9 under-the-radar destinations in Italy you need to visit
With classical cities, idyllic islands, endless sunshine and a world-renowned gastronomy scene, Italy is a destination to visit again and again.
The ideal country for both first-time travelers and seasoned road warriors, Italy has something for everyone.
If this is your first Italian holiday, make sure to visit the most popular spots like Rome, Florence and the Amalfi Coast. However, if you’ve already seen Italy's most popular destinations and attractions, it might be time to check out lesser-known spots.
There are way too many to name in just one article, but here are nine of the most underrated spots that might inspire you to hop on a flight to Italy.
Sardinia
Though hardly a secret, the island of Sardinia offers just about everything you could want from an Italian escape.
It's home to pristine white-sand beaches like Costa Smeralda, as well as plenty of daytrip-friendly towns (Alghero, Castelsardo, Bosa).
In the capital city, Cagliari, expect a culture-packed stay — discovering pockets of history in the Castello district, admiring the Duomo di Cagliari and the medieval Castle of San Michele.
It's one hour, 10 minutes by plane from Rome to Sardinia, so it's not totally impossible to make the trip after a city break in the capital — but it's also worthy of your entire holiday's focus.
Bonus? Northern Sardinia is a 50-minute ferry ride from another gem of an island — Corsica in France.
Naples
This southern Italian hub is certainly famous, but interestingly not as popular with foreign tourists as many other big-name destinations.
In many ways, the less explored side of Naples is still something of a secret for those wanting a taste of real Italian culture.
Naples is one of the most interesting Italian cities to explore. Visit the vineyards of the looming volcano Mount Vesuvius, sample affordable southern Italian cuisine (it’s the birthplace of pizza) and visit the city’s numerous cultural attractions (there are seven castles and over 400 churches).
Plus, it’s the gateway to the picturesque Amalfi Coast and the island of Capri for those looking to add a more traditional Italy tourist experience to their Naples vacation.
Related: 5 reasons to visit Naples, Italy
Umbria
If you want Tuscany vibes but have already been, Umbria should be next on your list. The landlocked region has the best of Tuscany without the tourists and the high prices.
Similar to that of Tuscany, the dense foliage of Umbria is perfect for autumnal activities like wine tasting and truffle hunting.
In fact, grapes in this region are particularly special. Sample white wines made with the local grechetto grape or extra-tannic reds made from the sagrantino grape. Visitors can also explore hilltop medieval villages, take cooking classes or get outside by hiking, rafting or cycling.
Ischia and Procida
Move over, Capri. Ischia is also a short ferry ride from Naples and the Amalfi Coast. However, it's an island that is frequented by Italian visitors, not international tourists.
More affordable, less touristy and just as gorgeous as Capri, the Italian island features a number of thermal pools and hot springs, both black- and white-sand beaches and the towering Aragonese Castle.
For even more Italian charm, hop over to the nearby tiny island of Procida. Its pastel-colored harbor is an immediate draw. It’s no wonder the island has been deemed Italy’s Capital of Culture (the first island to win the title) for 2022.
Bologna
Fan of Italian food? Bologna’s delicious ragu, ragu alla Bolognese, is a meat-based tomato sauce that hails from the local area.
Don’t expect to pair it with spaghetti in this town, though. Locals prefer to pair it with tagliatelle, a flatter, ribbon-style pasta, or make lasagna verdi alla Bolognese, which is a lasagna made with the sauce and spinach pasta and without ricotta.
Besides eating, there’s plenty to do in this small city, like admiring the UNESCO-recognized porticoes, which are covered, arched walkways (some date back to the Middle Ages).
The city also has some canals, mainly located in an area dubbed "Little Venice."
Related: From Bologna to Bari: 5 of Italy’s best hidden-gem cities
Bergamo
An easy daytrip from Milan, Bergamo‘s Citta Alta is a hilltop historic paradise, encircled in fog and Venetian walls. The old city is like a step back in time, with its cobbled streets, centuries-old churches and the signature bell tower in Piazza Vecchia.
Wandering the city without a plan is the best way to pass the time. Weave through the hilly streets, stop at small artisan boutiques and visit the town’s cathedral.
Make sure to snack on a polenta e osei dessert, which is a corn-based pastry filled with rum and hazelnut cream.
Val di Noto, Sicily
The Baroque towns of Sicily’s Val di Noto (Caltagirone, Militello Val di Catania, Catania, Modica, Noto, Palazzolo, Ragusa and Scicli) are some of the island’s most charming destinations — and they’re all considered UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
However, visiting this area will require a car, and you’ll have to drag yourself away from Taormina’s charm or Palermo’s Arab-Norman architectural sites.
You don’t have to see each and every town, but do spend at least a day or two climbing the hills of the Val di Noto, stopping to enjoy the dramatic Baroque flavor of these towns.
Ponza
If you’re itching to see Rome but also need a little island time, consider a visit to Ponza, the largest of the Pontine Islands. From Rome, take a train ride and then a hydrofoil boat from the port of Anzio. A few hours later you’ll be exploring Ponza’s rocky cliffs and sea caves.
Ponza is often compared to the Amalfi Coast — but without the hordes of international tourists or the accompanying exorbitant prices.
The island’s clear waters are a draw for divers, but those wanting to stay on dry land can hike, visit Roman ruins or traverse the island’s many beach coves by boat or scooter rental.
Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta and Lake Iseo
Lake Como and Lake Garda get all the fame. However, northern Italy has many other lakes that are relaxing and beautiful spots for a getaway without too many tourists.
Lake Maggiore actually spans two countries, Italy and Switzerland, offering a distinct Swiss-inspired appeal. There are a number of gardens, so anyone who loves a scenic floral stroll should head to this lake.
Lake Orta is one of Italy’s smaller lakes often frequented by the Italian creative set. Orta oozes charm and provides artistic inspiration thanks to San Guilio, a tiny, scenic island that sits in the lake.
Lake Iseo is where you should really go to hide from tourists. Iseo’s main island, Monte Isola, is so stunning that it made our list of the most beautiful villages in Italy.
Bottom line
Whether you want to experience its most famous attractions or get off the beaten path, Italy has so much to offer visitors. Some of the best Italian vacations combine doing something touristy with something more underrated to really take in the local culture.
Our top tips? Pair Rome with Ponza, Naples with the Amalfi Coast, Milan with the northern lakes or Capri with Ischia. These options allow visitors the chance to absorb all the best cuisine, monuments, attractions and local traditions Italy has to offer.
Want more Italy inspiration? Check out these stories:
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
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- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.