Trento, Mantua, Pordenone, Bolzano and Reggio Emilia are the cities most committed to planning green urban transformations. This is stated by "Ecosistema urbano 2020" (Urban Ecosystem 2020), the annual report on the environmental performance of Italian cities drawn up by Legambiente, the Italian environmentalist association, in collaboration with Ambiente Italia and Il Sole 24 ore.
The report, whose objective is to recount the slow green change taking place in Italy, paints the picture of a country moving at two different speeds. The first is more dynamic and attentive to new urban planning choices, mobility services, renewable sources, the gradual return of streets and squares to citizens and the growth of natural spaces; the second is more static, with too slow a trend in the environmental performance of metropolises, especially in terms of smog, transport, separate waste collection and water management.
The cities of Trento, Mantua, Pordenone, Bolzano and Reggio Emilia are at the top of the "Urban Ecosystem 2020" ranking, which is based on municipal data for 2019, and therefore a pre-pandemic situation. At the bottom of the ranking, on the other hand, you can find Pescara (102nd), Palermo (103rd) and Vibo Valentia (104th).
Among the big cities, where overall there is a slow trend in environmental performance mainly linked to smog, transport and water management, the growth of Milan (29th), which is increasingly attentive to urban livability, is confirmed.
Stefano Ciafani, the national president of Legambiente, stated that, "Europe has allocated 209 billion euros to our country, a very important figure that cannot fail to concern urban areas, also useful for the achievement of UN objectives on sustainable development in 2030. It is here, in fact, that a fundamental game is played to face the three current crises - the health, economic and climate emergency - and to win the challenge of modernising the country. The data contained in this edition of Ecosistema Urbano, relating to 2019 and therefore to a pre-pandemic situation, are the most evident signs of this. Italy cannot miss this unique opportunity to make its cities more modern, sustainable and safe".
- More information about this year's data and the full ranking can be found in Italian on the Legambiente website.
Revealed: the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic Village
On 30 September 2025, the Olympic Village that will host athletes for Milan-Cortina 2026 was officially unveiled. After the Games, it will become Italy’s largest affiliated student residence. Covering 105,000 m² and offering 1,700 beds, the project plays a strategic role in addressing a long-standing housing shortage in Italy’s premier university city. Here are all the details.
Alto Adige Wine Road: discover 150 kilometres of vineyards and castles
Alto Adige is one of Italy’s most fascinating wine-producing regions. It is no coincidence that it is home to one of the oldest routes entirely dedicated to wine. The Alto Adige Wine Road passes through around 16 municipalities, including the provincial capital, Bolzano. The region boasts approximately 4,250 hectares of vineyards, which account for most of its wine production. Here’s a guide to the towns along the route and what to see.
New dog tourist tax in Northern Italy
Bringing a dog on holiday will soon come with a per‑night dog levy when staying in one of Northern Italy's mountainous provinces. It’s distinct from the human imposta di soggiorno, the Italian tourist tax, which exists all over the country and varies by city.
Siena wins EU Green Award 2027: sustainability and urban innovation
Siena has been named the winner of the EU Green Leaf Award 2027. The title puts the Tuscan city in the spotlight, with implications for day-to-day life and travel that will matter to residents and visitors.
October 4th to become public holiday in Italy
There’s a quiet shift in Italy’s autumn calendar on the horizon that’ll nudge how early October looks for travellers and residents.
FAI Autumn Days 2025: dates, tickets and best places to visit
Italy’s most relaxed culture weekend is around the corner, when Fondo Ambiente Italiano quietly unlocks over 700 places you’d normally walk past. Picture lakeside villas, tucked‑away palazzi and little borghi with volunteers bringing the stories to life.
Italy’s truffle season 2025: best fairs for trying truffles
Autumn brings truffle season in Italy, meaning weekend markets with licensed hunters selling truffles, chef demos and tasting “labs,”. Undoubtedly a highlight on the foodie calendar in Italy, you can expect truffle‑dog displays and occasional auctions. If you're finding things to do in autumn in Italy, going truffle hunting could be the most delectable option out there.