Discover these 3 hidden gems in Italy away from the crowds.

While Italy's iconic destinations like Rome, Capri, Milan, Florence, and the Cinque Terre are breathtaking, there are many other stunning locales to explore. Lesser-known regions such as Piedmont, the Aeolian Islands, and the charming city of Bergamo offer unique vacation experiences.

I highly recommend visiting these three remarkable places: Matera, Soave, and Cinque Valli.

Though the term "authentic" might seem overused, it perfectly captures the essence of my favorite Italian towns. In southern Italy, the easygoing lifestyle shapes everyday experiences. I vividly recall savoring lemon gelato each evening in Matera, sitting by a fountain and enjoying the ambiance. Even in the industrial north, small towns like Soave maintain a relaxed vibe; I once counted six minutes between the only two cars that passed by at 2 p.m.

I must caution you that the three Italian destinations—Matera, Soave, and Cinque Valli—aren't exactly friendly to hotel points. However, the effort to book accommodations outside the usual hotel chains is well worth it. Dining prices in all three locations are significantly lower compared to the major cities.

Matera

To find Matera, visualize the "boot" of Italy, located south of Rome. From Naples, you can imagine a fairly straight line heading towards Bari, with Matera positioned roughly in between.

Matera's unique feature is the Sassi. These ancient caves have been inhabited since the Paleolithic era, and after World War II, many residents of the impoverished Basilicata region had no choice but to live in them. In the 1950s, progress led to the relocation of most Sassi inhabitants to modern housing, yet UNESCO ensured the preservation of these caves. From a distance, the town resembles Tatooine from "Star Wars," and up close, it leaves one utterly speechless.

The "new" Matera, dating from the 17th to 18th century, is also a must-see. The piazzas are inviting for strolls, the cathedrals are stunning, and the cultural richness of Matera's streets surpasses that of many so-called "A-list cities" I've visited.

You can indulge in a luxurious stay in a cave at the Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & Spa, with rates starting around $199 per night.

Getting there: Reaching Matera isn't straightforward; you'll need to take a train, flight, or bus to Bari and then transfer to Matera, or you can find one of the limited direct bus services from Rome or Naples. Rome2Rio can assist with your journey. My trip began in Rome and ended in Naples, taking five hours from Rome and four hours back to Naples.

Soave

I firmly believe that any town known for its wine must be delightful by nature. Soave certainly proved this, with its refreshing white wine and a memorable travel experience. It feels almost like a fairy tale Italian village—simply perfect.

Castle perched on a hill? Check. Panoramic vineyard vistas? Check. Local eateries where waitstaff recognize you by the second day? Check. Truffle pasta for just $10? Check. Soave is not only charming on its own but also an excellent base for discovering Verona, Lake Garda, and nearby regions. I spent a week there and still barely uncovered all of Soave's treasures.

While searching for hotels in Soave, options are limited, but the available ones typically cost around $115 per night.

Getting there: The nearest major cities are Verona and Venice. From Verona, it takes about an hour to drive or two hours by train. From Venice, it's roughly a two-hour drive or four hours via public transport.

Cinque Valli

Located just west of Tuscany and the renowned Cinque Terre, Liguria is equally stunning but attracts far fewer visitors and is more affordable. The Cinque Valli area, part of Liguria, remains under the radar for many—and that's a blessing.

I recommend staying in Dolceacqua, which is about an hour from Monte Carlo and perfectly situated in the heart of the region you’ll want to explore. It may be a bit more touristy, but for good reason. My initial impression was that it looked like it belonged in an impressionist painting.

Indeed, it is. Monet spent considerable time in Dolceacqua, and several of his artworks are inspired by the region. The charming lanes along the bridge are lined with cafes ideal for people-watching, while the opposite side hosts a vibrant farmer's market. I loved selecting fresh pasta and tomatoes from the market, tossing them with olive oil from a nearby grove. Combined with wine from the neighboring vineyard, it was pure bliss and cost me next to nothing.

Pigna, located just north of Dolceacqua, is a must-visit. At first glance, it can be quite shocking—no, completely disorienting. The entire town appears as if it's been lifted from a stage set. Surely, no one actually lives in a medieval town, right? Wrong.

A few adventurous tourists have stumbled upon this place, but it remains largely untouched since its establishment 1,000 years ago. The 900 residents lead their daily lives—except for driving, as once you arrive in Pigna, parking is a must; the entire town is only accessible on foot.

The name Pigna translates to "pine cone" in Italian. Imagine the streets as layers of a pine cone, each one reachable only by stairs from the next. It’s an easy place to get lost, which I did multiple times. Pigna isn’t suitable for those with mobility challenges—this includes anyone needing a stroller. If you can’t use a baby carrier or your little one isn’t ready for the trek, it’s best to wait a couple of years.

Much of Italy lies close to the coast, and Cinque Valli is no different. I particularly enjoyed walking along the boardwalk in Sanremo, gelato in hand, of course. Even during the busy August season, I didn’t feel overwhelmed, and the atmosphere was significantly more family-friendly compared to the nearby French Riviera.

Getting there: The simplest gateway to Cinque Valli is Nice. From there, renting a car for the drive to Cinque Valli is quite straightforward.

Final thoughts

It will take a particular type of traveler to explore Matera, Soave, or Cinque Valli. However, if you’re weary of the common tourist paths and eager to infuse authenticity into your adventures, I hope this encourages you to step outside your comfort zone.