Discover Italy’s hidden gems: Unearth the enchanting secrets of Italy’s lesser-known treasures. Explore hidden gems in Italy today!
Italy is one of the most visited countries in the world, with over 65 million visitors a year heading to its beautiful, historic shores. Renowned for its iconic cities like Rome, Venice, and Florence, as well as its cuisine, culture, gorgeous landscapes, and historical monuments, almost every traveler worth their salt will have an Italian destination on their bucket list.
Italy is a must-see for any European cruise itinerary and is well worth making the time to explore if you are in Europe for an adventure of any sort. But while the well-trodden destinations and tourist highlights are undoubtedly magnificent, the country has so much more to offer than just the Coliseum, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and St. Mark’s Square.
So if you are seeking a unique Italian experience but would prefer somewhere a little less crowded, consider exploring these lesser-known but equally enchanting destinations that are very much worth a visit.
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Top 10 Hidden Gems in Italy Worth a Visit!
Matera, Basilicata
The ‘City of Stones’ is a remarkable sight, a town built directly into the rock of a cliff face. The unique dwellings of this remarkable spot are known as ‘Sassi’, and are one of the earliest known examples of human habitation.
Bologna, Emilia-Romagna
Bologna often takes a back seat to other cities like Rome and Florence, but it has a strong argument to be THE best place to eat in the entire country and a gorgeous city to boot. With stunning medieval towers, grand squares, a maze of covered walkways, and a storied and historic university, it is a beautiful and lively place to explore.
Lecce, Puglia
Lecce lives up to its nickname as ‘the Florence of the South’ thanks to the intricate baroque architecture and stunning churches of its historic center. As Puglia is almost completely off the radar, it is also a great base to explore the gorgeous beaches, charming hillside towns, and charming landscape of the south of Italy with not a crowd to be seen.
Mantua, Lombardy
This small city in Lombardy is often overlooked by tourists but is full of impressive palaces, picturesque gardens, and an incredible art scene. Don’t miss the Palazzo Ducale, most famous for its impressive frescoes by Andrea Mantegna.
Bergamo, Lombardy
A charming hilltop town that lies in the shadow of its regional neighbor, Milan, Bergamo’s Città Alta is a medieval wonderland that puts the busier confines of the larger city to shame. Narrow cobbled streets and charming views combine to create a truly delightful place to visit.
Orvieto, Umbria
Orvieto is dominated by its stunning Gothic cathedral, famous for its intricate facades and gorgeous interior decor, but is also one of the best places to drink white wine in Italy.
Cremona, Lombardy
Classical music fans will know the name of Cremona, the birthplace of Stradivarius, and it is a place of pilgrimage for violinists and music enthusiasts. It remains a world-famous spot for violin making, and a visit to one of the many luthiers in town is a unique treat.
Alberobello, Puglia
The remarkable trulli houses of Alberobello, with their conical rooves and stone exteriors, are the highlight of this fairytale village and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Parma, Emilia-Romagna
Famous for its legendary contributions to Italian cuisine including Parmesan cheese and Parma ham, Parma is more than simply a center of culinary excellence. It’s a beautiful city in its own right, with a charming vibe and splendid architecture.
Urbino, Marche
This Renaissance gem is home to the National Gallery of the Marche, the finest art museum in the region, and has long been the home and birthplace of some of the most famous artists in Italian history, including Raphael and Piero della Francesca.
Planning to visit Italy? Check out these posts!
- Italy Points of Interests: Places to visit, Castles to check out, and Christmas markets
- Rome Travel Guides: Things to do, Day trips
- Florence Travel Guides: Things to do, Day trips
- Venice Travel Guides: Things to do, Day trips
- Pisa Travel Guides: Things to do, Day trips
- Bologna Travel Guides: Things to do, Day Trips
- Naples travel Guides: Safety in Naples
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