Me and Cez visited Italy ages ago when we were both students trying to discover different parts of Europe in a very adventurous way – through backpacking. At that time we both knew that top hot spots not to be missed in the country of pizza, spaghetti and wine were Rome, Milan, Venice followed by Vatican City and Florence.
Yes, these are a must-see for anyone’s bucket list. Nevertheless, Italy has so much more to offer. It’s filled with hidden gems that not every traveler is aware of. Since summer is approaching slowly, let’s look into some cozy and authentic places that should be kept in mind when planning a summer in Italy.
Are you ready to extend your Italian adventure list a bit more? We guarantee you will not regret it. Just the opposite, you may fall in love with the places you otherwise might never know about! Who knows, maybe you’ll even decide to move to Italy for the summer. There are many people who do that by getting Italian villa rentals to save money while staying longer in one destination.
1: Ravello
Ravello is a town that fills hearts of locals and travelers with passion. Considered to be the most charming and dedicated to tourism places in Italy, it has a rich history that makes it a great place for visitors to learn about Italian customs and traditions.
Ravello is located in the heart of Italian coastline.
It’s a town of music where beauty and romance clash.
2: San Fruttuoso
This is definitely one of the most unique and special places in all of Liguria where every monastery fan should go to. Accessible only on foot or from the sea, it has one of the most ancient Benedictine monasteries in the country that should be definitely added to your bucket list. You will also be amazed by crystal clear waters, beautiful beaches and lovely seafood. You can take a walk along on the pebbled sand and drink cocktails in the evening.
This is definitely one of the most unique and special places in all of Liguria where every monastery fan should go to. Accessible only on foot or from the sea, it has one of the most ancient Benedictine monasteries in the country that should be definitely added to your bucket list. You will also be amazed by crystal clear waters, beautiful beaches and lovely seafood. You can take a walk along on the pebbled sand and drink cocktails in the evening.
3: Siena
“In Siena the architecture soars, and could well lift your soul.” – Lonely Planet. In fact, Siena is the place of art, breath-taking architecture and museums. It’s also famous for its local cuisine, medieval cityscape and the horse races that take place every six month. Its historic center has been declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site what makes this city even more unique to visit. If you love good food, history, art and architecture, you have to make it to Siena when visiting Italy.
4: Procida
That’s a typical cozy fisherman village where you can relax, talk to locals, try some fresh fish and traditional local tea. Locals will greet you with a smile and a genuine “buongiorno” each day so if you are tired of sightseeing, busy cities, and fast life, head there or change the environment and head to Cinque Terre.
Cinque Terre is a magical place that is built of centuries-old seaside villages that are extremely colorful and peaceful. If you are into exploring vineyards and harbors and you love seafood, that’s the place for you. Check out Cinque Terre day trip guide to see what else you can do and see in this magical spot.
5: Brisighella
It’s charming, unique and very peaceful. It’s a typical quiet village a bit over 2 km in length that you can easily walk and explore properly in one afternoon. It has a beautiful castle, church and the iconic clocktower. Although locals don’t speak much English, they will make you feel like home, that’s for sure.
Do you know of any other off-the-radar places in Italy? What’s your plan for this summer?
