17 Hidden Gems in Italy that You Have to See

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Italy, Europe

written by: Steph Kloeckener

Italy is full of incredible places. And while many visit the big cities, it is these 17 hidden gems in Italy that you have to see with your own eyes. Discover the best off-the-beaten-track towns and natural gems the country has to offer.

Italy is the country of pizza, pasta, wine, architecture and some might even say that it is also the country of secret places. After all, it is no secret, that Italy is full of wonderful cities and areas. In fact, there are so many hidden gems in Italy, that no list would be able to include all of them. Therefore, this compilation only lists some of the best ones that can act as your guiding line while you set out to explore the country and stumble upon amazing places that even extensive travel guides do not include.

When people plan a trip to Italy most stick to popular places like Rome, Milan, Venice, Florence, Pisa, or Positano. And while all of these cities have their own charm and are worth exploring, visiting them does not give you a glimpse of the real Italy away from all the popular places. To see the essence of the country, you have to venture off the beaten track and explore the many hidden gems in Italy.

Hopefully, you will find at least a few towns and places that you want to visit during your trip to Italy. I promise you, that all of them are worth your while.

Bergamo Hidden Gem Italy

Discovering Hidden Gems of Italy

There are few things I love more while traveling than discovering hidden gems, and I am inclined to believe that it was Italy that inspired me to start venturing off the beaten path wherever I go. After all, it was the country in which I found my first real hidden gem when I more or less stumbled upon the great town of Bergamo when I stayed there for a night so I would be closer to the airport after exploring Milan.

I had never heard of the town before but immediately fell in love with its charm and old buildings. There was this instant feeling that I had found a hidden gem in Italy. And a while later, this discovery inspired me to plan a multi-day trip to Bergamo and it was even better than expected. Given that experience, I decided to look for further hidden gems in Italy, as there was no denying that there is much more to this stunning country aside from popular Italian cities like Venice and Rome.

And while I myself have yet to visit all of these incredibly secret spots on this list, I cannot wait to explore them now that I was made aware of them.

Off the Beaten Path Places in Northeast Italy

Monte Lussari, Friuli Venezia Giulia

Monte Lussari is one of the hidden gems in Italy and is a typical village of fairy tales located on the top of the mountain. It is an interesting place, especially for those that love trekking and skiing. Located between the Julian Alps in Tarvisio on the border between Italy, Austria, and Slovenia, it is a place of encounter and friendship between the Latin Slavic and Germanic worlds that once fought for ownership of the area.

Monte Lussari
Monte Lussari

On the top of the mountain, you will find a small mountain village consisting of stone and wooden houses that rises around the Sanctuary of the ‘Madonna del Lussari’. There are mountain huts that offer typical local cuisine and hospitality, so you can also spend the night in these mountains.

In winter, there are ski slopes, that are sometimes used for Ski World Cup races. In summer, this hidden gem in Italy is a good starting point for trekking and walks in the middle of nature.

How to get to this hidden gem in Italy: You can reach Mount Lussari on foot by walking there for around two hours by following a path through Pellegrino or with the comfortable cable car from Camporosso that reaches the top in 15 minutes while offering you a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains.

Recommended by Miriam from Miry Giramondo

Bassano del Grappa, Veneto

Bassano del Grappa is one of the most beautiful cities in the north of Italy. It is a perfect blend between nature and architecture. On one side there is a well-preserved medieval old town, on the other fantastic views over the Alps. Nevertheless, Bassano is famous for something else, the pomace brandy called Grappa. Therefore, you should not miss the museum dedicated to Grappa.

Bassano del Grappa may be a small city, but it offers an abundance of things to do.

The city’s main sight is the 16th-century Bridge. No one else, but the renowned Renaissance architect Palladio designed it.

The nearby 12th-century castle and cathedral are two outstanding sites. Outside of the castle, Porta delle Grazie and Porta Dieda are the only surviving medieval city gates.

