Finest Secret Locations in Italy

After spending an unforgettable three months touring round Italy, we’ve uncovered the very best non-touristy locations in Italy that always escape the everyday vacationer radar.

Our journey took us from sun-drenched coastal villages to medieval hilltop cities, from volcanic islands to Renaissance cities, every vacation spot providing its distinctive slice of l. a. dolce vita.

Whether or not you’re planning your first Italian journey or seeking to discover past the standard hotspots, our curated checklist of 20 hidden gems in Italy, will encourage you to enterprise off the crushed path.

20 Finest Hidden Gems in Italy to Go to

Prepared to find the best-kept secrets and techniques in Italy? Discover our 20 Italian hidden gems, making your trip actually unforgettable.

From the ethereal fantastic thing about Civita di Bagnoregio to the volcanic wonders of the Aeolian Islands, put together to fall in love with Italy’s best-kept secrets and techniques!

1. Civita di Bagnoregio, Lazio

Often called the “dying metropolis,” this historic hilltop village appears to drift on a plateau of volcanic rock. It’s in all probability one of many most unusual sights in Europe to see.

Related to the mainland by a single footbridge, Civita di Bagnoregio’s ethereal magnificence and precarious place make it a novel sight.

Discover the slim streets, go to the San Donato Church, and revel in panoramic views from the Belvedere.

2. Alberobello, Puglia

Alberobello is a hidden gem in Southern Italy. Step right into a fairytale on this UNESCO World Heritage website, well-known for its trulli – distinctive white-washed conical-roofed homes.

Wander via slim streets lined with these charming constructions for a magical expertise.

Go to the Trullo Sovrano, the one two-story trullo, and climb to the highest of the Belvedere Trulli for a panoramic view. Take into account staying in a single day in a trullo resort for a very distinctive expertise.

3. Matera, Basilicata

One of many oldest repeatedly inhabited cities on this planet, Matera’s Sassi (historic cave dwellings) affords a glimpse into prehistoric residing.

This otherworldly panorama has been a backdrop for a lot of movies, together with “The Ardour of the Christ.”

Discover the Sassi districts, go to the rock church buildings with their historic frescoes, and take a guided tour of a furnished cave dwelling to know its historical past.

The Matera Sassi might be one of many most magical places in Italy to see in case you are searching for distinctive and mind-blowing locations to expertise.

4. Ortigia, Sicily

The historic coronary heart of Syracuse, this small island is a maze of slim medieval lanes, Baroque palaces, and historic Greek ruins.

Get pleasure from seaside cafes and a vibrant native market on this lesser-visited Sicilian gem.

Go to the gorgeous Duomo, constructed incorporating an historic Greek temple, take a ship tour across the island, and revel in an aperitivo within the vigorous Piazza Duomo.

Don’t miss the Fonte Aretusa, a freshwater spring steeped in Greek mythology.

5. Castelmezzano & Pietrapertosa, Basilicata

Nestled within the Dolomiti Lucane mountains, these picturesque villages supply gorgeous views. So far as less-touristy locations in Italy goes, we solely discovered locals in each of those cute cities.

Hike the scenic trails within the surrounding mountains, discover the ruins of the Norman fort, and revel in conventional Lucanian delicacies in native trattorias.

For adrenaline seekers, the zip-line between Castelmezzano and neighboring Pietrapertosa is a must-try expertise.

6. Bergamo, Lombardy

Bergamo is likely one of the underrated cities in Italy. Typically ignored in favor of close by Milan, Bergamo’s Città Alta (Higher City) is a superbly preserved medieval hilltop metropolis with Venetian partitions, providing panoramic views of the Alps.

Take the funicular to Città Alta, go to the Piazza Vecchia, and climb the Campanone tower for gorgeous views. Discover the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore and check out native specialties like casoncelli pasta and polenta taragna.

7. Portovenere, Liguria

A colourful fishing village usually overshadowed by the close by Cinque Terre, Portovenere boasts equally gorgeous coastal views, Gothic church buildings, and a picturesque harbor.

Go to the Chiesa di San Pietro, perched dramatically on a rocky promontory, take a ship journey to the close by islands of Palmaria, Tino, and Tinetto, and revel in a romantic dinner overlooking the harbor.

Hike alongside the coastal path for breathtaking views of the Gulf of Poets.

8. Ravello, Campania

Perched excessive above the Amalfi Coast, Ravello affords breathtaking views, lush gardens, and a extra tranquil various to bustling coastal cities beneath.

Go to the gorgeous Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone, which have spectacular gardens and viewpoints, and revel in a leisurely lunch with a view at one of many cliff-side eating places.

9. Sperlonga, Lazio

This whitewashed seaside village between Rome and Naples options stunning seashores, an enthralling previous city, and the ruins of Emperor Tiberius’ villa.

Spend a day stress-free on the pristine seashores, discover the winding alleys of the historic middle, and go to the Nationwide Archaeological Museum to see sculptures from Tiberius’ villa.

10. Pitigliano, Tuscany

Dramatically located atop a volcanic tufa ridge, this “Little Jerusalem” is understood for its well-preserved Jewish quarter and the community of Etruscan caves and tunnels beneath the town.

