Off the Beaten Path: Italian Hidden Gems

Italy's most famous cities are magnificent, and I would never discourage anyone from visiting Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan or Naples. These are the places that have shaped Western culture, art and history, and they deserve every bit of attention they receive. If you are planning to visit these iconic destinations, I have written a separate guide on how to travel smart in Italy, with tips on timing your visits to avoid the worst of the crowds and making the most of your experience even in the busiest places.

But if you have been to Italy before, or if you are the kind of traveller who prefers to step away from the crowds and discover places where you will hear more Italian than English, then it is time to look beyond the big five.

Many Italian cities and regions see far fewer international visitors despite being rich in history, atmosphere and authentic Italian life. These are not remote villages requiring a four-wheel drive and a week's worth of provisions to reach. They are beautiful, well-connected cities and towns with excellent infrastructure, fascinating sights and wonderful food. The reason most overseas visitors skip them is simple: they are often overshadowed by a famous neighbour, or they sit just outside the classic Rome-Florence-Venice triangle that dominates most first-time itineraries.

I have spent years exploring these quieter corners of Italy, and what I have discovered is that some of the country's most rewarding experiences happen in places where tourism has not yet become the main industry. You will find yourself wandering medieval streets without being swept along by tour groups, sitting in restaurants where the menu is still written for locals, and visiting museums and palazzos where you can actually stop and look without someone's selfie stick blocking your view.

In this guide, I want to share some of these places with you. I have divided them into three categories: shadow cities that sit near famous destinations, lesser-known regions that offer an entirely different side of Italy, and small towns that feel as though they belong to another century. Some of these I have visited many times. Others I discovered by accident and have been telling people about ever since. All of them are worth your time.

Shadow Cities: Beauty Without the Crowds

Vicenza

To be honest, Vicenza is a city that has been in my life since childhood, as my dad's uncle lived there and I visited many times growing up. But going back there as a tourist after so many years away, I really appreciated just how beautiful the city is. Easy to walk around and architecturally stunning, with Andrea Palladio's buildings shaping the city's look and giving it UNESCO World Heritage status, I am amazed that it is still less visited than Verona, for example.

The city feels intimate and manageable rather than overwhelming, and you can explore the historic centre on foot without ever feeling rushed. The Teatro Olimpico is one of Vicenza's signature landmarks, and the Palladian palaces throughout the city are simply extraordinary. Vicenza is also famous for baccalà alla vicentina (salt cod prepared in the local style with milk and onions), a dish that has been a speciality here for centuries.

If you have time, nearby Marostica is worth a visit for its castle and famous chessboard square, where a human chess game is staged every two years. Bassano del Grappa, another scenic nearby town, offers local food and grappa culture if you want to explore beyond the city centre.

Bergamo

Now this is a place I wanted to visit for a long time, and it was on my list until I finally managed to get there on my last trip to Italy. I had heard about it from family and friends, but not only did it live up to expectations, it surpassed them in spades.

I have to admit it was a little busy when I visited, as it was close to Easter and thus in the period when many people like to take short trips, but it was not overcrowded. Walking the old cobbled streets in the Città Alta at a slow pace was just a great way to absorb the history of this part of the city. The distinct difference between the old and new city was also such a wonderful experience, seeing how the old heart of a place can be preserved while the new part is developed around it.

Bergamo has two distinct parts: the medieval hilltop Città Alta and the modern Città Bassa, which makes it feel layered and interesting. The Piazza Vecchia sits at the heart of the old town, surrounded by the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore and elegant historic buildings. The Venetian Walls offer walks and panoramic city views, and if you take the funicular up to San Vigilio, the elevated views are simply stunning. For art lovers, the Accademia Carrara is worth a visit.

Bergamo is also a smart alternative to Milan or Venice because it offers history, scenery and atmosphere without the same tourist pressure. It has a strong food culture with local dishes and markets, so it works well for a slower, more authentic trip.

Regions Worth Exploring

For those who know me, the question will be: why not choose Trentino Alto Adige as one of the regions in your blog? Well yes, I was born in Trentino and love this region, and I think it is absolutely breathtaking with so many amazing places to visit. But I wanted to present something different, and in a later blog I will talk about my region. For now, here are my choices for those who are looking for something different.

Emilia-Romagna

Now, if you like history and food (like me), this region has so much to offer. I love Bologna and have been there many times. Of course, you will immediately recognise the name of this city in Emilia-Romagna as the home of Bolognese sauce and lasagne. But Bologna is a beautiful historical city that is not only home to one of the oldest universities but has an incredible history of adaptation and reinvention. From its days as a silk powerhouse to its modern role as an industrial, educational and cultural hub, Bologna has continuously evolved, using its technical expertise, infrastructure and skilled labour to pivot from one era to the next. Its silk boom gave the city wealth and elegant arcades, and when that industry declined, Bologna used those same strengths to build a diversified urban economy that thrives today.

Bologna is ideal for travellers who want culture, food and easy variety in one place. The arcades, towers and food culture make it a wonderful base, and from there you can explore Parma and Modena for art, opera, parmesan and balsamic, or head further afield to smaller towns like Dozza for its painted streets and wine cellars.

But then there is another jewel in Emilia-Romagna, and that is Ravenna. For anyone loving history, this city is absolutely a must. The breathtaking mosaics in Sant'Apollinare Nuovo and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia are something that, like me, will make you want to return to this city again and again. These early Christian and Byzantine mosaics are simply dazzling, yet Ravenna rarely appears on most first-time itineraries, which means you can experience them without the crowds you would face elsewhere.

