There is something for every tourist to enjoy in Italy, which is known for its long past, beautiful art, and delicious food. And while places like Rome, Florence, and Venice get all the attention, Italy is so much more than just those few cities. This guide is for you if you want to see more of Italy than just the standard sights. We’ve found some of the best secret gems in the country that offer a one-of-a-kind and real experience. Here are the off-the-beaten-path places in Italy that you can’t miss, from cute towns to beautiful landscapes.
Why Should You Pick Hidden Gems in Italy?
Italy has a lot to offer in terms of art, building, and nature, but it’s easy to miss the less well-known places that are often where you can have the most real experiences. You can get away from the people and really experience the local culture, beautiful scenery, and history at a hidden spot. Italy’s secret gems are sure to surprise and please anyone who loves nature, history, or food. These are some less well-known places in Italy that you should put on your trip list.
1. The city of Matera is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with cave homes
The city of Matera is unique and is located in the southern part of Basilicata. Matera is one of the oldest towns in the world that has always had people living in it. It is famous for its ancient cave homes. With its homes and buildings made out of rock, Matera’s Sassi neighborhood has a truly unique feel. You can experience life as it was hundreds of years ago in the stone houses that were cut into the scenery. They are now hotels, bars, and art galleries.
Tip: Go to the Matera Cathedral, eat at a cave restaurant, and walk through the huge network of old caves that have been used for everything from homes to churches.
2. Cinque Terre: A Picture-Perfect Beach Haven
Even though Cinque Terre is getting more well-known, it still has a beauty that makes it stand out from other Italian seaside areas. This UNESCO-protected area has five small fishing towns perched on steep rocks along the coast of Liguria. It’s a photographer’s dream because of the bright homes, green fields, and beautiful views of the sea. Each town has its own special charm, but Vernazza and Manarola are often thought to be the most beautiful.
Tip: The hike trail between the towns has beautiful views of the coast and vines that you can’t get anywhere else.
3. Lake Orta is a calmer option than Lake Como
Lake Orta, in northern Italy’s Piedmont area, is a more peaceful and quiet option to Lake Como, which gets all the attention for its beauty. The most beautiful part of the lake is the town of Orta San Giulio, which has cobblestone streets, brightly colored houses, and stunning views of the lake and mountains in the area. You can also go to the small island of San Giulio, which has a church from the 1200s.
Don’t forget to take a boat to San Giulio Island and enjoy the peace and quiet there.
4. The underrated beauty of Tuscany is the Val d’Orcia
Most people think of the hills and farms near Florence or Siena when they hear the word “Tuscany.” But in southern Tuscany, in the Val d’Orcia, you can find some of the most beautiful scenery in the area. There are many beautiful towns in the valley, such as Pienza, Montalcino, and San Quirico d’Orcia. These villages are known for their unique buildings, castles from the Middle Ages, and stunning views of vines and olive trees.
Tips: Go to Pienza, a Renaissance town famous for its pecorino cheese, and take a bike or car ride through the countryside to see the most beautiful sights.
5. The Aeolian Islands are a paradise in the Mediterranean
If you want to get away from everyone else in a quiet place, go to the Aeolian Islands, which are near Sicily. This group of seven islands is known for its dramatic volcanic scenery, clear seas, and traditional Mediterranean way of life. You can walk up active volcanoes on islands like Stromboli and Vulcano. Lipari and Salina are known for their cute towns and farms.
Tip: If you go to Stromboli at night, you can see its active volcano erupt—it’s an amazing sight that you’ll never forget.
6. Urbino: A Town from the Renaissance Stuck in Time
Urbino, a hidden treasure, lies in the Marche region of central Italy. It’s like going back in time. People all over the world know this UNESCO World Heritage town for its Renaissance buildings, like the Palazzo Ducale, and for being the birthplace of the painter Raphael. Urbino is an interesting place to visit because it has ancient streets, cute parks, and old buildings.
