Table of Contents
Introduction
Italy is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, known for iconic sites like Rome’s Colosseum and Florence’s Duomo. However, beyond the famous attractions, Italy has a treasure trove of hidden gems waiting to be explored. This article uncovers some of the country’s under-the-radar destinations, from breathtaking landscapes to charming small towns and unique local experiences. Forget overcrowded tourist hotspots – read on for the real Italy that few visitors get to discover.
Lesser-Known Regions to Explore
Many travelers flock to famous regions like Tuscany, Venice, and Naples. But Italy has many diverse and fascinating areas that often fly under the tourist radar. Here are some of the country’s most underrated regions every traveler should explore.
Emilia-Romagna
Emilia-Romagna is one of Italy’s wealthiest regions, located between Venice and Florence. It is renowned for its lively beach resorts like Rimini, as well as historic cities such as Parma, Modena and Bologna. The area’s culinary scene is exquisite, with local specialties like Parmesan cheese, balsamic vinegar, prosciutto di Parma and traditional egg pasta dishes.
Abruzzo
Rugged and wild, Abruzzo offers stunning mountain scenery and medieval hill towns. L’Aquila is a historic city still being revived after an earthquake, while places like Scanno and Sulmona channel an old-world Italy vibe. Trekking, mountain biking and skiing are top outdoor pursuits, and Abruzzo is also home to many monasteries and abbeys.
Basilicata
Basilicata is nicknamed “Italy’s best-kept secret”. Located along the instep of Italy’s boot, it remains refreshingly quiet compared to other regions. Matera is the top attraction, with its ancient cave dwellings carved into limestone cliffs. Elsewhere, Ionian Sea beaches, rugged mountains and sleepy villages await.
Calabria
The “toe” of Italy’s boot, Calabria stuns with its jagged coastline dotted with pastel-hued villages. Reggio Calabria is home to the renowned Bronzes of Riace statues. Inland, explore towns like Scilla and Tropea, as well as the rugged Sila National Park. Calabrian cuisine packs a punch too, with spicy peppers and seafood pasta dishes.
Valle d’Aosta
Bordering France and Switzerland, Valle d’Aosta is one of Italy’s smallest and least-visited regions. Dramatic Alpine peaks like Mont Blanc and Monte Rosa dominate the landscape, making it a hiking and skiing paradise. Historic sites include the medieval castles at Fénis, Verrès and Issogne. Valle d’Aosta also has its own French-influenced culture, cuisine and Alpine architecture.
Underrated Cities and Towns
While Rome, Florence and Venice hog the limelight, Italy has many lesser-known cities and towns waiting to be discovered. Here are some of the most intriguing under-the-radar options.
Bologna
Otherwise known as “La Grassa” (The Fat), Bologna is a food-lover’s dream destination. Beyond its famous mortadella and tortellini dishes, the city hosts the oldest university in Europe (established in 1088) and striking medieval architecture like the Due Torri towers. Wander the portico-covered streets and don’t miss the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca high above the city.
Turin
The buzzing capital of the Piedmont region, Turin boasts regal plazas, world-class museums, baroque buildings and elegant cafés. It’s the birthplace of Fiat and Nutella, and is famous for vermouth and chocolates. Visit the renowned Egyptian Museum, royal palaces, and see the Holy Shroud (alleged burial cloth of Jesus Christ).
Perugia
Perugia is Umbria’s largest city, set atop a hill with panoramic views. A student-filled vibe fills its medieval alleys and grand squares flanked by palaces. Perugia hosts one of Italy’s biggest jazz festivals each summer, as well as the Eurochocolate Festival every October. The city also makes an ideal base for exploring Umbrian hill towns like Assisi, Spoleto and Todi.
Lecce
Dubbed “The Florence of the South”, Lecce stuns visitors with its extravagant Baroque architecture. Lively and compact, the coastal city in Puglia has landmark sites like the Basilica di Santa Croce, Amphitheater and Roman Aqueduct. The surrounding Salento region has beautiful beaches, olive groves and charming fishing villages to explore too.
Cagliari
Capital of the Italian island of Sardinia, Cagliari showcases unique Sardinian culture, cuisine and architecture. Wander the hilltop medieval Castello quarter, visit cryptic archaeological sites like the Necropolis of Tuvixeddu, and relax at Poetto Beach. Nearby, stunning natural wonders like the Grotta of Nettuno cave and flamingo-filled salt flats await.
Beautiful Small Towns and Villages
Dotted across Italy’s diverse landscapes are countless postcard-perfect towns and villages. While they lack big-city attractions, their old-world charm and slow pace of life is unforgettable. Some of the loveliest options include:
Civita di Bagnoregio
Perched on a crumbling cliff in Lazio, Civita di Bagnoregio is straight out of a fairy tale. Just a handful of residents remain in this atmospheric village connected by a single pedestrian bridge. The surrounding valleys and canyons are spectacular too.
Positano
The jewel of the Amalfi Coast, Positano cascades down a vertiginous sea cliff. Its pastel-hued houses, steep staircases and bustling beachfront create a quintessential Italian Riviera vibe. The village makes an idyllic base for hiking the coastal trails and exploring the crystalline waters by boat.
Scanno
Deep in Abruzzo’s mountains, Scanno seems frozen in time. Shepherds in traditional dress still roam its streets, while colorful namesake jewelry is the sought-after local craft. Scanno has beautiful hiking trails through the nearby Sagittario Gorge and tranquil Lake Scanno.
