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21 Hidden Gems & Towns in Italy Off-The-Beaten Path

Although it seems like everyone and their hairdresser goes on trips to Italy, have you ever noticed it’s always the same places? It’s time to venture off the beaten path in Italy and explore the endless possibilities of Italia’s hidden gems. Contrary to the content you may be seeing over and over again, there are still many lesser-known destinations and non-touristy places in Italy to explore.

From paradise islands and charming countryside villages to undiscovered coastal towns, Italy can still surprise its visitors.

In this guide, we pop the lid open on just some of the best-kept secrets and must-see places off the beaten path in Italy.

Laghi di Fusine off beaten path italy

First, How to Avoid Crowds in Italy in Summer

Avoiding crowds in Italy during summer is becoming increasingly near impossible. International tourists have managed to even frequent lesser-known destinations that only Italians knew about just five years ago. Although summer in Italy is divine, it can easily be just the opposite if you don’t actively plan on avoiding the crowds. There will always be some places in Italy, like Rome or Venice, that can only be experienced without crowds in the early morning hours.

For people who are not interested in touristy places, you’ll be thrilled to know that many of the best-kept secrets of Italy are enjoyable even in the peak of summer. These are the top guidelines you must follow in order to avoid crowds during a summer in Italy.

  • Get up really early and explore a city destination at sunrise
  • Do not set foot near any major landmarks like the Trevi Fountain in Rome or Rialto Bridge in Venice
  • Avoid the Amalfi Coast at all costs
  • Do not visit any recommended destination known as an “Instagram” spot
  • Choose lesser-known regions to explore (there’s more to Italy than Tuscany)
  • Visit sleepy mountain villages and historic hamlets over big cities
  • Rent a car and choose destinations sporadically
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Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso

Map View: Off the Beaten Path in Italy

Villages and Towns: Best Kept Secrets in Italy

Castelmezzano

During our visit to Castelmezzano in late summer, we were the only tourists wandering around this beautiful village. This hidden gem is one of the most unique places to visit in Italy thanks to its natural scenery.

The village is dramatically positioned along enormous jagged rocks that tower over the town’s homes. Castelmezzano is located in the heart of the Lucanian Dolomites, a modest mountain region in the Basilicata Region. This southern Italian region is very small and rarely sees swarms of tourists, most of whom are headed to see Matera.

Castelmezzano doesn’t just offer a charming town set in a fairytale landscape. Adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts will also enjoy the suspension bridge, many hiking trails, and via ferrata climbing routes. Visitors must also check out the incredible La Gradinata Normanna, a staircase with 54 steps carved directly into one of the cliffs.

best places to visit in italy secret
The village of Castelmezzano

Putignano

As Puglia’s popularity skyrockets, its endearing small towns are being rightfully discovered and appreciated by tourists. Long gone are the days where you could consider Alberobello to be a hidden gem. One town in Puglia’s picturesque Valle d’Itria that has yet to be publicized is Putignano.

The town’s historic quarter is perfectly quaint, full of ancient stonework and dreamy displays of floral and plant arrangements. Instead of every corner being occupied by a souvenir shop, the streets are instead flowing with everyday life in southern Italy.

More notably, Putignano is world-famous for having the oldest and longest-running Carnival celebration in Europe, which occurs during the winter season. Its enormous parade creatures from past celebrations are even placed throughout the corners of Putignano.

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The inner streets of Putignano’s historic centre
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Floral covered balconies in Putignano

Fara San Martino

This small mountain town in the region of Abruzzo is commonly known as the Capital or City of Pasta. Do we have your attention yet?! Prominent pasta manufacturing plants are located here that supply products to multiple Italian pasta brands, ones that are sold all over the world. Fara San Martino is located at the base of the Majella National Park, beneath a soaring mountain and along some of the most pristine rivers in Italy. The river’s crystal clear water is the secret and claim to fame for pasta made in Fara San Martino.

The medieval village is surrounded by breathtaking nature and trails which lead to gorges, caves, ancient ruins, and stunning pools of water.

