Italy is one of the world’s most popular travel destinations. However, many visitors spend most or all of their time visiting the major attractions within the country. The historical landmarks in Rome and Florence are undeniably remarkable, but Italy has a lot more to offer. Veering just a little off the beaten track can deliver spectacular rewards.
Try local prosciutto in Parma, see the baroque buildings in Lecce and relax on the beach in Cefalu. All of these experiences are possible when you explore some of the underrated destinations in Italy. Pack your itinerary with as many of these highlights as your schedule will allow.
23. Ascoli Piceno
Ascoli Piceno sits quietly in Italy’s Marche region, about three hours from Rome. It doesn’t get the spotlight it deserves, even though it’s honestly one of Italy’s most beautiful towns.
The whole historic center glows gold in the sun thanks to its travertine stone buildings. You could spend hours getting lost in the winding streets, eventually stumbling into Piazza del Popolo—locals swear it’s one of the prettiest squares in the country.
Here, locals still linger in cafes for their morning espresso and evening chats. Authentic Italian life unfolds without the parade of tour buses. And the food? Worth the trip alone. Try olive all’ascolana—stuffed, fried olives that started right here. They’re addictive.
22. Ravenna
Ravenna might not ring a bell, but this small city in northern Italy deserves a spot on your list. Tucked into Emilia-Romagna, not far from the Adriatic, it’s got a quiet charm.
Eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites pack the city center. Ravenna’s Byzantine mosaics, over 1,500 years old, aren’t just church decorations—they’re jaw-dropping, shimmering masterpieces you won’t find anywhere else. Dante Alighieri’s tomb sits here too. The famous poet spent his last years in Ravenna and was buried here in 1321.
You can cover the historic center on foot in a day or two. The relaxed vibe is perfect if you want real Italian culture without shuffling through crowds.
21. Mantua
Mantua rests in Lombardy, well away from the usual tourist stampede. The city’s history is tied to the Gonzaga family, who ruled for centuries and left behind palaces and art that still impress today.
Palazzo Ducale sprawls across town with over 500 rooms of Renaissance art. Teatro Bibiena is another treat—Mozart played here as a teenager and was blown away. The city’s surrounded by three lakes formed by the Mincio River, which makes for a unique setting. Local restaurants serve up pumpkin tortelli and other specialties—no lines, no fuss.
Mantua works as a day trip from Milan, but staying overnight lets you soak in the quiet streets and real Italian atmosphere.
20. San Leo
San Leo clings to a rocky cliff in Emilia-Romagna. This tiny medieval town towers above the valleys, and you can only get there by winding your way up a single mountain road.
The main attraction? A fortress perched right at the top. It once held prisoners like the mysterious Count of Cagliostro. You can actually walk through the old prison cells where he spent his final years. The place feels frozen in time. Stone buildings line the narrow streets, and a beautiful Romanesque church anchors the main square. Most tourists zip right past here on their way to the coast.
The views stretch for miles across the Montefeltro hills, and you can actually enjoy them in peace.
19. Dozza
Dozza perches on a hill in Emilia-Romagna, just a quick drive from Bologna. This medieval village takes the idea of an outdoor art gallery and runs with it. Artists from around the world paint murals on the town’s walls and buildings. Every two years, the Biennale del Muro Dipinto brings in new artists to add their work. Wandering Dozza’s alleys feels like stepping into a living, breathing open-air museum.
The Rocca Sforzesca fortress keeps watch over the town. Inside, there’s a wine museum where you can learn about the region’s wine-making traditions. Local trattorias serve classic Bolognese dishes at prices that won’t leave you broke.
Most tourists never make it past Bologna, so you’ll likely have Dozza’s painted streets to yourself.
18. Civita di Bagnoregio
This ancient village sits on a crumbling cliff in Lazio, about two hours north of Rome. International tourists barely know it exists, though Italians have been coming for years.
Locals call it “The Dying City” because the tufa rock beneath keeps eroding away. You can only reach it by walking across a long pedestrian bridge from Bagnoregio. Only a handful of people live here full-time. Younger folks left for the cities, and older residents moved out as the village became harder to navigate. On weekends, visitors and Romans with second homes fill the place.
The medieval streets and buildings really do feel like a step back in time, minus the crowds you’d find elsewhere.
17. Procida
Capri and Positano hog all the attention, but Procida? This tiny island in the Bay of Naples keeps things low-key while its glitzy neighbors soak up the spotlight. The whole island covers less than two square miles. You can stroll the colorful fishing villages without fighting tour groups every five minutes. Terra Murata, the old fortified village, sits high on a cliff with views that might actually make you put your camera down for a second.
Pastel houses stack along Marina Corricella, looking straight out of a movie. Local fishermen mend their nets by the water every morning. Grab fresh seafood at family-run spots—the menu changes with whatever came in that day.
You’ll need to catch a ferry from Naples, but most tourists skip it. That’s exactly why Procida’s worth it.
