Unconventional Italy: Unveiling 25 Unnoticed Wonders in Italy's Less-Traveled Regions
Strap on your backpack and get ready for some off-the-beaten-path Italian adventures as we uncover some of the most captivating hidden gems nestled in this breathtaking nation!
From immaculate villages bathed in vibrant hues to mirroring lakes framed by alpine backdrops, delving into Italy's lesser-known treasures pays off tenfold. These undiscovered gems have become my personal obsession over countless trips to this lovable country, and trust me, they won't disappoint!
Let's dive right in, shall we? Here are some of the top picks from my incredible Italian escapades:
1. Castelmezzano, Basilicata
Perched amid the breathtaking Dolomiti Lucane, this hidden Italian gem may have made a surprising appearance during a recent Southern Italy road trip. Castelmezzano's charm is hard to resist, especially when viewed from a distance, showcasing its unique location and the 'Flight of the Angel' - a crazy-fast zip wire that connects Castelmezzano to Pietrapertosa, its dazzling companion on the opposite mountain.
Once you've had your fill of aerial shenanigans, there's a treasure trove of epic hikes, forests, and national parks awaiting your exploration. I can't wait to spend a night in Castelmezzano to take in its age-old charm when I return to Basilicata!
Stay connected with unlimited data: Grab your Holafly eSIM for Europe (use our website for a 5% discount – check it out!*)
2. Locorotondo, Puglia
If you're craving a picturesque slice of Italy, then plop yourself down in Locorotondo! Its name comes from its circular structure, but the real draw is how every corner and every street corner stimulates your camera's shutter. This dreamy town, blanketed in white and bursting with purple and pink flowers, is an absolute must-visit in Puglia. I fell in love and can't stop raving about it!
Read more: Explore more noteworthy things to do in Puglia!
3. Trento, Trentino
The sassy capital city of Trentino, Trento, offers a perfectly-sized city break without the fatigue of a weekend in Rome. This charming city, brimming with culture and unique vibes, is the perfect blend of art, food, and Italian laid-backness. Trento hooked me in with its immaculate streets, an impressive Buonconsiglio Castle, galleries, and outside frescoes. Sip a drink or two under the magnificent cathedral and marvel at the region's popularity amongst neighboring lands—yet, for Italians, it still remains blissfully off the beaten path.
Read More: Discover more exciting activities to do in Trento!
4. Matera, Basilicata (and Massafra, Puglia)
Since being awarded the "Capital of Culture" in 2019, Matera has received well-deserved attention, but this fascinating spot is steeped in history and deserves a visit. There's nothing quite like roaming through its ancient caves that make up the Sassi, the old part of the city, surrounded by the newly built section.
Avoid the crowds and stay in the more budget-friendly Massafra or Castellaneta in nearby Puglia; they're both serene and quiet but offer plenty of lesser-known attractions, like exploring the castle of Massafra and its old Viaduct, or strolling through the perched village of Castellaneta.
Read: Discover my unforgettable Italy experiences here
5. Mantua, Lombardy
Wow, I can't believe this hidden gem in Europe still flies under the radar—the stunning city of Mantua is absolutely underrated! Its claim to fame is being home to the largest residential building in Europe after the Vatican, and it's just crammed with architectural and artistic splendor. The city's fairytale lakes add to the magic, making Mantua an illegally delightful spot on Italy's hidden gem list.
6. Tropea, Calabria
Calabria, much like Puglia on the other side, is known for azure waters, sandy beach days, affordable prices, and unique off-the-beaten-path Italian experiences. And that's not just for international visitors—locals flock here for their vacations. One of Tropea's most impressive features is Santa dell'Islo church, perched atop a large rock and offering stunning ocean views. With endless attractions waiting to be discovered, Tropea is the perfect launching pad to explore the wonders of Calabria.
7. Varenna, Lake Como, Lombardia
Lake Como is a true gem nestled in the Lombardia region, best known for the famed city of Milan. While Bellagio and George Clooney's abode may steal the spotlight, there are countless other picturesque villages and towns worth exploring along the lake's shores. Varenna is my personal favorite, offering enchanting castles, grand houses in the mountains, and welcoming coffee shops with lakeside views.
During a crisp November day, Varenna seemed almost deserted, and I felt like I had the charming town all to myself. Whether you visit during the off-season or not, Lake Como is the perfect place for a long weekend of rejuvenation.
Read More: Uncover more delightful activities to do on Lake Como!
8. Alberobello, Puglia
Adorable, trulli homes—those iconic stone buildings with pointed, cone-shaped roofs—are at their densest in Puglia. Alberobello is that magical haven where you can wander amid these architectural wonders. While the touristy part can be busy during peak times, exploring the opposite side of town reveals much quieter streets and homes open to visitors, allowing you to discover the history of these cultural icons in a more intimate setting.
9. Camogli, Liguria
Get ready for a little heart-tugging, because Camogli absolutely stole mine! This enchanting seaside town, brimming with a rich history and irresistible charm, seems to have been plucked straight out of a fairytale. Whether you're snapping photos of its colorful houses or drooling over the local cuisine, one thing's for sure—you'll never want to leave!
