Mona’s favourite places in Northern Italy

• Arco, Malcesine, Limone sul Garda, Torbole & Sirmione
  Each town around Lake Garda has its own character. From the elegance of Sirmione with its thermal baths and Roman ruins, to sporty Torbole where windsurfers dance on the waves. Arco and Malcesine are postcard towns, nestled between mountains and medieval charm. And Limone? A dream of lemon groves, sunny terraces, and a village square where life moves gently by.

• Verona
  A city where romance and culture meet. Known for its opera and Shakespearean echoes, it invites you to wander endlessly and always discover something new between its stately palazzi and hidden courtyards.

• Trento & Canazei
  Trento is the ideal base for hiking in the Dolomites, blending historical beauty with crisp alpine air. A bit further north lies Canazei, surrounded by dramatic peaks – a place where tranquillity meets raw mountain power.

• Varenna (Lake Como), Spiazzi & Mantua
  Varenna sits like a postcard along the shores of Lake Como. In Spiazzi, a tiny mountain village, silence and simplicity reign. And Mantua? A hidden gem in the south, filled with culture, palaces, and deep-rooted history.

 

Why Northern Italy keeps drawing her back

Though the north is a popular region, Mona experiences it as authentic and unpretentious. The pace is slightly more organised than in the south, yet it never loses its warmth or charm. What draws her back time and time again is the sheer diversity: alpine peaks, clear lakes, historic towns, and a feeling of space and serenity.

“What I love most,” she says, “is that the north offers so much. You can hike through the Alps, swim in a lake, and get lost in a historic city – all in one day.”

It’s a haven for the active traveller: cycling, hiking, sailing, and windsurfing. But for food lovers, it’s just as rewarding, with a kitchen that shifts from lakeside lightness to comforting mountain flavours.

 

A culture that celebrates life

“The locals are energetic and welcoming,” Mona shares. “And they truly know how to enjoy life.” Especially in summer, the region is alive with festivals and celebrations – both grand and small.

• Ferragosto (15 August) – Italy’s biggest holiday. Around Lake Garda or up in the Dolomites, the festive atmosphere is unforgettable.

• La Notte Gialla in Limone sul Garda – The evening before Ferragosto, the village glows in yellow lights and decorations. With live music on every square, the town transforms into a sunlit celebration after dark.

 

A region you can taste

In Northern Italy, the day begins with an espresso – short, strong, and sipped with intent. Around the lakes, you’ll find refined fish dishes, risottos, and fresh pastas. Further into the mountains, the food becomes heartier: polenta, canederli (bread dumplings), and strangolapreti (spinach and bread gnocchi). And don’t skip the Gorgonzola – intense in scent, but wonderfully creamy in taste.

 

Mona’s tips to taste local life

• Bar Gelateria Cristallo (Riva del Garda)
  A spritz lover’s dream – with the largest selection Mona has ever seen, and a delightful aperitivo on the side.

• Sotto Vento (Torbole)
  The best pizza in the region. Small, popular, and worth booking in advance.

• Rossovivo (Malcesine)
  Great food paired with spectacular views – perfect for a memorable evening out.

• Osteria a le Due Spade (Trento)
  Cosy atmosphere and delicious food in a charming alpine city.

 

Why Nice2stay feels at home here

Northern Italy suits Nice2stay to perfection: full of character, diversity, and a sense of soulful elegance. Our selection in the region includes lakefront apartments, beautifully restored farmhouses in the mountains, and villas where nature and comfort blend seamlessly.

Whether you’re overlooking Lake Como, dining under the stars in the Dolomites, or waking up in a former wine estate near Lake Garda – this is Italy at its most relaxed and refined.

 

In conclusion

Northern Italy isn’t a place to rush through. It’s a region to settle into – to ease into, like sunlight over water. To feel the rhythm of the land in the scent of pine, the chime of church bells, and the taste of a glass of local wine.

“I invite you to discover Northern Italy – through my eyes, and at your own pace.”

– Mona, Product Manager at Nice2stay