16. Altamura
Altamura lies at the heart of Puglia, far from the regular tourist trail. Food lovers who know their stuff make the trip. The bread here is legendary, made from durum wheat and baked in wood-fired ovens using age-old methods.
Narrow stone streets wind through the old quarter, leading to one of Puglia’s most impressive cathedrals. The restaurants serve dishes you won’t find in guidebooks—think fresh burrata, orecchiette, and lamb cooked just like grandma used to make.
Altamura makes a great base for exploring southern Puglia’s off-the-radar spots. The Murgia plateau nearby is dotted with ancient cave dwellings and rugged landscapes. You can stay here and visit three unique destinations without bumping into big tour groups.
15. Trapani
Trapani stretches along Sicily’s western coast, far from the main tourist circuit. This port town gives you a real slice of Sicilian life—no packed streets, no tourist traps. Baroque churches and lively markets line the narrow streets. The salt pans just outside town turn the landscape bright white—unlike anywhere else in Italy. Most visitors skip Trapani, so you get the kind of authentic experiences that vanished from Rome years ago.
The food scene leans North African, with couscous sharing the menu with pasta. Local wine comes from vineyards nearby, most of which tourists never hear about.
Getting to Trapani takes a bit more effort than just flying into Milan or Venice. But that extra travel time? Keeps the crowds away and leaves the coast refreshingly quiet.
14. Tropea
Tropea perches on a cliff above the Tyrrhenian Sea in Calabria. The town gives you jaw-dropping views of turquoise water and white sand beaches. Most tourists skip right past while rushing between bigger names.
The historic center is full of narrow medieval streets and old stone buildings. You can visit Santa Maria dell’Isola, a monastery that sits on a rocky outcrop in the sea. It’s one of Calabria’s most photographed spots. The beaches are some of the cleanest in Italy, and the water’s warm and clear in summer. You’ll find far fewer crowds than at Amalfi Coast hotspots.
Tropea’s famous for its sweet red onions, which show up in all sorts of local dishes. Fresh, affordable seafood fills the menus at family-run restaurants.
13. Bari
Bari sits on Italy’s southeastern coast, right where the country meets the Adriatic. Most travelers breeze past it on their way to flashier destinations. Their loss, honestly.
The city splits in two. The old town twists through medieval alleys where locals still hang laundry between ancient buildings. The newer side feels modern, with wide boulevards and elegant shops. You can watch elderly women making fresh pasta right on the street. Seafood comes in straight from the boats each morning.
Bari also makes a solid base for exploring Puglia. You get a taste of real southern Italian culture, and the nearby beaches are clean and way less crowded than the Amalfi Coast.
12. Scilla
Scilla clings to a cliff in Calabria, right where Italy’s toe meets the sea. This tiny fishing village sits across from Sicily, but most travelers zip right past.
The town splits in two. Chianalea, the lower part, has houses built right on the water. You can wander narrow streets and watch fishermen fixing their nets on their doorsteps. Up above, Scilla’s castle stands guard on a rocky point. The beach below has clear water and smooth pebbles. Local restaurants serve swordfish caught that morning.
Greek mythology claims this was home to the sea monster Scylla. These days, it’s just a quiet place to swim, eat well, and see how coastal Italians really live. The summer crowds that jam Positano and Cinque Terre haven’t found it yet.
11. Castelmezzano
Castelmezzano sits tucked into the mountains of Basilicata, a region most travelers skip entirely. This tiny village clings to rocky cliffs in a way that seems almost impossible. You won’t find tour buses here.
The stone houses just melt into the mountainside. Narrow streets twist between buildings that have stood for centuries. Most folks wandering around are Italian locals who already know what they’re missing out on. Spring and early autumn usually bring the nicest weather for exploring. You can hike the trails around the village or, if you’re up for it, tackle the via ferrata routes. Summer stays warm but oddly quiet compared to Italy’s coastal hotspots.
Life just drifts by here. Locals call out to each other from their balconies while you wander past. Honestly, it’s the sort of place that feels like a real discovery—something genuine, not polished up for Instagram or crowds.
10. Trieste
© Mihai-bogdan Lazar / DreamstimeThe city of Trieste was once considered to be a hub of politics and culture. Today, it is overshadowed by larger cities, but it is still an underrated and fascinating destination in Italy. Located on the border with Slovenia, and situated right on the water, Trieste has a culture that is all its own.
Be prepared for quadrilingual residents and a very sophisticated, cosmopolitan atmosphere. Trieste is home to a mostly pedestrian old town called the Città Vecchia, which features winding cobblestone streets and plenty of medieval homes. You’ll also want to explore the Austrian Quarter and the 2,000-year-old Roman Theater.
9. Turin
A large city of about one million inhabitants, Turin was the first capital of modern Italy. It is less than an hour’s drive from the Mediterranean Sea, an hour’s drive from the French border, and it is even home to the former royal family.
