9 Hidden Destinations in Italy You Should Explore

With its historic cities, stunning islands, abundant sunshine, and a globally acclaimed culinary scene, Italy is a place worth visiting time and again.

Perfect for both novice travelers and experienced adventurers, Italy has something to offer everyone.

If this is your first trip to Italy, don’t miss the iconic sites in Rome, Florence, and the Amalfi Coast. However, if you've already visited these popular attractions, it might be time to discover some of the country’s hidden treasures.

There are far too many to mention in a single article, but here are nine of the most overlooked destinations that could inspire your next trip to Italy.

Sardinia

While not exactly a hidden gem, Sardinia provides everything you desire for an Italian getaway.

It boasts stunning white-sand beaches such as Costa Smeralda and numerous charming towns perfect for day trips, including Alghero, Castelsardo, and Bosa.

In the vibrant capital of Cagliari, immerse yourself in a rich cultural experience — explore the historic Castello district, marvel at the Duomo di Cagliari, and visit the medieval Castle of San Michele.

It's just an hour and ten minutes by plane from Rome to Sardinia, making it feasible to visit after a city break in the capital, but it's also a destination deserving your full holiday attention.

As a bonus, Northern Sardinia is only a 50-minute ferry ride away from another beautiful island — Corsica in France.

Naples

This vibrant hub in southern Italy is well-known, yet it surprisingly attracts fewer foreign tourists compared to many other popular destinations.

In many respects, the lesser-known aspects of Naples remain a hidden gem for those eager to experience authentic Italian culture.

Naples is one of the most fascinating Italian cities to discover. Explore the vineyards on the slopes of the majestic Mount Vesuvius, enjoy budget-friendly southern Italian dishes (it's the birthplace of pizza), and visit the city's many cultural sites, which include seven castles and over 400 churches.

Additionally, it's the perfect starting point for visiting the stunning Amalfi Coast and the enchanting island of Capri, offering a blend of traditional Italian tourism with your Naples getaway.

Umbria

If you're seeking the charm of Tuscany but have already explored it, Umbria should be your next destination. This landlocked region offers the essence of Tuscany without the crowds and steep prices.

Much like Tuscany, Umbria's lush landscapes are ideal for autumn activities such as wine tasting and truffle hunting.

The grapes from this area are particularly noteworthy. Enjoy white wines crafted from the local grechetto grape or robust reds made from the sagrantino grape. Visitors can also wander through medieval hilltop villages, participate in cooking classes, or enjoy outdoor adventures like hiking, rafting, or cycling.

Ischia and Procida

Step aside, Capri. Ischia is just a quick ferry ride away from Naples and the Amalfi Coast. However, this island attracts more Italian visitors than international tourists.

More budget-friendly, less crowded, and just as stunning as Capri, Ischia boasts numerous thermal pools, hot springs, beautiful black- and white-sand beaches, and the impressive Aragonese Castle.

For an extra dose of Italian allure, take a short trip to the quaint island of Procida. Its charming pastel-hued harbor is a captivating sight. It’s no surprise that Procida was named Italy's Capital of Culture for 2022, becoming the first island to receive this honor.

Bologna

Are you a fan of Italian cuisine? Bologna's famous ragu, known as ragu alla Bolognese, is a savory meat-based tomato sauce originating from the region.

However, don’t expect to see it served with spaghetti here. The locals favor pairing it with tagliatelle, a flat, ribbon-like pasta, or they use it to create lasagna verdi alla Bolognese, which features this sauce with spinach pasta and omits ricotta.

In addition to savoring its culinary delights, this charming city offers many attractions, including the UNESCO-listed porticoes—covered, arched walkways, some of which date back to the Middle Ages.

Bologna also features a few canals, primarily found in an area known as "Little Venice."

Bergamo

Just a short day trip from Milan, Bergamo's Citta Alta is a historic hilltop gem, enveloped in mist and protected by Venetian walls. The old town feels like a journey into the past, with its cobblestone streets, ancient churches, and the iconic bell tower in Piazza Vecchia.

Roaming through the city aimlessly is a delightful way to spend your time. Navigate the winding hilly streets, explore charming artisan shops, and pay a visit to the town's cathedral.

Be sure to indulge in a polenta e osei dessert, a corn-based pastry filled with rum and hazelnut cream.

Val di Noto, Sicily

The Baroque towns of Sicily's Val di Noto (including Caltagirone, Militello Val di Catania, Catania, Modica, Noto, Palazzolo, Ragusa, and Scicli) are among the island's most enchanting spots, all recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

To explore this area, you'll need a car, and you may have to pry yourself away from the allure of Taormina or the Arab-Norman architecture of Palermo.

You don’t need to visit every single town, but make sure to dedicate at least a day or two to ascend the hills of Val di Noto, taking time to appreciate the striking Baroque character of these towns.

Ponza

If you're eager to experience Rome but also crave some island relaxation, consider a trip to Ponza, the largest of the Pontine Islands. From Rome, hop on a train and then take a hydrofoil from the port of Anzio. A few hours later, you'll find yourself exploring Ponza's dramatic cliffs and sea caves.

Ponza is often likened to the Amalfi Coast, but it boasts fewer international tourists and much more reasonable prices.

The island's crystal-clear waters attract divers, but for those preferring to stay on land, there's hiking, exploring Roman ruins, or navigating the island's numerous beach coves by boat or scooter rental.

Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta, and Lake Iseo

While Lake Como and Lake Garda steal the spotlight, northern Italy offers many other serene and stunning lakes ideal for a getaway away from the crowds.

Lake Maggiore actually crosses two nations, Italy and Switzerland, giving it a unique Swiss charm. With numerous gardens, this lake is perfect for those who enjoy a picturesque floral walk.

Lake Orta is one of Italy's smaller lakes, often favored by the artistic community. Overflowing with charm, Orta provides inspiration through San Giulio, a quaint island nestled within the lake.

Lake Iseo is the perfect escape from the tourist crowds. Its main island, Monte Isola, is so breathtaking that it earned a spot on our list of the most beautiful villages in Italy.

In summary

Whether you're looking to see iconic sights or venture off the beaten track, Italy offers an abundance of experiences for travelers. The best Italian vacations often blend popular attractions with hidden gems, allowing for a deeper connection to the local culture.

Our top recommendations? Combine Rome with Ponza, Naples with the Amalfi Coast, Milan with the northern lakes, or Capri with Ischia. These pairings provide an opportunity to enjoy Italy's finest cuisine, landmarks, and local customs.

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