Bassano del Grappa
Bassano del Grappa

If you are into the views, go to the new bridge on Viale Armando Diaz or to Viale Dei Martiri. Book lovers should go straight to the historic Libreria Palazzo Roberti. End the day by having a cocktail in a palace. The Palazzo delle Misture offers an impressive number of cocktails and other mixed drinks.

How to get to this secret place in Italy: The most convenient way to reach Bassano del Grappa is by train. Direct trains from Venice depart every half an hour, and the journey takes just over an hour. If you are coming from Milan, you have to change trains in Padova or Mestre.

Explored by Milos Mitrovic from Happy Frog Travels

Lago Dobbiacco, Trentino-Alto Adige

Lago Dobbiacio is one of the most underrated lakes in the Dolomites, partially due to its vicinity (15 min drive) from the insta-famous Lago di Braies, but mostly because it has not been promoted by the region as a tourist hotspot. Herein lies the beauty of this untouched and unspoiled lake. It is unaffected by the droves of adventure-seeking tourists and instead is reserved for those looking for a more quiet spot to be at one with nature.

Lago Dobbiacio, which is a secret place in Italy
Lago Dobbiacio

Like many of the lakes in the Dolomites, Lago Dobbiacio is the perfect spot for a hike or a swim in the crystal clear water. There is a 4,5 km loop hike that runs around the lake and will take around 2 hours to complete. Be sure to stop and read the information panels dotted around the lake to get an idea of the indigenous fauna and flora of the region. The hike can be done in a comfortable pair of sneakers.

The lake is about 3,5 meters deep and has a small boathouse on the shore which rents our rowboats by the hour. If you happen to come in winter, the chances are high that the lake will be frozen over offering you the perfect surface for ice skating or even curling!

How to get to this hidden gem in Italy: The lake is right next to road SS51. There is ample parking right in from of the lake (parking will set you back € 1 / hour). The nearest city is Cortina d’Ampezzo, where you can rent a car for the day to drive around the region.

Explored by Caroline from Veggie Wayfarer

Modena, Emilia-Romagna

If you are looking for a hidden food gem that’s just being discovered, you will fall in love with Modena. Located in the Emilia Romagna region just under an hour northwest of Bologna, Modena is a culinary giant with plenty to see, eat, and enjoy. Think of it as a small Bologna without the seasonal crowds.

Modena Italy Foodies edited
Modena

Modena is famous as the home for two of Italy’s legendary sons — Enzo Ferrari and Luciano Pavarotti. But there is much more to Modena, from high-end shopping to an incredible variety of delicious food.

The best way to savor the flavors of Modena is by taking a food tour. You will be treated to the best foods that Modena has to offer like aged balsamic, amazing pastries, and delicious street food.

Schedule your visit far enough in advance to score a reservation at one of the most famous restaurants in the world, the famed Michelin Three-Star restaurant, Osteria Francescana.

A tour will show you historic sites. In 1997 the beautiful Duomo di Modena with the Ghirlandina Tower and its Piazza Grande became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Getting to Modena is quite easy. For most visitors, the best option is to fly into the Bologna Airport. From there a shuttle bus can be taken, but an even better option is the train to Modena. If you plan to base yourself in Bologna, take the train from Bologna Centrale. With 29 trains/day it’s a relaxing 35 minutes to Modena.

Hidden Gem in Italy explored by Lori Sorrentino from Travlinmad

Hidden Gems in Italy: Lombardy

Bergamo

Bergamo is one of the best hidden gems in Italy. Located less than an hour away from Milan, this medieval town allows visitors to explore Italy off the beaten path. It is an incredibly idyllic city and strolling through the winding cobblestone streets of the old town is amazing.

This hidden gem in Italy is split into the upper Citta Alta and the lower Citta Bassa. And while it is possible to drive from one part to another, the best way to get up the hill is to take the funicular. After all, catching a ride on this uphill train is one of the best things to do in the city.

