Molise, Italy: travel guide and places to visit

Visit Molise

The Molise region of Italy is situated to the south-east of the country, with the Apennine mountains to the west and the Adriatic coast to the east. It is one of the least visited regions of Italy and so retains a quiet authenticity and visitors can revel in its stunning mountain scenery and quiet villages.

Molise travel guide and places to visit

For a summary of the most popular sights in the region see also Molise places to visit.

Molise is in the southern central part of Italy with the region of Abruzzo to the north and Puglia to the south. It is an unspoiled region of quiet countryside, tranquil villages and rolling hills. Tourism is less developed here than in many parts of Italy but this is likely to change - visit while it remains as it is!

There are impressive beaches along the Adriatic coast and a chance to enjoy a region of Italy that has maintained a tranquil 'out of the way' existence, especially when you head east into the natural environment of the hills and mountains. The beauty of its scenery means that it is a popular region with outdoor enthusiasts of walking, cycling and mountain biking while watersports are available along the coast and skiing is at Campitello Matese during the winter months.

A part of the protected National park of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise falls in the west of the region.

Note: until 1963 Molise was actually a province of Abruzzo rather than a separate region of Italy.

Molise: Places to Visit

Molise has a short stretch of coast on the Adriatic sea. Its main seaside resort and port town is Termoli which not only has great beaches it is a good place to spot the picturesque traditional fishing platforms called Trabucchi.

Campobasso is the capital of the region, and has an interesting old town dominated by a castle. North of Campobasso is the interesting town of Pietrabbondante which is home to the excavations of an ancient Samnite town. More Samnite ruins can be found at Sepino along with the reasonably extensive ruins of a Roman town. More Roman ruins can be seen at Larino.

Also north of Campobasso is the quiet hill village of Limosano which has a pretty medieval centre. And if you fancy skiing then head to the slopes at Campitello Matese to the west.

Further west in the region are the villages of Castel San Vincenzo, where you can see the ruins of the Abbey of San Vincenzo al Volturno, and Rocchetta al Volturno where there is an abandoned village that was the scene of a staged battle during WW2 for propaganda purposes.

Other towns of interest to visitors include the historic centre of Venafro, Trivento, Agnone and Scapoli and Isernia (extensively rebuilt after damage during the Second World War).