farms. Historically, the Tavoliere has been a vital agricultural hub since Roman times and was extensively developed during the medieval period. Today, it remains a key region for Italy's agricultural production. |
Tavoliere delle Puglie, Puglia
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Val di Susa
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The Val di Susa is a picturesque valley located in the Piedmont region of northern Italy, stretching from the city of Turin to the French border. Surrounded by the majestic Alps, the valley is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, including lush forests, mountain peaks, and alpine meadows.
The region has a rich historical significance, having been an important route for trade and travel between Italy and France for centuries. Key features of the valley include ancient Roman ruins, medieval castles, and charming villages. The Val di Susa also played a strategic role during various historical events, making it an area of both cultural and military importance. |
Val di Susa, Piedmont
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Maremma
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The Maremma is a coastal region in southern Tuscany, stretching along the Tyrrhenian Sea. Known for its diverse landscapes, it features rolling hills, lush forests, expansive marshes, and beautiful beaches. The region is renowned for its rich history, once being home to the ancient Etruscans and later developed by the Romans.
In the Middle Ages, the Maremma was largely marshland, and its reclamation in the 19th century transformed the area into fertile farmland. Today, the Maremma is famous for its agricultural products, including wines, olive oils, and cheeses. It also offers picturesque towns like Grosseto and Castiglione della Pescaia, attracting visitors with its natural beauty and historical charm. |
Orbetello, Maremma, Tuscany
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Furlo Pass
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The Furlo Pass is a historic mountain pass located in the Marche region of central Italy, between the provinces of Pesaro and Urbino. This natural gorge through the Apennine Mountains has been a key route since ancient times.
The pass is renowned for its stunning limestone cliffs and the ancient Roman tunnel, known as the "Furlo Tunnel," which was carved through the rock during the reign of Emperor Vespasian in the 1st century AD. The tunnel is still in use today. Historically, the pass played an important role in connecting the Adriatic coast with central Italy, facilitating trade and military movement. It is now a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers. |
Furlo Pass, Marche
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Val d'Elsa
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The Val d'Elsa is a picturesque valley located in the heart of Tuscany, stretching between the provinces of Siena and Florence.
Known for its rolling hills, vineyards, olive groves, and medieval towns, the valley offers stunning views and a tranquil atmosphere. The main town, Colle di Val d'Elsa, is famous for its crystal glass production, a tradition dating back to the Renaissance. The area is rich in history, with several medieval villages, such as San Gimignano, known for its towers and UNESCO World Heritage status. |
Val d'Elsa, Tuscany
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