The city is full of churches and buildings with great architectural features from different centuries, so you get to see parts of Italian history with your own eyes. Some of the most impressive buildings are the Bergamo Cathedral, the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, and the 12th-century Campanone Tower at Piazza Vecchia. In addition to that, visitors can also explore the old Venetian defense wall with its impressive gates like Porta San Giacomo.

If you want an epic view over the city, you have to take a second funicular up to Rocca di San Vigilio. Aside from being the location of the hilltop castle ruins of Torre Castello San Vigilio, it is also where you can find the best viewpoint of the city. Be sure to visit the balcony-like area called Panorama da S. Vigilio during sunrise or sunset if you want to best possible view.

Old Town of Bergamo which is considered an off-the-beaten-track destination in Italy
View over Bergamo, Lombardy, Italy

Getting to Bergamo is quite easy. After all, the town is really close to Milan-Bergamo airport, which is frequented by European budget airlines. If you are already in Milan and want to visit Bergamo, you can take one of the hourly buses to Bergamo City or to Bergamo airport. Most buses take you to the airport, but several local bus lines departing the airport will take you to the city center of Bergamo.

Read More about this hidden gem in Italy: Two Amazing Days in Bergamo

Chiavenna

Chiavenna (pronounced key-VENN-ah) snuggles into the crisp white mountains near the Swiss border with all the style you would expect of northern Italy. It is a must-see on the list of day trips from Milan, but few make the effort to stay a few days and explore the highlights of Chiavenna itself.

Most notably, there are the caves or ‘crotti’. Wipe away thoughts of dank, dark, bat-filled holes. These crotti belong to Chiavenna’s gentry, passed down through generations as an asset before refrigerators became widespread. Now they are used as wine cellars and bars, serving aperitivos and some freshly made bresaola from the nearby Valtellina. Chiavenna is small but has over one thousand crotti.

On the outskirts, in Chiuro, make sure to visit Palazzo Vertemate. Once a stately home ripe with vineyards, orchards, and its own chapel, today it hosts orchestras and guided tours that give an insight into everyday life during the Renaissance.

Chiavenna’s medieval town center mixes cheese shops with history and the San Lorenzo Monastery provides a place for quiet contemplation.

View over Chiavenna in Italy
Chiavenna

If the Mera River bridge looks slightly familiar, here’s why. The sculptures come from the same artist who made the famous figures on the Karluv Most Bridge in Prague.

Chiavenna itself is most easily reached from Milan, either by car or train. The journey takes just over two hours and sweeps you from a major city to a medieval market town. It’s also a great place to pick up some authentic Italian souvenirs.

Explored by Abigail King from Inside the Travel Lab

Hidden Gems in Apulia, Italy

Loccrotondo

Locorotondo is one of the prettiest small towns of Valle d’Itria, in Puglia (Southern Italy). Close to the more famous Alberobello – the Trulli town – Locorotondo has its very own trulli to its name. In fact, this is where the oldest registered trullo in the region (Trullo Marziolla) is found. But that is not its only charm.

This small town is a series of very narrow cobbled alleys and whitewashed buildings where you will appreciate getting lost. The historical center has a circular plant – hence its name, Locorotondo, which comes from the Latin ‘locus rotondus’ (rounded place). There you will find the main church, Chiesa Madre di San Giorgio. Not far from it, there is the Romanesque church of the Madonna della Greca and the San Rocco Church.

A proper visit should also include a stroll along the Lungomare – literally translated as waterfront, but which makes no sense in a town that is in the heart of the countryside. In fact, the name actually refers to the street that connects the Villa (the panoramic garden) to the market square, and which is lined with shops, restaurants, bars, and cafés.

Finally, when in Locorotondo make sure to try its Bianco Locorotondo DOC, a lovely lightly sparkling wine perfect as a sunset drink.

