Stephanie is a cherished member of the Sampling America writing team, dedicated to crafting captivating narratives that transport readers to thrilling adventures across the country and beyond.
Italy is a place that sits on most people’s bucket list, and for good reason. The country has some of the best coastal views in the world, the best cuisine, and a mesmerizing atmosphere that keeps people coming back year after year.
However, it can take time to decide where to visit. Some of the bigger cities can often be packed with tourists, which makes it difficult to be immersed in the Mediterranean fantasy.
Instead, follow our list of stunning secret destinations! Find Italy’s undiscovered gems to get the most out of your vacation.
Bogliasco, Liguria
Bogliasco can be accessed by a 50-minute train ride from the popular stop of Genoa, the home of Salami.
This stunning town is known as a picture-perfect destination. The sapphire blue sea set against the colorful buildings in the town makes this destination a postcard-worthy stop.
This lesser-known destination will be much less busy as most tourists don’t know about it. Some Italian towns have a different draw than infamous places like Sicily, but they offer a superior atmosphere.
Sirmione, Lombardy
Lombardy is known as one of the best wine-growing regions in Italy. While most people stop by the capital city of Milan to see the place where some of the best fashion in the world is made, many miss out on this stunning medieval town.
Sirmione is a stunning city located in Lake Garda. The 12th-century medieval castle is open for tours every day. Take a tour of this well-maintained castle to learn more about how royals lived in Italy almost 1,000 years ago.
Burano, Venetia
Most tourists visiting the North of Italy will undoubtedly have Venice on their list. However, Venice is known for being overly packed with tourists, which makes the city unenjoyable.
Instead, stop by the city of Burano in the same region. Canals fill the streets of this island with romantic gondolas sitting against some of the most colorful buildings in the area.
Vernazza, Liguria
Placed against the stunningly lush forests in the Mediterranean, Vernazza is a jewel on the Italian coastline.
This tiny fishing village only has a small number of hotels and villas for rent every year, so if you want to get the chance to experience it, be sure to book in early. Enjoy stunning ocean views on a white sand beach while sipping an Aperitif for the ultimate Italian experience this summer.
Bagnoregio, Lazio
If you’re a fan of Medieval castles, architecture, and history, add Bagnoregio to your list of Italian towns to visit.
This unbelievable village sits on top of a mountain deep in the forest. You must book a guided tour to get the most out of this experience. While walking up to the castle, you will experience a life-changing view. It’s like nowhere else in the world as it has been perfectly maintained for hundreds of years.
Alborebello, Puglia
Many world travelers will tell you that walking through the streets filled with Trullis-style homes is even better than exploring the white stucco houses and cobblestone streets in Greece.
This town is entirely different than any other area in Italy. It’s a true gem to experience in person. These 18th-century structures are another perfect example of how Italians bring ancient traditions into the modern world.
Positano, Campania
The nearby town of Naples is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy. However, a short 20-minute drive away is the unmistakable view of Positano.
Positano is a beautiful example of an Italian coastal town filled with great cuisine, history, and culture. The town actually has a famous legend that states it was founded by Neptune, the God of the sea.
Isola Bella, Piedmont
Isola Bella is a tiny island located on Lake Maggiore, just outside of Milan. With less than 100 inhabitants, the island is a paradise on earth.
While on the island, you will want to visit the one-of-a-kind gardens of the palace Borromeo, a 17th-century Boroque-style castle filled with fresco-style paintings and elegant statues. You must pay a fee to access the castle, but at only 20 euros per person, it’s absolutely worth visiting for the afternoon.
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