11 Places You Need to See in Italy Before They Get Too Expensive

Arguably, Sicily is one of the most spectacular regions of Italy and is still underrated by international tourists. This is a good reason why you should visit the island. It has been a crossroad of Mediterranean populations and cultures and it is still visible everywhere: here you’ll find Greek temples, Norman churches, Baroque palaces, African food, and so on. Last but not least, Sicily has a mild climate that makes it a great destination for every time of the year.

In 2019, Matera will be European Capital Culture with the Bulgarian Plovdiv, so you need to visit it before everyone finds out how gorgeous it is. This town is the capital city of Basilicata, a small region in the south of Italy. Its historical city centre is formed by “sassi”, which are typical houses of Basilicata dug into rocks, locally called “tufo”. Do you remember the movie “The Passion of Crist“ by Mel Gibson? It was been filmed in Matera.

If you are looking for beautiful towns, pristine beaches, great food and good weather, you only need to go to Puglia (Apulia in English). This region in the heel of Italy’s boot is full of ancient sites and charming destinations. From olive trees and hilltop towns, to spectacular trulli (the typical houses of the Alberobello’s area), Puglia is a top destination for everyone wants to discover a different and no-touristic place.

This eastern Lombardy city, about 25 miles from Milan and 50 from Lake of Garda, is a hidden gem full of Renaissance and Baroque architecture, breathtaking vistas and ancient sites. It’s still unknown by the tourists and is a real pity because Bergamo hosts a spectacular city centre, Città Alta (Upper Town) and a tangle of medieval cobblestoned streets embraced by Venetian walls.

When you hear the word “Liguria” you immediately think of Cinque Terre. That area is undeniably a spectacular Italian destination, but if you are looking for a less touristic and more authentic place, the capital of the region Genova is what you need. Located in front of the Ligurian Seas, Genova has historically been one of the most important ports of Italy and Mediterranean. The city hosts the largest aquarium in Italy, Acquario di Genova, a must see if you are planning to visit this town.

Orvieto is a beautiful little town located in Umbria, the green heart of Italy, perched in the countryside between Rome and Florence. It is a perfect day-trip from both the towns, so note it down for your next Italian adventure. If you want to discover a gorgeous place off the beaten path and a city filled with a rich history, Orvieto is the best choice.

Never heard of Ancona? This city is one of the main ports on the Adriatic Sea which links Italy with Eastern Europe. Ancona is not only a port, it’s also a very nice town with ancient ruins, such as the Trajan Arch, one of the finest Roman monuments of Eastern Italy, and Cathedral of San Ciriaco, a spectacular church located on the top of a hill.

If you are a food addict, there is no better place for you in Italy than Parma. This small town, located in the region of Emilia Romagna, is considered the capital city of Italian gastronomy. Prepare yourself to buy a new pair of bigger jeans, because it will be truly hard to resist to the delicacies and gourmet food in the land of prosciutto.

Considered mostly to be one of the largest business centre of Italy, Turin is a city with a rich culture and history that deserves to be discovered. The town hosts several art galleries, museums, theatres and other venues, such as castles, gardens and buildings used as residence by the royal house of Savoy. First it was the capital of the Duchy of Savoy, the of the Kingdom of Sardinia and finally, the first capital of the unified Italy.

Trieste is one of the most beautiful and fascinating cities of Northeastern Italy and is rich of history thanks to its location: the city is near Slovenia and Croatia, and has been influenced by various cultures. During the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Trieste became the fourth largest city, after Vienna, Budapest and Prague. If you want to combine a visit to Slovenia when you are in Italy, Trieste is the perfect place to do so.

Sardinia is home of some of the Mediterranean’s most spectacular beaches, most of them unspoiled. But this Italian island has plenty of things that deserve a trip to; magnificent rugged landscapes, excellent seafood, ancient Nuraghic culture, evocative Carthaginian and Roman ruins, and Spanish baroque churches. You can be sure that in Sardinia you’ll never be bored.