Locorotondo
Locorotondo

Suggested by Claudia Tavani from My Adventures Across The World

Hidden Gems in Italy: Lazio

Trevignano Romano

The town of Trevignano Romano has about 5000 inhabitants and is a hidden treasure in central Italy. In fact, it is underrated by both local and international travelers. The town overlooks the beautiful Lake Bracciano, one of the cleanest lakes near Rome, where motorboats are banned and bathing is extremely pleasant from June to early October.

Among the features that make Trevignano Romano stand out among the other towns that rise on the shores of the lake is a long and well-kept lakeside promenade, which covers the entire length of the town. Along this promenade, you will find cafes, restaurants, and bathing establishments. Stop for breakfast at the historic pastry shop and café “Da Ermete”, in the main square of the town, while you can dine at the “Casina Bianca” to try the typical dishes of the lake area, such as fried lake fish and pasta with lake fish.

Trevignano Romano Italy
Lakefront of Trevignano Romano

Once you have explored the lakefront, which is also perfect for cycling or running, head into the historic center. From the Piazza dell’ Orologio stroll through the narrow alleys until you reach the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, whose apse preserves a fresco from the 15th century.

Next to the church is the beginning of a staircase that leads to the scenic viewpoint located in the fascinating ruins of the ancient Roman fortress, from which you will enjoy one of the best views of the lake.

Trevignano Romano is also a quiet place to move for a while, retreat, and enjoy beautiful sunsets, away from the chaos of nearby Rome.

How to get to Trevignano Romano: Take a city train from Valle Aurelia or Ostiense stations in Rome and get off at Anguillara Sabazia. From there, take a local bus directed to Trevignano.

By Lisa of Travel Connect Experience

Soriano nel Cimino

If you are thinking about visiting Rome, make sure to factor in enough time to get out of town and explore the surrounding regions. While many travelers prefer staying on the tourist track and exploring well-known places such as Ostia Antica and Civita di Bagnoregio, you should make it a point to discover one of Italy’s hidden gems – Soriano nel Cimino.

Located about 1.5 drive from Rome on the Cimini Mountains, in the region of Tuscia, between Lazio, Tuscany, and Umbria, this small town is one of the famous “rupi villages” – small hilltop settlements that almost look like falling off the edge of a cliff.

The village, close to a thick chestnut forest, has been inhabited since Etruscan times. The main attraction is the Orsini Castle, a 13th-century castle visible from a distance that was built by Pope Orsini as a summer residence, and which is set in the heart of the village.

Make sure not to miss the Palazzo Chigi-Albani, a great example of Renaissance-style architecture, and the Cathedral of St. Nicholas. A bit outside of the center you will also find St. George’s Temple.

Soriano nel Cimino
Soriano nel Cimino

Finally, for a respite from the summer heat, make sure to head to the Faggeta Forest, a UNESCO site where you’ll also find a nice restaurant where you and have a scrumptious lunch of local food (try the lombrichetti pasta!).

Explored by Claudia Tavani from Strictly Rome

Hidden Gems in Italy: Liguria

Santa Margherita

The Italian Riviera is full of cities, towns, and villages boasting colorful houses and pristine waters, yet the five villages of the Cinque Terre tend to steal the show. While they certainly are stunning, visiting any one of them means overpriced meals, tourists galore, and no chance at peace and quiet. Luckily, there is a hidden gem not too far away called Santa Margherita Ligure.

Santa Margherita Ligure, also referred to as simply Santa Margherita, sits right by Portofino, just south of Genoa, and not far north from the Cinque Terre. Like its more popular neighbors, colorful Santa Margherita sits on the Ligurian Sea and is surrounded by lush mountains. But unlike the others, Santa Margherita has retained the look and feel of a normal Italian town.

Italy Santa Margherita
Santa Margherita

Many visitors pass by Santa Margherita while transferring to Portofino. But few people stick around to take in the stunning views from Villa Durazzo, cool off in the uncrowded swim spots, or dine on Ligurian cuisine at a fraction of the cost.

