uncommon places to visit in italy

16 Places to Visit in Italy – Best Unusual & Unique Locations

Italy is known for its great beauties: everybody heard about the Colosseum, the Duomo of Milan, the typical corners of Naples or the beautiful Florence, but if you are looking for an original idea, far from the usual tourist routes, you should have a look at our special list of 16 unusual places to visit in Italy !

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1- Travel to Taormina and discover its antique Greek theatre (Sicily)

2- Swim in the Maddalena Archipelago (Sardinia)

3- Spend a winter break at Courmayeur (Aosta Valley)

4- Learn about the Italian Renaissance at Urbino

5- Discover  Bologna and try the real Italian lasagna (Emilia-Romagna)

6- Visit Verona and relive the famous Shakespearean tragedy of Romeo & Juliet (Veneto)

7-  Discover the Island of Burano , one of the most colorful town in the world (Veneto)

8- Admire the Castello di Sammezzano and its Arab architecture (Tuscany)

9- Dive and relax in the therapeutic waters of Saturnia (Tuscany)

10- Discover Noto  the capital of baroque style (Sicily)

Noto is a city in the Province of Syracuse, Sicily , famous for its fine buildings of the early 18th century, many of which are considered to be among the finest examples of Sicilian baroque. In 2002 Noto and its church were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The city is perfect both in summer, as you can have a dip into the crystal clear Sicilian sea, and in winter, when you can have a walk through the baroque streets or you can visit the “street of wine” and taste the typical Southern Italian cuisine.

11- Visit Matera one of the oldest cities in the world (Basilicata)

Matera is the province of Basilicata, in Southern Italy. It is one of the oldest cities in the world and a Unesco World Heritage site.

Matera is well known for its famous “Sassi di Matera”, that formed during the Stone Age and that is considered as one of the first human settlements in Italy. Walking through the streets of Matera will be like visiting a real Christmas creche!

12- Explore Alberobello to see its cone-shaped houses called trulli (Apulia)

Alberobello is a small town in Puglia in Southern Italy, famous for its trulli: white, cone-roofed houses. The trulli of Alberobello have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

13- Discover Siena , the medieval city of the Palio (Tuscan)

Situated in Southern-Central Tuscany,  Siena is famous for its cuisine, art, museums, medieval cityscape. The historic centre of Siena has been declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site. Tuscany’s second city rivals Florence for Renaissance palazzi and art treasures.

In the Campo, its central piazza, it possesses Europe’s finest medieval square, scene of the Palio horse race. Ten horses and riders, bareback and dressed in the appropriate colours, represent ten of the seventeen contrade, or city wards.

14- Admire the Baroque city of Lecce “The Florence of South Italy” (Apulia)

Lecce is one of the famous holiday destinations in the south of Italy. A baroque city, it has a historic centre full of extravagant architecture. Lecce is called “the Florence of South Italy” thanks to the many baroque monuments.

Lecce is the main city of the Salentine Peninsula, the heel of Italy, is nestled in the clear waters of the Adriatic and Ionian coasts, where tall cliffs sculpted by the sea alternate with sandy beaches, green stretches of maquis and a small “Eden”.

15- Let’s go to Cinque Terre , one of the most iconic highlights on the Italian coast (Liguria)

The “ Cinque Terre ” is a coast in Liguria, where many ancient villages stand along the coast. During the centuries people have built houses, of many different colors, on the cliffs overlooking the sea.

Named for the five towns of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore, this portion of the Italian Riviera is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

16- Visit Ischia and taste the famous Neapolitan pizza

Ischia is a volcanic island in the Tyrrhenian sea located in the Gulf of Naples. This island is famous for its thermal waters and its Aragonese Castle that was built on the rocks near the island in 474 BC, and of course for its fantastic views too. 🙂

Today the castle is the most visited monument of the island. It is accessed through a tunnel with large openings which let the light enter.

We hope this list of unusual places to visit in Italy has inspired you. Enjoy Italy and buon viaggio !

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Travel Inspiration

Unique Places to Visit in Italy: 8 Hidden-Gem Destinations

The Modern Travel Agency

https://www.foratravel.com/the-journal/unique-places-to-visit-in-italy

Quiet seaside villages, ancient cave systems, stunning nature reserves…beyond iconic cities like Rome, Milan and Florence, the most unique places to visit in Italy round out the allure of one of Europe’s most coveted destinations.

Ready to get off the beaten path in Italy? Plan and book your trip with Fora. We’ll hook you up with insider recommendations and VIP perks at the coolest luxury or boutique hotels in Italy , not to mention one-on-one support from a true travel expert. All the while, you’ll get a truly unique vacation experience tailored to your travel preferences and goals. What's not to love?

The 8 most unique places to visit in Italy

Everyone knows the best places to visit in Italy — Venice, the Amalfi Coast, Tuscany…you get it — but if you’re the type of traveler that loves to get off the beaten path , here are eight of the most unique places to visit in Italy.

1. Puglia (a.k.a. Apulia): southern Italy’s most unique coastal region

Image courtesy of Borgo Egnazia, Savelletri

Dotted with quiet villages, scenic beaches and a beautiful rural countryside, Puglia offers a super relaxed atmosphere similar to more popular destinations like the Amalfi Coast or Cinque Terre, but with fewer crowds and an (arguably) more authentic vibe. 

Itinerary recommendation: don’t stay in one place in Puglia. As we said, there are plenty of fun villages — including Lecce, the “Florence of the South,” and Alberobello — to explore, each with its own distinct character and appeal. 

Our guide to Puglia has the full lowdown. Or: connect with Fora to plan and book your stay in Puglia with tailored recs.

2. Matera: ancient cave settlements make this province one of the most unique places to visit in Italy (& Europe)

Immediately southwest of Puglia, you’ll find the province of Matera, famous for The Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches . 

Even in a country famous for its ancient empires and ruins, the Sassi cave system stands out as one of the first known settlements in Europe — with some estimates suggesting the original occupants lived in these caves at least 12,000 years ago. And yes, travelers can visit many of these caves, some of which have been converted into museums, churches and even hotels. 

Matera isn’t just one of the most unique places to visit in Italy because of the Sassi caves, though. The city presents travelers with a distinct culinary experience that focuses on hearty pastas and soups, as well as a variety of delicious lamb dishes. Plus, the clifftop city of Matera is a neat destination for architecture junkies because of the city’s unusual stone façades and Byzantine influences.

3. Camogli, Genoa: an underrated beach resort on Italy’s Portofino Peninsula

Camogli doesn’t get a whole lot of international attention because of its proximity to Genoa and the popular village of Portofino, but it’s a great place to visit if you’re looking for a laid-back seaside retreat. 

Colorful houses line Camogli’s waterfront while fishing trawlers regularly traverse the small village’s harbor. Nearby, you’ll find calm beaches and hiking trails overlooking the Paradise Gulf — a perfect choice for couples looking for a quiet and romantic getaway.

Connect with Fora to plan and book your stay at the coolest hotels in or near Camogli. (Or check out our guide to Portofino if you want a more upbeat, coastal destination.)

4. Orta San Giulio: a unique & gorgeous lakeside community near Milan

Orta San Giulio is the perfect place to complement an electric vacation to Milan, one of the best places to stay in Italy for nightlife and fashion. Juxtaposed with Milan’s lively art and shopping districts, Orta San Giulio is an enchanting village nestled along the shores of Lake Orta. 

Here you take in the sights of the historic center, enjoy a peaceful cruise or take part in any number of the cultural events regularly held all year round. Overall, if you’re looking for a place to wind down and connect with nature, Orta San Giulio is a top choice (and one of the most unique places to visit in Italy, of course). 

(BTW: if you’re wondering where to stay in Milan , read our guide.)

5. Porto Venere: a unique place to visit in Italy for access to one of the country’s most beautiful nature preserves

Porto Venere will appeal to travelers seeking an escape into nature . The seaside town itself is a gorgeous collection of coastal monuments, seafood restaurants and small boutiques (check out our Cinque Terre and Porto Venere guide ). But the real appeal is Porto Venere Nature Park , which features lengthy hiking trails, opportunities for rock climbing and plenty of wildlife to (responsibly) encounter. 

Connect with Fora to plan and book your stay in Porto Venere with expert travel recs, VIP hotel perks and more.

6. Bassano del Grappa: a laid-back town famous for its unique landmarks & gastronomy

Bassano del Grappa is a small town about an hour north of Venice, one of the best places to visit in Italy for the first time . 

Architecturally rich, Bassano del Grappa’s most interesting sight is the Ponte degli Alpini, an ornate wooden bridge from the 16th century, but you’ll also find scenic landmarks throughout the town.

Bassano del Grappa is also the birthplace of grappa spirit, a strong, wine-like liquor with heavy aromatics. Likewise, the town is famous for its unique take on Venetian cuisine, particularly as it incorporates freshwater seafood. 

(Sidenote: here’s where to stay in Venice if you’re interested.)

7. Procida: a unique and authentic place to visit in Italy off the coast of Naples

Procida is a tiny island found just outside the Bay of Naples known for its vibrant, shoreline houses and medieval walls. You can either stay on the island itself, enjoying the refreshing Mediterranean breeze or make a day trip out of it from nearby Naples (read where to stay in Naples for the best access). 

The island is a bastion of traditional Italian culture, rejecting heavy commercialization and crowds. Throughout the island, you’ll come across trattorias serving fresh seafood, friendly locals and a decidedly unhurried pace. Overall, Procida feels like a window to the 20th century, making it one of the most unique places to visit in Italy.

8. Bologna: home to the first university in the West and a unique destination for history & culture enthusiasts

Bologna doesn’t get nearly as much attention as other storied cities like Florence, which is only about an hour and a half away by car or train. But we think this is a disservice. 

Aside from being the home of the University of Bologna, the oldest university in the Western World, the city of Bologna is a masterclass in medieval and Renaissance architecture, with stunning examples around every corner. Active archeological sites allow visitors to take tours through old Roman streets and structures while a variety of theaters and other venues allow travelers to connect with Bologna’s historical classical music scene. 

And don’t fret if you’re looking for more contemporary attractions, our insider’s guide to Bologna highlights the city’s awesome gastronomy and expansive museum collections.

(P.S. Interested in a tour of northern Italy? Check out where to stay in Florence and where to stay in Tuscany .)

Want to visit the most unique places in Italy? Plan with Fora

Ultimately, whether you want to stay at the best places in Italy (maybe you’re wondering where to stay in Rome or Milan) or you’re looking for some of the more unique places to visit in Italy, Fora is your friend on the inside. 

We’ll build the trip of your dreams — like a 10-day family trip to Italy — that combines our expertise with your distinct travel preferences. And on top of it all, we’ll score you VIP status and perks at the best hotels in Italy. 

All you have to do? Connect with Fora to start planning today.

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22 Hidden Gems in Italy | Off-the-beaten-path destinations you didn’t know existed

Italy is famous for its picturesque villages and tasty food. Some of the most famous destinations are Venice, Milan, Rome and Amalfi Coast. However, if you’re looking for unique places to visit in Italy, I’m here to help you!

I’ve carefully selected some of the most incredible hidden gems in Italy. These villages and towns are among the most beautiful in Europe and they will surely steal your heart.

Buckle up and discover these stunning off-the-beaten-track destinations in Italy!

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22 Hidden Gems in Italy

22. castelmezzano.

One of the unknown places in Italy, the little town of Castelmezzano sits on the slope of the ancient mountains of Basilicata Region, in the southern part of the country. To reach this splendid destination, you must first pass through a wild gorge.

The first sight of these medieval houses nestled under a mountain ridge is truly astonishing. One of the most beautiful villages in Italy, the main draw of Castelmezzano is its amazing location.

21. Camogli

The Italian Riviera has some incredible treasures, like the fabulous village of Camogli, located just north of the famous Portofino. Unlike its neighbors, this seaside resort has retained its authentic charm, with a unique combination of subdued exclusivity, beautiful architecture, stunning beaches, thrilling hiking trails and exciting sea trips.

With a picturesque castle overlooking the beach and breathtaking panoramas from the nearby cliffs, it’s the perfect example of authentic Italian towns. For the complete experience, I recommend having dinner at the unbelievable La Camogliese Restaurant. The food here is simply delicious and the views are unbelievable.

Trento is located in one of the most beautiful areas in the world, surrounded by the magnificent Dolomites and Alps mountains. The perfect base to explore the hiking trails, Trento is also a fascinating destination on its own, known for its outdoor frescoes located in the historical center, the majestic Trento Cathedral and the imposing Buonconsiglio Castle.

Nevertheless, the true draw of this destination is the opportunity to explore the mountains. In summer you can go hiking and in winter you can go skiing. Either way, the views are spectacular.

19. Sirmione

There are many unique destinations in Italy, but one of the most famous regions is Lake Garda. Not many tourists know about places like the Sirmione Peninsula, one of the secret places in Italy.

Sirmione is one of those places that look almost surreal, with its historical monuments still beautifully preserved. Among others, you can visit the Scaliger Castle with its old drawbridge or the ancient Roman villa known as Catullo’s Grotto with its fascinating atmosphere.

With so many hidden gems in Italy, it’s difficult to choose just one destination. An amazing city that is often overlooked is Mantua, located in the region of Lombardy. Surrounded by splendid artificial lakes, Mantua is known as a great cultural destination, with some of the best examples of Renaissance art in the country.

With a majestic castle, superb churches, museums and dozens of palaces, Mantua is home to many tourist attractions in a fairly compact area. The most interesting attractions include the Ducal Palace of the Gonzaga family, the San Giorgio Castle, the splendid Renaissance Te Palace and the San Pietro Cathedral.

17. Isola Bella

Located just one hour away from Milan, Isola Bella is one of the secret towns in Italy. Located on an island on Lago Maggiore, this town has only 100 inhabitants. You can reach this island by ferry from Laveno, Intra, Pallanza or Stresa.

A fascinating attraction on this small island is Borromeo Palace that occupies most of the island. With beautiful gardens and stunning architecture, this palace is a must-see!

16. Procida Island

One of the less visited places in Italy is Procida Island. Outshined by the nearby Ischia and even more by the famous Capri, the little island of Procida on the west side of Naples’ coast.

Offering a more authentic atmosphere, Procida has plenty of highlights to capture anyone’s heart, including lovely colorful houses, charming alleys, a few small idyllic beaches, beautiful harbors and the astonishing Terra Murata, an old fortress with stunning views of the island.

For a unique experience, book a seat at Caracale Restaurant. It serves delicious seafood and while eating dinner, you can admire views towards the harbor and the fortress.

Sitting at the tip of the lush Gargano Peninsula in Puglia, the seaside town of Vieste is one of the best off-the-beaten-path destinations in Italy. With its pristine beaches backed by whitewashed buildings, this town seems like an escape from the real world.

The narrow cobblestone streets are best explored on foot. Don’t miss the impressive Cathedral of the Assumption and Swabian Castle, some of the most interesting cultural sights in Vieste. The town has a charming port, yet the true highlights are the endless beaches stretching both to the north and to the south of Vieste.

14. Rapallo

Located just east of Portofino, the seaside town of Rapallo is often overlooked in favor of other elegant destinations on the Italian Riviera. However, Rapallo offers a complete and complex experience, with both cultural and leisure highlights.

The splendid villas and palaces of Rapallo rise up on the steep slopes of the surrounding hills, while the shaded alleys lead towards the charming sea promenade. Some of the top tourist attractions are the small Rapallo castle built on a rocky outcrop on the sea, the Cristoforo Colombo Monument, the picturesque Sanctuary of Our Lady of Montallegro, the beautiful churches or the lovely beaches.

13. Bagnoregio

Among the most beautiful secret places in Italy, the town of Bagnoregio is truly spectacular. Perched precariously on a high rock, the only way to reach this breathtaking town is via a narrow footbridge passing over a ravine.

Looking like a place out of a fairytale book, the town overlooks the surrounding valleys and features authentic medieval architecture and a romantic atmosphere. Bagnoregio is the best place to make a journey back in time, retaining most of its original buildings from many centuries ago.

12. Orta San Giulio

For those adventurers who set out to discover the less visited places in Italy, there is a town in Piedmont that few people have heard of. The Orta San Giulio is an idyllic little town on the shore of the enchanting Orta Lake.

Surrounded by magical natural landscapes, this town is the perfect place to relax for a few days. Visit the magnificent Sacro Monte of Orta, a religious pilgrimage site featuring centuries old chapels and explore the narrow streets. Also, stop at the beautiful San Giulio Island, with the San Giulio Basilica and a Benedictine Monastery.

11. Vicenza

Often overlooked by mass tourism, the city of Vicenza is mainly known for its exquisite cultural monuments that have been preserved through the centuries. Located in the Veneto Region, between Venice and Verona, the city’s architecture is truly impressive and it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Some of the places you need to visit in Vicenza are Teatro Olimpico, Basilica Palladiana, Santa Maria Annunciata Cathedral, Chiericati Palace and other churches, palaces and museums. There are also many splendid villas, hidden on the surrounding hills.

Wandering around the country, it’s impossible not to discover some unknown places in Italy. The small town of Sorano is the perfect example, sitting next to the more famous destinations in Tuscany. Carved into a volcanic rock known as tuff, the imposing buildings cover almost entirely the small streets and alleys, creating a special atmosphere.

On a walk through the medieval town, you can uncover centuries of history, and several interesting sights such as the Orsini Fortress, the Medieval and Renaissance Museum, the Collegiate of St. Nicholas and the old town gates.

9. Locorotondo

The region of Puglia is home to many off-the-beaten-track destinations in Italy. Such a magical place is Locorotondo, located just next to the more famous Alberobello and its trulli houses.

Nevertheless, the quaint little town of Locorotondo is equally beautiful, with its perfect whitewashed houses sitting on top of a hill. Easily explored on foot, this town has quaint streets with beautiful historical houses and splendid architecture.

Sitting on Calabria’s shore, the picturesque seaside town Tropea is the perfect mix of beautiful beaches and cultural sights. Blessed with perfect weather and superb seascapes, Tropea is a must-see.

You can find plenty of things to see here apart from unforgettable sunsets. Visit the old Norman cathedral of St. Mary of Romania, the stunning sanctuary of Santa Maria dell’Isola and several other churches and palaces. To best enjoy the views, you can wait for the sunset while tasting some delicious southern Italy dishes in the Mare Grande Restaurant, right next to the beach and the rock sanctuary.

7. Bassano del Grappa

This marvelous Italian town is located in the Veneto region, a short distance away from Venice. With a splendid compact old town center that features beautiful architecture, the most interesting attractions in Bassano del Grappa include the amazing Ponte degli Alpini or Old Bridge.

This old covered wooden bridge was first built in 1569 and it was rebuilt over the centuries due to frequent flooding. Other important sights include the Grappa Museum and the Ceramic Museum, two key attractions in town, as well as other historical buildings spread around the enchanting streets.

6. Brisighella

Considered one of the most beautiful villages of Italy, the medieval settlement of Brisighella is located in an astonishing area at the foot of the Apennine Mountains, south of Bologna. The town retains most of its old architecture with an authentic medieval atmosphere, featuring narrow cobblestone alleys and some spectacular monuments.

While in Brisighella, you need to visit the medieval castle, the Clock Tower, the Madonna del Monticino Sanctuary and the Via del Borgo picturesque alley also known as Donkeys’ Road. The town is also known as “City of Olive Oil and Wine” so make sure to try a few local restaurants.

Located in Lombardy region, Cremona is famous for its violin-making heritage. If you’re passionate about music, I recommend visiting the Violin Museum. Here you’ll find an impressive collection of Stradivarius violins.

Other attractions in the city include the Bell Tower, Cattedrale di Cremona, Loggia dei Militi and Palazzo Comunale or the Town Hall. I recommend spending at least one day exploring this spectacular city.

4. Bogliasco

Located near Camogli, another hidden gem in Italy, Bogliasco is a beautiful seaside town with a rich history. Some of the attractions you have to visit when planning a trip to Bogliasco are the Church of Nativita di Maria Santissima and the Church of San Bernardo.

There aren’t many things to do in this town, making it the perfect destinations for those who want to stay away from touristic places. With beautiful houses and villas perched on the surrounding hills, Bogliasco is one of the most picturesque destinations in Italy.

3. Portovenere

This medieval town is located near Cinque Terre, a famous region in Italy. Unlike the more popular Manarola or Vernazza, Portovenere is one of the hidden gems in Italy.

One of the main sights in this town is the port, with its colorful houses lined up at the seashore. Another attraction is Porta del Borgo, the old city gate. Sitting on top of a hill and offering beautiful views of the city is Doria Castle, another highlight in Portovenere.

One of the alternative places to visit in Italy is Bologna, a beautiful city with a rich history and lots of tourist attractions to discover. Did you know that Pisa is not the only city in Italy with a leaning tower? In Bologna you can visit the twin leaning towers – Garisenda and Asinelli.

Other tourist attractions in the city are Piazza Maggiore, Basilica of San Petronio and the narrow canals, similar to the ones in Venice. For the best views of the city, head to Church of San Michele in Bosco.

1. Saturnia

One of the most impressive secret places in Italy is Saturnia with its hot springs or Cascate del Mulino, as it is also known locally. The breathtaking scenery is the first thing that captures the imagination of each visitor, with the azure steaming water falling from one white travertine pool to another.

This pristine natural wonder has developed into a health and leisure destination. Many locals and travelers soak into the warm, clear waters for their healing powers. The baths are free to visit.

Final thoughts

Apart from the main sites, Italy is home to many less touristy destinations. When I visit a new country, I visit a mix of popular spots and hidden gems and I believe that this is the best way to really experience Italy’s culture.

Do you know any other unique places in Italy? Let me know in the comments section below!

May the travel bug bite you!

Aurelia Teslaru is a professional travel blogger and the writer behind Daily Travel Pill. With a 4-year experience as a travel writer and photographer, Aurelia only shares travel guides about destinations that she visited.

She has been to more than 40 countries during the past 10 years and aims to explore 50 countries before turning 30 years old. Aurelia is a digital nomad who transformed her passion for travel into a lifestyle. Read more about her here .

To follow her adventures, check out her Instagram and Facebook pages!

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21 Hidden Gems in Italy: How to Get Off the Beaten Path and Discover Unusual Things to do in Italy

June 20, 2021

A collection of wonderful hidden gems in Italy and your guide to alternative and unusual things to do in Italy. Relax and enjoy getting off the beaten path in Italy.

Table of Contents

Finding Hidden Gems in Italy

How do you narrow down the place that gave us Leonardo Da Vinci, Galileo and Michelangelo? The country that invented pizza, pasta and gelato (thank you!) amid impossibly beautiful piazzas and romantic villas and canals? The place with more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than anywhere else in the world.

What if you’re you’re looking for more unusual things to do in Italy? To get off the beaten path in Italy? To do something unique? To seek out hidden gems in Italy?

Well, you check out this  non-touristy list of things to do in Italy! All tried and tested with my own fair hands. Even the crazy mountaineering one (well, I was younger and bendier back then…)

Recommended

I love sharing the best travel resources I can find. 

• I never book a flight without looking on Skyscanner first
• My favourite one stop shop for airport transfers, food tours & excursions is Get Your Guide
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• I’ve hand-picked useful travel gear and tools for you in my Amazon shop . Never leave home without a travel adapter or collapsible water bottle . I’d also recommend these soft ear plugs and a sleep mask .
• Access all our planners and budget spreadsheets in the Travel Toolbox ©
• Plan the perfect road trip with our Road Trip Planner & Toolkit ©
• Use these packing cubes to make life so much easier on the road.
• Save on mobile phone roaming charges with an eSIM from Airalo .

Unusual Things to Do in Italy

Visit Glittering Trieste

High in the north, over to the east, Trieste dazzles with its waterfront and horrifies with its history. Name-checked in Churchill’s famous Iron Curtain speech, the 20th century saw Trieste switch from the Austro-Hungarian Empire into the Italian fold.

The result is a fascinating city with a mix of architecture and unmistakeable Trieste food (think sauerkraut and pasta, and that’s just for starters.)

But that’s not all. Trieste offers so many things to do , from drinking hot chocolate in the footsteps of James Joyce to wandering around tourist-free canals.

Insider tip: visit Caffe Tommaseo for great coffee, a touch of Irish literature, and an interesting glimpse into Italian history.

Swap Tuscany for Umbria

Everyone and his wife (or her husband) knows about Tuscany. Those trees that stand tall and pierce the sky. Those rolling hills. That appearance in Gladiator. Florence, Pisa, San Gimignano.

What many people miss is just how beautiful Umbria is, and she only lives next door.

Look for slow food, the gardens of Assisi and Etruscan remains that are older than ancient Rome. And you’ll discover plenty of things to do in Umbria.

Try an unsual dish in Umbria:  taste roasted goose and fried perch fillets in Lake Trasimeno

Dance til Dawn at a Folk Festival

Carpino overlooks the twinkling Lake Varano, which spills on down through the olive groves to the popular beach resorts of the Gargano National Park.

And every year, this village of 5000 welcomes back its travelling sons and daughters, those who left to find work. What began as a family sing-song and long stories told over deep red bottles of wine has evolved into the region’s biggest folk festival, attracting crowds from all around.

The multi-generation spirit remains, though, as grandmas and grandpas (nonnas and nonnis) take to the stage belting out haunting melodies and giving accordions a good work out as darkness falls.

Hanging with the melodies in this small down is a distinctly non-touristy thing to do in Italy and definitely one of Italy’s hidden gems.

Insider tip: hire a car from Barri Airport and enjoy drives through the rich forests and sandy beaches near Carpino.

Climb the World’s Oldest Via Ferrata

Via ferrata means “iron path” and it’s an adventure sport that began as a survival mechanism during the dubiously named Great War.

The bloody, icy dispute that straddled the Dolomites during the First World War left the Italians in trouble. Just a brief hike from the fashionable ski resort of Cortina, young men battled for their lives on the mountainous border between Austria and Italy.

While the Austrians excelled at mountaineering, Italy found itself with soldiers more used to the sun and sand of the south than the spiky peaks of the north. Their army included men who had never seen the snow, let alone knew how to climb mountains with a crippling load of ammunition on their backs.

Italy had a problem – and the solution was via ferrata.

Today, you can enjoy this soft adventure sport in the Dolomites around Cortina.

Technically, you’re not really getting off the beaten path in Italy, since, well, the path is marked by iron. But it’s definitely a great alternative thing to do, with panoramic views of the Dolomites, and stunning views at that.

Insider tip: if you’re a beginner, make sure to hire a qualified guide.

Leave Milan for the Mountains

Most people visit Chiavenna as a day trip from Milan, or as they’re passing into Switzerland. But the Valtellina area deserves more time. Explore deserted mansions, ski slopes, cheese cellars and a network of caves that residents have turned into fine eateries.

Make sure to spend at least one day in Milan, though. The view of the birds fluttering in front of the Duomo is priceless, even if you don’t manage to get tickets to see da Vinci’s famous Last Supper.

It’s also well worth spending time in northern Italy and noticing how different it is to the south.

Insider tip: try piping hot sciat with Valtellina wine. Perfection!

Visit Romeo and Juliet in Verona

Romeo and Juliet may not have been real but Verona is, and so is capitalism.

A balcony studded with love padlocks “imagines” what Juliet’s home would have been like in Verona, and people can’t help but come and have a look.

It helps, of course, that Verona itself is pretty dazzling: the city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its Roman amphitheatre and picturesque streets make the Shakespeare visit worthwhile.

It’s one of my favourite hidden gems in Italy.

Visit The Blue Grotto in Capri

On the island of Capri in southern Italy, sunshine plays tricks with the mind. An underwater cavity allows sunlight to blast through the water in a sea cave, creating a beautiful, iridescent blue.

Get Off the Beaten Track in Venice

Venice may have trouble with crowds but it’s still remarkably easy to slip away and find an untouched spot. And when you do, you’ve discovered one of the best hidden gems in Italy.

The secret? You’ll have to find out how to get off the beaten path in Venice here.

Enjoy a Food Tour or Take a Cooking Lesson

It’s no secret that Italians love their food. But the tourist spots aren’t always the best. Try taking a food tour or cooking lesson as often as you can to discover more about Italian cuisine. And don’t forget street food: piping hot arancini while you walk is a real treat.

Learn How to Cook a Real Ragu

“This is the classic ragù that my grandmother taught me: a delicious, versatile sauce that can be used in many ways.” Lella – Cuoche in Vacanza

Let’s face it. Italian food tastes good. Really good. But only if you know how to make it well. And where better to learn than in Italy?

Don’t just spend your time eating. Learn how to make a real ragu as well. 

Visit the World’s Oldest Republic

OK, so this is cheating a little because San Marino is a country in its own right. It just happens to be completely surrounded by Italy and is one of the smallest countries in Europe (and the world at large.)

It is also the world’s oldest republic, having been independent since 301 AD and for that alone, it’s worth a visit. It’s capital is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and, well, it’s bursting with unusual things to do.

Check out our ultimate travel guide to San Marino here.

But if you ask me, it belongs here in this collection of hidden gems in Italy.

Practical Travel Tips for Italy

Currency: Euro (EUR)

Language: Italian

Best way of getting around: Independent driving, bus service or the train network. Occasionally internal flights. Ferries and hydrofoils go to the islands.

Highlight: The Amalfi Coast.

Travel tip: Make an effort with your appearance – and your manners.

Dress Code: Stylish but casual. When visiting religious sites, cover shoulders and bare legs.

Unusual highlight: Finding silence in the Ghetto in Venice.

Top Things to do in Italy

As much as I enjoy these hidden gems in Italy, don’t miss out on the classics. Here are some of the best things to do in Italy. Mark these places on your bucket list.

The Colosseum, Rome

Ever since Russell Crowe snarled his way through his lines and made sandals sexy again, teens have studied the history of the ancient Roman Empire with more enthusiasm than before.

The city of Rome blends modern urban life with thousands of ancient artefacts but it is the colosseum which stands out as the most dramatic reminder of the past. Beyond the classics, you’ll also find plenty of  unusual things to do in Rome.

The Canals of Venice

Postcard-pretty Venice needs no introduction. The Bridge of Sighs, those bobbing gondolas. The lure of gelato. Often criticised for its supposed overtourism, it’s surprisingly easy to get  off the beaten track in Venice  yourself.

The Renaissance in Florence

Beautiful Florence flaunts its art and architecture with all the grandiosity it can muster. And why not? It is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance, after all. Home to Michelangelo’s David and UNESCO World Heritage Site no less. A walking tour can help bind together the many threads of art history (and can also help you to skip the queues.)

Don’t miss the panoramic view from Piazzale Michelangelo and the burnished red dome of the  Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore.

The Sistine Chapel, The Vatican

Yes, the Vatican is the world’s smallest city-state. But for practical purposes, a visit combines with a visit to Rome. A visit to Vatican City and St Peter’s while give you a whole new appreciation of art, religion and the relationship between the two, no matter your starting point.

The Beauty of the Amalfi Coast

Away from the cities, one of the best things to do in Italy involves hiking the Amalfi Coast . Its steep and rocky paths cling to the rugged coastline in colours of ochre and peach, while Vesuvius beckons nearby.

Head south to the steep, sunshine-flecked coast and, quite literally, walk the path of the gods. It runs  between hot spots Amalfi and Sorrento  yet provides solitude, authenticity and tourist-free eateries.

Swim in the sea at the start and end of the day and cap it all off with limoncello. In this region, this is authentic, and you’ll walk surrounded by lemons.

Cinque Terre

It’s UNESCO World Heritage Site time again with Cinque Terre, or the five lands. The five are Riomaggiore, Manrola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso and they make up a nightmare for those with vertigo but a paradise for everyone else as they cling to the cliffs in northwest Italy.

More About Italy

• The world knows Rimini for its beaches but what about Rimini Old Town?
• The landmarks in Italy that everyone should see at least once
• Two Presidents, No Army and a Mountain of Things to do in San Marino
• 21 Unusual Things to do in Rome That Aren’t Just Weird
• How to Make a Ragu Your Italian Nonna Would be Proud Of
• Your Perfect Amalfi Coast Itinerary
• Ghosts and Grandeur: Finding Unusual Things to do in Tuscany
• Chiavenna: The Place That Makes Caves Glamorous
• Yes, You Can Still Find Secret Spots in Venice
• 7 Unusual Things to do in Italy to Fall in Love All Over Again
• With These Italian Souvenirs, You’ll Always Remember Italy
• The Best Things to do in Umbria, Tuscany’s Neighbour
• Trieste Food Stands Out From the Rest of Italy
• It May Not Be Italy’s Most Famous Spot, But Here’s Why You Should Visit Trieste on the Border
• What You Need to Know About the Ravenna Mosaics 
• The Surprise You’ll Find in Comacchio 

20 thoughts on “21 Hidden Gems in Italy: How to Get Off the Beaten Path and Discover Unusual Things to do in Italy”

Watch Befana festival in Florence, January 6th! And what is definitely worthy is exploring Puglia! I adore this region!

Thank you, Abi, for a nice article! And welcome to my blog as well :)

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13 Unique & Unforgettable Italy Experiences to Have

Having been there several times for various reasons, Italy will always hold a special place in my heart. The food, the language, the history, the un-rushed vibes – all of it. Many times, friends and family members have come to me for recommendations on how to avoid the more touristy areas and experience Italy as the Italians do . So, I’ve composed a list of the most unforgettable and unique experiences in Italy, to fully experience the Bel Paese (that don’t involve the Colosseum or eating pizza in Naples).

Table of Contents

Making the Most of Your Italy Trip

Many of these cities and towns are included in the numerous circuits of best Italian road trips – including Verona, Lago di Garda, Lago di Braies, Trastevere (Roma), Venezia , Vatican City, and the epic Dolomiti. Depending on your preference, an Italian road trip in itself is one of the most unforgettable and unique experiences in Italy !

1. Truffle Hunting in Orvieto

“Black Diamond of the kitchen”

As someone who spent their formative years working in fine dining (specifically Italian) restaurants, Italian food has always been a weakness. Not the Americanized stuff back at home. You won’t find chicken parm over here, and your beloved carbonara will be much , much different.   I mean true Italian food, the kind you experience with your soul .   And truffles are an integral part of Italian food culture .

Truffle hunting is a unique and evocative ancient Umbrian tradition that has never left the region.   And why should it?   Truffles lend a taste and sensory experience like no other.   Besides, truffle oil just can’t be compared to ripe truffles, freshly shaved over a dish of pasta or risotto.