Tip: You can see works by Raphael and other Renaissance greats at the Galleria Nazionale delle Marche. Take a stroll through the small streets of the old town, untouched by new construction.
7. Alberobello: The Town of Trulli from a Fairy Tale
The town of Alberobello in Puglia is famous for its one-of-a-kind trulli houses, which are traditional white stone huts with cone-shaped roofs. This UNESCO World Heritage town has a magical feel thanks to these unique buildings that date back to the 1400s. Alberobello looks and feels like a village from a fairy tale. It is a must-see for anyone interested in traditional building and cute Italian towns.
Tip: Stay in a trullo to fully enjoy the odd beauty of the town. The Trullo Sovrano is the only two-story trullo in town, so take a look around.
8. Explore Matera’s Hidden Caves to find old cave homes
Along with Matera’s well-known stone homes, there is a network of even older cave homes that tourists haven’t had much chance to explore. These secret caves are a great way to learn about the city’s long past. The more well-known cave homes in Matera have been turned into hotels and restaurants. These less well-known caves, on the other hand, are great for tourists who want to go somewhere different.
Tip: To see these old cave homes and learn about the city’s interesting past, you might want to book a guided trip.
9. Ascoli Piceno: Marche’s Peaceful Gem
Tourists don’t always pay attention to Ascoli Piceno, which is in the Marche region, but it’s a cute town with lots of history, art, and lovely piazzas. People from all over the world come to this town to see the Piazza del Popolo, which is thought to be one of the most beautiful places in all of Italy. Ascoli Piceno is also known for its delicious stuffed and fried olives called olive all’ascolana.
Tip: Take your time walking through the historic center of town and stopping at cafés to try the tasty food.
10. The Dolomites are a great place to go hiking
The Dolomites in northeastern Italy have some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in Europe. The Alps are often the star of the show. The Dolomites are a great place for outdoor lovers to go climbing, skiing, or mountain biking. The Dolomites are a peaceful place to get away to nature, whether you want to see the dramatic peaks of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo or go on a quiet walk through mountain fields.
Tip: If you go in the winter, you can go skiing at one of the best ski areas in the area, like Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Find out what real Italy is like
The secret gems of Italy are a nice change from the over-crowded tourist spots and give you a more personal and real feel for the country. With these off-the-beaten-path spots, you can see Italy like a local, from the old cave homes of Matera to the peaceful beauty of Lake Orta. Italy’s less well-known gems will make your trip memorable, whether you’re interested in history, nature, or culture.
When you go to Italy next, make sure you get off the main road and find the real heart of this beautiful country.
FAQ Section
1. What is the best time to visit Italy’s hidden gems?
The best time to visit Italy’s hidden gems is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to November). These seasons offer mild weather, fewer tourists, and beautiful landscapes. Summer can be hot and crowded, especially in more popular regions.
2. Are these hidden gems in Italy easy to reach by public transport?
While some of Italy’s hidden gems, like Matera and Alberobello, are accessible by public transport, others may require renting a car or using local buses to reach. It’s always best to plan ahead and check the transport options for each destination.
3. Is it safe to visit these off-the-beaten-path destinations in Italy?
Yes, these lesser-known destinations are generally safe for travelers. However, as with any travel experience, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings, especially in remote areas or small villages, and always follow local advice.
4. How can I make the most of my trip to these hidden gems in Italy?
To get the most out of your trip, it’s a good idea to visit local museums, try traditional foods, and take time to interact with locals. Planning your visit during the off-peak seasons will also ensure a more peaceful and authentic experience.
5. Are there any local customs I should know about when visiting these towns?
When visiting small towns in Italy, it’s important to be respectful of local customs. For instance, in some villages, it’s customary to greet locals with a “Buongiorno” (Good morning) or “Buonasera” (Good evening). Also, be mindful of dress codes when visiting churches or religious sites, where modest attire is expected.
I hope this helps! Let me know if you need any further adjustments.