Fortunately, all that means is more room to enjoy for those that do manage to fit Santa Margherita into their Italy itinerary.

Getting to Santa Margherita is pretty easy, as it sits right on the train line between the cruise-stop city of Genoa and the villages of the Cinque Terre. It is also reachable by bus, private car, or even by boat ride from nearby Rapello.

Recommended by Em from That Travelista

Italy off the Beaten Path: Tuscany

Pienza

One of the most hidden gems in Italy is definitely Pienza in Tuscany. For many, this tiny historic village and the beautiful landscapes around are a highlight of any round trip. Here you will find pure, magical, and romantic scenes that make you feel like you are in a movie: The surrounding area with its endless rolling fields, dreamlike viewpoints, and picturesque cypress avenues are breathtaking and the old town is knowns as the “perfect city of the Renaissance”.

Thanks to this, the historic center of this hidden gem in Italy was inscribed in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1996. During a walk through the city, you will discover countless pretty squares, historical buildings, and different museums.

In any case don’t miss out on visiting the famous monuments such as the imposing Town Hall and the beautiful Palace Palazzo Piccolomini, both of which are open to the public as museums. Additionally, you should visit the breathtaking Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta.

Pienza
Pienza

If you are a foodie, you will also love the many good restaurants that invite visitors to take a break from sightseeing. You will find them directly at the main square Piazzo Pio II, but also inside the hidden romantic side streets. Be sure to try Pecorino cheese as Pienza is famous for it.

Explored by Martina & Jürgen from Places of Juma

The Best Hidden Gems on Italy’s Islands: Sardinia & Sicily

Carloforte, Sardinia

Carloforte is one of Sardinia’s best-kept secrets. This small town is the only settlement on San Pietro island. It was founded at the end of the 18th century by a community of merchants and fishermen of Genoese origins that arrived from Tabarka, a small island off the coast of Tunisia.

Carloforte Italy
Carloforte

To date, though the official languages remain Italian and Sardinian (one of the minority languages of Italy), most people in Carloforte speak Tabarkine, which is in fact more similar to Genoese!

Best visited in the spring and summer months, Carloforte is a lovely maze of narrow alleys, colorful buildings, small churches, and airy plazas where you will have many photo opportunities.

Visit in the summer and you can use it as a base to explore the rest of the island and make the most of the local beaches. The best beach is La Caletta, a small sandy beach with pristine waters. 

How to get to this hidden gem in Italy: You can reach Carloforte by ferry from either Portoscuso, about a 1-hour drive from Cagliari (Sardinia’s capital), or Calasetta, another Tabarkine town on Sant’Antioco Island, which is connected to mainland Sardinia via a bridge. The crossing takes about 30 minutes.

Recommended by Claudia Tavani, Strictly Sardinia

Ustica, Sicily

The tiny volcanic island Ustica definitely is a hidden gem not too far located from Sicily’s capital city, Palermo. The island is surrounded by a marine protected area, and is, therefore, a perfect spot to go scuba diving. Moreover, the history of the island dates back to Roman times and you can still see some remains of this rich past.

The island is only a few streets large. Outside the diving season (summer) there is barely anyone to be found on the island but this also results in a sweet Italian kind of calmness.

Aside from diving, the island is also a very nice spot to go hiking. Although this is not the easiest activity since there is a lot of climbing involved, the sea views are definitely worth it For a few hours of diversion, you can also enjoy walking around the village and visiting the archaeological museum.

Ustica edited
Ustica

The best and only way to get to the island is to take a ferry from Palermo to Ustica. The ferries depart several times a day and it will take you about one hour and a half if you take the fast ferry or three hours if you take the normal ferry to reach the island. In Ustica, you will immediately arrive in the center of the village.