Orvieto is located in the region of Umbria, green and full of hills, toward the center of the country, just north of Rome. Not many people here use wild boars ( cinghiale ) to truffle hunt anymore, as was the tradition.   Now, specially trained dogs guide you through winding paths to the truffle fields .

Truffle Hunting in Other Umbrian Towns

There are other towns in Umbria where you can find truffle hunting opportunities (Montefalco, Bagnoregro, Sorano), but Orvieto has my heart.   If you find yourself in town, head over to Zeppelin , in the medieval center of the city.   Not only is it an acclaimed restaurant boasting mouth-watering dishes, but chef/farmer Lorenzo Polegri also offers authentic cooking classes . There are many tours that offer cooking classes, but take my word, heading to Zeppelin directly will give you a unique experience.

Shaved black truffles over a dish of cacio e pepe

For the most authentic experience go to the cooking class at Zeppelin and make some friends. Then, you can come up with a way to organize a unique DIY truffle hunting experience together. If that’s not an option, you can find organized tours as well.

2. Climbing le Scalette in Vicenza

Le Scalette

Vicenza is a rich city full of history and gorgeous architecture in the Veneto region of Italy. Piazzale della Vittoria offers arguably the most gorgeous view in the city. The square is located in front of the Basilica di S. Maria di Monte Berico.

The piazza offers sweeping views of the city, the foothills of the Alps, and the Venetian Lagoon .   Sadly, the view comes with a price.   The price of climbing 192 steps – ugh!   But so worth it!   Truly one of the most unique experiences in Italy.

The steps ascend to the Basilica, built in the early 15th century.   Le Scalette (little steps) used to be the only point of access to the church. Now, they are used by the US Army 173rd Airborne Division as an exercise routine – Caserma Ederle is located in Vicenza.

In addition to a great (albeit exhausting) workout, the stairs lead up to Piazzale della Vittoria.   Architect Andrea Palladio designed the entryway to the stairs as a gorgeous archway ( Arco delle Scalette ) in the late 1500’s.

Town of Vicenza

The town of Vicenza is essentially an outdoor museum displaying the works of Palladio. He designed 47 buildings that are registered in the UNESCO World Heritage List !   “City of Vicenza and Palladian Villas of the Veneto” has been a World Heritage site to protect Palladian works in Vicenza since 1994.

If you need a bite to eat after all of those steps, Sette Santi pizza restaurant is right around the corner. It has outdoor seating, prosciutto e melone, and all the pizza you could ask for to refuel before your return journey.

Vicenza is connected by train to Venice , Padua, and Verona . But, I used to go back and forth between Rome and Vicenza at least a few times a month, and the ride wasn’t too bad. It takes a little over three hours and you have to switch trains in Verona. For information on how to get to Vicenza, click here .

3. Spend a Summer Day at Lago di Garda

Lago di Garda

Easily accessible from many regions, Lake Garda is a local favorite for outdoor activities, no matter the season. Three regions comprise Lago di Garda – the Veneto, Lombardy, and Trentino Alto-Adige . The northern vicinity has more Austrian influence whereas the south has more wine and more French/Italian visitors.

It is the largest lake in Italy on the edge of the Dolomites . Despite its location at the bottom of the Italian Alps, the climate is still particularly mild. Olive and citrus trees grow here, which is rare given the latitude. 

There’s a ton to do at Lago di Garda. Le grotte (the caves) are fun to explore, Sirmione Castle is nearby, plus the water activities. If you have kiddos, there’s a theme park nearby ( Gardaland ). While many tourists are heading to the Amalfi Coast or Sicilian beaches, try Lago di Garda for one of the more unique experiences in Italy.

4. See an Opera in Verona’s Outdoor Ancient Roman Amphitheatre

If you’ve never seen an opera, you must do this.   If you’ve seen an opera, you must do this.   Verona’s outdoor ancient Roman amphitheater becomes a magical backdrop for the world’s greatest vocal performances in July and August.   The arena seats up to 20,000 people.   Yes, you read that right – 20,000 – not 2,000.   For comparison, the Vienna State Opera has a capacity of up to 1,700 people. 

In the center of the arena are modern seats, giving the ultimate combination of visual and acoustic experience .   Surrounding the inner circumference of the amphitheater are stone steps, the traditional seats, where onlookers would watch the spectacles in ancient Roman times.

There are no microphones and no sound system, but hearing is not an issue.   As the orchestra begins to sound, the conductor emerges and an enthusiastic chorus of ‘ bravo maestro ’ permeates the air.

Upon entrance, everyone is given a candle, and during the overture, they are lit . Imagine thousands and thousands of candles replacing the familiar glow of cell phones now prevalent at concerts and other big events.   Sitting in such a setting, in what may be one of the purest sensory experiences that exist , you can imagine the enthusiasm of the audience.

Performances start at 9 pm, so there is plenty of time to get dinner and drinks beforehand.   Piazza Bra is a square just outside the amphitheater, which is filled with opera-goers on their way in and out of the show, which generally ends after midnight.

Verona is a UNESCO World Heritage Site , filled with history, cafes, and Roman remains amid Renaissance buildings.   The city where Romeo and Juliet loved and lost. The city is beautiful and enchanting as you’d imagine.

Buy opera tickets in advance. 

5. Leave Italy!

Many ferries depart the port city of Bari to go to Montenegro, Albania, Greece , and Croatia

OK, I know what you’re thinking – how can this be an Italian experience if it’s not in Italy? But the journey is part of the experience in Italy . The relaxed way of travel parallels the Italian way of life – unrushed, to be experienced fully. There are trains (some with exceptional scenery!) leaving from most major cities that will take you to a different country.

If you find yourself in Puglia (particularly, Bari) you can catch a ferry to a number of the Balkan States ! The ferry is long – the shortest is 7.5 hours. However, overnight ferries are also an option.

For information on ferry schedule and tickets, click here

For detailed train information (and an invaluable resource for traveling within Europe) check out Seat 61 .

6. Picnic at Lago di Braies

Lago di Braies (aka Pragser Wildsee in German) is an awe-inspiring turquoise lake nestled in the Prags Dolomites in South Tyrol, Italy. The lake, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site , simply doesn’t look real.   The clear, deep turquoise water has an almost mirror-like reflection on its surface.   Its surroundings were supposedly once home to dwarves and elves! Click here to read more about The Kingdom of the Fanes.

You can rent a rowboat to relax and explore during the high season (June-September) every day.   That’s not to say the lake is only worth visiting in the warmer months. The lake is just as breathtaking in the winter, and staying in a nearby hotel might be the perfect getaway.

If you’re a hiker, climber, photographer, nature-lover, mythology enthusiast, or just want a memorable sensory experience, do yourself a favor and pay this area a visit.   South Tyrol in itself is one of the most beautiful places in Italy, and this lake is one of its most beautiful spots and to see it in person is certainly one of the most unforgettable and unique experiences in Italy.

insider tip –

If you’re looking for the ultimate IG shot, be sure to arrive early, before the tourists begin to arrive.   Also, there aren’t many restaurants, which is why this is the ideal spot to pack a lunch.   Definitely bring a snack, if, like me, you’re prone to getting hangry.

For information on getting to Lago di Braies as well as accommodation recommendations, click here .

7. Get lost in Trastevere

Get lost in Rome’s best neighborhood (my opinion may be biased, but Trastevere really is awesome). Rome can be so overwhelming with the sheer volume of people surrounding you at any given moment, Trastevere is a welcome break from the crowds, and one of the most instagrammable places in Rome . Whenever I was returning to my apartment after being across the river, as soon as I passed Piazza Trilussa , an almost-immediate hush came over the city. The volume and activity suddenly faded behind buildings and across the mighty Tiber.

Why Trastevere?

All of a sudden, you are not in a major tourist city, but on a street where neighbors shout across their windows to each other, where you see parents walking their children to school. The buildings are more live- in, the people more authentic.

You’re in a world where people know each other at the market and ask about each other’s families. And, of course, being Rome , there’s no shortage of delicious food and wine at the small, family-run cafes and restaurants .

The streets of Trastevere are winding and interconnected, not to mention relatively safe, making it a fantastic place to spend a few hours getting lost . Book a Trastevere food tour!

8. Drink Bellinis & Eat Carpaccio in Venice

A canal bridge in Venice

No Italian city embodies romance quite like Venice , and enjoying a Bellini or plate of fresh carpaccio is quintessential Venetian opulence . If you have the time, spend one or two days in Venice and be sure to include these culinary wonders.

Opened in 1931, Harry’s Bar is an iconic restaurant located at Calle Vallaresso in Venice. Long-time hangout of Ernest Hemingway , Harry’s was also a favorite locale of people like Charlie Chaplin, Alfred Hitchcock, Truman Copote, and Orson Welles.

Its claim to fame (aside from its star-studded list of patrons) is that Harry’s Bar is where both the Bellini and Carpaccio were invented. The Bellini is a cocktail made of Prosecco (Italian sparkling wine) and white peach nectar. Giuseppe Cipriani, the founder of Harry’s, invented the drink sometime between 1934 and 1948.

Giuseppe also invented Carpaccio, which is very thinly sliced or pounded thin raw meat or fish. Originally prepared with beef, and served with a drizzle of lemon juice and xvoo with shaved Parmesan cheese.

worth noting –

The Cipriani family pled guilty to tax evasion and the bar was sold to an investment group in 2012.   I can’t attest to the caliber of food or service since the change in ownership, but below are two other places known for their Bellini’s and carpaccio, respectively

Bar Longhi at the Gritti Palace Hotel Venice for a Bellini

CoVino for the Carpaccio

9. Have breakfast at the Vatican

Fun Fact : Vatican City is not actually Italy.

While I’m not the biggest fan of organized tours, there’s no question that you learn a great deal more than if you were to go on your own. In terms of visiting the Vatican, tours are without a doubt the best option . Especially if you’re at all interested in art history and want to take in all there is to see and learn.

There are the typical highlights of the Vatican – the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica.   Or, you get a big, lavish breakfast spread before spending hours exploring the Vatican wonders .   Why not?

While the Vatican doesn’t have a ‘slow season’ per se, it’s somewhat quieter in winter months when tourism in Rome, in general, has died down a bit. But when you get breakfast, you get to skip the lines! 

10. Get a Massage on Lido di Jesolo

Empty beach chairs on Lido di Jesolo

Catered almost exclusively to tourism, Lido di Jesolo has a different vibe than the rest of Italy.   The resort town stretches along ten miles of shore, yellow dolomite sand meeting salty Adriatic sea .   This vibrant seaside resort town is one of the most underrated beach destinations in Europe .

There is an adjacent street of shops, restaurants, gelaterie , and the like.   You can rent a bicycle or a smart car to cruise around in , but there’s not much to this town besides the sea.   There is an aquarium and an arcade, but most of the activity is centered on the beach.

Lying out with the sun drying the super-salty Adriatic water on your skin, kids with pails full of fresh coconut will sell you some for a couple of euros .   There are also little elderly Thai ladies walking the beach offering massages – GET ONE!   They are legit. One of the most unforgettably unique experiences in Italy!

11. Ski the Italian Alps

Cortina D’Ampezzo has arguably the most breathtaking scenery of any of the Italian ski resorts.   It was pretty unknown until the 1956 Winter Olympics, growing exponentially in popularity immediately following the games.   Despite the town being relatively upscale, skiing is surprisingly affordable .

In Cortina there are more than 30 lifts . They bring you back into town or set you up for a day on the slopes. Roughly half of Cortina’s trails are doable for intermediate skiers. Not a skier? There’s a bobsled run and an Olympic rink for skating. There are also a number of Alpine towns between the Marmolada Glacier and the mountains known as Gruppo del Sella . The entire area is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

Check out the Dolomiti Superski Pass for deals and discounts.

Official Site

12. Experience Italy’s Liquid Gold – Vino

There are so many different wine regions in Italy, the tour or tasting you opt for will depend on your location. Fortunately, I’ve never met an Italian wine I didn’t like. Still, some wine regions in Italy are more popular than others.

Wine Regions of Italy

There’s Tuscany, where the Sangiovese grape is used to make Chianti and Chianti Classico DOCGs.   Tuscany is the oldest of Italy’s wine regions .   Despite the Sangiovese grape being the most popular and the most produced in Tuscany, you won’t get bored drinking it in its fermented form. Not a red wine drinker?   Not to worry.   Tuscany is also home to the Vernaccia grape, which is used to make Tuscany’s favorite white wine, Vernaccia di San Gimignano.

Barolo and Barbaresco both come out of Italy’s Piemonte region .   If you’re in the mood for something sweet in Piemonte, try a glass of Moscato d’Asti as (or with) your dessert.

Need something bubbly?   Head over to Veneto .   Veneto is one of the most productive wine regions in the country, perhaps best known for prosecco, the Italian version of sparkling wine, and other non-sparkling whites. If you’re like me and you tend towards red, Valpolicella and Amarone are produced nearer to the warmer areas of the region – i.e., Lago di Garda and the Adriatic Sea.

Other noteworthy wine regions in Italy are Emilia-Romagna (come here for Lambrusco – sparkling red wine that is like nothing you’ll try anywhere else), Sicily (famous for its sweet Marsala wine), and Alto Aldige (white wine heaven). Head to Apulia for some unique wine tastings, taking in the breathtaking surroundings of Alberobello and the Trulli . Trust me, no matter where you wind up in Italy, the wine will be plentiful (and delicious).

Wine Tours in Italy

Check out Cellar Tours if you want to organize a wine tasting vacation . Cellar Tours works with wineries in all different regions to ensure you’re getting what you want.

More of a red wine drinker? This tour from Italy and Wine brings you to Chianti, in Tuscany , known for the versatile Sangiovese grape.

My personal favorite way to taste wine in Italy is to go to an enoteca (wine bar) and ask the bartender to hook me up . They know what they’re doing, you’ll be able to taste what you want (almost always local), and you can taste from different vineyards in one sitting.

Wine tasting may not be the most unique experience to have in Italy, but definitely unforgettable (unless, of course, you overindulge, haha!)

13. Follow the Coast

Cinque Terre

Whether it’s hiking the Cinque Terre or an Amalfi coast road trip, the scenery on Italy’s Western coastline will not disappoint!

Without hiring a car, you have two options as to how to traverse the Cinque Terre – you can walk or take the train between the five towns .   The train is the faster option and only takes a few minutes in between each of the towns.

But if driving the roads along the crashing waves is on your list, head a little further south to the Amalfi coast. Be sure to check off these items from the Amalfi Coast road trip bucket list !

How to Experience Cinque Terre

The Cinque Terre Pass gives you access to trains and shuttle buses as well as to the hiking trails.

The Cinque Terre Trail that leads to Corniglia is the more scenic option, but definitely more time-consuming and more physically strenuous if you’re not a hiker .   If you do decide to hike the Cinque Terre , check the routes before you set off so that you can make alternate plans for any maintenance or closed trails.

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One comment.

Fantastic article. I did truffle hunting in Tuscany once, was a great experience. After we collected some truffles we went back to this winery where they made us a meal using the truffles we just found.

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The 18 Unusual and Weird Places To See in Italy

Finding some unusual places to visit in Italy for your trip can be the perfect solution to avoid the mass tourism that characterizes the famous locations of the peninsula. Cities like Rome, Florence, or Venice are beautiful, but it’s often very difficult to visit them properly. Fortunately, Italy has a lot of amazing spots outside the common touristic routes, some of them are really gorgeous and literally unknown. We have found almost the most unusual places in Italy that we recommend for an alternative Italian vacation. 

Weird and Unusual Places to See in Italy

Many unusual places to visit in Italy are often nearby the most famous Italian cities. For example, just 20 miles away from Venice a real treasure lives under the shadow of the most visited city in Italy. With medieval gates, narrow, cobbled streets of arcaded rose-red brick and stone, the center of Treviso is a little walled city, is a twist and turn like dried-out watercourses. Just like Venice many canals run past small gardens, glide beneath houses, appear at street corners. Some points of the city are marked by some mills with black water-wheels that once had a commercial purpose, that today playing a purely decorative role.

Address: Treviso, 31100 Province of Treviso, Italy

2. Taormina 

On the eastern coast of Sicily, Taormina is a picturesque small town perched on a slope high above the Ionian Sea. The symbol of this fantastic city is the old Greek theatre. From here in this unusual place to visit in northern Italy , you can enjoy an amazing panorama. The old town is about 200 meters above sea level. Twisting medieval streets and add to its romantic air, which inspired the writings of D.H. Lawrence and Truman Capote.

Address: Taormina, 98039 Province of Messina, Italy Read More:   Beaches Near Florence

Capri has long been the preferred beach destination for international jet-setters. However, Ischia is just as beautiful but unusual place to visit in Italy and evokes a truly Mediterranean atmosphere. Ischia is a perfect alternative for travelers who still want the idyllic beach setting but also want an authentic experience. The natural spas near Maronti Beach are not to be missed. There are a number of these weird places on the island where travelers can take advantage of this natural phenomenon, including the natural hot springs of Sorgeto and the thermal parks and gardens.

4.  Santa Margherita Ligure

Santa Margherita Ligure

The Italian Riveria is known for its colorful seaside towns, panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea, and stunning beaches. Instead of heading through Cinque Terre, check out hidden gems nearby this unusual place in Italy , such as Rapallo, Santa Margherita, Portofino, and Sestri Levante. Don’t leave without tasting the delicious Focaccia col Formaggio (also known as Focaccia di Recco). It’s made by spreading mild creamy cheese (usually crescenza) between two thin slices of yeast-free bread.

Address: Santa Margherita Ligure, 16038 Metropolitan City of Genoa, Italy

The fifth of our list of unusual places is in the north of Italy. Largely ignored by travelers in favor of the nearby Milan or Verona, Bergamo is one of Lombardy’s finest towns. Divided into two parts, the “Alta” on top of the hill and the “Bassa” at the foot of the hill, Bergamo is a charming walled city with lovely little winding streets where you can pick up gelato and eat it in Piazza Vecchia, one of the loveliest square in Italy. Bergamo and its surrounding area are very romantic and are perfect for a short break, which is also the perfect base from which to explore the Lombardy countryside and the Italian lakes.

Address: Bergamo, Province of Bergamo, Italy

Also Read:  Famous Castles of Tuscany

6. Porto Venere

Porto Venere

Address: Porto Venere, Province of La Spezia, Italy.

7. Maddalena Archipelago (Sardinia)

Maddalena Archipelago

The Maddalena Archipelago is a group of islands located in Sardinia. This unusual place to see in Italy is a true paradise in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea. It’s hard to describe the beauty of this place, its amazing beaches, and its crystal clear sea. To protect the fragile environment, the archipelago has been designated a national park. The archipelago of La Maddalena offers unique and dreamy sceneries.

Address: Maddalena Archipelago, Italy

8. Courmayeur (Aosta Valley)

Courmayeur (Aosta Valley)

Courmayeur is a town and comune in northern Italy, located at the foot of the Southern side of Mont Blanc, the highest mountain of Italy. This strange place to visit in Italy is a charming 17th-century spa town at the top of the Aosta valley. Courmayeur is a popular weekend destination for a chic Northern Italian skier. The ski area offers scenic views and good snow cover.

Address: Courmayeur, 11013 Aosta Valley, Italy

9. Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre

The “Cinque Terre” is a coast in Liguria, where many ancient villages stand along the coast. During the centuries people have built houses, of many different colors, on the cliffs overlooking the sea. Named for the five towns of  Manarola, Riomaggiore, Monterosso, Vernazza, and Corniglia, these unusual places to visit in north Italy are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

10. Ischia Island

Ischia Island

Ischia is a volcanic island in the Tyrrhenian sea located in the Gulf of Naples. This island is famous for its thermal waters and its Aragonese Castle that was built on the rocks near the island in 474 BC, and of course for its fantastic views too.  The castle is the most visited monument of the island, today. It is accessed through a tunnel with large openings that let the light enter.

Address: Ischia Island, Italy

Visit:  Best Water Parks in Venice

Among the best unusual places to visit in Italy , Matera is maybe the more unique. With some 20,000 people crammed into the Sassi, Matera was one of the poorest towns in western Europe fifty years ago. Sassi is kind of a honeycomb of ancient cave dwellings exposed on the ravine below the town. Matera was cleared in the Sixties but now some 2,000 people have returned, along with cafés, hotels, galleries, and restaurants, sparking a renaissance of the city.

Address: Matera, 75100 Province of Matera, Italy

Urbino is a walled city in the Marche region of Italy, is one of Italy’s finer cultural destinations. This weird place in Italy earned its place on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1998 for a remarkable historical legacy of independent Renaissance culture. Urbino is protected inside the ancient city walls there are plenty of artistic and historical treasures. Many famous artists, like Raffaello and Bramante, went to Urbino during the Renaissance.

13. Gargano

The spur on the heel of Italy, this most unusual place in Italy called Gargano is a national park with long, sandy beaches, great forests of pine, and a geographical location that tempers the summer heat with breezes blowing in from the sea on three sides. The region is still barely known outside of Italy but it’s definitely worth a visit. The coast of this places offers numerous beaches and tourist facilities. Mount Gargano is the site of the oldest shrine in Western Europe dedicated to the archangel Michael, Monte Sant’Angelo Sul Gargano.

14. Bologna 

Bologna is the main city of Emilia Romagna, famous for the typical food, its university, one of the world’s oldest, and its handsome arcaded historic streets. You can’t miss Piazza Maggiore, the main square, where you can have a walk through the typical porches. This Italian city and one of the weird places in Italy to visit contributed dozens of classic recipes and foods to the repertory of Italian cooking, including tortellini, lasagne, and mortadella, for this reason, it is called “The kitchen of Italy”.

Read About:   Foods to Eat in Rome

15. Verona 

Verona is situated in Northern Italy, is famed for its historical center and a myriad of stunning buildings and architecture. Verona is the setting for the world’s most popular love story, Romeo and Juliet. Undoubtedly the first destination of this weirdest place to visit in Italy is the house of Juliet, visited by thousands of tourists every year. The city also has been awarded World Heritage Site status by UNESCO. The Verona Arena was built in the first century, is now a Roman amphitheater that is internationally famous for the large-scale opera performances given there and is still in use today.

Address: Verona, Province of Verona, Italy

16. Island of Burano

Island of Burano

Burano is a little island in the Venetian lagoon but is less know and visited than Venice, you can recognize it from its colored houses and its typical canals. Families used to paint their homes in bright colors to designate where their family’s quarters ended and neighbors began. 

Address: Island of Burano, Italy.

Don’t miss:  Best Places to Visit in 2020 in Venice

17. Castello di Sammezzano

Castello di Sammezzano

This one of the unusual places to go in Italy is a truly hidden beauty located in Regello, near Florence. The Castle of Sammezzano was built in 1605 by Ximenes of Aragon, an Italian politician. This castle reflects Arab architecture and is just one out of three buildings in Italy. In just a few words we can describe it as a taste of the Orient in the heart of Tuscany.

Address: Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, 6, 50066 Leccio FI, Italy.

18. Lecce (The Florence of South Italy)

Lecce (The Florence of South Italy)

Lecce is one of the famous holiday destinations in the south of Italy. A baroque city, it has a historic center full of extravagant architecture. Lecce is famously known as “the Florence of South Italy” because of its baroque monuments. Lecce is the main city of the Salentine Peninsula, the heel of Italy, is nestled in the clear waters of the Adriatic and Ionian coasts, where you would love to see the tall cliffs sculpted by the sea alternate with sandy beaches, green stretches of maquis, and a small “Eden”.

We hope this list of unusual places to visit in Italy has inspired you. Enjoy Italy and Buon Viaggio! You might have loved reading this article and if you love to know more about Italy kindly head to our other articles as well which will help you to get knowledge about.

The post The 18 Unusual and Weird Places To See in Italy appeared first on World Tour & Travel Guide, Get Travel Tips, Information, Discover Travel Destination | Adequate Travel .

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10 Unique Places to Visit in Italy Preferred by Our Travel Specialists

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Castello di Miramare in Trieste, Italy

From the northern mountains in winter to quiet waterside towns hidden in little-visited regions, we have collected the top unique places to visit in Italy preferred by our travel specialists. With years of experience and expertise, their favorite places trade the familiar with purpose and intent for breathtaking results.

While Rome, Tuscany, and Venice are iconic, the spirit of Italy thrives in the natural beauty, preserved culture, and tangible heritage of these lesser-known destinations. From a quiet city displaying the influences of past empires to an island town frozen in time, Baroque architecture overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea to extensive vineyards leading to ancient castles, you can embrace an immersive travel experience throughout Italy.

No matter your travel style or preferences, the places in Italy our local travel experts love can inspire curious travelers with new ways to enjoy the country.

1. Cortina d'Ampezzo

4. lake trasimeno, 5. valnerina valley, 7. palestrina, explore our travel specialists’ favorite unique places to visit in italy.

Tre Cime di Lavaredo in the Dolomites

Nestled high in the Dolomite Mountains lies the stunning alpine ski resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Pedestrian-only cobblestone streets lined with vibrantly colored chalets, upscale shops, and charming cafés quickly reveal the town’s timeless appeal. In winter, advanced skiers and snowboarders glide down expert slopes beneath the backdrop of gleaming granite peaks topped with fresh powder.

In summer, the region becomes a hiker’s paradise, with 360-degree views of towering pinnacles along miles of trails where mountain bikers can soar down single tracks. With its postcard scenery, excellent skiing and riding, and vibrant yet cozy ambiance, Cortina captures the essence of an idyllic Italian mountain escape.

Highlights: Dolomite Superski Circuit • Vista delle Tre Cime di Lavaredo • Rifugio Antonio Locatelli • Sorgenti del Rienza • Pragser Wildsee

Recommended length of stay: 4-5 days

Expert Tips for Discerning Travelers

Sitting on Italy’s northeastern border along the Adriatic Sea, the port city of Trieste is a unique fusion of Italian, Slavic, and Central European influences. Cobblestone piazzas fill with Viennese-style coffeehouses, while ornate palaces and churches exhibit Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles.

The Triestinse are welcoming, with a dialect known for its sing-song qualities. Beyond the cosmopolitan cafés and architectural treasures, Trieste’s seaside promenade delights travelers, its beauty accentuating the meandering lanes of the medieval old town.

The surrounding Carso plateau offers wonderful hiking and biking with breathtaking panoramas. With delicious food and wine, storied history, rich culture, and access to adventures, Trieste captures many quintessential Italian elements while retaining a flavor and remaining one of Italy’s hidden gems.

Highlights: Piazza Unità d'Italia • Castello di Miramare • Castello di San Giusto • Cattedrale di San Giusto • Canale Grande

Recommended length of stay: 2-3 days

Nuoro, Italy

Nuoru can feel like the physical and metaphorical heart of Sardinia. With its spectacular mountain setting, traditional festivals, and hearty cuisine, the town perches on the slopes of Monte Ortobene and treats travelers to panoramic views of stunning peaks and lush trees.

The medieval Old Town transports you back in time, with annual costumed parades immersing travelers in age-old traditions. Known as the birthplace of succulent porceddu and sweet torrone nougat, Nuoro offers encouraging aromas and promising rewards after hiking in the nearby Gennargentu National Park.

With its picturesque views, cultural immersion, and access to Sardinia’s rugged interior, Nuoro offers a quintessential Sardinian experience that mesmerizes our travel experts.

Highlights: Piazza Sebastiano Satta • Rione Santu Predu • Museo delle Maschere Mediterranee • Madonna delle Grazie Church • Monte Ortobene

Recommended length of stay: 3-4 days

Lake Trasimeno, Italy

Enchanting, tranquil, and woven into the center of Italy, Lake Trasimeno offers picturesque islands and lakeside medieval towns for a dreamy representation of greater Italy. The shallow blue lake offers miles of pathways perfect for exploring, while kayakers can explore hidden coves along the water.

On Isola Maggiore, stroll quiet walking paths lined with olive and pomegranate trees before enjoying fresh lake fish at a waterside trattoria. The lake’s history comes alive in well-preserved castles built to protect ancient trade routes. With opportunities to soak up nature at a relaxed pace or delve into the region’s rich heritage, Lake Trasimeno is an authentic escape into the Italian countryside.

Highlights: Polvese Island • Isola Maggiore • Isola Minore • Passignano sul Trasimeno • Vernazzano

Castelluccio of Norcia in the Valnerina Valley, Italy

The Valnerina Valley nestles between the towering Apennine Mountains in northeast Umbria and captivates travelers with breathtaking alpine scenery, cascading waterfalls, and charming hilltop villages. Walk along the trails through Monti Sibillini National Park, where flower-filled meadows give way to rocky peaks and the Cascata delle Marmore, the largest waterfall in Europe, plunges into an emerald gorge below.

Medieval hamlets like Visso and Norcia display artisanal shops and highlight famous truffle delicacies. In winter, the valley transforms into a snowy wonderland perfect for skiing along the scenic ridges. With its pristine wilderness, unique central mountain culture, and abundance of year-round adventure, the Valnerina Valley lets you experience a spectacular and lesser-known side of Italy.

Highlights: Sanctuary of Santa Rita da Cascia • Triponzo • Marmore Falls • Castelvecchio di Preci • Usigni

Recommended length of stay: 1-2 days

Palazzo Farnese in Caprarola, Italy

The captivating region of Tuscia is situated just north of Rome, but feels worlds away from the tourist crowds. Tuscia transports travelers back in time with a string of medieval hill towns overlooking the rolling and lush countryside.

Wander cobblestone streets flanked by stone houses adorned with brightly colored flowers or stroll through the fertile landscape alongside tremendous vineyards and thriving olive trees that produce delicious wines and oils.

Tuscia also displays its Etruscan side in the form of ceramic tombs and the renowned Necropolis of Tarquinia, where you can find the famous painted tombs. With its combination of pastoral landscapes and ancient heritage, Tuscia embodies the iconic beauty of the Italian countryside.

Highlights: Palazzo Farnese in Caprarola • Bomarzo Monster Park • Viterbo • Civita di Bagnoregio • Tarquinia

Palestrina, Italy

The hilltop town of Palestrina overlooks the Roman countryside and captivates visitors with its depth of history and relaxed pace. As you explore the narrow cobblestone streets and winding alleyways, you can quickly uncover treasures from medieval architecture. The star attraction is the towering Sanctuary of Fortuna Primigenia, a stunning complex boasting terraced gardens, ancient baths, and a semicircular theater with awe-inspiring views.

Palestrina is a delightful exploration for your senses, where oleander dapples the streets, cheerful cafés create an enticing atmosphere, and the nearby Frascati wine region offers samples of surprisingly crisp whites. With layers of history to uncover and a sublime setting to soak up, Palestrina gives an enchanting taste of a less-traveled Italy.

Highlights: Sanctuary of Fortuna Primigenia • Colonna-Barberini Palace • National Archaeological Museum • Church of Santa Rosalia

Piazza della Libertà in Udine, Italy

Sitting in Italy’s northeast Friuli region, the city of Udine is a sensational blend of medieval charm, Austrian influences, and celebrated cuisine.

Cafés bustling with locals line grand piazzas and ornate details accentuate the Gothic churches. The culinary scene indulges locals and visitors to Friuli, with delicacies like the prized San Daniele prosciutto.

Udine’s access to stunning natural beauty around the Julian Alps adds to the city’s luster and wonder. Stroll along the narrow central street of Via Mercatovecchio to find boutique shops and hidden frescoes, enjoy a picnic in Ricasoli Garden, or visit the nearby Venetian town of Palmanova. Each new journey reveals a section of undiscovered Italy leading to hidden canals, fascinating waterfalls, landscapes imbued with stories, and more.

Highlights: Basilica di Aquileia • Laghi di Fusine • Cividale del Friuli • Piazza della Libertà • Loggia di San Giovanni

Quattrocchi Viewpoint in Lipari, Italy

The sunny island of Lipari rises out of the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea. The relaxed ambiance features enchanting coastal and volcanic scenery, delectable cuisine, and adventures on land and sea. As part of the Aeolian archipelago, you can explore the skies at the observatory located on the highest point of the island or embrace the colorful maze of streets in the main town.

Restaurants and cafes overlook the vibrant boats anchored in the marina and Lipari Castle clings to the volcanic rock face nearly 165 feet above sea level. Take a boat trip to see the island’s towering sea stacks and hidden grottos or relax on the quiet beaches known for their panoramic views.

Sample a traditional arancini with ragu sauce, take a break from the Mediterranean heat with a peach granita, or bask in island charm on a scenic boat ride around the archipelago. No matter your preferred experience, Lipari gives a sublime slice of island dolce vita .

Highlights: Quattrocchi Viewpoint • Museo Archeologico Regionale Eoliano • Spiaggia Valle Muria • Castello di Lipari

Barolo in Langhe, Italy

Situated in the Piedmont wine region, the undulating hills of Langhe entice oenophiles and gourmands alike with exceptional vineyards, medieval towns, and farm-to-table cuisine.

Vines blanket the rolling landscape and yield some of Italy’s most acclaimed reds, resulting in UNESCO World Heritage status for wine culture. Sample prestigious Barolo and Barbaresco, finding notes of rose petals, cherries, or leather.

Wander alluring medieval villages like La Morra to find a plethora of tasting rooms, Michelin-starred restaurants, and endless bucolic vistas. Truffle hunt, visit a historic castle, cycle along quiet country roads, or linger in a cafe as you watch locals pass by. Langhe meets your expectations of traditional Italian life with a gourmet twist.

With a sublime landscape boasting world-class wine and cuisine, Langhe captures the essence of why our travel specialists consistently rank Piedmont among Italy’s top regions to experience.

Highlights: Barbaresco village • Barbaresco wine tasting • Farm-to-table cuisine • La Morra • Barolo village

Mosaic at Madonna delle Grazie Church in Nuoro, Italy

Whether looking for Italy’s hidden gems or interested in seeing Italian arts and crafts during your trip, these places chosen by our Italy travel specialists can introduce you to the spirit of the country.

You can find inspiration for your trip with our Italy tours or enjoy looking for more ideas on what to do, when to visit, and more with our Italy travel guide .

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10 Unusual Places to Visit in Italy

May 12, 2021 8:00 am

Lake Resia, Trentino-Alto Adige

Image Credits: siviaggia.it

If you want to see something unusual, how about visiting Italy’s most famous drowned village? Now all that is left of the once thriving alpine village of Curon Venosta , in the western portion of South Tyrol, is its church’s bell tower, which stands partially submerged in the emerald green waters of a lake.