Baunei
Wild and remote, Baunei clings to a hilltop in eastern Sardinia. Base yourself here to trek the famed Golgo-Calanche cliffs and visit stunning wilderness beaches like Cala Goloritzè. Baunei retains its traditional Sardinian culture through local handicrafts, cuisine and annual festivals.
Vieste
On Puglia’s spur-shaped Gargano Peninsula, Vieste charms with white cobblestone lanes and a 13th-century castle. This laidback fishing village is a great base for adventure activities like sea kayaking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and exploring the ethereal sea caves along the coastline.
Breathtaking Natural Landscapes
Beyond its cultural attractions, Italy has no shortage of awe-inspiring natural scenery waiting to be explored. The following spots promise to take your breath away.
Cinque Terre
This string of centuries-old seaside villages on the Italian Riviera is one of Italy’s most beautiful corners. Hike the scenic clifftop trails between the candy-colored settlements of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso for spectacular sea views.
Alta Murgia National Park
Sprawling across Puglia’s Murgia plateau, this national park protects unusual karst grasslands and canyons. Explore archaeological ruins, rock churches, and hike across the starkly beautiful terrain punctuated by olive groves and disused quarries.
Pollino National Park
Pollino encompasses Italy’s largest national park, straddling Calabria and Basilicata. Pine forests, mountain peaks, canyons and karstic caves define the diverse landscapes here. Activities include rafting, cycling, rock climbing and spotting golden eagles soaring above.
Valle dei Templi
Sicily’s Valle dei Templi (Valley of the Temples) near Agrigento contains over a dozen ancient Greek temples immersed in olive groves. Dating back to the 5th century BC, highlights include the Temple of Concordia and the Temple of Juno. Wandering amid the atmospheric ruins as the sun sets is unforgettable.
Montepulciano
This scenic Tuscan hill town is renowned for its Vino Nobile red wine and striking Renaissance architecture. Rolling vineyards surround Montepulciano, while highlights within the town walls include Piazza Grande square and the ancient San Biagio Church just outside the center.
Amazing Local Experiences
Beyond sightseeing, be sure to try these one-of-a-kind local experiences that provide a deeper insight into Italy’s culture and traditions.
Truffle Hunting in Piedmont
The luxurious white truffle is the pride of Piedmont. Go on a truffle hunt through the region’s oak forests accompanied by specially-trained dogs who sniff out this subterranean treasure. It’s an unforgettable adventure culminating in a gourmet truffle-laden meal.
Hiking in the Dolomites
Northeastern Italy’s Dolomites are renowned for their jagged sawtooth mountain peaks. Lace up your hiking boots and traverse epic trails including the Alta Via 1 and 2, with millions of years of geology on show. Remember to stop at a rifugio (mountain hut) for some hearty Tyrolean-inspired cuisine.
Thermal Baths in Ischia
The volcanic island of Ischia off Naples is famed for its natural thermal waters. Relax in one of the island’s many warm seawater pools or thermal baths, or opt for a pampering spa treatment using the mineral-rich waters. It’s the ultimate place to unwind Italian-style.
Carnival in Viareggio
On Tuscany’s coast, Viareggio hosts one of Italy’s most famous Carnival festivals each February. Huge artistic papier-mâché floats are paraded along the seaside promenade, accompanied by costumed dancers and live music. It’s a spectacular celebration of music, art and tradition.
Cliff Diving in Sardinia
At spots like the Bay of Orosei on Sardinia’s east coast, courageous cliff divers plunge from dizzying heights into the crystalline waters below. Watch these death-defying leaps or take the adrenaline-pumping plunge yourself – it’s a thrilling and unforgettable coastal experience.
Conclusion
Beyond Rome’s Colosseum and Venice’s canals lies a whole other Italy waiting to be discovered. Lesser-known regions, underrated towns, charming villages, breathtaking nature and amazing local experiences all combine to showcase the diverse treasures of la bella Italia. Next time you visit, venture off the usual tourist trail to uncover Italy’s many hidden gems for yourself. You’ll be rewarded with memories to last a lifetime!
FAQs
Where are some of Italy’s most underrated regions to visit?
Some of Italy’s most under-the-radar regions include Emilia-Romagna, Abruzzo, Basilicata, Calabria and Valle d’Aosta. Each offers unique history, culture, cuisine and scenery often overlooked by mainstream tourism.
What are some charming small towns in Italy worth visiting?
Enchanting small towns ideal for quiet exploring include Civita di Bagnoregio, Positano, Scanno, Baunei and Vieste. They showcase beautiful architecture, breathtaking settings and quaint village vibes.
What types of natural landscapes can you discover in Italy?
Italy has an incredibly diverse range of stunning natural scenery. Highlights include the Cinque Terre coastline, Alta Murgia plateau, Pollino National Park mountains, Valle dei Templi olive groves and Montepulciano’s wine region.
Where can you have amazing local experiences in Italy?
Some top local experiences are truffle hunting in Piedmont, hiking the Dolomites, soaking in thermal baths on Ischia, attending Carnival in Viareggio and cliff diving along Sardinia’s coastline.
What is the best way to explore Italy’s hidden gems?
The best approach is to get off the major tourist trails, rent a car if possible, wander scenic back roads, stay in small towns, eat local cuisine and talk to locals. Slow travel allows you to truly discover the lesser-known side of Italy.