Explored by Emma Verhaeghe from Emma’s Roadmap

Catania, Sicily

When listing hidden gems in Italy, Catania on Sicily has to be mentioned. While less off-the-beaten-track than many other places on this list, Catania is overlooked by many. Due to the city’s proximity to the volcano Mt. Etna, it often remains a mere gateway to the volcano.

However, Catania has more to offer than a great view of the volcano. After all, it is Sicily’s second biggest city and has many fantastic historic buildings and structures.

Pavilion in Giardino Bellini in Catania which is one of the hidden gems in Italy
Giardino Bellini

In the past, the city was destroyed several times. Hereby the latest episodes of total destruction occurred in 1669 when lava destroyed the city and in 1693 when the Catania was hit by a strong earthquake.

And while some people would move away after facing total destruction twice within a lifetime, the people of Catania came together and rebuild their city with lava rock. A building material that now combines devastation with the glory of Italian architecture and culture.

Many of the best things to do in Catania are located in the old town center. Hereby the Piazza Duomo is the perfect starting point. Aside from many restaurants and café, it is the location of the cathedral and a popular fountain.

The Cathedral of Sant’Angala is an impressive Baroque structure that has some Roman elements. Inside you will find stunning frescos and the tomb of Bellini. The fountain in the center of the piazza is known as Fontana dell’Elefante. Topped by a sculpture of a smiling elephant that is carrying an obelisk, it is a must-see for everyone that visits Catania.

Other places to see in Catania include the Municipio (town hall) which dates back to 1741 and Porta Uzeda which was built in 1696. Also, visit the Roman Amphitheater and Castello Ursino that now houses the Civic Museum. Giardino Bellini, also known as Villa Bellini, is the perfect place for a relaxed time. After all, it is the oldest Urban garden of Catania and dates back to the 18th century. It used to be the private garden of a prince, but today everyone can enjoy the great area full of colorful flowers and trees, as well as the busts of famous Italians and Catanians.

The easiest way to get there is to fly into Catania International Airport. The ferries from Naples and from Malta are another option.

Cefalù, Sicily

Cefalù (pronounced shef-a-loo) is a coastal beach city on the island of Sicily. The closest big city to this Italian hidden gem is Palermo, which is just a one-hour drive or train ride away. Cefalù is small and easy to get around. This makes it the perfect place to relax and hang out for just a day, or several.

Cefalù might be small, but there’s plenty to do. It’s particularly known for its beautiful Norman cathedral, called Duomo di Cefalù. This 12th-century building is filled with elaborate Byzantine mosaics, and twin towers that overlook a small square called Piazza Duomo.

The piazza is lined with cafes and restaurants, making it the perfect spot to have lunch, enjoy a coffee, or an Italian Aperol Spritz. If you’d like to learn some history, head to the nearby Mandralisca Museum to visit its archaeological exhibits. 

If you’re adventurous, consider climbing La Rocca. It’s a tall, craggy mountain just outside the city. A 284-meter climb will bring you to the summit of this mountain, where there was once a Norman castle.

Once you reach the top, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of Cefalù’s Old Town and the blue sea. Be sure to check out the ruins of Tempio di Diana on your way up.

After an adventurous climb, head into Cefalù for a plate of pasta, and then drop by Cefalù Beach to watch the sunset.

Table at a plaza in Cefalù in Italy
Cefalù

Explored by Erin from Pina Travels

Best Unknown Places in Italy’s Southwest: Campania & Basilicata

Minori, Campania

You could be forgiven for thinking that none of the Amalfi Coast remains undiscovered, but thankfully, that is not the case. Nestled along the cliffs beneath the illustrious town of Ravello is the charming little village of Minori. Unassuming and a little weathered around the edges, for it does not attract the glitzy, glamorous crowds that flock to the likes of Positano and Capri. 

