12 Secret Towns in Italy You Need to Visit
Florence, Rome, Venice. Beautiful cities to be sure, not to mention some of the planet’s most visited travel destinations. Yet this popularity means that for many, Italy’s premier hotspots are too expensive and overcrowded to warrant a visit. If you want to enjoy a true taste of Italy without the tourists, read our list of secret best towns in Italy you need to visit – before they’re overrun by tourists.
Alberobello, Puglia
Historical Landmark
Alberobello is a lovely town near Bari. It is home to the Trulli – cone-shaped white buildings that look like houses straight out of a fairytale. The village is a labyrinth of narrow streets and charming piazzas, while it also has a beautiful belvedere that offers fabulous views of the town. Thanks to its beauty, Alberobello has been declared a Unesco World Heritage site.
Bergamo, Lombardy
Architectural Landmark
Treviso, Veneto
Architectural Landmark
Treviso is like a small Venice with fewer tourists and crowds. Its historical walled centre is dotted with medieval churches, cobblestone streets, red-brick palaces and tiny old canals that connect buildings, gardens and piazzas.
Bologna, Italy
Architectural Landmark
Bolzano, Alto Adige
Architectural Landmark
This bilingual town in Alto Adige, or South Tyrol, is a nice surprise. Bolzano – known as Bozen to the German-speaking population – sits near the Dolomite Mountains and is surrounded by medieval castles and vineyards.
Verona, Vento
Architectural Landmark
Verona is known as the most romantic town in Italy. Why? It’s where Shakespeare’s tragic love story Romeo and Juliet takes place. For those who are fans, there’s nothing better than visiting the 14th-century palace with the famous balcony. If you have extra time, don’t miss the marvellous Roman amphitheatre – which in summer, hosts regular opera performances.
Cefalù, Sicily
Architectural Landmark
Sperlonga, Lazio
Natural Feature
Ascoli Piceno, Le Marche
Architectural Landmark
Tropea, Calabria
Architectural Landmark
Often avoided by tourists, Calabria is a hidden gem in the south of Italy that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. The city of Tropea is a charming old town full of picturesque buildings and excellent restaurants that are also surrounded by sandy beaches.
Monteriggioni, Tuscany
Architectural Landmark
Monteriggioni is one of the loveliest walled hamlets of Italy, located in Tuscany in the province of Siena. It is an elegant village surrounded by a stunning landscape, and it’s perfect for a romantic weekend. Monteriggioni is incredibly well preserved – as if time has never moved on.
Castelluccio, Umbria
Castelluccio is the highest village in the Apennine Mountains at 1,452m (4,764ft) above sea level. It’s a charming hamlet with lovely squares that offer spectacular views over the mountains and fields that blossom with violets and red poppies. The best time of the year to visit Castelluccio is in spring – from late May to early June.
Gethin Morgan contributed additional reporting to this article.