Molise

My personal connection to this region comes from the fact that it is close to Puglia, where my father comes from, and my auntie and family lived in a town in Molise called Termoli, not far from the rest of the family in Puglia. I have lots of childhood memories of visiting places on the Adriatic coast from Pescara to Vieste, with beautiful beaches and gorgeous towns scattered along the coastline.

But again, coming back with the tourist hat on, I cannot stop thinking why this region in particular is not higher on the list of places to visit in Italy. Although perhaps this is also a good thing, as it is really enjoyable being able to experience many of the towns on the coast and in the hinterland like a local and appreciate the unspoiled vibe of cafes and restaurants that cater for locals and not tourists.

Molise is genuinely undiscovered, with mountains, villages, archaeology and coastline all in a compact area. It suits travellers who want authenticity, space and fewer crowds rather than a checklist of famous attractions. Termoli offers a coastal town with a historic old quarter, while inland you will find Sepino with its ancient Roman ruins, Pietrabbondante with its Samnite stone theatre and hill scenery, and Agnone, known for its bell-making tradition. Campobasso, the regional capital, has a castle, views and a livelier atmosphere, while villages like Castropignano and Pescolanciano offer medieval ruins and castle scenery. The Biferno Valley provides nature, walking and local wine for those who want to explore the quieter countryside.

Molise is the choice for readers who want the feeling of discovering a secret Italy, where tourism has not yet become the main industry and where you can still wander freely without the crowds.

Small Towns That Feel Like Secrets

San Casciano dei Bagni

Several years ago, by chance, we happened to rent an apartment in an agriturismo in San Casciano dei Bagni. It was a bit out of the beaten path for us, and in the beginning we were a bit worried whether such a small town in the Tuscan countryside would be a good place to stay. But its central location for visiting places like Orvieto, Viterbo and Siena in the end persuaded us to book there.

We had hired a car (see Getting Around: Train or Car? in my Top Tips for Travelling Smart in Italy), and yes, it was a great base to venture out from. But what we also discovered was just how gorgeous the town of San Casciano dei Bagni itself was, and we truly enjoyed walking and exploring it. The town is famous for its thermal waters, including Bagno Grande and various spa facilities, and the combination of wellness, landscape and history makes it a serene and refined alternative to busier Tuscan towns. The historic village centre, with Piazza Matteotti and Castello Turrito, sits amid beautiful Tuscan countryside that is perfect for walking and slow travel.

Canale di Tenno

This is one of those places that once you visit, you never forget. The first time I visited Canale di Tenno it was still more or less abandoned, and not many people actually lived there. Since then I have been back several times, and being not far from Torbole and Riva del Garda (where I have family and friends), it is just a really nice day trip to immerse myself in this fairy-tale medieval village.

Walking around the village itself, with its narrow stone lanes and old houses, feels like stepping back in time. And then there is Lake Tenno, with its turquoise water and quiet natural setting, which adds mountain scenery and a peaceful outdoor feel to the visit. Again, this is a place you need a car to get to, but it is absolutely worth the trouble. It has a sense of being frozen in time, and its setting near the lake makes it a perfect stop for anyone exploring the Trentino region.

Maratea

One of the most memorable holidays was the week we spent in Maratea. Imagine the Amalfi Coast without the crazy crowds: a town perched over glistening sea, the black beach of Cala Jannita, and dramatic coastal views that rival anything in the south. Despite being there in low season, the warmth of the place and the people has made this one of my most loved holiday spots.

The old village sits above the sea, and the Christ the Redeemer statue is a major viewpoint and landmark. The coastline and beaches offer a slower, less hectic coastal experience, and the whole area feels more exclusive and peaceful than the packed resorts elsewhere. Maratea is a smart alternative to the Amalfi Coast for travellers looking for a quieter escape with a more authentic feel, and the combination of hilltop village and sea makes it especially photogenic.

Locorotondo

I have to be honest and say that this one is on my wish list for the next time I am in Italy. Despite not having been here myself, I know similar villages in the Puglia region that welcome you with their whitewashed buildings, but what makes this town appealing to me, and I am sure it will not disappoint when I eventually make it there, is its peculiar circular form.

Locorotondo gets its name from this distinctive round layout, and the old town is a maze of whitewashed historic streets. It is a better choice than larger Puglia hotspots because it is small, walkable and beautifully atmospheric, with charm but not the crowds of nearby Alberobello or Ostuni. The Valle d'Itria countryside around the town is stunning, and Locorotondo is also known for its local DOC wine, so it suits food and wine lovers as well as anyone looking for a quieter Puglia experience.

Vasto

Again, one of those places I know from my childhood, and if you want a place that combines views, a sparkling sea and a resort feel but is not as crazy full of tourists as other coastal areas, you will enjoy Vasto. Just do not go in August, as it is well known to people in nearby regions and can get busy then.

Vasto offers both a hill town and a seaside experience, with Piazza Rossetti and the old town centre sitting above the Adriatic. The Caldoresco Castle, Palazzo d'Avalos and the Cathedral of San Giuseppe give the town a strong historic character, while Loggia Amblingh offers beautiful sea views. The Punta Aderci Nature Reserve and the Trabocchi coast are nearby for anyone who wants nature and beaches. Vasto feels more authentic than a major resort town, especially outside peak summer, and it is ideal for travellers who want history, beaches and panoramic views in one stop.