How come, you ask? Well, in the 1950s the old town of Curon Venosta ( Graun im Vinschgau in German) and its surrounding villages were completely flooded to create a dam, so that electricity production could be increased. Hundreds of inhabitants were forced to leave their homes. Two small natural lakes were joined to create a larger, artificial one, known today as Lake Rèsia , or Reschensee in German.

In winter, when the lake freezes over, you can walk across the ice all the way to the bell tower, and look down to what’s left of the 14 th -century structure, still visible below the surface. This is, without a doubt, a powerful reminder of the destructive choices made in the name of progress.

The ghost town of Consonno, Lombardy

Image Credits: Wikipedia

Consonno is a ghost town in the province of Lecco, in the foothills of the Alps. It was built in the 1960s by Count Mario Bagno, a real estate developer who wanted to create a Las Vegas-style ode to wealth and hedonism in Lombardy, with casinos, clubs, hotels and shopping arcades.

The two-storey main building includes an arabesque commercial gallery with dozens of stores, topped with a 100-foot-high minaret which resembles a mosque. Chinese pagodas, Egyptian sphinxes, Renaissance fountains, Doric columns and a medieval castle decorated the site, with a bizarre mixture of architectural styles.

In the early 1970s, the hilly town of Consonno briefly enjoyed success, attracting hordes of pleasure seekers, including celebrities like Mina and Adriano Celentano. Then, in 1976, a landslide buried the only road into town, and Consonno has been a ghost town ever since.

With its suggestive combination of derelict buildings and postcard-worthy views of the mountains, it is frequently used as a setting for photo shoots and music videos.

San Fruttuoso and the Christ of the Abyss, Liguria

Image Credits: ft.com

Only accessible by sea or on foot via a panoramic coastal walking trail, the Abbey of San Fruttuoso sits on a stunning peninsula between the fishing village of Camogli and pastel-hued Portofino. Inaccessible by road, this Romanesque waterfront abbey is idyllically set within a blissfully quiet cove, where it appears like a mirage.

This exquisite monument dating back one thousand years has been a Benedictine monastery, a refuge for fishing boats and even a pirates’ den. This gorgeous stretch of Ligurian coast has remained pretty much the same for centuries.

In 1954, an 8-foot-tall bronze statue of Christ with his arms outstretched was submerged 56 feet deep into the water just off the shore to mark the spot where the pioneering Italian diver Dario Gonzatti had died tragically a few years previously. Evocatively titled the Christ Of The Abyss , it has become an attraction for divers from all over the world.

Image Credits: telegraph.co.uk

Garden of Bomarzo, Lazio

Image Credits: benvenutolimos

Once a favorite spot of Spanish surrealist artist Salvador Dalí, the nightmare-like garden of Bomarzo was commissioned in the 16 th century by the nobleman Pier Francesco Orsini after returning from war. Commonly known as the Park of Monsters , it is thought to be the expression of deep inner turmoil and grief following the premature death of Orsini’s wife.

You can now visit this bizarre garden 40 miles northwest of Rome and step through and around a wide variety of spooky, monstrous and somewhat disturbing sculptures with cryptic engravings.

Instead of the elegant archways and romantic fountains of a beautiful Italian Renaissance garden, here you will find mythical creatures, grotesque giants, sea monsters, dragons, giant turtles and the so-called Mouth Of Hell, pictured above. The erratic layout and lack of a set route to follow adds to its other-worldly appeal.

The Sunken City of Baia, Campania

Image Credits: reddit

In its heyday, the Roman city of Baia , approximately 10 miles west of Naples on the west coast of the Gulf of Pozzuoli, was the hedonist Las Vegas of the Roman Empire. Over the centuries, seismic and hydrothermal activity caused much of the city to sink into the crystal-clear Tyrrhenian Sea, where it still sits today.

Formally designated a marine protected area in 2002, this wonderful underwater archaeological site is truly like no other place. You can see some of its once majestic buildings and amazingly preserved sculptures from a glass-bottomed boat. Local diving centers offer snorkeling and scuba tours which allow you to actually swim amongst the eerie underwater ruins.

Cascate del Mulino, Saturnia, Tuscany

Image Credits: theflorentine.net

Tuscany is peppered with natural mineral-rich hot springs that have been used since ancient times for their health benefits.

Set amidst the hills of Maremma, in a remote corner of southern Tuscany, the spa town of Saturnia is home to one of the most paradisiacal free bathing areas in Europe. The Cascate del Mulino ’s naturally formed travertine rock pools of swirling milky water are one of Italy’s best kept secrets.

The warm sulfurous water is about 37,7° C and its therapeutic properties can treat circulatory problems and skin diseases. In winter, the contrast between the water and air temperature rejuvenates body and mind.

Pyramids of Zone, Lombardy

Image Credits: Emotion Bike

Unlike their more famous Egyptian counterparts, the Pyramids of Zone , in the province of Brescia, are the product of nature, resulting from millennia of erosion and clay deposit patterns.

Over time, wind and rain have washed away layers of clay around the ones held down by boulders in this clay reservoir. The result is an uncanny, surreal landscape of boulders perched atop spindly towers of clay. From the round footpath you can enjoy spellbinding views over Lake Iseo.

Pietra di Bismantova, Castelnovo ne' Monti, Emilia-Romagna

Image Credits: comune.castelnovo-nemonti.re.it

In the beautiful landscape of the Reggiano Apennines, in the province of Reggio Emilia, you will find a 3400-foot-high stone plateau of marl and calcarenite rising out of a mountaintop.

The unique shape of this solitary massif called Pietra di Bismantova (literally, Stone of Bismantova) was mentioned in Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy. Like the Purgatory Hill, Bismantova reaches for the sky. Dante Alighieri refers to this enormous cylindrical rock formation by equating scaling your way out of Purgatory with climbing the cliffs of Bismantova. This is the perfect place to hike and reflect on your destiny.

Solfatara of Pozzuoli, Campania

Image Credits: italymagazine.com

The most famous volcano in Italy, Mount Vesuvius frames the Gulf of Naples in Campania. And there is a potentially more deadly threat just to the west of the city of Naples. Declared a regional park in 2003, the slumbering Campi Flegrei volcano , Phlegraean Fields in English, is deemed to be the largest supervolcano in Europe.

Here stands the so-called Solfatara of Pozzuoli , a shallow volcanic crater still emitting sulfuric fumes and jets of steam. The Solfatara, whose name comes from the Latin Sulpha terra (literally, land of sulfur), is one of the forty craters and volcanic vents that make up the Campi Flegrei supervolcano’s caldera.

In Roman times, this steamy corner of Campania was believed to be the home of the god of fire, Vulcan.

Fosso Bianco, San Filippo, Tuscany

Image Credits: toscanainside.com

Hiking through the woods of the now dormant volcano of Mount Amiata, in southern Tuscany, you will get to the secluded mineral-rich hot springs at San Filippo . The so-called Fosso Bianco (literally, white ditch) is set among some enormous white mineral formations that remind of a white whale.

San Filippo has natural pools and waterfalls of frothy, hot, steaming water which gurgles out of the ground at 52° C year-round. The warm soothing waters contain calcium, magnesium and sulfur bicarbonate. Access to the hot springs is free.

It is probably feeling like a great time to book a trip to Italy. Are your bags packed yet?

About the Author

Jessica Maggi

Jessica is a native Italian speaker, a passionate linguist and a proud Grammar nerd. She has a lifelong passion for English and studied Linguistic and Cultural Mediation at the University of Milan. She currently works as a freelance translator and copywriter.

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Unusual Places

15 unique places in italy you should visit this year.

Image by Udo from Pixabay

When you think of Italy, you automatically think of its delicious pizza and its amazing history. Well, you aren’t wrong in thinking that!

Italy is a country full of incredible culture, history, and beauty. From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the canals of Venice, there is no shortage of unique and awe-inspiring places to visit. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, there is always something new to discover in Italy.

So, pack your bags and get ready to explore these 15 unique places in Italy you should visit this year!

1. Rome – The Eternal City

Rome is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Italy. Known as the Eternal City, Rome is filled with history and culture. From the ancient ruins of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum to the stunning art and architecture of the Vatican City, there is something for everyone in Rome.

And let’s not forget the gelato! There’s nothing quite like strolling down the streets with a cone of creamy gelato in hand. So come on, let’s raise a glass (or a gelato cone) to Rome – the city that never sleeps!

2. Florence – The Birthplace of the Renaissance

Florence is a city that will transport you back in time to the birthplace of the Renaissance. It’s like stepping into a time machine and being transported back to a world of creativity and innovation.

It’s home to world-renowned art museums like the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia Gallery; Florence is a mecca for art lovers. Be sure also to check out the stunning Florence Cathedral and the Ponte Vecchio bridge.

And don’t even get us started on the food! From the mouth-watering pasta dishes to the decadent gelato, Florence is a culinary paradise. So if you love art, culture, and good eats, make your way to Florence – where the past meets the present in the most fascinating way possible.

3. Venice – The City of Canals

Venice is one of those places you must visit if you are taking a 5-day trip to Italy . It’s one of the most unique cities in Italy and perhaps even the world.

Known as the City of Canals, Venice is built on a series of islands and connected by a network of canals. Take a gondola ride down the Grand Canal or visit the stunning St. Mark’s Basilica.

And let’s not forget about the food – the seafood here is out of this world! Plus, who can resist a refreshing Aperol Spritz while watching the sunset over the Grand Canal?

4. Lake Como – Scenic Beauty & Celebrity Sightings

Lake Como is a stunning lake in northern Italy known for its scenic beauty and luxurious villas. This gorgeous Italian lake has it all – picturesque towns, crystal clear water, and a touch of glamour.

Town of Menaggio on lake Como, Milan, Italy Photo by depositphotos.com

The lake has also been a favorite among celebrities like George Clooney and Madonna. But it’s not just the celebs who make this place unique – the scenery is truly breathtaking.

You can take boat tours to explore the charming lakeside towns or hike up to one of the many viewpoints to enjoy the stunning scenery.

5. Cinque Terre – A Coastal Paradise

Cinque Terre is a string of five coastal villages on the Italian Riviera. Each village is full of colorful buildings and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.

It has crystal clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Moreover, you can hike the scenic trails between the villages and the famous coastal path or hop on a boat for a unique perspective. And don’t forget to try the local seafood and wine!

6. Amalfi Coast – Cliffside Villages & Crystal Clear Waters

The Amalfi Coast is another stunning coastal destination in Italy. This coast is a favorite among travelers with its cliffside villages, crystal-clear waters, and picturesque scenery.

The towns of Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello are all perched on steep cliffs, offering amazing views of the sparkling Mediterranean below. The waters are so clear that you can see schools of fish swimming beneath your boat or paddleboard.

And the beaches? Gorgeous, with a mix of pebbles and sand. Take a boat tour to explore the hidden coves and beaches, or drive the winding roads for some of the most spectacular views in Italy.

Moreover, you’re lucky if you’re a foodie because the local cuisine is mouth-watering. Just be prepared to walk a lot, as the streets are steep and narrow. But trust us; it’s worth it!

7. Pompeii – A Glimpse into Ancient Roman Life

Pompeii is an ancient city destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. This archaeological site near Naples was buried under ash, creating an incredibly well-preserved city frozen in time. Most people call it “a time capsule of ancient Roman life.”

While walking through Pompeii, you can see ancient houses, shops, and even a brothel (with some pretty raunchy artwork, we might add). The frescoes and mosaics are still vibrant, and you can even see the remains of the people caught in the eruption.

It’s both eerie and fascinating but definitely worth a visit for history buffs and curious travelers alike!

8. Siena – Medieval Charm & the Palio Horse Race

Siena is a charming medieval city located in the heart of Tuscany. The city is known for its stunning Gothic architecture and the famous Palio Horse Race, which takes place twice yearly in the Piazza del Campo.

But Siena is more than just the Palio – it’s also home to incredible museums, stunning churches, and delicious cuisine. You can explore the city’s historic center’s narrow streets and beautiful buildings.

Moreover, try some of the city’s famous panforte, a delicious traditional dessert made with honey and nuts.

9. Naples – Pizza & Archaeological Wonders 

Naples is a vibrant city in southern Italy that will satisfy both your hunger for pizza and your thirst for history! It’s widely regarded as the birthplace of pizza, so you know you’re in for a treat.

But Naples is also home to some of Italy’s most impressive archaeological sites, like the ancient city of Pompeii and the archaeological museum filled with treasures from Pompeii and Herculaneum.

Don’t miss a visit to the Naples National Archaeological Museum to see some of the best-preserved Roman artifacts in the world.

Moreover, the historic center of Naples is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the city is dotted with beautiful churches and palaces. And did we mention the pizza? Trust us; it’s worth the trip just for a slice (or two or three).

10. Verona – The City of the Beloved Romeo & Juliet

Verona is a romantic city in northern Italy that will make you feel like you’re in the middle of a Shakespearean play! As the setting of Romeo and Juliet, Verona is full of romantic charm and tragic history.

You can visit Juliet’s balcony and leave a love note on the wall, or stroll through the winding streets of the historic center, taking in the beautiful architecture and charming piazzas, including the Roman Arena and the Piazza delle Erbe.

Verona is also home to the third-largest Roman arena in Italy, where you can catch an opera or concert during the summer months. And don’t forget to try the local wine, Valpolicella, while you’re there!

11. Pisa – The Leaning Tower

Pisa is a city known for one thing above all else: the Leaning Tower! But there’s much more to this Tuscan gem than just a tilting bell tower. It’s home to the stunning Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the Pisa Baptistery, both with intricate marble work and beautiful frescoes.

Moreover, the Piazza dei Miracoli, or Square of Miracles, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see for any visitor to the city.

Beyond the Square of Miracles, Pisa is also a university town, which means there’s a lively student scene and plenty of great food and drink options. So come for the tower; stay for everything else!

12. Turin – Baroque Architecture & Chocolate

Turin is a city located in northern Italy that will indulge both your sweet tooth and your love for Baroque architecture! The city’s historic center has stunning buildings, including the Royal Palace of Turin and the Palazzo Madama.

But Turin is perhaps best known for its chocolate – it’s the birthplace of gianduja, a delicious chocolate hazelnut spread, and home to many artisanal chocolate shops. You can even visit the chocolate shops and cafes on the city’s famous chocolate street, Via Giuseppe Garibaldi.

And if you’re a fan of the aperitivo (a pre-meal drink), Turin is the perfect place to enjoy a pre-dinner drink and some delicious snacks. 

13. Sorrento – Citrus Groves & Coastal Charm

Sorrento is a charming coastal town located on the Sorrentine Peninsula. It will have you feeling like you’re in a lemon-scented dream! Fragrant citrus groves surround the city, and the scent of lemon and orange blossoms fills the air.

Sorrento is also home to stunning coastal views and charming architecture. The historic center is full of narrow streets and alleyways, lined with shops selling local crafts and souvenirs.

Moreover, the town square, Piazza Tasso, is a hub of activity day and night. And, of course, you can’t miss out on trying limoncello, the local lemon liqueur!

14. Milan – Fashion & Culture

Milan is a cosmopolitan city that’s all about fashion and culture! It’s one of the world’s fashion capitals, with designer shops and luxury boutiques lining the streets.

It’s also home to incredible art and architecture. You can visit the iconic Cathedral of Milan and see Da Vinci’s Last Supper at the Santa Maria delle Grazie. Moreover, the Duomo, Milan’s cathedral, is a stunning example of Gothic architecture, and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a beautiful shopping arcade, is a work of art in itself. 

Milan also has some of Italy’s most famous museums, like the Pinacoteca di Brera and the Museo del Novecento. And don’t forget to try some of Milan’s renowned cuisine, like risotto alla Milanese and panettone!

15. Alberobella – The Beautiful Trulli Houses

Alberobello is a city unlike any other! It’s known for its unique Trulli houses, small, white, cone-shaped buildings made from local limestone. The historic center of Alberobello is a UNESCO World Heritage and full of these preserved, charming houses, some of which date back to the 14th century.

Walking through the winding streets feels like stepping back in time. And beyond the Trulli, Alberobello is also surrounded by beautiful countryside, with rolling hills and olive groves. It’s the perfect place to escape city life’s hustle and bustle and soak in Puglia’s simple beauty.

Moreover, you can visit the nearby Caves of Castellana for an out-of-the-world experience!

Well, there you have it! Fifteen unique places in Italy you absolutely must visit this year. From Venice’s winding canals to Turin’s Baroque architecture, Italy is a country full of surprises and delights.

Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or a lover of all things beautiful, Italy has something for everyone.

So why not start planning your Italian adventure today? Pack your bags, book your tickets, and prepare for the experience of a lifetime ! And don’t forget to indulge in all the gelato, pasta, and wine Italy has to offer – after all, you’re on vacation!

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30 Unique Things to Do in Italy in 2024

02/02/2024 by Guest Blogger Leave a Comment

This is a guest post by Abigail Dalton .

Italy’s on everyone’s bucket list — and for good reason. But with so many places and activities to enjoy, where do you start?

If you’re looking for the best things to do in Italy, you’ve hit the jackpot here. Between myself, Kristin, and Ashley, we’ve explored Italy extensively, both solo and with company, and we feel confident that these top 30 things to do in Italy are going to blow your mind:    

Table of Contents

1. Three-Island-Hopping in Lake Maggiore 

You might have already heard of Lake Como, which became famous as a popular film shooting location, but its sister lake to the east is just as magnificent and a favorite of ours.

While exploring the lake, we visited the three Borromean Islands. These are open to the public and host exciting opportunities, such as the enchanting botanical gardens, the Borromean Palace, market stalls, and plenty of restaurants to fill your tummies along winding cobbled streets. 

The best way to do this is to purchase a hop-on-hop-off boat ticket for €15, which will allow you to spend the whole day visiting the islands at your own pace. There are a few towns where you can grab the boat, but the best is Stresa. 

Keep in mind that there is an entrance fee at two of the islands: Isola Madre (€17) and Isola Bella (€20). Isola Pescatori houses the market stalls and restaurants and is free to enter. 

2. Visit the Gardens of Villa Taranto in Verbania

North of the Borromean Islands is the scenic town of Verbania, whose best part is the Gardens of Villa Taranto .

We love botanical gardens and have visited our fair share throughout the years, including famous ones like Singapore’s Botanical Gardens , but the Gardens of Villa Taranto are our favorites above all others. 

Set against the Alps and immaculately maintained throughout all seasons, the gardens, created by a Scottish sea captain Neil McEacharn in 1931, are a fantastic blend of passion and botanical mastery, with an easy-to-follow route. They cost €13 to enter.

There is also a small café for refreshments set near a small pond — but make sure you take mosquito spray, as we got quite a few bites sitting there!

3. Explore Orta San Giulio and the Island Monastery

Located on the southern fringes of Lake Orta is this charming historic town, with two focal points: Isola San Giulio and Sacro Monte di Orta. 

The Sacred Mountain (Sacro Monte) complex includes numerous chapels and a sanctuary, containing religious art beginning from the late 16th century and continuing over several centuries.

Isola San Giulio, on the other hand, is a quaint island, one we highly recommend visiting. From the Piazza Motta, you can jump on a boat for €5 to take you to the teeny island, which houses the Basilica di San Giulio, founded in the fourth century. The town’s tranquil atmosphere and the basilica’s historical and spiritual importance make it a captivating destination that’s perfect for a day trip if you’re visiting the nearby lakes. 

You’ll only need 40 minutes to explore the island. Spend the rest of your time wandering through the town, grab a bite at Al Boeuc Restaurant, and enjoy a scenic walk along the lake.

4. Hike Lys Glacier in the Valsesia Valley

The breathtaking Valsesia Valley, located in the ​​Piedmont region in northern Italy, is a true gem nestled in the Alps.

From here you can embark on a hike to the famous Ghiacciaio del Lys (Lys Glacier) on the Monte Rosa massif, the second-highest mountain range in the Alps. This glacier is accessible from the Capanna Gnifetti (Gnifetti Hut), a popular base for mountaineers and hikers exploring the region. 

If you don’t fancy the full hike, multiple marked trails take you into the mountains from Alagna Valsesia. We walked along the river to White Waterfall before continuing along the path until Refugio Pastore, which in total was around six hours of beautiful hiking.

5. See Sacro Monte UNESCO Site in Varallo

At the base of the Valsesia Valley is the town of Varallo, home to another fantastic attraction. Sacro Monte is adorned with 45 chapels, each housing life-sized sculptures and frescoes depicting scenes from the life of Christ, together creating a spiritual and visually captivating pilgrimage site.

It’s possible to catch a cable car (€5) to the top of the sacred mountain, but you can also walk: it should only take you around 20 minutes.

As for Varallo itself, it’s got a wonderful mix of history, culture, and alpine beauty. You’ll notice the Sesia River running along the town’s edge, and Torrente Mastallone through its heart. There is a small beach area accessible via a metal staircase, perfect for skimming stones and dipping hot feet into the cool, aquamarine water.

The town is filled with beautiful boutique shopping and delicious eateries, including a small pizzeria, Ristorante Grotta Azzurra. Opposite you will find Gambrinus Pub, which has a lively atmosphere. Further down the street is Frigidarium, an ice cream shop serving a delicious pistachio flavor.

READ NEXT: A Comprehensive Guide to Italy

6. See Cinque Terre’s Five UNESCO Villages

Cinque Terre is a stunning location that has drawn visitors in for years. ​​It consists of five picturesque, pastel-colored villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore, all nestled along the rugged coastline. The national park is also well known for its stunning landscapes and hiking trails, which offer breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.

For us, the village of Corniglia was our favorite, but we also enjoyed Monterosso al Mare. It’s possible to catch a train between the villages; however, most tourists opt to hike along the coastal path, known as the Blue Route, which links them.

That said, I would urge you to experience Cinque Terre National Park via the High Mountain Path (see the next entry).

7. Hike the High Mountain Path in Cinque Terre

The High Mountain Path, also known as the Red Route, runs from Riomaggiore to Portovenere. It’s a stunning route that takes you above the villages and through the heart of the national park.

I wouldn’t advise this route if you want to visit the villages, though, as reaching them will be a tremendous effort — you are very high and they are very low — but for a purely scenic hike, this is one of the best activities in Italy.

Portvenere also deserves a mention. It’s a less busy village than the five UNESCO sites, and in all honesty, we enjoyed it more than most of the villages. It’s got a quirky charm and would make a great base for exploring Cinque Terre!

8. Relax at Marina di Bibbona’s Neverending Beach

Why visit Marina di Bibbona’s Neverending Beach? For starters, it’s easily accessible, which is uncharacteristic of the Italian beaches we experienced, and runs for miles along the coast. The sunset was directly over the water, the sand was soft (not pebbled), and with hardly any tourists about in early October, we felt like we were in a dream. 

If you love a natural beach and are looking for somewhere that attracts more local tourism, Marina di Bibbona could be for you. 

9. Explore Monte Argentario

We spent 10 days moving around the island of Monte Argentario to experience the various beaches: La Cacciarella, Caletta dell’amore, Cala del Gesso, Cala Piccola, Le Cannelle, La Acqua Dolce, and Feniglia. ( I would recommend Feniglia.)

For the most part, they are wonderfully remote, cozy, pebble-lined beaches with clear turquoise waters shadowed by rugged cliffs, and not a soul to be seen.

One important thing to note is that the beaches are not easy to access and require hiking along narrow and overgrown rugged paths from the island’s main circular road. If hiking isn’t your thing, there are a handful of other beaches in the area that are easier to reach, such as Marina di Bibbona (mentioned above).

10. Brunch with Super Yachts in Porto Santo Stefano

In between all that beach-hopping, you might be interested in exploring one of the nearby towns on Monte Argentario. A good option is Porto Santo Stefano.

The coastal gem is home to pastel-hued buildings and panoramic sea views. It’s a charming town, perfect for brunching among the super yachts gracing its vibrant harbour.

There are also a handful of interesting attractions, such as the historic Fortress of Porto Santo Stefano overlooking the town and island excursions to either Giglio or Giannutri.

11. Relax at the Cascate del Mulino Natural Hot Springs

Surrounded by the Tuscan countryside and reaching over 37°C, the thermal pools here provide an unforgettable and rejuvenating experience.

Roadside parking costs €3.5 per hour; a rented locker should you need one is €5. There’s a small café nearby that offers showers for €2. Otherwise it’s just you and nature, baby!

12. Drive around Medieval Villages in the Chianti Valley

The scenic landscape of Tuscany was one of the most memorable parts of our Italy road trip. If you can do it, we think the best way to explore the area is by car, hopping around the medieval villages at your own pace. 

Specifically, with its rustic beauty, cypress-lined roads, and stone-built hamlets, you’ll be transported to a bygone era of simplicity in the Chianti Valley, which we absolutely loved. There are countless places to visit there, but a handful of our favorites include San Gusme, Gaiole in Chianti, Panzano in Chianti, Greve in Chianti, and Montefioralle.

Keep in mind that during the low season, most shops close around lunchtime and won’t reopen until 2 or 3pm. With cafés and restaurants in smaller villages likely to be closed all day (except for restaurants opening for a few hours in the evening), you’ll need to plan your trip well. On Sundays and Mondays mostly everything will be closed.

13. See the Gladiator Film Location in Pienza

Before we venture further into the Chianti Valley, I wanted to share Pienza with you. In my mind, it’s the best place in Italy for awe-inspiring sunsets and just so happens to be one of the shooting locations for the hit film Gladiator .

That aside, Pienza is a dreamy haven of Renaissance beauty. It’s centered around an old town, which is walled in and filled with slender, cobbled lanes and honey-colored buildings; the village is also renowned for its pecorino cheese and captivating architecture.

14. Marvel at Brolio Castle and Vineyards

This castle has witnessed centuries of history and restoration, including battles and the Renaissance. Inside, you’ll find a beautifully designed chapel and grounds to walk around. It costs €7 to enter the inner walls of the castle and explore the gardens, which includes a wine tasting. It’s also possible to take a variety of guided tours depending on your interests.

Although the main buildings are closed to the public, as it continues to be used as the Ricasoli family residence, the views from the castle are breathtaking. From the terrace, you’ll be able to see the vineyards, which take up 240 hectares, plus 26 olive groves.

15. Climb Torre Grossa Tower in San Gimignano

The skyline of San Gimignano is punctuated by imposing towers, giving it a unique and breathtaking charm. The towers were initially constructed by wealthy families as status symbols, showcasing their power, wealth, and influence. The taller the tower, the more wealth you had!

Torre Grossa Tower is the tallest in town, offering breathtaking panoramic views overlooking the medieval architecture and Tuscan landscape below. 

The towers aren’t the only attractions in San Gimignano. Other activities include visiting the Torture Museum and Archaeological Museum. You could also visit the Duomo (cathedral) and the Sacred Art Museum alongside the St. Lawrence Church.

I recommend purchasing the San Gimignano Pass , which is a combined ticket valid for two days, for €16.50, which includes all the civic museums, the Duomo, the Sacred Art Museum, and St. Lawrence Church.

It’s also possible to join group, walking, and countryside tours that focus on the history of the town; you can even go on a wine-tasting tour .

16. Indulge in Delicious Italian Gelato

Gelato is churned at a slower speed than ice cream, making it denser and silkier. It’s also served at a slightly warmer temperature, giving it that fantastic creamy texture. It also has a lower butterfat content, so the taste is not quite as rich.

To tell the difference when you’re out on the streets, you’ll have to look for shops that sell their gelato in metal containers set within the tables — this keeps it at a regular temperature. You will also only get natural flavors, so no crazy deep blue concoctions, I’m afraid!

Head to Gelateria Dondoli in the center of town and pick up your naughty treat. The flavors, such as cream with saffron and pine nuts or pink grapefruit and sparkling wine, are what sets this gelateria apart from others. 

17. Go Boutique and Art Shopping in Siena

If you’re looking for a place to go shopping in central Italy, this is it. 

The city in the heart of the Chianti region has a fantastic shopping and artsy vibe. In its core, you’ll find streets lined with boutique shops offering everything from local designs to stylish Italian fashion. You’ll also notice Siena’s bubbling vibrant art scene, showcasing classic masterpieces and contemporary creations. 

We stopped by an independent jeweler, where we met a lovely designer called Alessandro, who crafted beautiful pieces. We got to chatting and learned all about his craft and passion for the process. If you’re on the hunt for some unique pieces, be sure to check out Alvian_Sculpt_Jewels .

18. Indulge in a Tuscan Wine-Tasting Experience

If you drink, there is no way you can visit Italy without indulging in a wine-tasting extravaganza. The country is famous for it, among other things, and wine tastings while visiting vineyards is the epitome of experiencing Italian culture.

Throughout Italy, you’ll have ample opportunity to join tastings, but Tuscany, with its green hills and picturesque vineyards, stands out as one of the best places to embark on your vinous adventure.

Here are a selection of highly rated tours we recommend checking out:

• From Florence: Tuscany Wine & Food Tour with Guide
• From Siena: Educational Wine Tour & Tasting
• From San Gimignano: Wine-Tasting Experience

19. Go Truffle Hunt in Tuscany

Another popular thing to do in Italy is truffle hunting, and just like a wine-tasting experience, no Italian adventure is complete without the earthy charm of truffles. Did you know that these fungi are sniffed out by specially trained dogs in orchards? It’s an incredible process between nature, dogs, and truffle hunters.

You’ll encounter ample opportunities to embark on truffle-hunting escapades. However, if you’re seeking the crème de la crème of such an experience in Tuscany, head to San Miniato, famous for its white truffles. 

Most excursions will include foraging, a meal, and local wines. Below are my three recommendations for you:

• From San Miniato: Truffle Hunting Experience with Lunch
• From Asissi: Truffle Hunt & Bio Lunch
• From Florence: Truffle Hunting in Tuscany with Lunch

That said, it’s outside of Tuscany, in the regions of Piedmont and Umbria where you’ll find the best truffles. If you fancy a bit of an adventure, these are havens for truffle enthusiasts, offering amazing experiences in places like Alba and Assisi.

20. Climb The Duomo in Florence

The Duomo , officially known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, is a stunning feat of Renaissance architecture and a truly superb symbol of Florence’s artistic and historical grandeur . It’s got an epic dome, designed by Brunelleschi, and a façade adorned with intricate marble.

You can simply walk around the plaza for free, but I would suggest purchasing tickets to climb the Dome or Bell Tower and to enter the cathedral.

Here are your ticket options:

• Brunelleschi Pass for €30 – all access for 3 days
• Giotto Pass for €20 – all access (excluding Dome) for 3 days
• Ghiberti Pass for €15 – all access (excluding Dome and Bell Tower) for 3 days

21. Join an Italian Street Food Tour

The best way to discover the hidden gems of Florence is on a city tour, and the best type, in my opinion, always contains food. So when we were looking for the optimal way to explore the back streets of Florence, we decided that an Italian street food tour with a local guide would be a good bet.

As far as tours go, we enjoyed this one the most! We were introduced to a variety of delicacies, including homemade ragu pasta and breaded tomato soup, salami sandwiches, gelato, “cuddles” (a sort of small breakfast bun), biscuits dipped in sweet wine, and olive oil and balsamic tastings, among others.

22. Take A Day Trip From Florence to Pisa

Some people say it’s not worth visiting Pisa, as it’s a tourist trap, but we actually had a lovely time wandering around there. We visited the iconic Leaning Tower, of course, but also enjoyed strolling around the Piazza dei Miracoli, the complex in which it sits, before exploring the city’s side streets. 

Did you know that the Leaning Tower wasn’t always leaning? It started to tilt during construction due to the soft foundation soil. Over the centuries, engineers and architects have worked to stabilize and correct its lean so it doesn’t collapse!

I would recommend you wander around the town as well, maybe after enjoying a fantastic pizza at Quarto D’ora Italiano. Stroll along the Arno River and visit Pisa’s Cathedral and the Camposanto Monumentale, an ancient cemetery, before returning to Florence.

23. Rent a Fiat 500 and Explore the Italian Riviera

The Italian Riviera doesn’t get nearly as many mentions as it should, but I’m here to tell you that it’s amazing. It’s an area nestled between the Ligurian Sea and the lush hills and is filled, much like Cinque Terre, with picturesque villages and pastel-colored buildings hugging the shoreline. 

The best way to explore is by car, as you’ll get the freedom to move around at your own pace. And what better way than in a Fiat 500? Flagged as the iconic Italian car, it has a certain charm and retro style that has become a symbol of the nation’s motoring culture. 

Portofino, a real gem along the Riviera, is a picturesque fishing village filled with sophistication and charm. Some other popular spots include Santa Margherita Ligure, Sanremo, and Camogli.

24. Walk to the Hilltop of Sanremo

Sanremo is a superb little town renowned for its blend of glamour and tranquillity. Famous for the annual Sanremo Music Festival, it boasts an elegant casino, Belle Epoque architecture, and a delightful seafront promenade. 

Head for Panorama Galilei, an observation area at the very top of Sanremo. Here you will find panoramic views of the sparkling Ligurian Sea and the charming rooftops of the town below.

To reach this location, walk through the old town, better known as La Pigna. This historic quarter has a unique character marked by a medieval layout of narrow, winding streets and towering, squashed buildings, creating an unusual and atmospheric experience.

At times, that area did come across as a little dangerous, and is not somewhere I would recommend visiting after dark or early morning. However, don’t let that put you off — it is certainly an interesting place to wander around during the day. 

25. Wander the Cobbled Streets of Dolceacqua

Dolceacqua is a hidden gem and captivating medieval village with a fairy-tale charm, famous for its ancient stone bridge and the historic Castle of Doria, dating back to the 12th century.

For €6, it’s possible to explore inside its ancient walls, climb its towers for panoramic views, and delve into the rich history that echoes through the castle’s courtyards and stone passageways.

Walking around the town’s alleyways is a fun experience too. They are much lighter and better maintained than Sanremo’s, making them feel safer and less daunting.

If you’re into art, here’s an interesting fact: the famous artist Claude Monet painted The Castle of Dolceacqua in 1884, portraying the stone bridge and castle. You’ll notice his style being replicated in the art shops here.

We enjoyed our pizza at La Dolcevita Bar Pizzeria before popping into Tornatore Ivo to try the local olive oil and wines. Finish your day by soaking in the romantic ambience of this timeless Italian gem of a town.

