Italy may be one of the most visited countries in the world, but beyond the crowds of Venice, Rome and Florence lies another Italy, which is quieter, more authentic and deeply enchanting. These underrated places in Italy aren’t just alternatives; they’re destinations with their own unique beauty, charm and cultural treasures that you’ll wonder why you didn’t explore sooner.
If you’re seeking hidden gems in Italy, lesser-known towns and off the beaten path experiences, this is the Italy you’ve been missing.
1. Civita di Bagnoregio, Lazio
Perched atop a crumbling hilltop and accessible only by a footbridge, Civita di Bagnoregio feels like a floating stone dream. Founded by the Etruscans over 2,500 years ago, it’s a hauntingly beautiful place where time stands still.
🧡 Don’t miss: Crossing the bridge at sunset as the mist rolls in and it feels like entering a fantasy novel.
2. Castelmezzano, Basilicata
Nestled among the jagged peaks of the Dolomiti Lucane, this mountain village is one of Italy’s best-kept secrets. Its dramatic setting and fairytale vibe make it one of the most off the beaten path Italy destinations for nature lovers and adventurers.
🧡 Don’t miss: The Volo dell’Angelo zipline, a thrilling flight between Castelmezzano and nearby Pietrapertosa.
3. Sperlonga, Lazio
Just a short drive from Rome, Sperlonga remains surprisingly under-the-radar. With its whitewashed buildings, winding lanes and golden beaches, it’s a perfect quiet place to visit in Italy if you’re looking to mix culture and coastline.
🧡 Don’t miss: The ancient Roman sea grotto and ruins of Emperor Tiberius’ villa right by the shore.
4. Bologna, Emilia-Romagna
Though it’s a university town with a youthful buzz, Bologna is often skipped by travelers racing between Florence and Venice. Big mistake. With its medieval towers, endless porticoes and culinary masterpieces, Bologna is Italy with soul and spice.
🧡 Don’t miss: Tagliatelle al ragù at a local trattoria, paired with a walk under the 666 arches to San Luca.
5. Procida, Campania
Smaller and more laid-back than Capri or Ischia, Procida is a pastel-painted island where fishing boats sway, lemons hang heavy and life moves slowly. It was Italy’s Capital of Culture in 2022 but still manages to keep a low profile.
🧡 Don’t miss: Watching the sunset from Terra Murata, where candy-colored houses spill down to the water.
6. Trieste, Friuli Venezia Giulia
Sitting on the Adriatic Sea near Slovenia, Trieste is a unique cultural blend of Italian, Slavic and Austrian influences. It’s literary, elegant and blissfully crowd-free. It’s trulya hidden gem in Italy that feels like a movie set from another time.
🧡 Don’t miss: Sipping coffee at Caffè San Marco, once frequented by James Joyce and other literary giants.
7. Val d’Orcia Villages, Tuscany
While many flock to Chianti and Siena, the Val d’Orcia is Tuscany’s quieter, more poetic cousin. Towns like Pienza, Monticchiello and San Quirico d’Orcia offer rolling hills, Renaissance architecture and skies that melt into gold at dusk.
🧡 Don’t miss: A picnic among cypress trees overlooking the endless patchwork of vineyards and olive groves.
8. Cefalù, Sicily
While Taormina gets the spotlight, Cefalù offers a more authentic coastal experience. This medieval town is nestled between a dramatic cliff and the Tyrrhenian Sea, with Norman architecture, golden sands and a warm, welcoming spirit.
🧡 Don’t miss: Climbing La Rocca for panoramic views over the red rooftops and deep blue sea.
9. Orta San Giulio, Piedmont
Tired of the glitz of Lake Como? Head to Lake Orta, where serenity replaces spectacle. The town of Orta San Giulio is a romantic lakeside village with ivy-covered villas, cobbled alleys and a mystical island monastery just offshore.
🧡 Don’t miss: Taking a rowboat to Isola San Giulio for an enchanting walk along the “Way of Silence.”
10. Scicli, Sicily
In the Val di Noto region of Sicily lies Scicli, a Baroque masterpiece often overshadowed by more famous neighbors like Ragusa and Modica. Its elegant streets, peaceful piazzas and dramatic churches offer a perfect mix of culture and calm.
🧡 Don’t miss: Visiting Palazzo Beneventano, one of Sicily’s finest Baroque buildings with hardly a soul in sight.
Tips for Exploring Italy’s Underrated Treasures
1. Rent a car for rural gems. Some of the most beautiful small towns are unreachable by train, so driving gives you total freedom.
2. Stay in agriturismos. These countryside farm stays offer authentic food, warm hospitality and dreamy views for a great price.
3. Avoid peak summer. May – June and September – October are ideal. You’ll avoid the crowds and still get great weather.
4. Learn a few Italian phrases. In smaller towns, locals will love your effort and often open up with stories and tips.
5. Take it slow. Italy is meant to be savored, especially in these peaceful, non-touristy spots.
Final Thoughts
Italy is so much more than the icons on postcards. These underrated places in Italy prove that some of the country’s most moving, magical and memorable experiences lie beyond the main trail. Whether it’s a mountaintop village, a colorful fishing island, or a vineyard hidden in the hills, every one of these spots offers something real and unforgettable.
So go beyond the checklist and discover the Italy everyone else is missing.