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Sorgenti del Fiume Verde
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The village streets of Fara San Martino

Colledimezzo

The name of this town directly translates to “the hill in between” and refers to its extraordinary location on a rocky cliffside among the hilly landscape. From every angle, the village appears as if perfectly balanced in the sky and is one of the most picture-perfect scenes that nobody knows about in Italy.

Its medieval town center dates back to the 12th century, and the sleepy community has a population of fewer than 500 people. In the summer, this number soars as vacation homeowners flock to Colledimezzo for holiday and enjoy the small town festivities.

Colledimezzo is also located within earshot of other unique and beautiful places in the Chieti province, including Villa Santa Maria and the medieval castle of Roccascalegna.

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A panoramic viewpoint of Colledimezzo

Campagnano di Roma

There are a handful of legends surrounding the town of Campagnano di Roma, including rumors suggesting it was the original place of exile for Hannibal supporters. In addition to being inhabited by the Etruscan civilization, this comune is packed with history that dates back to 1500 BC.

Despite its endearing “small town” atmosphere and compact size, Campagnano di Roma is located just 45 minutes north of Rome but feels like an entirely different world. The cobblestone streets of its medieval centre are for pedestrians only and the main street is lined with restaurants and bars. It is as local as it gets and is one of the least touristy places in Italy that’s located near Rome. Additionally, this is a fantastic place to stay and escape to while taking day trips to busy Rome.

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Outdoor seating at a restaurant in Campagnano di Roma
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Campagnano di Roma is full of beautiful historic buildings

Anguillara Sabazia

Lago di Bracciano is a circular lake created by the collapse of a volcanic magma chamber. It is the closest lake destination and a popular vacation spot for Romans, looking to get out of the city and cool off in the summer. For foreign tourists, it’s not typically a location that makes the top 10 lists.

Surrounding the lake are a handful of small towns, but its most notable is Anguillara Sabazia. The historic centre of the village sits on a small peninsula of the Bracciano Lake and is comprised of quintessential Italian charm.

At the very top of the stair-filled village is a panoramic view of the lake and its many beaches below. Anguillara Sabazia is the perfect destination off the beaten path in Italy for both romantic getaways and family trips to the lake.

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A terraced stairway Anguillara Sabazia
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The beach below Anguillara Sabazia

Panicale

Overshadowed by the neighboring region of Tuscany, Umbria is a corner of Italy that holds many hidden gems. One of those lesser-known places is Panicale, a micro village on a hilltop that’s only accessible on foot. The historic center is perfectly circular and home to only a handful of shops, bars, and places to stay. Stepping into Panicale feels like you’re entering the scene of a movie, as the petite village is beautifully preserved in most of its original state.

Its narrow streets will lead you in a circle where you won’t find too much aside from some of the most underrated restaurants in Italy. Panicale is one of the best places for foodies to visit off-the-beaten path in Italy. Head to Ristorante Masolino or Ristorante Lillo Tatini for an unforgettable meal in a picture perfect setting.

panicale village off beaten path italy
The main and only piazza in Panicale

Pietrabbondante

Pietrabbondante is nestled in the hills of the Molise region, located in central Italy. It is home to a prominent archaeological site and, at over 1,000 meters above sea level, it’s the highest site in the country.

The complex is known to be of Hellenistic-Italic style and includes features that date back to the 1st century BC. For history lovers who have seen everything that Rome has to offer, this hidden gem is worth the visit and only costs €5 to explore.

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Teatro Sannita Pietrabbondante

Brisighella

The village is famous throughout Italy for its Moretto Artichoke, a specific type of artichoke that grows based on the particular geographical and climate specs of Brisighella. There is even a week-long festival dedicated to the prized vegetable in the spring.

Brisighella is easily accessible by train which makes it an excellent day trip from Bologna or even Florence.

