Italian regions- a tourist guide

For those with an orderly mind, we have started compiling a summary of Italy by its administrative areas. This should be a good help if you're planning a holiday which isn't limited to the main tourist centres, as well as providing an interesting overview of this varied peninsula.

The Italian state is divided into regions. Each region is subdivided into a handful of provinces. The smallest administrative unit is a comune, which has a mayor and a local authority, but may contain just a few hundred residents.

Each Italian region has its own character and its own regional cuisine, and if you're planning a longer holiday it's worth considering getting to know a region in depth. Most have regional airports which are served by international flights.

Northern Italy

Liguria - runs along the coastline bordering France, and includes the Italian Riviera and the Cinque Terre. Ideal for a seaside or walking holiday, the region enjoys a mild climate in winter.

Piemonte a more wintery region boasting grand mountains and the smart city of Turin.

Lombardy - an urbane region with lots for the culture-lover. Italy's second (many would say first) city, Milan, is the regional capital.

Veneto - the Veneto is located in the north-east of Italy, and its most famous city is Venice, although there are many other interesting towns throughout the region.

Friuli-Venezia Giulia - Italy's far north-eastern corner; an area with a mixture of influences and some off-the-beaten-track destinations.

Central Italy

Lazio - a fascinating region, with lakes and countryside that are normally overlooked in favour of the regional and national capital, Rome

Tuscany - famous for its rolling green countryside and vineyards; also towns like Florence, Siena and Pisa.

Umbria - less well-known than its neighbours, Umbria has hidden attractions as well as popular destinations like Assisi.

Southern Italy and islands

Campania - chaotic but beautiful, Campania's attractions range from hectic Naples to dream-like Capri and Positano.

Sicily - an island with a history all of its own, Sicily has beaches, baroque towns and ancient Greek ruins.

Calabria - mostly popular for beach holidays, it also has remote national parks.

Puglia - a recent addition to the tourist trail, this is the home of those photogenic round houses called trulli.