26. Hike the Path of the Gods in Amalfi Coast

Sure, you can eat your weight in pasta and gelato in Italy. But if you want to balance that with a good sweat, the Path of the Gods hike on the Amalfi Coast is a must. The trail is only about four miles long, taking about 2-2.5 hours to complete in each direction. For the best views, do the hike from east to west, starting in Bomerano and ending in Nocelle. Plus, the hike is slightly downhill in this direction, so it’s a bit easier.

Here’s a complete guide to the Path of the Gods hike, including how to get to the trail, the best lookout spots, and where to stay.

27. Visit St. Mark’s Square at Sunrise in Venice

No trip to Venice is complete without catching a sunrise at St. Mark’s Square (aka Piazza San Marco). Why? Three of the most iconic buildings in Venice are located here: the Doge’s Palace, Torre dell’Orlogio, and St. Mark Basilica. These can get crowded during the day, so seeing them cast with shades of orange and yellow at sunrise is a great way to admire their beauty before the madness of the day begins.

This is just one of the many incredible things to do in Venice . Don’t miss it!

28. Join a City Walking Tour in Milan

Milan may be the fashion capital of Italy, but that might be the least interesting thing about this centuries-old city! There’s a lot of ground to cover here , and it can be overwhelming to try to see everything. That’s why a city tour is a fabulous option for ambitious travelers who want to get the most out of Milan.

This Milanese immersive walking tour is a dream because it includes places where locals hang out and some areas that aren’t so touristy. If you want a more traditional tour, with all the Milan must-sees, here are a few more:

• Milan: Gorla and Navigli Neighborhood Guided Walking Tour
• Discover Milan 3-Hour Guided Bike Ride
• Milan: Grand City Highlights E-Bike Tour

29. Hike through the Dolomites in South Tyrol

You wouldn’t visit Switzerland without hiking through the Alps, so you shouldn’t go to Italy without experiencing the Dolomites. I don’t make the rules! There is so much to love about South Tyrol during any season, so it’s a worthy stop year-round. Find out how to make the most out of your visit here .

30. Scale the Dolomites “Via Ferrata” 

Last but not least, adventurous travelers will love scaling boulders at Via Ferrata. Not only can you get your adrenaline pumping in the Dolomites this way, but you’ll enjoy incredible views the entire time. While some travelers to Italy stick to Rome, Lake Como, or the coast, others yearn for a more daring experience. This is it! Here’s everything you need to know about rock climbing in the Dolomites .

I hope you have the best time in Italy. Happy travels!

About the author: Abigail Dalton is the travel writer behind I’m Going on an Adventure . She focuses on world travel and outdoor adventure, relating firsthand experiences to help her readers plan their perfect travel and make the best memories.  

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20 Super Unusual Places In Italy The Locals Don't Want Tourists To Flock To

Italy is an entire Southern European country full to the brim with rich history, friendly locals, and spectacular geographical gems.

If you've been to Italy, you've probably been to Rome. It's got most of the sites and attractions that come to mind when people even THINK of Italy: the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Forum, Saint Peter's Basilica. The city's cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and Renaissance-era fountains are (literally) what romance is made of.

The beauty of Rome has inspired many a cinematic love story, from Audrey Hepburn's  Roman Holiday  to the recently released  Little Italy  starring Emma Roberts and Hayden Christensen. It's a place that's both ancient and timeless, with stunning treasures around every corner. We almost forgive travelers for believing that it's the one Italian destination they must see. Almost.

Italy is an entire Southern European country full to the brim with rich history, friendly locals, and spectacular geographical gems. Some of the most worthwhile destinations to visit are not even close to Rome, with completely different cultural vibes. We're not just talking about other major cities, either. Venice and Pisa have their own world-famous sites to see, but we're interested in giving you some spectacular experiences that are further off the beaten path.

To the tip of this boot-shaped country's heel and beyond, we've gathered up 20 of the most underrated places Italy has to share with intrepid travelers like you. Think you've seen it all in Italy? For truly unique travel experiences, one-of-a-kind photo ops, and chances to interact with authentic local Italian communities, read on.

Here are 20 unmissable, underrated, and largely unknown Italian destinations for you to explore:

20 20. Stromboli Island in Sicily

Northeast of the coast of Sicily you'll find the misty and mysterious Aeolian Islands. Think of this region as Italy's version of Great Britain's Isle of Skye. It's inspired awe and wonder (and sometimes, legends and myths) for centuries. Today, you can visit the region to admire Stromboli.

Stromboli is an island with an active volcano, surrounded by crystal clear sea that travelers can dive into for snorkeling and scuba diving. It's a welcome change from the crowds, hustle, and bustle of Italy's capital city. Who wouldn't want to take a trip out to the Aeolian Islands to watch molten lava slide into the sea? It's a sight that you'll never forget.

19 19. Portovenere in Liguria

Did you think Italy was all stone buildings and castle ruins? You'd be very wrong if you had. This town is a great example of a colorful Italian seaside village community. Portovenere sits at the bank of Italy's " Bay of Poets " - a destination that's just as magical as it sounds.

The Bay of Poets is so called because its beauty and serenity have inspired writers and artists for decades. Mary Shelly, Lord Byron, Oreste Carpi, and even Dante have all taken inspiration from this beautiful body of water. Enjoy it from the quaint streets of Portovenere, preferably with a cone of gelato in hand.

18 18. Pyramids of Zone in Cislano

They look man-made, kind of like the Inuksuit rock formations of Canada's First Nations people. What makes these formations worth visiting is precisely the fact that they aren't man-made at all. The Pyramids of Zone are products of nature, resulting from centuries of rock erosion and clay deposit patterns.

These pyramids are also known as tent rocks, hoodos, erosion pyramids, or (our personal favorite name) fairy chimneys. Over time, wind and water in this clay reservoir have washed away layers of clay around the ones held down by boulders. Now the boulders look so surreal perched atop the spindly clay towers that it's easy to see why some people would believe these pyramids had something to do with fairies.

17 17. Universita di Bologna

Not only is Bologna the “food capital of Italy” but it’s also home to the oldest university in Europe. This is the closest you will get to Hogwarts outside of Universal Studios .

It was first founded  in the 11th century. We're currently living in the 21st century. If math isn't your strong suit, we'll clue you in: this university is over 1000 years old. That's older than most Western nations! From the Universita di Bologna came the world's first ever university student guilds and organizations, and the foundations of many modern faculties of study. If you're into history that reaches so far back it enters the legendary territory, this place is a must-see.

16 16. Laglio in Lombardy

From the utmost ancient to the majorly modern, we bring you the small town of Laglio. This place is so chic and pristine that George and Amal Clooney chose it for their summer home destination. You can find it right at the top of Italy's Como province beside Lake Como, which flows right along the knee section of the country's boot shape.

If you visit Laglio hoping to knock on George Clooney's door, beware: the town has bylaws preventing access to the Clooney property. This can work to your advantage, however! Restricted access for fans and paparazzi has allowed this world-class lakeside community to stay quiet and hidden from the public eye.

15 15. Otzi the Iceman in Bolzano

Aside from George Clooney, one man is similarly popular among travelers to Italy's small towns. People in the know make sure to stop in Balzano when they visit Italy so they can sneak a peek at Otzi the Iceman, Europe's oldest preserved human body.

Otzi is projected to be over 5,300 years old and amazingly preserved thanks to very lucky timing and glacial ice. The South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology in Bolzano has a world-class exhibit on what scientists have learned from Otzi. Otzi himself is displayed in the museum along with his fascinating tools and clothes. Don't miss getting the furthest possible glimpse back in time by visiting this miraculous discovery.

14 14. The Tree Cathedral in Bergamo

Unlike most other items on this list, The Tree Cathedral is so new that it isn't even technically complete. If you visit Bergamo, you can see this one-of-a-kind creation in progress. The Tree Cathedral is destined to become one of Italy's most breathtaking places of worship - and that's saying something .

It's a space designed by Italian artist Giuliano Mauri, who is famous for his groundbreaking natural architecture style. He builds things by using natural resources to his own advantage, bending and shaping trees and plants as they grow. His Tree Cathedral uses evergreen saplings as walls, a roof, an entryway, an altar, and windows. You can bet that you (and your Instagram followers) have never seen anything like it.

13 13. Torcello in Veneto

Torcello is located in the same province as the city of Venice, offering travelers a taste of similar culture without the massive crowds of tourists. It also holds a handful of worthwhile attractions that you wouldn't be able to find in Venice, anyway.

Torcello used to be one of the most densely populated islands in the region, but those days are history. They've left behind two artistic churches, quiet village streets, and all the treasures of the Museo Querini Stampalia . This museum's jewel is a mysterious piece by Giovanni Bellini called Presentation of Jesus in the Temple. You'll get closer access to these pieces than you can dream of accessing in busy museums like Rome's Borghese and MAXXI.

12 12. Valle dei Mulini in Sorrento

This valley has been abandoned for just 80 years, but it looks like it belongs to a long-lost civilization. Hiking through the Valle dei Mulini ( Valley of the Mills ) in Italy's Sorrento region is a quick way to see what the world might look like if humans ever go extinct. Spooky? Yes. Intriguing? Definitely.

Valle dei Mulini was once a bustling industrial block where workers and machinery turned wheat into flour and flour products. In the 1940s, flour milling became the work of nearby pasta mills and factories that put these mills out of business. Once the buildings became obsolete, lush greenery took over. This site gives new meaning to the idea of an urban jungle.

11 11. Perugina in Perugia

You can't enjoy Italy without a love of food. Perugia is an Umbrian town that has some of the country's best cuisine - including chocolate. Ever had a Baci? These Italian chocolate kisses are little truffle-type treats topped with one hazelnut apiece. They're cute to look at, delicious to eat, and beloved by Italians the world over.

Perugina is the company that makes the iconic Baci and many more chocolate delicacies. Take time to visit the Perugina factory in Perugia to taste pure chocolaty heaven by the spoonful. Intimate factory tours show you exactly where and how the chocolates are made, giving you plenty of samples along the way! You can even pose with the world's biggest Baci. Adorable.

10 10. Casa di Giulietta in Verona

Never was there a story of more woe than this of Juliet, and her Romeo . We're sure you know it well! You might not know that Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers were inspired by stories told right here in Verona, a truly romantic Italian village.

Visit Verona to explore the Casa di Giulietta , a 14th-century villa that locals believe to have inspired Romeo and Juliet . The villa's exterior is popular with tourists, but it's worth it to pay for entry into the villa itself. Within it, you can walk the halls of a home once belonging to the Cappello family, thought by historians to be the inspiration for Shakespeare's Capulets. Admire Juliet-era clothing, decor, and (of course) that legendary balcony.

9 9. The Bay of Salermo in Ravello

Ravello is a scenic seaside town on a hill that slopes down to the vast and scenic Bay of Salermo. It's off the beaten path for tourists, but it's been favored by high-flying travelers like film stars and politicians for decades. Consider it one of Italy's best kept seaside secrets.

If you want an Amalfi Coast-style experience minus the mega yachts, choose the Bay of Salermo. Aside from the serene waters it's got stunning whitewashed neighborhoods, fresh vineyards, lush lemon and orange groves, and relatively quiet beaches that feel like paradise. We're not surprised that Greta Garbo fell in love on its shores, nor that Gore Vidal called it "the most beautiful place on Earth." See if you agree.

8 8. Gardens of Bomarzo in Northern Lazio

You can probably already tell that this isn't your ordinary renaissance garden. Commissioned by a prince after returning from war, the garden's architect was hired to create a space that reflected deep inner turmoil. The prince had lost his friends in the war, been held for ransom, and returned to find his wife dead, so there was plenty of turmoil to go around.

The architect made it so unusual that it was later a favorite spot of Salvador Dali's. You can now visit the garden to step through and around a wide variety of monstrous sculptures. Be sure to enter the above-pictured " Mouth Of Hell " to find the perfect table and chairs for a little picnic in this bizarre park.

7 7. The Mosaic Festival in Ravenna

When you think of brilliant Italian mosaics, you might think of Florence. That city is home to dozens of spectacular mosaic pieces integrated throughout its famous buildings. It's not the only place worth visiting for this kind of art, however. We recommend you give Ravenna a good look.

The Byzantine mosaics of Ravenna are listed by Unesco as some of the most beautiful historic art in the world. Visit from late June to early September to see them lit up by night! It's impossible not to be dazzled by the Mosaico di Notte Festival . On feast days during the festival, you'll be treated to feasts and fireworks under the stars. Ravenna's mosaic-themed sound and light shows are uniquely unmissable, too.

6 6. Wild Harbor in Puglia

Porto Selvaggio or Wild Harbor is a small coast off southern Puglia that earned its name by being virtually untouched territory until about 30 years ago. Because of its insular kind of local community, the language and customs of Wild Harbor are the same as they were when ancient Greece colonized Italy centuries ago.

The locals still speak the language  Griko , a Greek dialect that comes from that point in history. Although Wild Harbor isn't undiscovered by Italy at large, it still seems set apart from the rest of Puglia in its culture and overall feel. Visit to explore ancient olive groves, gnarled orchards, and a slice of Italy that even Italians don't often see.

5 5. Herculaneum in Campania

Just like Torcello (item 13 on this list) is a savvy traveler's alternative to Venice, Herculaneum is a great alternative to Pompeii. You might be familiar with Pompeii. It's Italy's city in Naples that became famous for a massive eruption from Mount Vesuvius. Tourists visit Pompeii to find a city trapped in time, preserved by ash and lava.

Herculaneum is sometimes referred to as "Pompeii's little sister," located just two hours north of Mount Vesuvius. It attracts many fewer tourists but offers similarly spectacular ashy ruins. This town was also ravaged by volcanic eruptions as early as 79 AD, which leaves it with fascinatingly preserved sculptures, buildings, and cityscapes. Just as cool as Pompeii, without the tourists? Yes, please.

4 4. The Palio Horse Races in Siena

Twice every summer, the gorgeous Italian region of Siena hosts a Palio horse race. Not a horse person? It doesn't matter. The festivals that surround these horse races are immense, vibrant, and often overlooked by even the most informed travelers. You'll want to be there to witness Siena's local pride and history come to life in all its glory.

There are medieval parades with ornate costumes, banners, era-specific musical entertainment, and street parties that feel like next-level renaissance fairs. Everything culminates in piazzas filled with authentic Gothic and Renaissance-era art, history, and even food. For a step back into Italy that Rome's Colosseum can only hint at, visit Palio in the summertime and let history come to you.

3 3. The Matera Sassi in Basilicata

Unesco describes the Sassi of Matera - the staggering cluster of partial cave dwellings in Italy - as "the most outstanding example of a troglodyte settlement in the Mediterranean." That means that your trip to this part of the world wouldn't be complete without a visit to this crowning jewel of ancient Mediterranean living.

It was once a honeycomb of homes that used the caves of Matera's mountain as some of their walls and roofs, but it was completely cleared out in the 1960s. Now the community is back with a bang, opening museums, cafes, gourmet restaurants, and more. You can actually find five-star hotels built into the rock! Enjoy the views, espresso, and undeniable photogenic qualities of the Sassi.

2 2. The Sunken City of Baia in Napoli

Have you heard of Baia? It was the Las Vegas of ancient times, attracting people from far and wide to its state-of-the-art baths and nightlife spaces. Powerful icons of ancient times were known to frequent Baia, from Nero to Cicero to Julius Caesar. If you want to walk in their footsteps now, however, you'll need some scuba gear.

Because of Baia's location over natural volcanic vents, its water level slowly rose to swallow its once majestic buildings. Saracens sacked it by 1500, but some meaningful relics still remain under its waters to this day. Take time to visit Baia for an unparalleled perspective on antiquity. You'll feel like it's been frozen in time! It's truly like no other place.

1 1. Monti Della Laga in Abruzzo

For our number one not-in-Rome, completely underrated Italian destination, we had to take you somewhere that showcases the literal peak of Italy's natural beauty. For all the history and culture this country has preserved to share with its visitors, nothing can beat the natural wonders that make your jaw drop without costing you a dime.

That's the case for Monti Della Laga ; remote and beautiful mountains along the Umbrian border, unvisited even by most Italians. Rarely disturbed by tourists, these mountains are still home to immense peaks, soft shaggy parks, and wildlife like the wolves and bears of Italian legends. There are small villages too, so you'll never be too far from a mountaintop espresso. Is there anything more divine?

References: Britannica.com, ItalyMagazine.com, Iceman.it, TripAdvisor.ca, DiscoverTuscany.com

I've lived in Italy for a decade. Here are the hidden-gem locations you've been missing

• As a child, I traveled around Italy on family vacations and now live in the northern Veneto region.
• Over the years, I've made a conscious effort to explore the less-crowded areas of the country.
• Some of my favorite hidden gems include places like Lake Iseo, Urbino, and Alba.

In recent years, over-tourism has forced Venice to introduce a daytripper fee to combat congestion on some of the city's busiest days, and Sardinia has introduced a reservation system for some of its most popular beaches.

That said, there's never been a better time to scratch off the obvious destinations from your Italy itinerary and take a chance on a place that isn't in the guidebooks.

I've been traveling the country since childhood, initially with my parents on family vacations , and then as a resident of the northern Veneto region as a journalist.

Over the past few years, I've made a conscious effort to go where the crowds don't. Here are my recommendations if you're looking to experience Italy's culture, nature, and food without the hassle of large crowds.

The Basilicata region is filled with unique treasures.

Occupying the arch of Italy's boot, Basilicata has never been a region of prosperity or fame. However, one place you may have seen on standard tourist itineraries is Matera.

Matera is filled with caves where inhabitants lived in poverty until the 1950s . Now, however, visitors can duck into rock-hewn churches and sleep in five-star cave hotels. You may have even spotted the city in the James Bond movie "No Time to Die."

The rest of the Basilicata region shouldn't be overlooked either. It's peppered with treasures from the village of Castelmezzano — which clings to jagged rock face — to the Maratea coastline with black beaches and summery villages.

Although it's known as the region that "doesn't exist," Molise has a lot to offer.

Ironically, Molise is best known as the region that " doesn't exist " — an phrase stemming from the fact that even Italians struggle to pinpoint it on a map or name more than one of its cities.

The region lies on Italy's eastern coastline just north of Puglia. Its capital, Campobasso, is crowned by the mountaintop Monforte Castle.

My favorite city in the region, however, is coastal Termoli, with pastel-painted houses inside ancient walls, a honey-hued cathedral, and a Belvedere Tower with pretty views of the harbor.

Don't miss out on the restaurants serving the famed brodetto alla termolese, a rich tomato and pepper-based seafood soup that originated in Termoli .

Skip crowded Lake Como and check out Lake Iseo instead.

With flashy Lake Como to one side and sun-drenched Lake Garda to the other, it's not surprising that Lake Iseo gets overlooked. However, the over 15-mile-long body of water has its fair share of elegant, flower-adorned villages and waterside promenades.

I recommend taking a ferry to car-free Monte Isola, which is known as the biggest lake island in Europe .

Once there, visitors can rent bikes and peddle around the nature-rich perimeter of the island, or hike up the path to the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Ceriola on the island's mountain summit.

Urbino was a center for art and learning in the Renaissance Era.

Urbino is a walled city in the central Marche region of Italy. The city was a hotbed of learning and art during the Renaissance Era under the rule of Federico da Montefeltro.

A highlight of Urbino is the monumental 15th-century building called Palazzo Ducale, which is now known as the National Gallery of the Marche.

Travelers can visit the complex and wander the cavernous rooms displaying paintings by artists like Raphael, who was born in the city.

Alba is known for great food, wine, and shopping.

Alba is the elegant, upscale capital of Piedmont's Le Langhe , a hilly zone draped with vineyards and wineries.

Before slipping into a post-lunch food coma at one of the many restaurants, wander the pristine city, and window shop at its high-end stores.

Then, head to stylish bars that offer a range of stellar local wines, including potent reds like Barolo and Barbaresco.

Alba is also known for producing the white truffle , which is hunted by experts and their sharp-nosed dogs. Each year, Alba's International White Truffle Fair showcases and celebrates the prized tuber.

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29 Unusual Things to Do in Rome to Escape the Crowds

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Rome’s Colosseum, Sistine Chapel and Pantheon are all extraordinary creations, but there’s more to Rome than the tourist attractions.

If you only visit the major sites, you’ll spend more time fighting through tour groups than enjoying the atmosphere of the city.

Luckily there’s so much incredible art and history in Rome that it’s easy to escape the crowds by getting off the beaten path and visiting less well-known attractions.

Below I share our favourite unusual things to do in Rome divided by area so you can plan your time efficiently.

In each section, I have included our favourite places to eat and suggested places to stay in the neighbourhood.

For those of you who prefer to explore with a guide, I have included tours where relevant.

You’ll also find a map at the bottom of the post with all these alternative Rome attractions.

Our Top Picks: Unique Things to Do in Rome

Historic centre, colosseum area, aventine hill, trastevere and monteverde, other areas of rome, map of unusual things to do in rome, rome books to read, can i really get off the beaten track in rome, more rome tips.

If you have limited time, here are our favourite unique things to do in Rome:

• Outdoors : Appian Way
• Art Gallery : Palazzo Doria Pamphilj
• Roman Ruin : Baths of Caracalla (with VR headset)
• Church : Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls

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The Centro Storico or historic centre is the heart of Rome and where you’ll find many of the famous piazzas, fountains, and churches.

The popular sights get very busy but avoiding the tour groups is possible with these alternative things to do in Rome.

1) Early Morning Walk

My number one tip to escape the crowds in Rome is to get up early.

The historic centre is stunning and you won’t want to miss it, but the crowds and traffic can be stressful.

At 7 am though, especially on a Sunday, you’ll have it almost to yourself and can really enjoy the beauty.

Start with the Trevi Fountain as it’s the most crowded spot.

There were already 50 people at the famous fountain when we arrived at 7.15am, but there was space to sit and take selfies whereas later in the day it is swarming with hundreds of people.

Continue your walk past the Pantheon (it doesn’t open until 9 am on Sundays) to my favourite square, Piazza Navona , where you can admire the gorgeous fountains without anyone else around.

From here wander to the market square of Campo de Fiori and head down a side street just off it to seek out Arco degli Acetari , a hidden courtyard of picturesque houses.

If you are feeling hungry by now, walk down Via dei Giubbonari , past the cute little piazza Largo dei Librari , to Via dei Chiavari where you can buy freshly baked pizza bianca from Antico Forno Roscioli (it opens at 8.30am on Sundays, 7 am on weekdays).

By now most Rome attractions and museums will be opening so you can visit one of those or continue to wander.

Suggested Tours: This Rome Sightseeing at Sunrise Walking Tour includes all the highlights in small groups (maximum of six people).

2) Teatro Marcello

Teatro Marcello isn’t on most people’s must-visit lists, which makes it all the more surprising when you stumble upon it as we did.

The beauty of Rome is that incredible ruins are everywhere—you’ll find ancient history at every turn.

First-time visitors may mistake Teatro Marcello for the Colosseum .

It was originally a 20,000-seat Roman amphitheater completed in 12 BC, but in the 16th century a palazzo, which now contains exclusive apartments, was built on top. It’s interesting to see the layers of history.

It’s never very busy and you can walk through the crumbling blocks and columns next to it for free. There are also summer concerts here. 

Suggested Tours: This Off the Beaten Path 3.5 Hour Walking Tour in Rome includes Teatro Marcello as well as some of the places below ( Appian Way , Testaccio Market ).  

3) Palazzo Doria Pamphilj

Palazzo Doria Pamphilj is a grand private family palace dating back to the 1600s when a member of the family, Innocent X, was pope.

The magnificent rooms are covered in paintings as they were back then and the ceilings are decorated with frescoes.

The collection includes paintings by master artists such as Caravaggio, Caracci, and Velaquez, as well as a Bernini statue of Pope Innocent.

The extravagant Gallery of the Mirrors is similar to the one at Versailles.

The museum doesn’t get busy and their audio guide (included in the price) is excellent.

We visited the museum on a music tour with Roma Opera Omnia which interspersed music performances with discussions of the art.

It was magical to hear an incredible soprano and Baroque guitarist perform in rooms such as the ballroom where the Pamphilj family’s guests would have danced to similar music hundreds of years ago. It’s one of the most memorable and unique things to do in Rome.

D etails: Palazzo Doria Pamphilj is at Via del Corso, 305. Entrance including an audio guide is €14 adults/ free for children under 12 ( advance booking required ). Open Mondays to Thursdays 9am – 7pm and Fridays to Sundays 10am – 8pm on (last entrance is 90 minutes before closing). Suggested Tours: Learn more about the artworks on this Doria Pamphilj Gallery Private Tour .

4) Palazzo Barberini

Do you want one of Caravaggio’s best works to yourself?

Go to Palazzo Barberini at 9 am. It’s one of Rome’s best secrets.

This huge palace is home to the Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Antica which includes artwork by Caravaggio, Raphael, Bernini, Filippo Lippi, Piero di Cosimo and many more.

For some reason, this gallery is overlooked and we had it completely to ourselves.

The ground floor houses older art from the 1200s-1400s. We preferred the first floor (the piano nobile where the family would have lived) with its stunning frescos and Renaissance and Baroque paintings.

The highlight is undoubtedly Caravaggio’s mesmerising Judith Beheading Holofernes —we couldn’t believe there was no one else around.

Other highlights of the palace are the grand staircases designed by Bernini and Borromini and the secret garden behind the building (which you don’t need a ticket for).

Details: Palazzo Barberini is at Via delle Quattro Fontane, 13. Entrance is €15 (free for children). Open Tuesdays to Sundays 10am – 7pm (last entrance 6pm). Closed Mondays. Suggested Tours: Let an expert guide bring the stories to life on this Palazzo Barberini: 2-Hour Private Tour .

5) Galleria Sciarra

We stumbled upon this hidden Art Nouveau courtyard on our way to the Trevi Fountain, which shows that it’s possible to get off the beaten path in Rome without straying far from the top attractions.

Galleria Sciarra was built in the late 19th century for the wealthy Sciarra family and was originally due to be a shopping mall but instead became the headquarters of their magazine.

It now houses offices and it’s well worth wandering through to admire the vaulted glass ceiling and colourful frescoes celebrating women in different fashions.

Details: Galleria Sciarra is at Via Santa Maria in Via, 30–31 and is open from 10 am to 8 pm.  Suggested Tours: You can also visit it on this Rome Hidden Gem Walking Tour .

6) Le Domus Romane di Palazzo Valentini

There are plenty of Roman ruins to visit in the city, but what makes Le Domus Romane unique is its use of multimedia technology.

Access is by tour only which takes place on a glass floor above the ruins of two Roman villas from the 1st–4th centuries AD.

The building above, Palazzo Valentini, is a 15th century Renaissance villa which was built on top.

These would have been very grand private residences, and the tour includes the hot and cold baths and some beautiful mosaics.

Light, music, visuals, and audio are used to explain what you are seeing and show what the houses would have looked like in Roman times. Although the technology feels slightly dated, it does help bring the ruins to life.

The tour ends with a (rather long) video that explains the bas-reliefs on Trajan’s column, which stands outside, and how they tell the story of Emperor Trajan’s defeat of Dacia (Romania).

Details: Le Domus Romane is at via Foro Traiano 85. 1.5 hour tours costs €12 adults/ €8 children over 6. Advance booking is recommended. It’s currently open Thursdays to Mondays, 10am – 7pm (last entrance 6pm). No photos allowed.  Suggested Tours: This Ancient Roman Domus Tour also includes an added VR experience to enhance your visit.

7) Eitch Borromini Rooftop Bar

While you won’t have this rooftop bar to yourself, numbers are limited (you must book a table) and it’s not somewhere most visitors know about.

The Eitch Borromini is a luxury hotel overlooking Piazza Navona and the terrace bar has stunning 360º views of the city including St Peter’s, the Pantheon, and Piazza Venezia.

It would be especially lovely at sunset although it was cloudy on the day we visited.

Drinks are expensive (€15 for a glass of Prosecco or wine, €25 for cocktails), but the views are so special that it’s worth it.

You can also enjoy opera concerts at the bar , which we plan to do on our next visit.

Details: Eitch Borromini is at Via di Santa Maria dell’Anima, 30. The rooftop bar is open every day from 6.30pm—reservations are essential by calling +39 06 68215459 (I tried emailing and got no response).  

8) Capuchin Crypt

We have mixed feelings about the Capuchin Crypt. It’s certainly one of the most unusual things to do in Rome, but it’s also very disturbing.

The crypt lies beneath the Church of Santa Maria della Concezione which was once the home of Capuchin friars.

When they moved here they brought the remains of the deceased friars with them, but rather than simply burying them, they decorated a series of tiny chapels with the bones.

The chapels contain the skeletons of small friars in robes with thousands of bones arranged around them in arches and decorative details.

They are divided by body part—skulls, pelvises, and shoulder blades all collected together. Even the light fixtures above us in the corridor were made from bones.

We’ve never seen anything like it. It’s not like Otranto’s Cathedral where bones are displayed in remembrance of the Christian martyrs who died resisting the Turks.

At the Capuchin Crypt the remains have been used to create art out of death—it’s almost beautiful if you don’t think about what it’s made from.

But we couldn’t help asking ourselves—what kind of people joyfully played with bones to create this place?

Our issue is with the presentation of the museum—it’s treated as a holy place with religious music playing and photos and talking banned.

But to us, it seemed anti-religious and thought they should acknowledge how disturbing the place is. Instead, the Catholic order insists it’s a reminder of our mortality.

The small museum before the chapels features the Caravaggio painting St Francis in Meditation , but we’d just seen the original at Palazzo Barberini—this is a very good copy.

Should you visit? That’s up to you—it is a unique and macabre place, but I don’t recommend it for anyone of a sensitive disposition.

Details: The Capuchin Museum and Crypt is at Via Vittorio Veneto, 27. Entrance costs €10 adults/ € 6.50 children) . It’s open daily 10am – 7pm. Suggested Tours: If you’d like a guide, this tour of the crypt and church gets good reviews.   No photos allowed. 

9) Galleria Spada

We were the only visitors in this small art gallery of 16th and 17th century art in a Renaissance palace.

The most interesting part is the forced perspective gallery by Francesco Borromini in the courtyard.

The gallery of arches is only nine meters long, but an optical illusion makes it look much longer and the sculpture at the end larger.

It’s not a must-see, but it’s worth stopping by if you have some extra time and want to escape the crowds.

Details: Galleria Spada is at Piazza Capo di Ferro, 13. Entrance is €5 ( € 2 children) . Open every day except Tuesdays 8.30am – 7.30pm.  

Where to Eat in the Historic Centre

For a Quick Snack

Don’t miss Antico Forno Roscioli for the best pizza bianca in the city—fresh out of the oven and sprinkled with sea salt and rosemary, it’s absolutely delicious.

The suppli (rice balls) at Supplizio are another typical Roman snack.

For a Full Meal

The absolute best place we’ve eaten in the centre is Armando Al Pantheon . It’s remarkable that a restaurant so close to a major attraction has managed to maintain its quality since the 1960s.

Everything we ate there was delicious including the melanzana alla parmigiana (eggplant parmesan) to start, the spaghetti cacio e pepe (a lighter version than the ones we ate in Testaccio ), and the spaghetti verde with rocket, pecorino and lemon—so simple but so good. You need to book a month in advance .

If you didn’t manage to get a reservation at Armando, L’Orso 80 is touristy, but it’s a good option if you are craving vegetables.

Their 15-dish antipasti plate of grilled vegetables and beans costs €15 and was enough for us to share for lunch (it does usually include one meat dish, so ask for it without if you’re vegetarian).

If you are very hungry, order the 2-person antipasti and watch your table fill with bowls of vegetables, beans, cheese, and prosciutto.

For a Coffee and Break

Avoid the touristy cafes near Piazza Navona and instead head to Barnum Cafe , a rather hipster cafe with vintage furniture and comfy couches (and you’re not charged extra to sit down!).

The coffee and fresh juices are excellent, and I’ve heard good things about the cocktails and food.

For something more classically Roman, the Chiostro del Bramante is a cafe above an art museum with balcony seating looking down on lovely fresco-covered cloisters.

It’s a peaceful retreat from the tourist chaos nearby. Inside the lounge, there’s a window with a view of a Raphael fresco in the church next door (sadly we missed this).

Avoid the awful touristy places (you don’t want unnaturally bright colours or puffy gelato spilling over the tub) and seek out real gelato made with natural ingredients.

My favourite is Fatamorgana , but Gelateria del Teatro and Gelateria dei Gracchi are also excellent.

Where to Stay in the Historic Centre

We usually stay in the neighbourhoods of Trastevere (closer to the centre) or Testaccio (further away but less touristy), but on a short visit, you’ll be close to everything if you stay in the historic centre.

On our next trip, we plan to treat ourselves to a stay at the luxurious Eitch Borromini on Piazza Navona which has elegant rooms and an amazing rooftop terrace with 360º views. Check prices here.

More affordable options in the centre with excellent reviews include Maison Giulia , Campo de Fiori Prestige Rooms , and Colonna Suite Del Corso .

Search for more hotels and B&Bs in Rome’s historic centre here .

The Colosseum is a 20-minute walk from the centre of Rome and the area gets very crowded with visitors to the famous Roman amphitheatre.

There are a few other Roman ruins nearby that most people don’t know about including one of the most cool things to do in Rome.

10) Baths of Caracalla

The Baths of Caracalla were only the second largest public baths in Rome, a fact that astonished us as they are absolutely huge.

They were inaugurated in 216 AD by the Emperor Caracalla and became the most spectacular thermal complex in ancient times.

The site includes hot and cold baths, gym, library, cafes, and an Olympic size swimming pool where people lounged at the edges and played games (you can still see the notches in the stone).

The gardens are also a lovely place for a stroll or a picnic on the grass. In the summer, concerts take place here.

What we loved most about these ruins is the use of Virtual Reality. You have to pay extra for a VR headset, but it’s well worth it as you can see what the buildings and pools would have looked like in Roman times and appreciate the scale and grandeur of this luxurious complex.

You could combine a visit to the Baths with the Appian Way (see below) which is 15 minutes away on Bus 118. 