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Via Degli Asini in Brisighella
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A view of the main street that runs through Brisighella

Chiavenna

Just 40 minutes south of the border with Switzerland is the riverfront town of Chiavenna. The town is split by a river with bridges connecting both sides and elevated walking paths for pedestrians. Chiavenna’s scenery is stunning and even includes views of mountain peaks in the background. Like many of the mountain towns in Italy, Chiavenna feels like a fairytale. This is perhaps why one of Disney’s first major directors, who was born in Chiavenna, was able to produce masterpieces based on his own childhood.

Chiavenna’s historic centre exudes old-world charm and is full of ancient buildings with exterior motif paintings and stone water fountains. The area is full of wonders, including a botanical garden with archaeological features located on a cliff above the town. Located just five minutes down the street is where you’ll find the underrated Acquafraggia Waterfalls, one of the best-kept secrets of Italy’s nature.

Chiavenna best places to visit in italy not touristy
The town of Chiavenna in northern Italy

Sondrio

If you want to visit an Alpine town without the heaping crowds of the Dolomites, you’ll find haven in lesser-known places in the Italian Alps like Sondrio. Both a town and province, Sondrio is located in Valtellina, a valley in the Lombardy region of Italy. It is known for its Alpine way of life, a ton of winemaking, agricultural production, and winter tourism.

During ski season, Sondrio is one of the best non-touristy places to visit in Italy for its access to the slopes. Surrounded by mountains in every direction, Sondrio is a great base for avid winter sports enthusiasts, whether you’re looking to stay in Italy or pop into Switzerland for the day.

In the summer, the area is well favoured for mountaineering and hiking to the various Alpine lakes hidden among the mountain peaks.

sondrio towns in italy not touristy

Molveno

In the Trentino Province of Northern Italy are the Brenta Dolomites, a mountain subrange of the world-famous Dolomites. As most tourists head towards the direction of Cortina d’Ampezzo and Ortisei, visitors miss out on Italy’s undiscovered mountain locations like Molveno. It is the ultimate alternative to experiencing the Dolomites but off the beaten path.

The town of Molveno is a quaint village located on the waterfront and hillside of a beautiful blue lake. Lago di Molveno is a small yet exquisite lake that is consistently voted the best lake in Italy by a major Italian environmental organization. Its gorgeous beaches, various hiking and mountain biking trails, and accessibility to ski slopes make it a beloved year-round holiday destination.

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Lake Molveno
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Guest houses and hotels on the hillside of Molveno

Laghi di Fusine

One of the most well-known points of interest in Northern Italy is Lago di Braies. It attracts so many visitors that its parking area has become larger than the actual lake. Searching for a hidden gem instead? On the far east side of Northern Italy is where you’ll find a much quieter version of not one but two alpine lakes. Laghi di Fusine is just minutes from the border with Slovenia and is one of the best non-touristy places to visit in Italy for nature.

In the summer, it’s a lovely destination for hiking, leisurely walks around the lakes and outdoor picnics. Winter around Laghi di Fusine is equally as enjoyable for cross-country skiing or snowshoe adventures. In general, the side of Italy which borders Slovenia is often overlooked and offers many secret places that are off the beaten path.

Laghi di Fusine best kept secrets in italy
The perfect viewpoint of Laghi di Fusine

Bergamo

Bergamo is an understated city rather than a hidden gem town in Italy. It belongs to the Lombardy region and is located north of Milan. The city’s landscape is captivating as it is nestled in the foothills of Italy’s towering mountains. Like most big Italian cities, it’s comprised of a modern neighbourhood in addition to its picturesque historic center located on a hilltop. At the peak, you’ll find the Campanone, a watchtower from the 12th century, and the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, a lavish church with interior fresco-painted ceilings.

There is a surprising amount and variety of attractions in the city of Bergamo, including a medieval convent and a museum of natural history. To reach the upper part of Bergamo, you can also take an amusing funicular ride to the top. This pearl of the Lombardy region is one of the best non-touristy cities in Italy while still being closely located to top destinations like Milan and Lake Como.

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Bergamo’s historic town centre located on the hilltop

Hidden Gems On Italy’s Coast

Savelletri

There is a main street which runs along the waterfront and is packed with one restaurant after another and views of the marina. It is not touristy by any means but instead, frequented by those who have likely been vacationing there for decades.

