Molise Travel Guide

„Il Molise non esiste“ – „Molise doesn’t exist“: There’s hardly any region the Italians like to joke about as much as their least-known one. Yet Molise is very real: approximately 4,460 km² between the Apennines and the Adriatic Sea, with a population of around 290,000 and Campobasso as its capital—the second-smallest and, since its separation from Abruzzo in 1963, also the youngest region in Italy. It also includes about 35 kilometers of Adriatic coastline around Termoli and a mountainous region that stretches from the Tratturi is crisscrossed by centuries-old shepherds' trails.

On this page, we’ll be compiling all of italien.news’s articles on Molise—from Termoli to Agnone to the tratturi. The collection is still in its early stages: the overviews will be updated as new articles are published. Until then, you’ll find the most important facts, a map, accommodations, and answers to frequently asked questions here—all continuously updated.

Which places in Molise are worth visiting?

Four places will give you a good first overview—from the Adriatic coast to the mountains:

• Termoli: The most important coastal town in Molise. The old town is situated on a headland overlooking the Adriatic Sea, and in front of it stand the Trabucchi, wooden fishing platforms—and to the left and right stretch the region’s approximately 35 kilometers of coastline.
• Campobasso: The capital in the mountainous region—to the south of it lies the Roman archaeological site of Saepinum.
• Agnone: A small mountain town home to the Marinelli bell foundry, one of the oldest family-run businesses in the world—it continues to supply bells to the Vatican to this day.
• Isernia: A provincial town in western Molise and the starting point for a visit to the monastery of San Vincenzo al Volturno.

What makes Molise so special?

Molise is considered Italy’s most undiscovered region—and that’s exactly where the tongue-in-cheek motto „Il Molise non esiste“ comes from: Since hardly anyone knows the region, Italians jokingly claim it doesn’t even exist. For you, this means above all: no crowds, no tourist traps, but rather villages where everyday life sets the pace.

Added to this is a tradition that continues to shape the landscape to this day: the Transhumance, the seasonal cattle drive between mountain pastures and the plains. Their routes, which Tratturi, have wound their way through the region like green ribbons for centuries and are now hiking trails that wind through hills, oak forests, and past quiet villages. And the location is just right: To the north, the Abruzzo in the southwest, from which Molise emerged in 1963, lies Campania starting with Naples, in the southeast Apulia – three neighboring regions that pair well with a vacation in Molise.

What are some worthwhile activities to do in Molise?

Hikers follow the tratturi through the mountainous countryside or visit the San Vincenzo al Volturno monastery and the Roman archaeological site of Saepinum. Beachgoers head to Termoli: sandy beaches, the historic district on the headland, and the trabucchi right on the doorstep. In winter, the region takes on a different character—that’s when people go skiing in Campitello Matese. And in Agnone, you can watch the Marinelli bell foundry at work, a craft that has been in the family for generations.

What should you eat and drink in Molise?

Molise's cuisine is down-to-earth and closely tied to the shepherding tradition. Try Cavatelli, the region's hand-shaped pasta, and the Caciocavallo from Agnone, a tangy cheese from the mountain town of the bells. Things get hearty with Pampanella, spicy marinated pork. A glass of Tintilia – the red wine that epitomizes Molise like no other.

What events are worth checking out in Molise?

To be honest: You won’t find a packed calendar of events here like you do in the major tourist regions—and that’s exactly part of the charm. Things are busiest between May and September, when Termoli and the coast are in high season; in winter, the action shifts to the slopes of Campitello Matese. As soon as we post articles about specific festivals and events in Molise, you’ll find them at the top of the overview.

Molise rewards anyone who wants to explore off the beaten path. Bookmark this page—all future Molise articles from italien.news will be collected here—and start planning your trip using the facts and the map above.

Note: Disclaimer – Italien.news is not the owner or organizer of the attractions, accommodations, and events listed here and is therefore not responsible for changes to the program, event cancellations, or any incorrect information. The editorial team at Italien.news always endeavors to provide detailed and accurate information. However, it is possible that events, attractions, etc. may be changed and not updated promptly. Exact details of dates, times and programs can be obtained directly from the owner of the attractions and accommodation.

Please also check the website or social media of the attractions and events for updates before you travel! Our blog articles contain our personal recommendations in the form of affiliate links. If you book or buy something via the links or simply click on them, we receive a small commission. This does not change the price for you at all. Content and texts © Italien.new & KI / Photos © Canva.com / shutterstock.com / Unsplash.com / Pixabay.com / Pexels.com / Others. Please also visit our Italy Shop!