Details: The Baths of Caracalla are at Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, 52. Entry is €10 adults/ free for children. VR headsets cost €7 (we shared one). Open Tuesdays to Sundays 9am – 7.15pm (earlier in winter). Closed Mondays Suggested Tours: Why not try this Caracalla Baths Tour which can be both for small groups or private.

11) Domus Aurea (Golden House)

The Domus Aurea or Golden House was an immense villa complex of 80 hectares built by Emperor Nero after the great fire of 64 AD which destroyed most of the city.

The ruins only opened to visitors in the last few years and as it’s still a working archaeological site it feels more adventurous than a typical ruin visit—you even have to wear a hard hat.

It’s still very much a work in progress as the ruins of this once grand villa now lie underground. It’s cold inside so take an extra layer.

Emperor Trajan used it as a foundation for his public baths, sealing windows and doors and filling some spaces with dirt.

Entrance is by group tour only. Tours are led by an archaeologist and use video and virtual reality to show what the villa would have looked like with its decorative walls and beautiful views of the countryside.

Most of the art was removed when Trajan built on it, but you can see some small sections of mosaics.

The frescoed walls are well preserved (Renaissance artists clambered down here for inspiration), but they are covered in dirt and won’t be cleaned until the leaking roof has been fixed—it will be splendid once the work is complete.

One of the most impressive spaces is a large octagonal room with an oculus in the ceiling to let in light—it predated the Pantheon and was used as a private art gallery.

Details: The entrance to Domus Aurea is on Via della Domus Aurea. Open Fridays to Sundays 9.15am – 5pm. Tours last 1.5 hours and cost €16 adults/ €11 children. Advance booking is essential. Suggested Tours: Learn more on this Domus Aurea Group Tour with an archaeologist guide.

Where to Eat Near the Colosseum

Instead of eating in this touristy area, I recommend heading to the nearby neighbourhood of Monti , only a 10-minute walk from Domus Aurea. There are plenty of places to eat in the area—we liked La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali .

85Bio Monti looks like a great option for a quick lunchtime sandwich or salad and Aromaticus Monti serves up colourful plant-based plates in a greenery-filled space.

Where to Stay Near the Colosseum

I wouldn’t stay in this area as it’s always so crowded. If you do want to, the Colosseum Palace Star has views of the Colosseum from its spacious rooms and gets fantastic reviews. 

Another option is to stay in the nearby Monti neighbourhood— Soggiorno Downtown is excellent value and only a 5-minute walk from the Colosseum. 

Search for more hotels near the Colosseum here . 

Aventine Hill is one of the seven hills Rome was built upon. It’s a quiet, leafy residential neighbourhood with some worthwhile free attractions.

It’s situated between the Testaccio neighbourhood and the Circus Maximus (and Colosseum beyond).

12) Aventine Keyhole

This is one of Rome’s oddest attractions. A small keyhole in a nondescript door of the Knights of Malta property reveals a perfectly framed view of St Peter’s Basilica through a shrubbery tunnel.

There can be a queue, so it’s best to get here early.

Details: Aventine Keyhole is at Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta.

13) Orange Garden

A little further on from the Keyhole is the Giardino degli Aranci or Orange Garden, a small, peaceful park with stunning views over Rome.

14) Rose Garden

Continue on to the Roseto Comunale or Rose Garden, another tranquil retreat from the city with a beautiful display of roses and city views. It’s close to the Circus Maximus.

Details: The Roseto Comunale is at Via di Valle Murcia, 6. It’s only open from late April until mid-June, usually from 8.30am to 7.30pm. Suggested Tours: Combine all Aventine Hill sights on this Private Circus Maximus and Aventine Keyhole Tour .

Where to Eat and Stay in Aventine Hill

Aventine Hill is a quiet place to base yourself in Rome and you get more for your money here.

Good hotels in the area include Hotel Villa San Pio in a garden setting and the elegant Hotel San Anselmo .

There aren’t many restaurants in this residential area so head down the hill to Testaccio.

Testaccio is our favourite neighbourhood in Rome and on our last visit, we spent a month there.

It’s not the prettiest part of the city, but it’s great for escaping the crowds and has local charm, fantastic food, and some quirky sights.

Exploring and eating your way around this area is one of the best non-touristy things to do in Rome. 

See our Testaccio neighbourhood guide for more details including where to eat and stay.

15) Taste of Testaccio Food Tour

Eating Italy’s Taste of Testaccio food tour is the best way to learn about the Testaccio neighbourhood and its history, all while eating delicious food from many different stops.

Read our Testaccio food tour review for more details about one of the most fun things to do in Rome.

16) Testaccio Market

Testaccio Market is one of my favourite markets in the world with fantastic fresh produce stalls as well as lunch options ranging from pasta to sushi.

Details: Testaccio Market is at the corner of Via Beniamino Franklin and Via Aldo Manuzio. It’s open 7am to 3.30pm Monday to Saturday (closed Sundays).    Suggested Tours: Taste your way through the best stalls on this Testaccio Market Tour with a local foodie guide.

17) Pyramid of Cestius

One of Testaccio’s most surprising sights is a pyramid that was built in 12 BC as a burial tomb for the Roman praetor, Caius Cestius.

The best views of the pyramid are from the Non-Catholic Cemetery .

Details: The pyramid is at Via Raffaele Persichetti. Tours inside are temporarily closed. See the Coop website  for updates.  

18) Non-Catholic Cemetery

Keats, Shelley and Gregory Corso are among the famous people who were buried at this cemetery for non-Catholics. It’s a peaceful, garden-like place for a stroll.

Details: The Non-Catholic Cemetery is on Via Caio Cestio, 6. Entrance is by donation (€3 is suggested). Open Mondays to Saturdays 9am – 5pm and Sundays 9am – 1pm.  Suggested Tours: Combine food and sights on this Testaccio Street Food Tour that includes stops at the Pyramid and Cemetery.

Ostiense is a gritty neighbourhood south of Testaccio with a few interesting sights.

19) Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls

St Pauls is one of the four great basilicas of Rome and it is immense.

When the Apostle Paul was executed here in the 1st century AD, his followers erected a small shrine, which became a church a few centuries later. Over the centuries the church grew in size and splendour.

You enter through the striking atrium of columns with a view of the Basilica’s facade of golden mosaics.

Inside the massive space are more marble columns and gold mosaics, as well as the remains of St Paul near the altar.

It’s a stunning church and far less crowded than St Peters.

Details: Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls is at Piazzale San Paolo, 1. Entrance to the church is free (€4 adults/ €3 children for the cloister and museum). Open daily 7am – 6.30pm (cloister 9am – 5.30pm). Suggested Tours: You can also visit the Basilica on this church walking tour .

20) Centrale Montemartini

A 15-minute walk from St Paul Outside the Walls is this unique art gallery that’s part of the Capitoline Museums .

Ancient Greek and Roman sculptures are displayed alongside giant diesel engines and steam turbines in a former power station from the early 1900s.

It was almost empty when we visited which only adds to the appeal of this hidden gem.

There’s also a display of some beautiful mosaics and the railway carriages of Pope Pius IX, and when we visited, a special exhibition about the Etruscans and Egyptians.

Details: Centrale Montemartini is at Via Ostiense, 106. Entrance is €10 adults/ €9 children (including the special exhibition). Open Tuesdays to Sundays 9am – 7pm. Closed Mondays. Suggested Tours: If you’re planning on visiting both Centrale Montemartini and the Roman Empire Museum then this combined ticket could be useful.

21) Ostiense Street Art

There’s some fantastic large-scale street art in Ostiense.

To find the best spots you can take this Ostiense graffiti and modern street art walking tour or use this Rome Urban Art map for a self-guided walk.

Where to Eat and Stay in Ostiense

Pizzeria Ostiense is our favourite pizzeria in Rome, and it’s conveniently located down the street from one of our favourite gelaterias, Gelateria La Romana .

The pizzeria is only open in the evening so during the day head to the massive Eataly complex for four floors of air-conditioned food shopping and restaurants. It’s opposite the Ostiense train station.

I think Ostiense is a little far out to stay here, but it could be a good option if you are on a budget.

Search for apartments on Vrbo .

Trastevere is one of the prettiest neighbourhoods in Rome and it’s just over the river from the historic centre.

In the evenings it can be crowded with tourists and locals strolling the cobbled streets and visiting restaurants and bars, but there are a few attractions to visit during the day that are usually quiet.

See our detailed Trastevere guide for more things to do and places to stay and eat.

22) Villa Farnesina

This grand Renaissance villa built in 1506 features ceilings covered in beautiful Raphael frescoes.

I can’t understand how it’s not busier.

Details: Villa Farnesina is at Via della Lungara, 230. Entrance is €16 adults/ €10 children over 10 years old. Open Tuesdays to Sundays 10am – 7pm. Closed Mondays. Suggested Tours: This private tour includes the villa and more of the neighbourhood.

23) Orto Botanico

These botanical gardens are a peaceful retreat from the city and feature Japanese, herbal, and medicinal gardens as well as a lovely city view from the top of the hill.

Deta ils: Orto Botanico is at Largo Cristina di Svezia, 24. Entrance is €4. Open daily 9am – 4.30pm.

24) Janiculum Hill

For the best view of Rome head up Janiculum Hill for sunset.

It’s absolutely stunning and more of a local hangout than a tourist attraction.

Details: The Janiculum Terrace is at Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi. Suggested Tours: This Roman Views E-Bike Tour includes panoramic views from three Rome hills including Janiculum.

25) Villa Doria Pamphili

I felt like I was in the countryside as I lay in a meadow of long grass and looked up at the umbrella pines in this large park on a hill in the Monteverde neighbourhood.

It’s huge, peaceful, and the perfect escape from the crowds for a walk or picnic.

Details: Villa Doria Pamphili is off Via di S. Pancrazio. Open daily from 7am until sunset.

26) Appian Way

The Appian Way is one of the oldest and most important Roman roads and stretches all the way to Brindisi —some sections still have the original Roman cobblestones.

It’s a lovely escape from the city, especially on Sundays when the road is closed to traffic.

The information centre is the obvious starting point—the bus stops here and you can also rent bikes.

The first section of the path has many sights including three catacomb complexes (see below), churches , and the ruins of the Roman Villa di Massenzio (free entry) with its chariot race track.

After visiting the Domitilla Catacombs and Villa di Massenzio, we continued down the Appian Way and soon reached a quieter section of the road.

This part feels like the countryside with meadows of long grass, fields of sheep with jangling bells, and tall cypress and umbrella pine trees lining the cobbled street.

We chose to cycle the Appian Way, which is a popular way to explore this very long road, but honestly, we wished we had just walked.

We don’t cycle often and found the bumpy cobblestones uncomfortable.

The original sections feature massive stone slabs with deep cracks between them that were impossible to cycle over (although some professional-looking mountain bikers managed it).

Most people like us got off and walked, or cycled along the narrow dirt verge on the side of the road.

An e-bike may be easier (see tour below).

We made it about 7km down the road from the info centre (plus a slight detour to Domitilla) before turning back.

Where to Eat Along the Appian Way

There are a number of restaurants and cafes in the first section of the Appian Way.

We had lunch at Hostaria Antica Roma , a large and rather upmarket restaurant with extensive gardens.

The menu of the day wasn’t long but they were able to cater for us vegetarians and we enjoyed our vegetarian antipasti and pasta.

If you eat meat, they specialise in recipes that have been around since Roman times.

For a more casual lunch, Il Giardino di Giulia e Fratelli next door has a lovely garden setting and does sandwiches as well as main dishes.

Bike rental: You can rent bikes (€1 6 a day, from 9.30am) from the Centro Servizio Appia Antica at the start of the Appian Way Park and also buy maps for €1.50 (although we found Google Maps sufficient). Bus: Bus 118 runs from the Circus Maximus to the Appian Way. Suggested Tours: Catacombs and Appian Way 3-Hour Tour or Appian Way, Aqueducts & Catacombs Full Day E-Bike Tour .

27) Domitilla Catacombs

The most visited catacombs on the Appian Way are the Catacombs of San Callisto , but we decided to visit the Domitilla Catacombs instead, which are slightly off the Appian Way.

Entrance is by guided tour only as it’s possible to get lost in this 8 mile (12 km) network of narrow passageways with 27,000 tombs carved into the soft tufa rock.

Early Christians used the catacombs to bury their dead as there wasn’t enough space above ground. The first tomb was created in 200 AD.

It was fascinating to explore this underground city of the dead, one of the most unusual things to see in Rome.

Bodies were placed directly in the tombs which were sealed with clay, although many were later opened by tomb raiders.

There are no bones here as most were stolen, and any remaining have been moved to another part of the catacombs to protect them.

Details: The Domitilla Catacombs are at Via delle Sette Chiese, 282. 30 minute tours are €10 adults/ €7 children. Open every day except Tuesdays 9am – 12pm/ 2pm – 5pm. No photos allowed.  Suggested Tours: If you truly want to see a lot of Rome’s macabre sights then why not try this Small Group Catacombs and Capuchin Crypt Guided Tour .

28) Quartiere Coppede

After a stroll through Borghese Park in the northern part of Rome, we took a detour to the Quartiere Coppede , a surprising area of flamboyant architecture in a residential neighbourhood.

There were no other tourists around as we admired the Art Nouveau buildings with intricate carved details. There are also elements of Greek, Baroque, Medieval and Gothic design.

The centre point is Piazza Mincio with its whimsical frog fountain and you can wander the quiet streets from there.

Afterwards, we had lunch at the Ops! vegan buffet , a 15-minute walk away on the way back to the centre. It’s pretty tasty and worth visiting if you are vegan or craving vegetables.

Suggested Tours: You can also take this Art Nouveau Rome Private Tour which takes in the neighbourhood and also the intriguingly named ‘House of the Owls’, a Prince’s former residence.

EUR (Esposizione Universale Roma) is a residential and business area in southern Rome that’s very much off the beaten path and different from the rest of the city.

It was chosen in the 1930s as the site of the 1943 World Fair where Mussolini planned to celebrate 20 years of Fascism.

The Fair never happened because of WWII, but in the 1950s and 1960s the building work was completed and it became an out of town business district.

It’s a pleasant leafy area with a small lake and some imposing Fascist architecture like the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana .

It’s not a high priority in Rome, but it’s worth a visit if you are interested in modern architecture or, like us, need to go to the Apple store at the Euroma 2 mall.

Details: You can take the metro B to EUR Palasport or EUR Fermi (near the lake) or EUR Magliana (for Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana). Suggested Tours: Take this Private Rome Architecture Tour to delve more into this startlingly alternate architectural side of the city.

These are my favourite books about Rome:

• Lonely Planet Rome – Very detailed with lots of information on less visited areas as well as history and cultural background. 
• Knopf Mapguides Rome – Ideal for a short visit to Rome, this concise book focuses on maps with useful tips and restaurant recommendations for the main areas. 
• Eating Rome: Living the Good Life in the Eternal City by Elizabeth Minchelli – If you are interested in food, read this book by a local blogger before you visit. It features handy hints on Italian food etiquette, restaurant and shop recommendations, personal anecdotes and a guide to Roman dishes (with some recipes). 
• SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome by Mary Beard – An epic book tracking the rise of Rome from a backwater village to imperial city controlling much of the world.
• Four Seasons in Rome: On Twins, Insomnia, and the Biggest Funeral in the History of the World by Anthony Doerr – The Pulitzer Prize-winning writer’s memoir of his year spent living in Rome with his wife and baby twins. 
• Midnight in the Piazza by Tiffany Parks – This is a young adult novel about a 13-year-old American girl who moves to Rome and uncovers a mystery in the piazza outside her window. It’s a light, fun, easy read that features real places in Rome. 

Yes absolutely! I hope this epic post has given you lots of ideas on how to get away from the crowds in Rome.

Have I missed your favourite Rome hidden gem? Let me know if you have any more suggestions!

• 14 Best Day Trips From Rome
• Trastevere Neighborhood Guide: The Best Things to Do and Eat
• Testaccio Neighbourhood Guide: Get Off the Beaten Track in Rome
• A Food Lover’s Tour of Rome: Taste of Testaccio Review
• Eating in Italy: Dos and Don’ts
• London to Italy by Train: Everything You Need to Know

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15 Comments

After an hour’s ride to the Eataly we are so excited to do some shopping that wasn’t so touristy. Ended up this place was only wines ,cheese ,and fruit. Nothing else really to buy unless you live here. It should be stated that it is not a shopping mall. That was very misleading and very disappointing.

Reply ↓

Thank so much for your time writing this blog

Last year, on my fourth trip to Rome, we were able to see the Capuchin Crypt. I stood at the threshold and mentally shook off the expected creepies before stepping into the hallway. My first look erased all fear and replaced it with awe. Awe that the living had so much respect for the dead that they made their bones living art. Awe that these long-dead priests still speak to the living, if only to say that one day this will be us. I felt awe at the peace, respect and love that I felt went into this display and I’m grateful to have been able to see, and feel, it. Also, if one is a lover of art, the Borghese Gallery is a must see, with prior purchase of tickets. The Bernini statues are incredible and, when we return to Rome (hopefully this October) we are on a hunt for more Bernini’s, Ostiense street art and aqueducts. We will be staying at a BnB that has a view of the Pyramide and are really looking forward to exploring this area. Thank you for all the information!

Such a well written and informative article. So happy I found your blog! We, too are planning a trip to Rome for 2 weeks in April. We eat a plant-based/vegan diet. I’m wondering if that will mean we have to prepare all our own food-even packing lunches? We are staying in an apartment with a full kitchen.

You should be able to find plant-based options in Rome. It’s easiest to use the Happy Cow app to find vegan restaurants – there are quite a lot of them although they aren’t always central. In normal restaurants you should be able to find a few options too.

Here’s a useful guide: https://www.thenomadicvegan.com/vegan-rome-italy-city-center/

Enjoy Rome!

Love your blog! We are planning a trip to Italy for 15 days in April 2020 and you have provided so much great info for us to consider when planning. Thank you!

Thanks so much for the feedback Melissa! Enjoy Italy – April is a lovely time to visit.

Great list. Too bad I have already limited my trip to just 3 days in Rome. I’ll be back for sure and hopefully by then there’s a few more on here :) great work!

Rome is definitely one of those cities that keep drawing you back!

What an amazing article, so comprehensive. I’m going to Rome in March and I’ll be referring to your suggestions. Thank you.

Great! Have a fantastic time in Rome!

Such good information! I’m wondering—we’ll be in Rome two full days and two half days in April. First-timers. Would it be a shame if we didn’t do the Coliseum, but instead the Baths of Caracalla or Teatro Marcello? Not St. Peter’s but St. Paul’s outside the walls? Not the Gallery Borghese but Palazzo Doria Pamphilj? Of the obvious sights, are there some (beside maybe the Forum) that we shouldn’t miss or substitute?

That’s such a difficult question. On your first visit to Rome I recommend picking a few key famous sights you want to see and mixing them with quieter sights for a break from the crowds. It would be a shame not to see the Coliseum and you can combine that with the Forum. As for the others, I can’t really say – it depends whether you feel a strong urge to see them. I think you can still have an amazing trip and miss them.

Have a wonderful trip!

Excellent article ,Very specific times, phone numbers, locations, exceptional and best of all great offbeat places to explore. Thank you !

Thanks Karen! I’m glad you found it useful.

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BEST UNIQUE PLACES TO VISIT IN ITALY: 11 Hidden Gems in Italy!

More articles at the bottom of the page:  Italy Ultimate travel Guide |  Rome city guide and Tips |  How to Plan a Trip to Turin |  Piedmont: Wine and Food experiences |  Unique and Unusual Places to visit in Sicily |

Italy has much to offer, from beautiful landscapes to dramatic coastline and romantic towns. With so much to see and do it’s no surprise that thousands of tourists travel to Italy every year. Culture, food and wine, history, lakes and mountains, ancient towns… we can go on and on! 

Indeed you’ve heard of the most popular spots such as Rome, Florence, and Venice, or perhaps the beautiful Amalfi Coast and the colorful Cinque Terre, but Italy has a lot more to offer, each region is different, with unique attractions and cuisines.

If you are looking to discover Italy off-the-beaten-track, then this list of unusual and unique places to visit in Italy will come in handy. 11 Hidden Gems in Italy you need to discover.

 Unique places to visit in Italy: 11 Hidden Gems in Italy

Lake reschen and the submerged village.

Where: Trento

This beautiful area is characterized by natural trails and historical towns, but Lake Reschen has a sad story. In 1950, despite the resistance of locals, an energy company decided to create an artificial lake – with the purpose to unify more natural lakes – and submerge the town of Graun.

Today all that’s left is the bell tower, visible above the waterline, while the remaining underwater town has become mostly sediment. When the lake freezes in winter, you can walk out to the bell tower in the middle of the lake – Legend says you can still hear the bell ringing on cold nights.

Balestrino Ghost Village

Where: Genoa

Balestrino might be Italy’s most famous ghost town. Today we have very little information on the town’s history, but it’s believed that a series of earthquakes caused the population to flee in 1950.

Now Balestrino is an abandoned town with a beautiful castle on the hilltop. The village clearly hasn’t lost its charm as it’s becoming a very popular destination after being used as a cinema set for the film “Inkheart”.

Currently, there are plans to redevelop this ghost town! Truly one of the best hidden gems in Italy.

Bussana Vecchia

Where: Sanremo

Bussana Vecchia has a fascinating story. In 1887, after being destroyed by an earthquake, the town became abandoned, and for many centuries this village was no more than a ghost town.

This was until a group of international artists decided to make it their own bohemian oasis.

Nowadays Bussana Vecchia is an open-air art laboratory as many of the empty properties are now occupied by artist’s studios. You can wander around narrow streets and admire this magical town and beautiful stone buildings. These artists have transformed an abandoned ghost town into a beautiful place to live, despite many attempts to evict them by the Italian government. This is certainly one of the most unique places to visit in Italy.

Via cave of Tuscany

Where: Grosseto

These are mysterious 2500-year-old paths entrenched in the rock. Dating back to the Etruscan civilization, these are unique Italian sights still unknown by many tourists.

They connect various settlements and necropolises, but their main purpose is still unclear . Vie Cave continued to be used long after the Etruscans’ time, presumably by the Romans. These old routes are in the Maremma area in Tuscany, where you can enjoy hills dotted with vineyards and castles, a beautiful coastline with sandy beaches, and you will come across traditional picturesque villages on the way. Via Cave can be done walking or horseback riding, some paths are flat with plenty of greenery, while others are rocky and more difficult.

The Monsters of Bomarzo

Where: Rome

This place was never meant to be pretty! Build in 1552, this garden holds many unique and mythological sculptures as an expression of grief.

This place, also known as the “Sacred Wood”, it’s a real hidden treasure to be discovered.

These woods are full of intricate roads that invite you into a world of mythology and fantasy.

Sculptures of sea monsters, dragons, and war elephants are fully immersed in the green valley, giving a sense of confusion and admiration. These mythical beasts and monsters often have a tortured and hunted expression on their face.

If you are in Rome, you must include a day trip to the Park of Monsters in your itinerary.

The Garden of Ninfa

The garden of Ninfa was built on the ruins of the medieval town and it’s one of the most beautiful gardens in the world. Plants and flowers grow on the ruins of towers and walls, creating a romantic atmosphere.

The sea is a few miles away and the mountains are just behind it, this creates a perfect environment. This territory is almost a natural greenhouse with 1300 botanical species.

The medieval walls make this garden a unique place to visit in Italy.

Unfortunately, the Garden of Ninfa only opens on certain days and you must join a guided tour in order to visit.  Visit the official website for more information.

Valley of the Mills

Where: Amalfi Coast

The Valle dei Mulini, or “Valley of the Mills” is an outstanding picturesque sight not far away from Naples. Therefore, if you need a break from the Mediterranean beach life, you should consider taking a short walk into this exceptional green valley. You can start the hike from the center of Amalfi and return on the same path.

You’ll be surrounded by rocky mountains, and beautiful flour-mills ruins that have been slowly taken over by the aggressive greenery. Many of these mills stayed active until the 1800s, today they provide an incredible and fascinating site.

The buildings hidden in the valley are definitely worth a spot as one of the best unique places to visit in Italy, a hidden gem not many people are aware of.

The Sunken City of Baia

Where: Naples

Baia was an ancient Roman city in the Gulf of Naples.   From 100 BC to 500 AD this city was a place for self-indulgence, full of luxury villas and mosaic-tiled pools.

But the city of Baia did have a downfall, it was built in the proximity of a volcano: The constant raising and lowering of the land due to volcanic activity completely submerge the city.

Luckily, the seawater preserved most of this luxurious town leaving a perfect example of the Roman Empire.

Today the sunken city of Baia lies in shallow water (average depth of 6m) and can be visited by a glass-bottomed boat, snorkeling, or diving.

This underwater archaeological site is now a marine protected area and one of the best unique hidden gems in Italy.

AlberoBello

Where: Bari

In the south of Italy lies the strange little town of Alberobello.

Small dome-shaped white buildings with conical roofs, called Trulli, stick out between olive groves, vineyards, and picturesque landscape. There is just no other place like it!

The main reason to visit Alberobello is to wander in this fantasy-looking town and enjoy some delicious food and wine with the locals.

Thanks to the unique architectural characteristics of the Trulli houses, Alberobello is now a Unesco World Heritage site and it’s definitely worth a spot as one of the best unique places to visit in Italy.

Visit the official website for more information

Sassi di Matera

Matera is a town in the south of Italy where people used to live in cave-dwelling. For this reason, it used to be considered a place of poverty and sickness, as people lived without running water or electricity!

Today Matera is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an incredible spot for visitors who enjoy strange but beautiful places.

During your visit you can stay in a cave and enjoy visiting this ancient neighborhood, it will feel like you traveled back in time.

Mangiapane cave

Where: Trapani

This cave is home to an ancient little-known village that has remained untouched for many years. iI’s named after the Mangiapane family, who had settled in the cave and lived there until the 1950s. Today a group of volunteers takes care of the abandoned village and preserves the site precisely as it was. A small open-air museum allows visitors to go back in time, you can wander around this beautiful frozen in time village and learn about local traditions.  Discover more unique and unusual places in Sicily.

In conclusion

If you are looking to discover Italy off-the-beaten track, use this list of unusual and unique places to visit in Italy. From ghost towns to sunken cities and caves, these 11 Hidden Gems in Italy are ready to be explored.

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Travel Experts Say This Italian City Is A Hidden Gem (But It Won’t Be For Long)

Their under-the-radar secrets, revealed.

In November 2021, a forecast by HomeToGo revealed the top trending countries for 2022 travel. Among those places? Italy, which ranked 11th on its list. It’s a highly visited country that’s only becoming more in-demand for travelers — which means, if you’re thinking of going yourself, you may want to consider a more unique Italian city to visit to avoid the inevitable crowds.

If you’ve ever visited Venice or Rome in the high season, you know just how important that can be. Prices are high, lines are long, and people are aplenty in Italy’s most popular cities. However, while packed towns are something you probably want to avoid, fewer crowds aren’t the only benefits to venturing out of the way in this beautiful destination. “Coming to a city that is off the beaten path gives you a more authentic experience in the country.” Jash Cooper , a travel content creator, tells TZR. As she points out, it’s also a great way to see the world without breaking the bank.

It’s probably not hard to convince you that it’s worth exploring the less-visited parts of Italy. But deciding where to go when each town, village, and region is more beautiful than the next? If you’ve ever planned a trip there, you know just how impossible that can be. But there’s no reason to stress — instead, sit back and enjoy the journey with the under-the-radar recommendations from experts, ahead.

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Why Visit: Julie Ann Hargett, CEO and Travel Designer at H Luxury Travel , says Taormina is one of her favorite under-the-radar cities in Sicily. According to her, it’s an up-and-coming area with both boutique and luxury properties to stay in, and is an easy day trip from the village of Castiglione di Sicilia, another one of her favorites.

What To Do: Hargett tells TZR she’s stayed at the newly opened San Domenico Palace, a Four Seasons hotel in Taormina , which she describes as a beautiful property “rich with history and art.” Additionally, she says that there are many shops and restaurants in the village to visit, “as well as the Ancient Greek Theatre featuring concerts throughout the summer.” And if you do choose to take a trip to Castiglione di Sicilia while you’re there, she has a few suggestions as well. “A morning guided hike on Mt. Etna is a treat, followed by a winery tasting and lunch with your afternoon spent relaxing by an infinity pool overlooking a special part of the Mediterranean Sea,” says Hargett.

Why Visit: According to Clare Watkins, Europe Specialist at Red Savannah , a luxury travel company specializing in tailor-made trips around the world, the city of Lecce is often referred to as the Florence of the South. “Located in the far south, not far from the tip of Italy’s ‘heel’, the city is full of medieval architecture and flamboyant Baroque masterpieces,” she tells TZR. “Life moves at a slow pace.”

What To Do: Watkins suggests exploring the city on foot, “from the 15,000-seat Roman amphitheater to artistically rich cathedrals, towers, and churches, as well as the boutiques that only locals know about. Stroll cobbled lanes and try Pugliese coffee, dip into its artisan boutiques and sample the region’s famous pasticciotto,” she suggests. For accommodations, stay at the “delightfully characterful” La Fiermontina , where you can explore the artistic heritage of the family behind it at their M.A.M.A. Museum .

Cortina d'Ampezzo

Why Visit: For those in the know, Brendan Drewniany, Director of Communications at luxury tour operator Black Tomato , says Cortina is the place to go. Perched up high the Dolomites, it’s “long been a haven for Europeans seeking discreet and elegant ski and aprés life.” And while Drewniany says you may not know about it “the same way you would with glitzy St. Moritz in neighboring Switzerland,” that’s all the more reason to go. “Cortina is known as the ‘Queen’ of the Dolomites and is actually going to play host to the 2026 Olympic Winter games, so go now before everyone else finds out!” he shares.

What To Do: It may be a ski town, but Drewniany says Cortina is beautiful year-round. If you go in the winter, the skiing is exceptional. However, he notes, the area has made a name for itself as an idyllic summer destination — “a respite high up in the Italian Alps with cool breezes and a lovely climate.” So, take the opportunity to explore on foot. Hike up the Giau Pass for wild vistas, and discover the stunning lakes in the area. And once you’ve worn yourself out, cozy up in HOTEL de LEN . “They are serious about sustainability and the views are unbelievable.”

The Island of Ortigia

Why Visit: A small island in the Ionian Sea, “Ortigia is the magical old town of Siracusa in Sicily,” says Katy Clarke, founder and editor of Untold Italy . The place, she continues, is perfect for discovering Sicily’s rich, layered history and culture while wandering down “narrow streets draped with laundry” and taking in “Ancient Greek and Roman ruins alongside Baroque fountains.”

What To Do: Clarke’s recommended itinerary for Ortigia sounds like something out of a dream. After a stop at the “colorful daily market,” she says, “eventually the laneways lead you to one of Italy’s most beautiful squares, the magnificent Piazza Duomo. Take a break here at Bar Condorelli for granita (Sicilian gelato) or a refreshing spritz to admire the Baroque cathedral and local street scene.” Make a stop at Teatro dei Pupi to watch a puppet performance or even try making your own. “And when it’s time to relax, sun beds await at one of the many lidos or you can take a boat cruise around the peninsula to find the perfect swimming spot.” Then, check into Hotel Gutkowski , “a charming boutique-style hotel that captures the essence of Ortigia.” You can eat there , or reserve a table at La Foglia — “a quirky restaurant crammed with antiques.”

Why Visit: “Siena may be the most famous Tuscany city, but I strongly lean towards Pienza, a picturesque hilltop village in the Val d'Orcia,” says Henley Vazquez , co-founder of new tech-forward travel agency Fora . According to her, it does have the daytrippers you’ll see in Siena — however, she thinks it’s easier to access, full of personality, and has some of her other favorite spots to visit within a 10-minute drive.

What To Do: Vazquez says the best place to stay is La Bandita Townhouse , “a chic and well-priced boutique hotel in the center of town.” According to the co-founder, it also has an “ excellent restaurant popular with locals.” And if you’re interested in discovering some of the best local artisans? “Follow the American owners' tips,” she says. “They won't steer you wrong.”

The Tuscia Region

Why Visit: Tuscia, Italy is a beautiful rural region north of Rome. As Mirko Cattini, Italian native and General Manager of Dorchester Collection’s Hotel Eden , says, it’s full of enchanting medieval villages such as Caprarola and Civita di Bagnoregio, making Tuscia a true gem and under-the-radar destination.

What To Do: Cattini actually describes Tuscia as the perfect day trip from Rome, being less than two hours away. So if you’re staying in the Eternal City and want an escape, hop in the car for the day and explore the scenic region. (Hotel Eden makes this easy with its road trip experience.) Cattini also says not to miss out on Palazzo Farnese in Caprarola, an “impressive and imposing place belonging to the Farnese noble family” and one of the most significant examples of late Renaissance architecture. If you are staying the night, he says that Tenuta Bertarello is “a lovely country estate built from an 18th-century watchtower, immersed in nature.”

Why Visit: Cooper actually once lived in Turin as a volunteer English teacher, and it’s still her top recommendation for an “authentic” Italian experience. She explains that it’s off the beaten path, meaning there are fewer tourists. It was also once the capital of Italy, so it’s full of history and things to do and see.

What To Do: Cooper recommends taking in views of the city, which you can do in several ways, including taking an elevator to the top of the city’s tallest building, Mole Antonelliana, and journeying up to the Basilica di Superga, which rests on a hill above the city. Given Turin’s proximity to the Alps, she also recommends participating in various outdoor activities. And, of course, take some time to simply explore. “Turin is full of local restaurants, plazas, and people that can give you an inside look at life in Italy,” she says.

Why Visit: Tom Marchant, co-founder of Black Tomato, calls Matera a “brilliant” city. It’s located in the region of Basilicata, “the land of steep hills and forests, a hidden territory that borders Calabria and Puglia, steeped in secrets (think ancient cave dwellings) and history.” Here, you’ll find a place with an otherworldly feel, he continues, thanks to limestone cliffs pockmarked like a lunar landscape.

What To Do: According to the co-founder, Matera is a very walkable city, “so wander aimlessly and explore its myriad shops, restaurants, tavernas.” It also boasts UNESCO World Heritage sites and “amazing museums,” he says, giving you plenty to explore. For accommodations, Marchant says you should stay at Palazzo Margherita , “Francis Ford Coppola’s spectacular, and discreet, hotel.”