The town is also home to a port which means there are opportunities to rent or charter a boat during the summer months. It is the perfect coastal town in Italy to stay in because of its low-key nature, access to boat excursions, and the countless beaches nearby.

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The port of Savelletri is filled with local fishing boats and boats for rent
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A beautiful and quiet beach in Savelletri

Ortona

Situated on the Adriatic Coast, the town of Ortona can be found in the Abruzzo region. Even though it’s a hidden gem, Ortona is well-connected by train and is located 30 minutes from the nearest international airport. It is perched on a cliffside above an industrial sea port and is also known for the Battle of Ortona, a fierce operation during World War II.

Today, the coastal town is most notable for its Castello Aragonese, a medieval castle with panoramic views and endless options of excellent seafood restaurants. Beneath its cliffside, there is access to a massive cycling and pedestrian path that takes you along the scenic coast without the nuisance of cars.

Stretching north from Ortona is 15 km (9 miles) of sandy beaches, all protected by wave barriers for optimal beach days.

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A viewpoint of the Adriatic Sea from Castello Aragonese
ortona coastal towns italy non touristy

Porto Santo Stefano & Porto Ercole

A Tuscan holiday is not limited to its beautiful rural countryside and hilltop towns. Its coastline is an entire side of Tuscany that’s often overlooked. However, Tuscany doesn’t have the most appealing beaches in Italy. So if you do visit Tuscan beaches during the summer season, you are very unlikely to run into crowds.

Nevertheless, there is one unique piece of land off the coast named Monte Argentario that is definitely worth exploring. Monte Argentario is technically not an island but it looks like one. The body of land is actually connected by two thin strips of land to mainland Italy which means you can drive there.

Among the rocky islands are a couple of charming coastal villages like Porto Santo Stefano and Porto Ercole. Many beaches are scattered throughout the various inlets, petite bays, and ports of the island. This destination is quite literally one of the most hidden places in Italy that’s off the beaten path because a lot of the beaches are not easy to reach or find. The mountainous landscape is also home to some of the most secluded vacation rentals.

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The top of Monte Argentario
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The coastal town of Porto Santo Stefano

Isole Tremiti (Tremiti Islands)

The Tremiti Islands is an archipelago off Italy’s eastern coastline in the Adriatic Sea. It is comprised of 5 small islands, free of non-residential vehicles and a secret summer vacation spot for Italians. With its gorgeous beaches, dazzling scenery, and paradise-like feel, it’s undoubtedly one of the top undiscovered places in Italy.

The island is home to multiple caves and has a rich marine life that’s ideal for snorkeling. It is also an excellent place to rent a boat or go on a group tour of the islands. The best way to explore the entirety of the Tremiti Islands is by sea, where you’ll come across some of the best secluded beaches in Italy.

San Domino is the biggest island of the archipelago and the only one where you’ll find accommodation. Due to its tiny size and lack of car accessibility, the Tremiti Islands can almost feel exclusive, and finding a solid place to stay is tricky. Sure, anybody can book a hotel on the Amalfi Coast, but are you lucky enough to score a room in August on San Domino? Let the challenge commence.

During the summer, ferries depart regularly to Tremiti Islands from ports on mainland Italy. The shortest journeys depart from Rodi Garganico and Termoli. View the complete timetable and price list here.

Isole Tremiti best kept secret italy
The breathtaking beaches of the Tremiti Islands

Marzamemi

At the bottom of Sicily and along the Ionian Sea is the small coastal hamlet of Marzamemi. Once a humble fishing community, the seafront town is unsuspectingly charming but still not overrun by tourists during peak season. Each storefront is thoughtfully designed and the streets are clean, which can’t be said about every Sicilian town. There also seems to be an unspoken competition among the restaurants about who can have the cutest outdoor seating setup.

The village’s location naturally once served as an important seaport, which was proven when wrecks of a Byzantine-era merchant were excavated in 1960. Today, Marzamemi offers quintessential vibes of a proper summer in Italy, many restaurants to indulge in, and a handful of sandy beaches to relax on.