Minori remains relatively under the radar, as it is just that little bit further south along the coast from Amalfi – the end of the line for most people who travel by boat along the coast from Positano – and also as it is, for the most part, largely passed by when traveling by ferry from Salerno to Positano or Amalfi. While these people, unfortunately, miss out, it does mean that Minori still retains a distinctly Italian feel and has a level of authenticity that has been stripped from some of its more famous cousins along the Amalfi Coast. 

Minori, a secret place in Italy
Minori

Highlights include the ruins of the Villa Romana, or Roman Villa, which sits right in the middle of the town, having been discovered when digging work began for a car park. The villa was ruined and covered in ash during the eruption of Vesuvius in 79AD and for a small fee, you can enter the ruins and see some of the artifacts recovered during its discovery.

You can also take the Lemon Walk to the nearby town of Maoiri, which features a meandering walk through lemon groves (and a fair amount of uneven steps, so be prepared). 

The best way of getting around the Amalfi Coast is by boat, which is uninterrupted by the copious traffic jams that plague the roads between towns. Due to Minori’s position on the coast, the best way to reach the town is by boat. Regular ferries depart from all the main towns along the Amalfi Coast, including Salerno, Amalfi, and Positano and you will even be able to reach Minori by ferry from Naples, too. Make sure to check the ferry schedule in advance, however, as this can change due to both the seasons and the weather.

Hidden gem suggested by Isabelle from Issy Escapades

Castelmezzano, Basilicata

Castelmezzano is a hidden gem in the Basilicata region. The picturesque Medieval southern Italian town is listed as one of the most beautiful places in Italy and is surrounded by scenic Dolomiti Lucane mountains. It is a bit off track and thanks to this, it is not an overcrowded destination.

Even though it is a small place, there are many things to do in Castelmezzano. Starting with the medieval town itself. It’s a charming little mountain town with narrow streets, colorful stoned buildings, and several authentic shops and restaurants. The most prominent building in the town is the Mother Church of Santa Maria dell’Olmo. It is right in the center of the town and also serves as a viewpoint from which you can see the whole Castelmezzano and the surrounding Dolomite hills. 

Yellow houses of Castelmezzano which is a hidden gem in Italy
Hidden Gem in Italy: Castelmezzano

There are also several hiking trails in close proximity to Castelmezzano. The most popular walk is Gradinata Normanna which starts from the village and leads up one of the Dolomite hills.

The town is also known for the high-speed zip line Volo’dell Angelo. It is one of the fastest zip lines in Europe. It starts from Castelmezzano, takes you over the valley of Basento to Pietrapertosa, and then back to the starting town.

ICastelmezzano has a similarly-looking neighboring town called Pietrapertosa. It is a town built on bare rocks that can be reached with a 9 km car ride, or by walking through a shorter hiking trail.

It would be the perfect day trip option from historical Matera. The distance between the places is about 80 km.

Italian hidden gems suggested by Erki from Genem Travels

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Hidden gems in Italy: How many have you already seen?

Which of these hidden gems in Italy will you add to your Italy itinerary? If you plan to visit several of them, I highly recommend a road trip through Italy. After all, it is the perfect way to explore all the amazing places in Italy while also seeing the countryside. If you do not know how to plan the trip, you can use the ultimate road trip planner.

Do you know any other amazing hidden gems in Italy? Or have you already visited some of the ones on this list? Let everyone know in the comments down below!

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Three photos of hidden gems in Italy

17 amazing hidden gems in Italy

I am the founder of A Nomad's Passport and a semi-nomadic photographer and writer. Originally from Germany, I have lived in several countries including Australia, Mexico, and Malta.

As an outdoor lover and culture enthusiast, I love writing about all forms of adventure travel ranging from outdoor activities like scuba diving and hiking to cultural experiences, alongside road trips and itineraries that combine these elements.

A Nomad's Passport is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

2 thoughts on “17 Hidden Gems in Italy that You Have to See”

  1. Beautiful Italy! I think of Italy as being really touristy, so it’s great finding some off the beaten path places— I’ll be keeping these in mind if I ever visit 🙂

    Reply

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