Ah, Italy! Arguably one of the most beloved European countries, and my personal favorite. I may be biased since I once lived in a small area outside Milan called Alessandra, and absolutely fell in love instantly.
The country itself is so diverse. No matter what kind of traveler you are, there is something to fall in love with here. While mainstream destinations such as Rome, Tuscany, Amalfi Coast, Venice, and Florence draw crowds year-round, there is much more to Italy than these popular cities.
- Are you craving to have the true Italian experience away from all the crowds? Where you can taste the food made from scratch with the fruits and vegetables grown on the land right there where you are staying?
- Are you hoping to have a meal surrounded by locals instead of other tourists?
- Are you wanting to see beauty and history from a more calm, laidback travel approach?
Ah yes…I can see your vision of Italy and I want to give you 5 lesser-known regions of Italy to explore that are a little off-the-beaten-path and offer a ton of amazing and authentic experiences you may not find in the more touristy destinations.
Calabria
Calabria – otherwise known as the “toe of the boot” – is a stunning coastal region in southwestern Italy. With its green mountains, medieval villages, and beaches that lead to the Tyrrhenian and Ionian seas, get the Cinque Terre/Amalfi Coast feel in a lot less crowded area of town.
Calabria’s beaches: There are a ton to choose from including Tropea, Capo Vaticano, Scilla, Soverato, and Caminia Beach. Each has its own unique character so you can easily take your time exploring them all! With clear water, white sandy beaches, ancient ruins, and lively promenades where you can take an afternoon or morning stroll, this area should be on your list if you want a seas-side town without the crowds. I suggest visiting during shoulder season (May to early June or September and October) when the crowds die down, but the weather is still perfect for a dip in the ocean.
Beyond the coast, Calabria’s medieval villages offer a journey back through 5me with their cobblestone streets, ancient churches, castles and breathtaking views. The well-preserved town of Gerace is known for its Norman Castle and Cathedral of Gerace, one of the largest ancient religious structures in southern Italy. The village of Silo is famous for its 10th-century Byzantine church – Cattolica di Stilo – and in Santa Severina you’ll find one of Calabria’s best-preserved medieval castles.
Puglia
I can’t take you to Southern Italy without men5oning the region of Puglia, also called the “heel of the boot.” Puglia has it all with its charming seaside towns, historic villages that look so unique compared to others you will see in the country (I’m looking at you Alberobello). It is known within the country for their amazing wine region (step aside Tuscany) and its diverse cuisine. While it’s slowly gaining in popularity, it has yet to receive the massive crowds associated with the more popular places in Italy.
With 540 miles of coastline, this region is rich in seaside towns, but you’ll want to take time to explore the historic villages with the region as well. Vieste, on the Gargano Peninsula, is characterized by white limestone cliffs, sandy beaches and charming old town streets, making it the perfect place to relax or explore.
On the other hand, Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site tucked into the Itria Valley, is famous for its trulli which are round, fairytale-like, cone-roofed houses.
In Lecce, which is o[en referred to as the “Florence of the South,” you’ll find Baroque architecture with ornate churches, grand piazzas, and an ancient Roman amphitheater.
From a culinary perspective, Puglia’s cuisine is focused on simple, high-quality ingredients that one would typically associate with Italian food. The region is famous for its creamy burrata cheese, world renowned olive oil, handmade orecchiette, and of course seafood! Wine lovers will find some of Italy’s most robust and flavorful wines in this region as it’s often referred to as the “Tuscany of the South.”
Aeolian Islands
Off the northeastern coast of Sicily is a UNESCO-listed volcanic archipelago made up of 7 islands you’ve probably not heard about: the Aeolian Islands. These islands are approximately 700,000 years old, and each has its own distinct character with 4 of the 7 being most popular with visitors.
Stromboli is famous for its constantly erupting volcano, where visitors can hike to the summit and experience a nighttime lava display.
On Lipari, the largest and most developed island where you can find charming cobblestone streets, an archaeological museum and beautiful beaches.
The island of Salina is known for its vineyards so if you are a wine-lover, take the time to spend a day here.
The island of Panarea attracts luxury travelers with its chic boutiques, upscale dining and whitewashed villages.
For the adventurers who want to explore hidden sea caves, you can snorkel or boat between the islands.
I suggest picking one island to call your “home-base” and island hop each day to discover a completely different vibe for each island you visit.
Emilia-Romagna
Now up to the northern area of Italy, The Emilia-Romagna region is truly a foodie’s paradise. It’s known as the birthplace of some of Italy’s most iconic foods, here are a few examples for you:
- In Parma you’ll find the world-renowned staple of Parmesan cheese
- Modena is the birthplace of balsamic vinegar
- Pasta lovers should not miss the handmade tortellini in Bologna or the tagliatelle al ragu (Bolognese sauce) that hails from the region
- Out on the Romagna coast, piadina flatbreads are a must-try
Food may be the main focus in Emilia-Romagna, but the region offers a wealth of other ac5vi5es to round out your trip. History and architecture lovers will enjoy the stunning Byzan5ne mosaics in Ravenna and grand palaces in the Renaissance city of Ferrara. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike, bike or even ski in the winter in the Apennine Mountains and those looking for nightlife and lively beach resorts can retreat to Rimini and the Romagna Riviera.
Are you a car lover? Then this is your spot! In the heart of Italy’s Motor Valley, those passionate about motorsports will find the homes of legendary car brands such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati and Ducati. Visitors can explore the museums and factories that are dedicated to these iconic brands.
The Dolomites
You may have heard of The Dolomites, but what are they exactly?
A UNESCO World Heritage site in northern Italy…imagine an outdoor enthusiasts dream. There are famous places to ski in the winter, but summer is also an incredible time to visit the region.
Nature lovers will find a paradise of limestone peaks, alpine meadows and crystal-clear lakes, with a ton of trails for hiking and cycling. Whether you take part in one of the most iconic hikes along the Tre Cime di Lavaredo or experience the Alta Via trails for a multi-day adventure, the Dolomites offer some of the most stunning mountain scenery in Europe.
For a more active adventure, visitors can explore the region’s scenic lakes like, or challenge themselves with via ferrata climbing routes for a more adrenaline-filled experience.
The region is also rich in culture, history and cuisine. If you want a more upscale, laid back experience, they are there for you! Alpine villages like Ortsei and San Candido feature Tyrolean architecture, artisan shops and cozy mountain huts. Also be sure to visit the lakes of Lago di Braies, perfect for a peaceful stroll and laidback feel.
Ready to Go?
By venturing off the beaten path, you’ll discover a side of Italy that’s equally enchanting as all the more well-known cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice. With these small towns and regions, your trip will be full of inspiring surprises, and sure to create lasting memories that will give you some bragging rights for knowing about these spots before your friends.
If you need more inspiration to get started with where you should go on your trip to Italy, click here to download my Italy Planning Guide!
Want help planning a getaway to Italy that is curated just for your unique vision? Want to ensure it includes experiences in these lesser traveled destinations? Fill out our inquiry form and let’s chat about how we can plan the perfect Italian trip for you!