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One of the many charming outdoor seating areas in Marzamemi
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Piazza Regina Margherita in Marzamemi

Costa dei Trabocchi

One of the most unique places to visit in Italy is the Trabocchi Coast located in the Abruzzo region. It is properly named after the abundance of historic fishing structures along the entire shoreline from Ortona through the city of San Salvo, covering over 45 km. Known as a trabucco, the fishing machines are made out of wood and constructed on stilts that are buried deep into the ground and out at sea. They were originally designed to withstand even the wildest of storms.

The extensive system of nets, winches, and wooden arms is considered to be one of the oldest advanced fishing techniques in the world. There are over 20 of them still standing today. Some of which are in such great condition that they have been converted into restaurants. Dining at a trabocchi restaurant that’s surrounded by the sea is one of the best things to do while touring Italy off the beaten path.

As historic as the trabocchis are, they are also placed along one of the most gorgeous coastlines filled with non-touristy beaches. The area thrives in the summer and is an amazing lowkey destination full of coastal towns, waterfront promenades and even beach clubs.

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Costa dei Trabocchi along the coast of the Abruzzo region
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A historic fishing structure on the Trabocchi Coast in Abruzzo

FAQs: Exploring Undiscovered Italy

Is Visiting Less Touristy Places in Italy Worth the Trouble?

Just because many of these places are not within arm’s reach of an international airport does not mean they are difficult to get to. However, they will require you to perhaps leave your comfort zone while you venture off into the real Italy. This is not to say that Rome, Venice, and Florence are not Italy, but if you’ve only been to the top sites, you’ve yet to scratch the surface of the country as a whole.

It is not challenging to plan a trip to Italy that’s off-the-beaten path, but it does require a couple more steps. If you’re the type that’s done with the hype and want to create authentic experiences in unique places, yes, the extra minutes it’ll take to plan a less touristy itinerary to Italy is worth it. Do you really want to be yet another person that talks about how marvellous the Colosseum is? Dare to be different and you’ll be rewarded with:

  • Quality cuisine and regional dishes. Big cities in Italy are filled with tourist traps, and it’s so easy for the quality of food to get lost in the mix. It’s guaranteed that you’ll find exceptional cuisine in the less touristy places of Italy.
  • Warmer hospitality. Citizens of smaller villages and towns are naturally more curious when visitors come through and will typically want to make you feel as welcome as possible.
  • The beautiful feeling of spontaneity. In a world where everything can be researched, the opportunities to be spontaneous are diminishing. Visiting places where you don’t know what to expect can be delightfully thrilling.
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What Is the Best Way to Visit Less Touristy Places in Italy?

Now that you’ve decided you want to unleash the fullest potential of a trip to Italy, you’ll want to plan on how to get to all of these wonderful places. After all, many of these places are undiscovered and less touristy because they’re not just steps within the closest international airport or train station. To reach any of the top sites off the beaten path in Italy, you should rent a car and hit the open road.

campagnano di roma hidden gems in italy

👍 Getting Off-The-Beaten Path in Italy by Car

Upon flying into any of the major airports in Italy, reserve a rental car to pick up directly from the airport. Although pricing may be slightly cheaper from agencies not located near the airport, the hassle of getting there and back is, in our opinion, not worth it.

Once you’ve secured your ride, the possibilities of exploring lesser-known destinations in Italy are truly endless. Aside from major cities, driving in Italy should not be something to be hesitant about. For anyone who considers themselves a competent and confident driver, there is no excuse not to rent a car for an off the beaten path tour of Italy.

You absolutely should opt for renting a car in Italy if you’re visiting…

  • Islands. Public transportation is not efficient and is very limited on islands. Unless you spend a fortune on taxi rides, you won’t be able to visit many secluded places on Sardinia, Sicily, or smaller islands.
  • National Parks or Mountains. Mountainous regions, regardless of where you are in Italy, are accessible from one major city to another. But to visit all of the small towns and villages in between requires driving there.
  • Southern Italy. Many parts of southern Italy (including Puglia) are undeveloped compared to the Italy that’s north of Rome. Train and bus routes are difficult to utilize, especially if you’re not visiting during June – August.