Discover the Jewish ghetto and its synagogue, take a guided tour of the underground tunnels, and go to the Palazzo Orsini museum. Don’t neglect to style the native Bianco di Pitigliano wine and Jewish-influenced delicacies.

11. Lecce, Puglia

Typically known as the “Florence of the South,” Lecce is famend for its ornate Baroque structure and Roman ruins, all crafted in native gentle limestone.

Discover the Basilica di Santa Croce and the Duomo’s intricate facades and go to the Roman amphitheater within the central Piazza Sant’Oronzo.

Within the night, get pleasure from a passeggiata alongside the vigorous By way of Libertini, stopping for a rustico leccese (a savory pastry) and a glass of Salento wine.

12. Favignana, Sicily

The biggest of the Egadi Islands, Favignana, is a butterfly-shaped paradise off Sicily’s western coast.

Identified for its gorgeous turquoise waters and rugged coastlines, it’s a haven for seaside lovers and historical past lovers alike.

Discover the island by bicycle, visiting seashores like Cala Rossa and Cala Azzurra. Tour the historic Tonnara di Favignana to find out about conventional tuna fishing, and revel in recent seafood within the charming principal city.

13. Procida Island, Campania

The smallest island within the Bay of Naples, Procida charms with its pastel-colored homes, picturesque harbors, and genuine Italian environment untouched by mass tourism.

Wander via the colourful Marina Corricella, climb to the hilltop village of Terra Murata to go to the Abbey of San Michele, and chill out on the attractive Chiaia Seashore.

14. San Gimignano, Tuscany

Often called “Medieval Manhattan,” this walled metropolis is legendary for its remarkably well-preserved tower homes, which supply a glimpse into Thirteenth-century life.

Climb the Torre Grossa for panoramic views, go to the Collegiate Church to see its stunning frescoes, and discover the San Gimignano 1300 museum for an in depth miniature mannequin of the medieval city.

15. Urbino, Marche

This Renaissance hill city and UNESCO World Heritage website was Raphael’s birthplace and stays an essential artwork and cultural middle.

Go to the spectacular Palazzo Ducale and its Nationwide Gallery of the Marche, discover Raphael’s childhood dwelling, and wander the steep, winding streets of the historic middle.

16. Camogli, Liguria

A quaint fishing village on the Italian Riviera, Camogli enchants with its colourful trompe l’oeil facades, pebbly seashores, and wonderful seafood. Stroll alongside the promenade, chill out on the seaside, and go to the medieval Dragonara Citadel.

Take a ship journey to the secluded San Fruttuoso Abbey or hike within the close by Portofino Regional Park. Strive the native specialty, Camogliesi al rum, rum-filled chocolate treats.

17. Saturnia, Tuscany

Saturnia is likely one of the most original locations to go to in Italy. Well-known for its pure scorching springs, Saturnia affords the prospect to soak in gorgeous travertine swimming pools cascading down the hillside, surrounded by the attractive Tuscan countryside.

Loosen up within the free, public Cascate del Mulino thermal springs, go to the close by Etruscan necropolis, and discover the charming city middle.

18. Ostuni, Puglia

The “White Metropolis” dazzles with its whitewashed buildings perched on a hilltop, providing a maze of medieval streets and gorgeous views of the Adriatic coast.

Lose your self in Ostuni’s old town’s slim alleys, go to the Fifteenth-century Gothic cathedral, and tour an underground olive oil mill.

19. Tropea, Calabria

This clifftop city in Italy’s toe boasts crystal-clear waters, stunning seashores, and a historic middle topped by the photogenic Santa Maria dell’Isola church.

Spend time on the gorgeous seashores, go to the Twelfth-century cathedral, and discover the historic middle with its noble palazzi.

Take a ship journey to the close by Aeolian Islands, and don’t neglect to strive the well-known candy purple onions of Tropea and native ‘nduja, a spicy spreadable sausage.

20. Aeolian Islands, Sicily

This volcanic archipelago north of Sicily affords black-sand seashores, lively volcanoes, thermal mud baths, and a laid-back island life-style throughout its seven numerous islands.

On Lipari, the most important island, discover the archaeological museum and take a ship tour across the coast.

Hike to the crater of Vulcano and revel in a mud tub, watch the nightly eruptions on Stromboli, and chill out on the attractive seashores of Salina.

Closing Ideas on Off-the-Overwhelmed-Path Locations in Italy

Uncover the true coronary heart of Italy past its well-known cities. Our curated checklist of off-the-beaten-path locations in Italy reveals hidden coastal villages, medieval hilltop cities, and secluded islands the place genuine Italian life thrives.

These underrated locations in Italy supply an opportunity to expertise wealthy traditions, savor native cuisines, and revel in heat hospitality away from the crowds.

Whether or not you’re a first-time customer or a seasoned traveler, these secret spots will encourage you to discover Italy’s numerous landscapes and vibrant tradition in a brand new gentle.

Able to uncover Italy’s hidden treasures? Dive into our complete Italy travel guide to plan your good Italian journey.