Our guide on the most Underrated Places To Visit In Italy for your next trip.
Italy is renowned for its iconic destinations like Rome, Venice, and Florence, but the country also boasts many lesser-known gems that offer unique experiences without the crowds.
These underrated destinations in Italy offer a glimpse into the country’s rich history, culture, and natural beauty without the crowds found in more popular tourist spots. Whether you’re seeking historical sites, culinary delights, or stunning landscapes, these places provide a more intimate and authentic Italian experience.
Here are some of the most underrated places to visit in Italy.
Read Here Things to know before visiting Italy and how to buy a sim card in Italy
Read Here Culture Shocks For Americans in Italy and the most beautiful UNESCO sites in Italy
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Underrated Places to visit in Italy
1. Matera, Basilicata
Highlights: Matera is famous for its ancient cave dwellings, known as “Sassi,” which are carved into limestone cliffs. The city’s unique landscape and history earned it the title of European Capital of Culture in 2019.
Experience: Explore the Sassi di Matera, visit the rock-hewn churches with ancient frescoes, and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Gravina gorge.
2. Lecce, Puglia
Highlights: Often referred to as the “Florence of the South,” Lecce is a baroque masterpiece with stunning architecture, beautiful piazzas, and a vibrant cultural scene.
Experience: Stroll through the historic center, visit the Basilica di Santa Croce, and enjoy local delicacies like “pasticciotto” and “rustico.”
3. Ravenna, Emilia-Romagna
Highlights: Ravenna is known for its extraordinary mosaics, which are some of the finest examples of early Christian art in Europe. The city served as the capital of the Western Roman Empire.
Experience: Visit the UNESCO-listed Basilica di San Vitale and Mausoleum of Galla Placidia to admire the stunning mosaics, and explore the peaceful streets of the historic center.
4. Orvieto, Umbria
Highlights: Perched on a volcanic rock, Orvieto is a charming town with an impressive Gothic cathedral and an intriguing underground network of caves.
Experience: Explore the Orvieto Cathedral (Duomo), tour the underground tunnels, and enjoy panoramic views from the Torre del Moro.
5. Trieste, Friuli Venezia Giulia
Highlights: Located near the Slovenian border, Trieste is a cosmopolitan city with a mix of Italian, Austro-Hungarian, and Slavic influences. It’s known for its elegant architecture, coffee culture, and seaside setting.
Experience: Visit Piazza Unità d’Italia, explore the Miramare Castle, and enjoy a coffee in one of the city’s historic cafes.
6. Ascoli Piceno, Marche
Highlights: Ascoli Piceno is a beautifully preserved medieval town with a stunning main square, Piazza del Popolo, and a rich culinary tradition.
Experience: Wander through the charming old town, visit the Cathedral of Saint Emidio, and try the local specialty, “olive all’ascolana” (stuffed and fried olives).
7. Bolzano, South Tyrol
Highlights: Bolzano is the gateway to the Dolomites and offers a unique blend of Italian and Austrian cultures. The town is surrounded by stunning alpine scenery and has a rich history.
Experience: Explore the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology to see Ötzi the Iceman, stroll through the charming old town, and enjoy the local cuisine, which blends Italian and Austrian flavors.
8. Cefalù, Sicily
Highlights: Cefalù is a picturesque coastal town with a beautiful Norman cathedral and a stunning beach. It offers a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the larger Sicilian cities.
Experience: Visit the Cefalù Cathedral, hike up to La Rocca for panoramic views, and relax on the sandy beaches.
9. Parma, Emilia-Romagna
Highlights: Parma is famous for its food, especially Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and Prosciutto di Parma. The city also has a rich cultural heritage with beautiful architecture and art.
Experience: Tour a Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese factory, visit the stunning Parma Cathedral and Baptistery, and enjoy a meal in one of the city’s excellent trattorias.
10. Mantua (Mantova), Lombardy
Highlights: Mantua is a Renaissance gem that was once ruled by the powerful Gonzaga family. The city’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Experience: Visit the Palazzo Ducale and the Palazzo Te, stroll along the banks of the Mincio River, and explore the charming streets and squares of the old town.
11. Sulmona, Abruzzo
Highlights: Sulmona is a charming town known for its production of confetti (sugar-coated almonds) and its well-preserved medieval architecture.
Experience: Visit the Church of Santa Maria della Tomba, explore the historic aqueduct, and buy some colorful confetti as a souvenir.
12. Verbania, Piedmont
Highlights: Situated on the shores of Lake Maggiore, Verbania is a tranquil town surrounded by beautiful gardens and stunning lake views.
Experience: Visit the botanical gardens of Villa Taranto, take a boat trip on Lake Maggiore, and explore the charming town center.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.