Molise Hotels Italy

Molise in Southern Italy is the second smallest of the Italian regions. It was once part of the Abruzzi e Molise Region but has been a separate entity since 1963. The population of Molise is somewhere around 300,000. Molise has a varied geography with mountainous areas and a coastline on the Adriatic. The region has yet to become a major tourist destination and its sparse population means that it is a great destination for a peaceful holiday away from the hustle and bustle of more popular areas.

This said, there are still a wealth of interesting places to visit in Molise, including churches, castles and ancient ruins away from the tourist track. The capital of the region is Campobasso. Modern Campobasso is situated on a flat plain but the old town sits on the hill above and is dominated by the Castello Monforte.

The town’s narrow alleys and stepped streets make it a charming place to spend a few hours. The ancient town of Isernia was once the home of the Samnites who regularly fought against the Romans until their assimilation into the Roman Empire. Much of modern day Isernia has been rebuilt since WWII but there are still some churches and archaeological sites worth visiting as well as the 14th century Fontana Fraterna which is a free tourist spa.

Tremoli is Molise’s only major port and is also a seaside resort on the Adriatic. The beaches here are generally quiet and only frequented by the locals. The San Basso Cathedral and 12th century Swabian Castle are worth a visit and as Tremoli is a fishing port there are some excellent seafood restaurants.

Visitors to Molise will find some lovely hotels and B&Bs offering genuine Italian hospitality at reasonable prices as the major international hotel chains have yet to have a presence in the area. The Residenza Sveva in Tremoli is a boutique hotel in the heart of the old town with bars, restaurants and the beach only a few minutes’ walk away. Further inland, and a good base for central Molise, is the Cascina Garden Hotel at Campobasso which offers excellent service and traditional regional cuisine.