👎🏼 Where to Not Rent a Car in Italy

Do not bother renting a car if you are only planning on visiting cities. This applies regardless of whether the cities are popular destinations or not.

Renting a car for a trip to Rome is absolutely unnecessary and definitely not recommended unless you’re an experienced driver. The same applies to driving in Naples. Naples is, to date, one of the most chaotic places we’ve ever driven.

Travelling throughout Italy from one key city to the next is much more efficiently done by train, bus, or plane ride.

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When Is the Best Time to Explore Italy Off-The-Beaten Path?

The true beauty of hidden gems in Italy is that you don’t need to wait until summer to visit them. Unless you’re visiting a beach destination, you can plan a visit to less touristy places in Italy any time of the year. Unlike having to strategically schedule a trip to Rome outside of peak season, you can visit the undiscovered sides of Italy without the anticipation of crowds, even in the summer.

If you’re planning to rent a car, do so in late summer or fall. This will ensure the most pleasant weather for uncomplicated driving.

Anguillara Sabazia

Where Do Italians Travel for Holiday?

Based on our observations while traveling, we’ve noticed where Italians like to head to during the holidays, both summer and winter. We’ve also been fortunate enough to actually ask Italians (who live in Italy), “Where do you go on vacation while the entire world comes to your country?”

Before we get into this, it’s worth pointing out that Italians aren’t particularly annoyed by crowds. We’ve seen how closely they can pack a beach in August without being bothered. Still, there are places that Italians don’t prefer during peak vacation season, and ones that remain solid favorites.

  • Puglia
    • As the region becomes popular, you’ll find most Italians head all the way down south to the Salento peninsula for its beaches.
  • Sardegna (Sardinia)
    • Most Italians will tell you that Sardinia is their favorite Italian island. It is large, which means that it doesn’t easily feel crowded if you know where to go.
  • Sicily
    • Despite being favored with international tourists, Sicily remains a go-to beach destination for many Italians.
  • Lake Garda
    • Along with Lake Iseo and Lake Maggiore, these are alternative lake destinations to the more popular Lake Como.
  • Tuscany
    • The countryside is vast and full of rural villages where Italians prefer to take refuge if they come from larger cities.
  • Latina Province
    • The coastline between Rome and Naples is where you’ll find coastal towns such as Sperlonga that are very admired among citizens of Rome and Naples.
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What Touristy Cities in Italy Are a Must Visit?

Every traveler has a bucket list with certain destinations that they must see. If you set expectations on what crowds will be like, it can be rewarding to see iconic places in Italy. These places are renowned for a reason and should definitely be seen at least once in a lifetime. The top touristy places and cities in Italy that are worth visiting include:

rome must visit cities in italy

Where Are the Best Unknown Places in Italy?

Much of southern Italy is still considered to be off the beaten path. Comparatively, these regions receive very little international tourism which, quite frankly, makes them incredible. If you’re looking to plan a trip to the most undiscovered places in Italy, start with one region to explore. Based on our experiences, we’ve found that these are the least touristy areas of Italy.

  • Calabria Region
  • Abruzzo Region
  • Molise Region
  • Marche Region
  • Sardinia Region (aside from major tourist destinations like Costa Smeralda)
  • Veneto Region (aside from Venice)
molveno lesser known places italy

Travel Resources for Getting Off the Beaten Path in Italy

travel insurance TRAVEL INSURANCE: EKTA or VisitorsCoverage

where to book flights FLIGHTS: Skyscanner, CheapOair or Agoda

car rental iconn CAR RENTALS: Rentalcars.com or Discover Cars

train icon TRAINS, BUSES, FERRIES: Busbud, Trainline or Omio

accommodation icon ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com, Hostelworld or Trivago

esim icon ESIM / CELL PHONE DATA: Airalo

booking activities TOURS & ACTIVITIES: GetYourGuide or Viator


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