Read More: Discover more about Camogli here
10. Martina Franca, Puglia
We had no intention of stopping here, but a bathroom break turned into an unexpected adventure and lunch in the church square. Martina Franca hides like a gem in plain sight, especially during the summer months when it hosts an opera festival, bringing in a flood of excited visitors. The town was once entirely walled off and still retains its historical charm, complete with grand squares, delightful restaurants, and a sparkling clean setting.
11. Orta San Giulio, Piedmont
Nestled on the shores of Lake Orta, this stunning town beams with pastel colors and lovely views of the inhabited island of San Giulio. Like many lakeside towns and villages in Italy, expect to be utterly charmed by colorful homes, family-owned restaurants, and the almighty Aperitivo hour serving unlimited snacks and cocktails because we're in Italy, obvs!
Read More: Discover more about Lake Orta and Orta San Giulio
12. Valsugana, Trentino
Valsugana offers up epic hikes, picture-perfect lakes, and breathtaking snow-capped mountain views—all the ingredients for an unforgettable adventure. I was also pleasantly surprised to find that numerous lakes in the area had earned the prestigious Blue Flag award for water quality, guaranteeing crystal-clear blue waters and a clean beach experience. This incredible region was a perfect pit stop for my lake-side Italian adventure.
Read More: Check out my post about escaping to the lakes of Valsugana
13. Acquafredda and Maratea, Basilicata
Despite some unexpected rainy weather, Acquafredda and Maratea proved to be a captivating and unplanned adventure. Maratea's famous landmark is the Church of Christ, which stands tall and watches over the town, while its picturesque marina offers up delicious dining options. A short drive away, you'll find Acquafredda, a small village brimming with just a few restaurants, hidden Italian gems, and breathtaking ocean views.
14. Lugana and Manerba del Garda, Lombardy
While Sirmione, the famous village on Lake Garda, grabs all the attention, the rest of the lake is worth exploring too. Lake Garda is actually divided among three regions of Italy—Trentino, Veneto, and Lombardy—each offering unique attractions. I highly recommend visiting the hidden gems of Lombardy, such as the charming town of Manerba del Garda, which provides stunning views across the lake, and the historic and lovely Lugana, known for its delicious wine production.
15. Comacchio and the Po Delta, Emilia Romagna
Emilia Romagna's hidden gem, Comacchio, may be tiny, but it packs a mighty punch! With its positive reputation as "Little Venice" thanks to its canal-filled streets and close proximity to the Veneto border, Comacchio offers a unique blend of Italian charm and waterfront vibes, all without the overwhelming crowds. And rest assured, you'll never run out of gelato flavor choices here!
Read More: Discover more about Comacchio
16. Lampedusa, Pelagie Islands
Lampedusa remains one of my eagerly-anticipated Italian escapades—this Mediterranean island promises warm turquoise waters, incredible water sports, and the chance to swim alongside turtles, dolphins, and countless other wonderful marine creatures. I can't wait to solo-travel around the uncrowded Pelagie Islands and soak up their Italian beauty!
Read More: Learn more about my friend Nicole's Lampedusa travel guide here
17. Val di Non, Trentino
Nicknamed the "Valley of Nothing," this hidden gem is home to lush apple orchards, impressive castles, and picturesque landscapes that will leave you speechless. From the stunning Lake Tovel, which reflects the alpine scenery on clear days, to the world-famous apple storage facilities, there's no shortage of breathtaking sights to discover.
Read More: Uncover more about Val di Non, Trentino
18. Brisighella, Emilia Romagna
Picture-perfect Brisighella is a testament to the romantic side of Italy—with its three crowning towers (one clock tower, one castle, and one church) overseeing its charming streets, this hidden gem delivers a timeless Italian experience that will leave you feeling like you've stepped into a fairytale.
And here are even more hidden Italian gems, lightly touched upon in the original post:
- Lake Como's less-crowded village of Varenna
- The picturesque medieval hill town of Colle Val d'Elsa in Tuscany
- San Marino - a lesser-visited country nestled in central Italy, unique in its republican political structure
- The lesser-known town of Sperlonga in Lazio, which boasts a beautiful sea grotto and impressive castle complex.
Have a suggestion for an off-the-beaten-path Italian destination to add to my list? Drop it in the comments!
Sources:
- Holiday Here & Now – Lake Orta
- Chatelaine – Colle Val d’Elsa, Tuscany
- Lonely Planet – Tropea, Calabria
- Go Europe About – Top 25 Hidden Gems in Italy
- Go Europe About – Hidden Gems in Italy You Can't Miss
These incredible destinations offer a glimpse into Italy's hidden treasures, off the beaten path. From the breathtaking landscapes of Castelmezzano in Basilicata to the dreamy, white-washed town of Locorotondo in Puglia, each location provides a unique, captivating experience. To capture these unforgettable moments, consider using Holafly's eSIM for Europe to stay connected with unlimited data, making it easier to share your travel adventures with friends and family back home.