The 15 best places to visit in Italy, from Venice to the Cinque Terre

Nov 19, 2023 • 11 min read

Rome should be the centerpiece of your trip if you’re going to Italy for the first time © Kathrin Ziegler / Getty Images

Home to some of the greatest artworks, historical monuments and food on the planet, and with the kind of varied landscapes that you often have to cross continents to see, Italy elates, inspires and moves its visitors like few other countries.

From its art- and architecture-stuffed cities to its astonishing diversity of natural landscapes – dramatic coastlines, serene lakes, pristine mountains, and those famous rolling hills – picking just a handful of destinations to visit in this wonderful country is no easy task.

So how do you decide where to go? It all depends on what you’re looking for in your Italian odyssey, whether that’s history, art, beaches, hiking or even food. No matter your passion, our list of 15 must-see places in Italy should be your starting point.

Best for history

Once caput mundi (capital of the world), Rome was legendarily spawned by a wolf-suckled boy, developed into a vast empire, rooted itself as the home of the Catholic church, and is now the repository of more than two millennia of art and architecture.

Rome should definitely be the centerpiece of your trip if you’re going to Italy for the first time, but there's simply too much to see in one visit, from the Pantheon and the Colosseum to Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel and countless works by Caravaggio. So do as countless others have done before you: toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain and promise to return.

Planning tip: There’s an overwhelming amount to see here, and with limited public transport in the city center, your choice of hotel can be crucial. Map out the sights you’re most interested in before you book – if you want to be at the Vatican at opening time, for example, don't stay near the Colosseum.

Read more: Italians reveal their under-the-radar vacation spots in Italy

Best for a Renaissance fix

From Botticelli’s Venus , emerging coyly from the water in the Uffizi Gallery , to the mind-boggling dome of its cathedral, Florence is a feast for the eyes. This was, of course, the seat of the Renaissance, and there are knock-out names at every turn – Michelangelo in the Accademia, Donatello in the Bargello, Leonardo and Raphael in the Uffizi. 

Further afield in  Tuscany – Italy's most romanticized region – is an undulating landscape of sinuous cypress trees, olive groves and coveted regional treasures. Glory in the Gothic majesty of Siena and the Manhattan-esque skyline of medieval San Gimignano before exploring the vineyards of Italy's most famous wine region, Chianti , and the rolling, cypress-studded hills of the Val d’Orcia.

Planning tip: You’re best off without a car if you’re sticking to major towns and cities since Tuscany has a good rail network. But if you want to explore the countryside, you’ll definitely need a car. 

3. The Dolomites

Best for dramatic mountains

Scour the globe, and you'll find plenty of taller, bigger and more geologically volatile mountains, but few can match the romance of the pink-hued granite Dolomites .

Maybe it's their harsh, jagged summits, the vibrant skirts of spring wildflowers, or the rich cache of Ladin legends. Then again, it could just be the magnetic draw of money, style and glamor at Italy's most fabled ski resort, Cortina d'Ampezzo , or the linguistic curiosity of picture-postcard mountain village Sappada . Whatever the reason, this tiny pocket of northern Italy takes seductiveness to dizzying heights.

4. Amalfi Coast

Best for classic beauty

Italy's most celebrated coastline is a gripping strip: coastal mountains plunge into the piercing blue sea in a prime-time vertical scene of precipitous crags, sun-bleached villages and cliffs rearing up behind. Between sea and sky, mountaintop hiking trails deliver Tyrrhenian panoramas fit for a god.

While some may argue that the peninsula's most beautiful coast is Liguria's Cinque Terre or Calabria's Costa Viola, it is the Amalfi Coast that has seduced and inspired countless greats, from Tennessee Williams and DH Lawrence to Elizabeth Taylor, Virginia Woolf and Jackie Kennedy. Of course, its staggeringly romantic looks also make it one of the best places in Italy for couples.

Planning tip: Yes, driving along the Amalfi Coast is one of the world’s most famous road trips, but often it feels like everyone else on the planet has the same idea as you. Traffic can be nose-to-tail, and parking is effectively nonexistent. Instead, take the ferry between towns or travel by public transport .

Best for stepping back in time

Frozen in its death throes, the time-warped ruins of Pompeii hurtle you 2000 years into the past. Wander through chariot-grooved Roman streets, lavishly frescoed villas and bathhouses, food stores and markets, theaters, and even an ancient brothel.

Then, in the eerie stillness, your eye on ominous Mt Vesuvius, ponder Pliny the Younger's terrifying account of the town's final hours: “Darkness came on again, again ashes, thick and heavy. We got up repeatedly to shake these off; otherwise, we would have been buried and crushed by the weight.”

Planning tip: If you have time, the other major city destroyed by the eruption, Herculaneum, is also worth a visit. Much smaller than Pompeii, its buildings are better preserved, and the location – surrounded by its modern descendant, Ercolano – makes the site even more piquant. Like Pompeii, it’s easily reached on the Circumvesuviana train.

6. Emilia-Romagna

Best for foodies

In a region as overwhelmingly foodie as Emilia-Romagna , it's only natural that its capital, Bologna , is dubbed “La Grassa” (the fat one). Many belt-busting Italian classics hail from here, including mortadella, tortellini and tagliatelle al ragù. Shop in the deli-packed Quadrilatero district – home to food stalls since medieval times – then hop on the train for an afternoon in Modena for world-famous aged balsamic vinegar.

Leave room for Parma , hometown of parmigiano reggiano cheese and the incomparable prosciutto di Parma. Wherever you plunge your fork, toast with a glass or three of Emilia-Romagna's renowned Lambrusco – a world away from the sickly sweet wine that was exported in the past.

7. Lago di Como

Best for a slice of luxury

If it's good enough for the Clooneys and vacationing Obamas, it's good enough for mere mortals. Nestled in the shadow of the Rhaetian Alps, dazzling Lago di Como is Lombardy's most spectacular lake. Its lavish Liberty-style villas are home to movie moguls, fashion royalty, and literal royalty, while the lake's siren calls include gardens at Villas Melzi d'Eril , Carlotta , and Balbianello that blush pink with camellias, azaleas and rhododendrons in April and May.

The city of Como itself is a hotbed of arresting architecture, from the Gothic cathedral to Palazzo Terragni – built by the Fascists as their party headquarters, it’s a classic example of Italian 1930s Rationalism and a striking reminder of the atrocities committed by the regime.  

Planning tip: Como is like the Amalfi Coast – the roads are clogged, and parking is a huge problem. Instead of driving, use public transport; there’s an excellent ferry and bus network, as well as a train line along the eastern edge of the lake.

8. Sardinia

Best for beaches and coastline

The English language cannot accurately describe the varied blue, green and – in the deepest shadows – purple colors of Sardinia’s seas. While models, ministers and perma-tanned celebrities wine, dine and sail along the glossy Costa Smeralda , much of the island – the Med’s second largest after Sicily – remains a wild, raw playground.

Explore its rugged coastal beauty, from the tumbledown boulders of Santa Teresa di Gallura and the wind-chiseled cliff face of the Golfo di Orosei to the windswept beauty of the Costa Verde's dune-backed beaches.

But spend time inland too, and you’ll find some of Europe’s finest prehistoric remains: mysterious nuraghi (megalithic buildings), burial sites so grand they’re known as “giants’ tombs,” and the mountain villages of Barbagia, where locals still practice centuries-old traditions.

Best for sheer italianità

Pompeii, pizza and a whole lot of panache – Naples is a city like no other. Layered like lasagna, each strip of history on top of the last, this is a place where (underground) you can walk along ancient Greek and Roman roads, while at street level there are sumptuous churches, baroque palaces and Maradona – Maradona everywhere .

Outside the city, Vesuvius looms over the time capsules of Pompeii and Herculaneum, while in town, living in the shadow of a volcano gives life a sense of urgency. All that makes for a place like nowhere else .

Planning tip: Naples becomes less chaotic from the water. Taking the ferry isn’t only an option if you’re going to islands like Ischia and Procida – you can also take a boat from the city to Sorrento , Positano and the Amalfi Coast.

Best for a fairytale city

“Unique” is an overused word, but in the case of Venice , there’s no better description. This really is a dreamscape of intricately carved palazzos, gilded churches and world-class museums, all floating on water and crisscrossed by quiet canals.

Avoid the temptation to do a quick drop-in visit to see the main sights – the real Venice is in the silent canals and narrow alleyways, which cast a spell on all who move through them. Tick off the Rialto Bridge and Piazza San Marco , but then stay on to experience this most precious, and precarious, of cities.

Local tip: This is not the place to run a tight schedule. Leave time to wander the alleys , look inside the churches and artisan shops you pass, and hop on a vaporetto that’ll chug through the islands of the lagoon.

11. Parco Nazionale del Gran Paradiso

Best for hiking

If you're pining for a mind-clearing retreat, lace up your hiking boots and explore over 500km (310 miles) of marked trails and mule tracks traversing “Grand Paradise.”

Part of the Graian Alps and one of Italy's very first national parks, Gran Paradiso's pure, pristine spread encompasses 57 glaciers and alpine pastures awash with wild pansies, gentians and alpenroses, not to mention a healthy population of Alpine ibex, for whose protection the park was originally established. At 4061m (13,323ft), the eponymous Gran Paradiso is the park's only peak, accessed from tranquil Cogne.

12. Mount Etna

Best for thrill seekers

Known to the Greeks as the “column that holds up the sky,”  Mt Etna is not only Europe's largest volcano, it's one of the world's most active. The ancients believed the giant Tifone (Typhoon) lived in its crater and lit the sky with spectacular pyrotechnics; today they simply call it idda , or “her.”

At 3326m (10,912ft), she literally towers above Sicily's Ionian Coast . Tackle the climb on foot, on a guided 4WD tour, or stick to the lower slopes, where you’ll find some of Italy’s most exciting wines being grown in the uber-fertile volcanic soil. Sicily is one of the nicest places in Italy to visit, thanks to its extraordinary wealth of history and architecture, its jaw-dropping coastline and, of course, the ever-welcoming Sicilians.

13. Cinque Terre and the Liguria coast

Best for classic coastline

Liguria’s remote Cinque Terre area is coastal Italy at its most spectacular. Five seaside villages wedged between cliffs, encircled by a national park and connected by clifftop footpaths, this is a place where humanity has lived in symbiosis with nature for thousands of years. People have chiseled terraces into the steep cliffs and grown wine here since Roman times; until the 20th century, the locals got about by sea or footpath.

The villages themselves are gorgeous, but spare some time for a hike along the Sentiero Azzurro, the most popular of the paths connecting them. Cinque Terre may be the best known, but Liguria’s coastline is one showstopper coastal village after another – additional highlights include Portofino , Portovenere and Santa Margherita Ligure .  

Planning tip: This is another area where it’s not worth driving – there are ferry services, but our favorite option is the train, which runs along the coast and stops at each of the villages.

14. Valle d’Itria

Best for picture-perfect villages

They look like hobbit houses – small conical-roofed cottages, often stitched together to form a bigger home but always fairytale pretty, whatever the size. Puglia, the heel of Italy’s boot, is famous for its trulli, but you won’t find them all over the region.

Head south of Bari, in from the coast and up onto the high karst plateau, and you’ll find the Valle d’Itria , where the green fields around towns like Cisternino and Locorotondo are dotted with trulli. Alberobello is the center of it all – the centro storico of the town is nothing but streets of them. This is one of the prettiest parts of Italy – truly.

Best for a real city break

Italy’s fashion capital  often gets a bad rap – too international, too organized, not chaotic enough. Don’t believe it. Where else can you go from a Gothic-style cathedral, started in the 14th century, to masterpieces by Leonardo (his Last Supper fresco in the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie is a showstopper, but so is the Sala delle Asse in the Castello Sforzesco , which he painted as a trompe l’oeil forest bower)?

Milan's restaurants pull together the best food from the Italian peninsula, it’s home to one of Italy’s rare cocktail scenes, and its fashion houses are transforming the city’s modern art scene with venues like Fondazione Prada , an old distillery now housing works by the likes of Jeff Koons and Damien Hirst, as well as putting on top-notch temporary exhibitions.

Planning tip: Milan doesn’t really have high and low seasons like the rest of Italy does; instead, its hotel rates rocket up and down depending on whether there’s a major event in town. Avoid Design and Fashion Weeks if you're traveling on a budget .

This article was first published June 2021 and updated November 2023

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History Travel + Local Experiences

February 26, 2023 By Lyndsay

30+ Extraordinary Non-Touristy Places to Visit in Italy

• 1.1 1. Drive to the top of Tre Cime di Lavaredo in the Dolomites
• 1.2 2. Take an early morning drive through the Italian Alps’ Gavia Pass
• 1.3 3. Experience the Dolomites’ infamous “Italian Front” at Cinque Torri
• 1.4 4. Swim in the emerald waters of Pozze Smeraldine in Tramonti di Sopra
• 1.5 5. Climb to the top of Scala Contarini del Bovolo in Venice
• 1.6 6. Visit the House of Savoy residence, Villa della Regina, on the outskirts of Turin
• 1.7 7. Marvel at the architecture of the Russian Orthodox Church in Sanremo
• 1.8 8. Taste true Tuscan food at Podere il Casale in Pienza
• 1.9 9. Take in the view from the top of Monte Capanne on Elba
• 1.10 10. Check out the bridge nicknamed “Devil’s Bridge,” Ponte della Maddalena, outside Borgo a Mozzano
• 1.11 11. Visit the underground Etruscan caves in Orvieto
• 1.12 12. Explore the Sant’Agnese Fuori Le Mura Basilica and Complex outside Rome
• 1.13 13. See thousands of Capuchin friars’ bones at the Bone Chapel Capuchin Crypt in Rome
• 1.14 14. Wander through the gardens at Villa d’Este in Tivoli
• 1.15 15. Visit Palazzo dei Papi, the home for the first-ever conclave in Viterbo
• 1.16 16. Check out the beautifully preserved ruins of Herculaneum in Ercolano
• 1.17 17. Explore the ruins of the Ancient Greek city Paestum in Paestum
• 1.18 18. Enjoy panoramic views of the Amalfi Coast from the Villa Cimbrone Gardens in Ravello
• 1.19 19. Experience one of the fastest zip lines in Europe at Volo dell’Angelo in Castelmezzano
• 1.20 20. Discover Matera’s Paleolithic cave homes in the Sassi di Matera
• 1.21 21. See the seaside cave church in Pizzo Calabro, Piedigrotta Church
• 1.22 22. Swim inside Roca Vecchia’s Grotta della Poesia, the “Cave of Poetry”
• 1.23 23. Explore the Medieval city center of Erice
• 1.24 24. Marvel at the huge collection of Roman mosaics at the Villa Romana del Casale near Piazza Armerina
• 1.25 25. Escape to the Dolomite Mountains from Bolzano
• 1.26 26. See the ancient trulli houses in Alberobello
• 1.27 27. Marvel at panoramic views of Lake Garda in Sirmione
• 1.28 28. Spend a night in one of Europe’s oldest castles at CastelBrando
• 1.29 29. Climb one of the remaining Medieval towers in San Gimignano 
• 1.30 30. Dip your toes in the Tyrrhenian Sea on the Aeolian Islands
• 2 The Best Non-Touristy Things to do in Italy

This post may contain affiliate links! I will receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you purchase something recommended here.

It’s not just the incredible food and wine that makes Italy so special.

There’s also its culture, history, art, architecture, and scenery.

But most tourists only see the significant landmarks in the largest cities like Rome , Florence, or Venice .

Although I love visiting Vatican City or the Leaning Tower of Pisa as much as anyone, I (and several of my other favorite travel writers) am going to share with you the best non-touristy things to do in Italy.

These aren’t your typical “must-see” spots–they’re all non-touristy places to visit in Italy that will blow your mind and make you want to book your flights right now. 

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A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a creation or landmark chosen for conservation by the United Nations Organization for Education, Science and Culture (UNESCO) due to its cultural, historical, scientific or natural significance. It must meet a minimum of one of ten selection criteria to be considered for the World Heritage List, and once chosen, it becomes protected for preservation by various international treaties.

The Best Non-Touristy Places to Visit in Italy

1. drive to the top of tre cime di lavaredo in the dolomites.

The Dolomites/The Italian Alps, South Tyrol, Italy

If you’re looking for a breathtaking location in Italy without crowds of tourists, head to  Tre Cime di Lavaredo .

Tre Cime is a mountain with 3 peaks (hence the name), and the incredible rock formations can be seen from miles away.

What most people don’t know, however, is that you can drive your vehicle up to the top and even, if you’re  campervanning in Italy , stay overnight in your van.

You need to pay to be allowed to drive up, and it’s not cheap- about 45€ for 24 hours. However, the views are unlike anything you’ll see anywhere else–simply breathtaking.

There are toilets, a cafe, a gift shop, and the hostel (rifugio) at the top, but very few other services. People come up here to hike, take photographs and enjoy the incredible views.

The most famous hike is the Tre Cime loop, which is about 10km and takes around 3 hours to walk (depending on how frequently you stop to take photos!)

Pay close attention to the weather while you’re up there, particularly hiking the loop or off the beaten path.

You might find yourself surrounded by thick clouds while up there, where you won’t see more than 2ft in front of you!

On the plus side, it clears quickly, and the spectacular views will be visible again.

If the forecast shows lousy weather, you don’t need to bother paying to go up the mountain–without the views, it’s not as incredible.

You definitely need to consider staying up there at least for one night to watch the sunrise over the mountains.

It’s one of the most amazing things you’ll ever see and a definite trip highlight. 

By Kathryn Bird from Wandering Bird

2. Take an early morning drive through the Italian Alps’ Gavia Pass

The Italian Alps, Lombardy, Italy

If you’re looking for somewhere to escape the noise and madness of Italian cities, head to the little-known Gavia Pass.

Gavia Pass is a mountain pass high up in the Italian Alps. It’s actually the tenth HIGHEST paved road in the Alps.

This road offers breathtaking views on a sunny day and is a beautiful place to escape and take in the sheer majesty of the mountains around you.

It is single-track in areas, particularly in the southern section, so drive with caution and don’t park up in the laybys- those are passing places to let vehicles pass. 

The road’s name is the SP29/ SS330/ SP300 (yes, there are 3) and runs from Bormio south to Ponte di Legno. There are plenty of accommodation options in both places.

It’s in the same region as the famous Stelvio Pass but is less well-known, so fewer motorcyclists and cyclists are whizzing around.

However, if you are  motorcycling in Italy , don’t leave the region without riding this road- although you’ll be stopping regularly to take photos of the scenery!

The route does close during winter due to snowfall . You’re usually fine until the end of October, but do check in advance and the road generally reopens when the snows clear in April. 

If you’re visiting this area of Italy in the summer , the road is often part of the Giro d’Italia, so check before you set out.

If you’re a nervous driver or don’t like switchbacks, drive it as early as possible–traffic is much quieter then.

By Kat from Biker Girl Life

3. Experience the Dolomites’ infamous “Italian Front” at Cinque Torri

The Dolomites, Veneto, Italy

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the magnificent Dolomite mountains of northern Italy delight summer and winter travelers.

The Cinque Torri (five towers) rock formation and free outdoor World War I museum enchants visitors that want a slice of culture with their adventure plans.

The site is a popular stop on the  Dolomites hiking hut to hut trail  called the Alta Via 1.

It is filled with dramatic rocky spires, green meadows, and extraordinary views of mountains reaching almost 10,000 feet.

Scramble along the paths taken by actual soldiers in WWI filled with placards in multiple languages, including English, German and Italian.

You can really feel what it was like to be on the infamous “Italian Front.”

The Dolomites are a true wonder home to skiing in winter and a hiker’s paradise in summer.

Filled with milky blue lakes and impossibly cute mountain villages, this area near Cortina d’Ampezzo requires planning ahead as most lodging is booked 6 months prior.

Cinque Torri is easily reached by car or bus from the town of Cortina d’Ampezzo, which is a 2-3 hour drive from Venice Marco Polo International Airport.

In addition to the ample rock climbing opportunities, multiple mountain rifugios serve delicious hot food.

If hiking isn’t your thing, you can utilize the ski lifts in summer to get to the Cinque Torri.

By Morgan Fielder from Crave the Planet

4. Swim in the emerald waters of Pozze Smeraldine in Tramonti di Sopra

Tramonti di Sopra, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy

In Friuli Venezia Giulia, more precisely in the Tramontina valley, within the Friulian Dolomites Park on the shore of the Meduna river, surrounded by a natural landscape made of rocks and white pebbles with lush vegetation and crystal clear waters, you will find a magical place.

In fact, in this idyllic setting, you’ll find the natural pools, called Pozze Smeraldine or Emerald Pools, which the Guardian newspaper included in 2014 among the 10 most beautiful natural pools in Italy to bathe.

An environment that is difficult to find in other Alps areas, the Friuli Dolomites have landscapes of rare beauty.

After you reach the car park (indicated by appropriate signs) in Tramonti di Sopra, leave the car there and follow the signs.

First, they’re placed on the paved road and then on an easy path to follow.

As you proceed, you will come across the source of the Sgurlina, where you can quench your thirst and enjoy the view of an uncontaminated landscape. 

After a walk of about 20 minutes, you reach the goal.

Here, the water collects in deep natural pools of a dazzling emerald color, thanks to the white rocks surrounding them.

Since it’s not one of Italy’s hot springs , it’s a perfect platform for a dip in the river’s cool waters.

You can lie down to sunbathe, sit for a picnic, linger and contemplate the landscape. 

Insider Tip:  Due to an influx of tourists, if you can, avoid visiting the emerald pools in August.

By Miriam from  Miry Giramondo

5. Climb to the top of Scala Contarini del Bovolo in Venice

Venice, Veneto, Italy

The  Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo  is a small palazzo tucked in an alleyway of Venice, best known for its external spiral staircase, the Scala Contarini del Bovolo.

The fifteenth-century Palazzo’s staircase leads to a small arcade with stunning views over the rooftops of neighboring buildings.

This unique staircase deserves to be on your Venice bucket list because of the different architectural styles it combines: Renaissance, Gothic, and Byzantine influences give the stairs’ tower its distinctive look.

The staircase is open for visitors to ascend and enjoy the 360-degree views of Venice from its arcade.

Usually, the staircase is not busy, so take your time photographing the many angles of the heart of Venice.

Visitors must buy a €7.00 ticket to the Palazzo, including access to the palace’s small gallery.

You can also gain entry as an add-on to one of the best city passes in Venice , the Venice Unica Pass.

The Palazzo is off Campo Manin and somewhat hard to find, but you will definitely be rewarded if you’re determined.

If you’ve just arrived in  Venice from Florence by bus , arriving at the Tronchetto ​​bus station, make your way east, following the Piazza San Marco signs. 

From this famous piazza, wind through the streets as follows: head northwest on Calle de Fabri, take the stairs on the left and turn onto S. Marco.

Turn left on Calle del Magazen, left on Calle Fuseri, and then right on the very narrow Calle de la Vida o de le Locande, and look for the yellow sign pointing you toward the “Scala Contarini del Bovolo.”

There are plenty of accommodation options within a short walk of the Palazzo.

Still, if you want to stay incredibly close, two top hotels are located right on Campo Manin: Hotel Centauro ( Booking | Hotels ) and Palazzo San Luca ( Booking | Hotels ).

A more affordable choice is a room at the quaint Ca’ Dei Fuseri Bed & Breakfast .

By Mary King from WanderU

6. Visit the House of Savoy residence, Villa della Regina, on the outskirts of Turin

Turin, Piedmont, Italy

One of the  best places to visit in Turin  overlooking the city from the eastern side of the River Po, the hilltop  Villa della Regina  is a lesser-known Italian UNESCO World Heritage Site you don’t want to miss. 

The entire region of Piedmont was ruled by the Savoy family for centuries (and Turin was the capital city of several of their kingdoms.)

So, the region is home to more than ten royal residences, all listed as one UNESCO site, and Villa della Regina is one of them.

Built in the 17th century and remodeled throughout the years, it was used by the princes and princesses of the House of Savoy until the 19th century.

While its front facade is relatively modest, on your tour, you can see its luxurious rooms, packed with beautiful frescoes, paintings by famous Italian painters, marble decorations, and more.

Next, head out to the vast gardens dotted with pavilions, sculptures, and fountains.

Last but not least, you’ll see the Villa’s royal vineyard, which was replanted a few years ago.

From Turin’s city center, you can take bus number 56, but the final ascent to Villa della Regina must be done on foot.

The visit costs only 7 euros, but admission is free with the Torino+Piemonte Card.

The Villa is only open from Friday to Sunday, and if you want to visit on Saturday, you must reserve your spot in advance via email.

The best area to stay in Turin is the Historic Center, so you can book a stay at the highly-rated Savoia Suites Torino , though you can also stay in the quiet Crocetta neighborhood at Hotel Liberty ( Booking | Hotels ).

By Or from My Path in the World

7. Marvel at the architecture of the Russian Orthodox Church in Sanremo

Sanremo, Liguria, Italy

An unexpected sight on the Italian Riviera is a Russian Orthodox Church–called  Chiesa Russa Ortodossa  or  Cathedral of Christ the Saviour –in the elegant port city of Sanremo.

Constructed in 1912-1913, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour was opened to serve the local well-to-do Russian community.

Another reason for the inauguration of this church was to pay homage to Empress Maria Aleksandrovna, who spent some time in Sanremo.

She was so well-liked in Sanremo that an entire street lined with palm trees has been named after her – the Corso Imperatrice.

While the outside of the church is intricately decorated in vivid colors and rotund domes typical of Russian Orthodox churches, the church’s interior, in stark contrast, remains relatively bare.

The onset of the First World War prevented the completion of the ambitious plan to decorate the interior.

Recently, renovations of the church’s exterior have been completed to repair the damage from the Second World War.

The interior restoration is also in the works so that a richly decorated interior might still come to fruition an entire century after the original inauguration of the church.

The Russian Orthodox Church in Sanremo should be a must-see on every visitor’s itinerary.

Such an unlikely landmark is not often found outside Russia and especially not in Italy.

This small church proudly takes its place on the Sanremo skyline.

The church is located at 2 Via Nuvoloni in Sanremo.

The church is open 10 am – 12:30 pm and 3 pm – 6:00 pm. Sunday service is at 10 am and on Saturdays at 5 pm. 

The closest airports to Sanremo are Nice and Turin. For amazing views of the sea, stay at Lolli Palace Hotel ( Booking | Hotels ) on Corso Imperatrice.

By Bea Cińska from  Pack Your Bags

8. Taste true Tuscan food at Podere il Casale in Pienza

Pienza, Tuscany, Italy

Tuscany, Italy, is a beautiful place to visit, but it’s also a great place to taste the local food.

If you love finding non-touristy things to do in Italy and want to learn more about the local history and culture of Tuscany, plan a visit to Podere il Casale, a unique Tuscan cheese farm and restaurant.

Located in the stunning Val d’Orcia in central Tuscany along the ancient pilgrimage road from Rome,  Podere il Casale  is one of the area’s most delicious farm-to-table restaurants, with all of its cheese produced on-site and much of its produce and meat as well.

Adding to its charm is the scenic location it occupies, overlooking the Tuscan Val d’Orcia where the movie Gladiator was filmed.

The landscape is so iconic; it’s been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The farm is open for cheese tastings and short tours of the grounds and sheep herds, but for a more immersive experience, sign up to take their cheese-making class.

Their expertise in making the local pecorino cheese is undeniable, and cheese tastings also include samples of their own small-barrel wines.

You can purchase cheese and other local foods  Podere il Casale  produces to take home if it makes it that far.

You’ll need to rent a car to get to this rural location, but in this case, the journey is definitely as good as the destination. 

By Lori Sorrentino from Travlinmad

Fun Fact : Italy doesn’t have any laws that mandate the country’s legal drinking age. You can read more about the country’s alcohol consumption laws here .

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9. Take in the view from the top of Monte Capanne on Elba

Elba, Tuscany, Italy

Most people only have the beautiful beaches in mind when thinking of the tiny island called Elba.

But did you know that the lovely island does have a mountain higher than 1000 meters above sea level?

Only 10km away from the Italian mainland, Elba is the biggest island in the Tuscan Archipelago.

The tiny airport is serviced by national flights only; therefore, most people  arrive at Elba by ferry  from Piombino.

The Monte Capanne can already be seen from the boat and basically from nearly everywhere on the beautiful island.

At 1,019 meters, it’s the highest mountain on Elba.

From the peak, you have breathtaking views of the entire island, the Italian coastline, and the French island of Corsica. You will be surprised to see how green Elba is.

The most accessible starting point for hikers is the villages of Marciana or Poggio on the mountain’s north face.

It is a fantastic hike but with 3,5hrs to reach the summit and 600 meters of altitude to overcome, it is no hike for beginners.

A great alternative is the yellow chair lift from Pozzatello. In less than 20 minutes, you will be taken to the top.

The ride is an adventure of its own, as you have to stand in the small gondolas, which only fit 2 people.

The round trip costs €18.00, but the view over the fantastic island is definitely worth it!

By Linda from Hiking the Alps

10. Check out the bridge nicknamed “Devil’s Bridge,” Ponte della Maddalena, outside Borgo a Mozzano

Borgo a Mozzano, Tuscany, Italy

About a half-hour north of Lucca, just before Borgo a Mozzano, you’ll find the picturesque Ponte della Maddalena, a bridge like you’ve never seen before.

With a sizeable 60-foot arch followed by three smaller arches, the Medieval stone bridge almost has a dinosaur shape, yet it is strikingly beautiful.

You’ll know at first glance that you should stop and explore this Italian hidden gem, also referred to as Devil’s Bridge. 

Legend has it that the bridge’s construction was significantly behind schedule, so a pact was made with the devil. In exchange for completion, the devil would receive the soul of the first one to cross the bridge.

The townspeople fooled the devil and lured a dog across first. Everyone except the dog lived happily ever after. 

To visit Ponte della Maddalena, pull into the small parking lot at the foot of the bridge just off the SS12.

You can easily snap your photos from here or walk across the bridge over the Fiume Serchio (Serchio River). 

Although the bridge is quite intriguing, you will not need more than 30 minutes to an hour.

You can visit the nearby village of Bagni de Lucca, and have some lunch. Tortelli and Farro Soup are two  Italian specialty dishes  of this region.

Since Bagni de Lucca is very small, staying in Lucca is the best option.

The Grand Universe Lucca Autograph Collection inside the city walls is an excellent option near two of the main squares. 

By Denise from Chef Denise

11. Visit the underground Etruscan caves in Orvieto

Orvieto, Umbria, Italy

If you don’t have time for in-depth research on Orvieto, you might miss one of the most unique places to visit in Italy.

Orvieto, a 90-minute train ride for a day trip outside of Rome, is not only a stunning and picturesque  town in Italy for photographers  but also a perfect destination full of rich and unusual history.

As you disembark from the train, be sure to purchase funicular tickets for a quick ride up the side of the cliff.

The city sits atop a huge underground complex of man-made caves dug out of soft volcanic rock that has been in existence since the Etruscan times.

Many of these caves are connected by passages and are literally the “coolest” feature in Orvieto. 

Out of the 1,200 caves in Orvieto dug out under homes and businesses (following strict specifications), many have been used over the years as wine cellars, wells, bomb shelters, and cold storage.

On your underground tour of the  Orvieto Underground , you’ll see olive presses, storage areas, and dovecotes or nests for pigeons. In fact, during many of the ancient attacks on the city, residents survived on pigeons.

You can even take a guided tour of the Etruscan caves , which includes a visit to the city’s cathedral.

If you choose to stay in Orvieto, there are several unique apartment stays that are steps from the heart of Orvieto’s Old Town with the Duomo, shopping, and eateries moments away.

Otherwise, plan to return to Rome on the evening train.

By Jolayne Kline from Simply Jolayne

12. Explore the Sant’Agnese Fuori Le Mura Basilica and Complex outside Rome

Rome, Lazio, Italy

One of the most fascinating  hidden gems in Rome  is the complex of  Sant’Agnese Fuori Le Mura Basilica , located in Via Nomentana and bearing this name due to its position outside of the Aurelian Walls. 

The complex is fascinating because it shows art and history to explore outside the walls and the city center.

Among the landmarks to visit here, travelers should start with the modern church, the look of which depends on several renovations of the 7th-century Basilica built by Pope Honorius I. 

The catacombs underneath the whole complex are a must: built in the 3rd century, this is the early-Christian cemetery where the young Roman martyr Sant’Agnese was buried at the beginning of the 4th century.

The whole complex focuses on the saint, also thanks to Costanza, the daughter of Emperor Constantine the Great.

She was the first to officially end the persecutions against the Christians. 

Costanza, who had a deep devotion to Saint Agnes, commissioned the building of the so-called Constantinian Basilica, a covered cemetery near the burial place of the saint, and the ruins are still visible behind the complex. 

Finally, one of the must-see landmarks and probably the most visually stunning is the funerary Mausoleum of Santa Costanza, commissioned by the same Costanza in the 3rd century.

Its architecture was inspired by Roman temples, and its ceiling is coated with wonderful mosaics.

This area is straightforward to reach by metro (line B, Sant’Agnese-Annibaliano stop) or by bus (66, 82).

In the Nomentano/Trieste neighborhood, there are other landmarks to visit, such as Villa Torlonia urban park and the quirky Quartiere Coppedè, as well as several excellent restaurants, including Ops! vegan restaurant, the Scandinavian-inspired street food place Smor, and Berberè pizza place, all near Piazza Fiume.

By Angela Corrias from Rome Actually

13. See thousands of Capuchin friars’ bones at the Bone Chapel Capuchin Crypt in Rome

If you are looking for a unique and chilling experience in Italy, look no further than the capital city.

The Capuchin Crypt–also known as the Bone Chapel–isn’t only  off the beaten path in Rome , but relatively unknown in Italy.

Situated near the Piazza Barberini and Palazzo Barberini, it gives you an insight into the history of the Capuchin Order in the museum that you can visit together with the bone chapel.

The chapel itself actually consists of several chapels side by side, carefully ornated with the bones of several thousands of Capuchin friars.

The Capuchins believed this to be a reminder of human mortality.

The walls and ceilings are covered in artwork using different human bones.

Even the chandeliers above your head are made of human bones.

But the most unsettling might just be the skeletons in black capes guarding the chapels.

It is not allowed to take pictures inside the chapels, but this is truly an experience that will stay with you forever.

