12 Amazing Hidden Gems in Italy
Discover the 12 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 12 of the best and most amazing hidden gems in Italy for you to discover.
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12 Amazing Hidden Gems in Italy
Montepulciano, Italy
Montepulciano is a beautiful hilltop town in Tuscany best known for its medieval and Renaissance architecture. Its hilltop location provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards and olive groves that Val D’Orcia is known for.
The town is famous for its Vino Nobile wine, with ancient wineries like Cantina Contucci offering amazing wine tastings. Montepulciano’s is one of the best hidden gems in Italy that is less crowded than many other places in Italy, allowing for more intimate and relaxing exploration.
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Alberobello, Italy
Alberobello is a charming village in Italy known for its iconic whitewashed stone huts called Trulli Houses. It is located in my absolute favourite region in Italy – PUGLIA – 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 colorful architecture that you are used to. This whimsical and beautiful village is a must-visit.
💡 Be sure to stay in one of the Trullo House hotels while visiting! This is the BEST way to experience the local life and traditions. This is an amazing option!
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Matera, Italy
Matera is one of the most beautiful and mesmerizing places in the WORLD. 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.
💡 I absolutely LOVE Matera, but it is a little bit away from other major cities in Italy. It is not super easy to reach but your best bet is getting here via bus from Bari or by car if you rent a car.
Matera is located in the southern part of Italy near the heel of the Italian boot, to the east of Naples and to the west of Bari. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world.
➡️ Read More: Things to do in Matera
Dolomites, Italy
The Dolomites are a breathtaking mountain range located in northeastern Italy, known for their dramatic peaks, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural heritage.
The Dolomites are actually a UNESCO World Heritage site, celebrated for their unique geology and exceptional beauty. This mountain range offers stunning alpine scenery with towering limestone cliffs, lush valleys, crystal-clear lakes, and charming alpine villages.
The Dolomites are less crowded compared to other mountain ranges in Europe, making them an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility and outdoor adventure.
➡️ Read More: Greece vs. Italy: Which is Better?
Sorrento, Italy
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 more famous, 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.
Parma, Italy
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.
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.
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Monopoli, Italy
Monopoli is one of the most beautiful hidden gems in Italy located on the Adriatic coast of Puglia. This charming town is home to a historic center with narrow streets, whitewashed buildings, and a picturesque harbor full with fishing boats.
Monopoli offers beautiful beaches perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The town is renowned for its seafood cuisine and local wines, making it a culinary delight.
Sardinia, Italy
Sardinia is an island in the Mediterranean Sea and one of the best hidden gems in Italy. This island offers beautiful beaches, rugged landscapes, and a rich cultural heritage.
Inland, Sardinia has a rugged interior marked by granite peaks, lush forests, and charming towns. The coastline of Sardinia is complete with some of the world’s most beautiful beaches – so blue and clear you might think they are someplace like the Maldives!
Pienza, Italy
Pienza is a hidden gem in Tuscany, Italy, known for its Renaissance architecture, picturesque streets, and stunning views of the Val d’Orcia countryside.
Located in the province of Siena, it offers historic sites like the Pienza Cathedral and Palazzo Piccolomini, as well as delicious local pecorino cheese. Visit for its beauty, history, and charm.
Read more: Best Things to do in Pienza
Varenna, Italy
Varenna is a hidden gem on the eastern shore of Lake Como in northern Italy. It charms with its colorful houses, narrow cobblestone streets, and scenic lakefront views.
Varenna offers tranquility away from more touristy spots, historic sites like Villa Monastero, and a perfect base for exploring Lake Como’s beauty by ferry or foot.
Porto Cervo, Italy
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.
Portofino, Italy
Portofino is a hidden gem on the Italian Riviera, known for its charming harbor, colorful buildings, and scenic coastline.
Located in Liguria, it offers beautiful hiking trails, historic sites like Castello Brown, and world-class seafood. Visit for a relaxing retreat, stunning views, and a taste of authentic Italian coastal life.
Travel Insurance
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Italy is one of the world’s best places to visit. But whereas most people travel to well-known tourist landmarks, it also offers a wealth of under-visited destinations.
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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Love,
SSW
