Italy is one of the most beautiful countries you could visit in Europe, but a lot of people aren’t aware of just how much there is to see there outside of cities like Rome and Florence. You might be surprised by what you find when you start to explore away from the better-known areas, which is why we’ve devised this list. Here are seven of Italy’s towns that you may not have heard of, but you definitely need to visit.
Alberobello (Puglia)
The small town of Alberobello is a wonderful hub of culture, especially because of its unique style of housing that dominates the landscape. There are 1500 traditional Trulli buildings across the town, which are small limestone houses with cone-shaped roofs. They make for some great photos, and their historical background has helped Alberobello to be named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you’re visiting Italy to do some sight-seeing, this town needs to be on your list of places to stop off at.
Isola San Giulio (Piedmont)
While places like Rome and Florence may be incredibly beautiful, they’re also insanely busy. It’s easy for a destination to lose some of its sparkle when all you can see are tourists everywhere. San Giulio island doesn’t have that problem, because so many visitors to Italy have yet to realize that it’s there. Located in Lake Orta in Piedmont, this small spot of luxury is perfect if you’re visiting the region for a romantic break. There are no cars here, only pedestrians, so you’ll feel like you’re a world away from all your worries.
Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa (Potenza)
These mountain top towns in the province of Potenza are ideal for anyone who loves a bit of height when they go sightseeing. You can see some of the best views in Italy up here, and you don’t just have to enjoy them from the safety of the town. There is a zip line connecting Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa known as Angel’s Flight which allows thrill seekers to combine an adrenaline rush with the beauty of nature. This zip line is one of the highest in the world, meaning adventurous tourists would be hard pushed to find somewhere better to go flying through the air.
Cefalù (Sicily)
Italy is almost entirely surrounded by water, and the port town of Cefalù uses that to its advantage. With an incredible stretch of coastline along the north side of town, you have a great variety of beaches to choose from, each one more serene than the last. A walk along these and a dip in Sicily’s warm waters make for the perfect relaxing vacation. If you’re interested in local culture and history, there’s also a great deal for you to explore further inland, including some of the region’s oldest mosaics.
Lucca (Tuscany)
If you’ve already booked to vacation in Florence then a visit to Lucca while you’re there won’t be too difficult to manage. It’s only an hour away by train and is a perfect spot for anyone that wants to learn more about Italy’s rich history. You’ll be able to get a break from the tourist trap of Florence and enjoy the best food that Tuscany has to offer.
Burano (Venice)
Burano is essentially the home of the authentic Italian souvenir if you’re into lace or glass. You won’t find anywhere in Italy that constructs them better, which makes buying gifts for your friends and family a simple task. The island – or archipelago as its better considered – is also well-known for its distinctive architecture that’s designed in all manner of colors and shades. A simple walk through the town will brighten up your day. If you’re hungry for seafood, there are some incredible spots you can visit for a bite to eat. Burano seems to specialize in everything.
Bergamo (Lombardy)
A stay in Bergamo will offer you the chance to admire both the Alps and the Po River Valley from a safe distance, giving you one of the best backgrounds possible for an Italian vacation. While you may not have any interest in climbing the Alps during your trip, you should definitely make time for Serio Falls. One of the highest and most impressive waterfalls in the country, this natural landmark will be enough to make your loved ones jealous when you return home with photos from your travels.
With so many amazing places to explore in Italy, your vacation deserves to be so much more than limited to just one city. By seeing what other wonders the country has to offer, you’ll be sure to have an experience that you’ll never forget.
