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?
44 thoughts on “Italy’s 5 Best Places To Visit That You Probably Have Not Heard About”
We are planning to visit Italy this summer and do a road trip, many thanks for these hidden gems!
GOOD LUCK, Julian!
I’m so happy you like my Country, Itlay!
You’re welcome here.
Happy week
You should be proud to be Italian! :-)X
Great list, Agnes! I think Italy is the most interesting country in Europe for traveling and culture. I have been dying to see more than Rome of the country! This is a great list as I do not like overcrowded places either. I think there are direct and cheap flights to Siena from Poland, maybe I should check it out :)
Travelling, culture and the food, of course!
I visited Siena when I was very young but still have some great memories of a festival there. these places look amazing!
Which festival, Andrew? Great to hear that!
I went skiing in Italy ages ago which I feel as though I can’t really count as visiting Italy because I didn’t really explore alot. Although I did visit Sicily a couple of years ago for a week and I loved it – I fell in love with the food and the beautiful Sicilian scenery. Not to mention the run down ‘villas’ which I can only imagine were owned by rich mafia families in the past. I’d love to explore mainland Italy one day.
Italian food is really good! :)
It’s so fun discovering little gems and such that tourists haven’t discovered yet.
It is, indeed!
I have been to Italy quite a few times but I haven’t been to any of these places yet. While I have heard of Ravello and Siena I never heard of the other three but all of them seem to be hidden gems and really worth a visit.:)
Siena is amazing. You should definitely visit it next time :).
We loved Ravello and Siena, I would also add Lucca in Tuscany :-)
Lovely to hear that, Becky!
I loved Siena, but you’re right – haven’t heard of other places ;)
Time to go to Italy, heh :)?
Lovely post, Agness, and as you rightly assumed, some of them are new to me. We absolutely enjoyed Ravenna. It lies between Florence and Venice, just a 90-minute detour on the train route. Ravenna is known for its exquisite Byzantine mosaics, just as good as the ones in Istanbul, and it is a UNESCO site.
Thanks for mentioning what Ravenna is known for!
Great pictures and tips! Italy has been in my wish list for the longest time and I hope to visit it real soon (especially looking at your wonderful post :-)!)
Cheers, Paulo!! :)
Ravello and Siena I know but never heard of the other three places you mention. Would love to get to know them too one day.
Hope you can make it there soon, Kate!
San Fruttuoso looks AMAZING!!!!!
It does, indeed!
Nice one Agness!
I’m a great lover of Italy and have been many times. I haven’t heard of the other four places but I have been to Siena, which I found pleasantly scenic.
I’m a huge fan of Tuscany and there are lots of little out-of-the-way places. I just can’t remember where anymore lol!
I know you are a big fan of Italy, sweetie. Maybe we can travel there together one day! <3
I hope so too!
Hi Agness,
I remember visiting Siena with my parents when I was a child but I can recall very little things from it. I would totally love to go back and enjoy the architecture and food. Thank you for the great post!
Zaria
These must be lovely memories, girl!
Very nice list, Agness! I’ve been to Siena, which is absolutely lovely, but never been to the others. San Fruttuoso seem to be really beautiful, too.
So jealous of your experience of exploring Siena! :)
Nice post. I haven’t seen the rest but I totally agree with Siena which has some remarkable highlights. One place that really impressed us also on our most recent trip (we spent a month using Padova as a base) was Bologna with it’s leaning towers (it has the highest leaning tower in Italy), porticos (the most in Italy) and some really fantastic churches. Interesting place.
Frank (bbqboy)
Siena’s truly amazing! Nice to hear about Bologna! I’m the biggest fan of local churches and historic buildings!
I would love to visit Italy one day (sigh…dreaming). If I had to choose one or two to visit, Ravello and Procida both look amazing! I’m sure the photos don’t do it justice, but I love the whole scenery of these two places!
I thought I’d see Cinque Terre and Florence on the list! But No! These are totally and completely unique and going on my list!
Cheers Agness! :)
Maybe I will include these place in upcoming blog posts about Italy. Thanks a lot for these suggestions x :)!
I actually have heard of Sienna. It’s in my bucket list. One more that I want to see in Italy is Castel del Monte in Abruzzo. It came on my bucket list when I saw the George Clooney movie, the American, which was filmed in Castel del Monte. Have you been there?
Unfortunately not yet, but it’s definitely one of these places where I would like to go to soon! <3