International Spotlight: Northern Italy

Yeah, we know. Reading that headline was probably a slap in the face, as we all know Italy is probably not a destination any of us will be vacationing to in the foreseeable future. But, we can’t help but to dream of its undulating vineyards, colorful coastlines, inviting waters, traces of medieval architecture, and the immediate vacation mentality it commands. Oh, and how could we forget about the renowned food scene, arguably rated the most delicious in all of the world? 

It’s the country tourists and professional vacationers alike flock to come summertime, usually to bask under the Mediterranean sun with an Aperol Spritz─or, as they say in Italy, “Spritz Veneziano”─in hand. Or at least that’s something we’d be doing. And, more often than not, the most sought after summer destinations are locales in the South. From the ever-colorful collection of dwellings carved into the mountains of the Amalfi Coast, to the clear water beaches of Sardinia, to the white-washed towns decorating the coast of Puglia, the South of Italy is truly a summertime daydream. 

But while most are drawn to the bottom of the boot for their summer getaways, there’s a plethora of seemingly hidden beauty in the Northern regions─well, at least to the typical tourist eye. And we’re here to tell you all about three of our favorites. So, sit back, sip a spritz and get to reading. 

Cinque Terre ─ Liguria, Italy. 

Sitting pretty on the Ligurian Sea, this northwest Italian locale is a sea of colorful, centuries-old fishing villages, and is a favorite by anyone who's had the pleasure to visit. This vacationer’s paradise comprises five villages─hence “cinque” meaning “five,” and “terre” meaning “lands”─each of which seem to be sculpted effortlessly into the coastline’s rugged hills. 

The villages─including Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore─are traveled between via “il sottopasso,” or the American equivalent of the subway. It’s a wonderland where time moves slowly, street food is a delicacy (i.e. fresh caught fried calamari and not-your-nonna’s pizza al taglio) and pavement soccer among locals is almost always customary. 

The villages’ harbors are frequented by sunbathing locals, glistening with glittering waters, and decorated with dancing buoys and carefully waved fishing boats. The narrow streets, on the other hand, display always-open windows, laundry lines strung from building to building and charming touches of historic design. In fact, visitors often encounter an intense love affair between roaming said narrow streets, each of which are cobblestone-lined and decorated with welcoming street vendors and sweet trattoria-escaping aromas, and sunbathing on the rocks after taking a dip (or cliff-jumping) into the sea. But, truly, it’s no matter how you choose to spend your days here─they will always be spent well. 

Lake Como ─ Lombardy, Italy. 

Undulating hills, classic antique wooden boats, and lakeside villas galore. Photo by Julia Oakes.

Ahh, Lago di Como. Perhaps the most sought after destination for the luxury-seekers and professional relaxation-ers, this lakeside town propped against the foothills of the Swiss Alps is a picturesque, upscale rendezvous. Between its stunning mountainous landscape and glamorously modest lakeside villas, there’s no question that Lake Como is an undeniably attractive tourist destination, especially for A-list celebrities. Ever heard of George Clooney?

Mediterranean flora and ornate residencies line the water, while opulent boutiques and designer retailers─camouflaged by quaint, Renaissance-dated architecture─line the cobblestone streets of many Lake Como towns. Bellagio, placed perfectly in front of the Alps, and Varrena, perhaps the most picturesque town on the water and just a lake’s width boat ride from Bellagio, are typically fan favorites. 

Antiquated wooden-boat tours and water-taxiing can be enjoyed by those who fancy mountainous views and journeying from town to town. But, for those who are more interested in exploring lakeside towns more intimately will be delighted to sit comfortably at streetside dining tables with, none other than, gelato in hand. 

Gothic cathedrals? Check. Photo by Julia Oakes.

And, despite the common spotting of a Ferrari cruising through the streets and arms decorated with shopping bags galore, a day well spent in any of the towns on Lake Como comprises a simple picnic lunch enjoyed on the water, picture-taking of the beautifully monstrous villas and a cheap bottle of Tuscan-grown chardonnay. Don’t worry─all Italian wine is good wine. 

Bologna ─ Emilia-Romagna, Italy. 

Brimming with millennials and studious university students, Bologna is the quintessential college town home to Europe’s oldest university: University of Bologna. Perhaps the attracted demographic is what makes this city, the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region, as lively as it is. Or, perhaps it’s the food culture that so regularly makes Bologna an irresistible talking point for savvy food aficionados and typical travelers alike. 

And, as with many other spots in Italy (dare we say, all of them), Bologna’s food scene makes it a desirable destination. The markets decorating Bologna’s narrow, portico-adorned streets are responsible for just a fraction of its nickname: “La Grassa,” AKA “the fat one.” Flaunting locally-grown olive oil, freshly-rolled pasta, wheels of parmigiano and fresh produce, the streetside markets are reason enough to boast Bologna’s food scene. The other fraction, though, comprises traditional Italian osterias, wood-oven pizzerias and, as always, intimate spots for aperitivi─a necessity for any Bolognese local.

While this landlocked city, conveniently situated between Venice and Florence, is a few-hours drive from any Italian coastline, its terracotta-bedecked roofs, cobblestone-lined piazzas, centuries-old porticoes bolstering archways and, most importantly, spirited city energy make up for it. Who needs bikinis and umbrellas when you could indulge in fresh pasta and dance under the city’s medieval portico-ed archways? We, for one, do not.

The South and the North alike are home to some of Italy's, let alone the world’s, most picture-perfect summertime destinations. So, wherever you choose to go, just make sure to order an extra gelato for us.

Featured image by Julia Oakes.

All photos pictured in this article were taken by Julia Oakes.