To get to the Capuchin Crypt, take the metro to Barberini and walk the last couple of minutes. An excellent place to stay nearby is the Relais Barberini Hotel.

From there you can easily walk around a lesser visited part of Rome and explore the astounding Palazzo Barberini, Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Antica and the Chiesa di San Carlino alle Quattro Fontane.

By Linn Haglund from Brainy Backpackers

14. Wander through the gardens at Villa d’Este in Tivoli

Tivoli, Lazio, Italy

Magical Villa d’Este, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Tivoli, is a water fountain lover’s paradise.

UNESCO considers the five hundred water jets scattered through the grounds in fountains, pools, grottoes, and stone statues.

Various other water features a “remarkable illustration of Renaissance culture at its most refined … a true water garden and a unique example of an Italian 16th-century garden,” which became an oft-copied model for others throughout Europe.

The features descend several levels from the Villa’s palace (once a monastery) to the main garden area.

The water for this ambitious project comes to the Villa through an underground canal connected to the Anio River, which flows through the charming town of Tivoli.

The terraced design facilitates the water flow through natural gravity. 

One of the most fun features is the water organ. A relatively simple interaction of water and air makes trumpets blow and fills the air with music.

Historical descriptions describe the incredulity with which observers watched the organ produce several madrigal songs as if by magic.  

The variety of features play with the water in so many different ways … many of them are whimsical, others ethereal.

There’s no predicting what lies around the next corner, making a genuinely delightful playground for children and adults. 

Tickets are reasonably priced, and the hours vary by season.

If you don’t have a car, Villa d’Este is easy to reach by train from Rome, less than an hour away.

From the train station in Tivoli, it’s a simple well-marked walk or bus ride to the Villa. Villa Adriana, the country estate of the Roman Emperor Hadrian and another UNESCO site, is close by (walking distance), and the two villas are taken together, making for a perfect day trip from Rome.  

By Shara Johnson from  SKJ Travel

15. Visit Palazzo dei Papi, the home for the first-ever conclave in Viterbo

Viterbo, Lazio, Italy

Not many know it, but Viterbo, the capital of the beautiful region of Tuscia (which spans across Northern Lazio, Southern Tuscany, and Umbria), is home to the first-ever conclave.

Quick History:  A conclave is a meeting during which Roman Catholic cardinals are literally locked inside a room until they agree on the election of the future pope. 

During the 13th century and for about two decades after, Viterbo was considered a much safer place for clerics to live than Rome. 

The Palazzo dei Papi  (Palace of the Popes) is located in the central Piazza San Lorenzo. Popes resided in this Gothic-style building between 1257 and 1281.

Highlights of the visit include the main room – the Aula del Conclave; the beautifully frescoed Sala Gualterio; and the Loggia della Benedizione – a beautiful balcony overlooking the square below from which the newly elected popes would make their first public appearance.

Viterbo’s Palazzo dei Papi is open daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 or 7:00 pm, depending on the season. Admission is €9 and includes an audio guide that will help you go through the history of the palace and its most notable pieces of art. 

Next to the Palace of the Popes, you will find the Duomo di Viterbo, the main church in the city. This Romanesque-style church is the resting place of two 13th-century popes.

You can easily reach  Viterbo  by train from Rome.

Catch a northbound train from Roma Termini or Roma Tiburtina and get off at Viterbo Porta Romana station.

If you have a car, Viterbo is an excellent base for a road trip around Tuscia. 

The best place to stay in town is Hotel Palazzo Verdi ( Booking | Hotels ), right by the theater and a 2-minute walk to the Corso Italia, from where you can easily reach all the most important landmarks in town.

By Claudia Tavani from Strictly Rome

16. Check out the beautifully preserved ruins of Herculaneum in Ercolano

Ercolano, Campania, Italy

Most people have heard of the ancient ruin of Pompeii, buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius thousands of years ago. It’s an incredible place to visit to learn about living in ancient Italy.

Not far away is a smaller, even better-preserved city called Herculaneum. It was on the coast near Mount Vesuvius and where the wealthy people of the time lived.

It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and a special place worth seeing when visiting Rome, Naples, Sorrento, or the Amalfi Coast.

Though it’s much smaller than Pompeii, it’s in much better condition.

Like Pompeii, it was buried under layers of debris from the eruption. However, you can still see the ancient wood beams, frescoes, and mosaics. 

Most of the public buildings remain unexcavated, but what’s remarkable is you can tour many of the wealthy homes to see what they might have once looked like.

You can visit the old baths as well.

It’s generally less crowded, and you can almost hear the echoes of the past. Definitely get a guide to wander through this ruin so you can learn about the history.

Also, there are no facilities inside Herculaneum, so make sure you eat and visit the restrooms at the entrance.

It’s easy to visit Herculaneum as just a ten-minute walk from the Ercolano-Scavi stop on the Circumvesuviana train. Hold your bags close on this local train as it gets pretty busy.

Many people visit on a day trip from Naples or Sorrento and stay in those cities.

If you want to stay closer to the ruin to spend more time there, check out Hotel Herculaneum ( Booking | Hotels ), just steps from the ruin.

Visiting Herculaneum is a bucket-list experience you won’t want to miss.

By Sam from My Flying Leap

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17. Explore the ruins of the Ancient Greek city Paestum in Paestum

Paestum, Campania, Italy

Italy is home to countless ancient ruins scattered all around the country.

Aside from the deservedly popular site of Pompeii and the lesser-known Herculaneum, there is another significant ruin close to the city.

If you head further south of Naples, you’ll reach the ruins of  Paestum , once a major Greek city and one of the most impressive ancient Greek sites anywhere in Europe.

The site’s highlights are the three Doric Greek temples, two dedicated to Hera and one to Athena, in a magnificent state of preservation. 

Paestum is also home to a largely intact Greek amphitheater, plus many of the paved roads and buildings foundations remain, allowing you to imagine the ancient city.

Walking around the site and through the temples is an awe-inspiring experience. 

Paestum is only a short drive south of Naples, about 75 minutes in a car.

Alternatively, there is a train station within walking distance of the ruins, with regular trains from Napoli Centrale taking just over an hour–so you don’t need to drive if you don’t want to.

It’s also just over half an hour south of Salerno. 

The area around Paestum is a popular beach resort area, with multiple lidos to swim at during the summer season.

Over the winter months, the site is relatively quiet, and accommodation can be harder to come by, with the better option to stay in Naples or along the Amalfi Coast.

While in the region, it’s also worthwhile stopping off at one of the many buffalo mozzarella farms dotted throughout the area and signposted from the highway–another one of the coolest, most non-touristy things to do in Italy.

You’ll have the chance to come face to face with the buffalo who produce the famous cheese and purchase some directly from the farm gate.

By Shandos Cleaver from  Travelnuity: Dog-Friendly Travel

18. Enjoy panoramic views of the Amalfi Coast from the Villa Cimbrone Gardens in Ravello

Ravello, Campania, Italy

If you’re looking for the best non-touristy things to do in Italy, go to the Villa Cimbrone Gardens in Ravello.

Ravello is a hilltop town on the Amalfi Coast.

Most people visiting the Amalfi Coast just go to Amalfi and Positano, which are super crowded, but it’s definitely worth getting off the path and going to Ravello.

It is a beautiful drive to get there – winding through the hills surrounded by vineyards.

One of the prettiest spots in Ravello is the Villa Cimbrone Gardens.

They are beautifully landscaped gardens. But the best thing about the gardens is the views over the Amalfi Coast.

There is a viewing platform at the very end of the gardens on a cliff that looks out over the Amalfi Coast. It’s worth going to Ravello just for these views.

You can get a bus from most places along the Amalfi Coast to Ravello.

Once you are at Ravello, it’s then a short walk to the Villa Cimbrone Gardens.

The viewing platform is at the very back of the gardens – make sure you don’t miss it since it’s the best part of the gardens and the main reason it’s worth visiting.

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay, you could either remain in Ravello or book accommodation in any of the little villages along the Amalfi Coast if you wanted somewhere a bit more central.

By Ashleigh from  Ashleigh’s Atlas

19. Experience one of the fastest zip lines in Europe at Volo dell’Angelo in Castelmezzano

Castelmezzano, Basilicata, Italy

Volo dell’Angelo  is situated in the picturesque mountain village Castelmezzano.

Over the town lies one of the fastest zip lines in Europe, where visitors can admire a scenic spot 400 meters above ground level.

It’s one of the numerous non-touristy places to visit in Italy due to its remote destination in the south.

The location is blessed with stunning nature, and the village itself is gorgeous.

That’s why it’s also a hidden gem, known mainly by the locals.

The best things to see and do there are hiking around the beautiful village, visiting Gradinata Normanna, and strolling around a stone village.

But Castelmezzano  is known chiefly for the high-speed zip line.

It starts from Castelmezzano, then winds with speeds of 120km/h to the neighboring village Pietrapertosa and back.

It’s better to book “flight” tickets in advance because sometimes there might be long queues. 

The best way to get there is by car. There is some public transportation option, but it’s not sufficient enough. It would be an ideal day trip option from Matera.

There are multiple accommodation options in the village to stay a night.

One of them is Casa delle Stelle , which offers magnificent views of the Castelmezzano and surrounding dolomite hills.

By Erki from Genem Travels

20. Discover Matera’s Paleolithic cave homes in the Sassi di Matera

Matera, Basilicata, Italy

Found in the south’s Basilicata region, the city of Matera is home to two incredible non-touristy things to do in Italy.

This magnificent metropolis can be traced back to the Paleolithic period, when ancient peoples lived in the large caves that encircle today’s city center.

When I was teaching English in Italy in Matera, my host family and I spent a day climbing up to these caves.

However, the city is most famous for its Sassi di Matera.

The Sassi is made up of structures and residences carved into the side of the mountain.

While these exquisite white stone houses were abandoned for many years beginning in the 1950s from poor sanitation, they have now been refurbished and restored to modern-day standards.

Today, you must explore the Sassi’s twisting streets and discover locally-owned stores and excellent restaurants.

You can also discover some outstanding, one-of-a-kind apartment stay properties to rent during your vacation in this historic area.

If time allows, visit the Palombaro Lungo, a now-inactive underground water reservoir once the largest in the ancient city.

This historical way of delivering water to the town’s residents was critical to the city’s survival.

Spend an afternoon with a tour guide wandering through these fifteen-meter-high tunnels and learning how the city’s people received water.

While Matera is a beautiful city to explore during the day, the city comes alive in the evenings.

Their central plaza, Piazza Vittorio Veneto, is bustling with families and friends out for after-dinner strolls. 

Although the city’s popularity has soared since it was chosen as a 2019 European Capital of Culture, you’ll still be immersed in authentic Southern Italian culture when you visit the ancient city.

By Lyndsay from The Purposely Lost

21. See the seaside cave church in Pizzo Calabro, Piedigrotta Church

Pizzo Calabro, Calabria, Italy

When in Pizzo Calabro, in the province of Vibo Valentia in  Calabria , you can’t miss a visit to the Piedigrotta Church.

The church is only 20 minute’s walk from Pizzo city center, or just 5 if driving a car and following the road SS 522.

To get to the stunning cave church, you’ll walk down a granite flight of steps and pass through a scenic path facing the Gulf of Sant’Eufemia. 

The Piedigrotta Church is a seaside cave church with carved sculptures from the 19th and 20th centuries.

The Piedigrotta church is unique because the religious place was carved on sedimentary rocks of marine origin, even if improperly defined by many as a cave dug into the earth. 

The stone facade is quite simple and made of poor materials.

The true wonder is its interiors: three caves with statues created from the same sedimentary rock narrating scenes from the Holy Scriptures. 

It’s believed that the church was carved as a devotion act for the Madonna of Piedigrotta.

The legend says that the painting of this Madonna and the crew were able to save themselves after a catastrophic shipwreck, and building the church was a way to thank her. 

This little gem is only a step away from the beautiful Piedigrotta Church’s beach, where you can spend some time sunbathing and relaxing.

Alternatively, you can drive back to Pizzo and explore the narrow streets and piazzas of the small historical city center. 

If you decide to do that, you can’t leave without trying the tartufo di Pizzo , a delicious gelato dessert composed of many layers of gelato flavors!

You can stay at the Palazzo Paladini for a wonderful stay in modern and luxurious flats right in the city center of Pizzo Calabro.

By Dan from Urban Abroad

22. Swim inside Roca Vecchia’s Grotta della Poesia, the “Cave of Poetry”

Roca Vecchia, Puglia, Italy

The Grotta della Poesia is a natural sea cave with an intriguing history.

Rumored to have been frequented by an enchanting Princess, the cave drew in poets inspired by the scene’s beauty – hence the name, which translates to “Cave of Poetry” in English.

Fairytales aside, there is evidence that the cave was used in worship throughout history, dating back to the Messapian period. 

Today, the caves are frequented by locals and tourists alike who come to sunbathe on the cliffs, dive into the natural pool, or explore other nearby archaeological ruins.

It’s a truly beautiful and unique place to swim.

And if you’re not brave enough to dive into the crystalline water from above, there’s a stone staircase etched into the side of the cave for a more demure entrance.

From the cave, it’s possible to swim out to the sea, but beware that the sea can be rough on the other side of the thick rocky sea wall, so this is best only untaken by strong swimmers.

While you’re in the area, be sure to take a walk along to the Archeology park of Roca Vecchia, which is hidden in plain sight.

Here you’ll find ruins dating back to the 14th century BC. The cave is easily reached via car, or you can take a bus from Lecce, which will take about an hour.

Nearby Torre dell’Orso and San Foca are among the  best places to stay in Puglia , and both are within walking distance of the cave.

Consider a stay at the Hotel Belvedere ( Booking | Hotels ), and you’ll be able to wander along the coast for about 15 minutes to be first in line for a morning swim at the grotto.

By Nadine Maffre from Le Long Weekend

23. Explore the Medieval city center of Erice

Erice, Sicily, Italy

The village of Erice in western Sicily (Trapani province) contains two parts: The modern part of the city at the bottom of the hill and the medieval village precariously perched on the aptly named Mount Erice (750 meters or 2.460 feet above sea level).

The real reason for visiting Erice lies not in the modern part of town but hidden deep between the quaint alleys of historical Erice, where time has somehow stood still.

Highlights of Erice include Porta Trapani, Church of San Martino (a Norman Church), Mother Church, a walk through the Spanish Neighborhood, and of course, a visit to the extraordinarily well preserved Venus Castle, overlooking the Egadi Islands.

As is the case for many typical  Sicilian villages , Erice has its very own typical and age-old biscuits to try: Genovesi Ericine or Mustaccioli is a local favorite.

There are a few different ways to get to the Historical Center of Erice, the most scenic being the cable car (starts in Via F. Milana, 102, 91016 Erice TP, Italy) which runs from April on (€6.00 one way or €9.50 to and back).

Alternatively, drive up the winding roads and park outside Porta Trapani (€1/hour parking fee to be paid with cash at the meter).

By Caroline from Veggie Wayfarer

24. Marvel at the huge collection of Roman mosaics at the Villa Romana del Casale near Piazza Armerina

Piazza Armerina, Sicily, Italy

Villa Romana del Casale  is an incredible UNESCO site located near the town of Piazza Armerina in central Sicily,  Italy .

The site contains a vast collection of Roman mosaics, remarkably well preserved over the centuries.

The house is thought to have belonged to a wealthy Roman family – the excavated rooms were likely once used for administrative and residential purposes. 

The mosaics are particularly colorful and skilfully produced, depicting various scenes, including hunting and fighting, mythical stories, and everyday Roman life.

The craftsmen who created the beautiful mosaics are thought to have come from North Africa.

Villa Romana del Casale is very rural, so it is best reached by car or as part of a guided tour.

The site is around 160 kilometers from the capital of Sicily – Palermo – and 100 kilometers from Catania.

There are some wonderful small Italian towns and villages to explore in the vicinity of the Roman site, including the hilltop town of Enna.

The best places to stay nearby are the family-run agriturismo farm stays such as Baglio Pollicarini , which is a unique place in Italy on its own.

This important archaeological site is one of the essential non-touristy places to visit in Italy for anyone interested in Roman history visiting Italy.

By Annabel Kirk from Smudged Postcard

25. Escape to the Dolomite Mountains from Bolzano

Bolzano, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, Italy

Nestled in the heart of the Dolomite Mountains, Bolzano is a stunning city that offers a unique blend of Italian and Austrian cultures.

While it may not be as well-known as other Italian destinations, Bolzano is a hidden gem that boasts a wealth of historical and cultural treasures.

Visitors can explore the city’s medieval center, which is home to several impressive landmarks, including the iconic Duomo and the South Tyrol Archeological Museum. 

Just outside the city center, you can visit the imposing, Medieval castle, Castel Mareccio, or take the cable car Funivia Renon for incredible views of the mountains.

As an excellent gateway to the stunning Dolomite Mountains, offering access to some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes in Italy, Bolzano offers some of the best non touristy things to do in Italy.

It’s also home to one of the largest Christmas markets in Italy . 

26. See the ancient trulli houses in Alberobello

Alberobello, Puglia, Italy

Found in the southern region of Puglia, Alberobello is a small town that has managed to preserve its unique character and history.

What makes this town stand out is its unusual architecture – the town is dotted with dozens of traditional trulli , small stone houses with conical roofs that date back to the 14th century.

The town’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visitors can stroll along the winding streets and marvel at the trulli that dot the landscape.

Alberobello also boasts a rich culinary tradition, with local specialties such as orecchiette pasta, burrata cheese, and Primitivo wine.

27. Marvel at panoramic views of Lake Garda in Sirmione

Sirmione, Lombardy, Italy

Sirmione is a charming town located on a narrow peninsula that juts into Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake.

Despite its stunning beauty and historic significance, Sirmione remains relatively undiscovered by tourists, making it a hidden gem that’s worth exploring.

The town is home to several impressive Roman ruins, including the ruins of a grand villa and a 13th-century castle that overlooks the lake.

Visitors can also take a dip in the lake or the town’s thermal baths and Italian hot springs or stroll along the winding streets of the historic center.

With its picturesque setting, rich history, and laid-back vibe, Sirmione is undoubtedly one of the most extraordinary non-touristy places to visit in Italy.

28. Spend a night in one of Europe’s oldest castles at CastelBrando

Cison di Valmarino, Veneto, Italy

Found right in the heart of the Veneto’s UNESCO-protected Prosecco Hills, CastelBrando is a medieval castle that has been converted into a unique hotel and spa.

The castle’s rich history dates back all the way back to the Romans when it was first built as a fortress.

Later, the ruling families of the region expanded the structure and developed it into the castle it is today.

Now, CastelBrando has been beautifully restored and offers luxurious accommodations, spa treatments, and dining options.

Guests can explore the castle’s many rooms and halls, take in breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside from the castle’s towers, and enjoy the finest Prosecco, either on a Prosecco tour or in the castle’s restaurant or bar.

If you’re interested, you can read more about my experience visiting this historic site in my complete CastelBrando review .

29. Climb one of the remaining Medieval towers in San Gimignano 

San Gimignano, Tuscany, Italy

San Gimignano is a small medieval town that has managed to preserve its authentic character and charm over the centuries.

Often overshadowed by more famous Tuscan destinations like Florence and Siena, San Gimignano is a hidden gem that should not be missed by those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience.

The town is famous for its many towers, which were built by wealthy families during the Medieval period as a sign of their wealth, status, and for protection.

Stroll along the town’s narrow streets, take in stunning views of the surrounding hills and vineyards, and sample local specialties such as Vernaccia di San Gimignano wine and saffron-flavored dishes.

And, you must taste some of the best gelato in Italy, found at Gelateria Dondoli in the town’s piazza.

30. Dip your toes in the Tyrrhenian Sea on the Aeolian Islands

Aeolian Islands, Sicily, Italy

Off the coast of Sicily, you’ll find a stunning archipelago–the Aeolian Islands. 

Comprised of seven islands and relatively undiscovered by tourists, the Aeolian Islands offer a unique blend of natural beauty and Mediterranean heritage.

Visitors can explore the islands’ volcanic landscapes, take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, and sample delicious seafood dishes at local restaurants.

Each island has its own distinct character and attractions, from the dramatic cliffs of Stromboli to the stunning beaches of Panarea.

With its pristine beaches, rugged terrain, and laid-back vibe, the Aeolian Islands are undoubtedly one of the most extraordinary non-touristy places to visit in Italy.

The Best Non-Touristy Things to do in Italy

1. Tre Cime di Lavaredo in the Dolomites/Italian Alps 2. Gavia Pass in the Italian Alps 3. Cinque Torri in the Dolomites 4. Pozze Smeraldine in the Tramontina valley 5. Scala Contarini del Bovolo in Venice 6. Villa della Regina in Turin 7. Russian Orthodox Church in Sanremo  8. Podere il Casale in Pienza 9. Monte Capanne on Elba 10. Ponte della Maddalena in Borgo a Mozzano 11. The Etruscan underground caves in Orvieto 12. Sant’Agnese Fuori Le Mura Basilica and Complex in Rome 13. Bone Chapel Capuchin Crypt in Rome 14. Villa d’Este in Tivoli 15. Palazzo dei Papi in Viterbo 16. The Ancient Roman ruins of Herculaneum in Ercolano 17. The Ancient Greek ruins of Paestum in Paestum 18. Villa Cimbrone Gardens in Ravello 19. Volo dell’Angelo in Castelmezzano 20. Sassi di Matera in Matera 21. Piedigrotta Church in Pizzo Calabro 22. Grotta della Poesia in Puglia 23. The Medieval city center in Erice 24. Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina 25. Escape to the Dolomite Mountains from Bolzano 26. See the ancient trulli houses in Alberobello 27. Marvel at panoramic views of Lake Garda in Sirmione 28. Spend a night in one of Europe’s oldest castles at CastelBrando 29. Climb one of the remaining Medieval towers in San Gimignano  30. Dip your toes in the Tyrrhenian Sea on the Aeolian Islands

If you’re planning a trip to this beautiful country, there are some absolutely incredible non touristy places in Italy you definitely need to visit.

Although they’re off the beaten path, they offer truly unique experiences and beautiful views that will leave you wanting more.

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12 Unique Places In Italy To Visit This Year

It’s no surprise how much I relish a good Italian trip . I mean, it’s one of those countries that I could visit every week If I could (and I’m already itching to get back). Now, the thing I love most has to be all the unique places in Italy, I’d even go as far as saying it’s one of the prettiest and most diverse countries to visit.

Yes, you’ve got the more popular spots like; Florence , Cinque Terre and Rome (which are amazing) but there’s so much more to Italy than the popular spots.

The whole country is so diverse, with the south being so different from the north and all the cities having their own character and charm.

That’s all without even mentioning the nature!

Anyway, once again I’m starting to ramble (yup, it’s a common theme for me) but I wanted to share some gorgeous and unique places in Italy that are just a stone’s throw from the more ‘popular’ spots we all now. 🇮🇹

1.) Rocca Calascio, Abruzzo

Another gem in Abruzzo, Rocca Calascio is a dramatic and totally idyllic place to see. I mean, I always get those ‘Game of Thrones’ vibes from this place… is it just me?

Anyway,  it’s one of the truly unique places in Italy you should see – just make sure to take your walking boots as the walk up can be pretty tiring.

2.) Pentedattilo, Calabria

This abandoned Greek village is one of the unique places in Italy to see. Built by the Greeks, this ghost town now sits quietly, nestled below Monte Calvario.

Now, the town itself got its name due to the ‘five fingers’ that seem to protrude from Monte Calvario that grasp the town (though, I’m not too sure if the town ever really was ‘held’ by these fingers).

With over 1,400 years of history, it’s one unique place to explore when you’re in southern Italy (right on the tip of the boot).

Just be aware, you’ll either need to drive or arrange a private excursion to get there – the area is lacking in any public transport to this point.

3.) Arcomagno beach, San Nicola Arcella

There’s something really special about Arcomagno beach, I’m not too sure if it’s the gorgeous waters or the epic rock formation but it always feels so magical.

Once you arrive, you can find a few spots to park your car around Lido Marinella and head down the steps to the beach itself.

Just remember to pack your sunblock and some swimwear. Oh, also, for an amazing sunset, head here around late afternoon, it’s gorgeous.

4.) Theatre of Taormina, Sicily

About 1,700 years old, Taormina ancient theatre is a gorgeous spot to see.

The whole place is breathtaking and it’s a must-see spot to see when you’re in the area.

What makes this ancient theatre so unique is that lots of the work (like the bricks used and method) are very Roman, while the setup and how it looks is very Greek.

There are not that many places like this, making it one of the unique places in Italy to see. Plus, you can easily partner a visit here with a trip to some of the best beaches in Sicily , too. Heaps of them are so close by. 

Read more: Best places to visit in Sicily

5.) Castle of Monguelfo, South Tyrol

With almost 1,000 years of history, the Castle of Monguelfo is one stunning piece of history you should see. Now, don’t let the name confuse you – some people also call it Castel Welsperg too (just in case you’re looking for directions).

Once there, wander around the grounds and head inside the gorgeous passageways and a tiny church. The castle sits overlooking the valley itself and offers some pretty epic views, too.

When in the area, make sure you also pop over to Fanes-Sennes-Prags, which is a stunning nature park that covers a huge space in South Tyrol. You’ll love it.

6.) Santuario di San Romedio, Trentino

This was one of my favourite surprises in Italy last year. We’d decided to head around the Trentino region (stopping off along the way), hiking and eating all the pasta in sight. 🤣 

Now, one thing we hadn’t heard about before our trip was  Santuario di San Romedio a gorgeous place nestled in the mountains that’s great for a few hours visit.

It’s easiest to travel here by car for sure (as we couldn’t find much in terms of public transport to get here).

Once you arrive, you’ll park up at the small ticket booth, hop onto the sanctuary’s little bus and get whisked to the top to explore.

You can read more on our visit, below. You’ll love it.

7.) Capestrano, Abruzzo

With less than 1,000 people living here, Capestrano is a pretty intimate place to visit.

Once there, make sure to visit the Abbey of St. Peter, Mediceo Castle and wander the gorgeous little streets.

8.) Lake Resia

Perched in the very north of the country, right next to the Swiss and Austrian borders, is a lake you have to see. Trust me, once you’re there, you’ll know why it really is one of the unique places in Italy to see.

As you arrive, you’ll notice there’s a huge spire sticking out from the lake itself. This wasn’t by accident and is the only visible remains of the town of Graun that now lays beneath the water.

Oh, also there’s a huge amount of designated paths for rambling the countryside, which is great in summer.

9.) Dolceacqua, Liguria

Perched in Liguria, Dolceacqua is a small commune that’s definitely worth seeing and only a few hours drive from much larger cities like Genoa .

Once there, make sure to visit Dolceacqua Castle, wander around the river promenade and explore the narrow streets where Monet once painted.

10.) Earth Pyramids, Ritten

Relatively close to Bozen, The earth pyramids of Ritten are actually the tallest and largest earth pyramids in all of Europe.

You can spot the Earth pyramids in a few areas around Ritten, so make sure to keep your eyes peeled as they only form in very specific environments.

For some of the largest, pop over to the Katzenbach-creek gorge, Finsterbach creek and Gasters in Auna di Sotto. For a detailed map of their location, take a look here .

11.) Giau Pass, Dolomites

Arguably, one of the most stunning views in the Dolomites, Giau Pass is one amazing place you have to explore. Drive as far as you can, head out on a few hikes that start at the top of the pass (next to the car park).

The roads themselves can be pretty winding, so if you get travel sick, you might find this hard.

You might even be lucky to catch a glimpse of Rifugio Nuvoloa (the building on top of the steep cliffs).

12.) Scanno, Abruzzo

If you’re travelling in the Abruzzo region, you should definitely make a stop at Scanno. A stunning little village (or commune) that’s filled with charming cobbled streets and old rustic houses.

One of the best things about Scanno is that it’s actually not really been too heavily influenced by visitors and still remains largely as it did centuries ago.

Once here, don’t expect hundreds of restaurants or alleys filled with shops – it’s pretty off the visitor trail but one of the unique places in Italy you should see.

This is especially true if you’re wanting to get away from the crowds.

Read more: Best places in Southern Italy to explore

12 Beautiful Towns In Southern Italy That You Must Visit

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Best places to visit in italy.

Tourists and travel experts have long agreed that Italy is a special place, so much so that the country has become a de facto bucket list destination for just about everyone. Famous for its incredible food, rich historical sites, highly regarded art, charming small towns and picturesque cities, countrysides and coastlines, it's safe to say Italy's offerings are unmatched. U.S. News rounded up the best places to visit in Italy considering a number of factors, from affordability and seasonality to sights and crowds, to help you decide exactly where to go. Have a favorite destination in Italy? Cast your vote below to influence next year's ranking.

Amalfi Coast

Cinque terre, tuscany, italy.

A standard stop on many European vacation itineraries , Rome is not to be missed. Italy’s capital city is a globally renowned cultural and historical powerhouse, boasting everything from ancient ruins and tranquil parks to Michelin-starred restaurants. Here, you'll find the most important relic from the Roman Empire (the Colosseum), some of Michelangelo's greatest works (in the Sistine Chapel), an 18th century Baroque-style fountain (the Trevi Fountain) and, of course, the center of Catholicism (Vatican City). Other can’t-miss tourist attractions in the Eternal City include the Pantheon, the Roman Forum and St. Peter’s Basilica, the world’s largest church.

Situated in the scenic Tuscan valley, Florence woos travelers with old-world avenues leading to picturesque piazzas big and small. While you're soaking up the city's splendor, make sure to stop by the Piazza del Duomo, where the breathtaking Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral is located, and the romantic Ponte Vecchio, a 14th century bridge overlooking the Arno River. Once central to the Renaissance movement, Florence also offers art aficionados the opportunity to see famous pieces by Michelangelo and other iconic artists of that period. As an added bonus, Florence is ideal for a daytrip to the Chianti wine region.

The journey to the cliff-side Amalfi Coast involves heart-stopping, hairpin turns on narrow roads, but travelers agree this is part of the fun. The region covers more than 30 miles of coastline and is home to 13 colorful seaside towns, each with its own story. Positano and Amalfi are the most popular, housing numerous hotels and sights. While here, hike, relax on the beach and eat to your heart's content (there are multiple Michelin-starred restaurants along the Amalfi Coast). For something more off-the-beaten-path, set your sights on Atrani. This humble fishing village boasts medieval whitewashed architecture, winding alleys and authentic Italian charm.

There are few destinations in the world that are quite like Venice. Its uniqueness can largely be attributed to the canals that run through this northern Italian city like roads, carrying water taxis and buses in addition to its fleet of famous gondolas. As such, there is a palpable bustle here that may surprise some first-timers. For a relaxing Venice vacation, seek out the smaller streets and canals away from the busy Grand Canal and St. Mark's Square. Just be sure to stroll across Rialto Bridge and tour the grand St. Mark’s Basilica at least once.

Cinque Terre, located on Italy's northern Ligurian coast, is made up of five picturesque towns – Manarola, Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia and Riomaggiore. Manarola, the region’s oldest town, boasts scenic vineyards, olive groves and a centuries-old bell tower. Meanwhile, Vernazza, often considered one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, is well-known for its picture-perfect houses and grand medieval castle. The Cinque Terre offers an abundance of exciting activities, from boat tours and hiking to cooking classes and wine tastings. While here, don’t forget to save time for exploring the cliff-side Footpath Monterosso trail, a beautiful hiking path connecting Vernazza and Monterosso.

For centuries, this small island off the coast of southern Italy has attracted plenty of famous faces, from emperors to movie stars, due to its gorgeous scenery. Some of Capri's most amazing sights are best seen by boat, including the Faraglioni rock formations and the Blue Grotto, where sunlight turns the water into an unbelievably vivid shade of blue. On land, the Gardens of Augustus and Villa Jovis, an imperial palace, also provide spectacular views. Meanwhile, in the town center, visitors will find high-end shops and restaurants where they can relax after a long day of sightseeing.

Considered the land of the sirens in Greek mythology, Sorrento continues to lure people with its charm and stunning views. Here, vacationers can explore enchanting piazzas or relax near the water before watching the sun set behind the cliffs. Plus, lemons are big in Sorrento – both in size and in popularity – and the area is known as one of the best places in the world to taste authentic limoncello, a lemon-flavored liquor. It's also the perfect base for daytrips and boat tours to nearby Capri, the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii and other popular Italian locales.

Italy's second-largest city is best known for its high fashion, playing host to Milan Fashion Week each winter and home to iconic fashion houses including Giorgio Armani, Prada and Versace. Visitors can peruse such high-end brands at the dazzling Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade. But Milan's architecture (including the Gothic Milan Cathedral and grand Teatro alla Scala opera house) and sites like Castello Sforzesco (which holds nearly 10 museums and exhibitions) are worth a visit on their own. What's more, the city is incredibly walkable, so feel free to explore on foot – with or without designer stilettos.   

Located about 30 miles from Verona, Lake Garda tends to be more approachable and wallet-friendly (if a bit more touristy) than Lake Como. Activities in this recreational hot spot include swimming and windsurfing, as well as hiking and taking a funicular to Mount Baldo. Lake Garda also attracts families with Gardaland Resort, which includes themed hotels as well as an amusement park, water park and aquarium. If you're looking to get away from the crowds, go beyond the main tourist sites to the quieter northern side of the lake, where you'll find the highest mountains and tucked-away towns.

If you're looking for Italy without the crowds, Tuscany is really all it's cracked up to be. Italy's famous countryside offers travelers spectacular landscapes dotted with romantic villas and castles equipped with wineries and superb restaurants. Don’t miss out on a visit to the walled city of San Gimignano, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its medieval towers. What's more, Tuscan locales like Pisa (which offers much more than its leaning tower) and Siena are an easy drive from top destinations such as Bologna and Cinque Terre, perfect for daytrippers who don't want to stay in one place for too long.

Assisi, a medieval town with religious connections, sits on a hilltop in the lush landscapes of Umbria, just more than 100 miles north of Rome. This peaceful town's biggest draws are its sights dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi, one of Italy's patron saints, including the Basilica of San Francesco, which houses his tomb as well as colorful frescos, and The Woods of San Francesco. Beyond its religious heritage, Assisi is worth a visit for its picturesque streets and sweeping views, while its location also makes it ideal for a truffle hunting excursion or wine tasting tour.