Sprawling tree-lined boulevards set the scene, and you could spend several days admiring the vast collection of baroque churches and castles. Piazza Castello is largely considered the heart of the city, and it is just a short stroll from the plaza to the Porta Palazzo Market. The market is a bustling spot where you can buy everything from antiques to food.
8. Ragusa
© Petr Jilek / DreamstimeRagusa is an incredible destination on the island of Sicily. It can be divided into two major sections: Ragusa Superior and Ragusa Ibla. Ragusa Superior is the newer part of the city, while Ragusa Ibla is where most visitors head in order to admire the historic architecture.
Although the city has struck by an earthquake in the 17th century, many buildings were restored or rebuilt using the original materials. Be sure to check out the beautiful Duomo and the baroque Palazzo Bernini. Then, stroll across the Ponte Vecchio, built in 1825, to cross between the two sections of Ragusa in style.
7. Parma
The region known as Emilia-Romagna is home to Parma, a small city that is easy to traverse on foot. While Parma has plenty to offer for anyone, it is a must-visit spot for foodies. You’re probably already familiar with Parma’s most famous exports, but they will certainly taste best right from the source.
You can spot cows grazing right out of the city, and then see Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese being made from their milk. Dig into the salty cured ham known as Prosciutto di Parma, and pair with a glass of the sparkling local red wine called Lambrusco.
6. Perugia
© Joyfull / DreamstimeHead to the center of Italy, and you’ll arrive at Perugia. Home to a large university, this Umbrian city boasts a diverse, educated and youthful population. It’s known for its medieval art and its chocolate production, which makes it an obvious place to explore!
While the architecture in Perugia is impressive, even more spectacular is what’s underneath. Walk through the remains of a fortress called Rocca Paolina, and you can actually walk right underneath the heart of the city. Above ground, make your way to the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, which stands right next to the 13th century Gothic-style Palazzo dei Priori, or Town Hall.
5. Cefalu
© Boggy / DreamstimeThe coastal resort of Cefalu, located on the northern shores of Sicily, was once little more than a small fishing village. While fisherman still haul in their catches each day, Cefalu is now a bustling resort with plenty to offer visitors.
If you make it to Sicily, Cefalu is the perfect place to get active outdoors and soak up the sun. Climb The Rock, or La Rocca, for a brief hike that promises spectacular views over Cefalu. Take a dip in the sea at the beach, and then catch sunset at the harbor before an oceanfront Italian dinner.
4. Urbino
There are many destinations in Italy packed with Renaissance culture and architecture, but Urbino still stands out as one of the most significant. It is home to one of the largest medieval palaces in Italy, called Ducal Palace. This so-called Duke’s Palace is open for public tours, and it is also home to the Galleria Nazionale delle Marche, an art museum filled with Renaissance works.
Continue your art adventures by visiting Raphael’s House, where the famed Renaissance painter Raphael was born and raised. In addition to the magnificent art in the city, Urbino is home to fantastic nightlife.
3. Sardinia
Anchored between the Italian peninsula and North Africa’s coastline, Sardinia has been home to a succession of civilizations, many of which have left their mark on the second largest island in Italy.
From prehistoric stone structures to medieval castles and churches, visitors interested in history, architecture and culture won’t be disappointed. The capital of Cagliari is home to an impressive archaeology museum as well as the Bastione di Saint Remy, which boasts amazing views.
In the medieval town of Alghero, don’t miss the historic Palazzo d’Albis. With its quintessential Mediterranean beauty, the island is also loved for swimming, boating, windsurfing, hiking and camping in the wilderness.
2. Lecce
© Angelo Cordeschi / DreamstimeLecce may be one of the most underrated destinations in Italy. Known as the Florence of the South, Lecce is full of baroque buildings and cultural attractions. Start your sightseeing in the Piazza S. Oronzo, a medieval plaza that is the hub for city residents. Then, walk over to the baroque cathedral, which you can enter and explore on your own.
Walk through the city’s famed 16th century arch called Porta Napoli, and then find one of the many bakeries in the Lecce. If you only eat one thing in Lecce, make sure it is the pasticciotto cake. This cake is sweet and rich, but it is still easy to eat as you walk through the streets.
1. Genoa
The birthplace of Christopher Columbus, Genoa has always played a big role in Italian maritime trade and is still one of the largest ports in Italy. Though Genoa is often overlooked as a tourist destination, it is a wonderful Italian city, and definitely worth visiting.
The aquarium in Genoa is the largest in Europe, and it is perhaps the most popular tourist attraction in the city. If you gravitate more towards art and architecture, then the art galleries found at the Prince’s Palace and in the Raccolte Frugone are well worth a visit.
Foodies love Genoa, and it is easy to see why. Pesto originated from Genoa, and the affordable flat-bread called focaccia is also delicious and readily available throughout the city.
In Lecce do not miss Santa Croce – the stunning baroque facade.