Discover the 10 most amazing hidden gems in Italy and experience a whole new side to this magical country that only a few get to see.
Uncovering hidden gems and secret villages is an experience in itself. These hidden gems in Italy include some of the world’s least-known tourist sites with ambrosial cuisine, one-of-a-kind architecture, and splendid nature. Head to Italy to find your own treasure trove of unique locations and make your dreams come true on your holiday.
Here are 10 of the best and most amazing hidden gems in Italy for you to discover.
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10 Amazing Hidden Gems in Italy
Castelmezzano
Castelmezzano is easily one of the most magical and breathtaking hidden gems in Italy. This town sits in the Southern Italian region of Basilicata and is built right into the jagged mountains. The colourful buildings stand out against the lush backdrop resulting in a beyond picturesque scene.
This is a great place to visit for all types of travellers. The views are immaculate, there are many hiking trails, great food and much more. A visit here will show you one of Italy’s most beautiful villages to visit that very few know about.
Alberobello
Alberobello is a charming village in Italy known for its iconic whitewashed stone huts. It is located very near to Bari and is one of Italy’s most magical hidden gems. A visit here will show you a whole different side of Italy that is very different from the colourful architecture that you are used to.
Matera
Matera is an interesting and majestic city built on a rocky and mountainous land in Southern Italy. It is easily one of the best hidden gems in Italy as very few people know of its existence and opt to visit places like Rome or Milan when this magical place exists. The unique landscape and build of the city is mesmerizing and something you will want to see for yourself.
Porto Ottiolu
One of the most amazing hidden gems in Italy is Porto Ottiolu, an off-the-beaten-track location in Sardinia, Italy. A paradisiac island in the Mediterranean, Sardinia is one of the best places to visit in Italy. It is known for its nature, delectable food and wine and unrivalled traditions of hospitality.
Porto Ottiolu is a small fishermen’s village on its Eastern coast with some of the world’s best beaches, scenic downtown and nonpareil, cobalt blue sea and one of Italy hidden gems, a marina from where you can explore Sardinia on a yacht.
Set out for Porto Ottiolu in summer, one of the best seasons to visit Sardinia. Fly to Olbia, and take a bus to Porto Ottiolu to bask on its white-sand beaches and splash about in its limpid water. Paddle your way to happiness in this picture-perfect resort.
Bear in mind that one of the best things to do in Porto Ottiolu is going to Spiaggia de Budoni beach, with a pine forest sitting right next to it, and a tranquil ambiance conducive to romance and communing with nature.
Sorrento
One of the top hidden gems in Italy is Sorrento, a small seaside town lying next to Positano, one of the most famous tourist locales in Italy. Even though the picture-perfect Positano is one of the topmost resorts in Campania, Sorrento is cheaper and friendlier, and just as pretty.
Here you can rent accommodation at a fraction of Positano’s price and profit from beaches and nature that are just as good as those of its more well-known neighbour.
Travel to Sorrento to indulge your sense in the pleasant mix of relaxed nocturnal socializing and unique natural marvels such as its pebbly secluded beach, Bagni Regina Giovanna.
Parma
One of the main Renaissance destinations in Italy, Parma is one of the most impressive hidden gems in Italy. Parma is a must-visit not only for its stunning architectural treasures but also for its world-renowned main export, Parma Ham. Travel to Parma to delight in scenic urbanscape and taste its gastronomical delights, one of the best things to do in Parma, Italy.
When in Parma head to coliseum-like Teatro Farnese, one of the Renaissance Italy hidden gems dating back to 1618. It miraculously survived the ravages of WWII and is one of the coziest theatres to visit in Italy. Note that apart from architecture Parma landmarks include a number of scenic parks and gardens such as Giacomo Ferrari Park.
Bardolino
Renowned for its delectable wine, Bardolino is a town in the Venetto region that one of the most unique hidden gems in Italy. It is here that you can indulge in picture-perfect architectural vistas, great cuisine and rest from the buzzing feel of Italy’s tourist hubs.
Bardolino is one of the most underestimated Italy’s cities thanks to its grand cathedral, Sain Zeno, the small gemstone of a cathedral dating back to the VIII-IX century and situated right at the back of the fortified historical center of Bardolino
Keep in mind that one of the best things to do in Bardolino is to go to its unmatched plantings of grapevine, such as Guerrieri Rizzardi Winery and Winestore
Bari
Bari is one of the most beautiful hidden gems in Italy. It is home to the relics of Saint Nicholas, great museums and dream-like natural treasures a short walk away from the downtown. Travel to Bari to uncover its Barivecchia, its old town studded with its handsome buildings and the quaint port that makes Bari one of the best-hidden gems in Italy.
Note that one of the best seasons to visit, Bari, the capital of the Puglia region is summer when you can not only take pleasure in its great cityscape but also enjoy its marvellous beaches such as Lido Adria.
Brescia
Located a short train ride from Venice, Brescia is one of the Italy hidden gems known for its youthful vibe, pleasant downtown and beautiful monastery comprising a basilica, cloisters and Santa Giulia Museum, with unique Roman bronzes and rare frescoes.
The castle of Brescia has a pretty drawing bridge and ramparts imparting an eerily medieval feel to your Brescia trip with its Luigi Marzoli Arms Museums featuring centuries-hallowed armour and weaponry.
Porto Cervo
One of the hidden gems in Italy is Porto Cervo. A scenic resort built by Aga Khan, who commissioned the world’s best architectures to build its eye-pleasing downtown.
Head to Porto Cervo to eat its ambrosial gelato, Italian ice cream; dine at its mouth-watering eateries and bask in the sunshine on its idyllic beaches, one of the things that make Porto Cervo one of the best Italy hidden gems.
Palermo
The capital of Sicily Palermo has a unique feel to its streets. It is one of the hidden gems in Italy thanks to its picturesque architecture, great food, and eye-appealing surroundings with some of Italy’s best wineries like Duca di Salaparuta located just a short ride away.
Top Palermo landmarks include the following: Cattedrale di Palermo, a royal burial site dating back to the 12th century; Norman Palace, a palace converted into a museum and tracing its past to the 9th century, and Massimo Theatre, a grand opera house famous for its acoustics.
Keep in mind that one of the best seasons to visit Palermo, Italy is late spring when it is still not sizzling hot summer but the bloom of its orchards is at its height.
Travel Insurance
Getting travel insurance before you travel is a MUST. It’s the number one thing you should always pack before travelling that can save you a lot of money, time, and stress. With how crazy travel has gotten recently you need that peace of mind that no matter what happens there is something protecting you from losing out. I always travel with travel insurance and think everyone should.
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Italy is one of the world’s best places to visit. But whereas most people travel to well-known touristic landmarks, it also offers a wealth of under-visited destinations. Travelling there can make each day in Italy a new beginning on a road to uncovering its top hidden gems, and awaken a veritable treasure hunter in you. Explore the towns of Italy, to uncover the best hidden gems in Italy and create a unique collection for you to share it with fellow travel lovers.
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AHH! I love each and every one of these suggestions. I’ve been to a few of them, but adding the rest to my list asap. Especially Parma – it looks stunning!
This post has me wanting to book another trip to Italy! I’d love to visit all of these hidden gems, but especially Brescia. I’ve never heard of it but it looks and sounds amazing!
What perfect timing. I am heading to Italy in a month and we are still deciding where to go. These destinations all look *amazing*. I want to see them all 🙂😊