As the location of several ancient Greek legends, Sicily has an almost mythical quality. Once you visit for yourself, you'll see why so many writers were inspired by this island, which happens to be the largest in the Mediterranean. Be enchanted by Sicily's crystal-clear waters and golden beaches. Marvel at Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe, or try hiking up it in summer or skiing down it in winter. Also save time for taking in the many cultures that have called this island home at its various cathedrals and archaeological sites.

This former Roman city in southern Italy is equal parts chilling and impressive. Pompeii was left almost completely intact after it was buried in ash after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79. Its astonishingly well-preserved ruins now provide present-day visitors a glimpse into what life was like during ancient times. True history buffs might also enjoy a trip to nearby Herculaneum, another city that was preserved by the same eruption, while more adventurous explorers should consider hiking to the top of Mount Vesuvius for jaw-dropping panoramas of the Bay of Naples and the Sorrento Peninsula.

Best known for its Shakespeare ties, Verona appeals to fans of "Romeo and Juliet" with themed tours of the sights that allegedly inspired the play. But there is more to this city than its literary link. Verona, located about 15 miles east of Lake Garda, is also home to several impressive attractions and historic buildings (the whole city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, after all). Travelers won't want to miss the Arena di Verona, a first-century Roman amphitheater that is still in use, and Giardino Giusti, a beautifully sculpted Renaissance garden.

Sardinia provides the best of both worlds. Costa Smeralda is all about luxury, with its lush beaches and coves overlooking yacht-filled waters. And away from all of the glitz and glamour of Costa Smeralda, you'll find a more laid-back side of the island, including small medieval towns where Sardinians still practice sheepherding and wear traditional clothing. What's more, Sardinia features several ancient ruins, such as UNESCO World Heritage-listed Su Nuraxi di Barumini.

If you really want to treat yourself on your next vacation, Lake Como is where you want to be. Here, opulent villas and hotels line the shores and sandy beaches beckon to sun seekers. You'll see sleek sailboats and speedboats coasting in the middle of the lake, which is the perfect place to admire the region's surrounding hills. Meanwhile, for a lesson in luxury, tour one of the region’s grand villas; top picks among travelers include Villa Melzi d’Eril, Villa Carlotta and Villa Balbianello. Later, check out the Como Cathedral, a magnificent structure boasting Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architectural styles.

The small, crescent-shaped village of Portofino is known as a vacation hot spot for the rich and famous. The water surrounding Portofino is often filled with yachts and is great for swimming and diving. Plus, the area's beauty and tranquil atmosphere make it an excellent place to unwind. When travelers need a break from relaxing, they can venture just outside of Portofino to check out historical sites like Castello Brown, an ancient military fortress with incredible views of the Marina di Portofino, and Abbazia di San Fruttuoso, a 10th century monastery that can only be reached by foot or ferry.

Thought to have been inhabited 12,000 years ago, Matera is one of the world's oldest continually occupied towns. Located in the Basilicata region in southern Italy, just west of Puglia, Matera's distinguishing features are its sassi (cave dwellings), which were inhabited until the 1950s. While here, look out for the many viewpoints, called belvederes, for a glimpse of the breathtaking cliffside. Visit Sasso Caveoso for the Casa Grotta cave house (inhabited until 1957) and the Santa Maria de Idris, a rupestrian church carved from the rocky landscape. Meanwhile, in Sasso Barisano – the oldest part of the city – you'll find modern comforts like hotels, restaurants and shops.

There are several reasons why Bologna, the capital of northern Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, is often called "la dotta, la grassa e la rossa" ("the learned, the fat and the red"). For one, it's home to the oldest university in Europe, the University of Bologna. The city is also a food lover's dream thanks to its world-renowned cuisine, which includes Italian staples like tortellini and lasagna Bolognese. Bologna even features a gelato university and the food-themed amusement park, FICO Eataly World. Plus, the city boasts an array of terra cotta-roofed medieval buildings, including a pair of leaning towers.

Located in the northwest corner of Italy, Turin is the perfect city break brimming with grand architecture, museums and delightful cuisine. Must-visit attractions include Mole Antonelliana (a former synagogue turned into a cinema museum), the 16th-century Royal Palace of Turin and the Museo Egizio (Egyptian Museum). Once you've toured the top sights, settle into local life by enjoying the city's riverside parks, street markets, football games and historic cafes. At the latter, you'll find unique coffee blends and decadent chocolate, as well as elaborate aperitif hours. On the long list of things Turin does right, you can find these three items at the top.   

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The Ultimate Italy Bucket List: 75 Best Things to Do in Italy

For the last several years, we have been traveling to Italy over and over again, each trip deeper and richer than the last… and yet, our Italy bucket list seems to keep getting longer instead of shorter!

Discovering all of the best things to do in Italy is a lifelong project and one that we absolutely relish taking on.

We adore traveling in Italy. The food, the distinct regional differences, the landscapes, the sheer breadth of places to visit… this is truly a magical place, and there is a reason that foreigners like us have been getting caught up in its web for centuries.

As a travel destination, Italy is simply unbeatable.

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We spend a lot of time writing about Italy, a lot of time traveling in Italy, and a lot of time dreaming and scheming about how to get back to Italy once we leave… so it only makes sense that we finally commit our (ever-growing) Italian bucket list to print.

Looking for some epic ideas to help you decide what to do in Italy?

Here’s what we suggest, from the obvious to the unusual. Some we’ve done, some we haven’t, and some we fully plan to do again.

I’m going to do my best to list each of these Italy bucket list items as a single experience, but let’s be real–many of them are best experienced a dozen times or more!

Table of Contents

Once You Narrow Your Italy Bucket List Down…

Epic things to do in italy’s cities, unforgettable food + cultural experiences in italy, outdoor adventures to have in italy, more italy bucket list ideas.

Obviously, no one Italian vacation could possibly cover all of the tourist attractions, bucket list experiences, and incredible destinations listed here (believe me, if there was a way, we’d be all over it).

Once you narrow down your wish list ever so slightly, we recommend heading over to our Italy itinerary guide to start putting your trip together!

We also recommend reading our comprehensive list of Italy travel tips before you go, our suggested packing list for Italy , and, if you’re hoping to self-drive part of your trip, our advice on structuring an Italian road trip .

One of my favorite things to write about Italy are detailed itineraries, and we have suggestions for Rome , Florence , Venice , Cinque Terre , the Amalfi Coast , Milan , Naples , and more (and in the cases of some cities, several versions depending on how long you have to explore!).

With more than 100 posts on Italy alone here on Our Escape Clause, there is no shortage of information to peruse here!

Head to our Italy archives to view all posts in order, or if you’re looking for details on a particular destination, the search bar at the top right of the page is a great tool to use.

Stare in wonder at the Colosseum.

For many of us, the first Italy bucket list destination we ever dream of is the Colosseum… and it’s well worth the visit.

Want to go beyond the usual visit?

We had an absolute blast visiting the Colosseum at night !

Ride in a gondola in Venice.

I originally wrote under this Italy bucket list item that I wasn’t sure the price tag would ever justify us actually crossing this off–but now that we’ve experienced it, I can say that taking a gondola ride in Venice absolutely lives up to the hype (if you follow certain tips , that is).

Visit the mummies of Palermo.

Definitely not among the best things to do in Italy for those with a weak stomach, but certainly among the most interesting, is to tour the Capuchin Crypt of Palermo .

The mummies found in the capital of Sicily are among the best-preserved we’ve seen anywhere and are definitely an incredibly memorable sight.

Admire the rooftops of Milan’s Duomo up close.

Other Italian cities are prettier, but when it comes to intricate cathedral rooftops, Milan has them all beat.

Milan’s Piazza del Duomo is one of the most iconic things to see in Italy, and it’s absolutely stunning both from the rooftops and on the ground level.

Watch the sunset from the Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence.

Crowded? Sure. But also magnificent.

Admire Verona from the Castel San Pietro.

One of the prettiest viewpoints we’ve found in Italy so far is from Castel San Pietro in Verona–and it tends to have a fraction of the crowds of similar viewpoints in, say, Florence or Rome .

Explore Matera.

Like much of Italy, this city’s history is long and many-layered, and its setting is beautiful.

Pull ourselves out of bed to see the Trevi Fountain, Colosseum, and Pantheon empty at dawn in Rome.

When I originally wrote this list of things to do in Italy, I noted that our lack of desire to set alarm clocks for dawn made this one of the technically simplest but personally hardest bucket list items to check off.

However, one bout of landing in Rome with massive jet lag later, we’ve managed to see all this and more in Rome as the sun rises (with the assistance of an Italian coffee or three, of course).

Also, pull ourselves out of bed to see the Piazza del Duomo and Ponte Vecchio empty at dawn in Florence.

Still working on this one, but can’t wait to experience it!

Climb the cupola in Florence’s Duomo.

We’ve climbed the bell tower and absolutely adored the view, but I’ll always feel like I have unfinished business with Brunelleschi’s Dome until we visit the cupola ourselves.

Take a selfie with the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Touristy? Sure, but plenty of fun things to do in Italy are!

Get lost in Venice during the winter.

Visiting Venice in winter is one of the best ways to avoid the crowds (during Carnival is the exception) and we absolutely love it: the fog, the empty canal views, the ambiance.

Throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain.

What better way to ensure that we always, always return to Rome?

Move to Rome for 6 months and study Italian.

May through October would be just about perfect.

I may be 60 before I finally cross this off my list of things to do in Italy, but I’m determined to get to it eventually!

Marvel at the mosaics of Ravenna.

The more than 1500-year-old, UNESCO-recognized Ravenna mosaics are absolutely magnificent to behold in person.

Spread across 8 separate buildings in the city, they just might be some of the most remarkable art in the country (which is extremely high praise given that we’re talking about Italy of all places).

“Live” for a month in at least 6 different Italian cities.

Three down so far: we spent a month in each Florence , Bologna , and Rome .

Then we stayed in Florence again… and then Rome again.

Basically, we have trouble stepping outside of our favorites for this one, despite our best intentions!

Stroll along Lucca’s city walls.

Lucca’s city walls, which fully envelope the historic center of the city, are among the best-preserved in Italy–and today, you can walk or bike along the tops of them, soaking in beautiful views of Lucca along the way.

Tour the Royal Palace in Turin.

When Italy was unified in the second half of the 19th century, the House of Savoy became the Italian royal family–and since they were from Turin, Turin was quickly recognized as the capital of Italy.

The capital quickly moved to Florence and then Rome, but Turin’s royal palace, which dates to the 16th century, still stands in the city, and we’d love to see it.

Take a day trip to Burano from Venice.

This colorful island may be in the Venetian lagoon, but in many ways, it feels worlds away from Piazza San Marco!

Climb Asinelli Tower for unforgettable views of Bologna.

Even if this did test my fear of heights more than just about any of our Italian bucket list items, it was worth the terror!

This view remains one of my favorite in the country.

Tour one of Italy’s best art museums.

Whether that’s the Uffizi in Florence, the Borghese in Rome, or somewhere else, there’s no doubt that visiting an Italian art museum with a knowledgeable guide makes the experience much more magnificent than visiting alone!

Take a food tour.

Or, in a perfect world, several food tours in many different cities–it’s the fastest way to appreciate just how varied and regional Italian cuisine is.

Taking food tours is one of those things to do in Italy that we’ll never check all the way off our list–we’ve taken tours in Rome , Palermo, Florence , and Emilia-Romagna so far, with plenty more to come!

… And a cooking class.

Pasta, pizza, gelato, and tiramisu are all popular… but you can find more eclectic ones, as well.

We’ve taken Italian cooking classes in Florence, Lucca, at a villa outside of Siena, and at “home” in a villa that we were renting in the countryside, and all of them were fantastic.

Explore the food scene in Emilia-Romagna.

Especially the traditional balsamic vinegar, the parmigiano-reggiano, the parma ham, the tagliatelle al ragu… the food in Emilia-Romagna is among the best in Italy, and we never get tired of enjoying it!

Buy gold jewelry on the Ponte Vecchio in Florence.

Yes, I’ll absolutely overpay by doing this, but at least once in my life, I plan to enjoy the splurge!

Enjoy a wine tasting in the Tuscan countryside.

Bonus points if the vineyard has an amazing view!

Splurge on a very nice piece of leather.

This one probably won’t be crossed off our Italy bucket list anytime soon, but we’ll get around to it one day!

Visit a parmigiano-reggiano factory.

This travel experience in Italy most definitely lived up to the hype!

So much so, in fact, that we fully intend to do it again one day.

Ship a case of wine home from Italy.

And not only wine–traditional balsamic vinegar, fresh olive oil, and truffle oil all make incredible Italian souvenirs that can extend your trip well past your flight home!

Hunt down Michelangelo’s masterpieces.

The Sistine Chapel and David are obvious starting places, but Michelangelo’s art is all over Italy.

Overpay for an Aperol Spritz in order to enjoy an epic view.

Whether it’s a Venetian canal, the coast of Capri, or a piazza in Florence, some views are simply worth paying a few dollars extra for.

Tour a vineyard during harvest season.

It’d be so cool to see the harvest up close!

Learn all about olive oil, preferably on a vineyard.

We’ve tasted more than our fair share of olive oil, but we’d love to learn more about the work behind it.

Splurge on a Michelin Star meal.

With how delicious even non-award-winning restaurants typically are in Italy, I imagine this will be an unforgettable experience.

Visit Venice for Carnival.

The masks. The costumes. The foggy February weather. It all sounds epic.

Attend the Palio di Siena.

Festive, biannual horse races located in the center of one of our favorite cities in Tuscany? Sign us up.

Go truffle hunting.

All the better to appreciate what goes into finding these delicious morsels.

… And attend a truffle festival.

There are truffle festivals held all over Italy each fall, and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the world’s tastiest fungus.

Go on a pizza-crawl in Naples.

Make a list of the best places, start with a very empty stomach, end the day ridiculously full, regret nothing. True Italy bucket list material.

We loved our self-planned Naples pizza tour , though I have to admit–we didn’t eat pizza again for months afterward.

… and a gelato crawl in Florence.

Unlike our Naples pizza crawl, we haven’t formally set up a gelato crawl for ourselves in Florence–but we have probably eaten enough gelato to justify saying we have.

That won’t stop us from using the excuse to eat even more gelato on our next trip to Florence, though!

Attend an Italian football game.

… To experience a whole different side of Italian culture.

Pay a visit to Pompeii.

There’s something incredible about strolling the literal streets of Pompeii –it’s an unforgettable experience that belongs on any list of what to do in Italy!

… and Herculaneum.

Less famous than Pompeii but equally impressive in its own way, the resort city of Herculaneum was buried in the same eruption that obliterated Pompeii.

Visit one of Italy’s ghost towns.

My grandparents once accidentally wandered into one–we’d love to see these for ourselves!

Learn how to make excellent pasta carbonara from scratch.

There are plenty of cooking classes in Italy, but many of them cover the same things: basic pasta, pizza, gelato, tiramisu.

All of that is delicious, but we want to master carbonara!

Check out the Christmas markets in Bolzano.

Honestly, as much as we adore Italy, it’s hard to say that the bulk of the Christmas markets belong on a list of the best things to do see in Italy–places like Germany, Austria, and France simply outrank Italy in this category.

Bolzano, though, is not only one of our favorite Italian cities, but has significant Austrian heritage that makes their Christmas markets something special!

Tour the Prosecco region of Italy and enjoy all the bubbly.

Prosecco is delicious–a trip through this beautiful region north of Venice sounds divine!

Hike to Lago di Sorapis in the summer.

Less popular than iconic Italian lakes like Como or Lago di Braies, but still incredibly beautiful and reasonably accessible, Lago di Sorapis is a magnificent Italian bucket list destination.

Hike to Fiesole from Florence.

Sure, there’s also a bus that runs there, but hiking sounds like more fun.

Visit the crater of Mount Vesuvius.

Because it’s the only active volcano in mainland Europe, and why not?

As a bonus, it’s also home to some incredible views of the surrounding coastline, including the Bay of Naples and the island of Capri!

Soak in the hot springs in Tuscany.

Saturnia is the best-known, and considering how beautiful it is, that’s no surprise!

Hike the villages of Cinque Terre.

… Particularly from Monterosso al Mare to Vernazza, and from Corniglia to Manarola.

Hike the Path of Gods.

What a way to get amazing views of the Amalfi Coast!

Visit the Instagram-famous Lago di Braies.

… Because those views look like they’d be worth the crowds.

Visit Civita di Bagnoregio.

This tiny Italian hilltop town may just be the most dramatically placed of them all: you have to take a pedestrian bridge in order to access it!

Explore the beaches of Sardinia.

Photos from Sardinia immediately make me dream of bathing suits and sailboats.

Go horseback riding in Tuscany.

Horseback riding past vineyards and villages? Yes, please.

Visit Mount Etna in Sicily.

What better way to start getting to know this mysterious island than by visiting its incredible volcano?

Unfortunately, during our last road trip in Sicily , Mount Etna stayed stubbornly concealed by clouds and we didn’t get a chance to experience it!

Go hiking in the Dolomites in summer.

It’s hard to imagine anything more stunning than this. We wouldn’t say no to a fall foliage trip, either.

… And then skiing in the winter.

Jeremy has never been skiing and I haven’t been since roughly 2002, so this would definitely be outside our comfort zones–but I can’t think of a better place to try it out again than in Italy!

Explore Gargano National Park.

One glance at the photos of this coastline and the Tremiti Islands were all it took to add this offbeat destination to our bucket list for Italy!

Rent a boat for the day on Capri.

I can’t imagine a better way to experience the island than by admiring it from the water!

Hike part of the Via Francigena.

Less famous than the Camino del Santiago in Spain but equally stunning, the Via Francigena is a pilgrimage walk that runs from Canterbury, UK all the way to Rome–and while walking that far is probably never going to make our personal bucket list for Italy, we’d love to hike part of the Italian section, especially in Tuscany!

Take an Italian road trip.

Through Tuscany… or Puglia… or South Tyrol… or Umbria… or Emilia-Romagna… or Sicily… or all of the above.

We’ve rounded up our best suggestions for road trips in Italy here !

Set sail on the Amalfi Coast.

There’s a reason that the Amalfi Coast is considered one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world–and from the water is the best way to appreciate it.

Ride a Vespa through the countryside.

There’s no better way to experience the Italian countryside on a beautiful day than by renting a Vespa and enjoying one of the most classic things to do in Italy!

They aren’t too hard to drive–but if you’re uncertain on a scooter, we definitely recommend sticking to the countryside and not, say, trying to navigate Rome with one.

Spend a night in a trullo in Alberobello.

These houses are so unique and visiting them is currently a solid priority on our Italy bucket list!

Check out the village of my ancestors in Sicily.

It’s a very American thing to do, but what can I say–I’m a very American woman.

Some of my ancestors came from the tiny town of Francavilla in Sicily, and from what I can tell, it has very little to offer to tourists these days… but I want to go anyway.

Update: I went! Yes, very little to offer tourists (and the rain that day didn’t help), but I’ll never forget standing inside the church that was already more than a century old already when my ancestors left the island.

Rent a villa in Tuscany.

We’ve done this several times now, and can attest that it’s even more fun with extended family!

Spend a weekend relaxing at Lake Como.

The hikes! The villas! The views! The boat rides!

Lake Como is probably our most obvious bucket list Italian destination that we haven’t seen yet, and we can’t wait to explore it thoroughly.

Drive the Great Dolomites Road.

For some of the best mountain views in all of Europe, you can’t beat the Italian Dolomites.

Get professional portraits taken in Italy.

It’s hard for us to think about splurging on these since we take so many pictures together through our travels, but there are tons of places in Italy that would make an amazing backdrop for some professional shots!

Take a train to Sicily.

Sicily may be an island, but you can still get there by train!

You can board a train on the mainland that is then loaded in its entirety onto a ferry, which is then transported to Sicily–and that’s a unique enough transportation method that it’s on our list of things to do in Italy simply because it sounds interesting to experience!

Spend a summer living in Cinque Terre or along the Amalfi Coast.

Coastal Italy in the summer–it may be crowded, but it’s also stunning.

Our first two visits to Cinque Terre were both far too short (and also impacted by rainy weather and train strikes).

Our third was magical, but also rainy, and we still left dreaming about how to return ASAP!

Road trip in a Fiat 500.

Sounds like the perfect car to drive the Amalfi Coast with, right?

Visit each of Italy’s 20 regions.

We’ve visited 11 so far, and we absolutely cannot wait to cross this one off of our Italy bucket list.

With so many incredible things to do in Italy, we may need several decades to accomplish them all–but having the chance to enjoy so many magnificent experiences in Italy is well worth the effort.

We can’t wait to get back.

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

2 thoughts on “The Ultimate Italy Bucket List: 75 Best Things to Do in Italy”

Pinned! My dream is to spend a full month exploring Italy and I would love to check off as many of these items as possible!

I hope you get the chance to do it one day! Italy is a magical place.

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The 10 most beautiful places in Italy

Italy's list of stunning destinations is seemingly endless. The most beautiful places in Italy? Look no further

Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful countries on earth, Italy is full of beautiful places to visit. With its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes and long-standing traditions, there’s a lot to uncover on a trip to Il Bel Paese.

The enduring popularity of Italy means many areas of the country suffer from over-tourism. We’ve done our best to cover the most beautiful places in Italy while highlighting some of the unique destinations you can visit within them to avoid (some of) the crowds. Next time you visit Italy, don’t miss these unique attractions showcasing the best of its nature, culture and history.

RECOMMENDED: 🏝️ The best  Italian islands 🏖️ The best places to visit in Italy 🇮🇹 Italy's most beautiful villages and towns 🍝 The best restaurants in Italy

Livia Hengel  is a travel writer based in Rome. At Time Out, all of our  travel guides  are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our  editorial guidelines . This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our  affiliate guidelines . 

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Most beautiful places in Italy

1.  Val d’Orcia

Tuscany needs little introduction. A region beloved for its picturesque landscapes, vast vineyards and curving roads lined with cypress trees, it’s a destination everyone dreams of visiting once in a lifetime. The Val d’Orcia, located south of Siena, is one of our favourite parts of Tuscany to explore, with its charming hilltop towns and numerous wine estates. Don’t miss visiting the thermal village of Bagno Vignoni, with a large pool in its central piazza, wineries around Montalcino, which produce the area’s fabled Brunello red wine, and La Foce, a 15th-century estate with one of Italy’s most beautiful, manicured gardens.

2.  Burano

Venice is more than Saint Mark’s Square. This beautiful, floating city comprises 118 islands scattered throughout the Venetian Lagoon. Hop on a vaporetto and head north in the lagoon to Burano, a small fisherman’s island with candy-coloured houses, lace workshops and tiny alleyways. Don’t miss seeing the leaning tower in the central piazza and enjoying lunch at one of Burano’s trattorias, serving local specialties, including sardines, fish risotto and bussolai (traditional cookies). You can also cross over a footbridge to reach Mazzorbo, a sleepy agricultural island where artichokes and grapes grow in a small vineyard.

📍 Check out more of the best day trips from Venice

3.  Tuscia

The glory of Rome tends to overshadow the Lazio region, which is full of fascinating places that are well worth a day trip. Tuscia, an old Etruscan stronghold located a couple of hours’ drive north, is the perfect region to escape the crowds while enjoying cultural and natural sights. Villa Farnese a Caprarola, a pentagonal 16th-century villa, houses incredible Renaissance frescoes, while the nearby Villa Lante in Bagnaia has exquisite gardens known for their water features. From Viterbo’s thermal waters to Lago di Bolsena’s lakeside towns, there’s a lot to see in the area. Don’t miss the Civita di Bagnoregio, a fairytale village sitting atop a tufa rock foundation, seemingly suspended above a vast valley.

📍 Discover the best things to do in nearby Rome

4.  Costa degli Dei

If you’re looking for an alternative to the crowded streets of Positano, head further south to the Costa degli Dei – the Coast of the Gods – in Calabria. As its name suggests, this pristine coastline is an otherworldly marvel with crystal-clear turquoise water and soft, sandy beaches. The uncontested ‘pearl’ of the coastline is Tropea, a hilltop town overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, which offers mesmerizing views, Slim Aarons-style. Adventurous travellers will enjoy the Marina di Zambrone (which requires a hike to reach the beach), while Capo Vaticano has beach clubs with loungers for rent.

📍 Find more of the best beaches in Italy

5.  Alta Murgia

Once regarded as the ‘shame of Italy’ for its troglodyte caves and underdeveloped infrastructure, Matera’s lunar landscapes are quickly becoming one of southern Italy’s leading attractions. It’s worth spending a couple of nights in the city before venturing across the vast Murgia park to explore smaller towns like Altamura, famed for its local bread production, and Gravina in Puglia, with its verdant canyons. The park is ideal for nature enthusiasts who will enjoy hiking, cycling and birdwatching across its limestone plateaus, while culture hunters should pay a visit to Castel del Monte, a 13th-century octagonal castle with towering views over the surrounding landscape.

📍 Discover more of the best things to do in Italy

6.  Sorrentine Peninsula

One of the world’s most popular honeymoon destinations, the Sorrentine Peninsula is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful parts of Italy – if not the world. This scenic stretch of coastline, which includes the Amalfi Coast and Sorrento Coast, is filled with dozens of famous seaside towns, cliffside villages, rocky bays and sandy coves that capture the essence of  la dolce vita . It’s hard to beat the crowds, but you’ll find more space – and locals – if you head to towns like Cetara, known for its anchovy production, and Vietri sul Mare, famed for its ceramics.

📍 Check out more of the most romantic places in the world

7.  Villa Romana del Casale

The largest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily is a true microcosm of Italy – one which has seen empires rise and fall over millennia. As such, it is filled with ancient Greek and Roman relics, from temples and theatres to ornamental estates. Villa Romana del Casale, located in Piazza Armerina (a small town in central Sicily), is one of these. This large, 4th-century villa is best known for its well-preserved mosaics, the ‘Bikini Girl’, featuring young women playing sports and exercising —an extremely rare depiction that challenges gender roles and stereotypes of the time.

8.  La Strada del Sagrantino

As one of the biggest global producers and consumers of wine, Italy is filled with vineyards up and down the boot. Instead of heading to more famous regions, why not explore Umbria’s rich wine heritage on your next trip? A full-bodied red wine made near Montefalco, Sagrantino pairs well with the region’s flavourful cuisine, which includes wild boar, black truffles and gingerbread with candied fruits. And with its rolling hills and fall foliage, the Sagrantino Wine Trail is every bit as beautiful as Chianti or Le Langhe. Nearby, you can visit charming medieval towns, including Todi, Spoleto and Assisi.

9.  Riviera del Conero

Situated on the eastern shore of Italy, Le Marche is blessed with a long and picturesque coastline along the Adriatic Sea – and fewer crowds. Its highlight is the Conero National Park, a nature reserve that covers 18km of nature trails and cliffs overlooking secluded beaches where you can swim in crystalline water. La Spiaggia delle Due Sorelle (‘Beach of the Two Sisters’) is the prettiest bay in the park and is named for two large rock formations that emerge from the sea. You can reach it by sea with ferries from the port of Numana.

📍 Find more of the best hikes in the world

10.  Residences of the Royal House of Savoy

A collection of 22 palaces and castles built by the House of Savoy in Piedmont, these castles in Turin are some of the most lavish residences ever built on Italian soil. The House of Savoy was a European royal dynasty that ruled from the 11th century until the monarchy was abolished in 1946. An enormously wealthy and influential family, the Savoy built several estates to house its members, enjoy recreational activities and host governmental functions. The 17th-century Venaria Reale, often referred to as the ‘Versailles of Italy’, is the most famous venue thanks to its grand hall with intricate stucco features and checkered floors.

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The Best Places To Visit In Italy And Why

t aly is a treasure trove of captivating destinations, each offering unique experiences and attractions. Here are some of the best places to visit in Italy and the reasons why they are so special:

• Rome: As the capital city and a cradle of Western civilization, Rome is a must-visit destination. The city is home to iconic historical sites such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Pantheon, which offer glimpses into the grandeur of the ancient Roman Empire. St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums, located within the independent Vatican City, house some of the world's most significant art and religious treasures.
• Florence: Known as the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is an art lover's dream. Visitors can admire masterpieces by Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Leonardo da Vinci at the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia Gallery. The city's beautiful architecture, including the Florence Cathedral and the Ponte Vecchio, adds to its timeless charm.
• Venice: Famous for its picturesque canals and romantic ambiance, Venice is a unique and enchanting city. Visitors can explore the labyrinthine streets, take a gondola ride through the canals, and visit world-renowned landmarks like St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace.
• Amalfi Coast: The Amalfi Coast is a stunning stretch of coastline in southern Italy, dotted with charming towns like Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello. The dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and colorful buildings make it a popular destination for travelers seeking relaxation and natural beauty.
• Cinque Terre: Translated as “Five Lands,” Cinque Terre is a collection of five fishing villages perched on the rugged cliffs of the Italian Riviera. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers stunning coastal hiking trails, delicious seafood, and picturesque panoramas.
• Tuscany: Tuscany's rolling hills, vineyards, and medieval towns have captured the hearts of travelers for centuries. Cities like Siena and Lucca boast historic charm, while the city of Pisa is famous for its iconic Leaning Tower.
• Milan: A global fashion and design capital, Milan is known for its chic style and modern architecture. The city's artistic and cultural scene, exemplified by the magnificent La Scala Opera House and Leonardo da Vinci's “The Last Supper,” adds to its allure.
• Naples and Pompeii: Naples is a vibrant and chaotic city known for its delicious Neapolitan pizza and rich history. Nearby, the ancient city of Pompeii, buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, provides a fascinating glimpse into Roman life.
• Sicily: The largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily offers a captivating mix of history, culture, and stunning landscapes. From the ancient Greek ruins of Agrigento to the charming town of Taormina with its views of Mount Etna, Sicily's diversity is a treat for travelers.
• Sardinia: Known for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, Sardinia is a paradise for beach lovers and nature enthusiasts. The island's unique culture and traditional festivals add to its allure.

Each of these destinations in Italy has its own distinct charm, history, and attractions, making the country a top choice for travelers seeking an unforgettable and enriching experience. Whether you're interested in art, history, gastronomy, or simply savoring the beauty of nature, Italy has something to offer everyone

The post The Best Places To Visit In Italy And Why appeared first on Things That Make People Go Aww .

6 fabulous hotels to visit in April

Stay at a zoo in Sydney, or meet vortex hunters in Sedona

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This April, escape from the ordinary. Now is the time to go big and try something new on your vacation. That could mean spending the night at a zoo, booking a suite at a resort where you can swim straight to your room or staying at a hotel with a pet psychic on stand by. Here are six options that promise a fresh way to hotel.

Wildlife Retreat at Taronga in Sydney, Australia

You never know who might be outside your window at the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga

When you look out your window at the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga , expect to see a koala gazing back. This boutique hotel is at the Taronga Zoo in Sydney, and gives guests who book Animal View Rooms an incredible, immersive wildlife experience. Those who want to be at the zoo but prefer some distance from the animals can stay in rooms with bushland or Sydney Harbor views. Rates include two-day access to Taronga Zoo, a special guided tour of the wildlife sanctuary, sustainable amenities and daily breakfast. 

Romeo Napoli in Naples, Italy

Rooms at Romeo Napoli have views of Naples, the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius

April is a great time to visit Italy. You can enjoy the sights before the large crowds and sweltering temperatures arrive in the summer. For a taste of contemporary luxury, book Romeo Napoli . The hotel's 79 rooms and suites feature warm tones and original photography and have fantastic views of the city of Naples, Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. Wellness is a focus, with some rooms including infrared saunas, sensorial showers and private Zen gardens. Keep the pampering going downstairs at La Spa by Sisley Paris, where guests can relax in the Finnish sauna, frigidarium with snowfall, steam bath and cold immersion bath.

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Sky Rock Sedona in Sedona, Arizona

Rooms at Sky Rock Sedona look out at the city's gorgeous red rocks

Sky Rock Sedona makes a stunning first impression. Walking into the lobby, guests are greeted by a sparkling amethyst-encrusted wall, and the titillations only increase from there. The rooms feel like sanctuaries, with cozy neutral tones and leather accents, and some have fireplaces perfect for cooler nights. Up on the rooftop, there are fire pits and couches so guests can take in the 360-degree views of Sedona's red rocks, including the iconic Snoopy Rock, Coffee Pot Rock and Thunder Mountain. Sedona pulls in many New Age seekers, and Sky Rock guests can take advantage of offerings like on-call pet psychics and vortex hunters.

Generations Riviera Maya on Riviera Maya, Mexico

Riviera Maya is on Mexico's Caribbean coast

As long as you pack a bathing suit, you will do just fine at Generations Riviera Maya . This family-friendly resort on Mexico's Caribbean coast is known for its massive pool with a swim-up bar. All of the suites have ocean views, and several have direct access to the pool from their private balconies, making it easy to go swimming whenever you please. Rates are all-inclusive and cover meals, butler service and access to a private beach.

Akara Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand

Akara Hotel is about one mile away from Bangkok's Victory Monument

The Akara Hotel is in the middle of everything in Bangkok's Ratchathewi district. Museums, shops, night markets and restaurants are all a short walk away — for those willing to leave the hotel, that is. Akara offers a lot of amenities, from a rooftop swimming pool to a culinary school and library, and some guests might want to stay put and take good advantage. The sizable rooms feature wood and marble decor, separate living and work areas and mini-bars with local delicacies. For even more space, book the large Akara Suite, which comes with a rain shower, jacuzzi tub and television in the bathroom.

Legado Mitico in Buenos Aires, Argentina

A Pedro Subercaseaux painting depicting José de San Martín at the Battle of Chacabuco in 1817

Learn all about Argentine history and culture without having to leave your hotel. At the elegant Legado Mitico in Buenos Aires, the 11 rooms are themed, honoring the people, arts and sports that shaped Argentina. The Liberator, for example, recognizes José de San Martín, a general who fought for independence and earned the nickname the Father of the Country. Paintings of the national hero hang on the walls, and books are stacked on a desk for guests wanting to read more about him. Legado Mitico is in the Palermo Viejo neighborhood, close to restaurants, bars and shops.

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Catherine Garcia is night editor for TheWeek.com . Her writing and reporting has appeared in Entertainment Weekly and EW.com , The New York Times , The Book of Jezebel , and other publications. A Southern California native, Catherine is a graduate of the University of Redlands and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.

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